Tuesday, 7 July 2009 

machinery for sale

Weinmann Automated Timber Frame Line

• Module Assembly Sub Station

• Framing Station for 8 metre Panels

• 3 No Squaring Tables

• 1 No Multifunctional Bridge

For all enquiries, please contact Neil Smith on 01656 721 700 or neil@holbrooktimberframe.co.uk

Thursday, 26 February 2009

HOLBROOK TIMBERFRAME Grows ITS ‘GREEN’ CREDENTIALS

Holbrook TimberFrame has significantly boosted its environmental credentials by achieving the internationally-recognised PEFC and FSC Chain of Custody (COC) certifications.

The certifications prove that Holbrook’s timber is sourced from well managed forests; the management of which adheres to internationally agreed environmental, social and economic requirements. Achieving either of one of these two labels is not widely held in the timber frame industry across the UK; carrying both standards is even less common.  We gained the COC standard through the Timber Research and Development Association’s (TRADA) certification scheme, TRADA Trak, which is a recognised and stringent environmental standard within the timber industry. This means the materials that we use can be tracked through all stages of manufacturing, transportation and distribution.

Philip Smith, Holbrook’s Co-Director, said, “We’re immensely proud of achieving these standards as neither is widely held in the timber frame industry as a whole.  Even in today’s poor economic climate, businesses must continue to show their commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, because customers are putting increasing emphasis on this when deciding what to buy and who to buy it from.”

Holbrook’s certification could not come at a more critical time given the Welsh Assembly Government’s recent ‘One Wales: One Planet’ consultation that set out its goal for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2011.  In addition, the UK government’s is currently consulting on the definition of a zero carbon home against its target of 2016.  Philip continued, “Timber has a big part to play in the future of sustainable construction because it offers a high insulation value to any building’s fabric and takes up little energy to produce when compared with other forms of construction. We want to fly the flag for our industry in Wales and the UK as a whole and gaining this award will help us do that.”

As well as its COC accreditation, Holbrook is involved in a number of pilot projects with its housing association partners in Wales who are investigating ways to achieve standards beyond current compliance levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The lessons learnt from these projects will be rolled out to future developments and other organisations through Constructing Excellence and BRE.

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

IAN  TOPS  OFF  HIS  YEAR  OF  ACHIEVEMENT

Holbrook TimberFrame’s designer, Ian Wharton has topped off 2008 in style following the opening of one of Whitbread’s latest Premier Inns which Ian helped to develop in his home town of Llantrisant.

Ian was responsible for designing the intricate timber frame structure and roof for the 51 room hotel, and was delighted to have such an important role in the Premier Inn’s development on his home soil.  Ian said, “Being a local lad, I was over the moon when I was asked to produce the designs for the hotel and I was determined to do my best.  The job required a lot of technical attention to detail because my timber frame design had to match the architect’s drawings precisely. I’ve watched the hotel develop right from the start and now that it is open for business, it’s fantastic to see the finished product.”

2008 has also seen Ian achieve other career milestones, including merit in all subjects for his HNC in Building Studies as well as win a top industry award - the Timber Trade Journal’s award for Career Development - which is testament to his commitment to developing his career and professional skills. Ian joined Holbrook in 2006, working his way from the factory floor before progressing to our design team where he has since gained considerable experience working on site and liaising with prestigious clients like Whitbread. Through on the job and external training, Ian has become skilled in using the industry’s latest design technology; even contributing to its testing.

Alex Flach, Construction Director for Whitbread, said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a talented timber designer. Ian brought expertise, knowledge and great passion to the project.”

Holbrook has worked with Whitbread to develop 30 other Premier Inns across Wales and southern England. Since completing his work on the Llantrisant hotel, Ian has also finished designing another Premier Inn in Herne Bay, Kent, as well as a 73 bedroom care home for Stradform in Newport – his biggest project to date. Ian’s current project is designing another care home in Abercarn for Cowlin, which will start on site in the new year.

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For all media enquiries, please contact Sharon Lewis on 01656 726 967 or sharon@holbrooktimberframe.co.uk

mail@fionathomas.com

Monday, 27 October 2008

SUCCESS FOR HOLBROOK TIMBERFRAME

AT TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS

Holbrook TimberFrame employee, Ian Wharton scooped the award for career development at the annual national Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) Industry Awards, held at the Park Lane Hotel, London on 18 September 2008.

The awards, now in their twelfth year, reward achievements for the whole timber industry. The TTJ Career Development award, one of five main categories, recognizes special achievement in training and education of entrants aged 25 or under to the industry; as well as more experienced employees of 25 and older who have trained further to enhance their career development.

 Ian (pictured centre) was presented with his award by Stephen King of SCA Timber Supply, which sponsored the category (pictured left). As part of his prize, Ian will be taken on an exclusive trip to Sweden in spring 2009 to experience how forests are environmentally managed. Holbrook was the only Welsh company to pick up an award at the prestigious ceremony, hosted by former Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy MP (pictured right).

Ian said, “I entered the TTJ awards because I’m really proud of what  I’ve been able to achieve since joining Holbrook, but it still came as a shock to be picked as the winner. The trip to Sweden is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The company has been really supportive and has encouraged my career every step of the way, allowing me to both personally and professionally progress.  My training is not over yet as there are still some aspects of design that I have yet to learn about, but this award has given me the confidence to achieve more for myself and for Holbrook.”

Holbrook Director, Philip Smith said, “We’re really proud of Ian because this award is testament to his commitment to becoming a highly skilled design professional. Since joining Holbrook, he has matured into a very competent designer who now shows leadership to newer members of the team.

 “Now more than ever, it’s vital that Holbrook continues to invest in and support our employees in their professional development so that we can remain strong and deliver the best for our clients.”

 Ian joined Holbrook in 2006, starting on the factory floor before progressing to Holbrook’s design team where he has since gained extensive experience working on site and advising clients.  Through on the job and external training, he has become skilled in utilising the industry’s latest software; even contributing to the testing of Gangnail Systems design software. Ian has also recently achieved merit in all subjects for his HNC in Building Studies.

For all media enquiries, please contact Sharon Lewis on 01656 726 967 or sharon@holbrooktimberframe.co.uk

 -ends-

Monday, 27 October 2008

HOLBROOK  TIMBERFRAME  recognised

for  sustainable  growth  in  business

Award given for three years of outstanding performance in the marketplace

Wales’ premier showcase of business and enterprise has recognised Holbrook for our sustainable growth and performance in the marketplace over the last three years.

The Wales Fast Growth 50 (FG50) awards, now in their tenth year, were presented to the fastest growing firms in each of the key sectors of the Welsh economy on Friday 25 October and were hosted by business broadcaster, Declan Curry, at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

The special sustainable growth award is given to those businesses that have been on the Fast Growth list for three years or more.  Holbrook is one of only nine companies to be given this special award during the ten years of the FG50.

Holbrook has previously won an FG50 award in 2006 and 2007 for being the No 1 fastest growing company in its category.  Just last month, our employee, 20 year old Ian Wharton won the Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) Career Development award for his commitment to training since joining us in 2006.

Directors, Neil Smith and Philip Smith both attended the event to pick up this latest accolade.  Neil Smith said, “To win an FG50 award for the third year running is a big achievement, and to be recognised individually for successfully maintaining our growth and performance is a very proud moment, especially in the current economic climate.  The biggest challenge over the last three years has been to manage the inevitable constant change that takes place within a fast growing company whilst still delivering quality and good customer service along with ongoing staff and system development.

Neil continued, “Undoubtedly within the last 12 months, the company has come under pressure to deliver more for less, and we are realistic about this longer term forecast for the construction and manufacturing industries. But our performance remains strong because of the culture and values on which we have built this business. Our trading relationships have been fostered on collaboration and this approach seems to be paying back during these times of economic uncertainty.”

Holbrook is already looking ahead to the future and is planning for further consistent growth over the next few years.  It plans to achieve Investors in People accreditation and explore opportunities in the off site manufacturing sector of the construction industry.

 -ends-

For all media enquiries, please contact Sharon Lewis on 01656 726 967 or sharon@holbrooktimberframe.co.uk