Timber firm celebrates century of global growth
Timber agent Hunt Brothers is celebrating 104 years of global growth and annual timber orders of 10,000 tonnes.
The company, which acts as a selling representative for overseas mills looking to export timber products to the UK, has built an annual turnover of £7m and imports from seven countries.
The Wirral-based business has achieved 20% growth over the last ten years and says its 65-year long trade credit insurance partnership with Euler Hermes has been vital to the firm’s success.
It says careful financial management and the company’s insurance policy enables Hunt Brothers to rate the credit worthiness of potential business partners and sell timber products on credit to UK customers with the confidence of being covered against non-payment.
This has enabled the company to significantly expand the markets it operates in, with a focus on Europe, North America and Asia.
Geoff Hilditch of Hunt Brothers said: “We’ve enjoyed a long period of success. Our partnership with Euler Hermes has been essential in helping us secure the quality timber our customers need when global availability is at a premium.
“Together with the issue of quality control, there is an elevated risk of payment delays and fraudulent behaviour. Trade credit insurance has enabled us to keep our operating model the same, providing security and quick payment to suppliers and giving quality assurance to buyers, while maintaining our reputation as the go to agent in the sector.”
Mark Styles, broker account manager at Euler Hermes, said: “As one of our most durable client relationships it is a pleasure to see Hunt Brothers continue to thrive a challenging industry. Our specially-tailored insurance policy and supporting research and analysis provides Hunt Brothers and its partners with a trusted route to market and enables the company to grow its global footprint.”
“We’re committed to helping firms like Hunt Brothers continue to grow by providing support that precisely meet the needs of the business. We look forward to our partnership continuing for the next 65 years.”
Founded in 1913 Hunt Brothers partners with timber producers in the US, Canada, Germany, Malaysia and India to help it sell its products to UK businesses.
