The Team

Traders

Guy Goodwin /Director

Taking over from his father Nick as Managing Director, Guy had a tough act to follow. However, having already worked at NHG for 13 years, he was well prepared to take over the reins. During that time he has built up several key parts of the business focussing on West African supply, proving his worth as an effective trader and business manager. Staff, clients and suppliers have benefitted from his sympathetic approach and calm, friendly disposition.

One thing that you might not know about Guy is… he is a keen sportsman and still plays cricket, golf and hockey in the spare time that he has.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7007
Ben Goodwin /Director

From an early age Ben aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a trader in West African hardwoods. His early career was spent gaining valuable practical knowledge in sawmills in France and the U.S.A., which has given him a superb grounding in species and technical knowledge of timber. Regular and frequent visits to suppliers in Africa supplement his technical and market knowledge. Ben has become a well respected timber professional amongst both suppliers and customers alike – his infectious humour and easy going nature also account for his popularity.

One thing that you might not know about Ben is… He is an excellent French speaker.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7002
Stuart McBride /Director

Starting with NHG in 1995, Stuart has seen many changes over the years and witnessed the development of NHG Timber into a major international timber trading company. He has also seen the development of Guy and Ben into very effective traders. Focussing on North and South American timbers, these have been useful additions to the core African supply areas, as has clear softwoods from the Pacific North West.

One thing that you might not know about Stuart is… He is an accomplished musician, having played double and electric bass all his life in various Rock, Jazz, Folk and Country bands.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7008
Ben Jenn /Director

Ben is now in his second stint at NHG Timber, having started with the business in 2007 fresh out of university Ben was trained up to be responsible for trading Far Eastern Hardwoods at the company. In 2012 Ben went on to pastures new at a leading timber importer within the UK where he further enhanced his knowledge of the trade and wide range of products it has to offer. Ben was welcomed back to NHG Timber in 2018 where he has taken over the European and Far Eastern Trading responsibilities for the business and is flourishing in his new role.

One thing that you might not know about Ben is… he is a keen sportsman, captaining and chairing his local Badminton club, whilst also being an enthusiastic supporter of Charlton Athletic FC, however being a new parent Ben cannot make it to as many games as he might like to!

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7013
Sean Rivers /Trader

Sean is the most recent trader to join NHG in 2023 after many years’ experience selling hardwoods and clear softwoods within the U.K. Making the move from selling packs to putting customers and suppliers together developing long term relationships is a challenge, but he is well equipped with his knowledge of the trade, engaging personality and commitment. He is focussing on North American hardwoods and softwoods, enjoying the travelling that goes along with trading in these areas.

Sean is an ex-semi-professional footballer and is still an active player in a veteran’s local league nowadays, supplementing this sporting activity with rounds on the golf course.

Traders' Assistants

Karen Jolly

Karen has worked for NHG Timber since June 2003. She is currently working with our major suppliers in West Africa and buyers in UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East.

The most interesting and memorable places she has visited are Democratic Republic of Congo (an eye-opening first trip to West Africa) and Sri Lanka (with family). Outside of work, her favourite activities are travelling (winter sun is a must!), long walks, pilates classes, swimming, rock music festivals and trying out new vegan restaurants and recipes with family and friends.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7009
Vanessa Cawthra

Vanessa joined NHG Timber in 2016, as a Trader's Assistant, covering America and Europe. She enjoys the variety of work and the busy working environment. The highlight to date is visiting our suppliers and experiencing first-hand how the material is produced.

Away from work Vanessa loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys socialising with friends, drinking red wine (which is often needed after a busy day at the office!) and enjoys yoga, drawing, walking her dog and can’t wait for the sun to shine.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7010
Francesca West

Francesca joined NHG Timber in January 2022 and is working closely with Karen Jolly, Karen Thorpe and Vanessa to support the Traders in every aspect of their business and is enjoying learning as much as she can about the timber trade.

Outside of the office Francesca enjoys long walks and being in the sunshine.
Bottomless brunching and going to festivals are also favourite activities.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7012
Karen Thorpe

Karen joined NHG Timber in April 2023 and is working closely with Karen, Vanessa and Francesca to support the Traders in every aspect of their business. She is enjoying learning all about the timber trade and being part of a team.

Outside of work she enjoys socialising with friends and family, time in the sun with her husband and two daughters and a lovely walk in the country. She can usually be found with her kindle in her hand and also loves a cosy evening in with a good film.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7004

Finance & Logistics

Paul Randall

Paul joined the Finance & Logistics team at NHG Timber in 2012. He works closely with his colleagues, making sure that all the paperwork from our suppliers is in order and the paperwork going out to our customers is in excellent order.

Paul cycles over 7 miles to work nearly every day and back (weather permitting), as this is the quickest way to get around (beats sitting in traffic). He is also a “Mickey Mouse” fanatic, but don’t tell anyone!!

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7000
Louiza Mills

Louiza joined NHG Timber in 2018. She works closely with Paul, Daphne and Sami and continues to learn all she can about the process of timber trading.

Away from work, Louiza’s interests include drawing, writing terrible stories, looking after her three nephews and generally chilling out with her cat and a good book. She can also occasionally be located at a Sci-Fi convention with other like-minded fans.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7005
Daphne Leung Lui

Daphne joined NHG Timber in May 2023, she works closely with Paul, Louiza and Sami, she enjoys learning and strives to be a good team player. She moved to the UK in 2021 and feels a strong sense of pride in her heritage. She is determined to actively contribute and make a positive impact, both in the Company and as a representative of the Hongkonger community in the UK.

In her free time, she enjoys engaging in fulfilling DIY projects such as soap making, sewing, and knitting.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7011
Sami Rashid

Sami joined NHG Timber in June 2024, bringing a background in supply chain, backed by a degree in Business & Finance. He works closely with Paul, Louiza, and Daphne. Sami is enthusiastic about learning the workings of the timber trade and values being part of a team committed to continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Sami enjoys travelling, with a keen interest in exploring the history and culture of the countries he visits. A passionate sports enthusiast and dedicated Arsenal FC fan, he also enjoys playing football regularly.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 7016
Gemma Gray /Accountant

Gemma joined NHG Timber in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience, having worked previously for one of the world’s most prestigious accountancy firms as well as a diverse range of SMEs. Gemma is a hugely positive influence in the office, whilst she says she enjoys the calm, friendly and professional nature of the Company.

In her spare time, Gemma loves being outdoors in the sun whether it is spending time with her young children, family and friends or cycling. She is a dedicated “foodie”, always trying new recipes and travelling to as many countries as time allows.

Izabela Kon

Izabela joined NHG Timber in November 2022. She works closely with Gemma supporting the Finance and Logistics department on a part time basis. She is responsible for ensuring that all finance administration is managed efficiently, accurately and effectively. She continues to learn about the Company and the Timber Trade.

Izabela is from Poland. She loves spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She likes baking cakes, gardening and long walks in the park. She also enjoys travelling and visiting new places.

/+44 (0) 20 8651 4030
Filipa Santos /Compliance Manager

With a law degree and a master's in Energy and Natural Resources Law, Filipa brings a robust legal and environmental knowledge base to her role as Compliance Manager. She ensures that the company adheres to all necessary regulations, including the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Filipa has extensive experience in sustainability matters and due diligence systems, playing a key role in maintaining ethical and compliant business practices.

Outside of work, Filipa engages in amateur kickboxing, attends live music gigs and festivals, and enjoys travelling, reading, and cooking. Originally from Portugal, she is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English and is currently learning French.

/+ 44 (0) 20 8651 7003