Matt Grainger, a Black Country entrepreneur, transformed a rainy-day hobby into a thriving garden furniture business, MG Timber, now worth £1.2 million. Starting in 2017 by building picnic tables in his back garden during downtime from his roofing job, Grainger turned a small side hustle into a full-scale operation supplying prestigious clients such as Mercedes-Benz and Drayton Manor, with products even appearing in Mamma Mia 2.
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MG Timber now operates from a 400-square-metre facility and employs eleven staff at peak times. Grainger credits his success to a bold investment in premium Swedish redwood, which set his products apart from competitors. He also diversified his range to maintain year-round production, introducing workbenches and larger picnic tables.
The company's growth has been rapid: from £30,000 in sales in 2017, to £80,000 in 2018, £400,000 by 2020, and £1.2 million in 2024. MG Timber plans further expansion into international markets, starting with France in 2025, and aims for a £1.5 million turnover this year. Grainger envisions owning land to control production from raw timber to finished furniture, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of scaling a manufacturing business.
MG Timber's story demonstrates how creativity, strategic risk-taking, and diversification can turn a small project into a successful, high-profile enterprise.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
