Editorial Opinion - Page 5
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Beware fallout, FSC warned
FSC's widely criticised action against Danzer could have wider implications for certification, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
FSC's widely criticised action against Danzer could have wider implications for certification, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Global forum for a united front
The Global Timber Forum (GTF) was clear about what it did not want to be at its launch in Rome last week. Various phrases were used, but the most popular were “just another conference” and “a talking shop”.
The Global Timber Forum (GTF) was clear about what it did not want to be at its launch in Rome last week. Various phrases were used, but the most popular were “just another conference” and “a talking shop”.
Glorious past, great prospects
In normal circumstances, self-congratulation is not a trait to be indulged in. But I hope you'll forgive TTJ this once as it was first published in May 1873, so we're celebrating our 140th birthday, and marking it this week by reprinting the very first edition.
In normal circumstances, self-congratulation is not a trait to be indulged in. But I hope you'll forgive TTJ this once as it was first published in May 1873, so we're celebrating our 140th birthday, and marking it this week by reprinting the very first edition.
Constructing a comfort zone
Three new industry initiatives will help educate specifiers about timber
Three new industry initiatives will help educate specifiers about timber
Bold moves to boost market
The American Hardwood Export Council dares to be different, says Mike Jeffree
The American Hardwood Export Council dares to be different, says Mike Jeffree
Turn on, tune in market and sell
There was a dim and distant past, when journalists used good old-fashioned typewriters. The stories we rattled out with RSI-raddled fingers wended their way downstairs to the in-house typesetters, who set out page plates in letters freshly formed from the molten lead bubbling on burners beside them.
There was a dim and distant past, when journalists used good old-fashioned typewriters. The stories we rattled out with RSI-raddled fingers wended their way downstairs to the in-house typesetters, who set out page plates in letters freshly formed from the molten lead bubbling on burners beside them.
Delivering data delivers sales
Stout shoes and stamina are what's needed on a TRADA Ecobuild tour.
Stout shoes and stamina are what's needed on a TRADA Ecobuild tour.
Green glimmers amid the gloom
The Construction Products Association (CPA) is known for the pith and precision of its UK building market reports and for being strictly averse to any sugar-coating. As a result, in recent years they have made for some pretty grim reading. They have painted a picture of construction spiralling into depression, rather than recession, with no hints of a silver lining.
The Construction Products Association (CPA) is known for the pith and precision of its UK building market reports and for being strictly averse to any sugar-coating. As a result, in recent years they have made for some pretty grim reading. They have painted a picture of construction spiralling into depression, rather than recession, with no hints of a silver lining.
Communication and credentials
From the EUTR to an architect as chairman of Wood for Good, timber’s profile is growing
From the EUTR to an architect as chairman of Wood for Good, timber’s profile is growing
It’s showtime for partnership
An exposed Stockholm construction site on a bitter January day is a bleak place to be. Frozen ink and fingers were making a total hash of my shorthand and it was a major relief to get out of the arctic wind and into the warmth of the builders' cabin.
An exposed Stockholm construction site on a bitter January day is a bleak place to be. Frozen ink and fingers were making a total hash of my shorthand and it was a major relief to get out of the arctic wind and into the warmth of the builders' cabin.
Ready to benefit from the EUTR
As the ticking clock on the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) website makes clear, we’re in the final countdown to the introduction of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).
As the ticking clock on the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) website makes clear, we’re in the final countdown to the introduction of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).
140 years of TTJ and counting
It’s late April 1873, early evening in an austere, wood-panelled office near Fleet Street. Crouched over his desk in the flickering light of an oil lamp, twirling his mutton-chop whiskers in concentration, is the very first TTJ editor. He’s penning his very first editor’s comment for the very first TTJ, which will hit the cobbled streets on Saturday, May 3.
It’s late April 1873, early evening in an austere, wood-panelled office near Fleet Street. Crouched over his desk in the flickering light of an oil lamp, twirling his mutton-chop whiskers in concentration, is the very first TTJ editor. He’s penning his very first editor’s comment for the very first TTJ, which will hit the cobbled streets on Saturday, May 3.
Finding that feel-good factor
A hardwood importer recently summed up 2012 to TTJ as the year that “OK became the new norm”. Trade was better than in the darkest days of recession, but still wasn’t floating anybody’s boats.
A hardwood importer recently summed up 2012 to TTJ as the year that “OK became the new norm”. Trade was better than in the darkest days of recession, but still wasn’t floating anybody’s boats.
Invite to reap Awards rewards
Timber building in the UK today seems to know no boundaries - that's if the Wood Awards are anything to go by.
Timber building in the UK today seems to know no boundaries - that's if the Wood Awards are anything to go by.
Seeing the wood from the trees
It was the government’s worst nightmare. Dealing with obstreperous opponents in the Commons and the slings and arrows of prime minister’s questions was one thing. Facing the antagonism of the mass ranks of steely-eyed middle England was something else entirely. This was opposition of a different magnitude – and it was, of course, what ministers faced over their idea to sell off the Forestry Commission’s English woodlands.
It was the government’s worst nightmare. Dealing with obstreperous opponents in the Commons and the slings and arrows of prime minister’s questions was one thing. Facing the antagonism of the mass ranks of steely-eyed middle England was something else entirely. This was opposition of a different magnitude – and it was, of course, what ministers faced over their idea to sell off the Forestry Commission’s English woodlands.
Spreading the EUTR word
I’m afraid I used the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) to unsettle a sash window repairer giving us a quote the other day. He deserved it for all the teeth sucking, and telling us that the work we needed would take longer, cause more mess and cost more than we’d anticipated.
I’m afraid I used the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) to unsettle a sash window repairer giving us a quote the other day. He deserved it for all the teeth sucking, and telling us that the work we needed would take longer, cause more mess and cost more than we’d anticipated.
Cut duplication, join up thinking
It’s a refrain that has echoed down the years. The timber industry needs more joined-up thinking and collaboration, both to do battle with more cohesive rival materials sectors and defend and promote its environmental performance to counter criticism from media savvy harder line green NGOs.
It’s a refrain that has echoed down the years. The timber industry needs more joined-up thinking and collaboration, both to do battle with more cohesive rival materials sectors and defend and promote its environmental performance to counter criticism from media savvy harder line green NGOs.
Global show for globalised trade
Globalisation of the timber industry benefits all, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Globalisation of the timber industry benefits all, says TTJ editor Mike Jeffree
Innovation in abundance
There is a saying that you know you’re getting old when you start admiring other people’s hanging baskets, but for me it’s their fences.
There is a saying that you know you’re getting old when you start admiring other people’s hanging baskets, but for me it’s their fences.
Foundations for a brighter future
UK construction may be some considerable way off peak fitness, but all the evidence still points to a vibrant, vigorous future for the timber building sector.
UK construction may be some considerable way off peak fitness, but all the evidence still points to a vibrant, vigorous future for the timber building sector.
