The Challenge

The team weren’t short of work, the issue was keeping up with it.

As production ramped up, a number of practical challenges started to slow things down. Materials coming in and out of the workshop were difficult to handle efficiently, with a gravel loading area and manual processes adding time to every delivery. Inside the workshop, space was tight, and some equipment was taking up room that could have been better used elsewhere.

The biggest frustration, though, was in the finishing process. Drying times between coats were creating regular delays, sometimes holding up production by hours at a time. For larger orders, this quickly became the main bottleneck.

It was clear the business had outgrown its current setup, but knowing what to change, and in what order, wasn’t straightforward.

The Support

Forest to Home turned to BIC Innovation for fully funded support through the Wiltshire Fit for Growth programme. The aim was to take a step back and look at how the whole operation worked in practice.

This started with time on site, understanding the day-to-day flow of the workshop – where delays were happening, how space was being used, and what was getting in the way of smoother production. From there, the conversation shifted to what would make the biggest difference.

Rather than small fixes, the outcome was a joined-up investment plan designed to tackle the root of the issues.

This included practical changes like improving the loading area to make materials easier and quicker to handle, and introducing equipment to reduce manual lifting. Inside the workshop, plans were developed to reorganise the space, including adding a mezzanine level to free up room for machinery and future expansion.

A major focus was the spray room. Redesigning this space, including the introduction of infrared heating and a track system, will allow for a much more continuous flow of work, significantly reducing drying times and removing one of the biggest production hold-ups.

Alongside this, support was provided to shape and submit a grant application, helping the business secure funding to bring these plans to life.

The Results

Some changes are already making a difference.

New woodworking equipment, including a semi-automated sanding machine, is helping speed up production and improve consistency. Adjustments to the workshop layout are also starting to ease pressure on workflow, making day-to-day operations smoother.

The bigger changes are still being rolled out, but the direction is clear. Once complete, the new spray room and improved layout will allow work to move through the workshop much more efficiently, reducing delays and increasing overall capacity.

What’s changed most is how the business is set up for the future. Instead of working around limitations, the team now has a plan and the investment to create a workshop that supports how they want to work.

With demand continuing to grow, Forest to Home is now in a much stronger position to take on more work, reduce lead times and continue building the business without the same operational constraints.

Looking Ahead

With the investment programme underway, Forest to Home is moving towards a more efficient, better organised and more scalable workshop.

The improvements aren’t just about speeding things up now, they’re about creating the space, systems and capacity to grow over the long term, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship the business is known for.

Funding Acknowledgement

Forest to Home received grant support through the Wiltshire Fit for Growth programme, funded by Wiltshire Council.