The Institute of Wood Science (IWSc) is hoping to make a further announcement soon on a proposed merger with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
The IWSc revealed it was considering a tie-up with another professional body before Christmas after a “difficult year” (www.ttjonline.com/IWScmerger) . It subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding with the IOM3 late January which committed the bodies to consult members on a merger.
“There will also be presentations to the organisations’ respective councils and a due diligence process,” said IWSc chief executive officer Duncan King. “Hopefully, following this, we will be able to make a further statement by the end of March.”
The impetus for the IWSc to link with another organisation, he added, comes from its need to scale-up.
“We have 800 individual and 50 corporate members, but our current size really only allows us to stay where we are and we cannot afford to do that if we are to provide the education resource the modern timber industry needs to exploit its terrific potential,” said Mr King. “The IOM3 has 19,500 members and would give the IWSc the scale and security it needs.”
A letter to IWSc members from president Geoff Taylor said that in their merger discussions the IWSc and IOM3 “recognise the importance of maintaining the identity, scope and diversity” of their individual interests. But, he added, if the talks are successful “the IWSc will emerge as a stronger organisation”.
IOM3 chief executive Dr Bernard Rickinson said linking with the IWSc would tie in with its aim to set up a “Natural Materials division”.
“We’re excited about the prospect of the IWSc joining us,” he said. “And we’re looking forward to offering additional services to IWSc members, such as the ability to apply for chartered status and use of the IOM3 information service.”
