Summit Timber Group has been formed from two long-established names in the UK timber sector: Cheshire Mouldings and Hawthorn Timber. Here, Executive Chairman Tony Hackney explains to Supplying Timber the thinking behind the Group’s creation – and what it means for customers and the wider timber industry.
The creation of Summit Timber Group marks the coming together of two established and respected names within the UK timber industry. Both Cheshire Mouldings and Hawthorn Timber bring with them decades of trading history, strong regional presence, and loyal customer bases.
“The formation of Summit Timber Group is not about replacing these strong identities, but about building on them,” says Tony Hackney, Executive Chairman. “Our focus is simple: invest in capacity, strengthen capability, and ensure that service remains at the heart of everything we do.”
The timing, Hackney explains, is both deliberate and strategic. “The market landscape for 2026 will be challenging and fast-moving. This is exactly the right moment for Summit to create a structure that delivers strength through expertise, resilience, and partnership.”
Building on strong foundations
Bringing Cheshire Mouldings and Hawthorn Timber together stemmed from their shared values and complementary strengths. Hackney notes: “By combining these exceptional businesses under the Summit banner, we’ve created a more robust and agile timber group, capable of sustained growth and greater service reach.”
Both companies continue to reinvest in operations while working collectively to open new market opportunities. At Hawthorn Timber, this means expanded product capacity for made-to-order machined timber, while Cheshire Mouldings continues to thrive in the joinery and interiors sector with its strong merchant and retail partnerships.
Importantly, both brands will continue to trade independently. “We’ve acquired two highly respected businesses with strong brands and deep customer relationships,” states Hackney. “Our goal is to nurture those legacies, providing investment and support that allow each to flourish as part of a stronger whole.”
Expanding capability through investment
One of the Group’s most visible recent investments is at Hawthorn Timber’s new Selby site at Breighton Airfield, North Yorkshire. After acquiring Swantech Timber in early 2025, Summit has made significant upgrades – installing new machinery, expanding warehousing and storage, and improving site welfare facilities.
The site now focuses on high-volume treated and machined timber products, especially cladding and decking, treated to Use Class 3 standards. Hackney sees this as a “statement of intent – evidence of Summit’s commitment to capacity, quality, and customer confidence”.
At the same time, Hawthorn’s Hull site has been able to concentrate on bespoke machined timber orders, delivering faster turnaround times and enhanced customer support. “These investments mark Hawthorn Timber out as a serious nationwide supplier in its own right,” Hackney says.
Cheshire Mouldings has also expanded, adding new warehousing in St Helens to support increased supply to major UK retail partners – a move Hackney describes as “a reflection of both performance and confidence in the brand’s continued growth.”
Balancing joinery and merchant demand
The combined expertise of the Group ensures broad capability across the joinery, merchant, and retail sectors.
Cheshire Mouldings continues to excel in joinery and interior solutions, offering a vast stock of high-quality stairparts, mouldings and home improvement products.
Hawthorn Timber, meanwhile, is positioned as a leader in merchant supply with its expanded range of treated and machined timber, cladding, and decking.
“This balance is key,” Hackney explains. “It allows the Group to serve multiple market channels effectively while maintaining the specialist service that customers value.”
Sustainability and responsible sourcing
Both Cheshire Mouldings and Hawthorn Timber are FSC and PEFC certified, reflecting Summit’s commitment to sustainable and responsible sourcing.
“At Summit, sustainability is not a tick-box exercise – it’s a guiding principle,” Hackney affirms. “We’re focused on responsible forestry, efficient operations, and long-term stewardship of natural resources.”
Summit Timber Group has also joined Timber Development UK (TDUK), with both operating companies pursuing Responsible Purchasing accreditation. The partnership provides practical support in supply chain transparency, training, and compliance.
Hackney adds: “TDUK is a crucial ally as we continue to elevate standards across the Group. We intend to play an active role within the wider timber community.”
Leadership and legacy
Both founding businesses have deep family roots. Cheshire Mouldings, founded in 1988 by the Carney family, remains driven by its founding ethos of quality and service.
Hawthorn Timber, established more than 70 years ago by Dennis Stone, continues under the leadership of James Stone and Richard Iversen, supported by Summit’s investment.
At Group level, Hackney leads a seasoned management team including David Keenan (Finance, Strategy and M&A), Jonathan Cooper (Business Development), and Mike Lomas (Operations).
“The strength of Summit lies in its people,” says Hackney. “Our focus is not only on modernising operations, but on empowering the teams who have built and sustained these businesses.”
Market outlook and future growth
The response from customers and suppliers since Summit’s formation has been overwhelmingly positive. The Group’s combined scale is already unlocking new opportunities in merchant distribution, modular building, and offsite manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Hackney sees continued investment and expansion across both Cheshire Mouldings and Hawthorn Timber throughout 2026 and beyond. “Summit isn’t just a merger – it’s a foundation for future growth,” he concludes. “By connecting some of the most respected names in timber, we’re building a group defined by heritage, strengthened through collaboration, and focused firmly on the future.”
