The Boston-based tycoon-led business came to the UK in the 1970s to sell container board before diversifying into pulp and paper, newsprint, biomass and more recently lumber.

IFP (UK) managing director Jonathan Heywood said lumber sales, which had been directed from Vancouver, had increased throughout the company’s markets, including the UK, and now needed headquarters in its home markets.

Mr Heywood said: “We are looking for an entrepreneur with experience and vision. We have an unparalleled sourcing network, but it will not be just British Columbia-based. We are looking to source from Russia, anywhere in Europe or South Africa.”