The off-site manufacturing business, capable of delivering up to 2,000 timber frame structures per year, has recruited Antony Bayles as technical sales manager and Morgan Howe as contracts supervisor for England and Wales.

Both are County Durham natives with a combined 35 years’ experience in the construction and timber frame industries who will spearhead the company’s bid to secure new contracts and business opportunities south of the border.

Mr Bayles previously managed the timber frame sector for a NYSE top 100 construction company, covering UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, bringing new products to market. In addition to his extensive sales experience, he has also held roles in manufacturing and product design, giving him a broad understanding of the industry.

Mr Howe joined a national housebuilder at age 16, progressing from apprentice to site joiner. He left after seven years, working self-employed for most major manufactures of large timber frame structures, managing a team of staff that installed the frames on site.

Barbara Massie, business development director, said: “Kirkwood is a tried-and-tested partner that has been supplying customers in Scotland with quality timber frame structures for a wide range of development schemes for over 40 years.

“We have noticed that there is now an appetite in England to trial and adopt timber frame construction, which most know is a greener, more sustainable, cost and time-efficient modern method of construction (MMC).

“To date we have secured several contracts in England with innovative companies looking to expedite build programmes, whilst meeting and exceeding energy efficiency standards and minimising waste and carbon emissions. It is clear that construction is evolving to embrace MMC – like timber frame.

“Morgan and Antony’s recruitment demonstrates our commitment to our English-based customers to provide the hands-on support, advice, information and high quality of service for which we are renowned in Scotland and the UK.”

Mr Bayles said: “I’ve worked in the MMC timber frame construction industry – on both the manufacturing and design side right through to overseeing large projects on an international level.

“I feel that my well-rounded knowledge and understanding of the sector will support what is already a strong team at Kirkwood Timber Frame, as the business looks to secure further work in England.”

Mr Howe added: “I am confident that as a team, Antony and I have the knowledge and experience to support customers through the entire timber frame process from procurement, design and technical, to the install on-site.

“We are well-connected, so know tried-and-tested partners that can help facilitate the seamless delivery of timber frame projects on developments, saving clients time and money as well as supporting in the creation of energy efficient and sustainable properties.”