All articles by Stephen Powney
Stephen Powney
UK plywood trader gathering hears about timber’s future
The future for timber products is bright, declared outgoing Plywood Club of London (PCL) chairman Miles Kember at the Club’s 71st annual dinner on January 30.
WTTA chairman calls on timber trade to stick together
Timber companies must support each other in the current tough economic times, Western Timber Trade Association (WTTA) chairman Andy Hodge told the organisation’s annual dinner on February 5.
Rise of the independents
TTJ’s Stephen Powney spoke to Premier Forest Products CEO Terry Edgell about the recent acquisition of elements of the National Timber Group (NTG) and how it will be transformational for the Premier business
NHBC reports 11% annual growth in UK new home registrations, but completions down 2%
The NHBC has reported an 11% growth in new home registrations for 2025, with private sector registrations up 12% and affordable home registrations up 10%.
TTJ Awards 2026 to celebrate 30th anniversary at new Mayfair location
The London Marriott Grosvenor Square will be the new location for this year’s 30th anniversary TTJ Awards 2026.
Timber & joinery products like-for-like value sales up +2.4% year-on-year in latest BMBI report
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in January, shows builders’ merchants’ like-for-like total value sales in November 2025 were -0.4% lower than the same month in 2024.
BMF announces plans for leadership transition
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced a leadership transition aimed at supporting ongoing growth, operational excellence, and increased member engagement over the next decade.
Sally Spencer retires after 31 years on TTJ
TTJ deputy editor Sally Spencer has retired after serving for 31 years reporting for the journal on the UK and international wood industries.
Glennon Brothers acquires Pontrilas Group
Glennon Brothers has announced the acquisition of the Hereford-based Pontrilas Group, adding £120m of turnover to its business.
TTJ chipboard market update: Still hoping for improvement
Little has changed in the fortunes of the UK chipboard market in 2025, with demand continuing low and some businesses struggling. As for 2026, little improvement is anticipated, as TTJ markets editor Mike Botting reports