Timber companies must support each other in the current tough economic times, Western Timber Trade Association (WTTA) chairman Andy Hodge told the organisation’s annual dinner on February 5.
The dinner at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel in central Bristol attracted 166 guests and was chaired by the WTTA chairman Andy Hodge. The dinner was brilliantly organised, as ever, by Nick Ambrozejczyk, the WTTA secretary.
After an excellent meal, Andy Hodge took to the stage to welcome everybody and commented on the strong turnout.
“I think this is a sign of resilience and togetherness across the industry, in what is a tough landscape,” said Mr Hodge.
“Margins are tight, housebuilding is under pressure and interest rates remain too high. However, even though things are tight, and given the current geopolitical situation, our sector is never ‘talked down’. There is still a lot of wood being used in construction, carpentry and joinery and fencing and we are still decarbonising the environment.
“We must support each other through these tough times,” continued the chairman. “We have something great – and it does grow on trees!”
He pointed out that the WTTA had been named TDUK’s Regional Association of the Year 2025 and recognised TDUK CEO David Hopkins, who was at the dinner, and the work of the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS). The raffle on the evening raised over £2,000 for the TTBS.
The main event of the evening was provided by Ben Hanlin, the well-known magician, whose act had everybody amazed at his skills with playing cards, not to mention swallowing 10 sharp needles!
