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St Andrews Timber unveils Johnston as first finance director

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St Andrews Timber Names New Finance Director as Company Gears Up for Expansion

Fife, Scotland – In a move that signals both continuity and ambition, St Andrews Timber, the long‑standing timber manufacturing and distribution firm headquartered in St Andrews, has announced the appointment of Mr. James Johnston as its first-ever finance director. The announcement, made in a press release distributed to the media and shared on the company’s website, outlines the role Johnston will play in steering the firm’s financial strategy while it looks to broaden its footprint across the UK and beyond.

A Legacy of Local Craftsmanship

Founded in the late 1930s, St Andrews Timber has grown from a modest family‑run operation into a respected name in the Scottish timber industry. The company is best known for its range of high‑quality timber panels, boards, and custom‑fabricated solutions that serve both residential and commercial projects across the region. Over the decades, the firm has maintained a strong emphasis on sustainability, using responsibly sourced wood and implementing modern manufacturing practices that reduce waste.

The Need for a Dedicated Finance Lead

Until now, St Andrews Timber’s financial functions have been managed by the chief executive officer and the chief operating officer, a structure that worked well in a smaller setting but has become increasingly cumbersome as the company’s operations scale. “We’ve reached a tipping point where strategic financial planning and rigorous cost control are essential for our next phase of growth,” says Chairman Sir Andrew McLeod. “James brings the expertise and independence we need.”

Who Is James Johnston?

James Johnston, 47, brings two decades of financial leadership experience from a range of mid‑market manufacturing firms. Before joining St Andrews Timber, Johnston served as chief financial officer at TimberTech Ltd., a leading supplier of engineered wood products in the North East of England. His tenure at TimberTech was marked by a 25 % improvement in operating margin and the successful integration of a new production line that expanded the company’s product range.

Johnston is a qualified chartered accountant (ACCA) and holds an MBA from the University of Glasgow. In a statement, he expressed enthusiasm for the role: “St Andrews Timber is a company with a rich heritage and a clear vision for the future. I’m excited to help drive that vision forward by providing robust financial frameworks and strategic insights.”

Key Responsibilities and Strategic Vision

As finance director, Johnston will oversee all financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions. His remit includes:

  • Budgeting & Forecasting: Developing multi‑year financial plans that align with the company’s expansion objectives.
  • Risk Management: Identifying financial risks, including commodity price volatility and foreign exchange exposure, and implementing hedging strategies.
  • Capital Structure: Advising on optimal financing arrangements, whether through equity, debt, or alternative funding sources.
  • Governance: Reporting to the board on financial performance and compliance with regulatory obligations.

Johnston’s appointment coincides with the firm’s announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Leuchars, a project that will cost an estimated £4 million and create 40 new jobs. “A new facility means higher capital expenditures, tighter cash flows, and a need for meticulous financial oversight,” notes Johnston.

Board Reaction and Forward Outlook

Board members have welcomed Johnston’s arrival. “James is not just a numbers person; he’s a strategic thinker who understands the nuances of our industry,” says Chief Executive Sarah McLeod. “His background in timber manufacturing is a tremendous asset as we look to expand our product portfolio and enter new markets.”

The company’s expansion strategy is two‑fold: First, it aims to deepen its presence in the Scottish market by capturing a larger share of commercial construction projects. Second, it plans to launch a joint‑venture partnership with a German timber distributor to enter the continental European market. Johnston will play a pivotal role in evaluating these opportunities, conducting due diligence, and structuring deals that align with St Andrews Timber’s long‑term financial goals.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability remains at the heart of St Andrews Timber’s operations. The company has already achieved FSC certification for all its raw materials, and the new Leuchars facility will incorporate energy‑efficient technologies, including heat recovery systems and renewable biogas generation. “Financial stewardship and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” says Chairman McLeod. “James will help ensure that our growth is both profitable and sustainable.”

Conclusion

St Andrews Timber’s decision to bring in a dedicated finance director marks a significant milestone for the firm. With James Johnston’s seasoned expertise in financial management and a proven track record in the timber industry, the company is poised to navigate the complexities of scaling operations while staying true to its values of quality, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.

For more details about St Andrews Timber and its latest initiatives, visit their official website: [ St Andrews Timber ]. The original announcement can be read in full on The Scotsman: [ St Andrews Timber unveils Johnston as first finance director ].


Read the Full The Scotsman Article at:
[ https://www.scotsman.com/community/st-andrews-timber-unveils-johnston-as-first-finance-director-5292542 ]


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