TTF president hails federation’s action-packed year and plans for future

He reflected on the building of a new TTF staff team after the retirement of Jean Rennie and departure of Nina Grundy and Nick Llewellyn, with the addition of Mike Worrell, Karen Sussex, Jessica Farr and Owen Walton.

He also singled out TTF MD David Hopkins for praise, saying it was important to recognise the “enormous achievements” he had gained for members. “

Together with his hugely energetic team, the TTF is going places,” said Mr Fryer.

“The product divisions have brought about significant changes and improvements across our industry.

“We’ve seen the implementation of third party accreditation for marine plywood and the start of an independent Panel Review. There are plans in place to look at specific issues on softwood.

“We’ve seen a full Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) review, significant DfID funding for work in accreditation and standards and a ‘rebooting’ of Forests Forever.”

Mr Fryer also said the regional associations were in great shape and the TTF finances were in better shape after various cost reduction programmes and changes, including the closure of the pension scheme.

“2016 has seen the Confederation of Timber Industries come of age,” he continued.

“It has its own All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) with some 40 Parliamentarians helping us to engage with government.

“The British Woodworking Federation, Structural Timber Association and Builders Merchants Federation stand alongside us, as we work as a unified group to take our timber message out and work for our sector.”