UK, European and North American hardwood traders totalling 212 people attended a vigorous London Hardwood Club (LHC) New Year lunch on January 17.

The event, at the HAC in London, saw club president Rupert Walker address members and introduce James White of James Latham as the next LHC president. The lunch is one of the best attended industry functions in the UK timber products trade, with this year’s attendance a near record.

International hardwood exporters/distributors present included Vandecasteele Houtimport, Robinson Lumber, The Salamanca Lumber Co Inc, Ontario Hardwood Products, Timbrian Europe, Hupkes Wijma BV, Baillie Lumber Co, Florian Legno Spa, and Rougier International. UK importers, distributor and merchants were joined by a number of UK furniture manufacturers and shipping & logistics companies.

Mr Walker, of Timberlink International, summarised 2024, saying the Club had lost some members over the past 12 months, but had gained an equal number of new members.

The Club’s regular meetings, held at The Globe in Moorgate, attracted 150 people across four events in 2024. Presentations include Xylotek talking about pushing the boundaries of building with wood; a market meeting in the summer; the International Technical Tropical Timber Association (AITB) explaining the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); and the American Hardwood Export Council updating on the US hardwood market.

“The meetings are a great opportunity to get together, network, look at market trends and debate together,” added Mr Walker.