Why is it that so many in the timber trade comment that today’s trade does not have the goodwill or enjoyment it once had? Only a few years ago it seemed there was a common bond and unity which pervaded members of the trade.
We are left with a structure which belies the trust, integrity and understanding of each other’s positions; even common courtesy is rare. Experienced traders seem to view the future with fear and trepidation on a business which now lurches from one crisis to another and without the leadership or knowledge to combat adverse trading conditions.
The trade body, once regarded with reverence, was emasculated by a lack of proper funding which was a consequence of using a Victorian measure of turnover as their yardstick for contributions. How many large companies opted out of their care when confronted with membership that did not seem to represent value for money or fairness in assessment?
Their major contribution was a set of rules which now have the presence of a Dickens novel when they should have been adapted to modern trade conditions. Contracts don’t appear to carry any enforceable redress.
The timber trade has forgotten that dog-eat-dog behaviour and bloody-mindedness in disputes can only lead to a lowering of standards and an erosion of the whole trade.
The dominance of a few major players whose networks stretch nationwide could eventually lead to the installation of a code of practice to which all companies adhere.
Surely the adoption of 21st century rules can only enhance the image and behaviour of the trade and could perhaps improve the job satisfaction and morale of a trade that has lost its soul to the indiscriminate advance of supposed progress at any cost.
GF Davies
Weeluk (Baltic) Ltd
