The move follows a review of the federation’s internal governance in light of its strategic focus on the customer end of the supply chain.
The first forum to be established will be for TTF merchant members, with meetings to be held twice a year on an informal basis for a morning or afternoon, featuring a speaker and a tailored agenda to give a perspective on issues facing the sector.
“We have concluded that our existing structure (the National Softwood Division, National Hardwood Division and National Panel Products Committees) does not adequately capture all the supply chain issues we need to capture to be effective,” said Mr White.
The TTF is also forming two new committees – to cover technical and health and safety matters. Mr White said the TTF’s review found that a number of cross-cutting issues in these areas were not sufficiently well covered in the product divisions and were important enough for a separate group to be formed.
The Construction products regulation, wood dust, formaldehyde and product handling were all cited as areas needing to be addressed.
Members can nominate employees from their company to sit on the committees, with nominations being sent to the TTF’s Nick Boulton at nboulton@ttf.co.uk Members interested in joining the merchants’ forum or who have ideas for other forums can contact John White at jwhite@ttf.co.uk
