Out & About Summer 2019

Out&About lifestyle

It is also a family affair with Tim’s son, James as the contracts manager and his daughter Helen running the design and marketing side of the business. Their oak is sourced from a mill in the West Country. “There is no shortage of oak for now, but it is more difficult to cultivate in this country, partly because of available space and partly because it is an expensive business with little or no government subsidies as there are in other European countries to help with woodland management,” explains Sam. “Hopefully that will change,” adds Tim. “For now we can say that our oak is home-grown and will stay that way for as long as possible.” Do they have a favourite project over the last 25 years? “Each one is different,” says Sam, “which means that you never get bored.” There was one commission in Ascot, however, which both agree was great fun to do. “It started with a stable complex and groom’s accommodation. That was a fine project in itself, but the owners loved it so much they then asked us to build a swimming pool pavilion-cum-party barn with changing rooms etc as well as a tractor store. It was very satisfying to see it all coming together.” Twenty-five years later and Hartwood Oak has firmly established itself as the go-to business for bespoke, high- “Your business tells you when it’s time to grow,” says Tim. Sam continues: “After a while, you realise that just the two of you trying to run all aspects of the business and working to capacity is exhausting. You’ve created a glass ceiling for yourself and you’re constantly smacking your head on it. That’s why we re-structured the business and moved into the new premises so it could grow.” Now the two friends are able to step back a bit with James, Helen and the rest of the team taking on more and more of the day-to-day running of the business. Sam sums up their pride in Hartwood: “It’s now able to go on after Tim and I stop, and that’s the good part. The younger generation can take it into the future – that’s where I think we’ve achieved something great.” In 1996, Tim and Sam won the small stand category at the Newbury & District Agriculture Show end oak extensions and buildings. So what do the next 25 years hold?

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O&A SUMMER 2019