UK timber frame manufacturers have highlighted growing regulatory pressures and a lack of clarity about how to meet them, a major new survey reveals.
The Framing the future: The state of timber fame construction report, published today by MEDITE SMARTPLY and the Structural Timber Association, captures responses from more than 80 timber frame manufacturers, highlighting a disconnect between government policy ambition and the practical realities of delivery.
TTJ joined with other news organisations for the launch of the report in central London.
Key results include:
• 39% of timber frame manufacturers are building above regulation levels but feel ignored by policy
• 49% did not disclose their Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) score, citing confusion
• 73% reported skilled labour shortages across their workforce
• 43% ranked fire performance as their number one challenge
• 81% want OSB sheathing panels with integrated fire resistance
The report says net zero targets are adding to complexity, with the Future Homes Standard set to be introduced this year, requiring new build homes to incorporate low-carbon heating and energy efficiency.
A key concern is confusion around PMV scores – a metric important to Modern Methods of Construction funding models.
Nearly half of survey respondents declined to disclose their PMV score, citing unclear definitions, lack of relevance to small scale operations or uncertainty about how the figure is calculated. There is no standardised industry process for calculation.
Manufacturers also perceive that policy frameworks like the Future Homes Standard are increasingly geared toward volume developers. This is leaving smaller manufacturers, many of which are already building above-regulation, struggling to see where they fit into the picture.
“The industry isn’t short on innovation or intention, but a lack of clarity is knocking confidence,” said Roly Ward, head of business development at MEDITE SMARTPLY.
“We’re hearing a clear message from the sector: manufacturers are being asked to move fast without clear footing. That’s not sustainable.”
“Fire safety is a prime example. It remains the number one challenge for almost half of respondents, yet testing regimes aren’t clearly defined and insurers still lack confidence. That’s a risky bottleneck. If we want MMC to scale, we need regulatory clarity, joined-up standards, and products that simplify the compliance journey, not complicate it further.”
Many manufacturers expressed interest in multi-functional solutions that reduce the need for layered materials and on-site adaptations by streamlining compliance across airtightness, thermal performance and buildability.
