COUPLE CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF SELLING ETHICALLY-SOURCED OAK

COMPANY owners Alec and Victoria Golesworthy are celebrating 25 years of Timberpride, selling and manufacturing oak frames, buildings and structures for families and clients throughout the UK.

The couple, who live in the Cotswolds, started their business in 1995 with a start-up loan of £2500 from the Princes Trust. Today they are still going strong, with a core team operating from a bespoke site in Tetbury. They offer everything from huge roof trusses, to oak buildings through to beams and even beautiful tables. Their success was celebrated by Prince Charles himself when he paid a special visit to the premises two years ago. 

“I know where every piece of wood here comes from,” Alec (52) said. “I often know the history of the tree itself and I take pride in caring for our woodlands and providing clients with structures which will stand the test of time. 

“For me it’s always been about celebrating oak – and other timbers – creating structures which can last 500 years and also doing it in a sustainable way to keep our woodlands healthy. In fact I will not buy from any woodland where I feel the environment and habitat has not been cared for. ”

Alec, who trained as a chartered surveyor, had found himself working in the woodland and farming sector in the 1990s after he finished studying at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester (now called The Royal Agricultural University). He had an idea of selling high quality, ethically sourced timber – particularly oak – yet found little support for it at the time. No one really thought it could work.  

Then he met Victoria (49), who was working for the National Farmers’ Union as a Group Secretary, who encouraged him to follow his dream. They moved back to the Cotswolds and started to build their business together. 

“The business has grown organically and it’s been a joy,” Victoria said. “For me, the daily challenges we face, the customers we support and the creations which come out of our workshop – means that we’ve suddenly realised we are 25 years old! Where has the time gone? We’d like to thank everyone for their support and trust over the years – our customers and our suppliers.” 

For Alec, the highlight has been watching his team of carpenters grow in expertise and skill as the years have passed.

“The joy of seeing one of the team jumping up and down because they’ve created their first set of barn doors and they are perfect…those are the moments which are my highlights. I know customers are going to love our products. To run a business which is relevant, which is sustainable and which keeps craftsmanship alive is one of my life’s greatest achievements.”

Later in the year, when appropriate, Alec and Victoria will hold an event for invited guests at their premises to mark their milestone anniversary. To find out more about Timberpride visit https://www.timberpride.co.uk