Lawsons Group, one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent construction materials merchants, is a market-leading force in the timber, building materials, fencing and landscaping sectors, underpinned by sustained growth, deep heritage and an expanding network of specialist brands and locations.
Founded in 1921 and still family-owned, Lawsons Group has grown from its roots as a local timber merchant into the largest independent timber, building materials, fencing and landscaping supplies merchant serving both trade and DIY customers in London and the Southeast, with operations extending from Lincolnshire to the South Coast. The Group now employs over 700 colleagues and reports a turnover in excess of £175 million, demonstrating both the scale and financial strength of the business.
A Group of Complementary Trading Brands and Services
Lawsons Group comprises a portfolio of well-established trading brands that deliver specialist products and services to trade professionals, contractors and DIY customers across the UK:
Lawsons — with 18 branches offering an extensive range of building materials, timber, fencing and landscaping supplies; known for excellent service and local expertise.
AVS Fencing, Timber & Landscaping Supplies — 12 branches focused on quality fencing, landscaping and outdoor living solutions.
Briants of Risborough (Buckinghamshire), Oxford Fencing Supplies (Oxfordshire), Southill Sawmills (Bedfordshire), The Landscape Centre (Essex), and Witham Timber (Lincolnshire) — standalone businesses each renowned for local market knowledge, product quality, customer focus and contribution to the Group’s broad geographic reach.
History
Lawson and Son Timber Merchant was established in 1921 in North London, becoming Lawsons Whetstone Ltd in 1931.
In the early 1950s John Lawson, son and grandson of the founders, returned from national service to develop the fencing contracting business with many of the older employees. Timber was on licence and markets restricted. Lawsons moved on into shed and fencing panel manufacture and continually improved the range of products. We were the first to sell fencing materials cut to length and ready treated. The product range was expanded to include timber and sheet materials which transformed the business from a fencing contractor/merchant to a fully-fledged timber merchant. Over the years building materials were added to the product range, making Lawsons a "one stop" timber and builders' merchant.
In the 1990s John's son Simon joined the family business and moved the business further on, specifically focusing on the loft conversion market and also by modernising the branches.
We pride ourselves on being a professional, knowledgeable, responsive and friendly independent one stop timber, building and fencing merchant, operating throughout London and the South East.
