James Latham wins TTJ Awards top prize

James Latham plc won the the Timber Trader of the Year prize at the TTJ Awards yesterday.

Lathams director Chris Sutton was clearly delighted to scoop the top award and afterwards paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of the company’s staff.

“It’s a true team effort,” he said. “Over 300 people work for the company and the hard work and effort they have put in over the last 12 months have paid off.”

Mr Sutton said Lathams planned to continue to grow its business both organically and by acquisition. “We do not intend to stand still,” he said.

About 360 people attended the TTJ Awards at the Park Lane Hotel in London. Guest speaker was Charles Kennedy MP, the former Liberal Democrat party leader.

He received warm applause when he told the audience that the government must not lose sight of the domestic manufacturing business. “We still need to make things and construct things.”

Other winners were:

Hardwood Trader of the Year – Timbmet
Softwood Trader of the Year – Snows Timber
Panels Trader of the Year – William T Eden
Plywood Trader of the Year – Montague L Meyer
Achievement in Engineered Timber – Waugh Thistleton & Techniker
Small Business of the Year – A&W Cushion Ltd
Excellence in Marketing – Coillte Panel Products
Best Technical Information Support – wood for good
Environmental Achievement – Wolseley plc

Ian Wharton of Holbrook Timber Frame won the Career Development Award under-25 prize, while Steve Reynolds of Edwards Buildbase scooped the over-25 award.