Arnold Laver In Administration Threat

National Timber Group England Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators

National Timber Group England, one of the UK’s largest timber suppliers, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk as the business seeks urgent restructuring and rescue options.

The Sheffield-headquartered division, based on Bramall Lane, forms part of National Timber Group Midco, which has also submitted a notice of intention to appoint administrators, indicating financial challenges across the wider group.

The business operates a nationwide network of timber distribution and processing sites, trading under several well-known sector brands including Arnold Laver, National Timber Systems, SV Timber and NORclad. Branches in Alfreton, Nottingham and Leicester are among those expected to be impacted.

The Financials

The group’s most recent accounts, covering the year ending 31 December 2023, reported:

• Turnover: more than £196 million

• Pre-tax losses: £6.3 million

• Headcount: over 1,000 employees

Despite its scale and longstanding market presence, rising costs and weakening demand across the construction sector have contributed to sustained trading pressures.

A Century-Old Timber Business

National Timber Group England traces its origins back to 1920, when it was founded in Sheffield by Arnold Laver. Over more than a century, it has grown into a major supplier to:

• joinery manufacturers

• housebuilders and contractors

• large-scale infrastructure projects

The business is supported by extensive warehousing, processing and distribution capabilities, making it a critical part of the UK timber supply chain.

What the Notice of Intention Means

A Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators typically provides the company with a short period of protection from creditor action. During this time, options may be explored including:

• a refinancing or investment deal

• a sale of the business

• a restructuring process such as a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)

• a trading administration if no buyer is found immediately

The goal is generally to preserve as much of the business and employment as possible.

Sector Impact

The construction materials sector has faced sustained challenges, including:

• reduced housebuilding activity

• inflationary pressures on imported timber

• higher financing and logistics costs

• contractor insolvencies affecting supply-chain payment cycles

National Timber Group England’s situation is likely to have implications for timber availability and pricing, particularly for joinery and housing developers.

Next Steps

Administrators are expected to be formally appointed once the NOI period ends, unless a rescue option is secured beforehand. Suppliers, customers and employees are awaiting further updates as the restructuring process progresses.