TDUK annual dinner held at Old Billingsgate

The dinner, which followed TDUK’s Global Markets Conference at Carpenters Hall, was at a new venue – the famous former fish market of Old Billingsgate – which has been transformed into a leading events location in the City of London area.

A strong contingent from Brazil and the Nordics were in attendance, including Sudati, Guararapes, Guaraeta Compensados and Lavrasul from the former.

TDUK chairman Chris Sutton addressed guests and members, saying that despite challenging current markets, there remained “real desire and intent” to use timber products in the built environment. He encouraged that as the trade worked in cycles, then better times would return.

Mr Sutton highlighted some recent TDUK achievements, including further developing links with the Government Timber in Construction working group, delivering the Net Zero Road map document, developing its partnership with Napier University to create nearly 150 technical documents and the delivery of training courses in conjunction with NMITE.

This year’s event saw TDUK giving out awards to regional timber trade associations and individuals. 

The East Anglian Timber Trade Association won the Regional Association of the Year Award; Nicks & Co Timber won the Regional Association Member of the Year; Sodra Wood won the Equality & Diversity Award; James Jones won both the Sustainability Award and the Training and Apprenticeship Award; while Steve Henry of KDM International was presented with a Long Service Award.

Comedian and former policeman Alfie Moore provided entertainment on the evening.