James Donaldson & Sons acquires leading worktop specialist

June 17, 2021
 

Leading timber expert, James Donaldson & Sons Ltd (JDS) has further developed its programme of growth, with the acquisition of leading worktop specialist, Stonecare.

Established in 1999, Glasgow-based Stonecare is one of Scotland’s leading independent suppliers of solid worktops to the UK kitchen industry, and the only kitchen worktop manufacturer in Scotland offering the choice of Granite, Silestone, Marble, Quartz Stone and Corian worktops.

The addition of Stonecare adds to JDS’s expanding kitchens offering and presents strong synergistic opportunities for both businesses. It follows JDS’s acquisition of Kitchens International earlier this month and enhances its growing interiors portfolio, which also includes Optima Kitchens, Smith and Frater, Perform Panel and Buzz Home Offices.

Staff and operations at Stonecare will remain unchanged by this business development, with all 11 employees remaining in position.

Announcing the acquisition, Andrew Donaldson, CEO of James Donaldson & Sons Ltd, said: “We’re proud to add Stonecare to our growing JDS family. Stonecare has an excellent reputation for quality, craftsmanship and service; an extremely high-quality product; and a great team of people. The business perfectly complements our existing portfolio in JDS and aligns well with our strategy to enhance our offering in the market, with a focus on kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.

“Historically a timber specialist, this is an incredibly exciting time for our business, as we continue to grow through sustainable organic growth and by the strategic acquisition of market-leading specialists. We look forward to welcoming the Stonecare team on board and moving forward together as one.”

Andrew Crombie, MD of Stonecare added: “I am delighted that in our 21st anniversary year, Stonecare is joining the JDS group. With our shared family values and strong business synergies I am confident we will provide our great team with opportunities for growth and am looking forward to this next chapter for Stonecare.”

Stonecare will join the JDS portfolio of leading independent brands: MGM Timber, Donaldson Timber Engineering, James Donaldson Timber, James Donaldson Insulation, Smith & Frater, Rowan Manufacturing, Nu-Style Products and Kitchens International.

Family business, JDS celebrated its 160th anniversary last year. The eight businesses that make up the Group trade and operate independently, sharing best practice, innovation, purchasing synergies, and market analysis.

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James Donaldson & Sons Continues Growth Strategy with Acquisition of Kitchens International

June 10, 2021
 

The Boards of James Donaldson & Sons (JDS) Ltd and Kitchens International Ltd are delighted to announce that, following its acquisition, Kitchens International Ltd, has become the latest addition to the JDS brand portfolio.

Kitchens International Ltd, Scotland’s leading independent kitchen retailer, will join the JDS portfolio of leading independent brands which includes MGM Timber, Donaldson Timber Engineering, James Donaldson Timber, James Donaldson Insulation, Smith & Frater, Rowan Manufacturing and Nu-Style Products.

Kitchens International Ltd is Scotland’s most award-winning kitchen brand, popular amongst both consumers and trade, with 6 showrooms across Scotland and a strong contract fitting division. It will strategically and operationally complement the current JDS retail and manufacturing portfolio, working closely with the existing kitchen offering through Smith & Frater and MGM Timber, allowing JDS to offer a full suite of interior options for both trade and retail customers.

Announcing the acquisition, Andrew Donaldson, CEO of James Donaldson & Sons Ltd, said:

“It is a privilege to welcome the Kitchens International Ltd family to our Donaldson family; we anticipate exciting times ahead both within the Kitchen market and its associated interiors including Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Home Offices. Adding the Kitchens International brand to our current portfolio will yield strong synergistic opportunities for both businesses. As always, the most important thing will be People and we are looking forward to working with Kitchens International Ltd across both the Board and full team. Together, as one family, we are well placed to build our Kitchen and Interiors business for the future.”

Gerry Watson, MD of Kitchens International added: “Over the past 27 years we are proud to have grown Kitchens International to become a leading UK Kitchen brand and are excited that our next growth chapter will be as part of the James Donaldson Group. With shared values and vision, together we can provide greater opportunity for all our brand community; our staff, our brand ambassadors and our suppliers.”

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James Donaldson & Sons acquires leading worktop specialist
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James Donaldson Group Donates to Thirty-Two Local Foodbanks

December 4, 2020
 

James Donaldson Group has announced that it will donate to 32 foodbanks local to its 32 UK sites throughout December. These donations will take place until the Group’s holiday shut down on Friday 18th December.

Food banks across the UK have been severely impacted by COVID-19. They have seen a 47% increase in usage since March and are facing an overwhelming demand for support. Operational capacity is also strained as a result of restrictions, creating further challenges for foodbanks across the UK.

The Group will contribute £100 per site every week in December, totaling £10,000. A donation box has also been set up at every site for employees who wish to donate any additional items.

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the JDS Group said: “2020 has been a tough year for everyone in many ways, and it has reminded us all of the importance of community and helping each other out in times of need. As a family business that operates UK wide, we want to help in our local communities where we can. The willingness of our employees to get involved in this initiative fills me with pride. All 32 of our sites has a foodbank local to it that we hope will benefit from our collective donations.”

You can find details of your local foodbank here.

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James Donaldson Group donates over £53,000 for Maggie’s
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James Donaldson Group Driving Innovation with Launch of New Home Office Furniture Business

November 26, 2020
 

James Donaldson Group, a leading Scottish timber and manufacturing specialist, has announced the arrival of its latest business, Buzz Home Office, which will offer expertly crafted, made-to-measure home office and study solutions.

Launching to market in January 2021, Buzz Home Office is a new business, developed to embrace homeworking lifestyles that have come as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With the demand for homeworking and studying having increased dramatically, and looking set to continue, Buzz Home Office will offer a range of fully bespoke and customisable furniture options for professionals and families alike who are adapting to this new normal. Customers will be able to purchase Buzz Home Office solutions from January 2021 and trade partners are now able to register interest and discuss partner opportunities and pre-orders in preparation for the new year.

As part of one of Scotland’s leading family timber and manufacturing groups, James Donaldson Group, the vision for Buzz Home Office was born out of a continued commitment to deliver exceptional service and quality to its customers. The business incorporates three flexible and fully customisable core ranges, including: Buzz Hive, a range of space-saving units for adults and kids, delivered pre-assembled; Beespoke, a made-to-measure solution for those with limited space to work with; and Home Hive, a bespoke range designed to transform a dedicated room in any home into a home office. All three ranges will be available in a vast selection of colours and woodgrains.

The Beespoke and Home Hive ranges will be supported by the Buzz Home Office design service, for customers or trade partners looking for a tailored, made-to-measure home office solution. The service will support customers throughout the full process with an expert team on hand to find the solution that best meets needs and requirements, including initial consultation, a recommendation of options and 3D rendering design visualisation.

With the demand for homeworking on the rise, the overall aim of the business is to ensure that the best possible service is given to all customers looking for a new home office solution. Once the final product has been manufactured, special attention will be given to all delivery or installation details, ensuring the solution is set-up, ready to use and that all packaging has been taken away for ultimate customer convenience.

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of The James Donaldson Group said of the launch, “Innovation has always been central to the JDS vision and we are delighted to announce the arrival of the exciting new brand, Buzz Home Office. Everyone has faced unprecedented challenges this year and as a team we were eager to create products that would support the new normal and flexible ways of working moving into 2021. We always put customers, service and quality at the core of everything we do, and I believe Buzz Home Office will reflect this in market.”

The Buzz Home Office ranges will be delivered by existing James Donaldson Group businesses including Smith and Frater, Nu-Style Products and MGM Timber, which operate out of a number of Scottish locations. These businesses will be opening their doors to Buzz Home Office customers for consultations as part of the design process.

Find out more about the Buzz Home Office ranges at www.buzzhomeoffice.co.uk

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James Donaldson Group Driving Innovation with Launch of New Home Office Furniture Business
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James Donaldson Group Driving Innovation with Launch of New Home Office Furniture Business

Launching to market in January 2021, Buzz Home Office is a new business, developed to embrace homeworking lifestyles that have come as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With the demand for homeworking and studying having increased dramatically, and looking set to continue, Buzz Home Office will offer a range of fully bespoke and customisable furniture options for professionals and families alike who are adapting to this new normal.

November 26, 2020
 

James Donaldson Group, a leading Scottish timber and manufacturing specialist, has announced the arrival of its latest business, Buzz Home Office, which will offer expertly crafted, made-to-measure home office and study solutions. 

Launching to market in January 2021, Buzz Home Office is a new business, developed to embrace homeworking lifestyles that have come as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With the demand for homeworking and studying having increased dramatically, and looking set to continue, Buzz Home Office will offer a range of fully bespoke and customisable furniture options for professionals and families alike who are adapting to this new normal. Customers will be able to purchase Buzz Home Office solutions from January 2021 and trade partners are now able to register interest and discuss partner opportunities and pre-orders in preparation for the new year.

As part of one of Scotland’s leading family timber and manufacturing groups, James Donaldson Group, the vision for Buzz Home Office was born out of a continued commitment to deliver exceptional service and quality to its customers. The business incorporates three flexible and fully customisable core ranges, including: Buzz Hive, a range of space-saving units for adults and kids, delivered pre-assembled; Beespoke, a made-to-measure solution for those with limited space to work with; and Home Hive, a bespoke range designed to transform a dedicated room in any home into a home office. All three ranges will be available in a vast selection of colours and woodgrains.

The Beespoke and Home Hive ranges will be supported by the Buzz Home Office design service, for customers or trade partners looking for a tailored, made-to-measure home office solution. The service will support customers throughout the full process with an expert team on hand to find the solution that best meets needs and requirements, including initial consultation, a recommendation of options and 3D rendering design visualisation.

With the demand for homeworking on the rise, the overall aim of the business is to ensure that the best possible service is given to all customers looking for a new home office solution. Once the final product has been manufactured, special attention will be given to all delivery or installation details, ensuring the solution is set-up, ready to use and that all packaging has been taken away for ultimate customer convenience.

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of The James Donaldson Group said of the launch, “Innovation has always been central to the JDS vision and we are delighted to announce the arrival of the exciting new brand, Buzz Home Office. Everyone has faced unprecedented challenges this year and as a team we were eager to create products that would support the new normal and flexible ways of working moving into 2021. We always put customers, service and quality at the core of everything we do, and I believe Buzz Home Office will reflect this in market.”

The Buzz Home Office ranges will be delivered by existing James Donaldson Group businesses including Smith and Frater, Nu-Style Products and MGM Timber, which operate out of a number of Scottish locations. These businesses will be opening their doors to Buzz Home Office customers for consultations as part of the design process.

Find out more about the Buzz Home Office ranges at www.buzzhomeoffice.co.uk

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James Donaldson Group Driving Innovation with Launch of New Home Office Furniture Business
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James Donaldson Group Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Leading timber specialist, James Donaldson and Sons Ltd (JDS) today announced Arlene Cairns is joining the Group as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 3rd 2020.

August 3, 2020

Leading timber specialist, James Donaldson and Sons Ltd (JDS) today announced Arlene Cairns is joining the Group as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 3rd 2020.

Arlene Cairns, JDS' new CFO

Arlene joins JDS from Aviva, where she was Chief Finance Operations Officer responsible for leading Global Finance Operations as well as leading their Global Finance Transformation. Arlene joined Aviva 3 years ago from Alliance Trust Savings where she was CFO. Prior to this, Arlene held several senior Finance & Strategy roles across the UK, Ireland and Australia working for Westpac Institutional Bank, Allied Irish Bank, RSA and Zurich Financial Services. This is in addition to her time as a management consultant at EY in the UK and Australia, where her focus was on transformation and performance improvement. Arlene will succeed Andrew Donaldson as CFO following his promotion to CEO in April 2020.

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the James Donaldson Group, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Arlene to the Group, where she will undoubtedly drive and modernise our finance operations. Arlene has a proven track record of leading finance functions and driving strategic transformational change and improvements in global organisations. Her extensive corporate experience makes her well suited to take on the role of CFO and an excellent addition to our senior leadership team. I look forward to seeing the impact of her presence as our new CFO.”

Arlene commented on her appointment: “I’m excited to be joining the James Donaldson Group’s leadership team and leading Finance, while supporting Andrew and Mike to continue the growth and development of the JDS Group and contribute to the future success of the business.”

Additionally, Arlene was a Board Director for Homeless charity Social Bite, and part of the team delivering the Social Bite Communities village in Edinburgh in 2018. She is also part of the University of Edinburgh Women in Executive Leadership Group.

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Neil Donaldson wins the TTJ Lifetime Achievement Award

July 28, 2020
 

Neil Donaldson, retired Executive Chairman of James Donaldson Group was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s virtual Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) Awards. The annual TTJ Lifetime Achievement Award rewards outstanding achievement in the timber sector.

After recently retiring from his 45 year-long career back in July, Neil certainly has been part of the timber industry for a lifetime. He has always been a passionate supporter of timber and very well known within the industry. Neil was virtually presented the award by the TTJ on Friday 25th September for his outstanding contribution to the industry since he joined Donaldson’s back 1975.

Neil’s achievements are not only limited to his successful career at Donaldson’s as he became the first Scottish Chairman of the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) in 1988. He was also President of the Scottish Timber Trade Association (STTA) from 2004 – 2006 and was President of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) from 2006 – 2008.

Neil Donaldson commented: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a business and an industry over the last 45 years and I couldn’t be happier to be presented with the TTJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit in a slightly different way to normal. It’s an honour and also a complete shock and starts my new chapter of retirement on a real high! I can’t wait to see what future brings for both the business and the industry.”

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Neil Donaldson bows out after 45 years at family firm
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Neil Donaldson bows out after 45 years at family firm

Neil Donaldson has announced his retirement from leading timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons, after 45 years with the business, as he hands over the reins to the sixth generation.

July 28, 2020
 

Neil Donaldson has announced his retirement from leading timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons, after 45 years with the business, as he hands over the reins to the sixth generation.

Neil joined Donaldson’s in 1975, after graduating from Heriot-Watt University with an MSc in Business Studies. He grew up spending his school holidays working for the family business, but his first official role was as a sawmiller, before moving into sales in the late 1970s. He took over from his father as managing director in 1985.

During his tenure, Neil has overseen the expansion of Donaldson’s from a small business in Fife, Scotland, to a national company, operating from 31 sites across the UK. Developments and strategic acquisitions in that time include: the creation of Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), which now has nine branches; timber merchant MGM Timber, which has 14 branches; expanding James Donaldson Timber and moving into MDF with the purchase of Palgrave Brown; insulation product manufacturer, Nu Style; Cambridge Roof Truss; and most recently, doorset and bespoke joinery specialist, Rowan Manufacturing and kitchen manufacturer, Smith & Frater.

Neil credits much of his confidence in growing the business to the time he spent at Harvard Business School in 1994.

Very well-known in the industry, Neil is a passionate supporter of timber, and in 1988 he became the first Scottish Chairman of the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA). He was also President of the Scottish Timber Trade Association (STTA) from 2004 – 2006 and was President of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) from 2006 – 2008.

Neil is retiring on 31st July and is succeeded by his son and deputy Chairman, Michael Donaldson. Michael will co-lead and co-manage the business with his brother, Andrew Donaldson, who took over as Chief Executive Officer in April this year.

Commenting on his retirement, Neil said: “I have been extremely fortunate to have spent my career working with something I love, making a product that I love, in a business where I have been able to develop it into what I think it should be. I always wanted to work for the family business – I have wood in my DNA – and I think I can say that I’ve made the most of my time here! I always said that I hoped to retire at 65, in our 160th year of business, and the time is definitely right to pass the business on to the next generation.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done with the business over the last 45 years – and indeed over the last 160 – and I’m happy to be going out on a high. To have both Mike and Andy taking over is the ideal scenario and I’m excited to see where they take it next. Meanwhile, I’ll be golfing, fishing and spending more time with my wife, Val, who has been an incredible support to me throughout my career.”

Along with his roles in the timber industry, Neil is former Chairman of Scotland’s leading spa hotel resort, Crieff Hydro; is a former Chairman of Securities Trust Scotland; and is the current Chairman of Baillie Gifford’s Shin Nippon in Japan.

The James Donaldson Group comprises seven subsidiaries, trading from 31 sites throughout the UK, with over 1,000 employees and a turnover of circa £225m. The business has been operating in Fife for 160 years.

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Sixth Generation takes the reins at James Donaldson & Sons
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Sixth Generation takes the reins at James Donaldson & Sons

Leading timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons has announced its new senior team, as Andrew Donaldson and Michael Donaldson take over as chief executive officer and chairman.

June 16, 2020
 

Leading timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons has announced its new senior team, as Andrew Donaldson and Michael Donaldson take over as chief executive officer and chairman.

As the business celebrates its 160th anniversary, 2020 is a momentous year for the Group, with the change in leadership also marking the sixth generation of Donaldsons to run the family firm. Andrew was appointed as CEO in April, with Michael commencing his position as chairman from 31 July.

Andrew joined the family business in 2010 after completing a graduate training program at KPMG (Edinburgh) and qualifying with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). He has spent the last ten years working in a variety of roles within the business, primarily as commercial director for MGM Timber and then latterly for James Donaldson Timber, before becoming group finance director in 2019. Andrew takes over the top job from Scott Cairns, who stepped down as group managing director in April after nine years in the role, which saw him as the first ever non-family member to lead the Group.

With almost 20 years of experience in the industry, Michael joined the Donaldson Group in 2003. He started his career manufacturing roof trusses for Donaldson Timber Engineering Ltd in Cramlington. Since then he has worked with three of the JDS trading companies in roles ranging from internal sales and operations through to director level. In 2007 he became one of the first to qualify with an MSc in Timber Industry Management at Edinburgh Napier University and he is also a director of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF). Michael became deputy chair in 2018 and takes over the role of chair in July when his father, Neil Donaldson retires.

In their new roles, Andrew is responsible for the commercial and trading performance of the business, while Michael will lead the main supervisory board, which comprises chairman, four non-executive directors, finance director and CEO. Both brothers will be involved in developing strategy and driving the Group forward, as they co-lead and co-manage the business.

Outgoing chairman of the James Donaldson Group, Neil Donaldson comments: “It was always my hope that the business would be passed on to the next generation, so for both Andy and Mike to be taking on the reigns is an ideal scenario and a proud moment for me. The business is a very different one to the one I started running in 1985, and I’m pleased to be leaving it on a high and in such good hands. The transition from one generation to the next has been well considered and planned for over the last ten years, and I’m confident that both Andy and Mike will do an excellent job in their roles.”

Andrew Donaldson says: “We were brought up with our father and grandfather leading the business, so their moral compass is at the forefront of all we do – nothing will change in terms of the Donaldson ambitions or principles. Our focus will always be good governance; partnerships with our suppliers and customers; and looking after our loyal employees. However, we’re ready to take the Group into the next generation and put our stamp on it, which is an incredibly exciting prospect.”

Michael Donaldson adds: “Andrew and I spent our summers working in the family business, and we’ve spent the last ten years preparing to take over the leadership. The last two years in particular have offered serious training for the roles, with Andy as CFO and me as deputy chairman. Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances that we find ourselves in at the time of taking over, dealing with the impact of COVID-19, things are off to a great start for us and we have some ambitious plans for the business.”

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Neil Donaldson bows out after 45 years at family firm
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James Donaldson Group donates over £53,000 for Maggie’s

James Donaldson and Sons is proud to announce the achievement of its fundraising target of £53,945 for its charity partner, Maggie’s.

April 3, 2020
 

James Donaldson and Sons is proud to announce the achievement of its fundraising target of £53,945 for its charity partner, Maggie’s. The Group embarked on the fundraising campaign in June 2019 with a target to raise £50,000 and expected it to span twelve to eighteen months, but as a result of the teamwork and engagement from all employees it has exceeded the target just nine months into the campaign.

JDG Team working together to raise money for the Maggies charity

Employees from all 31 sites across the UK have all done their bit to raise £28,945 which was match-funded by James Donaldson and Sons up to £25,000 bringing the total to £53,945. The group worked closely with Maggie’s centres around the UK to develop and execute a calendar of fundraising events and activities including; cultural crawls, bake sales, raffles, race nights and cycles, among many others.

Scott Cairns, Outgoing Group Managing Director of James Donaldson Group said: “I am incredibly proud of all JDS colleagues in delivering this fantastic figure for Maggie’s. The challenge was grasped head-on, and our teams had a great deal of fun and a good feeling of achievement while raising funds. I’d also like to say a huge thanks to many of our customers and suppliers who also made donations to help us achieve our ambitious target.”

Tu Edwards, Centre Fundraising Manager, Maggie’s Fife commented: “Without the support of businesses like James Donaldson and Sons, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do here at Maggie’s. Maggie’s is here to support people with Cancer, along with their family and friends and relies on donations to develop our high-quality programme of support.  At this difficult time we are no longer seeing people face to face, but we are supporting people in their homes by phone, email and our online community.  I can’t thank James Donaldson Group enough for their support and efforts throughout this partnership; it will make a huge difference to our centres nationally.”

In the current COVID-19 global pandemic, it is a timely reminder that people are still dealing with Cancer and other life-altering conditions. All of our fund-raising efforts were done in 2019 and early 2020, before the current crisis and we hope to be able to continue to support Maggie’s in the year ahead when conditions allow.

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James Donaldson and Sons Announce Charity Partnership with Maggie’s
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