Features Archive
Archive of features from the global ttj industryFeatures By Date
April 2022
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In Search of Freedom
John Park ponders the Brexit Freedoms Bill and what it might mean for the timber industry
Rustic Meets Contemporary
The Dancing Woodman, a hand-made furniture and home décor specialist, chose Osmo Natural Woodstain for a bespoke sliding doors project
Let’s Fix It!
For over 60 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating connectors for homes and buildings and it now has more than 1,000 product solutions. Connector plates, nails, screws and collated screw systems are all manufactured by the company, which has a UK base in Tamworth. TTJ asked the company its views on market demand and new developments/trends for fixings
Rising From Ashes
George Fereday, associate teaching professor at London Metropolitan University, explains how architecture students have designed a climate change pavilion that, ultimately, is destined for The National Forest
A Year of Promise and Opportunity
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), reflects on 2021 and what this year may have in store
TTJ Awards launch
This year’s TTJ Awards will be the 26th edition of the popular event which celebrates achievements in the timber product industries. Stephen Powney reports
View from the top
Howdens accounts for nearly one in four of all UK fitted kitchen sales. TTJ asked head of insights Hannah Parker and supply chain director Richie Sutcliffe about the state of the sector, design and materials trends and the company’s outlook
Green Kitchens Cooking
Kitchen sales have surged as part of the RMI boom – and sustainable design is in. Mike Jeffree reports
Touch button Hi-Tech
Advanced software systems enable even less skilled operators to get the most from latest generation moulders. Mike Jeffree reports
Mouldings on the march
At times in 2021 the mouldings market was “manic” and continued growth is forecast. Mike Jeffree reports
WPCS gain more market share
Recent years have been a story of wood plastic composites gaining increasing market share in the UK decking market and also tapping the cladding and fencing sectors. The pandemic has accelerated their use further, according to players in the market. Stephen Powney reports
Bamboo Bonanza
Tom Anderson, head of sales, UK and Ireland at Gripsure UK, explains why bamboo decking is giving timber a run for its money
Positive Prospects
Janet Sycamore, director of operations at the Timber Decking & Cladding Association reports on a buoyant decking sector
Cabin Fever
Power Sheds has added log cabins to its range of products for the garden. Sally Spencer reports
A Labyrinth of Challenges
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies was the winner of the inaugural TTJ Timber Garden Product Supplier of the Year Award in 2021. Sally Spencer spoke to Gary Froggatt, timber category manager, about the merchant’s experience of the market
Business Blossoms
The garden products sector has continued to benefit from the new stay-at-home culture. Sally Spencer reports
Will EU regulation impact UK?
Questions are being asked about the possible influence the proposed EU ‘Deforestation Regulation’ may have on UK measures to ensure legality and sustainability of timber imports. Mike Jeffree reports
Healthy Demand Meets Supply Stress
UK hardwood sales may be ‘normalising’, but importers say the challenge ahead will be getting hold of timber. Mike Jeffree reports
Housebuilding and Kitchens Fuel Chipboard Demand
Activity in the chipboard sector is at more normal levels but, with P5 and MFC in hot demand, the balance could tip either way. Keren Fallwell reports
Build the Future
The Builders Merchants Federation has taken a LEAP forward in talent development. Kerry Wilson, the BMF’s new learning and development manager, explains