Business owner James Cookson set up the company nearly 15 years ago to add value to waste timber from fallen trees on their Northumberland estate, Meldon Park Estate.
Northumberland Logs has seen its revenue double in the second and third years, reflecting increased demand over the business’s lifespan. The company prides itself on being sustainable, sourcing all its wood from across Britain, with 90% coming from Northumberland. Due to the exponential growth of the business, Northumberland Logs contacted Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) to see how the free support programme could help with their business growth journey.
The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered b Northumberland County Council. The project is partially funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
James Cookson said, “We couldn’t have done this without the capital grant funding; it’s been absolutely crucial to the progression of the business. We want to develop further and believe there’s room for growth, which has now become possible thanks to the grant from NSBS.”
The business, which now holds over 1500 tonnes of timber at any given time, needed support to facilitate growth and improve efficiency. The capital grant has allowed Northumberland Logs to purchase new machinery, helping to further the business’s expansion.
Northumberland Logs has also recently installed solar panels, further aligning with its sustainable ethos.
In addition to Growth and Resilience support, the NSBS offers assistance to farm enterprises looking to diversify and to individuals aiming to start a business in Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures.
Eligible businesses can still access a £2 million Rural Capital Grant Investment Fund, which supports rural businesses with clear growth plans by providing capital investment to expand production capacity or diversify into new markets or products.
Programme Manager Lucy Evermore said, “It has been a pleasure working with Northumberland Logs to deliver the machinery required for their growth. The team looks forward to hearing more about the continued success of Northumberland Logs in the years to come.”
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service or contact the team at [email protected].
