BSW Group’s UK Chairman Tony Hackney has announced his plans to retire at the end of March, following a 30-year career in the timber sector.

Hackney has been the figurehead of BSW for more than 15 of those 30 years, having joined as Chief Executive Officer in late 2008. He became UK Chairman last year.

Under his leadership, BSW has undergone a period of unprecedented growth and acquisition, with turnover increasing from approximately £100 million annually to over £900 million.

Strategic acquisitions have included Maelor Forest Nurseries, Tilhill Forestry, Dick Brothers Harvesting, SCA UK (now BSW Timber Solutions), Bayram Timber, and Scott Pallets, as well as a joint venture with Powersheds. He also led the management buyout team, supported by Endless LLP, that ultimately resulted in the sale to Binderholz in 2021.

Hackney’s efforts were recognised formally in 2012, when he was named Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year before appearing at the UK Entrepreneur of the Year final.

Hackney stated: “Leading BSW through challenging times has been a fantastic experience. I would like to thank all of my colleagues and friends across the UK, Latvia and Slovenia for their extraordinary efforts in developing BSW during my period of stewardship.

“I have valued very highly the relationships with our loyal customers and suppliers and again thank them for their support. I wish you all every success in the future.

“I am very proud of the progress we have made, which has assisted in bringing the company to the strong position it is in now. It presents a good moment for me to choose to retire from BSW to pursue my own business interests and spend more time with my family."