British Hardwoods Blog

British Hardwoods is fortunate enough to be located near one of the country's most idyllic and popular areas for cycling. It's no wonder that since the visit from the Tour de France teams in 2014, it became an official event in the UCI Europe Tour, known as the Tour de Yorkshire.

At British Hardwoods, we are proud to have a quarter of our staff cycling to work, making their journey carbon neutral and increasing their fitness levels in the process. We've even had our own member of staff, Nigel, taking on a recent cycling event for charity that covers areas of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Sustainability has always been a key driving force of British Hardwoods' ethical approach to manufacturing and also promote this value within the working environment, which is why the company is happy to sponsor employees who wish to take part in the government Cycle to Work initiative.

British Hardwoods Cycle Team

British Hardwoods Cycle Team

Read on for more information about British Hardwoods' Environmental Policy.

On the Duke of Devonshire's Bolton Abbey estate sits the Tithe Barn, a 500 year old Grade II listed building waiting to be restored into something quite magical. Permission for change of use and refurbishment was granted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The barn is now used as a high quality wedding venue, with a capacity to take up to 200 guests. The barn's Trustees' felt using the building in this way will not only conserve and highlight its' national importance, but it will have several community benefits, as members of the public will have access and be able to appreciate the internal structure of the barn, along with the creation of full-time jobs.

British Hardwoods were exclusively chosen as the supplier towards the restoration of the barn's 16th century oak timber frame. The main bulk of the products supplied were our Hand Planed Air Dried Oak Beams. As you will see from the photos, the beams were hand-worked to ensure it adhered to the character and organic look of the original beams.

If you are interested in viewing the venue, get in touch with The Tithe Barn - Bolton Abbey Ltd.

Restoration of traditional oak beams

Restoration of traditional oak beams

The bar top was made from our Air Dried Oak Beam

Tony Fillingham (British Hardwoods MD, left) and Rob McKay

Restoration of traditional oak beams

Restoration of traditional oak beams

Restoration of traditional oak beams

Air dried oak beams used at the front entrance of Tithe Barn

Restoration of traditional oak beams

Air dried oak beams used at the front entrance of Tithe Barn

Restoration of traditional oak beams and creation of bar top

Supply of Solid Oak Mopstick Handrail

The Bronte Sportive Cycling challenge may not be one of the longest sportives, however, mile for mile, it is recognised as one of the toughest in the UK. With such a demanding challenge, we were proud to have supported one of our members of staff, Nigel, on his quest to attack one of the four routes of the sportive, known as 'The Monster', covering 90 miles spanning Bronte Country, the South Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales.

We were thrilled to see Nigel still in form and in one piece the following day of the race. He explained to us, that part way through the race, someone had removed relevant signposts for participants following 'The Monster' route and consequently there were a group of cyclists who ended up lost in the Dales. Nigel managed to find his way back completing 65 miles, and if you're cycling around in circles in the Dales, that's certainly no mean feat! Well done to Nigel and who knows, he might try it again next year (and do it properly).

The Bronte Sportive is in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, situated in West Yorkshire, who provide care and and support to people with life-limiting conditions, which can involve complex physical or psychological problem.

Nigel cycling throughout the Yorkshire Dales