Meet the Team

Mark Gilbert
Job: Managing Director
Biography: Fresh out of university, Mark joined the company as a young lad. Working his way up to Managing Director, his day is never the same. Mark spends his time in almost every area of the business from production operations to employee relations…..we’ve even got him making the tea!
Favourite Tree: Douglas Fir Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Chinese
Favourite Biscuit: Hobnobs

Roger East
Job: Sales Director
Biography: If you need to know about any type of wood, Roger is the man to talk too! Specialising in imported hardwoods, semi-retired Roger spends time in places such as Africa conducting due diligence trips to ensure our customers purchase legal and quality timber! If you can’t find Roger, always check the golf course!
Favourite Tree: Walnut Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Indian
Favourite Biscuit: Chocolate Hobnob

Edward Applin
Job: Operations Director
Biography: Timber Ted! Edward spends most of the day juggling operations in our yard and managing the team. Well respected among all in our business, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in just about anything to do with timber. He is our woodland wiseman!
Favourite Tree: Elm Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Thai
Favourite Biscuit: Custard Cream

Jamie Porteous
Job: Sales Manager
Biography: Most comfortable in cycling Lycra, what he lacks in style, he makes up for in sales prowess and timber knowledge. Jamie has been around for a long time, growing up at East Brothers when his father was Director/Foreman and starting off his career here before briefly being distracted by less gainful endeavours. Mr. Yellow Pages, as much a nod to his age as his seemingly limitless network of helpful friends, is the man to talk to if you want to timber.
Favourite Tree: Douglas Fir Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Indian
Favourite Biscuit: Garibaldi

David Knight
Job: Sales
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Stuart Barrow
Job: Sales
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Megan Hodges
Job: Finance and Operations Manager
Biography: Megan joined the team as our Office Manager and her role has since grown to include supporting the Managing Director with the company’s finances and HR. Alongside this, she looks after the administration, firewood, company events, website and much more that helps keep everything running smoothly. No request is too big or too small. She also manages to bring in the homemade baked goods for the team!
Favourite Tree: Cheal’s Wheeping Cherry Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Chinese
Favourite Biscuit: Jammie Dodger

Edward Ridout
Job: Timber Buyer & Forester
Biography: Fresh to the team in 2022, Ed has bought a new lease of life to our yard. This young and upcoming forestry graduate, now an expert in timber buying is currently training in every area of the business to expand his skill set and knowledge…..Ted 2.0? Who knows!
Favourite Tree: Beech Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Mexican
Favourite Biscuit: Chocolate Digestive

David Edwards
Job: Transport Manager
Biography: Call him google maps! Handling all our transport partners, David can ship your product to almost anywhere in the UK….and beyond! David’s his name but transports his game!
Favourite Tree: Persian Ironwood Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Indian
Favourite Biscuit: The last biscuit in the tin

Toby Safe
Job: Head of Timber Machining & Health and Safety
Biography: Straight from school and into the mill. With almost three decades of saw-milling experience, Toby has acquired many skills over the years and is very knowledgeable when it comes to the sawmill and its operations.
Favourite Tree: Oak Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Everything
Favourite Biscuit: Ginger Nut

Julian Surplice
Job: Head of Maintance
Biography: Jack of all trades Julian! The man that can fix almost anything……except his addiction to biscuits! Julian maintains our yard and machines so we can stay on track with our orders. Amongst all of this, he has the skills to operate basically every machine onsite! He really is a capeless superhero!
Favourite Tree: Monkey Puzzle Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Curry
Favourite Biscuit: Chocolate Hobnobs

Steve Newton
Job: Stock Controller
Biography: Steve is the man keeping tabs on all our equipment and tools, making sure everything is where it should be and ready when it’s needed. A cheeky chap who keeps a close eye on what’s going out, what’s coming back and, occasionally, who’s forgotten to return it! If a piece of kit has wandered off, chances are Steve already knows who had it last.
Favourite Tree: Cherry Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Chinese
Favourite Biscuit: Chocolate Digestives

Stuart Porteous
Job: Imported Hardwood Specialist
Biography: BIG MACHINE OPERATOR! Along with balancing all our imported hardwood orders, Stuart is also the only man for the job when it comes to dealing with our beast of a machine, the Svetruck! Weighing in at 52 Tonnes, it is not to be messed with!
Favourite Tree: Pine Tree
Favourite Takeaway: Pizza
Favourite Biscuit: Rich Tea Fingers

Harrison East
Job: Goods Out Manager
Biography: Harrison is the man making sure everything that leaves the yard is in the right place, at the right time and heading home with the right customer. From keeping the collection area organised to helping customers get loaded up and on their way. If you’re here to collect an order, Harrison’s the man to see — just make sure you’ve left enough room in your van!
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