A BRADFORD-based timber component manufacturer has marked its 50th anniversary with the appointment of third generation family members into the business.

Ramsey Timber Group, based in Laisterdyke, has welcomed Josh and Jake Ramsey, sons of managing director Mike Ramsey, into the family-owned and run business.

Josh brings with him a background in technology consulting from a Big 4 firm. He is leading an IT transformation programme to modernise systems and improve operational efficiencies.

Meanwhile, Jake brings his background in sales with him to focus on building relationships with existing and new customers, as well as driving growth in new product ranges, including the Ramsey Bedstead – one of the few bedstead options on the market that is manufactured in the UK.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Jake and Josh Ramsey have joined Ramsey Timber Group in BradfordFrom left, Jake and Josh Ramsey have joined Ramsey Timber Group in Bradford (Image: Ramsey Timber Group)

Established by Peter Ramsey in 1972 and joined soon after by his sons, Mike and Nick, Ramsey Timber began trading imported timber from a portacabin in Denholme, Bradford, to builders’ merchants and the DIY market.

Over the last 50 years, Peter’s sons have grown and shaped the business to be a leading supplier of timber components to the UK bedding sector, generating £24 million of turnover in its last financial year.

As the firm looks ahead, the focus will be on continuing to deliver the best Divan and Ottoman bed frames in the UK.

Strong relationships with Scandinavian sawmills and board product suppliers have enabled the firm to provide continuity of supply to its customers during the tumultuous last two years, so reinforcing these relationships further will be key for the business, as the market faces continued uncertainty into 2023.

Mike Ramsey, managing director, said: “We’re extremely proud to be a highly respected third generation family-owned business and to reach the milestone of 50 years trading.

“It’s a humbling moment for me personally and I’m excited to see the positive change that Josh and Jake will undoubtedly bring to the business.

“Our future priorities, as ever, are centred around delivering great service to our customers.

“We are building our in-house manufacturing capabilities, as well as developing existing and new supply partnerships that enable us to deliver a true, one-stop-shop for Divan and Ottoman bed components. “We’re always striving to develop new products for our bedding customers, whether that’s to help them fulfil contracts in the hospitality sector, rollout innovative new products to retail, or to re-design a product to save our customers’ costs.”

This year has seen Ramsey Timber invest in an office refurbishment at their factory and the development of a new website.