Timber Trader UK Issue 4 (Spring 2019)

04 SPRING 2019 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2517-26X (PRINT)

DANZER UK Customised Solutions continues to be the focus at Danzer / 12 BRITAIN’S FORGOTTEN ARMY

GETTING TO THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

How the Women’s Timber Corps kept Britain running during the Second World War / 10

How the Forest Stewardship Council® and Kew Gardens are tackling illegal logging using DNA technology / 25

01582 592707

CONTENTS SPRING 2019 09

10

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 02 NEWS

The latest news and developments from the sector including a management buyout of Snows Timber, Södra moving into Ireland and Norbord ploughing £35m into factory development

06 REVIEW: UK SOFTWOOD CONFERENCE

Over 200 delegates gathered to discuss the intertwined nature of the global and UK softwood markets

09 INTERVIEW: HELEN HEWITT

The chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation talks about creating a collective voice for the sector through its Build it Better with Wood campaign

14

18

10 BRITAIN’S FORGOTTEN ARMY

Author Joanna Foat talks about her new book focusing on the vital role that the Women’s Timber Corps played in keeping Britain running during the Second World War

12 COVER STORY: DANZER

The third-generation family business has a global reach, operating in 80 countries

14 MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN RISK

David Hopkins of the Timber Trader Federation outlines how it is continuing to adapt its systems to meet the reputational challenges posed by globalisation

18 INTERVIEW: ANDREW WRIGHT 25

29

The incoming managing director of James Latham talks to Timber Trader about why now is the time for timber

21 TIMBER PROCUREMENT

How responsible management can help to protect and conserve the world’s forests in a way that considers the needs of people, wildlife and the environment

25 ILLEGAL LOGGING

How the Forest Stewardship Council and Kew Gardens are tackling illegal logging using DNA technology

29 THE PARAMEDICS OF THE RAINFOREST 31

33

Para-ecologists, a new generation of data collectors and support scientists are proving vital to the overall health of the rainforest ecosystem

31 CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOFTWARE

In this digital age choosing the right business software is vital. Tony Pey, head of product marketing at Kerridge Commercial Systems, explains what to look out for

33 DECKING

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) explains why pressure treated timber remains on trend for decking

35 CLADDING

Timber Trader caught up with Richard Mosson, group cladding and decking manager at James Latham, to put some questions to him about the UK cladding market

EDITOR Michelle Gordon  michelle.gordon@timbermedia.co.uk

SALES DIRECTOR Terry Hanlon  terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk  01925 270093

DESIGN Pete Awad  artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81

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SPRING 2019

NEWS

LIGNIA WOOD COMPANY BRANCHES OUT INTO EUROPE AND ASIA Modified timber business LIGNIA Wood Company has announced a new distribution partnership with Global Timber covering much of Europe and South East Asia.

Global Timber, based in Aarhus in Denmark, is one of Europe’s leading timber companies and has the largest warehouse in northern Europe for hardwoods, with stock purchased on six continents. In addition to its European sales, it also has a significant presence in South East Asia.

The agreement between LIGNIA and Global Timber covers an initial five-year period. LIGNIA Yacht will be sold across Europe on a joint exclusive basis and LIGNIA and LIGNIA Fire (the latter when it comes on stream in 2019) across the Nordic countries exclusively. Global Timber will also sell LIGNIA and LIGNIA Fire in South East Asia via its offices in Malaysia.

LIGNIA is FSC-certified softwood that is modified in the company’s From left to right: Peter Baek, CEO Global Timber, Steve Rogers, commercial director LIGNIA and Kasper Fredsted, creative director Global Timber.

new manufacturing plant in Barry and then turned into a wood with all the aesthetic beauty and working properties of many popular hardwoods such as Burmese teak or European oak. Applications are varied depending on product and include yacht decking (LIGNIA Yacht is

LIGNIA is now available from their Danish and German depots anywhere

the only proven wood alternative to Burmese teak for yacht decks) and

in Europe within 48-72 hours.”

Global Timber’s CEO, Peter Baek, said of the new agreement:

joinery including decking, flooring, cladding, doors and more.

LIGNIA’s commercial director Steve Rogers said: “We’re already

“Expanding our product line-up to include LIGNIA reinforces our goal of

working with leading distributors in the UK and North America and I’m

providing our customers with the most innovative products on the market.

delighted to say that Global Timber will be a very important element in

We look forward to introducing the LIGNIA products to our clients, and

our development now across Europe and Asia. Thanks to Global Timber,

together, developing the market for modified timber products.”

SÖDRA MOVES INTO IRELAND Södra has officially launched Södra Wood

over dinner and learnt more about Södra’s

ensure the company is well-prepared for

(Ireland) Ltd, demonstrating the company’s

wider business operation and its record-

any potential future challenges.

investment in and commitment to the

breaking 2018 from Jörgen Lindquist,

Northern and Southern Irish market.

president of the Södra Wood business area.

Kevin Peters, sales manager, Södra Wood (Ireland) Ltd, said: “Crucially, whether

Key figures from across the Irish

Lindquist, who officially opened

we end up with a hard or soft Brexit, Södra

timber industry attended a launch event

Södra’s UK operation in 2017, explained to

Wood (Ireland) Ltd provides us with two

at Finnstown Castle Hotel, Lucan, where

guests how a continued focus on growth,

options to supply to our Northern Irish

guests discussed prominent industry issues

sustainability and innovation will help

customers. They could continue to be supplied out of our distribution terminal in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, or in the event of a hard border, supplying out of Dundee, Scotland, may be more convenient.

Whatever the outcome, we’re well placed to cope with any potential Brexit challenges.

“That said, while Södra Wood (Ireland) Ltd will certainly help combat any potential post-Brexit issues, the investment in Ireland is much more far-reaching. Along with Sweden, Holland and Great Britain, Ireland is very much a key market for Södra and an integral part of its long-term strategy. We’re keen to continue to support the growth of the Irish economy, regardless of the political environment.”

Guests left the event with their very own sapling, direct from Södra’s nursery in Falkenburg, Sweden, where 36 million saplings passed through last year.

02

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SPRING 2019

NEWS

NORBORD PLOUGHS £35M INTO SECOND PHASE OF FACTORY DEVELOPMENT SterlingOSB sales growth has led wood panel manufacturer, Norbord, to plough £35m into the second phase of development at its factory in Inverness, Scotland.

The investment in a second wood room, heat plant and a dryer at the Morayhill mill comes almost one year on from a £110m expansion programme to significantly increase capacity.

The development, due to be completed by 2021, will enable the mill to meet increased consumer demand for oriented strand board (OSB) across the UK and Europe.

Alan McMeekin, Norbord Europe managing director, said: “The plan was always to invest further and we are pleased

Enterprise. HRH The Duke of York also recently visited the plant to help

that the market has enabled us to make this investment much earlier than

commemorate one year of production on the new line.

Jerry Jones, general manager at the Inverness factory, said: “This

originally anticipated.

“The £35m investment will increase capacity and will deliver an

investment is a vote of confidence in our highly loyal Inverness workforce

increased level of support to our strategic customer base – further

and supply chain, and the significant growth potential within the European

enhancing Norbord’s status as the world’s number one OSB producer.”

OSB industry. I’m very proud to be at the helm of the Inverness factory at

The Inverness plant opened more than 30 years ago and was the first

this very exciting time. The level of investment demonstrates how we’re

OSB mill in Europe. Last year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled

evolving as a business in response to customer demand and puts Norbord

the new manufacturing line at the plant following the investment, which

in an even better position to efficiently serve our customers’ growing

was supported by a £12m development grant from Highlands and Islands

needs across the UK and in continental Europe.

Photo courtesy of Richard Burbidge

Online resources to help you specify and build robust and long lasting decking and cladding structures in wood.

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Your route to independently accredited materials, accessories, designers and installers.

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Independent inspection and expert witness services.

5C Flemming Court, Castleford, WF10 5HW  01977 558147  info@tdca.org.uk  www. tdca.org.uk The TDCA is an independent, technical and advisory body for the timber decking and timber cladding industry.

It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.

03

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SPRING 2019

NEWS

MANAGEMENT BUYOUT OF SNOWS TIMBER COMPLETED Snows Timber, previously part of The Bradfords Group, has announced the completion of a management buyout, led by managing director, Ian Church.

Church, alongside Craig Willoughby, supply chain director, and Adam Cray, finance director, had their bid for a management buyout approved

by The Bradford’s Group in January 2019 and have since been busy completing the deal.

Church said: “This is great news for us and for Snows’ customers. It enables us to create a truly agile business and to continue investing in the areas that really need it. In our customer service proposition, we aim to be the very best in our sector. What excites us the most is the fact we are now truly independent.”

Snows remains a national importer, processor and distributor of timber and timber products through its Andover and Mansfield distribution centres.

The national sales office at Pury Hill Business Park, Towcester,

Sydenham’s in February 2019. As part of the sale agreement, Snows cannot trade in the counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for a

remains and will also become the company’s new head office.

The Glastonbury head office and distribution centre was sold to

period of 12 months, starting on 1 March 2019.

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SPRING 2019

NEWS

TOP OF THE CLASS Lead forester at Galbraith, Louise Alexander has

there are still very few investors active in the

completed her qualifications with the Institute

market with Brexit making people even more

of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to become a full

hesitant of entering forestry.”

chartered forester, MICFor. Alexander, who is based at the company’s

Alexander is currently advising clients on new forestry planting projects spanning in excess

Inverness office, has been working towards the

of 800 hectares across the north and west of

title for two years.

Scotland including an area near Loch Ness.

The forestry department at Galbraith has

The project covers over 130 hectares of

grown from four foresters in 2015 to now having

previously under-utilised hill ground and the

a dedicated team of seven based between its

estate is planting a mixed commercial and native

Inverness and Perth offices.

woodland to provide a sustainable timber supply

Alexander, who has been working in the Highland forestry sector for over nine years, joined the team at Galbraith three years ago, and provides advice on all woodland management issues with a particular emphasis on woodland

and future income while protecting the natural features and wildlife present.

Alexander said she is seeing increased activity in woodland carbon capture projects.

“This is where investors are adding value to planted land by quantifying and verifying the

benefit from the additional income from trading

volume of carbon captured by new woodland

woodland carbon units. The new planting site at

work in. Timber prices are holding strong and

planting,” she explained. “This enables the

Loch Ness could produce an additional income

commercial forestry continues to outperform

subsequent trading of the carbon asset for

of over £180,000 over 45 years through the sale

other asset classes,” she said. “The best woodlands

offset of carbon emissions by industry and is an

of the carbon credits alone, so it is an important

are generating returns in excess of 10% however,

attractive option to woodland investors who can

revenue stream to consider.”

creation and specialist tree surveys.

“Forestry is a very interesting sector to

FORESTRY SCHOOL LAUNCHES MODERN APPRENTICESHIP IN TREES AND TIMBER The Scottish School of Forestry at Inverness College UHI has launched its

organisations like Glen Tanar and Forest Enterprise Scotland to attract new

first Modern Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber.

young recruits into the industry.”

Forest Enterprise Scotland is among the first organisations to sign up to

Forest Enterprise Scotland previously ran its own apprenticeship

the two-year programme which will allow people new to the forestry industry

programme between 2006 and 2016, with a total of 105 apprentices

to study and work at the same time.

receiving a range of industry relevant and personal development training.

Eight new recruits will receive on-the-job experience and training with

Many of these former apprentices have achieved careers within the forest

Forest Enterprise Scotland, backed up with further skills and a recognised

industry and land-based sector and continue to develop their professional

SVQ2/3 qualification from the Scottish School of Forestry, Balloch.

learning throughout the sector.

They’ll learn a range of forestry skills from tree identification and planting

The Scottish School of Forestry sits in its own 10-hectare woodland site in Balloch, making it the only forestry training provider delivering both further

to health and safety and land maintenance.

The first four months of their apprenticeship will be based at the Scottish

education and higher education courses within its own practical training

School of Forestry before working onsite for Forest Enterprise Scotland at

environment. In addition to its new Modern Apprenticeship, the SSF delivers

locations throughout the Highlands including Inverness, Lairg, Fort William

a range of qualifications from NC Rural Skills and Certificate in Forestry to

and Durris (Aberdeen).

HNC/D Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, PDA Forestry, HNC/D Forestry

The male and female apprentices – a combination of school leavers, adult

and its BSc (Hons) Forest Management.

returners and career changers – will be assessed onsite by the Scottish School of Forestry throughout the remainder of their two-year programme.

The Scottish School of Forestry is already working with an apprentice from Glen Tanar estate in Deeside.

It is hoped Forest Enterprise Scotland’s engagement with the Modern Apprenticeships and partnership with the land-based college and university sector will act as a catalyst for other forestry related businesses to consider the programme.

Amanda Bryan, interim head of the Scottish School of Forestry, said: “We’re excited to be delivering a Modern Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber, which complements our current further education and higher education offer. The industry needs to be investing in young people and new skills to ensure its future success and we’re delighted to be working with estates and

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: UK SOFTWOOD CONFERENCE

KEEPING BRITAIN BUILDING POST-BREXIT

Over 200 delegates gathered in London for Timber Trade Federation’s annual UK Softwood Conference which discussed the intertwined nature of the global and UK softwood markets

D

elegates at the Timber Trade

starts averaging between 1-2%. The close

slowing of economic growth in China combined

Federation’s annual UK Softwood

correlation between UK GDP and the value of

with an increased interest in building with wood

Conference were warned of the

softwood imports continues to highlight the

to combat climate change, plus a slow yet steady

potential effects of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit

timber industry’s inherent connection to the

growth in USA housing starts which is drawing in

on the value of Sterling and on supply

economic health of the nation.

imports from EU producers.

However, 2019 growth in the repair,

The UK Softwood Conference 2019 also

They were told that both factors would

maintenance & improvement (RMI) sector – the

marked International Women’s Day, which was

adversely affect business in an industry where

largest market sector for softwood in the UK – is

on Friday 8 March and celebrated diversity

the vast majority of wood used for new-build

forecast to be zero, as consumer and business

through a presentation and the launch of the

housing is imported from Europe.

confidence is weakened further by Brexit

book ‘Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army’ by

uncertainties.

Joanna Foat. The Lumberjills carried out the

chain disruption.

Speakers from Setra Group, James Jones &

arduous tasks of felling, shedding, loading lorries

Sons, Glennon Brothers and the Construction

Factors further afield affecting the pricing

Products Association were among the industry

and availability of softwood in the UK include

and sawmilling timber all over the UK during

leaders discussing the intertwined nature of

strong and stable demand across the EU, a

World War II.

the global and UK softwood markets.

They all forecast low growth for 2019, offset slightly by potentially more stable pricing subject to the outcome of Brexit negotiations, at the event which was attended by over 200 international softwood producers, traders and their customers from across the supply chain.

David Hopkins, managing director of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “No-one can deny that Brexit has already begun to

No-one can deny that Brexit has already begun to reduce confidence in the marketplace, and that any disruption to supply chains will have a serious impact on our industry’s ability to supply the materials to keep Britain building.”

Dave Hopkins, Timber Trade Federation managing director

reduce confidence in the marketplace, and that any disruption to supply chains will have a serious impact on our industry’s ability to supply the materials to keep Britain building.

The smooth flow of imported timber into the UK is therefore essential for the construction industry to function normally.”

Speakers focused on growth figures for softwood imports, consumption and housing

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SPRING 2019

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INTERVIEW: HELEN HEWITT

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT WOOD The British Woodworking Federation has an ambition to make wood the construction material of choice. Its chief executive Helen Hewitt talks to Michelle Gordon about bringing together the woodworking sector to drive change

T

he British Woodworking Federation (BWF), the trade association for the UK’s woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry, is on a mission to promote the UK’s exceptional woodworking skills and the benefits of building with wood.

But there is some apprehension over the future, with an ageing workforce and lack of people entering the industry, and, of course, Brexit.

Skills and training form a core part of the Build it Better with Wood campaign and the BWF has been involved in developing apprenticeship

Its Build it Better with Wood campaign, launched last June,

aims to make wood the construction material of choice by celebrating its many benefits in the built environment and promoting the vast range of woodworking and joinery expertise available in the UK.

standards for the sector, as well as working with schools, to attract more young people into the sector.

“Apprenticeships and the skills agenda is challenging and we want to make sure that people have access to good provision,” said Hewitt.

“It is about bringing together the collective voice of the woodworking

“We are involved with developing the new apprenticeship standards

sector to promote the benefits of wood and show how cost effective and

and we have got the level 2 carpentry and joinery and the level 3 advanced

truly sustainable the material is,” said Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the

carpentry and joinery and we are really keen to ensure that the colleges and

BWF, which has over 700 members.

providers take up those standards.

The campaign is not just about promoting a positive image, it also aims

“But obviously from that you need to encourage your Year 9s, Year 10s

to unite the woodworking sector to achieve excellence in areas such as

and Year 12s to look at these career paths. We have identified that current

productivity, health and safety and skills and training, tying in with the BWF’s

GCSE design and technology programmes don’t really talk about timber, they

Code of Conduct which aims to set a benchmark for the industry and to

have more of a focus on plastic and other materials. So, we have designed

promote and encourage high standards.

a programme that can drop into a school’s existing technology and design

Before joining the BWF, all members undergo a robust audit against the code’s standards, covering areas including customer care, technical expertise and training, environmental impact and waste management, sustainability, financial stability and compliance with health and safety legislation.

programme called “Wow! I made that!” written around introducing timber and timber technology.”

The skills agenda is not the only area that could be affected by Brexit and while Hewitt doesn’t want to dwell too much on the ifs and buts of an ever-

The membership journey is key for Hewitt, a previous membership director of the BWF, who took over as chief executive in November, having held the role on an interim basis.

changing situation, the UK’s impending withdrawal from the European Union is a cause for concern.

While the BWF promotes and supports the use of homegrown timber, it

“I am very focused on the membership journey – so when we bring in a member it is very much about ensuring that they understand the values of the BWF – and also on retaining members,” she explained.

has to be realistic, says Hewitt, about the important role of imported timber.

“Our sector relies on the importing of timber, so we are concerned about access and keeping a very close eye on what is happening at the ports –

Hewitt had a varied career prior to joining the BWF, previously working

blockages, high tariffs for importing products etc,” said Hewitt. “Also, we do

for sector skills councils, an awarding organisation and a training provider and

export some of our products, so what happens to our export market is also

driving standards, delivering quality training and developing talent remain

important.”

important to her.

Another issue on the BWF’s radar is the stockpiling of goods, in case of

Ensuring a strong workforce for the future will be key to bolstering the industry which contributes £3.8bn to the UK economy. On the whole, the sector is buoyant with the BWF’s state of trade survey showing a positive outlook and BWF members – whose collective turnover is an estimated £2bn

shortages post-Brexit, which is pushing up the price of warehousing.

Despite the uncertainty, Hewitt is positive about the future of the industry, which she believes has a “unique passion about it”.

“The future is about working together and growth,” she said. “Developing

– reporting a busy year with many looking to recruit new staff and grow their

people is really core to our sector and making sure that we do attract new

business.

people and develop them.”

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: LUMBERJILLS

STANDING TALL Picture from Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army, courtesy of Joanna Foat

The Women’s Timber Corps played a vital role in keeping Britain going during the Second World War yet up until now their story has remained largely untold.

Joanna Foat, author of a new book about their vital contribution, tells Michelle Gordon the tale of the Lumberjills

W

hen war broke out in 1939 the

about the Lumberjills and they have received

It was from here that she began her quest to find

forests were still recovering from

very little recognition for their work.

out more about the work of the Lumberjills.

felling during the First World War

Joanna Foat, author of Lumberjills: Britain’s

“That was really the inspiration that started

and we were importing 96% of our

Forgotten Army, first heard about the Women’s

the whole many years of research into them and

timber.

Timber Corps when she was working as a PR

obsession with them,” she explained.

Timber was critical to the war effort and

consultant for the Forestry Commission.

Foat kept plugging away at the research in her own time, after having to move onto other

was needed for everything from railway sleepers

“There had been some research done about

and telegraph poles to aircraft, shipbuilding and

if the Forestry Commission were a person who

projects in work time and eventually made

pit props to keep the coal mines running but

would they be and the answer was a bearded ale

contact with Stuart Olssen who had campaigned

there was just seven months’ worth of supplies

drinking man,” explained Foat. “I thought it was

for years for recognition for the Women’s Land

stockpiled.

really interesting because my boss was always

Army and Women’s Timber Corp.

At that time just 14,000 people were

telling me how proud he was of his all-female

The Lumberjills had been excluded from

employed in the forestry sector and it became

management team and I thought well, this image

Remembrance Day events but in 2000, thanks

apparent that production had to be increased

is not really true and not representative.”

to Olssen’s efforts were allowed to march

She pitched the idea of a piece on women

past the Cenotaph for the first time in over 50

was initially reluctant to employ young

in forestry to BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour and

years. It was at a Remembrance Day Parade in

women, instead looking to British prisoners,

while the reporter thought it had mileage she

2011, organised by Olssen and dedicated to the

conscientious objectors and school boys.

told Foat that she need something more to go on.

Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corp

if demand was to be met but the Government

Off the back of this Foat started to

that Foat first met Lumberjills Eileen Mark and

women who joined the Women’s Land Army

research women in forestry with very little

Audrey Broad, whose stories feature in the book.

worked in forestry but it was not until April 1942

success until a colleague mentioned the

that the Government agreed to officially set up

contribution that women had made to forestry

Forestry Commission that it was the first time

the Women’s Timber Corps, known colloquially

during both world wars.

ever in the 100-year history that we had a female

From December 1939, as many as 1,200

“We had the really good fortune with the

Foat started to research this angle but still

chair, Pat Warhurst, and she heard about it and

Their contribution to the war effort was

struggled to find information, with most foresters

agreed to launch a campaign to rediscover the

massive but there has been very little written

having never heard of the Women’s Timber Corps.

Women’s Timber Corps,” explained Foat.

as the Lumberjills.

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: LUMBERJILLS either end of the saw,” explained Foat. “He kept saying to her throughout the day are you tired yet? Are you sure you don’t want to stop? She said she was exhausted towards the end but just carried on and by the end of the day they had felled 120 trees.”

When the war finished the forestry sector employed 73,000 people and they had taken out 46% of the UK woods and forests – about 18m tonnes of wood.

There is no doubt that the targets for timber production would not have been met Picture from Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army, courtesy of Joanna Foat

without the Women’s Timber Corps yet It took 65 years before there was any recognition of their contribution – and for some of them that was too late.

Over 100 women, many now in their 80s and

Foat unearthed many individual stories of

90s, came forward after a nationwide search and

friendship, determination and a will to succeed

Foat travelled around the UK to meet them and

during her research. One that sticks with her is

that their remarkable stories are told and

hear their accounts first hand.

that of a woman who overheard her foreman

the achievements of the Lumberjills are not

saying that he didn’t think that the women

forgotten.

“It was a mammoth task,” she said. “I am not sure I would have started at the beginning had I

could cope with the job and they weren’t really

known how long it was going to take and what

up to much.

an enormous task it was, but I was just so fired up about it.

Foat’s book is one step towards ensuring

Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army is available

“She challenged him to work a cross cut saw with her the next day and they worked one

from most book stores. For more information visit https://thelumberjills.uk/index.html

“It was also the fact that nobody knew about it and I thought this is going to be an untold history and it really needs to be told.”

Women were initially only employed for lighter forest duties, such as planting trees, working in tree nurseries or measuring but as time went on they became involved in all aspects of forestry from felling and sawmilling to haulage.

They didn’t have an easy time of it though, facing prejudice not only from the men that they worked with but also from local people, often struggling to find lodgings.

“They were a bit of an anomaly because they were a group of young girls and they didn’t present themselves as young women because they wore trousers and big boots and they were quite strong,” explained Foat.

“They were refused billets, they weren’t allowed to stay in some hotels and people often walked out of hotels if they walked in and sat down.

“The Women in the New Forest had a particularly hard time because it is such a big area and they were travelling round so much. The locals would just say ‘no you are not staying with

Picture from Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army, courtesy of Joanna Foat

us’, so rather than having to find new billets each time they moved they would stay where they were if they got somewhere and would end up cycling 20 miles to their place of work and back again in the evening.”

Despite the tough times, there was a real sense of camaraderie among the women, many of whom were still in their teens, and they built

They were a bit of an anomaly because they were a group of young girls and they didn’t present themselves as young women because they wore trousers and big boots and they were quite strong,” Joanna Foat, author, Lumberjills: Britain’s Forgotten Army

up friendships that lasted a lifetime.

11

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SPRING 2019

COVER STORY: DANZER UK

THE DANZER WORLD 80 Countries, 200 species, one partner

Danzer is a leading quality hardwood supplier with in-house production facilities in many parts of the world. Founded in 1932, Danzer is a third-generation family business producing lumber, sliced veneer and innovative value-added wood timber products for decorative purposes. Danzer products are ultimately used in many high-quality joinery, furniture, interior and external architectural, automobile and yacht interiors and numerous other high class applications.

YOUR RELIABLE PARTNER FOR CONSISTENT QUALITY The global Danzer operation embraces the whole supply chain: from sustainable forest management, sawmilling and lumber sales to the manufacture and sales of veneer and other hi tech speciality surfaces. This allows Danzer to directly manage a consistent quality at all stages.

SAY WHAT YOU DO - DO WHAT YOU SAY - PROVE IT! Danzer continuously invests in modern technologies and processes to ensure optimal use of hardwood – a precious resource – and keep waste to an absolute minimum. Wood is a sustainable natural material. The company adheres to strict due diligence procedures when it comes to procuring its hardwoods. Danzer is FSC® Certified (license FSC-C022523) and PEFC™ certified (PEFC logo license PEFC/1637-165) for applicable products. Danzer UK’s NEPCon LegalSource(TM) certificate demonstrates that their due diligence system conforms to EUTR requirements.

Ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders: Danzer are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with various international non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and local social project groups. In doing so, Danzer always pursue the goal of keeping debates objective and finding steps toward constructive action. The aim is to help people find their own way. Working together not only with the local residents, but also with NGO’s, we all learn how to support and promote sustainable development.

With its Sustainability Reports Danzer underlines this commitment.

The reports are written according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting guidelines. They cover the business years 2014-2016. The reports feature extensive data and examples from around the world that collectively capture some of Danzer’s key sustainability efforts and impacts. The reports serve as a baseline for discussions with stakeholders and future improvements.

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SPRING 2019

COVER STORY: DANZER UK DIVERSE AND EXTENSIVE UK STOCKHOLDING Being part of a global hardwood specialist, Danzer UK draws on an extensive in-house manufacturing and procurement network worldwide; this gives access to a reliable supply of a large variety of the world’s finest and responsibly sourced timber products. At the same time, a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of local customer needs and business practices lets Danzer UK offer products and services tailored exactly to local market needs. Specific programs are being run for individual customers. Products are available both from UK stock and direct from one of our manufacturing facilities.

INNOVATIVE NEW WOOD SURFACES Danzer 3D-Veneer as showcased on cover page. allows for the design and industrial production of organic wood shapes. Danzer 3D-Veneer ushers in a new era in wood design: while bending wood was previously restricted by narrow parameters, the introduction of 3D-Veneers opens up completely new possibilities. Danzer now have implemented hundreds of 3D-Veneer projects in a range of industries, including the furniture and automotive sectors.

Danzer Freeform is an industrial process that adds metal inlays to wood surfaces. Until now only possible through painstaking handcraftsmanship, or restricted to straightforward linear patterns, Danzer Freeform technology now makes it possible to create veneers with inlays in virtually any shape. Decorative elements, typographical details and even logos can now be added to wood surfaces quickly and at reasonable cost.

Danzer’s technical capabilities are now so advanced that there are virtually no limits to the type of inlays that we can produce. Industrial production methods deliver additional cost efficiencies while opening up a wide range of potential uses.

Call us on:

++ 44 (0) 1621 851002 Visit our website:

www.danzer.co.uk

13

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: MANAGING RISK IN THE TIMBER SUPPLY CHAIN

IN TIMBER WE TRUST In no other sector of the construction industry does reputation matter so much as it does in timber. David Hopkins, managing director, of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) outlines how it is continuing to adapt its systems to meet the reputational challenges posed by globalisation

I

n the wood products sector, reliability means

TTF’s ‘Timber you can Trust’ campaign aims to

neither the declared timber species content nor

not only good customer service and quality

reassure our sector’s customers that we are

the type of glue bond were consistently accurate.

wood but also the supply of sustainably-grown

proactively working to reveal and remove new

“China buys wood materials from across the world,

and legally harvested material, free from

risks as they manifest themselves.”

as we do here in the UK. Yet we found significant

environmental and reputational risk.

Representing the timber sector for over 125

inconsistencies in product descriptions. This

Minimising risk to its members’ international

years, the TTF established a reputation for the stiff

underlines the potential risk of illegally-harvested

supply chains through a programme of research,

due diligence of its Responsible Purchasing Policy

timber being present in a supply chain,” explained

guidance and compliance, the Timber Trade

(RPP) some time ago, insisting on adherence by

Hopkins. “From January 2018 all TTF members

Federation (TTF) continues to adapt its systems

all its members. “No due diligence system can

trading in plywoods have been undertaking

to meet the reputational challenges posed by

stand still, though,” said Hopkins. “We need to

additional species content and glue bond tests to

globalisation.

move forward with the times and address new

ensure they are receiving goods as described from

“Timber supply routes are ever-changing,

challenges as global supply chains develop.”

overseas manufacturers.”

with certain types of products – plywoods and

One example of the TTF’s research and

Another area of potential risk involving a

engineered wood flooring as examples – being

reform agenda has been its work on plywoods

complex supply chain is engineered wood flooring.

manufactured in many countries across the world,”

in the past two years. Testing of certain plywood

“We have recently started an Engineered Wood

said TTF managing director David Hopkins. “The

products imported from China revealed that

Flooring Working Group to research any potential

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WINTER 2019

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: MANAGING RISK IN THE TIMBER SUPPLY CHAIN

Timber supply routes are ever-changing, with certain types of products – plywoods and engineered wood flooring as examples – being manufactured in many countries across the world. The TTF’s ‘Timber you can Trust’ campaign aims to reassure our sector’s customers that we are proactively working to reveal and remove new risks as they manifest themselves.” risks to our members and their customers,” said Hopkins. “The supply chain is extensive with wood

Dave Hopkins, TTF managing director

materials being sourced in one country, shipped to and manufactured in another, and then returned Descriptions on overseas-manufactured

to the UK for sale. To minimise risk we are

their customers. One particular member uses

focusing on similar issues to plywoods: the species

a scientific plant material tracing system to

products are not the only focus of the TTF’s

content and source of the materials declared, as

ensure that the ‘European Oak’ in its Far-Eastern

attention. Communicating the types of timber

this is where any possible problems may occur.

manufactured flooring is actually what it says on

treatment needed for different end uses in

the package,” Hopkins explained. “Our flooring

construction is another on-going project. “Builders

products with provable due diligence sourced

research is getting underway now and we will

merchants tend to sell construction timber simply

by TTF members, some of whom already take

report back on findings to all stakeholders in the

labelled as ‘green treated’ rather than by the

extra steps in their own efforts to reassure

sector during the autumn.”

treatments specific to the end use. Timber for

“There are many good and reputable flooring

internal structural use, in the frame of a building where it will rarely if ever receive a wetting, should have a Use Class 2 treatment.

Timber for use externally – but importantly above ground – should have a Use Class 3 treatment, and any timber which comes into occasional or permanent contact with the ground needs a Use Class 4 treatment,” said Hopkins.

“Decking bearers have been the subject of complaints from time to time as the merchant has sold the wrong treated timber for the intended purpose. That is partly a matter of training but it is also up to us as timber suppliers to the merchant and construction sectors to ensure that people are receiving the correct information,” he added. “It’s all part of ensuring that wherever you are in the construction supply chain, if you buy from a TTF member, you are procuring ‘Timber you can Trust’.”

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SPRING 2019

INTERVIEW: ANDREW WRIGHT

STRONG ROOTS

Andrew Wright is set to take over the helm as managing director of one of the UK’s biggest distributors of timber and panel products, James Latham, on 1 April. He talks to Michelle Gordon about why now is the time for timber

C

ompanies don’t come much more well-established than James Latham. It

solid timber – predominantly hardwood but with some specialist softwood

was set up in Liverpool in 1757 and half of the business is still in the hands

products – as well as modified timber, Accoya, and engineered timber.

of the Latham family, with the ninth generation of Lathams currently

“Being able to service people locally from the 11 distribution sites we have is a real strength,” explained Wright. “We recognise that it is an important thing for

working in the company.

“We are really proud of our history and our origins in the timber

the business to be close to our customers. Most companies these days expect

industry,” said incoming managing director of Latham Limited, Andrew Wright,

their supplier to be able to deliver to them the next day and in most cases we can

who joined the company in 2000 as panel manager at its site in Ossett, West

do that.”

Wright, who started his career in the timber sector in 1982, has climbed

Yorkshire.

James Latham has grown steadily over the years, having been taken public

through the ranks at James Latham over the past 19 years. He was appointed to

in 1965, and it is now floated on the AIM market. It employs 400 people and the

the Lathams Limited board in 2005 and appointed director of James Latham plc in

business covers the whole of mainland UK including the Isle of Man, the Channel

2015. He officially takes the reins as managing director on 1 April.

“It is a real honour to be stepping into such an important role in our business

Isles, Northern Ireland and Ireland, from its 11 distribution centres.

Panel products account for around 70% of the business, which also supplies

and I feel tremendously proud to be part of such a long, successful business

James Latham Yate Depot

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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

INTERVIEW: ANDREW WRIGHT operating in the timber industry,” he said.

“I am delighted to be heading up a successful team and look forward to all of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We have a very successful business, created by a team of dedicated people working together, so my role as managing director is really quite simple, it is to ensure that we remain focused on the company’s development plans which are well established and ensure that the business is being steered in the right direction.

“We have such a wonderful group of people within our organisation – welltrained, well-motivated and well-organised and I think we will continue to manage the business heading in the right direction and I feel excited about the future.”

James Latham invests heavily in its employees and staff retention is important to the company which has a long-serving workforce.

“I have been with the company 19 years this year and actually I am one of the new recruits in the organisation. A lot of people have worked for the company a lot longer than I have,” said Wright.

James Latham showroon © Theo Tzia

“We have some of the most knowledgeable and experienced staff in the industry and we enjoy a good, positive culture which I believe is achieved by giving them ownership and responsibility in their roles. This in turn helps with staff retention, providing continuity for the business.”

There has been continued investment in the company and over the last 15 years it has been gradually moving its depots into new purpose-built facilities, most recently at Yate and Leicester.

“We are obviously delighted with both those developments and the opportunities that they provide us with,” said Wright.

The new facilities provide increased storage capacity for a wider range of products and greater efficiencies with racking and handling, allowing products to be distributed in a far more efficient manner.

The company has also opened two product specification showrooms, one in London in 2016 and one in Manchester in September last year and could potentially set up further showrooms in Glasgow and Dublin in the future.

“The first showroom we opened in London has been hugely successful and

Wallnut in Wrea Green

we saw the effect that was having on the development of certain products and felt it was necessary to have one in Manchester. It’s a rapidly growing city and

“We recognise that we can only control what we can control so therefore we have to focus on our business rather than everything else

seems an obvious place for us to be located.

“The showrooms provide a great platform for us to directly engage with architects and designers and showcase our full range of products. We hold regular networking events, CPDs, product presentations etc and our suppliers use them

that perhaps might be going on around us.”

Timber products have really started to come into their own in recent years said Wright with wider recognition of their many benefits.

“It is the time for timber,” he said. “I have been fortunate enough

as well,” said Wright.

“We have been delighted with the progress made so far and I don’t think that

to have been employed in the timber industry all this time and haven’t

is the end of it, we are going to continue with this development as a business and

worked in any other sectors but I think we have been promised that

focus on the specification side of our products.”

timber will arrive one day and I think timber has finally arrived. People are

James Latham’s recent acquisition of Abbey Woods, a leading Irish timber

realising what benefits can be gained from using timber products in every

merchant and the official distributor of Accoya wood in Ireland, will allow it to

aspect whether it is interior design and fit out or whether it is through

further develop its operations in the country.

construction.

While having a base outside of the UK will give the company more flexibility

“I think we are seeing timber products really being recognised for what they are worth and timber is really beginning to be recognised for all of its

post-Brexit, it wasn’t the reason behind the acquisition.

“We have been operating in Ireland for over seven years and we have already developed a good relationship with a lot of customers over there and we have been servicing that from the mainland UK,” said Wright. “This is obviously the next

values, environmentally and for its performance and, of course, well-being is a big thing in the current climate.

“People are recognising that timber is something that provides a great

step in order to offer them a service from within Ireland and hopefully extend the

deal of benefits in the construction of buildings and in the fabrication of

number of people that we can reach out to for business.”

buildings and even in the fit out of buildings.

Wright was reluctant to be drawn into a conversation on the post-Brexit landscape. He said that the company can only focus on aspects that are under its control and James Latham has a good business model, which it will continue with.

“Timber products being correctly specified in the right way in the right part of the building can add tremendous value.”

So what does the future hold for James Latham?

“We do have clear plans for what we want to do as a company,” said

“We have planned well ahead of the end of March and have been making all of the best possible plans that we can and listening carefully to the

Wright. “We believe that timber has a huge future and we are really

developments over the last few months, but we are positioned as best we can in

pleased to have a long history and association with this great industry.

the circumstances,” said Wright. “It is a challenge for sure but I think we have done everything that we can.

19

“We believe that the future is very bright and we are excited about all of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

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SPRING 2019

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: TIMBER PROCUREMENT

STAMP OF APPROVAL Sustainably managed forests can protect wildlife, local communities and the wider environment from the devastating consequences of deforestation but how can you ensure that the timber you procure has been responsibly sourced?

A

The United Nations estimates the illegal

round 129 million hectares of forest – an

achieving global sustainable development goals

area almost equivalent in size to South

relating to water, biodiversity, climate change

timber trade to generate between $30 billion

Africa – have been lost since 1990,

and carbon sequestration,” said Jason Metnick,

and $100 billion every year, depriving countries

leading to issues such as soil erosion

senior vice president, customer affairs, Sustainable

of much-needed tax revenues to pay for vital

and increased flooding with devastating

Forestry Initiative, Inc. “Well-managed forests

public services and welfare, as well as lowering the

consequences for wildlife, local communities and

are key to our shared quality of life today and in

market price of timber from producers that follow

the wider environment.

the future and supporting forest certification

the law, with the WWF stating that the US wood

programmes and the sustainable forest

products industry loses as much as $1 billion every

threat: it’s estimated that the destruction and

management they require is one of the best things

year as a result.

degradation of tropical forests accounts for 3

people can do for forests.”

“The world’s forests are, regrettably, under

All three organisations have developed

billion tons of carbon dioxide a year, playing a big

Responsible forest management helps to

systems of forest certification, working with

role in global climate change and the problems

protect and conserve the world’s forests in a way

governments and local communities to ensure

that come with it: warming oceans, melting

that considers the needs of people, wildlife and

that they are sustainably managed and that trees

polar ice and glaciers, rising sea levels and more

the environment said Chapman.

are planted to replace those that have been cut

extreme weather events,” explained Tallulah

She added: “Responsibly managed forests

down.

Chapman, communications manager at the Forest

help to combat climate change: forests remove

“Certification enables those trading in

Stewardship Council UK (FSC).

carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are the

forest products and their customers to use their

Trees are not only crucial to helping to

world’s largest terrestrial store of atmospheric

purchasing power to support the sustainable

mitigate climate change, said Alun Watkins,

carbon. Maintaining forest cover and ensuring

management of forests around the globe,” said

executive director, Programme for the

its quality through responsible management

Watkins. “Certification helps to build trust in

Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC UK),

are therefore critical in addressing the threat

forest products which in turn creates more

forests are home to two out of three living species

presented by climate change.

demand, thereby increasing the value of standing

and one in five people on the planet rely on forest resources for their livelihood.

“The social and economic importance of responsibly managed forests extends well beyond

forests. Forest which are valued are less likely to be cleared for other land uses.”

The PEFC has grown to become the world’s

According to the WWF, forests are home to

their borders too: for example, they provide a

well over half the world’s land-based species of

retreat for recreation and relaxation, helping to

largest forest certification scheme with over

plants and animals, as well as an estimated 300

boost wellbeing, and they are an important source

309 million hectares of forests certified to its

million people, with more than a billion people

of income for communities and governments,

benchmarks. Its membership includes 44 national

depending on them for their livelihoods.

helping to fund important public services and

forest organisations whose sustainable forest

infrastructure.

management standards have been endorsed by

Organisations such as the FSC, PEFC and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) are working

“If timber is not responsibly sourced it could

PEFC International, as well as 30 international

across the globe to ensure that forests are

potentially be the product of deforestation, forest

stakeholder members largely consisting of

sustainably managed and protected for future

degradation, destruction of natural habitats, and

companies trading in forest products and

generations.

have contributed to the loss of homes, resources

organisations with an interest in the forestry and

and livelihoods for local communities.”

wood product industries.

“Well-managed forests play a critical role in

21

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

SPRING 2019

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22

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The mark of responsible forestry FSC ® C007915

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: TIMBER PROCUREMENT relating to water, biodiversity, climate change and

Forests certified as sustainable by the PEFC

those credentials to the next person in the chain.

have to meet numerous requirements outlined

The SFI on-product label, which is used by

in the PEFC Standard PEFC ST 1003:2018 and

over 20% of Fortune 100 Companies, indicates

reflected in the nationally endorsed standard

that the product comes from an organisation

policies should strengthen the links between

UKWAS (UK Woodland Assurance Standard). These

certified to an SFI standard.

landowners, manufacturers, customers,

carbon sequestration,” he said.

“At a high level, forest products procurement

conservation groups and government agencies.”

requirements include meeting local, national and

FSC runs a global forest certification system

international legislation, maintaining or enhancing

with two key components: Forest Management

the forest area and its ecosystem services, as well as

and Chain of Custody. The certification process is

unlikely to be affected by Brexit, buying wood-

the economic, ecological, cultural and social values

carried out by independent certification bodies,

based material from Europe and the rest of the

of forest resources, helping secure forest benefits

which assess forest managers and forest product

world may become subject to due diligence

for future generations.

companies against FSC standards. Each link in the

requirements.

In FSC-certified forests trees that are harvested

supply chain is audited.

While certification to these global schemes is

Watkins recommends that companies refer to relevant trade associations such as the TTF, which

are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally,

But establishing that timber has

with some parts of the forest protected entirely in

been sustainably sourced is not always as

has produced guidance on the implications of

order to protect rare animals and plants. The rights

straightforward. While a logo will be easy to spot

Brexit, and/or Government departments to ensure

of indigenous people to use the forests are also

on a piece of furniture, for example, it is unlikely to

continuing compliance in the UK.

protected and sacred sites within the forests are

be marked on raw materials, so timber suppliers

“If the UK leaves the EU, it will implement its

exempt from felling.

and merchants should check invoice and delivery

own UK Timber Regulation (UKTR), which will have

Forest owners use local workers to manage

notes for appropriate certification codes and

the same requirements as the EU Timber Regulation

the forests, providing decent salaries, training and

use online databases to check the validity of

(EUTR),” explained Chapman. “In a no deal scenario,

safety equipment, and they are encouraged to

certification numbers.

those importing from the EU or EEA will become

support local communities in other ways, such as the development of schools.

“Our vision for responsibly managed forests is forests that meet the social, ecological, and economic rights and needs of the present generation without compromising those of future generations. In other words, responsible forest management is forest management that is

Certification enables those trading in forest products and their customers to use their purchasing power to support the sustainable management of forests around the globe” Alun Watkins, executive director, PEFC UK

environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable,” said Chapman.

More than 124 million hectares of forest land

Timber procurement policies are not

an ‘operator’ and will therefore be required by law

across the US and Canada is certified to the SFI

compulsory, but they are recommended to ensure

to carry out due diligence to confirm the timber has

Forest Managed Standard and tens of millions

that everyone in the organisation knows what

been legally harvested. There will be no changes for

more are positively influenced by the SFI Fiber

timber and timber products are acceptable for

those currently importing from outside the EU.”

Sourcing Standard.

use. It can also help companies to make and meet

SFI focuses on four areas: standards,

Corporate Social Responsibility targets.

Global forest certification systems can continue to be used as part of the EUTR/UKTR due diligence process.

conservation, education and community. As well

Chapman advises that policies should

as promoting sustainable supply chains, advancing

cover sourcing criteria and minimum standards,

sustainable forest management and supporting

requirements for acceptable evidence and

FSC, have a vital role to play in the sustainable

conservation through grants, it collaborates with

labelling requirements, and may specify

procurement of timber and timber products,

the communities that rely on, and care for its forests

acceptable alternatives if the preferred sourcing

there is still some way to go with more than 90%

and works with teachers and young people to teach

criteria cannot be met.

of the world’s forests remaining uncertified and

them about forests and the environment.

The organisations also run product labelling schemes that enable people to identify responsibly sourced wood, paper and other forest products.

The only companies that can use a PEFC logo are those that are 3rd party certified and hold a

Procurement policies should reflect the values embodied in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said Metnick.

While organisations such as PEFC, SFI and

increased certification is vital to safeguarding forests for the future.

“If we do not ensure responsible procurement,

“Procurement policies should also recognise

unsustainable practices, including illegal logging, will

the critical role that well-managed forests play in

thrive,” said Watkins. “Illegal logging creates habitat

achieving global sustainable development goals

loss for many species, loss of homes and resources such as income, fuel and food, for those who live in

chain of custody certificate or forest management

and around the forest, as well as soil

certificate which means they can

erosion and damage to water

buy their material from a

courses.”

sustainable source and pass on

23

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SPRING 2019

DRESSER ADDS PRECISION

Dresser Mouldings, one of the UK’s largest bespoke timber manufacturers specialising in quality, bespoke timber mouldings, is now offering Sansin Precision Coat factory finishes.

Sansin’s Precision Coat products have been developed to meet the demand for coatings that balance wood protection and performance along with stunning colour and aesthetics.

Backed by over 30 years of proven experience protecting large commercial, residential and mass timber wood buildings and structures, Sansin’s factory finishes deliver high performance and durability in low-VOC, water-borne formulas for modified, engineered and specialty woods.

Bill Gunn, Managing Director of Dresser Mouldings commented, “This is a great fit for us and one which will add real value to our customers. Here at Dresser Mouldings we pride ourselves in having the largest selection of bespoke manufacturing for exterior timber substrates, backed by state-

of-the-art technology, machinery and expertise. The addition of Sansin’s Precision Coat factory finishes combines both the beauty and protection of a class-leading product with the commitment to quality manufacturing and attention to detail for which Dresser Mouldings is known.”

Offered in a variety of stunning colours, Sansin’s Precision Coat factory finishes include; Precision Coat SDF for wood siding, cladding and decking; Precision Coat Foundation, a penetrating base coat that offers up to six months protection against weathering and UV during construction; Precision Coat ENS, a self-priming and tough, durable satin two-coat finish that can be applied to virtually any surface – from millwork to cladding and decks; and Precision Coat WoodForce, a durable, water repellent wood treatment for exterior wood surfaces designed to achieve a natural weathered look, while ensuring dimensional stability by reducing moisture absorption up to 74% during wetting periods.

For samples and more information: 01706 658900 www.dressermouldings.com

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24

NEW

06/03/2019 13:17:57 WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: ILLEGAL LOGGING

GETTING TO THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM Illegal logging is estimated by Interpol to cost between £23 and £76 billion annually, as well as leading to the loss of habitats and biodiversity, but DNA technology is making it easier to pinpoint exactly where timber was grown Kew scientists section off small pieces of wood for microscopic examination. Photo © Steve Lancefield

T

he Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and

to facilitate on-the-spot tests for timber across

spectrometry. We have found that stable isotope

globally renowned centre for botanical

the globe and increase transparency across the

is more effective than DNA testing for origin

and mycological knowledge, Kew Gardens,

supply chain.

of harvest and DART spectrometry can quickly

have joined forces to try and tackle illegal

Recent evidence and reports from the

logging, through pinpointing the exact

Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF International)

identify species at low cost with a sliver of wood.”

The project, which had an initial aim to collect

origin of timber products, using only a small piece

have shown that in Latin America shipments

over 200 samples from up to five commonly

of the wood.

of illegally logged wood were being shipped

traded wood species in FSC-certified forests

The FSC has been using traditional wood

alongside FSC-certified timber. By expanding the

of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Peru,

anatomy to check the veracity of FSC claims and

database of samples with credible partners, FSC

will ultimately expand to cover the 1,900 FSC-

species composition since 2011. But while it has

aims to further build the credibility of its system

certified forests across all the major and minor

been useful, it is limited as it can only identify

and help mitigate against these risks.

timber producing regions in the world.

wood to the genus level and cannot provide

“FSC has been looking at technology that

“We will be improving this collection with the

information about where the wood was grown.

would give us more precision on the species of

new specimens which will be properly identified

a product as well as information on where the

with accurate geo-referencing,” explained Peter E.

samples from FSC certified forestry concessions

wood was grown,” said Guillery. “This has led

Gasson, research leader, wood and timber, Royal

in a successful pilot scheme in North America in

us to testing DNA, stable isotope and DART

Botanic Gardens, Kew.

It tested the idea of collecting wood reference



2017, later expanded to Latin America.

“The rationale behind this project is that the forensic labs testing wood products have long been seeking the necessary wood reference materials essential for the efficient functioning of existing wood ID technologies. This project was to see if samples could be collected with little effort and at low cost,” explained Phil Guillery, supply chain integrity director at the FSC. FSC has now teamed up with partners including Kew Gardens, which has one of the most extensive xylaria (scientific wood collections) in the world, and the US Forest Service to increase the number of database samples, which must first be recorded before a match can be established. The ultimate aim is

25

Kew scientist examining slides from Kew’s extensive wood library

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Dr Peter Gasson examines wood samples at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

SPRING 2019

FOR TIMBER THAT KEEPS OUR FORESTS STRONG, ® CHOOSE FSC Our forests give us many things, including a huge variety of timber and timber products.

FSC helps look after forests and the people and wildlife who call them home. So you can use timber, panels and other forest products while keeping our forests full of life. www.fsc-uk.org

FSC 26 ®F000231

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: ILLEGAL LOGGING

One of the slides from Kew’s extensive wood library

“This is essential, because the two crucial

origin of oak, which is manufactured into flooring

questions are what wood is it and precisely where

and furniture in China from wood imported from

does it come from? These questions are now

North America, Europe and the Russian Far East.”

often difficult to answer with trees harvested in

Being able to pinpoint the exact location

one country, exported to another where they are

where wood is grown is vital to tackling illegal

turned into products such as furniture, flooring,

logging and to preventing timber being falsely

plywood, and then exported again.”

presented as sustainably sourced.

Wood samples and voucher specimens are

“Species identification can only identify the

collected in the field by FSC auditors/reps and sent

region in which a species grows but this can often

with the appropriate permits to Kew Gardens, where

be inaccurate as mahogany and eucalyptus, for

they are quarantined to prevent the spread of pests

example, now grow all over the world, not only in

or diseases that could affect plants in the UK.

their natural range,” explained Guillery.

Kew then shares the sample with Agroisolab,

“For enforcement agencies and FSC it is more

a leading, independent laboratory committed to

important to know the location of where the wood

protecting forests, by ensuring the integrity of

was grown. Such testing has the potential to allow

supply chains with scientific methods.

FSC and enforcement agencies to know if the wood

It has reference databases capable of creating accurate isotope signatures to enable the pinpointed detection of the geographic origin of

was harvested in a protected area illegally.”

Michael Marus, chief knowledge officer at the Forest Stewardship Council, added: “This project is

water, air – all of which have a stable isotope ratio

not just about playing a critical role in strengthening

based on the local conditions. The technique to

FSC by increasing its sampling of wood and

identify the isotope signatures for wood is similar.

integrating this information by using digital

“Wood identification technologies, such

technology support. It is also about contributing to

as fibre testing, are fundamental to our drive

science and the evolution of Wood Identification

to identify and confirm false claims of FSC-

techniques and methods which are fundamental to

certified materials. In 2017/18 the use of

addressing a host of major challenges our forests

these technologies led to the suspension and

face today, including climate change. the unique role we contribute to the collection

also helped us to block providers from returning

of reference samples from the over 1,500 FSC-

to our system,” said Guillery.

certified forests found across the globe. Being as The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the US Forest

Isotope Testing with Wood Sample collection

Service Forest Products Lab and Agroisolab is

has increased our ability to address these issues,

a unique opportunity to develop a library of

broadening our toolkit to identify problems in

geo-referenced wood samples that will be made

FSC supply chains.”

available to qualified labs across the world.

“This will allow enforcement agencies and

oak samples can be successfully collected, sent

responsible corporations to use these new

to Kew, quarantined, accessioned in our xylarium

scientific techniques to rid supply chains of illegal

(Economic Botany collection) and analysed for

wood and will go a long way towards fulfilling

stable isotopes.

FSC’s mission to promote responsible forest

“This is a great step forward in providing

management. It will be critical for combatting

reference material for verifying the geographical

illegal logging and addressing climate change.”

27

Pericopsis.safranin

able to work with the leading forensic labs such

Identification Technologies, namely Stable

Gasson added: “We have demonstrated that

Quercus mongolica

“Of equal or greater importance for FSC is

passed false claims in the FSC system. Their use

“Our pilot of the latest, cutting-edge Wood

Palaquium clarkeana

in a product was grown in a certified concession or

finished products. Animals and plants take in food,

termination of 45 FSC certificate holders that

Campnosperma pteripentandra

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Pinus sylvestris

SPRING 2019

Improve efficiency and reduce costs across your business Kerridge Commercial Systems - provides business management software solutions for the timber industry.

Source Effectively

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www.kerridgecs.com

Your business. Your way.

28

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: FOREST PROTECTION

THE PARAMEDICS OF THE RAINFOREST A new generation of data collectors and support scientists are proving vital to the overall health of the rainforest ecosystem

At work in the rainforest

Para-ecologist, Joseph Kua

T

hursday 21 March marked UN International Day of Forests which

to make sure that the area will be protected. If we do not know what is there,

aims to celebrate the individuals working to protect the planet’s trees.

then we can’t make sure it will be conserved for future generations.”

“UN International Day of Forests is a chance to celebrate

Fellow para-ecologist Joachim Yalang added: “Currently, I am involved

the wonderful individuals around the globe who are dedicated

in a programme in my community which tries to restore forest back to its

to protecting our flora and fauna. This initiative reinforces the

original state. I am happy that I have a job which involves research and

Government’s commitment to protect the most diverse forests for nature and

rainforest conservation because it enables me to give back to my community

tackle illegal logging,” explained Environment Minister, Thérèse Coffey.

what I have learnt and make them aware of the importance of rainforest and

These include para-ecologists – the paramedics of the rainforest – a new generation of data collectors and support scientists who are proving vital

conservation.”

The rainforests in Papua New Guinea are home to an estimated 25,000

to the overall health of the rainforest ecosystem thanks to projects funded

species of plants, along with 760 bird species that are found nowhere else

through the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative.

on Earth including the iconic Birds of Paradise, tree kangaroos and many

Since 2001, the University of Sussex has led five projects designed to train

other creatures such Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing butterfly. The projects in

and build scientific knowledge of nature with local people and received almost

Papua New Guinea have raised awareness of nature and the importance of

£1m in backing from the Darwin Initiative, with some UK aid, over this period.

protecting biodiversity amongst the local indigenous communities and led to

“The Darwin Initiative continues to support hundreds of projects that restore and enhance wildlife and nature. It’s another fine example of our

increasing concern for the long-term future of the rainforest.

The para-ecologist initiative has contributed to the establishment

support for action at home and abroad to ensure we are the first generation

of a model rainforest conservation area, which won a United Nations

to leave our environment in a better state than we found it,” said Coffey.

Development Programme’s Equator Prize award in 2015.

This includes funding for several projects to help villagers in Papua New

The conservation area is a community-designated area of forest around

Guinea become para-ecologists and protect their country’s treasured rainforest.

10,000 hectares on the northern side of the island that has been protected

These individuals are now providing vital scientific knowledge that is changing

from logging by nine neighbouring indigenous clans.

minds on the ground and helping people gain new livelihoods, which is contributing to the protection of some of the world’s most important habitats.

This year’s event coincides with the Government’s Year of Green Action, a drive throughout 2019 to help people to connect with, protect and enhance

dedicated people are helping us to carry out vital research work on species of plants and animals, many only found in Papua New Guinea.

“It is heartening to see that our training programme has impacted local

nature – both in the UK and abroad.

Para-ecologist, Joseph Kua said: “I am amazed with the current job I have.

I can see that I am really contributing to educating local landowners about the

people’s lives to the extent that a large area of rainforest is being protected from destruction – by the very people who live there.

“Darwin Initiative support has been absolutely essential to establishing

importance of forest conservation.

“We carry out biodiversity surveying in the rainforest which is essential

29

Dr Alan Stewart, Darwin project-lead from the University of Sussex said: “We use the name ‘para-ecologist’ as analogous to paramedic. These

these projects and helping to change and shape people lives.”

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

TIMBER VACANCIES REGIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE Timber & Panel Products South East Competitive Salary + Bonus

RCM and SPSenvirowall cement their collaboration at Futurebuild 2019

REGIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE

The closer collaboration between RCM and SPSenvirowall has been evidenced in a successful joint exhibition at Futurebuild 2019 where both companies shared a brand new stand showcasing their vast range of compatible products offering a one-stop shop to customers.

Hardwood Products South East & London Competitive Salary + Uncapped Bonus

RCM and their sister company SPSenvirowall are happy to announce a successful show at Futurebuild 2019 in London. Both part of the Benx Group, the companies shared a large and visually exciting new stand showcasing their joint product offerings. Greater depth and diversity of products on offer demonstrated integration capability and successful one-stop solutions. The prime position at the show together with the very clean and slick white design of the new stand allowed the samples on display to virtually present themselves. Various ranges of colourful facades and brick finishes compelled visitors to take a closer look.

Suspended 360-degree rotating interactive displays of RCM’s ‘complete through wall solutions’ and SPS’s ‘system build-ups’ allowed visitors to get a much better understanding of how the different products integrate with each other to form a solution. Dynamic Cladding, offered exclusively by SPSfacades, part of the Benx Group and RCM’s popular Supertech Weatherboard cladding were also featured, highlighting the great façade options available. Visitors were also able to take away samples of the great building board range RCM have to offer.

Visitors will have a chance to visit the new stand at Construction Week, NEC Birmingham 8-10 October 2019. RCM and SPSenvirowall will be exhibiting in the ‘Roofing, Cladding & Insulation’ section on stand: B845.

NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE Timber Frame/ Timber Engineering Competitive Salary + Bonus

Contact our specialist Consultant Fiona Hamilton to find out more or discuss other career opportunities Tel. 01234 826450 Email. fiona.hamilton@srsuk.com web. www.srsuk.com

We’re exhibiting at LIGNA Visit us on stand A65, Hall 25 Marking systems for SAWMILLS and PALLET MANUFACTURERS

Tel: 0870 803 1877

www.timbermark.co.uk

High quality media dedicated to the timber sector

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 30

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: TIMBER SOFTWARE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOFTWARE In this digital age choosing the right business software is vital. Tony Pey, head of product marketing at Kerridge Commercial Systems explains what to look out for

I

f you’re searching for new business software, you’ll obviously want a solution that manages and reports on everything your business does while at the same time optimising the productivity and efficiency within your operation.

Whether you stock to tally, sell only full packs or sell loose lengths to tally, quick and easy order entry is vital when processing what can be complex timber orders.

Stocks of full packs, together with pack content and any environmental certification, total running meterage and available lengths all need to be at a sales team’s fingertips. Total visibility of your inventory will give them the ability to supply customers with confidence.”

Tony Pey, Kerridge Commercial Systems

You should also check that it’s easy for your

team to use. Whether you stock to tally, sell only full packs or sell loose lengths to tally, quick and

instance skilled operatives, whose time would have

Timber merchants should choose a system

easy order entry is vital when processing what can

been better spent grading and turning timber, were

that manages rebates so they can be included

be complex timber orders. Stocks of full packs,

wasting their time driving forklifts long distances to

in your cost calculations and even added to the

together with pack content and any environmental

and from loading bays.

system retrospectively. By maintaining a rebate file in the system you’ll be able to sell at the best

certification, total running meterage and available

We developed a function called ‘Multi-Stage

lengths all need to be at a sales team’s fingertips.

Picking’ so the skilled staff just needed to deliver

Total visibility of your inventory will give them the

the timber they picked to the nearest ‘staging post’

ability to supply customers with confidence.

in the warehouse. Drivers then take the timber

let you signify certain stock has been brought in

margins and claim the correct amounts.

A system supporting ‘product attributes’ will

from the staging post on to one of maybe 20

for a particular customer, or maybe purchased

a system that lets you manage them as batches

loading bays. This allows the skilled staff to focus

at a particularly good price. Larger operations

and keeps track of the product as it’s converted

on picking the most appropriate material for the

should ensure their system allows their branches

into smaller packs, or put through internal or

orders.

to create requisitions for central purchasing

If you take delivery of packs of timber, choose

third-party processes. Manufacturers will want a

The Multi Stage Picking feature manages this

departments and submit product set-up requests

system that can manage staged works orders and

entire process and is entirely configurable by the

for central approval before they are added to the

create job cards and report on each stage – as well

customer depending upon how many staging posts

product file.

as capturing all the on-costs of machine set up

they choose to operate.

Recently you’ve probably read about the benefits of digitally transforming your business

and processing and manage wastage. A solution

Of course, if space is at a premium and a

that maintains the integrity of chain of custody

company prefers to pick the timber and put it

– in other words using digital technology to

throughout the supply chain will make it easy to

straight on a lorry, our software supports this too.

enable your team to work smarter and more

Other features within our system were also

instinctively. Forward looking providers are

Developments to our K8 system are often

designed specifically with timber companies and

therefore currently developing apps through

driven by the specific needs of certain customers.

merchants in mind and show when stock is at ‘quay

which users can access and proactively use the

Some have vast warehouses or a series of

locations’ – so you can see when stock is at Tilbury

data from their core ERP solutions on iOS or

for example.

Android devices.

produce reports during inspections.

smaller warehouses over a large area and in one

31

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

For high performance decking & cladding solutions...

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www.tanalisedtimber.co.uk

TIMBERMARK makes progress exporting to Europe Despite Brexit uncertainty making headlines every day, one company still finding exporting success in Europe is high-resolution inkjet printing solutions provider, Timbermark. The Oxfordshire based company says that Euro-area sales now account for about 25% of turnover.

“In the last year we’ve seen new orders from France, Belgium, Latvia and Slovakia,” says Colin Stewart, Timbermark’s founder and MD. “Mainly these new customers were introduced to Timbermark at the Ligna Exhibition in Hanover, which is why we’re going again this year.”

Timbermark is due to exhibit at the international trade fair in Hannover next month, and is showcasing enhanced control systems for its range of lowcost, high resolution inkjet printers. Examples of Timbermark’s recent European installations include:

8-head system to print on a moulder outfeed in Belgium

2-head system to mark across boards on a layering and stacking module in France

5-head system to mark across the top and end of planed carcasing, with a variable grade stamp, Latvia

Timbermark puts the international interest down to its strengths in three areas. Firstly, the products cover a broad range of applications and include the new Sojet inkjet printer, which is simple and reliable. Timbermark has produced a system of standard brackets for the installation which allows standardisation, flexibility and low cost and the service requirements on this type of installation are minimal. Secondly Timbermark’s USP is the specific knowledge of sawmills and pallet equipment, and ongoing development efforts have

produced some well-conceived designs, robust enough for the typical production environment. And finally, it’s been the result of years of determination. Colin speaks several European languages and wants to develop his business in the Euro area. “We are quite narrowlyfocused on an industry, and exporting widens our potential market,” he says.

trading conditions with the UK, although Colin believes this view is unduly pessimistic. “Even if in the short term we end up leaving with no deal, my view is that in the long run there will be a free trade agreement with the EU.” Meanwhile, the company has written to all its European customers assuring them that there will be no adverse effect, as Timbermark will pay any duty on imports. The only effect will be that the customer will have to pay the VAT to the courier agent, as opposed to including the transaction in their quarterly VAT return.

What effect is Brexit having? Some European customers are trying to source locally to avoid potentially difficult

Timbermark ID Systems Ltd Unit 1, Hall Farm Workshops, Mill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire OX11 9FD T: +44 (0)870 803 1877 E: sales@timbermark.co.uk W: www.timbermark.co.uk

32

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: DECKING

UNDER PRESSURE The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) explains why pressure treated timber remains on trend for decking

Budding Breeze House. Photo courtesy of Deckbuilders UK Ltd

T

he timber decking market has evolved considerably in recent years to

provide evidence of correct treatment and what service life to expect. Unless this

give specifiers and end users alike a much wider choice of materials.

information is available, you cannot be certain if the timber is fit for purpose.

Despite this, pressure treated timber has held onto its top spot as the

Even better is to source materials from a supplier accredited under

UK’s favourite material for deck building, particularly for the support

an authoritative quality scheme. Examples include the TDCA’s DeckMark

structure.

scheme and the WPA’s (Wood Protection Association) Benchmark scheme. Both schemes are designed to raise the quality bar and provide

It has served the market since decking popularity soared in the UK

added reassurance from qualified, expert opinion.

in the early noughties. Its natural appearance is a primary reason for its

Getting the specification right is particularly important for the deck

ongoing success coupled with cost, it being competitively priced compared

support structure as it’s easy to mistake house building joists for deck

to the newer arrivals.

For installers of pressure treated timber, it also is incredibly easy to work with, not to mention its versatility which allows much creative freedom. Put renewable, sustainable and environmentally responsible into the mix and its position is easy to understand.

joists. Flooring and roofing joists are designed for interior building use and should not be used for external timber decking.

The TDCA website features answers to other topical questions and more – pay it a visit at www.tdca.org.uk.

Pressure treated timber is commonly made from widely available plantation grown softwood which is impregnated with a wood preservative in an industrial treatment plant to make it more durable and allowing its effective use in situations that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible.

For decking, the industry generally works to a 15-year desired service life, but extended service lives are available from some suppliers. Indeed, the TDCA publish a code of practice for raised decking that represents a belts and braces approach to deck building and enables compliance with stringent NHBC standards. These standards require long service lives

PRESSURE TREATED TIMBER CASE STUDY

that can equally be achieved using pressure treated softwood or naturally durable timber species.

TDCA member Marley Eternit recently supplied Antislip decking on a pioneering project to build a new community in Leicester. Pressure treated European redwood decking was selected to create

WHAT IS THE RIGHT KIND OF WOOD

the stunning timber boardwalk, providing a scenic pedestrian link and acting as a focal point for

PRESERVATIVE FOR TIMBER DECKING?

the entrance of the development. The ambitious project included 4,250 high-quality new homes,

The key detail for decking is that the preservative

two primary schools, and a secondary school, as well as retail and business space.

used must be suitable for outdoor use. There are several

Creating a natural aesthetic for the site was very important and landscape architects FPCR

different products available, but they all have one thing in

Environment & Design have been involved in the project since its inception in 2008. They have

common; they use copper as the primary biocide. Other

provided planning, master planning, design and detail design services for the scheme. As part

ingredients are added which make each supplier’s offering

of their detailed work, they designed a large boardwalk to provide pedestrian access to the new

unique. Tanalith E is one such example, the resulting

homes and to make a striking entrance feature for both residents and visitors.

pressure treated timber often branded as Tanalised,

Marley Eternit’s Antislip Plus decking, with a smooth profile, was chosen to create the

although some suppliers have own label brands.

boardwalk, giving pedestrians the opportunity to walk over, or around the lake, adding a park-like aesthetic to the entrance of the site. The curved boardwalk also features wooden benches, so

HOW DO I KNOW THAT WHAT I’M GETTING OR SPECIFYING IS GOING TO BE RIGHT FOR THE JOB? This is a very good question. You cannot tell if a piece of timber has been properly treated just by looking at it.

residents can stop and take in their surroundings.

Jane Fortescue, from FPCR Environment & Design said: “The decking gives a clean, contemporary style that is suited to such a large boardwalk and creates a striking first impression”.

Antislip profiled deck boards are a good choice for commercial projects to minimise the risk of slipping even in adverse weather conditions.

You need to purchase from a reputable supplier who can

33

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SPRING 2019

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SPRING 2019

FEATURE: CLADDING

GOT IT COVERED Timber Trader caught up with Richard Mosson, group cladding and decking manager at James Latham, to put some questions to him about the UK cladding market Accoya Cladding © James Latham

J

ames Latham, the UK’s biggest

HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE ANY

independent timber and panel products

CHANGES/CONSIDERATIONS

distributor, holds a multi-million-pound

FOLLOWING THE INQUIRY? As a business we now have a set procedure

stock and offers a range of timber

in place to ensure that any FR project

cladding solutions in Accoya, Cedar,

undertaken is monitored and closely managed

Larch, Red Grandis and Thermowood.

to ensure compliance.

Our editor Michelle Gordon put some

questions to its group cladding and decking manager Richard Mosson about the UK cladding

WHAT CHALLENGES IS THE MARKET

market.

FACING AT THE MOMENT BESIDES Charred Accoya Cladding - Tenki © James Latham

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR OVERALL

BREXIT? Currency and availability of material are probably the two greatest challenges.

SALES DOES CLADDING ACCOUNT FOR? It is still relatively small, however, James Latham recognises the potential for growth

WHAT ARE THE BIG TRENDS/MOST

within this sector and is applying focus within

POPULAR CLADDING PRODUCTS AT

this area, in particular focusing on architects and

THE MOMENT? Accoya is proving to be very popular due to

specifications.

its durability, stability and ability to significantly HOW HAVE CLADDING SALES FOR

enhance coating performance. Charred Shou

THE PAST 12 MONTHS COMPARED TO

Sugi Ban cladding is growing in popularity also.

PREVIOUS YEARS Cladding sales at James Latham have effectively doubled in the last two years.

Charred Accoya - Shizen © James Latham

WHAT ARE YOUR SALES FORECASTS FOR CLADDING FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? We are confident that sales will continue

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE GRENFELL

business we take FR very seriously when

INQUIRY HAD ON THE CLADDING

required. FR requirements only account for only

to grow, in particular modified woods such

MARKET (IF ANY)?

a small percentage of James Latham cladding

as Accoya as more architects are focusing on

sales, therefore, it has not had a significant

environmental impact, longevity and overall life

impact.

costs.

There is much more focus on FR regulations and good design since Grenfell and as a

35

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SPRING 2019

SPRU CE

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ECI-Spruce are the leading provider of software to American timber merchants and are now making inroads into the UK market. Their latest enhancement to the core merchant software is Spruce AnyWare; the android App for phones and tablets. This App allows the merchant to access their Spruce merchant business system from the palm of their hand, no matter where they are. With the Spruce AnyWare application management are always in complete control of the business.

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In its simplest delivery only form the App can be used by the merchant’s drivers to take photos of delivered goods, including their condition and capture customer’s signatures. Both the signature and any photos are attached automatically to the file version of the delivery document being easily retrieved to any work station should the need arise. The app can optionally be integrated with the Spruce delivery module and Google maps allowing inside staff to track the progress of a truck’s journey and update their customers with expected delivery times.

The full AnyWare app allows outside sales reps to process customer orders and quotes, check pricing and stock levels or schedule deliveries all whilst sitting with the customer in his site office.

Inside warehouse and yard staff can serve customers using the app’s point of sale system which includes bar code reader and customer signature capture. Spruce AnyWare transmits the transaction to the trade counter or yard exit point for a printed advice note or invoice, making it ideal for “drive-thru” yards.

Real time stock checks are carried out with instant update to the branch inventory and supplier purchase orders are simply produced and emailed directly from any part of the yard or warehouse.

The ECI-Spruce AnyWare App is partnered by the company’s customer App, Spruce Prolink. The Prolink product for Android or Apple mobiles allows merchants’ customers access their account documents, check their prices and place orders 24/7.

To arrange an on-line demonstration of the ECi-Spruce system or to just have a chat about what ECi-Spruce can do for your business call 01522 252252 or use the contact form on the Spruce website www.sprucecomputer.co.uk

Decking supply options now include 100% FSC certified greenheart and basralocus Consumer attitudes are a significant driver of innovation in the marketplace. Timber decking in the UK continues to enjoy strong demand, with service life and reduced maintenance increasingly specified requirements.

The market segments for legal and sustainable FSC certified tropical timber decking are application, type and usage. Greenheart in particular is a key high performance and durable timber of choice for marine construction applications, commercial docks, public beach-front developments including boardwalks, lock gates, and coastal defences such as groynes. However, with the availability of greenheart and basralocus timber decking from McVantage of Guyana, applications are expanding to hotels and resorts, and use by landscape architects and homeowners for garden renovation projects.

There is a notable rise in both specifiers and consumers wishing to address environmental concerns, with the “Plastic & Health: The Hidden Costs Of A Plastic Planet” report released by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) just last month, and increasing interest in the positive impact of wood on physical wellbeing.

The stringent regulations the timber industry works within such as FSC and PEFC are familiar and reassuring for clients, specifiers and consumers.

Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) combined with legal frameworks such as the US Lacey Act, European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and FLEGT also offer sustainable and responsible social and economic opportunities for tropical timber source countries to cover market needs.

McVantage of Guyana produce 100% FSC certified tropical hardwood decking in a variety of species and sizes which are offered untreated and standardized against the rules for GR04 products, as outlined in the McVantage of Guyana Grading Rules Booklet. They are end sealed and packed to length in bundles approximately 12” high and 40” wide.

Standard McVantage of Guyana decking is surfaced and finished with a 3mm radius on each edge to avoid hard corners, and a number of moulded patterns, including anti-skid, can be produced. Their decking is available in greenheart and basralocus, with other species subject to availability.

McVantage of Guyana is a long-standing US timber company operating in South America in close cooperation with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development - an international conservatory tasked to develop economically viable, environmentally sustainable, multi-use forest resources from tropical forests.

Greenheart (Chlorocardium Rodiaei) Greenheart is a common commercial tree species found throughout Guyana.

It is one of the world’s most durable species, and as such is best known for marine applications in Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. Some of those applications include marine piles, docks, and groynes. It has a unique resistance to marine borers such as teredo navalis. The wood has a straight grain, fine texture, and a colour ranging from a golden yellow to brown.

When considering the appearance and strength together, Greenheart is a wonderful choice in uses from heavy construction to decking.

Density: ~ 940 kg/m³ (59 pcf) @12% MC Durability* - Funghi: Class 1 - Very Durable - Termites: Class D - Durable - Use Classes: Class 4 - In ground or fresh water contact / Class 5 - For marine environment or in brackish water Janka Hardness: 1152 @ 12% MC (kgf) Color: Yellow to Brown *CIRAD (According to E.N. Standards)

Basralocus (Dicorynia guianensis) Basralocus is a fairly large tree species found in Guyana. It is a versatile hardwood that can be used for both interior and exterior applications, and it is one of Guyana’s most appreciated decking species. The wood is dimensionally stable and has a nice, warm reddish-brown color. With its texture and pleasant colour, Basralocus is a pleasing combination of appearance and natural durability in a construction hardwood.

Density: ~ 800-850 kg/m³ (50-53 pcf) @12% MC Durability* - Funghi: Class 2 - Durable - Termites: Class M - Moderately Durable - Use Classes: Class 3 - Not in ground contact, outside / Class 5 - For marine environment or in brackish water Janka Hardness: 685 @ 12% MC (kgf) Color: Brown to Reddish-Brown *CIRAD (According to E.N. Standards)

For full details of available species, sizes and lengths, contact Finn Knudsen on +41 79 414 36 81 or email FKnudsen@mcvantage.com.

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