Timber trades respond to coronavirus

The crisis is obviously causing a slowdown in many businesses around the UK, not least due to people self-isolating to protect themselves and others from illness.

The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON):

The Government needs to be aware of the critical importance of a continuous supply of wooden pallets and packaging to ensure Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) supply chains keep pace with essential consumer demand.

The requirement is that the Government must support pallet and packaging manufacturers, pallet pools, reconditioned pallet businesses, and the logistics industry; and also ensure that UK sawmilling operations are able to continue providing timber to our operations.

This is an unprecedented situation and we will be working with the industry and with the Government to ensure these businesses can carry on operating to ensure continuity of supply of these essential products.

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF):

The TTF created a COVID-19 web page, which will be regularly updated, with links to official advice and guidance. The page can be found here: https://ttf.co.uk/covid-19

In addition, TTF has written to all ports and logistics members to get updates from each on issues affecting free movement of goods and will be updating all members accordingly. Most feedback has been of the view that, while precautionary measures are in place, everyone is still very much open for business. We are also in discussion with BEIS, Dept for Transport, HMRC and Dept for International Trade about what support packages are available, and to ensure our members get the latest guidance.

“We remain very much open for business. The TTF will be contactable via email and/ or phone as per usual and will remain in contact. We will be conducting meetings via conference calls where possible, and investing in webinar software for seminars,” said David Hopkins, TTF CEO.

“I realise from conversation with members that after the events of 2019 – with Brexit stock piling and currency fluctuations, followed by a slow winter and extreme floods – another economic disruption is the last thing that any member needs. Therefore, if there is anything TTF can do to help during this time, do not hesitate to get in touch.”

The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF):

Our actions are now focused on four key priorities areas: Providing regular up-to-date information to our members; Reflecting the voice and the concerns of our industry directly into government; Promoting BMF services and training that are directly relevant to members’ needs during the pandemic; Protecting and looking after our employees .

We are already sending out a weekly Coronavirus bulletin to all of our members, containing the most up-to-date information from both the Government and the CBI.

“I wrote directly to the Business Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, who you may recall spoke at the BMF Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons last October, expressing the key issues and concerns of our Industry and requesting a meeting with him to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our sector,” said John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF.

“The BMF has also requested meetings with our key contacts at BEIS to discuss specific industry-related issues and we will be looking to have regular meetings in Whitehall during the next few weeks.” Approximately 70% of BMF staff will be working from home.

The Construction Products Association (CPA):

The CPA has been focussing on monitoring the situation economically and the impact it might have on the wider construction industry. We are looking at working with other construction industry bodies to formulate a cross industry response but no detailed plans are in place yet at this early stage.

The Federation of Master Builders:

“All construction companies from the largest to the smallest urgently need government support if they are to make it through the COVID-19 crisis. This is particularly true for construction SMEs who are already facing severe pressure with 75% reporting falling orders and 33% staffing issues due to the need to self-isolate. Cash flow and business continuity concerns are acute and without support, many construction companies will, I fear, lose their livelihoods,” said Brian Berry, chief xxecutive of the FMB.

“To help mitigate the crisis the FMB is working with the UK construction sector to provide guidance and support to the industry. Critically though the Government will need to support the building workforce for when the crisis subsides to ensure the much needed infrastructure and housing targets are met. Builders are telling us that the most urgent intervention is delaying tax payments, including PAYE, VAT and CIST.”

European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB):

President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen made it clear that we need coordinated measures to protect the health of European citizens, but also to ensure that essential goods – especially food and medicines - and services are able to flow freely.

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers is calling on governments across Europe to help ensure wooden packaging and pallets remain freely available throughout this crisis, to ensure that fast moving consumer goods (fmcg) and pharmaceutical supply chains are able to operate in a smooth and timely manner.

FEFPEB will continue to communicate with its members and the EC to ensure that supply chains are kept moving in order that essential goods continue to be available.

We will update this story as other details become available.