TTF Softwood Conference discusses challenges for the industry

Prof. Noble Francis gave a forecast for the housing and construction sector with the merchant outlook addressed by Neil Woods of Fortis and Chris Hayward of NMBS. David Hopkins discussed the current issues facing the timber trade and how to influence the outcome before Nick Moore gave a roundup of trends and statistics for the past year.

After a break for lunch Olle Berg from Setra Group gave an insight into global trade and the supply chain then Keith Ainslie from James Jones & Son, Patrick Towner from Metsa Group and Kevin Hayes from AKZ Timber each gave a ten minute presentation on their particular area of expertise.

“Timber traders and builders merchants are facing an accumulation of economic, climate and environmental factors which will challenge the supply of softwood into the UK market in 2020. This may add to uncertainties in the Timber sector, with the market remaining in tight balance between available supply and demand,” said David Hopkins, managing director of the Timber Trade Federation.

“However the timber industry also has significant opportunities in 2020. Architects, specifiers, and national and local government are seeking low-carbon, quick and effective solutions to creating well designed and beautiful buildings. Timber is the natural solution. By amplifying our messaging to reach right across the supply chain, and to policy makers, we can grow the use of timber in construction.”

The TTF Annual Dinner followed in the evening with £2,132 being raised in donations for the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society.

For a full report see the April issue of TTJ.