James Laver (Managing Director) Originally trained as a construction engineer through South Bank Polytechnic London and then had a complete change in career path and trained as a bat maker under Julian Millichamp at M&H in Somerset 1992, UK before taking over from Julian as production manager / senior bat maker in 1994 - 1998.   
  
James moved to NZ in 1998 with a view to set up a bat making company and after establishing himself here in New Zealand as a bat maker set up the company Laver & Wood Ltd in 1998. He bought out a minority shareholder in 2004, and Laver & Wood is now 100% owned by James and his family. 

James became a New Zealand citizen and now lives in Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay with his wife Nicola and son's Jonty and William.

James has made many thousands of bats in his career and is well versed in the needs of the cricketer from club level to International. James always strives for perfection when making that bat for you.

Team Laver & Wood

Nicola and James own the Laver & Wood Cricket business which is run from the premises in Waipawa. Nicola also works for the business in a support role part time alongside her work as a Public Health Nurse in Central Hawkes Bay.

  
Pilar Kruger has returned after spending time training for and completing both the NZ & WA Ironman events and is running the office and accounts.

  
Simon Lusk is a Director of Laver & Wood and is responsible for oversight of sales and marketing. He has a long background in Sports Marketing and is a board member of the Hawkes Bay Cricket Association.