SR Timber adds Parkes to its ranks

SR Timber has appointed Mark Parkes as Trading Manager as the company gears up for continued growth in 2019.

Parkes joins the company – which is a leading importer of timber products and the UK’s largest importer of roofing batten, including its flagship Premium Gold – after serving in the Parachute Regiment for 14 years.

Although he is new to the timber industry, Parkes’ distinguished military background will be a huge asset to the company as it looks to see if it can apply any elements of the ‘running like clockwork’ mantra that is the bedrock of the British Army to SR Timber to develop and refine its processes to drive growth.

The 32-year-old – who has served as a Section Commander in Afghanistan – recognises the opportunity of joining the company and playing a pivotal part in a small team of eight.

“Joining SR Timber is a very exciting new challenge for me, and I feel I have a lot to bring to the role from my time in the Parachute Regiment,” said Parkes, who has a partner and young son and lives local to the Huthwaite-based company in North Nottinghamshire.

“I’ve known Trading Director Shaun Revill for a long time, and we’ve often spoken about how the military’s ‘running like clockwork’ approach could help a business like SR Timber to keep getting better at what it does and create the platform for more growth.

“As a Para, I’m used to jumping into new situations, and there’s so much that’s good about what SR Timber does, but a fresh perspective can always offer new ways forward to be better and more efficient in all areas.

“The military instils a keen sense of attention to detail, and that’s vital in our business because it’s a big logistical process of bringing timber into the UK and getting it to our customers – usually within 48 hours – without a hitch. This is a process I can really add value to.”

He was an Acting Staff Sergeant before he left the Parachute Regiment with an exemplary record and was responsible for training and testing soldiers on one of the most arduous courses that the British Army has.

SR Timber’s Trading Director Shaun Revill is delighted with Parkes’ appointment in terms of both the transferable skills he brings and the extra layer of leadership he can offer.

“Mark is the first of a number of appointments we have planned for this year as we look to develop the size and scale of the business and cement our position as the UK’s largest importer of roofing batten,” said Revill.

“SR Timber prides itself on spotting the potential of talented people – including those from outside the industry – and Mark is a welcome addition to our ranks.”