A Black Country entrepreneur has transformed a back-garden side project into a £1.2m business. Founded in 2017 during a weather-related day off from his roofing job, Grainger began by building and selling picnic tables online.
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Matt Grainger, founder of MG Timber.
Matt Grainger, initially funded his side hustle through income from roofing, profits were modest and reinvested into tools. A turning point came when he invested £16,000 in premium Swedish redwood, a risk that helped elevate the company, MG Timber's, quality and reputation. Today, the company supplies major names including Mercedes-Benz and Drayton Manor, with its products even featured in Mamma Mia 2.
Operating from a 400 sqm facility, MG Timber employs up to 11 people during peak seasons. Grainger addressed the seasonal nature of garden furniture by diversifying the product line, with workbenches becoming a year-round bestseller by 2022.
Sales have surged from £30,000 in 2017 to £1.2m in 2024. Plans for 2025 include reaching £1.5m in revenue, launching new products, expanding into France, and acquiring land to manage production end-to-end.
With over 1,400 positive reviews, Grainger says: 'Manufacturing is hard, but the growth potential makes it worthwhile.' MG Timber stands as a testament to resilience, smart risk-taking and entrepreneurial grit.
Source: www.furniturenews.net