This September meeting hosted David Hopkins from the TTF who gave an update on the work and developments within the industry body.
Since he took office, David and the rest of the team at the TTF have focused on raising the credibility of the timber industry and setting a high standard of quality provided by its members. To this end, the TTF has been busy on a new PR campaign on ‘timber you can trust’ and promoting the ‘TTF logo’ as a reliable source. At the same time, the Federation has changed its Responsible Purchasing Policy and continues its work on educating members on EUTR due diligence both at in-house and regional events. In addition, it has just launched a new RIBA accredited CPD which members can use to train and educate customers. Training to raise standards also continues through seminars on technical issues and through the introduction of new requirements such as the 3rd Party Testing for Plywood distributors.
The association is also enhancing its marketing efforts towards architects, specifiers and builders merchants especially through partnerships with other trade bodies such as the Builders Merchants Federation, to whose membership the TTF now sends out a magazine twice a year.
The Federation is also expanding collaboration efforts with supplying countries, by not just supporting their industries and forces on the ground thanks to a Dfid grant, but also through new business matching events such as the recent Brazilian timber industry event held at the Brazilian Embassy in June. David also highlighted some past events such as the Hardwood Conference, a new TTF networking opportunity, and other future ones, such as the FLEGT Exhibition to be held in late February at the Design Centre, the idea of an industry discussion on ‘certification’ and other potential projects to grow awareness amongst architects. He finally showed the audience how the new TTF website will look like, which promises to make it a lot easier to find and contact members. The Q&A was short followed by drinks at Finch’s bar afterwards.
Companies present
Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd |
D.N. Green & Co (Timber) Ltd |
Danzer UK Ltd |
DW Mouldings Ltd |
English Woodlands Timber Ltd |
Malaysian Timber Council |
MBM Speciality Forest Products Ltd |
Morgan Timber |
Palmer Timber Ltd |
PDS Forest Products |
TFT Woodexperts Ltd |
Timber Link International Ltd |
Timber Trade Federation (TTF) |
Tradelink Wood Products Ltd |
Trunkstyle Ltd |
Vastern Timber Co Ltd |