The Pride of London was the aptly named cruise ship for South London Timber’s recent 30th anniversary party on the River Thames. About 150 customers and staff turned out for the event, which saw company managing director Ted James reflect on the growth of the business and share about a new rebranding and modernisation programme. A minute’s silence was also observed during the event in respect of the victims of the London terrorist attack near London Bridge.

The event was a family affair as several of the James family work in the business – Ted’s brother and fellow company founder Michael handles transport and logistics, while Ted’s youngest daughter Sadie and Michael’s daughter Nancy both work in the finance department. And the cruise ship was operated by Mr James’ cousin Stephen Woollacott.

Mr James admits that the company, which had humble beginnings in the railway arches at Druid Street, is a rare breed – a specialist timber supplier based near central London. “We could always see that London was the significant market for the construction industry and together with our partner suppliers we maintained close links to the industry and to that market,” he said. South London Timber’s busy base on the Old Kent Road is located close to some of the biggest construction and infrastructure projects in the capital.

Its expertise in formwork plywood has seen it supply notable construction projects including the Battersea Power Station development, Walkie-Talkie skyscraper in the City, Crossrail, the London Bridge rail station modernisation project and Tottenham Hotspur FC’s new stadium construction.

Mr James said the company was using its anniversary year to re-brand to keep the South London Timber name “out there” and modernise its image. A new logo merges its name, identity and personality, while it has also developed a new website and a YouTube Channel.

“By serving our customers, we’ve developed more than a passion for all things wood,” he said. “We’ve developed a passion for understanding the needs of every client.” Reflecting on 30 years of running the business, Mr James said one of the biggest changes had been a move to a 24-hour business culture.

“Things do change,” he said. “I never thought I would see a London Congestion Charge and I wouldn’t be surprised to see if it rose to £20 in the future.”

He cited skills shortages as an issue for London contractor customers and highlighted the need for young people to learn a trade.

“We need to put more into technical schools,” he said. “There are kids who do not want to go to university and they could learn a trade. A lot of people in the industry are extremely worried about skills shortages.” Bringing young people through the ranks into management at South London Timber was a priority for the company, he added, saying it was important to have a legacy.

Looking further forward, Mr James predicted that the London building trade would see more distribution “hubs” in the future, with building materials orders delivered to these logistics centre hubs instead of direct to site.

He also sees great supply prospects for the Bakerloo extension project and HS2 highspeed rail programme.