Forestry firm Scottish Woodlands reports strong sales
Forest management company Scottish Woodlands has reported strong sales, as UK timber production continues to rise.
The Edinburgh-based firm achieved turnover of £64m and net profits of £560,000 for the 12 months to the end of September 2013.
The company, which is 80% employee-owned, harvested more than one million tonnes of timber last year on behalf of its clients.
It expects to see further growth this year.
Scottish Woodlands managing director Colin Mann said: "We are delighted with the progress indicated by the latest results, which reflect the continuing and underlying strength of the business and our ability to provide our clients with an independent, professional service."
Mr Mann added: "Scottish Woodlands' growth also reflects the success of the forestry sector, which is currently benefiting from a strong timber supply - and which is delivering a winning combination of sustainable economic growth and significant environmental benefits."
Staff numbers at the company have grown from 118 to 143 since a management-led buy-out in 2005, while sales have risen by nearly 60% over that period.
Scottish Woodlands provides a range of forest, estate and land-related services.
It has 13 offices across Scotland - from Strathpeffer in the Highlands to Castle Douglas in the south.
The firm also has offices at Alnwick, Chirk and Ballymenna in order to serve clients in Northern England, Wales and Ireland.
With 80% employee ownership, the remainder of Scottish Woodlands is owned by James Jones & Sons Ltd, one of the UK's largest sawmillers, which has Scottish operations in Lockerbie, Angus and Moray.