Tilhill Forestry strengthens its teams with fresh appointments

Tilhill Forestry is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Neil Bond and Chris Grice.

Neil Bond has been appointed Fibre Supply Operations Manager based at UPM Shotton and Chris Grice has joined the North and Central England Team as a Senior Forest Manager. Both are highly-experienced in their fields and their appointments are a further indication of Tilhill’s ongoing development and strengthening of their capabilities in both regions.

Neil Bond graduated from Plymouth University, formerly Seale Hayne College, with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. Following a period working for the MAFF, now Defra, and British Sugar Plc, he transferred into the biomass sector and has since worked with every form of biomass fuel – from straw to chicken litter. In addition, Neil’s career has also seen him gain experience with a wide variety of wood products, including, wood chip, wood pellets and recycled wood. In recent years, he has specialised in the development and financing of biomass projects in the UK, Ireland and the US.

Remarking on his appointment, Neil said: “Much of my work has been around engaging with both fuel suppliers and service providers – supplier relationship management. I look forward to bringing this experience to Tilhill Forestry as we strive to create stronger and more profitable bonds with end users.”

Hailing from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Chris Grice followed military service with a move to Inverness and a place at the Scottish School of Forestry. Before joining his course, he was employed by Forest Enterprise as a pre-course student for two years, experience which he says has been invaluable because it gave him a thorough grounding in all aspects of forestry management and harvesting.

Chris began his professional career-life working as a beat forester in West Argyll with responsibility for forest management, conservation and recreation. As his role developed, he also took the lead in several hydro-electric and renewable energy projects. He then returned to Yorkshire and the North-East of England and took a position as a Woodland Officer.

Commenting on the challenges ahead, Chris said: “I am very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that working in the private sector present and to helping landowners maximise the potential of their natural capital assets. This is an exciting time and Tilhill’s experienced forestry team is second to none when it comes to seeing woodland projects through from conception to completion.”