Building on the good news

Finally some concrete good news from the government on construction – which should transpire as good news for wood too.

The £400m “Get Britain Building” fund promised by housing minister Grant Shapps, plus a government-backed mortgage indemnity guarantee scheme, have been welcomed across the construction sector. The measures won’t make up the UK’s woeful shortfall in annual housing starts, but industry experts say they should give building a shot in the arm and help break the mortgage lending log jam.

In another move, the government is planning what amounts to a social homes recycling scheme; a right to buy programme the income from which will fund new social home construction. And it’s promising to start releasing the £1.8bn already set aside for affordable home development.

Overall, say ministers, these initiatives will deliver 170,000 affordable homes in four years.

Theoretically the timber construction sector and timber industry generally are better placed than any other build system or building materials supplier to capitalise on these measures. Timber frame performs particularly strongly in the social/affordable housing sector and the government’s proclaimed commitment to new homes being not only the right price, quick and easy to build, but also sustainable, puts wood in pole position.

However, timber sector bodies warn, the industry can’t expect the competition to roll over and hand it the new business on a plate. Timber Trade Federation chief executive John White said it had to state its case strongly and convince government that timber is “the most versatile, lowest carbon building material”.

UK Timber Frame Association chief executive Andrew Carpenter added that it also had to ensure that ministers adhered to their professed sustainability agenda, so that construction “does not revert to type and build any old rubbish”.

What many feel is also needed to make the most of wood’s opportunities is more, higher profile and bigger budget promotion of its technical and design capabilities. So it’s appropriate this week that the chairman of the Wood Awards, Tim Gregson, appealed for more and wider support for this prestigious competition for the use of timber in construction and furniture.

The 2011 Wood Awards attracted a record 348 entries and the presentations, held for the first time in conjunction with the Timber Expo show at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, also attracted one of its biggest ever audiences.

However, the competition this year was largely dependent on four main backers, The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the Carpenters’ Company, Wood for Good and the Forestry Commission, and now, due to government cuts, the latter has withdrawn its £15,000 sponsorship. Another sponsor outside the main four may not renew its backing, potentially costing the event a further £3,000.

Mr Gregson said the 2012 Awards will go ahead regardless, but needed more funds to make them a more ambitious, impactful event.

AHEC European director David Venables agreed.

‘The Wood Awards are one of the highest profile opportunities we have to showcase timber’s potential in building and design and to inspire the construction industry. We have to get behind them.”