The funding supports a £250,000 project to establish a sawmill on the Dunecht Estate in Aberdeenshire, enhancing the company’s production capabilities and sustainability credentials.

Founded by Guy Phillips, a former BP geologist and business development manager, and master carpenter Armands Balams, HHW has nearly doubled its workforce from five to nine in the past year. The company plans to expand to 20 employees by 2027, as it looks to grow its business into new areas with the addition of innovative innovative timber products and a bespoke cabin offering.

Managing director of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise, Rhona Allison, said: “Highland Heritage Woodworks will enable more sustainable supply chains in the construction sector by supplying timber from Scotland across the UK and boost the local Aberdeenshire economy too.

“Our team in Aberdeen supported the company to invest in capital infrastructure around its sawmill that will help increase productivity, expand its range of products, and create jobs as well as having solid net zero principles.

“I’m keen to see more companies such as Highland Heritage Woodworks with this ambition to grow and scale in Scotland with support from Scottish Enterprise.”

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and committing to environmental stewardship, Highland Heritage Woodworks is aiming to set a new standard for what architects, quantity surveyors and builders can expect from locally sourced materials.

The newly repurposed sawmill facility houses a wide-band horizontal sawmill, high tech 60m3 drying kiln with heating provided by a biomass boiler system.

The founders say the new facilities have provided a step-change in the company’s production capability, creating the platform for the sourcing and processing of high-quality Scottish timber at scale and allowing it to build strategic partnerships with several key clients.

The investment in new facilities also lowers the company’s per unit carbon footprint, aligning with customer demands for sustainable building materials, as well as delivering on Highland Heritage Woodworks own net zero journey.

CEO of Highland Heritage Woodworks Guy Phillips said: “Around 80% of the UK’s timber is imported and our aim is to do something about that. The focus is on delivering the best possible outcomes for home-grown Scottish timber, from forest to front door.

“We started the company by combining my business development experience with that of my master carpenter co-founder and we have been very fortunate to receive support from various organisations along the way. This has significantly boosted our productivity, taking the business from humble beginnings to greater success.

“Scottish Enterprise has been hugely supportive throughout our journey and the funding provided was crucial, turbo-charging our new sawmill expansion, enabling us to add new product lines and build an experienced team. We aim to expand further, collaborating with like-minded companies who are changing the narrative around home-grown timber.  We aim to be agile in what we do, work hard at our relationships with people, and ultimately, do the right thing.”

The expansion of Highland Heritage Woodworks is celebrated during National Productivity Week (27-31 Jan) a campaign is organised by The Productivity Institute that aims to raise awareness of, and offer solutions to, addressing productivity challenges.