After five years of financial losses, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has turned the corner according to TTF president John Tong.
Speaking at the North East Timber Trade Association (NETTA) dinner in Newcastle, Mr Tong said the TTF finished the year with a surplus which has been invested into reserves.
He outlined TTF activities including the creation of the promotional initiative ProWood, development of the Responsible Purchasing Policy and involvement with European federations to tackle illegal logging.
Mr Tong said 2005 will see the TTF working with Confor to promote the forest industry and publication of the federation’s manifesto to be used as a campaign tool in the general election.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the NETTA Newcastle Structural Timber Design Awards. Architectural students from Newcastle University were invited to design a wooden bridge over the river in Jesmond Dene, an historic Newcastle Park. With a clear span of 15m, the bridge had to be constructed between two abutments and had to support foot passengers and have wheelchair access.
Entries were judged by TRADA and this year’s competition was sponsored by North Yorkshire Timber (NYT).
NYT chairman Peter Kershaw presented prizes to Steven Paynter, whose team won first prize. In second place was a team led by Thomas Lawrence, and in third place a team led by Joyce Chung Sze Lau.
Mr Kershaw said it was encouraging to know the sponsorship would involve young people in timber design and utilisation.
Next year’s competition will be sponsored by International Plywood Ltd.
A draw for the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society raised more than £1,130.
