Our Story

Our Story

Family Business

Two generations and counting...

Allan Binks and his wife Janet set up the company five decades ago, in an era where three-piece suits and manners to match were the norm.


And, while the world may have moved on, their son Richard continues to keep that commitment to old-fashioned courtesy and customer service alive.


Supported by a team boasting more than 100 years of collective knowledge and experience, we are proud of the quality, expertise, value and true one-to-one customer service the company continues to offer.

From major national projects to one-man joinery businesses and home DIY-ers, all of our customers know they can come to us with any project, question or query, and we’ll go out of our way to help them find the perfect solution.

Specialising in all manner of ethically-sourced Timber products, we also work with trusted suppliers worldwide to provide all the components you need for a top job.

“My dad worked for what was the Horsley Smith timber importer in Hull from the age of 15,” said Richard.

“He was there for 27 years, latterly as sales manager, before deciding to set up his own company at the age of 42. Having spent all his working life in the industry, he knew everything there was to know about timber.

“Originally made up of just a mobile office and shed, he started up Allan Binks Timber just 200 yards from where we are now, but we’ve grown beyond recognition in the four decades since.”

Richard and Karen are committed to keeping Alan’s gentlemanly approach alive, while keeping their eyes on the latest developments and innovations, and expanding our product portfolio.

“The sense of tradition my dad brought with him from his days at Horsley’s is now well-engrained, and so are the strong relationships he worked so hard to build,” continued Richard

“To him, and to those of us who remain, each customer is much more than just a till receipt. They have individual needs and, no matter how big their purchase or the job they are working on, each one is the most important in the world, to us.

“We’re one of a select few true timber merchants remaining in East Yorkshire, and our goal is to continuing offering a level of expertise, insight and customer care not available anywhere else.”
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About Us

One of a select few...
  • Quote generation
  • Sourcing materials and components
  • Supplier recommendations
  • Product advice
  • Project planning support
  • Problem-solving help
  • Guaranteed quality and value
  • Unrivalled knowledge
  • UK-wide delivery

Allan Binks Timber is one of the few remaining ‘pure’ timber merchants in East Yorkshire. Over many years, we have developed an unrivalled understanding of wood, what quality looks like and where to source it. We have longstanding relationships with Scandinavian producers and homegrown, Scottish sawmills, which enable us to source the best materials at a competitive price, meaning you can rest assured you are purchasing wood which is fit for purpose and will stand the test of time. Everything we sell is also derived from sustainable forests, and specially-grown tree crops.
Working with everyone from major contractors for schools, hospitals and car parks, to one-man joinery businesses and householders, we offer friendly, helpful advice to all regarding the best kind of timber to use for a particular job; the quantity needed and which associated ironmongery they need to go with it. There really is no limit to what we can do for you – if you can imagine it, we can help you sort it! And we have the ability to deliver right to your door, wherever you are in the UK.

As well as holding the essentials on stock, we can source almost any type of product you may need from our extensive range of trusted, tried-and-tested suppliers.

We specialise in British Woodworking Federation (BWF)-certified fire doors, both supplying new and converting existing doors to meet with increasingly stringent modern requirements, and can offer you expert advice on the best type of door or adaptation to meet your requirements.

Not only that, but we can also recommend quality tradesmen and women to help you complete a particular job.
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Our People

Richard Binks

With a dad so totally devoted to the intricacies of timber, Richard was always destined to work in the family business, and is now dedicated to maintaining Allan’s rich legacy and customer relationships. Although he’s now Managing Director of the company, he works alongside the team in helping to meet our customers’ needs and you’re as likely to come across him as anyone else when you pop into the office or call up.

“There are lots of builders merchants around these days but not so many firms specialising in timber alone.

“I’m proud of that specialism and the help we’re able to offer with our dedicated team of expert employees,” said Richard.
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Karen Binks

Having worked as a Land Registry Administrator for many years, Richard’s wife Karen joined the business in 2017. As well as being Richard’s right-hand woman, Karen is responsible for book keeping and managing our accounts, and is also enjoying bringing fresh ideas for new products and services we can introduce to continually better serve our customers.

“I suppose my job is to keep us ship-shape from a financial point of view, which is something Janet did for many years.

“Hers are big shoes to fill but I feel very privileged to be working alongside Richard to help her and Allan’s legacy live on,” said Karen.
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Tom Reet
Director of Sales

Tom manages our front office and is the face any clients dropping in to see us will be greeted by more often than not. He has worked for Binks Timber since January 2020 and gets a great sense of achievement helping customers out with their project requirements.


"I feel privileged to work side by side with Richard, my mum and my wife Lisa and look forward to the future as one family."

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Rob Lowery, Yard Manager

Rob, who has been with us for over 20 years, makes sure our busy yard runs like clockwork, from overseeing stock drop-offs to planning our customer deliveries and making sure you can find what you’re looking for when you pop in to view samples, and make purchases.
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Mike Simpson
Assistant Yard Manager

Also with us for 20 years, Mike is Rob’s right-hand man.
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