A good year for business in the vibrant forestry sector

SCOTTISH Woodlands Ltd, the UK’s leading forestry company, has had another successful and profitable year, with growing employment and a continued focus on
Recruitment graduate.

The 80% employee-owned company recorded turnover of £111.6m in the year ended September 30, 2023, while operating profit remained strong at £4.61m.

Scottish Woodlands Ltd, based in Riccarton, Edinburgh, is involved in creating around a third of all new woodland in Scotland. Staff numbers have grown to over 250 and in 2024 the graduate development program will welcome six further new staff as it continues to address skills challenges through ‘self-development’.

The company has offices across Scotland (as well as northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and specializes in tree planting, forest management, timber harvesting, landscaping, community services, investment and peatland restoration.

Managing director Ian Robinson said: “The timber market, particularly demand for sawn timber, continued to be challenging, but all other areas of the business were strong.

“Scottish Woodlands Ltd remains healthy, vibrant and able to adapt to changing market conditions. Growing recognition of the significant environmental benefits of forestry has led to the establishment of our five-strong carbon team over the last three years, which is increasingly focused on peatland restoration.”

He added: “The company expects to plant over 3,000 hectares of new woodland in Scotland in 2024 and we see a positive overall outlook with opportunities to further expand the business in the UK. Scottish Woodlands Ltd continues to invest in new staff and training programs, as well as industry-leading equipment and technology.

“Our purpose remains very clear: to provide excellent service to our customers and great development opportunities for our employees in this vibrant industry.”

Since the end of the financial year in September last year, Scottish Woodlands Ltd has strengthened its management structure to reflect the growth of the business, with the appointment of 5 regional managers. It has also expanded its carbon team, led by carbon manager Emma Kerr and now including Erin Stoll as project manager for Peatland – the first such appointment by a major forestry company.

A report accompanying the results to September 30, 2023 says: “Our carbon assessment service has been widely used as many companies review their ESG (environmental, social and governance) requirements. Forestry and wood products can make a significant contribution to the country achieving net zero through tree planting, increased use of wood products and energy production.

Since the program launched in 2017, the number of new employees taking part in Scottish Woodlands’ graduate development program this year will increase to 58. Robinson said the focus on people – customers, suppliers and employees – was the most important source of Scottish Woodlands’ success.

“Our graduate program is a vital part of our business and strengthening our leadership team was also a significant move that reflects the growth in size and scope of the business,” he added.

Scottish Woodlands has 19 different offices, mainly spread across Scotland, but also in the North of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

https://www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk/