The Timber Trade Federation officially launched its new Code of Conduct in London on April 25.
Director-general Paul Martin said that the initiative, which has been in preparation for a year, will improve the industry’s market image and should boost TTF membership.
‘Above all else it is a marketing tool,’ he told the audience of TTF members at the launch event at Royal Society of Arts. ‘It ensures that consumers are protected and treated well in order to enhance our reputation and boost consumer confidence and spending.’
TTF president Philip Underwood said that Code would also help differentiate members from ‘the small minority of operators who have not traded honestly’. He added that it had been endorsed by forestry minister Elliot Morley and international development minister Hillary Benn.
Mr Martin stressed that the Code should not be construed as a criticism of the way all non-TTF members operated. ‘But we hope they will come to realise that being covered by it is a strong commercial advantage and that they will join us.’
Observance of the Code is obligatory for all members.
