Lack of support from two major companies has caused the timber industry’s Promotional Premium Scheme to be put on hold.

Plans to launch the scheme have been postponed while ProWood rethinks how more funds can be generated from the UK trade for generic promotion.

Timber Trade Federation president John Tong described the postponement as a disappointment for all those who have been working hard to introduce and sell the scheme to the industry.

He added: “At a time when our industry faces an increasing number and variety of threats from competing materials, we need to rethink how we can generate more funds from the UK for generic promotion. A period of reflection is now required.”

&#8220At a time when our industry faces increasing threats from competing materials, we need to rethink how we can generate more funds for generic promotion”

TTF president John Tong

Jan Soderlind, managing director of the Nordic Timber Council (NTC), described the decision as a step backwards in the short term, but added that the NTC was committed to funding wood. for good in 2005.

He said: “It is important that the UK industry shows a commitment to generic wood promotion and we look forward to examining steps and ways to encourage this in the months to come in collaboration with our UK colleagues.”