Arnold Laver backs British timber with GiB licence

15 May 2017


Major timber merchant Arnold Laver said its decision to come on board with the Grown in Britain campaign (GiB) is “good timing” considering the current overarching focus on the UK’s place in Europe.

The company is the latest to secure a GiB chain of custody licence, enabling British-grown timber and wood products in its range to be positively identified and promoted.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded our Grown in Britain licence, which helps to further demonstrate our commitment to the purchase and promotion of home-grown timbers from within Britain,” said Andrew Laver, MD of Arnold Laver.

“We felt that this was a good time to be supporting the development and expansion of our woodlands, particularly when there are so many conversations taking place about the UK’s standing in both Europe and the world.

“We are a proud British company that trades on its heritage and reputation, so it’s only right that we help to ‘fly the flag’ when it comes to supporting our own timber industry.”

He said the licence was an opportunity to continue the education of customers and their clients, when it comes to what materials are available and what they should be specifying when purchasing timber and timber-based products.

GiB has reported success in building up the number of companies awarded its chain of custody licence. Most of the UK’s major contractors have signed up to a timber procurement preference statement, clarifying that they will give preference to timber ‘assured as Grown in Britain’.

“Major contractors are looking to work more closely with timber and builders merchants in their supply chains,” said Steve Cook of Willmott Dixon.

He said Arnold Laver’s licence award was great news for construction contractors and also for the home-grown timber industry.

“We hope more timber and builders merchants follow Arnold Laver’s lead in understanding the potential value of Grown in Britain certification as a positive marketing tool,” said CEO of Grown in Britain, Dougal Driver.