As he celebrates his company’s 90th Anniversary year, Scotts of Thrapston chairman, David Scott, believes now is the ideal time for businesses such as his to be gearing up for the positive push to come.

The Northamptonshire based timber firm is investing a significant sum in new machinery for its joinery and truss divisions, which are both doing extremely well; while orders for its stabling and outdoor buildings divisions are looking good into summer.

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Mr Scott said: "We are choosing to invest in the long-term future of the business, with new and improved machinery and systems – there are deals to be done on these things, so here at Scotts we're taking full advantage of the market. However, we are expanding with extreme caution, despite feeling optimistic about the future - our forward order books look very good I must say."

Scotts is also benefiting from buying its timber as far in advance as possible, to secure prices for customers amidst economists chatter that timber is set to become the new oil. "Demand for timber in emerging economies looks set to increase, sure, but here at Scotts we have 90 years of buying power, along with holding a leading position at the Trussed Rafter Association, which gives us considerable negotiating power when dealing with suppliers. This, inturn, enables Scotts customers to plan with confidence," he said.