About us

Our mission is to be at the forefront of timber engineering through product development, codes and standards development, and engineering support.

TimberSolve work closely with a small number of forward looking clients in the development of new timber engineering related products and services. Further information on our activities can be seen in the Research, Engineering Support and Codes of Practice sections.

The company was formed in 1997 by Luke Whale and Julian Marcroft (both formerly of TRADA and Gang-Nail Systems Ltd) to undertake high quality development work in the field of timber engineering. TimberSolve now comprises five research and support engineers who together have over 70 years experience. Two timber engineers provide technical support to specific clients, whilst the remaining three staff (Luke Whale, Julian Marcroft and Alan Reffold) carry out projects related to either product development or codes of practice development.

Trading Formula

TimberSolve recognise that in the field of innovative product development the cost can often be prohibitively expensive and brings with it no guarantee of success. To encourage potential clients and to stimulate a desire to innovate, TimberSolve seek product development contracts on a reduced fee basis, but look to share in the success of our client's new products by way of bonus payments or royalties once they are in production. This sharing of the risks and returns involved in product development provides the immediate benefit to our clients of reduced development costs but also fosters close working relationships with our clients and guarantees we are highly motivated to make the product a market success.

In the field of general timber engineering research, whilst the above trading formula is often inappropriate TimberSolve still aim to undertake high quality research that represents good value for money to our clients.

Personnel

Julian Marcroft, BSc. (1st class honours), CEng., MICE. (Director)
	After several years in general Civil/Structural Engineering Consultancy, Julian has spent the last 14 years undertaking timber-related research and consultancy. After spells at both TRADA and Gang-Nail Systems Ltd., he jointly set up TimberSolve in 1997. His specialism is the development, optimisation and Certification of timber or wood-based products/processes for use in the Construction Industry. He is also currently UK technical coordinator responsible for overseeing the introduction of Eurocode 5 in the UK.
John Clifford
	John is probably our most experienced timber designer/detailing specialist. His career started with Rainham Timber Engineering in 1970 where he worked as a draughtsman for 14 years. After a brief spell running his own consultancy company, John joined the design office at Gang-Nail Systems in 1986, where he became manager of their design consultancy team. John joined TimberSolve in 2000 and presently is a dedicated engineering resource to Boise Cascade Europe Ltd, who are one of the largest suppliers of engineered wood products in the world.