In recent years the UK timber industry has seen possibly its most challenging period. Not only the worst recession in eight decades, but the challenges brought about from customers’ financial difficulties, rising product prices, uncertainty regarding demand and a lack of consumer confidence.
There have been two important consequences of this which have fundamentally changed the shape of the industry. Firstly, we have seen significant consolidation with companies tightening their belts. Secondly, and unfortunately, we have seen a number of good businesses, in many cases through no fault of their own, going to the wall.
Having worked in the UK timber industry, in fact for the same company, for over 30 years, I have witnessed many significant changes, most, but not all, for the better and I continue to find its depth and diversity fascinating as well as the future extremely exciting. But I have to say, I also occasionally get a little frustrated by its apparent fragmentation.
While the shoots of recovery are beginning to emerge, I believe it is critical that the industry pulls together and recognises the importance of delivering an excellent service to customers ensuring we offer true added value throughout the supply chain rather than adopt a short sighted strategy of looking to sell lower value products for lower margins.
Selling on price is a short-term strategy that in the long run will do the industry’s reputation no favours and indeed may well not only damage the reputation of certain individual businesses but of the industry as a whole.
To offer true added value we need to be working in partnership with our customers and suppliers, forging long-term relationships which allow us to share knowledge, developing true insight and understanding of their businesses and the entire supply chain.
In order to achieve this, everyone needs to continually invest in developing their staff, training them across their whole range of products and services.
Another issue which impacts on the credibility of our entire industry is certified products. Despite being driven by government legislation, it is probably the most significant and positive development of the past 10 years. And as more and more businesses, be it high street chains or commercial property developers, specify certified products, I believe that everyone has a responsibility to support the various industry bodies that are working hard to help ensure the long-term development of this great industry and protect its reputation for many years to come.
