I was born into the timber industry. My grandfather founded G.C. Stockwell (Hardwoods) Ltd in 1935, and my dad grew it into a well-known name supplying wide edged beech to mainly the furniture industry and then diversifying every way he could.The Stokenchurch yard became central to the company’s growth, strengthening its position as a leading beech supplier and expanding into storage, kilning, and distribution. By the 1970s, we had become a trade kilner, installing our first commercial kilns. At our peak, we had 13 kilns and a dehumidifier.. For me though, it wasn’t a grand plan I joined in 1991 after being made redundant from Digital, a huge computer company, when Dad said, “I’ve got just the job for you.” That moment changed everything.

These days, as Financial Director of Stockwell Forest Products Ltd, no two weeks are ever the same. I look after the finances, support the day-to-day running of the business, and work alongside my brother at the helm, who has who has guided and supported me throughout, bringing his own energy and perspective to the business.

Some of my most defining moments came earlier in my career, helping bring the original family business into the computer age (kicking and screaming!), and later being part of the difficult decision to close down our entire operation in 2001. At the same time, we were starting again with a new softwood business, which showed just how important it is to adapt and keep moving forward.

I’ve been incredibly lucky with the people around me. My dad taught me resilience, and the company secretary I replaced, made sure I understood that every single penny matters. Those lessons have never left me.
Outside of work, I’m a mum to three and now a very proud Nonna, as well as running a Tropic Skincare business. It’s a completely different world, female-led, modern and fast-moving compared to the traditionally male, slower-to-change timber industry. But what connects them is important to me: both are built on ethical sourcing and doing things properly.

My advice? Go for it. This isn’t just a mans’ world and there’s real opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact.
I’d love to see more women joining the industry, and for it to keep evolving in a more modern, sustainable way.