The Timber Trade Federation’s (TTF) latest five-year plan includes the launch of a new division, development of a stronger commercial element to its activities and the promotion of greater collaboration between timber industry organisations.
The new plan, the second to be implemented under the leadership of chief executive John White, was unveiled in December. He summarised its goals as helping the timber industry make the most of its natural advantages in the UK’s drive to a low carbon economy.
“The next stage in the industry’s journey will be to exploit the opportunity provided by the coincidence of wood’s environmental USP, namely its ability to store carbon, with a political and market agenda that is all about sustainable construction and de-carbonising the supply chain,” he said.
One key aspect of the plan will be the evolution of ReThink, the TTF’s commercial arm which was created last year.
Headed by its sustainability director Stuart Harker, alongside TTF head of sustainability Rachel Butler, the new operation will act as a “sustainable construction consultancy for the timber trade”. It aims to sell “sustainability services” both to the trade and the wider construction sector, highlighting to the latter how “timber products align with the sustainbility agenda”.
The TTF plan also announces the creation of an engineered wood division which, it says, will be managed on an “output-oriented basis”, with the aim of raising awareness of the capabilities of engineered wood products and developing their UK market.
Another key launch will be the Wood Industry Council which will provide a forum for trade body discussion and cooperation.
“It will bring together all wood and wood industry representatives to share experience and co-ordinate cross-industry responses to cross-industry issues,” states the plan.
Besides growing its membership, the TTF also pledges to “increase its political engagement by offering government solutions around decarbonising construction”. It will additionally continue its support for the Wood for Good marketing campaign and the Proskills timber industry training initiative.
