Grenfell effect highlighted by TTF president at annual dinner

Importers, sawmillers, distributors and merchant members, associate members and their guests were entertained by self styled German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, while TTF MD David Hopkins and president Charles Hopping brought members up to speed with latest TTF and trade developments.

Mr Hopping, who recently took over as TTF president, said repercussions from the Grenfell Tower tragedy and on-going debate over Brexit would continue to be enduring themes in 2018.

Regarding Grenfell, Mr Hopping urged the industry to be prepared for change. “We can expect changes in regulations and user attitudes in respect of fire and other issues as well,” he said.

“We are going to need to react to that and influence the changes.” Mr Hopping said Grenfell meant timber companies would need to demonstrate that their products comply with updated standards, while firms also need to educate their customers.

Referencing the TTF’s campaign, Mr Hopping added that members’ customers needed “timber they could trust”.

Mr Hopping said issues like Brexit and Grenfell were too big for any one company to manage on its own, and that by working together the industry could ensure its products retain their place in the market.

Education, he added, was key and said the TTF had developed a range of new online courses and a new training programme would be starting around the country later this year.