A Bradford timber business rescued when the rest of the group collapsed two months ago has made a positive start and is expanding and diversifying its operations.

Charles Taylor, boss of Taylor’s Timber Centre in Thornton Road, said that business was buoyant and growing. He also has plans to create the region’s first “drive through” timber centre.

He said “We have made a positive start. We are investing to further improve stock lines and services. We have a great team and a good business.”

Mr Taylor bought the Bradford branch of the former Denholme -based CR Taylor Timber, of which he was executive chairman, from the administrators when recession in the UK construction sector forced the long established company into liquidation earlier this summer.

Although 25 jobs were lost at Denholme, the rescue of the Bradford operation saved five other roles.

Taylor’s Timber Centre opened its doors in July and continues to serve a wide customer base, mainly local builders and joiners, along with the DIY sector. The company is now expanding and diversifying on its previous role as a traditional timber, sheet and insulation materials business by extending existing and adding new product ranges, among them hardwood floors, stair parts and doors.

The business has invested in a new deep-cut saw for cutting large-section timber and is reorganising the timber yard, trade centre and standalone on-site sheet materials and cutting shed to stock more products and further reduce customer ordering and pick-up times.

Taylor’s Timber Centre has also increased its workforce by one after recruiting Billy Beaumont as sales executive. As well as its established Bradford customer base, the firm is attracting business from the Aire and Wharfe Valleys and from Leeds and Calderdale.

The Thornton Road branch was established by CR Taylor 20 years ago and Mr Taylor said he relished returning as owner to head up a business where he first learned the timber trade as a youngster.

He said: “We are off to a good start and are fully committed to investing in and developing the business. Importantly, because we have relatively low overheads, we can pass on savings to our customers.

“In fact, we are pitching certain everyday products at the lowest prices in Bradford and are actively seeking to beat any like-for-like price in the region.”

CR Taylor’s former Denholme headquarters, which opened in 1960, are on the market and purchasers are sought. Outline planning permission has already been granted to build 73 homes on the site.