Widening horizons

When we announced our rebrand from the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) to the Structural Timber Association (STA) earlier in the year, the purpose was clear. As the industry itself broadens and includes more than just timber frame in construction projects, so our organisation needs to reflect that many of our members are more than just timber frame producers and suppliers. With users of glulam, cross-laminated timber (CLT), LVL and SIPs signing up to the STA we are, most definitely, both inclusive and representative within the industry.

As we launch the STA, we are calling on the government to increase the share of housing stock built using timber to 30%. With England and Wales currently building only 18% of new homes in timber, there is considerable work to be done in underlining the environmental benefits, plus those of time saving and flexibility to achieve that increase. While this would bring a saving of 43.2 million kg of CO2, it would also see a rise in the quality and sustainability of the housing stock as a whole - something we all know the UK needs.

I believe very strongly that any representative organisation has to stick its neck out to influence real change. If we can see an overall increase in timber construction projects over the next five years, then it will benefit both our members and the built environment. In throwing down the gauntlet to the government in this way we are simply building on the good work done by the UKTFA over the past 11 years. In that time we have increased the understanding that timber construction is the way forward, as well as leading on issues such as quality, health and safety, education, technical knowledge and customer service. With renewed vigour and breadth, the new STA will reiterate these messages through its seminars, factory tours and research and, I hope, make a huge difference to our sector.

The timber construction industry is now driven by intelligent and integrated hybrid solutions and our growing membership reflects this. Most recently we have welcomed two major players, B&K Structures and KLH. These two have joined in recognition of our widening remit. Nick Milestone of B&K Structures, who has joined the STA Board, has already confirmed publicly that he believes that membership will bring opportunities which will make a difference to B&K's bottom line, as well as to the industry as a whole.

As our industry evolves, it is essential that, as an organisation, we work in partnership with others. Before we announced the change from UKTFA to STA, we consulted widely with other timber construction organisations and we have the full support of many in both the name change and our wider aims and objectives. We will, of course, continue to work in partnership with others and remain proud to support bodies such as TRADA, the Timber Trade Federation, Wood for Good and Grown in Britain, all of which promote the use of timber in a more generic manner.

Later this month in London, the STA will run the first of its new range of events - Could Should Wood - aimed at architects, constructors and engineers. This event represents a watershed for the organisation as for the first time we will bring together experts in timber panels, CLT, timber frame, SIPs and engineered wood in one session. The breadth of speakers will allow specifiers direct access to a superb cross section of our industry in one day. Following on from the success of this event, we plan to roll out more of these across the country as part of our campaign to achieve change.

Importance of training

We know that the use of timber is already growing, but if the UK is to achieve the 30% target by 2018 it will take more than just demonstration, we also need to ensure there exists a well-trained workforce to deliver these homes. Earlier this year we were awarded a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Growth Recognition Award for our work in the erector community, increasing skills such as client service, leadership, management and business planning.

The training, run in association with CITB, is designed to prepare construction and erector businesses for an upturn in the UK's economic outlook, ensuring they are in the best position to capitalise on increased demand for their services. This is a real positive for the industry as better training will result in a better-qualified workforce. It also incorporates ideals and concepts, such as quality assurance and upskilling, which the UKTFA was committed to for many years and which will continue under the STA banner.

It is a time of change for the timber industry and our organisation is leading the way in strengthening the sector as a whole to deal with the upturn in business that is coming. STA membership brings many benefits and with the opportunity to capitalise on the increase in business, now is the time to join.