A call to Timber Trade Federation (TTF) members to challenge all those who have chosen to remain outside the organisation to join up has been made by its president, Geoff Rhodes.

Speaking to an audience of more than 150 at the Bristol Channel and Western Timber Trade Association (BCWTTA) annual dinner, Mr Rhodes said he had made expanding membership one of his priorities for the next two years. Nineteen new companies have joined since November.

“It is essential that all of us who earn our living in the forest products sector come together to defend our common interests,” he said.

His comments were supported by BCWTTA chairman Jim Peryer. “Regional associations like ours are thelifeblood of the TTF and we must pull in new members if we wwant to develop our activities in this area.”

Mr Rhodes outlined the key roles of The Federation, including relationship-building with UK government.

“We are also working closely with our European counterparts. Our involvement with these bodies is enabling us to ensure our voice is being heard in Brussels.”

&#8220It is essential that all of us who earn our living in the forest products sector come together to defend our common interests.”

Geoff Rhodes, Timber Trade Federation president

He also detailed the steps being taken to fill the “training vacuum” within the sector including working with the Institute of Wood Science (IWSc) to identify training needs.

He said: “Once we have a better picture of the industry’s requirements – we can work with the IWSc on developing more relevant, modern training, enhancing the future prospects of all those involved in our business.”

Mr Peryer added that the development of the timber industry depended on a realisation of its own worth.

“There’s still a lack of will to raise prices, particularly among the major groups, that goes back to the recession of the late eighties.There’s a mindset that if we put them up we’ll lose the order, which is not the case.”