Arnold Laver A Century of Excellence in Timber Supply

When it comes to finding reliable timber merchants in Sheffield UK, one name stands out with over a century of trusted service. Arnold Laver has been serving builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts since 1920, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the British timber industry.

The Arnold Laver & Co Legacy

Arnold Laver & Co began its remarkable journey in Sheffield, a city known for its industrial heritage and craftsmanship. What started as a modest venture has grown into one of the most respected timber suppliers in the United Kingdom, demonstrating that quality and dedication truly stand the test of time.

The company’s commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. As an award-winning timber supplier, Arnold Laver and Co continues to set industry standards while maintaining the personal touch that made them successful in the first place.

A Humble Beginning in Sheffield

The story of Arnold Laver Sheffield operations begins in 1920 when Arnold Laver and his brother James embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure. Their first delivery vehicle wasn’t a truck or van—it was a simple hand cart. The brothers would push their timber products through the streets of Sheffield, building relationships one delivery at a time.

Their dedication paid off quickly. By the end of their first year in business, success allowed them to upgrade from the hand cart to a more traditional form of transportation: Charlie the horse. This faithful companion became an integral part of the early Arnold Laver story, helping to expand their delivery capabilities throughout Sheffield.

Growth and Expansion Through the Decades

The 1920s proved to be a transformative period for the company. By 1925, the brothers recognized they needed larger premises to accommodate their growing customer base. Their ambition led them to negotiate for more substantial facilities, setting the stage for significant expansion.

In 1927, a milestone moment arrived with the opening of Olympic Sawmills on Bramall Lane. This facility would become synonymous with quality timber processing in Sheffield and served as the company’s operational heart for decades to come. The location on Bramall Lane wasn’t just practical—it placed the business at the center of Sheffield’s industrial community.

Evolution of the Laver Building

The original sawmill site on Bramall Lane and Shoreham Street has seen a remarkable transformation over the years. The Laver building complex underwent significant redevelopment to meet modern business needs while honoring its historical roots. Today, the site houses a contemporary head office equipped with the latest technology and business infrastructure.

The redevelopment also included the creation of the Anchor Point residential complex, demonstrating how industrial heritage sites can be thoughtfully repurposed for modern living while maintaining connections to their storied past.

Comprehensive Product Range for Every Project

Arnold Lavers has built its reputation on offering an extensive selection of timber and building materials. Whether someone is working on a small home improvement project or managing a large commercial construction site, the company provides everything needed to get the job done right.

Timber Products

The core of the business remains its exceptional timber selection. Customers can choose from premium softwoods and hardwoods sourced from sustainable forests around the globe. The range includes everything from basic construction lumber to exotic hardwoods for specialized applications.

Joinery products form another crucial part of the offering, with doors, windows, stairs, and architectural millwork available in various styles and specifications. The mouldings collection includes decorative profiles that add finishing touches to any project, from traditional designs to contemporary aesthetics.

Building and Sheet Materials

Beyond raw timber, the company stocks comprehensive building products that complement timber construction. Sheet materials in various sizes and specifications make it easy to find exactly what’s needed for flooring, roofing, or wall applications.

For construction professionals, formwork and concrete forming panels are available, along with engineered timber products that offer superior performance characteristics. Decorative surfaces round out the selection, providing options for both functional and aesthetic applications.

Operations Across England

While Sheffield remains the spiritual home of the business, operations have expanded significantly across England. The company now operates 16 branches strategically located to serve customers throughout the country. This network ensures that quality timber products and expert advice are never far away.

Each location maintains a multi-million-pound stock profile, meaning customers can rely on product availability when they need it. The privately owned delivery fleet ensures that orders arrive on time and in perfect condition, whether delivering to timber merchants in Watford locations or to timber merchants in Sheffield facilities.

The Timberworld Experience

Shopping for timber and building materials should be straightforward and enjoyable. That’s why the company has developed comprehensive showrooms where customers can see, touch, and compare products before making decisions. Expert staff members are always on hand to provide guidance, answer technical questions, and help customers choose the right materials for their specific needs.

Technology and Customer Service

Modern timber merchants need more than just good products—they need efficient systems and exceptional service. The company has invested heavily in technology integration to streamline ordering, inventory management, and logistics. Customers can browse products, check availability, and place orders through user-friendly online platforms at laver.co.uk.

However, technology never replaces the human touch. The customer service philosophy centers on building lasting relationships through expertise, reliability, and genuine care for each project’s success. The team of over 750 employees brings decades of combined experience to every customer interaction.

Ownership Evolution and Corporate Development

For nearly a century, the business remained under family ownership, with generations of the founding family guiding its growth and development. This changed in 2018 when Cairngorm Capital acquired the company as part of a broader consolidation strategy in the UK timber market.

The acquisition led to the creation of the National Timber Group, bringing together several respected timber businesses under unified ownership. Former shareholders retained property interests, maintaining connections to the physical locations that had served the business for so long.

Recent Developments

The timber industry, like many sectors, faces ongoing challenges. In December 2024, the National Timber Group entered administration due to financial pressures affecting the timber and construction markets. However, operations continue, with Premier Forest Products acquiring certain sites, including Manchester and Reading locations.

These transitions reflect broader market conditions rather than any deficiency in the core business model. The company’s strong reputation and loyal customer base position it well for continued success under new ownership arrangements.

Cultural Connections and Community Impact

Beyond business operations, the company has long been woven into Sheffield’s cultural fabric. From 1985 to 1995, Arnold Laver proudly sponsored Sheffield United FC, supporting the local football club during an important period in its history.

The proximity to Sheffield United’s ground on Bramall Lane created natural synergies between the timber business and the football club. This sponsorship demonstrated a commitment to community engagement that extends beyond commercial transactions.

Market Position and Industry Standing

Today, the company stands as one of the UK’s largest independent timber merchants, competing effectively with national chains while maintaining the personalized service of a locally-focused business. The comprehensive product offering rivals any competitor, with the added benefit of expert knowledge and flexible customer solutions.

Customer testimonials consistently highlight the quality of products, reliability of delivery, and helpfulness of staff. These elements combine to create a reputation that attracts new customers while retaining loyal ones who have trusted the business for decades.

Looking Toward the Future

The timber and construction industries continue evolving, with sustainability, technology, and changing customer expectations shaping the landscape. Financial pressures affect businesses across the sector, requiring adaptation and resilience.

Despite recent restructuring within the National Timber Group, operations continue with the same commitment to quality and service that has defined the business since 1920. New ownership arrangements may bring fresh perspectives and resources to support continued growth.

The fundamentals remain strong: exceptional products, knowledgeable staff, convenient locations, and a century of experience serving customers throughout England. Whether working with timber merchants in Watford, Sheffield, or anywhere across the branch network, customers can expect the same high standards that made the name synonymous with quality timber supply.

Conclusion

From a hand cart in 1920 to a nationwide network of modern facilities, the journey represents more than business growth—it’s a story of dedication, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. The legacy built by Arnold Laver and his brother James continues today, serving new generations of builders, contractors, and craftspeople who demand the best in timber and building materials.

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