Timber Frame Management was founded in 2004 by David Taylor (Managing Director) and Chris Chapman (Technical Director).
Both worked in the Timber Frame Industry, and both were concerned by the issues and lack of communication between the manufacturers and the end users.
In the early noughties, timber frame construction was still a relatively new method of construction and questions raised by builders were going unanswered. This along with the little knowledge by those using the product started to cause a lack of confidence in using Timber Frame.
As a result, David and Chris started Timber Frame Management Ltd and serviced a portfolio of clients by supplying and supervising all aspects of the design and manufacture. This included roof trusses, floor joist and site erection.
David and Chris had over 40 years combined experience between them and therefore any issues arising would be handled by the them.
Initially David worked from his office in Kings Lynn, Chris from his office in Leicester and the frames were manufactured In Cardiff by a separate timber frame company. The frames were then erected by another company owned by David Taylor. This continued but in 2006 the manufacturers were unable to keep up with the supply and Timber Frame Management Ltd moved into temporary premises to manufacture themselves. The company has since expanded to occupy 3 more units and continues to enjoy a sustained growth.
Meet The Team
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Managing Director
David started his career as a carpentry apprentice in the late 60’s and has a wealth of experience within the construction industry. Working as a carpenter on various projects from shuttering for silo bases to fitting out new offices, allowed David to have a “hands on” approach when starting up his own business in 1983.
With his passion for timber and a contract that saw the erection and fit out of 600 holiday homes at Longleat Holiday village in the early 90’s, David was completely sold on the principals and benefits of timber frame in the construction industry and began developing his own housing sites with timber frame in his home county, Norfolk.
David earnt the respect of many clients, consultants, and sub-contractors and with his own labour force, began supplying and erecting timber frames around the UK. This is how he met his Co-Director Chris Chapman in the early noughties. They worked together to develop the integration of timber frame in the housing market forming Timber Frame Management Limited in 2004. Due to high demand they began manufacturing their own timber frames at a dedicated unit in Kings Lynn. With continued growth they now occupy four units.
Technical Director
Chris has always had an interest in construction and although his career started out on a works experience scheme for an Insurance company, he continued with day release at Gloucester College studying Building Studies. Whilst at college a local company approached the college looking for someone to fill the role as a Timber Frame Project Technician and so in 1981 Chris began his career in the Timber Frame industry.
During his time there he became Senior Technician with responsibility for running major contracts with Wimpey, Crest Homes and Barratts. Over the next 15 years Chris worked for several companies in several roles including sales which allowed him to gain invaluable experience of seeing the practical issues of working with timber frame in site conditions.
In 2004 Chris became an independent consultant and met David Taylor (MD) who saw an opportunity to bring Chris’s sales and technical knowledge together with his own contract and project management expertise.
Chris spent the early years helping to build relationships with clients and suppliers to grow the business from a portfolio of small developers along the M1 corridor to one that now regularly supplies frames to sites from 15 - 60 dwellings.
Senior Contracts Manager
Starting out with a carpentry/trades background Gary has worked on a variety of projects including high end dwellings, Schools and Urban regeneration in London and the southeast with key players. Over the years he has gained extensive experience in contract management, co-ordination, financial and project deliver.
His “hands on” and leadership skills along with detailed knowledge of the timber frame industry enable him to work closely and professionally with clients, operatives, and sub-contractors from pre contract to handover.
Gary is committed to getting the best from his team with high regards for quality and Health & Safety.
Operations Manager
Timber Frame Management benefit from Mikes’ vast experience and skills in Operations. Mike is responsible for capital investment projects to help the business’s productivity and longevity. Since Mike joined the company, we have seen purchases of a new HM-Z3 saw with its own extraction system and a new joist press from AV Birch. He continues to work on other long-term capital projects to enable the company to grow.
Previously Mikes career began in the Royal Navy where he achieved the rank of Master at Arms and was responsible to the Commanding Officer for the efficient running of the daily operational life of HM Ships and Establishments. In 2005 on completion of his Naval Service he relocated to Norfolk where he worked for NSL on behalf of the DVLA with responsibility for running the national operations teams.
In 2007 Mike changed direction and took a role as Project Manager for Premier and Princes Foods, delivering customer Own Label Projects from concept to launch. This, along with value engineering projects for the various sites that he was responsible for gave him the invaluable experience needed to take on the role for Timber Frame Management where he has now become a valued member of the team.
Company Secretary
With a wealth of experience and a variety of skills gained over the years Nicola underpins the team in numerous guises to meet the ever-changing needs of the client base. From financial analysis, print facilities, distribution, storage, producing documents and legal support, Nicola’s support enables the smooth day to day running of the business.
Previously Nicola worked in the City of London for a global law firm where she climbed the ranks to become the head of Practice Services responsible for all legal support teams. Moving back to Norfolk she embarked on a property development business with her brother utilising timber frames before joining forces with her father as Company Secretary for Timber Frame Management.