The London Hardwood Club is expriencing something of a revival, with a packed recent meeting focusing on forest certfication and the launch of a first website in its long history.
A good audience gathered at the Honorable Artillery Company to hear Peter Latham, chairman of James Latham plc, speak about “PEFC – a solution or problem?”
Mr Latham, who is also chairman of PEFC UK Ltd, described benefits from healthy competition between independent forest certification schemes, resulting in their increased credibility and commercial viability.
But he also said a unified system of chain of custody was needed to eliminate costly duplication for timber traders.
Members heard that PEFC was well placed to help grow the supply of certified timber from tropical regions and hopes to be in a position to endorse evolving African schemes.
Several members expressed disappointment that government departments and agencies did not always follow timber procurement guidance provided by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber.
Meanwhile, the club’s new website, www.londonhardwoodclub.co.uk, has been set up to provide some background about the club, news about events and club contact details. Details about the next speaker event on November 5 will be posted soon.
