Sheffield United: 1,300 jobs at risk as Blades' sponsor Arnold Laver set to fall into administration
The owner of Sheffield timber firm Arnold Laver has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.
National Timber Group England Ltd, based on Bramall Lane, yesterday filed documents at the High Court.
The move gives the Sheffield-based supplier temporary protection from creditor action while it weighs up restructuring and rescue options.
Its last full accounts, made up to December 31, 2023, show a turnover of £196m and a pre-tax loss of £6.3m.
The group employs 1,300 at 60 locations and includes Arnold Laver, National Timber Systems, SV Timber and NORclad.
Arnold Laver, founded in Sheffield in 1920, has 15 branches including in Mosborough. A depot on Little London Road closed in 2022.
It was bought by British private equity firm Cairngorm Capital in 2018 to create The National Timber Group.
Arnold Laver’s association with Sheffield United stretches back to the 1980s.
It was the club's primary sponsor from 1985 until 1995, with the instantly recognisable 'Laver' branding on the Blades’ kits for a decade, as well as their sponsorship of the South Stand.
The deal was renewed in 2023, with Arnold Laver branding returning to the South Stand.
Arnold Laver himself was a director of the Blades for over 30 years, succeeded by his son Alan.