A FAMILY-RUN timber merchant has won two awards at one of the industry's leading awards events.

Covers Timber and Builders Merchants won the prestigious title of Timber Merchant of the Year, as well as the Smart Manufacturing Award, at this year's Timber Trades Journal Awards.

The event recognises service excellence and and product quality across the sector.

Neil Woods, timber director of Covers, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to bring home two awards especially when we were up against such very strong competition.

"It’s testament to our amazing staff and all the hard work they do ensuring our products are of the finest quality and that our service is always delivered with a smile.

"I would like to thank them for their outstanding achievement and all our customers and suppliers who voted for us to win."

Covers has been in operation for over 175 and has 14 depots across the south of England, including Burgess Hill, Horsham, Chichester and Brighton.

This year's awards marked the 25th anniversary of the event, with a range awards voted by the public and chosen by judges, recognising companies in the key areas of wood-based panels, softwood, hardwood, joinery, structural timber systems and garden products.

Voting was open to customers who buy timber products across the supply chain, including DIY retailers, builders, furniture producers, joinery firms and other wood product manufacturers.

Published for nearly 140 years, Timber Trades Journal is regarded as the most widely and highly respected title in the market, with a reputation as a forum for the timber sector.

Its coverage ranges from forestry and primary production, to sawmilling, shipping and distribution.

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