This year’s TTJ Timber Trader of the Year is James Latham plc.
Director Peter Latham accepted the prize from Mark Plews, of main sponsors UCM Timber plc, during the TTJ Awards at the Savoy Hotel on Thursday after his company won most votes across all categories. The company also scooped the Hardwood Trader of the Year title, sponsored by Jungheinrich UK Ltd.
Reasons TTJ readers gave for voting for Lathams included “massive improvement on my previous supplier” and “if they say they’ll deliver… they’ll deliver”.
The sixth annual awards attracted about 250 guests with TV presenter/designer Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen adding a flamboyant touch as the guest speaker.
The Softwood Trader of the Year title, sponsored by Associated British Ports, was won by Rowlinson Timber Ltd, Nantwich, while Finnforest UK Ltd of Widnes became the Panels Trader of the Year, sponsored by Weyerhaeuser Europe.
Caledonian Plywood Ltd, Tilbury, was presented with the Plywood Trader of the Year award, sponsored by Lord Forest Products, and the General Trader of the Year prize, sponsored by Kerridge Computer Company, went to Howarth (Timber Importers) Ltd of Barrow on Humber.
M&S (Softwood) Ltd of King’s Lynn, was Small Timber Business of the Year, sponsored by Osmose, while the Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by Gerling NCM, went to SmartPly Europe Ltd, Dartford.
