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OUR UNIQUE QUALITIES
FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS SINCE 1981
Delivering trusted timber and engineered wood solutions with personal service and expertise across multiple regions.
SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS
Actively contributing to community development by sponsoring local football, cricket, hockey, and basketball clubs.
SPECIALISTS IN BESPOKE TIMBER SOLUTIONS
Providing custom timber products and engineered wood solutions tailored for residential and commercial construction projects.
OUR HISTORY
Read Brothers is a long-established timber merchant based in Norwich, Norfolk. For over four decades, we have built a strong reputation for reliable service, high-quality products, and family values that continue to shape our approach today.
Early Recognition (1982)
Soon after launching, we entered the Enterprise 82 start-up competition, featured on a nationwide BBC television programme. Chosen from more than 5,000 businesses, we were one of five winners to receive a £5,000 grant — a success driven by strong family commitment and determination.
Ownership Changes And Refocus (1988–1992)
In 1988, Read Brothers was sold to Malden Timber as the business continued to expand. Following the collapse of the Malden group, the brothers were able to buy the company back in 1992. This marked a return to our roots as a traditional timber merchant, alongside specialist trussed rafter roof design, supported by Director Peter Pawley.
A Period Of Change (2016)
In 2016, we sadly lost Steve Read after a brave battle with cancer. Following 35 years of leadership, his brother Brian stepped into the role of Managing Director, supported by Jon Read and Matthew Read.
The Next Generation (2025)
In 2025, Matthew Read was appointed Managing Director. Brian Read continues to play an active role as Chairman, supporting the leadership team and remaining closely involved with the business.
Our Team Today
While we remain a family-run business, our success is shared with a dedicated team across every department. Multiple generations of the Read family now work alongside skilled, long-serving employees — including fathers and sons working together within our manufacturing team.
From Humble Beginnings (1981)
Our story began in 1981. After spending 25 years working for a national timber merchant, Ray Read had plans to create his own business. Following his sudden passing in 1980, his wife, Betty, and sons, Steve, Brian, Jon, and Glenn, carried that vision forward, starting Read Brothers from our current site on the Sweet Briar Road Industrial Estate.
Expanding Our Services (1984–2004)
As the business grew, we continued to develop our capabilities:
1984 – Roof truss design and manufacture were introduced
2004 – Metal web floor joist design and manufacture added
These additions allowed us to support a wider range of construction projects with in-house expertise.
New Leadership And Facilities (2006–2011)
2006 – Matthew Read, son of Steve Read, was appointed Director
2010 – Timber frame services introduced
2011 – We celebrated 30 years of trading and opened a new factory
These milestones reflected both growth and long-term investment in the business.
Celebrating Experience (2021)
In 2021, we marked 40 years of Read Brothers, a proud achievement built on family leadership, loyal employees, and long-standing customer relationships.
Joining Matthew, Brian, and Jon on the Board of Directors are:
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Claire Kinzel-Read
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John Craske
Together, they bring experience, organisation, and leadership to guide Read Brothers into its next chapter.
As Chairman Brian Read says:
“This is very much a local, family business, but it’s not just the family. Our loyal and skilled team is central to everything we do.”
EST 1981
A TEAM DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS
A FAMILY LEGACY IN TIMBER EXCELLENCE
Read Brothers was founded in 1981 by Steve Read, his brothers Brian, Jon, Glenn, and their mother Betty, following their father's footsteps in the timber industry. Steve Read, a born and bred Norwich local, led the business as Managing Director until his passing in 2016, leaving a legacy of dedication, warmth, and industry expertise. The company serves all of East Anglia and beyond, delivering high-quality timber, joinery wood and engineered wood solutions to builders, contractors, and homeowners. Over the decades, Read Brothers has combined traditional values with modern practices, ensuring durable, tailored solutions for every project while remaining committed to personal service and community engagement. We have maintained a strong family presence, with the next generation joining the team, including Matthew Read, Claire Kinzel-Read, and other family members, ensuring that the values of commitment and quality continue across all projects.
OUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND QUALITY
Read Brothers is proud of our local sponsorships, supporting teams such as Horsford Cricket Club, Broadland Hockey Club, Norwich United Football Club, Norwich Rugby Club, and others. These partnerships demonstrate our dedication to community growth, teamwork, and promoting talent locally.
Sports Teams:
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Horsford Cricket Club
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Broadland Hockey Club
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Norwich United Football Club
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Norwich Rugby Club
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Halesworth Football Club
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Reepham Town Football Club
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Norton Athletics Football Club
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Stalham Youth Football Club
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Frettenham Cricket Club
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Kirkley and Pakefield Football Club
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BBIC The Hawkes Women's Basketball
Fantastic service and prices, got a lot of my wood from them to build my pergola. Should have got it all from them, as the wood I've had from Read, has been great. Thank you Stuart, and team.
It was my first time using read brothers timber and I couldn't be happier with the service. John the sales associate was very helpful with the changes to my order and the communication was fantastic. A special mention to steve the delivery driver he was very helpful and a pleasure to chat to. I would highly recommend them and would use them again in the future.
I was recommended Read Brothers by a friend and also by our architect. To be honest from start to finish the service has been nothing but 1st class amazing, always available to answer questions, prompt and timely responses, whilst also happy to work around the client (me) and not themselves. (I twice had to amend the delivery schedule from my end and this was never taken with any negativity and was efficiently amended to a suitable time and date) Where technical parts were above my knowledge grade, they were more than happy to liaise with the architect and then feedback directly on the solutions, so for a novice this helps massively with trust and confidence. Friendly, approachable and do exactly what they say on the tin 10/10 in my book.
MEMORABLE PROJECTS: THE CRICKETERS AND STEVE READ WAY
One development close to our team’s heart is a Cripps Development site called The Cricketers in Horsford, a site featuring 84 homes blending traditional design with modern touches. Read Brothers supplied timber and trusses throughout the project. A key feature is Steve Read Way, a road named in honour of our founder and former MD, reflecting his lifelong contribution to Norfolk cricket and the community. This memorial is a lasting tribute to Steve Read’s dedication.
