TDUK updates members on progress at AGM
5 July 2023Timber Development UK (TDUK) has updated its members on progress made since the completion of its merger with TRADA a year ago.
In the setting of The Globe Theatre overlooking the River Thames, TDUK chairman Chris Sutton told the 40-strong meeting that the organisation had received positive feedback about its progress at events and exhibitions across the UK.
Among highlights shared on the day included the recent addition of engineered wood statistics to TDUK’s regular UK timber industry import/export bulletins; taking over the running of the Wood Awards; lobbying efforts with politicians to advance timber’s cause; and the launch of a Merchant Guide to Selling Timber.
TDUK CEO David Hopkins said the organisation’s mission to connect the supply chain, lead best practice and accelerate a low carbon future was continuing, explaining that TDUK had published 339 resources, 161 case studies and held 15 webinars.
It has published Timber Typologies in association with Waugh Thistleton Architects as a guide to using timber in construction and addressing misunderstandings about the material. Two further books will focus on timber policy and low carbon.
Jack Clappen, TDUK policy and communications executive, said TDUK was lobbying on the key subjects such as net zero and building safety, challenging policy makers on some of the rules and recommendations on combustible material use in construction following the Grenfell fire.
Mr Clappen said TDUK was focusing these lobbying efforts more on Labour shadow ministers as it was felt Labour was more likely to take power after the next election.
Work with the APPG for the Timber Industries resulted recently in a new report ‘Timber Construction: Barriers and Solutions’, looking into recommendations to expand low-carbon timber construction in the UK.
Other TDUK work includes the University Design Challenge competition, plus the Timber Technology Engineering Design courses – in partnership with the New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering and Edinburgh Napier University.
Liam Macandrew, TDUK head of digital and content, revealed that TDUK is currently building a new digital online directory, while Laura Qualters was introduced as the membership development manager.
