Half of the £5m needed to improve the competitiveness of timber-related businesses in Wales has been raised by the Welsh Forest Industries Group (WFIG).
Key public bodies including the Welsh Development Agency, Education and Learning Wales and Forestry Commission Wales heard about the achievement at a meeting, which also involved representatives of the UK Woodchain, at BSW’s Newbridge sawmills.
WFIG co-ordinator Mike Marchant said: “The offer of £2.5m shows the private sector’s determination but we need to be sure of extensive public support in order to access the £2m of EU funds that will accelerate development right through the wood chain, taking us towards the [Welsh] Assembly’s vision of a top-class regional industry.”
The meeting highlighted the importance of a joint investment approach encompassing all businesses within the timber industry, from growers and importers to manufacturers and consumer outlets.
The funding programme is expected to address the shortage of young people entering the industry, poor supply of professional training and qualifications, plus the low number of qualified managers.
An earlier investment phase attracted £1.2m of industry funding and involved the development of a shared website to attract young people, while a small video studio will shortly be set up to help businesses develop e-learning materials. WFIG is also working with the Institute of Wood Science on qualifications development and the British Standards Institute and British Woodworking Federation on a new product and company certification scheme.
