TWO Bridgwater friends have joined forces to start up their own timber supplies business.

Paul Davis, 39, and Richard Jennings, 40, were delighted on Monday after three years of planning became a reality with the official opening of Forest Timber Supplies Ltd on Monday (February 11).

The duo will be selling to all markets from builders working on large projects to individuals just planning on doing a little bit of DIY.

Forest Timber Supplies Ltd will sell timber, decking, sheet materials, fencing, sheds and log cabins among other things.

They are employing local people and had more than 60 applicants they had to whittle down to fill the six roles at the new base on Phoenix Road.

Paul has many years of experience in fencing and landscaping and Richard has been in the building materials industry for more than 20 years.

“We worked together on a few projects and became friends, and eventually decided around three years ago to have a go at starting our own business,” Mr Davis said.

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“It has been a long process, it took a lot of work to get the base ready and although the government talks about supporting small businesses we did not find much help out there and have invested our own money but it is exciting to see it all come together for the launch today.”

The pair are looking at having discount days for OAPs in the near future.

“The important thing is getting people here,” Mr Davis said. “We know we can offer great customer service and will be very competitive price wise.”

Forest Timber is based at Unit 5B, Phoenix Way, Bridgwater and will be open daily.

For more information visit foresttimbersuppliesltd.co.uk.