A husband and wife team who set up Acacia Timber Construction in Huddersfield have achieved over £1m turnover in less than a year.
Acacia Timber is the brainchild of Julie and Jonathan McMullon, who between them have over 30 years’ experience in the timber frame industry.
“We launched the company in October last year, and, in the first six months, more than doubled our business plan,” said Mrs McMullon. “It’s been extremely successful.”
Her husband, Jonathan, spent 23 years with Prestoplan, before moving to Green Frame, subsequently acquired by Pace Timber Systems. Mrs McMullon has worked for Pace and Robertson Timber Kit, and held sales roles in other non-timber companies.
Mrs McMullon said it was a big step to go it alone – but one that has proved worthwhile. “We felt that, with our knowledge of the industry, we could make a good go of it.”
Acacia Timber now employs a skilled, local team of 19 and operates from a modern 12,500ft2 factory to provide timber frames for private and commercial buildings across the UK.
The company has benefited from the support of West Yorkshire Ventures, which has provided a grant for IT provision, as well as help with accountancy, marketing and forward planning.
With timber frame’s share of the construction market growing steadily from 8% to 15%, Acacia Timber is ideally placed to capitalise.
“We would like to partner with developers, housing associations and local councils,” said Mrs McMullon. “While we get a lot of repeat business, longer term we believe partnering is the way forward.”
The company is also looking to expand its manufacturing facility and take on more staff to cope with growing demand.
“We are also very keen to get involved with John Prescott’s plans for affordable housing,” added Mrs McMullon, “particularly as the off-site process ensures frames are accurately made to precise tolerances in a controlled environment.”
