MOVERS & SHAKERS FRASER HALL
Sawdust in the bloodstream!
Fencing News recently caught up with M&M Timber MD Fraser Hall
Where are you from and what were your early ambitions?
I was born and still live in Bewdley, a small river town (famous for flooding) about 15 minutes’ drive from the Clows Top Sawmill in rural Worcestershire. Having picked up the golfing bug during school, I’d always wanted to take the sport up as a profession after spending my teenage years working at the local golf club.
When did you join M&M Timber and in what role?
“Once the sawdust gets into your bloodstream, there’s no getting rid of it.” That’s what I was told when I joined M&M Timber back in 2010, aged 18, covering a temporary maternity role in the sales office. Just 12 weeks later, I was offered a permanent position and I’ve never looked back.
What began as a stopgap quickly became a career. I was hooked, not just by the industry, but by the people, the pace and the purpose. My early roles were very customer-focused, moving from internal sales into external sales and business development positions.
In 2018, I was given the opportunity to lead the company as Managing Director, a dream come true. Since then, we’ve been on a journey of significant growth, something that wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated team, loyal customers and the guidance of some exceptional mentors.
Fifteen years on, that sawdust is well and truly in the bloodstream and I’m still just as passionate about this industry as I was on day one.
With over 40 years of experience, M&M Timber is a trusted name in the manufacture of high-quality timber products for the agricultural, landscaping and commercial play sectors. Since becoming part of the Forest Garden Group in 2014, we’ve grown to become the UK’s largest manufacturer and distributor of machine-rounded timber.
Thanks to significant investment in our 20+ acre site, we’ve evolved well beyond our roots as a traditional sawmill. Today, we’re recognised as a reliable, full-service supplier, a genuine one-stop shop solution for agricultural merchants nationwide.
From manufacturing to distribution, we support store and yard operations of all sizes with dependable service and core industry-leading timber products.
What is your greatest achievement and what has been your biggest challenge?
Timber treatment has come a long way since the initial transition to modern water-based preservatives. Since kiln drying and incising were introduced back in 2013, we’ve seen a major drop in premature failures from fungal rot and decay, proof that modern processes and preservatives do work, when applied properly. This should be celebrated as a significant achievement.
But I believe there is still work to do in challenging the outdated view that safer, modern preservatives aren’t as effective. Real-world data captured over the past decade, show that you can achieve serviceable life when all of the key criteria is met.
As proud members of the Wood Protection Association and long-standing Benchmark-approved treaters, we’ve always put quality at the forefront of the key decisions we make in the business. That drive for the highest possible performing products is behind our latest launch: FortiPost.
Designed specifically for agricultural contractors and farmers, FortiPost is a safer, high-performance timber product with a genuine 40-year warranty — simple, credible and unmatched in our industry.
We’ve worked hard on this and we’re proud to launch a product that raises the standard once again.
What are the key issues facing the industry in your view?
Enticing and developing the next generation, to embark on their own journeys in the fencing and landscaping industries, who will one day become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Family, home life, interests?
I am an active Dad to two young boys, Rohnan who is 5 and Rafferty who turns 2 shortly. They keep me fully on my toes. I’ve found, alongside my previous love of cycling, a passion for running since a fundraising event last year. No matter where I travel, the running kit is packed. I’ve found it a great way of exploring new places, keeping on top of the calories and clearing the mind.
Where would you most like to visit in the world?
New Zealand
What was the last book you read or are currently reading?
Unruly by David Mitchell
What is your favourite film of all time?
The Dark Knight
What is your favourite band / singer / type of music?
I enjoy most genres of music
Which do you prefer most… wine, whisky or real ale?
Season Dependent
Which sports if any do you follow most closely?
Football, cycling, rugby and golf are my favourites.
