Facing tough market conditions and the challenge of new legislation, members should take even more advantage of the services and resources of The Timber Trade Federation (TTF), and more companies should join.
That was the message from president Martin Gale, addressing an audience of over 170 at the Western Timber Association annual dinner in Bristol last week.
“The TTF has just published its annual members’ directory,” said Mr Gale. “You should all take a moment to look through that and see the level of support on offer – and avail yourself of it. This is a capable, responsible organisation that can be of real value to your business.”
One particular TTF focus was on the risks and opportunities for timber in the debates and developments surrounding carbon, energy and biomass.
“Through resource efficiency and reducing waste, there could be opportunities here for us to cut cost and generate income,” he said.
The work of the TTF in relation to the upcoming EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) could also prove invaluable to businesses, said Mr Gale.
The EUTR, which comes into force in March 2013, makes it obligatory for companies which “first place” timber on the EU market to undertake due diligence risk assessment of their suppliers to minimise the danger of illegal material entering the supply chain. Penalties for breaches have yet to be finalised, but could include gaol for serious or serial offences.
The TTF’s Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP), which is obligatory for members, provides them with a ready-made due diligence system, said Mr Gale.
“Without the RPP the EUTR could be a mountain to climb for companies,” he said.
The Federation also kept the industry up to date with ongoing developments in the legislation.
“It is a constant communications process, with something new every week,” said Mr Gale. “It is vital to be kept informed – if you’re not it could come back and bite you.”
Chairman Richard Bagnall focused on the WTA’s projects to promote the use of timber. This included supplying material for students at Cardiff University to build a traditional Japanese teahouse, and funding extra tuition for Bridgwater College carpentry students entering competitions.
An auction and raffle at the dinner raised £2,275 for the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society.