A UK timber frame manufacturer is supporting the ambitions of the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap by becoming the first framing-focused business in Britain to achieve Grown in Britain certification.
The move by Lowfield Timber Frames marking a significant milestone in the company’s use and promotion of home-grown timber – against a background of imported timber making up the overwhelming proportion of timber used in UK construction projects.
Based on the Shropshire and Mid-Wales border, Lowfield Timber Frames has been manufacturing timber frame systems for more than 20 years. The company sees the certification as an important step in supporting the development of a stronger and more sustainable UK timber supply chain.
The certification has been achieved in support of the work Whitbread is putting into its build programme, with a strong focus on responsible sourcing, traceability and promoting the use of home-grown British timber.
“Whilst the UK construction industry remains heavily reliant on imported timber, we believe it is important to support the ambitions set out in the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap,” said Darren Jarman, Lowfield Timber Frames managing director.
“We need to generate greater social and economic value from our UK forests whilst safeguarding our long-term timber security. Achieving this means developing a greater understanding of the potential of home-grown timber and exploring how it can be engineered into new construction products in the future.
“Achieving Grown in Britain certification is an important step in that journey, and we’re proud to be supporting the incredible work Whitbread are doing to promote responsible sourcing and home-grown timber.”
The Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap sets out ambitions to increase the safe and appropriate use of timber in construction, while supporting the UK’s forestry and timber industries and strengthening long-term timber security.
For Lowfield, Grown in Britain certification provides an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to responsible sourcing while helping customers understand the provenance of the timber being used within their projects.
Grown in Britain stated aim is to create a new ‘wood culture’ by engaging and collaborating with partners from Government, retail, NGOs and the private sector.
