Howarth Timber has been recognised by the Yorkshire Awards with a Business Enterprise award.

Since forming in 1840 in Leeds as Hudson & Co, Howarth Timber has expanded from a one-man company to an employer of more than 1,000 people. In the last two years, through organic growth, its turnover has grown by over 25% - from £126m to £159m - and the company has a capital investment programme which will be over £14m this year.

This year has marked Howarth Timber’s 175th anniversary, which has seen the company run a series of initiatives and live events for its staff, suppliers and customers.

Managing director Nick Howarth, who collected the award alongside his brother and fellow managing director Andrew, said: “We feel privileged to collect this prestigious award on behalf of not only our current colleagues within Howarth Timber, but also for all the previous generations within the company’s 175 year history.

“We are proud to have been a constructive part of the Yorkshire business community for so many years, and the recognition from our peers that this award shows.”

This year has witnessed a series of significant developments within the business, namely a brand new website and an online training academy. The new website - www.howarth-timber.co.uk - now allows building professionals to not only browse Howarth Timber’s extensive product ranges, but also make purchases for collection in branch or to be delivered to site.

The Online Training Academy, meanwhile, has been designed to improve the knowledge and skill base of the UK building industry and offers a huge array of online courses that are already giving building professionals confidence across a wide range of specialisms and products.