IWSc merger comes into effect

The Institute of Wood Science’s (IWSc) affiliation to the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM³) offers “wonderful opportunities” if everyone in the timber industry gets involved, said IWSc outgoing president Geoff Taylor.

Speaking at the London Hardwood Club just hours after he had signed the agreement for the move, Mr Taylor said it would provide a stronger presence, and more resources, for timber education and personal development.

“It’s going to be a vibrant future but it needs the timber industry to get involved,” he said.

The new IWSc – The Wood Technology Society, positioned in IOM3’s natural materials division, would benefit from being part of a larger organisation with more than 20,000 members and assets of £8.9m, said Mr Taylor.

“The critical mass is good,” he said. “We can influence government and start to influence the use of timber with other materials.”

The IWSc had done sterling work with the resources it had, he said, but it was seen as “a bit academic”.

Training needed to be relevant, including a greater emphasis on technological developments, and less rigid. “We should be flexible in the way we adapt education; we have to get away from the one size fits all approach,” said Mr Taylor.

He urged timber companies to join the Wood Technology Society, adding that the £500 annual membership included a day’s consultancy.

“Education is best served by active people. It must be passed down,” said Mr Taylor. “We should be looking at collaboration and investment in training. Investment doesn’t have to be money, it can be mentoring, giving your time.”

The Wood Technology Society will be based at IOM³ in Carlton House Terrace, London. Staff will transfer on July 31, before its offices open on August 3.

IWSc senior vice-president and former wood for good managing director Charles Trevor will be the new chairman of the group, and Dr Andy Pitman of TRADA takes the role of vice-chairman.