New chapter for industry organisations

The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) and Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have embarked on an exciting new partnership designed to improve the level of service to TRA members. The TRA’s commissioning of the TTF to provide an administration service marks a bold new chapter for both organisations.

The TRA is a company limited by guarantee with just under 90 members; these include trussed rafter system holders and fabricators, key suppliers and other members. It represents the trussed rafter and open web beam industries in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The TRA is run by a management committee with the support of active sub-committees covering technical, publicity and health and safety. It also has a strong regional structure with regular regional meetings held throughout the year. Members give their time and expertise free of charge to run these committees.

The TRA currently employs a director as its sole executive who is based from home.

The TTF has 200 members ranging from importers to sawmillers, distributors through to agents and timber and builders merchants. Its mission simply is to grow the use of wood.

By outsourcing its administration to the TTF, the TRA and its members will benefit from access to a highly qualified team, led by chief executive John White, that will augment the range of services available. A TRA dedicated telephone line will offer support to members and will be able to deal with any call during the working day.

Nick Boulton of the TTF is the nominated director for the TRA. He is commercially experienced and immersed in the technical aspects of wood and wood products. He runs the UK Timber Grading Committee, sits on several BSI committees and has been consulted as an expert witness. Nick will represent the TRA at industry and other meetings – increasing the profile of the TRA – and will attend all TRA meetings.

The TTF is housed in the Building Centre in central London. It is a mecca for architects and building professionals and will give the TRA and its members access to meeting facilities in London.

For further information on the Trussed Rafter Association, please call 01246 569707 or visit www.tra.org.uk.

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