“Outward-looking” TTF punches simple message, AGM hears

That was one of the key points made by TTF MD David Hopkins at the TTF AGM on June 15 when reviewing the progress made by the federation.

Other achievements flagged up since last year’s AGM include an overhaul of the Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP), an online procurement training programme to fill the gap left by the closure of the government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET), panel products quality assurance work on Chinese plywood and DFID-funded work to help supplier countries on accreditation and standards.

On the work with supplier countries including China and Ghana, Mr Hopkins said it was intended to help “secure the supply chains coming into our market”.

“The more we can promote a better, cleaner trade, the better,” he said.

Elsewhere, the TTF has partnered with Wood Campus in the development of a Level 3 Award in Timber Merchanting and a new website is 4-6 months from launch.

The most recent TTF initiative is the launch of the “Timber you can Trust” media and stakeholder campaign to promote legal and sustainable timber procurement. TTF members are being encouraged to use a campaign letter template to target their local council and MPs.

TTF divisions reported that the recent focus on plywood would be expanded to look at issues that need clarification on other panel products, while timber preservative treatment will also be receiving attention in the softwood sector.

Meanwhile, TTF president Keith Fryer revealed that Charles Hopping of Hoppings Softwood Products would be the next TTF president, with Mr Hopping initially becoming vice-president and then assuming the presidency for a period of two years when Mr Fryer steps down in December.

“The TTF is in strong financial shape; membership has stabilised and is indeed growing, against constant globalisation, which is, in itself, an outstanding achievement,” said Mr Fryer.