More than 400 timber industry representatives converged on central London for the annual Timber Development UK (TDUK) dinner, with chairman Chris Sutton giving a rousing message of how TDUK and the wider timber sector is making progress despite challenging markets.
The event was held on November 5 a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square at 8 Northumberland Avenue, where the iconic ballroom is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in London. Earlier in the day the TDUK Global Market Conference had attracted about 200 delegates.
Mr Sutton acknowledged the difficult trading environment for members in 2025, with demand subdued “largely due to matters outside of your control”.
“Let us all hope that market conditions improve in the very near future,” he added.
He said TDUK had increased membership numbers, including welcoming back companies who had previously left membership.
Mr Sutton said TDUK online webinars, the relaunch of Wood Campus, the UK Timber Design conference and continued work with the Government on the Timber in Construction Roadmap were among the highlights of the year, while the first Women in Timber Conference in September attracted over 120 women.
“We are committed to a one voice approach for the timber industry, something I know from meetings I have attended, is what Government departments want to see.”
The TDUK Awards had the following winners:
• Sustainability Award: BSW Group
• Regional Association of the Year: Western Timber Trade Association (WTTA)
• Long Service Award: Andrew Jackson, UPM
• Distinguished Service Award: Nick Boulton, Timber Development UK
• Service to Industry: Shaun Revill of SR Timber |
• Training & Apprenticeship Award: Metsä Group
• Equality & Diversity Award: Women In Timber UK (WIT)
“Shining a spotlight on those special companies and individuals who go above and beyond in their service to the timber industry is one of the roles we are most proud of as an organisation,” said David Hopkins, chief executive of TDUK.
Sponsors on the day were Guararapes, Nicholas & Co solicitors, RMS Ports, Guaraeta and SR Timber.
