Obituary – Steve Jones

The death of Steve Jones in January has left a big hole, not just for his family and friends, but for all of us who have worked with him in the joinery industry.

Steve was passionate about joinery timber; he had a terrific liking for people; and the motivation to get things done. Put those three attributes together and the result was one of the most effective people in the business.

He worked tirelessly on behalf of the members of the Wood Window Alliance, a wise and enthusiastic campaign committee member, and a pivotal member of two sub-committees. In his role on the recruitment sub-committee he was the man you could rely on to pick up the phone and persuade doubtful companies to join – through a combination of charm and sheer enthusiasm for the project.

But his biggest legacy for the Wood Window Alliance was the work he saw through as chair of the engineered wood sub-committee. It was his vision of a more efficient supply-chain and more affordable quality substrates that brought his fellow timber producers, the trade and manufacturers together to achieve a real breakthrough in the industry. In just over 12 months, he brokered the reduction of stock lines of engineered timber in the UK from a typical 100 to just 20, and agreed a set of quality standards specific to the UK. As a result of his work, smaller window manufacturers will now, for the first time, have access to the high quality substrate they need at an affordable price.

From his early days at Magnet, Finnforest and JT Stantons, and armed with qualifications from the Institute of Wood Science, Steve developed a rare ability to understand processing from a manufacturer's perspective as well as a supplier's.

Steve went on to join Howarth Timber Importers in the late 1980s, where he quickly helped the Yorkshire-based company become a success, particularly in West London and the western Home Counties.

In the spring of 2002, Steve left Howarth to join SCA Timber UK. The large Swedish forest owner was the natural next step for Steve in his career development. While at SCA, Steve became passionately interested in slow-grown Northern Swedish FSC material and in developing its uses in the UK joinery trade. Apart from joining the committees already mentioned, Steve was keen to help SCA build its timber training programme, taking customers and colleagues under his learned wing and helping them to understand timber and its many wonderful properties.

Late in 2008 Steve was to make his final career move, returning to Finnforest to help establish adapted timber products in the UK industrial markets. And, at the time of his death, he was a popular and effective chairman of the London Softwood Club.

Steve was a natural at public speaking, or just telling a story over a beer, and his business trips to Russia, Finland and Sweden provided the raw material for many tales which would keep his audience on the edge of their seats.

“He gained the respect and friendship of many timber trade colleagues and will be sorely missed,” said WWA chairman Sean Parnaby. “Life is a bit duller without his infectious energy, wit and genuine care for customers, timber trade colleagues and friends.

“All who had the good fortune to work with Steve are the richer for it. We miss him and offer his family our sincere condolences.”