About us

At Archwood Group, sustainability continues to be central to how we operate as a business. As a North Wales-based timber manufacturer with over 150 years of heritage behind our Richard Burbidge and Atkinson & Kirby brands, we recognise the responsibility we have to reduce our environmental impact while supporting a more sustainable future for our industry. We are proud to announce that we have achieved Planet Mark certification for the fifth consecutive year, following independent verification of our carbon footprint and continued year-on-year improvement. This milestone reflects the significant progress we have made since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in 2021, during which time we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 73% against our baseline year. This forms part of our long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Driving real progress across our operations Our continued reduction in emissions has been achieved through sustained investment and action across energy generation, electrification, responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Key achievements include: A 73% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus our baseline year since joining the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2021. Installation of 2,600 solar panels at our North Wales facility, now generating 40–50% of our electricity needs and saving over 2,260 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to planting 1,250 trees and exporting more than 800,000 kWh of renewable energy to the national grid. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensuring all remaining electricity is sourced from 100% verified renewable UK energy. 98% of all timber sourced is FSC or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management and sustainable supply chains. 90% of forklifts now operating as zero-emission vehicles, with plans in place to fully decarbonise our HGV fleet by 2030. 100% of wood waste recycled into animal bedding, cat litter, panel boards and site heating, alongside a 40% reduction in total waste over the past three years. Ongoing investment in our local communities, including school engagement, work placements, mock interviews and charitable fundraising initiatives. Looking ahead While we are proud of the progress made to date, our long-term sustainability strategy remains ambitious and focused: 2028: Self-generate 100% of our renewable energy needs 2029: Fully decarbonise our HGV fleet 2030: Achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions 2050: Reach Net Zero We continue to work closely with suppliers, partners and our wider value chain to support meaningful emissions reductions beyond our own operations. At Archwood Group, we remain committed to leading by example within our industry - continuing to invest, innovate and act responsibly to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

In modern hotel design, Atkinson & Kirby wood flooring helps shape first impressions, blending aesthetics, durability and comfort to enhance experience… In hotel design, surfaces are storytellers. They are the elements guests see, touch and experience first-hand, shaping perception long before a room key is collected. Among these surfaces, flooring plays a uniquely influential role. It establishes the tone of a space, supports acoustics and quietly communicates quality and comfort. For hotels striving to balance distinctive aesthetic impact with durable commercial performance, wood flooring continues to be a leading choice, valued for both its longevity and enduring natural beauty. Wood possesses an innate ability to humanise interiors. Its natural grain, texture and tonal variation introduce a sense of authenticity that many hard surfaces struggle to replicate. In hospitality environments, where creating a feeling of warmth, welcome and wellbeing is essential, this natural connection becomes particularly valuable. As hotels evolve to work harder than ever — serving simultaneously as destinations, workspaces and retreats — the surfaces beneath our feet must deliver more than visual appeal. It is this growing demand for performance and versatility that has positioned engineered hardwood flooring as a vital specification in contemporary hotel design. By combining a genuine wood surface with a multi-layered engineered construction, engineered hardwood offers enhanced structural stability and durability. This makes it especially suited to high-footfall hotel environments, delivering the timeless beauty of solid wood while meeting the practical requirements of modern hospitality spaces. Atkinson & Kirby have long championed this balance between craftsmanship and performance, supplying commercial-grade engineered hardwood flooring solutions through their hospitality-focused collections. Their approach recognises that hotel flooring must be both expressive and resilient, capable of withstanding daily operational demands while maintaining its visual integrity over time. A standout example is Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, a design that aligns closely with current interior trends. Its rich smoked finish enhances the natural grain of the oak throughout the board, allowing the colour to remain consistent even after replenishment. The result is a floor that introduces heritage and sophistication without feeling heavy or outdated. Particularly suited to boutique hotels, lounges and destination restaurants, it functions as a statement surface, anchoring a space while elevating the overall design narrative. Beyond aesthetics and durability, timber flooring also supports the functional needs of hospitality environments. Compared to stone or tile, timber provides a warmer, more tactile underfoot experience, enhancing guest comfort. It also contributes to acoustic performance by softening sound in busy public areas. When paired with advanced protective finishes, engineered hardwood flooring can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to wear — key considerations for both specifiers and hotel operators. Ultimately, surfaces within hotels play a defining role in shaping atmosphere and guest experience. Flooring, though often understated, forms the foundation of how a space looks, feels and performs. By selecting engineered hardwood flooring solutions such as Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, designers can create interiors that deliver long-term durability while supporting distinctive and memorable design identities. Image Credit: Richard Kiely Product featured: Rogen Oak at Nine Elms