NHG Timber Ltd

Guy has been trading in the international timber market for over 20 years and specialises in West African hardwoods. Having taken over as Managing Director in 2017, he now runs the business alongside his brother Ben, continuing the family legacy. Guy is known for his approachable style, calm leadership and strong, long-term relationships with clients, suppliers and staff alike.

Away from work, Guy is a keen sportsman. He plays golf, and continues to both play and coach cricket and hockey in his spare time.

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.

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.

One thing that you might not know about Ben is… he is a sports fanatic and passionate Charlton Athletic fan, at university he was sports editor for the campus radio station and used to present a sports show every Saturday afternoon.

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.

Karen has been a valued member of the NHG Timber team since June 2003, working alongside Ben Goodwin and supporting key supplier relationships across West Africa, as well as buyers throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. With over two decades of industry experience, she is an integral part of the team, maintaining the smooth flow of business between suppliers and customers, as well as being a trusted source of advice.

Outside of work, Karen is passionate about travel and enjoys both exploring new destinations and planning future adventures. She also loves long walks, Pilates, swimming, and attending rock music festivals. A keen foodie, she enjoys discovering new restaurants and spending quality time with family and friends.

Vanessa joined NHG Timber in 2015 as a Trader’s Assistant, supporting Sean and his trading activities across America and Europe. Working closely with suppliers and customers she thrives in the variety that each day brings. an important role in ensuring smooth operations and building strong working relationships. Career highlights have been visiting suppliers and seeing first-hand how timber is produced, gaining a deeper understanding of the process from source to customer. Her friendly nature, enthusiasm and dedication make her a valued member of the NHG Timber team.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. She loves catching up with friends, often over a well-earned glass of red wine after a busy day in the office. When she's not socialising, you can find her practising yoga, drawing, walking her dog, or eagerly waiting for the sunshine to make an appearance.

Karen joined NHG Timber in April 2023 and works closely with Ben Jenn, providing essential support. Since joining the company, she has embraced the opportunity to learn about the timber trade and enjoys being part of a collaborative and supportive team environment. Her friendly nature, positive attitude, willingness to learn and strong organisational skills make her a valued member of the team.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of sunny days with her husband and two daughters. She loves getting out for countryside walks, relaxing with a good book on her Kindle, and unwinding with a cosy evening in front of a great film.

Juliana joined NHG Timber in May 2026, as a Trader's Assistant for Guy. Organised, proactive, and detail-oriented, she helps ensure smooth communication and coordination with buyers and suppliers, contributing to the efficient flow of business operations and maintaining strong international partnerships.

Outside of work, Juliana brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. A self-confessed competitive console gamer and fitness enthusiast, she enjoys staying active and is always up for a challenge. She loves travelling and discovering new cultures, embracing every opportunity to experience different environments and ways of life. When she’s not working, exercising, or planning her next adventure, you might find her belting out a karaoke classic, enjoying a movie marathon, or spending time with animals.

Paul joined the Finance & Logistics team at NHG Timber in 2012 and plays a key role in ensuring the smooth flow of documentation throughout the business. Working closely with colleagues across the company, he helps make sure that all supplier paperwork is accurate and complete, while also ensuring that customer documentation is prepared to the highest standard. His attention to detail and commitment to efficiency help keep operations running seamlessly behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Paul is a keen cyclist and rides over seven miles to and from the office most days, weather permitting. Not only does it help him stay active, but he firmly believes it beats sitting in traffic! He also has a not-so-secret passion for all things Mickey Mouse and is a proud Disney enthusiast. His dedication, reliability and good sense of humour make him a valued member of the NHG Timber team.

Louiza joined NHG Timber in 2018 and is a valued member of the Finance & Logistics team. Working closely with Paul, Daphne and Sami, she supports the day-to-day administration of timber trading operations and continues to expand her knowledge of the industry. Her eagerness to learn, attention to detail and collaborative approach have made her an important part of the team.

Outside of work, Louiza enjoys a range of creative pursuits, including drawing and writing stories—although she is often the first to describe them as "terrible"! She also loves spending time with her three nephews and relaxing with her cat, a good book and some well-earned downtime. In her more adventurous moments, you might find her attending a Sci-Fi convention, where she enjoys meeting fellow fans and celebrating her passion for science fiction and fantasy.

Daphne joined NHG Timber in May 2023 and works closely with Paul, Louiza and Sami within the Finance & Logistics team. Since joining the company, she has embraced every opportunity to learn about the timber trade and is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. A dedicated and dependable team player, Daphne enjoys collaborating with colleagues and contributing to the smooth running of the business.

Having moved to the UK in 2021, Daphne takes great pride in her Hong Kong heritage and values the opportunity to build a new life while staying connected to her roots. She is passionate about making a positive contribution both within NHG Timber and as a representative of the Hongkonger community in the UK, bringing enthusiasm, determination and a strong work ethic to everything she does. Outside of work, Daphne enjoys a variety of creative and hands-on hobbies. She loves taking on DIY projects, including soap making, sewing and knitting, and finds satisfaction in creating things from scratch.

Sami joined NHG Timber in June 2024, bringing with him a background in supply chain management and a degree in Business & Finance. Working closely with Paul, Louiza and Daphne within the Finance & Logistics team, he is enjoying the opportunity to develop his knowledge of the timber trade and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. Sami values being part of a collaborative team and is committed to continuous learning and improvement, supporting colleagues to help ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of work, Sami has a passion for travel and enjoys exploring new destinations, particularly those with rich histories and unique cultures. He is also a keen sports enthusiast and a dedicated Arsenal FC supporter. When he's not following football, you'll often find him playing the game himself and enjoying an active lifestyle.

Gemma joined NHG Timber in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience to the business, having previously worked for one of the world's most prestigious accountancy firms, as well as a diverse range of SMEs. Her broad financial and commercial background allows her to contribute valuable insight and expertise across the company. Known for her positive attitude and approachable nature, Gemma is a hugely positive influence within the office and particularly appreciates NHG Timber’s calm, friendly and professional working environment.

Outside of work, Gemma loves making the most of the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining. Whether it’s spending quality time with her young children, family and friends, or getting out on her bike, she enjoys an active lifestyle and embracing new experiences. A dedicated foodie, Gemma is always keen to try new recipes and explore different cuisines, and she relishes any opportunity to travel and discover new countries.

Izabela joined NHG Timber in November 2022 and works closely with Gemma, providing part-time support to the Finance & Logistics department. She plays an important role in ensuring that finance administration is managed efficiently, accurately and effectively, helping to support the smooth day-to-day running of the business. Since joining the company, Izabela has continued to develop her knowledge of both NHG Timber and the timber trade, embracing new opportunities to learn and grow within her role.

Originally from Poland, Izabela enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two young daughters. Outside of work, she has a passion for baking, gardening and taking long walks in the park. She also loves travelling and exploring new places, whether discovering different cultures or simply enjoying new experiences with her family.

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.