The future is bright for timber frame

How good it is to be writing this on the back of some good news for a change. Recently I have heard more good news stories than I have done over the last five years.

Manufacturers' factories are busier than at any time since 2008 and our supply chain members have also seen an upturn in sales. While we have not yet seen total optimism, the mood is much better - mainly due to an upturn in private housebuilding, plus the self-build and education sectors. The work we have put in during the lean years should now pay dividends. With concrete blocks currently on up to a 24-week lead in time, builders will once again turn to timber frame for speed of build.

With support from CITB the UKTFA has been up-skilling the erector community at site level and in leadership and management skills. Next month we will also see our erector workbooks directly linked to operatives being able to secure a CSCS card in an effort to raise the bar when it comes to the quality of work on site. With our erectors often the front men on a project, it is vital we have the most professional group possible representing the sector.

With a delay for manufacturers in having to implement CE marking (not the case for the supply chain) we are also working alongside BM TRADA to provide a Factory Manual for UKTFA members.

This will help achieve goals at a fraction of the time and cost it would take if they had gone it alone. Underpinning the standards of members vs non-members and building on strong relationships remain a key focus for the organisation. The UKTFA's current priority is the build-up to our exciting relaunch at Timber Expo when, as the Structural Timber Association, our remit will widen to include all forms of structural timber.

We already have the support of the 'great and the good' from the construction industry, many of whom will support us on the day - confirming the future for timber at the forefront of construction.

The market is picking up, our association is ready to take off and right now structural timber is the place to be. ? TTJ Industry Updates are a forum for trade bodies to address key issues.