Editorial Opinion - Page 4
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Knowledge key to unlock sales
Three new initiatives will help timber’s profile but the industry must use them, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Three new initiatives will help timber’s profile but the industry must use them, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Certification can do better
We've had the range of timber eco certification stories recently. The mixed, the good and the not so sure. Initially the first of these had looked like unmitigated bad news for the industry; IKEA's forestry arm, Swedwood, losing its FSC certificate in Karelia, prompting the screaming Sunday Times headline: "IKEA cut down to size as 600-year-old trees used for flatpack" .
We've had the range of timber eco certification stories recently. The mixed, the good and the not so sure. Initially the first of these had looked like unmitigated bad news for the industry; IKEA's forestry arm, Swedwood, losing its FSC certificate in Karelia, prompting the screaming Sunday Times headline: "IKEA cut down to size as 600-year-old trees used for flatpack" .
It’s time to show our resilience
The impacts of the floods will be felt for some time, says Sally Spencer, TTJ's managing editor
The impacts of the floods will be felt for some time, says Sally Spencer, TTJ's managing editor
An across the board performer
The first year of the EU Timber Regulation has run smoothly in the UK, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
The first year of the EU Timber Regulation has run smoothly in the UK, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Right project at the right time
Project certification can contribute to timber’s market momentum, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Project certification can contribute to timber’s market momentum, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Positives to build on in 2014
As the new year starts, there’s much to cheer, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
As the new year starts, there’s much to cheer, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Good, but can still do better
Our guest column this week from Julia Young of the WWF Global Forest Trade Network reminded me of an old school report, albeit less abrupt and minus the cruel but fair comment that my total lack of ball skills and co-ordination meant I was being dropped from cricket and football to focus on rugby (England cricket selectors perhaps take note).
Our guest column this week from Julia Young of the WWF Global Forest Trade Network reminded me of an old school report, albeit less abrupt and minus the cruel but fair comment that my total lack of ball skills and co-ordination meant I was being dropped from cricket and football to focus on rugby (England cricket selectors perhaps take note).
Positive talk turns to action
This increasing positivity has been apparent in the timber sector for a while and, although people remain wary of talking about green shoots, for fear the mere mention will make them shrivel, even these have recently begun to sprout in the occasional conversation.
This increasing positivity has been apparent in the timber sector for a while and, although people remain wary of talking about green shoots, for fear the mere mention will make them shrivel, even these have recently begun to sprout in the occasional conversation.
Getting into the shop window
Want to see the modern, forward thrusting face of timber use in the UK? Just pick up a copy of this year’s stunning Wood Awards results supplement – and you have your own personal one tucked into this edition of TTJ.
Want to see the modern, forward thrusting face of timber use in the UK? Just pick up a copy of this year’s stunning Wood Awards results supplement – and you have your own personal one tucked into this edition of TTJ.
EUTR enforcer goes to phase II
By all accounts, the timber trade has found Michael Kearney easy to do business with. Likewise his organisation.
By all accounts, the timber trade has found Michael Kearney easy to do business with. Likewise his organisation.
Departing from convention
The prospect of attending two international timber conferences in 10 days prompted forebodings of information overload and PowerPoint fatigue. But zipping from the International Softwood Conference (ISC) in Edinburgh, to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) European Convention in Budapest, left a spring in the step that even the terror of landing at a gale-lashed Gatwick after the latter could not shake.
The prospect of attending two international timber conferences in 10 days prompted forebodings of information overload and PowerPoint fatigue. But zipping from the International Softwood Conference (ISC) in Edinburgh, to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) European Convention in Budapest, left a spring in the step that even the terror of landing at a gale-lashed Gatwick after the latter could not shake.
Time to dance to the same tune
Using Caffè Nero's latest results alone as an indicator for the UK economy might be dismissed as froth. But the coffee shop's 11% profit hike, and declaration that it sees potential to boost British caffeine levels another notch with a 50% rise in outlets to 750, is just the latest positive piece in a jigsaw creating an increasingly encouraging picture of the country's economic prospects.
Using Caffè Nero's latest results alone as an indicator for the UK economy might be dismissed as froth. But the coffee shop's 11% profit hike, and declaration that it sees potential to boost British caffeine levels another notch with a 50% rise in outlets to 750, is just the latest positive piece in a jigsaw creating an increasingly encouraging picture of the country's economic prospects.
Building a bold new strategy
Speakers at the Structural Timber Association (STA) launch events last week provided a “do the math” moment.
Speakers at the Structural Timber Association (STA) launch events last week provided a “do the math” moment.
Grown in Britain buzz is building
The stunning trophies presented to the winners at last week's buoyant, buzzing TTJ Awards were sharp and modern. Appropriately so, as they showcased timber at the leading edge. They were made in a combination of ultra-durable modified Accoya and its MDF equivalent, Medite Tricoya. This, as our clearly impressed trophy sculptor Ray Winder pointed out, meant they would keep their futuristic looks even if winners left them outdoors as a garden feature.
The stunning trophies presented to the winners at last week's buoyant, buzzing TTJ Awards were sharp and modern. Appropriately so, as they showcased timber at the leading edge. They were made in a combination of ultra-durable modified Accoya and its MDF equivalent, Medite Tricoya. This, as our clearly impressed trophy sculptor Ray Winder pointed out, meant they would keep their futuristic looks even if winners left them outdoors as a garden feature.
Step up for a show of unity
A team of Swiss engineers is currently putting together a spectacular, 7.7m-high cross-laminated US tulipwood structure outside London's world-renowned Tate Modern gallery. Comprising a series of interlocking flights of stairs, it forms part of the London Design Festival and is the American Hardwood Export Council's (AHEC) latest dramatic showpiece project at the annual event to promote the potential of US hardwoods.
A team of Swiss engineers is currently putting together a spectacular, 7.7m-high cross-laminated US tulipwood structure outside London's world-renowned Tate Modern gallery. Comprising a series of interlocking flights of stairs, it forms part of the London Design Festival and is the American Hardwood Export Council's (AHEC) latest dramatic showpiece project at the annual event to promote the potential of US hardwoods.
Tropical trials and tactics
The heat is on in the EU tropical timber trade.
The heat is on in the EU tropical timber trade.
Wood Awards wows them
Prepare to be wowed! That was TTJ's tweet to flag up its first online story on the seriously impressive 2013 UK Wood Awards shortlist. The subsequent mass outbreak of retweets showed that readers most certainly were. In fact 'wowed' barely covered the effusive expressions of enthusiasm about the entries for what must now rank as the best known, and arguably the best, competition for use of timber in construction, interiors and furniture design.
Prepare to be wowed! That was TTJ's tweet to flag up its first online story on the seriously impressive 2013 UK Wood Awards shortlist. The subsequent mass outbreak of retweets showed that readers most certainly were. In fact 'wowed' barely covered the effusive expressions of enthusiasm about the entries for what must now rank as the best known, and arguably the best, competition for use of timber in construction, interiors and furniture design.
Right royal shot across the bows
Among the millions watching the TV coverage of the royal birth on Monday night was undoubtedly a significant number of timber traders. Some may have switched on specifically to hear about the arrival of the new third in line to the throne.
Among the millions watching the TV coverage of the royal birth on Monday night was undoubtedly a significant number of timber traders. Some may have switched on specifically to hear about the arrival of the new third in line to the throne.
A showcase for all the industry
Inevitably it's tempting for businesses to batten down the research and development hatches in tough times. When the going gets rough, sticking with the tried and tested often looks like the lower risk better part of valour. But entries for the TTJ Timber Innovation Award highlight that there are companies still pushing back R&D boundaries, highlighting confidence, not just in their own prospects and technical capabilities, but those of the wider timber industry and market.
Inevitably it's tempting for businesses to batten down the research and development hatches in tough times. When the going gets rough, sticking with the tried and tested often looks like the lower risk better part of valour. But entries for the TTJ Timber Innovation Award highlight that there are companies still pushing back R&D boundaries, highlighting confidence, not just in their own prospects and technical capabilities, but those of the wider timber industry and market.
Hard facts, but some hope too
Two headline timber industry figures highlight the severity and stubbornness of the European economic downturn. The first is Swedish sawn timber output, which is currently running at under 16 million m3 a year, the lowest level since the 1990s.
Two headline timber industry figures highlight the severity and stubbornness of the European economic downturn. The first is Swedish sawn timber output, which is currently running at under 16 million m3 a year, the lowest level since the 1990s.
