Members of the East Anglian Timber Trades Association (EATTA) were told that the Timber Trade Federation’s proposed Code of Conduct is not an option.
Addressing the EATTA’s annual dinner at King’s College, Cambridge, TTF president Philip Underwood said:
‘Adopting such a code is not an optional extra but an essential part of the work of a modern trade association. [Its] value in establishing standards as well as acting as a powerful factor in recruiting and retaining members is widely recognised.’
The key aims of the initiative he said were to strengthen the marketing position of TTF members; improve consumer and government perception of the sector; improve the trade’s reputation and enlarge its market share.
Mr Underwood stressed the importance of the code in giving the TTF credibility with government, with the Federation planning to step up contacts and lobbying.
‘The TTF has had two ministerial meetings so far this year and a further three are planned. We will have had input into policy affecting
international development, transport, the environment and trade relations.’
Mr Underwood also addressed the Federation’s plans for a ‘summit’ meeting for the timber industry’s various trade bodies next year.
EATTA chairman Keith Richmond welcomed the other guests of honour to the dinner, who included Swedish ambassador Mats Bergquist, Latvian Embassy economic counsellor Benita Sirone, Canadian High Commission economic counsellor Daniel De Bellefeuille, TTF director-general Paul Martin and Wood for Good managing director Charles Trevor.
Mr Richmond also made a special presentation to outgoing EATTA secretary Pat Easter.
