Harlow Timber Group

About Harlow Timber Group

Harlow Bros Ltd began by the Harlow family in 1927 as an agricultural manufacturing business for more than 90 years Harlow has been successfully trading within the timber supply & manufacturing industry.

Today the group is made up of divisions & companies that encompass timber supply and engineered timber along with agricultural manufacturing divisions that continue to design, manufacture and install buildings including poultry houses and stables. The Harlow Timber Merchant network supplies timber and associated products to both trade and retail customers from its network of branches in the Midlands.

Having acquired H&S Timber Systems in 2001 Harlow’s timber manufacturing base diversified further as engineered timber products such as roof trusses & engineered joists were added to the companies portfolio. The business growth was considerable and today Harlow Timber Systems (or HTS) operates from four sites across the country.

Harlow has also taken the step of establishing an e-commerce string to its bow that now offers timber and associated products on a national basis through its digital platform.

The Harlow Timber Group was in family ownership until the first quarter of 2022 when the business was placed into an Employee Ownership Trust. The circumstances of the arrangement mean that the Harlow family will remain with an active input into the business for some years to come and the family ethics that the business was founded upon will continue to be a central part of Harlow’s future.

Company culture

Harlow Timber Group is dedicated to cultivating a workplace where employees can truly thrive. We champion a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued, empowered, and supported in their professional journey.

Through our employee-centric initiatives, continuous development opportunities, and a commitment to well-being, we create an environment where individuals can reach their full potential. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace, we not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive the collective success of Harlow Timber Group.

Our Values are Teamwork, Integrity, Motivation, Belonging, Environment and Reliable these represent what we stand for here at Harlow Timber Group.

Employee benefits and perks

Harlow Academy (Inhouse Training)
Apprenticeships
Employee Assistance Programme
Byond Discount Card
Extras Discount (perk scheme)
Generous staff discount
Funeral Concierge: access to tools and support to help you plan and carry out your final wishes.
Length of Service Awards
Life Assurance Cover
Online GP (24/7 access)
Employee Referral Scheme
Eye care voucher scheme

Career development and growth

Here at Harlow’s, we place a strong emphasis on the career advancement of our employees by creating a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. We are committed to helping you reach your full potential through a variety of comprehensive programmes designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for future leadership roles.

We offer hands-on apprenticeships that provide practical experience in real-world scenarios, giving you the tools and confidence to excel in your role. Our in-depth training programmes are tailored to meet the unique needs of each department, ensuring you receive the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to thrive in your career.

For those aspiring to lead, our management development programmes are designed to cultivate the skills necessary for managing teams and driving organisational success. Through a blend of classroom learning, real-world projects, and coaching from senior leaders, you’ll gain the expertise needed to take on greater responsibilities.

To provide clear and achievable goals, we have established a comprehensive career roadmap that outlines potential growth paths within the organisation. This roadmap allows you to visualise your career trajectory, set milestones, and understand the steps needed to reach your desired position. Regular performance reviews and career discussions with your manager help you stay on track and adjust your goals as you progress.

Harlows is deeply committed to supporting your growth and helping you achieve your career aspirations. By investing in your development through apprenticeships, training, mentorship, leadership programmes, and tuition reimbursement, we ensure that you have the resources and guidance needed to build a fulfilling and successful career with us.

Apprenticeships

At Harlow Timber Group, we take great pride in our apprentices and the valuable and variable apprenticeships we offer. Our apprentices quickly become integral members of their teams, often developing into some of the most multi-skilled individuals within the business.

Our apprenticeship programmes range from entry level 2 right up to level 7, and provide a well-rounded experience that goes beyond day-to-day training. As part of their journey, apprentices gain exposure to the wider business, engage with key people across different departments, and have the opportunity to work across various branches and locations. This hands-on approach ensures they develop a strong understanding of our operations while building the skills and confidence needed for a successful career at Harlow Timber Group.

EDI (equity, diversity & inclusion) initiatives

Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is foundational to our culture and operational approach. We recognise that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, but also a key driver of innovation, creativity, and business success.

We regularly assess the effectiveness of our EDI initiatives through employee feedback, diversity metrics, and external benchmarking. Our commitment to EDI is ongoing, and we are dedicated to evolving our strategies to meet the changing needs of our workforce and society.

By fostering a culture that prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion, we not only create a better workplace for our employees but also drive greater innovation and success for our company as a whole.

Sustainability / environmental stewardship

Our commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in every step of our operations, from sourcing raw materials to delivering high-quality timber products to our customers. We believe that a thriving business and a healthy planet go hand in hand, and we’re proud to lead the way in promoting sustainable practices within the timber industry.

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to continually improving our practices. We’re always exploring new ways to reduce our impact, whether it’s through adopting renewable energy sources or developing new, sustainable products.

We’re not just thinking about today—we’re investing in the future. By choosing our timber products, you’re supporting a business that prioritises the environment, values ethical practices, and is dedicated to leaving a positive legacy.

Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable world.

School ambassador

Katherine Reams

k.reams@harlowbros.co.uk

Katherine is our dedicated School Ambassador, she plays a key role in supporting the development of future talent at Harlow Timber Group, working with schools and colleges and supporting a variety of initiatives to help people as they start to make career choices. Katherine arranges work experience placements, and offers career support, career journey talks and attends career fairs and events.