Timber Trader UK Issue 23 (Winter 23/24)

WINTER 2023/2024

www.timbermedia.co.uk

ISSN 2517–26X (PRINT)

COMBILIFT  24

Vincent Timber is investing in an electric forklift fleet to support its aim to be carbon neutral by 2030

SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY  30

MGM Timber’s Steve Galbraith, spoke to us about market forces, e-commerce and 2024 expansion

GOING GREEN  38

The Pallet LOOP rolls out its circular economy green pallets to help users save money and reduce waste

05  Industry News

A range of news and views from across the timber industry.

22  ‘Better Times Lie Ahead’

According to the latest TDUK statistics timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed plus new embodied carbon data speaks volumes.

24  Cover Story: Moving Material the Sustainable Way

Vincent Timber has introduced various measures in recent years to support its aim to be carbon neutral by 2030, with an electric forklift fleet a major investment and change to the business.

30  Customers at the Core

MGM Timber is one of Scotland’s most well-known independent timber merchants. Managing director Steve Galbraith, spoke to us about success and sustainability.

32  Taking Timber to New Levels

The Government’s ‘Timber in Construction Roadmap’ sets out a framework for increasing the use of timber in construction and signals the UK making bolder steps to decarbonisation.

36  Increasing Space Safely

As guidance from SEMA points out, with the correct advice you can add smarter storage solutions and grow your business without huge overhead costs.

38  Green is the Way to Go

The Pallet LOOP is now officially part of BSW Group and has announced several strategic changes to help the roll out of its circular economy green pallets.

40  ABP & Timber: a sustainable approach to growth in 2024

Associated British Ports is the UK’s leading ports group and is responsible for handling 90 million tonnes of cargo and plenty of timber.

44  Working with Wood: Making a Difference

Materials & Finishes Show has announced that visitor registration is now live for the UK trade show aimed at the furniture manufacturing and joinery industries.

48  Technology Driven Results

With many issues facing timber firms in 2024, Kristian Niklasson, managing director of TimberTec, talked to us about ERP and how the industry can prepare for a digital future.

Beesley & Fildes acquires specialist timber range from Silva Timber

Family-owned builders merchant Beesley & Fildes has acquired part of Silva Timber adding a specialist timber range to its portfolio and appointing two new employees. Based in Widnes, Silva Timber went into administration in October 2023. The deal sees Beesley & Fildes acquire a range of products from the business, including external cladding, coated wood, hardwood decking, slatted screen fencing and cedar shingles. Sustainably sourced from around the world, the timber range will be available across the merchant’s 11 branches and online.

Former Silva Timber employees Andrea Rolt and Jenny Merritt have also joined Beesley & Fildes as specialist timber sales representatives. The duo had worked at Silva Timber for nine and seven years respectively.

James Beesley, commercial director at Beesley & Fildes, said: “As a local business with complementary products, Silva Timber presented an opportunity for us to significantly enhance our portfolio. For the first time, we can now offer a specialised timber range comprising the highest quality hard and soft woods. The arrival of Andrea and Jenny further strengthens our offer. With specialist expertise and experience, they are great assets to our growing team.”

Commenting on their appointment, Jenny said: “Both Andrea and I are very excited to have joined the Beesley & Fildes team. The chance to work for a long-established family business was an opportunity we could not pass up. Everyone has been really welcoming and we’re enjoying learning about all the products and services offered by the company.”

Andrea added: “Having worked with specialised timber products for many years, our comprehensive knowledge will ensure customers make informed choices. From architects and developers through to landscapers and DIYers, we’re looking forward to helping a wide variety of people and seeing their projects come to fruition.”

The acquisition follows Beesley & Fildes recent £300,000 investment in a new timber treatment plant at its Chester branch. The fully automated plant can operate all year round and for the first time, enables the merchant to treat timbers in green and brown from its Chester site. With no need for manual equipment, output has tripled, and drying time has been reduced enabling treated timber to be collected on the same day.

More at  www.beesleyandfildes.co.uk

(L) Andrea Rolt (R) Jenny Merritt

Employment and net zero the main builders’ merchant priorities

Employment shortages, net zero challenges and increasing material costs are the top concerns for 2024 according to a poll of builders’ merchants.

ECI Software Solutions, a software specialist for building trade suppliers, polled builders’ merchants across the UK to reveal their top challenges and opportunities for the year ahead, creating the Builders Merchants Predictions in 2024 report. This comes as another recent report revealed that over 930,000 workers will be needed within the trade industries by 2032 to meet growing demands.

Claire Watson, managing director at Airmatic, said that focusing on making the industry look attractive and building employment is the most important. “The UK is facing labour and talent shortages which could worsen if not addressed. There are currently over 140,000 vacancies that need to be filled, so attracting and retaining talent is key. Offering better opportunities for young people is crucial to bridge this gap.”

Chris Fisher, website and product data management solutions expert (BMBI) and VP of

EMEA LBMH division at ECI Software Solutions added: “To highlight the benefits of this industry merchants need to come together where we can show what this sector has to offer, like the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) ‘Make the difference’ campaign. This will help to attract and retain the next generation of workers and innovating businesses with technology.”

With the employment gap widening, a new report shared that almost half of UK companies now have a structured plan in place to align with net zero goals – up from 34% in 2022. Jennifer Thompson, CPO at Machine Max, urges businesses to focus on actioning strategies: “It is clear that the scrutiny concerning net zero will continue to ramp up. The construction industry has long required urgent action, and time is rapidly diminishing for it to respond appropriately and achieve set targets. Closer monitoring of machine metrics is one solution that should take shape, allowing companies to correctly identify operational efficiencies throughout all stages of a project - knowing how and when machines are being used can make a big difference in fuel consumption.”

According to NBS, the latest Digital Construction report indicates that the digital transformation of the UK industry is well underway, with one in five using AI and machine learning. Chris Fisher added: “With the new year, there’s always slight concerns about the potential challenges that might arise. Builders’ merchants are faced with a lot of changes to the industry like net zero goals and tackling the employment shortages crisis.

“As the report shared making this industry attractive to younger people and putting innovative strategies in place could be beneficial in the long run for builders’ merchants. It’s only a matter of time before businesses wake up to the limitations of legacy systems and introduce business management software. Introducing technology into the business provides the opportunity to upskill as well as supply more open opportunities for the next generation whether that is an apprenticeship or a new role.”

BMF enlarges industry statistics scope

Launched in 2015 as a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), BMBI uses data from GfK’s ground-breaking Builders Merchants Panel, The panel captures generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain to builders and trades people who are directly involved in repairing, maintaining, and improving Britain’s 27.7 million homes. The recent addition to the panel of Huws Gray, JT Dove and CMO Stores, mean the data now tracks the sales of 92% of builders’ merchant branches making it the most accurate, comprehensive monitor of market performance available.

The monthly BMBI report is well used by merchants, their larger customers and suppliers and is used by construction generally. It has also caught the attention of companies and organisations outside of construction, who want to know what’s happening, what’s important and why.

“It’s become a reference point for industry leaders, financial institutions, and government organisations,” said Emile van der Ryst, key account manager – Trade & DIY at GfK – an NiQ company. After a relaunch of the data in 2020 we are now pleased to announce the latest relaunch, which comes into effect with the October 2023 dataset. The key missing market contributor, Huws Gray, is included for the first time alongside CMO Stores and JT Dove, both well-known market players. This is an exciting new chapter for the service which we believe is a crucial step in providing a relevant and important view of the market, especially in these challenging economic conditions.”

Mike Rigby, managing director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “Once you track over 90% of builders’ merchants’ sales of building materials to builders and tradespeople the numbers are, practically speaking, the market itself, not an estimate or approximation of it. That’s a crucial distinction. It’s not like a survey or poll which takes a small slice of the market, which is intended to represent the market, and then scales up. However sound your sampling and rigorous your methodology, there’s a world of difference between scaling up from a small sample and reporting on 92% of actual sales to the market.”

“The relaunch in the October BMBI report,” confirms BMF chief executive John Newcomb, “is a significant step forward in establishing reliable statistics across construction. The BMF’s Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is the closest measure there is of Britain’s small builder and trades market, and the best proxy we have to the important residential RMI (Repair, Maintain, and Improve) market.

The website is regularly visited by economists and advisors, the national media, the big banks, big six accountants, management consultants, private equity investors, financial institutions and Government departments, anyone in fact who needs to know the trends and what is driving the trends in a complicated and fragmented industry.

More at  www.bmbi.co.uk

James Latham signals new growth across the developing Irish markets

James Latham has affirmed its ongoing commitment to Ireland’s thriving building products market, with a complete brand refresh for its businesses in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Bringing its entire distribution network into the James Latham brand family, the move will see its existing partners, Abbey Woods, and IJK Timber Ltd, officially adopt the parent company’s name, aligning with the business’ other Irish division, Latham Direct Timber.

Not only does this initiative underscore the company’s dedication to growth and innovation within the Irish market, but it also celebrates the similar values, ethos, and approaches shared across the whole business. Whilst customers will experience the same great service and expert support they’ve come to expect, they will also benefit from the enhanced proposition this strategic recalibration will bring.

James Latham first took a footprint in the Irish market in 2019, with the acquisition of Abbey Woods followed by IJK Timber Ltd in 2021 and the establishment of Latham Direct Timber’s direct from port operation in the same year. Since then, it has worked to fine-tune its proposition across the territory and now with island-wide coverage, it possesses one of the territory’s most extensive ranges of timber, décors, and timber panels.

The decision to rebrand Abbey Woods and IJK Timber Ltd marks a new chapter in the company’s 268-year history. Both will begin trading as one entity, under the existing group name: James Latham. Assimilation with the parent brand will improve internal processes, strengthen supply chains, and boost confidence in the company’s security amongst customers, investors, and stakeholders alike. Importantly, it will position the business as one of Ireland’s largest, and furthest-reaching, material distributors.

The Irish rebrand will also see James Latham increase its distribution and logistical efficiency, to get products to clients, from

enquiry to delivery, as quickly as possible. To help achieve this goal, it has merged Abbey Woods’ Cork and Dublin depots, increasing capacity in one centrally located hub. This will facilitate faster distribution of products to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland alike. James Latham will continue to maintain IJK Timber’s existing foothold in Belfast.

The Dublin and Belfast depots work closely with the ‘Latham Direct Timber Team,’ a specialised division based in Naul, focused on supplying bulk quantities of timber direct from Dublin Port to large volume users such as furniture and joinery shops, scale-housing developers, and timber and builders’ merchants. A valuable part to the Group’s Irish offering, this service offers the advantages of unprecedented speed and cost-efficiency through direct load shipping.

To complement this robust distribution network, Latham Direct Timber also has extensive kilning facilities in Co. Kildare, ensuring timber distributed is perfectly dry and ready for immediate use (if required), meeting even the most immediate needs.

Commenting on the move, Andrew Wright, managing director at Lathams Ltd says, “Ireland is one of our fastest growing markets. This division alignment is a gesture toward how much we value our presence in the territory and our ongoing commitment to supporting our amazing colleagues in the region. Customers can look forward to greater access to a wider variety of materials, ensuring a onestop solution for all timber, décors, and panel product needs. The streamlined service from merged depots ensures efficient and reliable distribution across Northern Ireland and the Republic, delivered by familiar teams, but with more resources and support from the wider James Latham Group.”

More at  www.lathamtimber.co.uk

BSW Chairman Tony Hackney announces retirement

BSW Group’s UK chairman, Tony Hackney, has announced his plans to retire at the end of March 2024, following a 30-year career in the timber sector. Tony has been the figurehead of BSW for more than 15 years, having joined as chief executive officer in late 2008 and stepping into the role of UK chairman last year. Under Tony’s leadership, BSW has undergone a period of unprecedented growth and acquisition, with turnover increasing from approximately £100million annually to over £900million.

Strategic acquisitions have included Maelor Forest Nurseries, Tilhill Forestry, Dick Brothers Harvesting, SCA UK (now BSW Timber Solutions), Bayram Timber and Scott Pallets, as well as a joint venture with Powersheds. The organic growth and acquisitions developed the BSW Group into a fully integrated, multifaceted, circular business with a complex offering of products and services.

A hugely respected figure across the entire timber supply chain, Tony Hackney’s efforts were also recognised formally in 2012, when he was named Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year before appearing at the UK Entrepreneur of the Year final. Tony’s vision and determination, combined with his strong leadership skills, propelled BSW into its position of market leader. He led the management buyout team, supported by Endless LLP, that ultimately resulted in the landmark sale to Binderholz in 2021.

Tony stated: “Leading BSW through challenging times has been a fantastic experience. I would like to thank all of my colleagues and friends across the UK, Latvia and Slovenia for their extraordinary efforts in developing BSW during my period of stewardship. I have valued very highly the relationships with our loyal customers and suppliers and again thank them for their support. I wish you all every success in the

future. I am very proud of the progress we have made, which has assisted in bringing the company to the strong position it is in now. It presents a good moment for me to choose to retire from BSW to pursue my own business interests and spend more time with my family.”

More at  www.bsw.co.uk

New general manager for Warringtonfire’s High Wycombe lab

Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the general manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a technical officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of technical manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC).

With over 15 years’ experience in the field of fire resistance testing and passive fire protection systems, Rob is one of the industry’s leading authorities on testing timber fire doors, penetration seals, cavity barriers, load bearing and non-load bearing wall systems and glazed screens.

In his new role, Rob will assume responsibility for Warringtonfire’s testing team in High Wycombe, including recruitment, training and management, as well as developing the laboratory’s on-site testing capabilities.

Since his appointment, Rob has already recruited several new team members into varied roles and is currently scoping out the expansion of the laboratory’s mid-scale furnace to accommodate penetration seal testing and increase overall testing capacity at the site.

Rob commented: “Having spent the majority of my career working at the High Wycombe laboratory, it is a real privilege to be appointed general manager for testing at the High Wycombe site.

It is an incredibly dynamic time for the industry, as building product manufacturers adapt to the ever-evolving legislative landscape. I am looking forward to working closely with our customers to deliver bestin-class fire resistance testing, while also collaborating with our management team to evolve our own testing capabilities and capacity here in High Wycombe.”

Leigh Hill, director – built environment at Element Materials Technology, added: “Rob brings with him a wealth of technical expertise alongside a deep understanding of our testing facilities here in High Wycombe. Our fire testing laboratory is set to play a pivotal role in our wider strategy for the built environment throughout 2024 and beyond, and we are delighted to have an individual of Rob’s calibre at the helm.”

Warringtonfire is part of the Element Materials Technology group. Both UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, it undertakes testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, as well as acoustic and mechanical testing for construction products.

More at  www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/ fire-resistance-testing

W.Howard Group celebrates 65th anniversary

MDF profile supplier W.Howard Group celebrated its 65th anniversary in December 2023. On 4 December 1958 Mr William Howard created the business, which began as a traditional timber merchant, serving the local farmers and joiners in and around Manchester.

Over the decades that followed, W.Howard expanded to become a manufacturer and distributor of timber products, with Alan Grant joining the business in 1970. Sixty-five years later the company is proud to still be a family run business, with Alan’s son Jonathan now group chief executive of a company that employs 165 people in five sites across England, Wales and Ireland.

W.Howard Group offers Europe’s widest range of MDF profiles and skirting products and continues to expand its portfolio with new products. Its most recent launches include wall panelling kits, wide window

boards, door linings and other bespoke products. The company believes its longevity as a business is down to its dedication to outstanding customer service – putting customers first and always going the extra mile to support them with whatever they need to grow their business.

Speaking about the company’s anniversary, group chief executive Jonathan Grant said: “To be celebrating W.Howard’s 65th anniversary is a fantastic achievement for everyone who works – and has worked – in the business over those years. It’s been an incredible journey and I am delighted to have been part of W.Howard for more than 35 years. We certainly have no plans to retire at 65. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire W.Howard team for their continuing hard work and dedication, and also a huge thank you to all our customers and suppliers for continuing to support us.”

The company has one of the largest profile product ranges in Europe, with more than 200 profiles and sizes. W.Howard customers comprise of builders’ merchants and specialist trade manufacturers.

More at  www.whoward.co.uk

DTE makes ‘Posi-tive’ investments

Leading manufacturer of engineered timber components, Donaldson Timber Engineering Ltd (DTE) has made a six-figure investment in new machinery at its manufacturing site in the Southwest of England. The new High Speed Posi-Joist Press (HSPP) will fully automate the manufacturing process of Posi-Joists, improving accuracy, quality control and consistency, while also increasing capacity.

One of only three of these machines in the UK, the Posi-Joist Press is three times faster than others on the market, boosting productivity and allowing for the delivery of a much higher volume of joists when needed. The Posi-Joist Press has been supplied by long-term partner MiTek, a global company focused on providing integrated software, services, engineered products and automated solutions for the building industry.

Luke Roberts, managing director at DTE, said: “Since opening the branch in Exeter earlier this year, we’ve seen a high uptake of Posi-Joists in this region, so this investment has been driven by specific demand for the product. We’re not only future-proofing our business to meet bigger volumes, but we’re pleased to also be investing in the local area, which has been so welcoming to us. We already own one of these machines, so we know the impact that this investment can have on our business. We’re confident that it will have a positive effect, as we will be able to double our output and offer a quicker service to our customers, both locally and across the UK.”

Tim Garner from MiTek added: “We are delighted that DTE chose to invest in a new High Speed Posi-Joist Press for their impressive

Exeter site. The machine is the most highly automated joist press on the market and will significantly boost DTE’s production capacity. DTE are the only UK manufacturer to now have two of these machines, and their investment reflects the confidence in the growing demand by builders for Posi-Joists in the context of the 2025 Future Homes Standard. The decades-long relationship between DTE and MiTek is a great partnership, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact this machine has for them.”

DTE is the UK’s leading and longest established manufacturer and supplier of roof trusses, open web joists and I-joists, with a regional network of nine branches across the UK.

More at  www.donaldsontimbersystems.com

Koppers announces new European managing director

Leading timber preservative manufacturer, Koppers Performance Chemicals, has announced the appointment of its new managing director, Dr Steve Crimp.

The appointment follows the retirement of Thomas Scharling Christensen who leaves an admirable 30+ year legacy with the company. New MD, Steve Crimp, is himself a Koppers veteran, having been with the business in Australia and New Zealand for twenty-eight years, fifteen of which were spent as general manager of the Performance Chemicals business in New Zealand.

Speaking about his predecessor, Steve (pictured) commented: “Thomas has built a highly motivated, hard-working team and created a strong collaborative environment that celebrates and prioritises the company’s core values of people, planet and performance. I look forward to building on Thomas’ achievements, keeping the big picture firmly in mind”. On his appointment, Steve added, “Koppers is entering a phase of growth with new product registrations approved, including Koppers patented MicroPro which is the industry standard for timber

treatment in most parts of the globe, which will open lots of new business opportunities across Europe. I am excited by the potential that will be unlocked by the expertise within our team and the drive to provide our customers’ the best possible service as a trusted partner.”

Koppers Europe has come a long way since Thomas began his journey at the company. Originally the amalgamation of multiple different manufacturers of wood preservatives, lnjecta, Protim Solignum and the wood preserving division of Rentokil, Koppers now operates as one unified organisation – successfully implementing cutting-edge technologies in timber treatment processes, elevating the quality and durability of timber structures.

Departing MD, Thomas Scharling Christensen, commented: “Delivering a service structure which understood and met the needs of our customers locally and in their own language is the one accomplishment I am most proud of. Not everyone in Europe speaks English fluently and today 12 different languages are spoken across the Koppers team. He also speaks about

his successor; “Steve is an excellent choice for leading the Koppers team and our customers into the future. With more than 25 years of industry experience and extremely strong qualifications, Steve will be delivering a very qualified leadership enabling all the opportunities to be pursued by the talented Koppers team.”

More at  www.kopperspc.eu

GMG Energy secures new stress test wood credentials

GMG Energy the rapidly expanding Highland timber products specialist which contributes significantly to the circular economy in the Highlands and the Northern Isles, is set to play a bigger role in Scotland’s construction sector.

The Halladale-based business has seen three of its senior employees, including director Malcolm Morrison, secure visual softwood structural grading credentials which qualifies the company to supply builders and joinery businesses with the stress tested timber used in housing and commercial property construction projects.

“As a result of securing these credentials, GMG Energy can now stress test wood to reach the highest building standards, said Malcolm Morrison. “This, in turn, will lead us into supplying market demand for structural timber from joiners, builders and architects not only in the North of Scotland but throughout the country. We are now accredited to apply a unique stamp on specific timber products we manufacture to assure potential customers of its quality and fitness for construction projects.”

limits, while C24 is of a higher quality that can bear more weight and is used in critical structural situations. Obtaining the qualification is an important step for us as a company because it opens the door for us to more high-quality work within the construction sector.”

Alongside Malcolm Morrison, GMG Energy’s sawmill manager, Vasile Damian and his deputy, Adrian Cegielka, also underwent and passed an on-site five-days visual grading of softwood certification training and test challenge set by accredited training supplier, BM TRADA.

“I’m delighted that all three of us passed our softwood structural grading test at the first attempt. The pass mark is 80% and at £1350+ VAT each to undertake the course it’s a significant investment in training for a growing business like ours”, said Malcom Morrison.

Vasile Damian added: “Essentially, we were taught how to identify four grades of timber: C14 and C18 are lower grades so do not take as much load-bearing weight, C16 is for general use for a house but has

GMG Energy has invested £150,000 in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members. It has also recently spent in the region of £100,000 on timber treatment equipment to help open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products.

As a major plank of its business model, the company is committed to replacing every log of timber that it uses, and plants 10,000 new trees a year, which grow to maturity in 35 years. It far exceeded this target in 2021, planting in the region of 20,000 trees. More

National Timber Group appoints new group chief executive

National Timber Group (NTG), one of the UK’s leading, independent, added value timber processing and distribution groups, has announced the appointment of Scott Cairns as NTG’s Group chief executive.

Well known to many across the timber industry, Scott brings a strong track record of transformational growth and financial delivery, gained from a career spanning almost 40 years. Scott has spent much of his career with the Donaldson Group, where he was group chief executive until 2020 and more recently, a non-executive member of the Donaldson board. During his 26 years with that firm, initially leading Donaldson’s timber and merchanting businesses, Scott transformed the Group’s enterprises into market leaders within their categories. During

his tenure as Group CEO, the Donaldson Group doubled its turnover to over £230million annualised, whilst positively transforming the Group’s profitability.

National Timber Group (NTG) is one of the UK’s leading, independent, added-value timber processing and distribution groups. It was created through the acquisitions of market-leading brands: Thornbridge, NYTimber, Rembrand Timber, Orchard Timber, Hymor Timber, SV Timber, Norclad and Arnold Laver. Today, the group is run as an integrated firm, operates from 58 sites across the UK and generates annual revenue over £300million.

NTG serves a diverse customer base including joiners, housebuilders, and contractors. With extensive warehousing, processing and distribution capabilities, the

Group can provide customers across the UK with a full range of the highest quality timber, panel, decorative surfaces and engineered wood products supported by comprehensive timber knowledge and specialist expertise.

More at  www.nationaltimbergroup.com

Vasile Damian

Adrian Cegielka

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Kirkwood Timber Frame appoints two new directors

Aberdeenshire-based Kirkwood Timber Frame has appointed Barbara Massie as business development director and promoted Steven Robbie to technical director designate, following its commitment to expanding its market share and driving advancement to modern methods of construction (MMC).

Leveraging its state-of-the-art facility and innovative build systems – including open panel, closed panel, and floor and roof cassettes – the company aims to play a key role in shaping the future of the timber frame industry in the UK.

Barbara Massie, with over 19 years of experience in the construction industry, has established valuable connections and acquired extensive expertise. She held key roles such as regional director at NorDan UK and trading director for North England and Scotland at Travis Perkins PLC, with a focus on company growth and future development. With a passion for creating vision and strategy, Barbara is joining the team to drive Kirkwood Timber Frame’s market share growth in the UK. Her focus will be on cultivating customer partnerships, building relationships, and ensuring the company remains a leading solution provider.

Barbara commented: “Throughout my construction career, I have always had a passion for timber frame, and I have followed the growth of Kirkwood Timber Frame as well as celebrated its successes along the way. My primary focus is to deliver strong results and adapt to the

ongoing challenges and shifts within the industry. I am dedicated to promoting, developing, and establishing Kirkwood Timber Frame as a market leader in modern methods of construction (MMC) in both Scotland and England.”

In a significant achievement, Steven Robbie has also been promoted to technical director designate, marking his first directorial role. Joining Kirkwood Timber Frame in 2021 as a technical manager, Steven’s 24 years of experience position him as a vital asset to the company. This promotion reflects Kirkwood Timber Frame’s dedication to nurturing talent and growing its internal expertise. With a critical focus on training and mentoring, Steven’s role will enhance the capabilities of the team, utilising Kirkwood Timber Frame’s automated production facility to drive efficiencies and contribute to the company’s overall growth.

Managing director of Kirkwood Timber Frame, Malcolm Thomson, emphasised the significance of these appointments, stating: “The new appointments are pivotal for Kirkwood Timber Frame as we expand the business and support the government’s roadmap towards promoting timber as a critical building material and achieving net zero. Timber and offsite manufacturing will play a crucial role in sustainable building, and the growth opportunities here are incredible, supported by Barbara and Steven in their new roles.”

(L-R): Steven Robbie, Malcolm Thomson and Barbara Massie

Roofscape Design Awards return for 2024

The Trussed Rafter Association’s (TRA) Roofscape Design Awards is back to showcase and celebrate the ingenuity and technical skills of designers in the trussed rafter sector. Following a successful launch in 2023, the awards are back for its second year. The awards will recognise projects that showcase the highest design, innovation, and sustainability standards in using timber-trussed rafter roofs.

The Roofscape Design Awards will recognise excellence in three categories: Commercial Project of the Year (for all non-domestic projects), Conversion and Refurbishment Project of the Year (for existing housing projects), and Residential Project of the Year (for newbuild dwellings). Last year’s winners included Harry Peate (Truss Form (Midlands) Ltd), who designed the roof for a Grade II listed structure built over 180 years ago; Gemma Weston (DWB Anglia) who created an open habitable roof space without vertical posts or large steel structures; and Sue Darbyshire’s (Donaldson Timber Engineering) complex design which facilitated the installation of a mechanical and electrical component while allowing the external roof envelope to be covered.

Nick Boulton, chief executive of the TRA says: “Trussed rafters are a widely used modern method of roof construction made from the use of nature’s most sustainable building material, timber. Although it is estimated that there are about 60 million trussed rafters in service in the UK today, the design skills involved in their construction often remain underappreciated within the construction industry. The Roofscape Design Awards will shine a spotlight on the roof truss designers’ problem-solving skills while showing the timber engineering

design as an attractive career for the next generation. The 2023 entries were spectacular and inspiring, and we will be celebrating the beautifully completed projects of 2023.”

The TRA Roofscape Design Awards are open for entries from all TRA member companies in the UK and Ireland. A panel of experts in timber engineering, architecture and sustainable design will judge the entries. The deadline for entry is 15 March 2024, and entries must be submitted online via the TRA’s website. The awards are free to enter for all TRA member companies – each company can submit one entry to each of the categories. Winners will be announced at the TRA AGM in April 2024.

More at  www.tra.org.uk

TDUK responds to concerns raised over roofing batten treatments

TDUK has told its members to be increasingly aware of sub-standard roofing battens and chemical treatment damage to roofing membranes, as well as claims of skin complaints among roofing personnel.

They have reminded members, their customers and the wider construction industry about the TDUK Trade Note ‘Tile Batten Quality Control’ and other critical information around timber battens they have previously circulated. This information provides guidance on how everyone in the construction supply chain can protect themselves against potentially fraudulent or substandard tile batten which may be present on the UK market.

TDUK members and construction firms who work with roofing battens should take the following steps to ensure they always purchase quality product that complies with British Standards BS 5534 and BS 8417:

• Always purchase tile batten from reputable suppliers, preferably those who are TDUK members

• Very few brands of tile batten can be identified as reputable by colour alone; therefore buyers should always request

and obtain additional product safety information before making a purchase.

• Buyers should always request a treatment certificate with every delivery to ensure the tile batten has been correctly pressure treated to Use Class 2 and so that the preservative can be clearly identified.

• Each preservative identified will have its own specific User Guide which should be obtained from your supplier. This will detail the correct storage information for the product and the Personal Protective Equipment necessary during handling and installation.

• It is a regulatory requirement that preservative-treated wood must be touch dry before transportation from the treatment plant. Therefore, buyers should never accept delivery of tile batten packs that are saturated or appear to be dripping any form of liquid.

It is important to emphasise that, unlike during the period immediately post-COVID-19, there are currently no supply problems that preclude buyers from obtaining tile batten that is fully compliant with UK national standards BS 5534 and BS8417 in terms of product performance and safety.

Additionally, TDUK advocates for the use of third-party accreditation to back up performance claims in relation to the above standards. This includes the requirement developed in association with our partners at the Wood Protection Association (WPA) for all TDUK members to have independent thirdparty accreditation for their treatment plants, as well as for any preservative-treated wood they purchase or have treated elsewhere.

It is a regulatory requirement that the active ingredients in preservative treated wood placed on the UK market must comply with UK Biocidal Products Regulations, which includes pack labelling. Further information can be found on the HSE website. As with all other construction products, preservativetreated tile battens sold through a merchant’s yard, or delivered to a construction site, should always be subject to a COSHH risk assessment. Employers must provide their employees with information about the hazards, risks and control measures that they have put in place. More

DC Timber Systems awarded STA Gold Standard

DC Timber Systems, timber frame kit specialists and a division of The JR Group, has been accredited with a gold status accreditation – the highest rating which can be achieved - by the Structural Timber Association (STA), through its STA Assure scheme.

The STA Assure membership and quality standards program, is designed to benefit both customers and members alike, promoting the differing specialisms and demonstrating a commitment to the exceptionally top-level standards held by STA members.

The Gold standard is awarded to businesses who can ensure a consistently high quality of structural timber products and offers complete customer assurance in the construction, offsite build and timber frame build sectors.

This is the second accreditation assigned to DC Timber Systems from the STA since its creation in 2020, when they were previously awarded the silver standard, demonstrating that the business has successfully showcased its commitment towards the highest quality output possible. Based in Dundonald in

Ayrshire it specialises in the design and manufacture of structural and full timber frame kits throughout Scotland and the UK.

Ian Samson, managing director of DC Timber Systems, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the highest possible status from the Structural Timber Association, it is a step forward for DC Timber as a company. This accreditation reflects the hard work of the team in-house in delivering quality

Aptus reaffirms commitment to design innovation

Specialist supplier of fixings and fastenings to the construction and related industries, Aptus is making a stand on the need to protect original and innovative product design. The business, which has helped to pioneer a number of advanced product solutions over its thirty-year history, has become a signatory of the Anti-Copying in Design (ACID) IP Charter.

Stewart Taylor, managing director at Aptus, explains: “Aptus offers a comprehensive range that includes a number of products such as our timberfix® 360 and pro-struct® screws that employ proprietary design features. These unique features deliver major benefits in areas such as speed and ease of use, durability and fixing performance.

“Due to the success of these innovative products, they are occasionally copied, and we feel it’s important that users have the reassurance of knowing they are benefiting from the real deal and not an inferior imitation. Signing up to the ACID IP Charter reflects that commitment to authenticity and demonstrates our support of the need to protect intellectual property and prevent design theft.”

With a diverse membership of designers, designer-makers and manufacturers, ACID is the UK’s leading campaigner for design and intellectual property (IP) rights. For almost 25 years, it has been a positive force for change, working to raise awareness and to encourage respect for IP amongst both individuals and organisations.

procedures, management systems and product performance as well maintaining the high standards already achieved by us.

“Our gold standard demonstrates our calibre and expertise to the market and offers complete reassurance for our customers. We’re hugely grateful for our workforce on operating consistently at this high level to help us achieve this as a team.”

More at  www.thejrgroup.co.uk

The ACID IP Charter is a code of conduct and a statement of intent. Its signatories agree to uphold the values of ACID, to advocate product design originality, and to avoid practices such as copying and IP infringement.

Stewart Taylor adds; “We are aware of instances where screws have been marketed and sold as being part of the timberfix® 360 range when they’re not. Whilst imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, we are concerned about the possibility of users being misled. By becoming a signatory of the ACID IP Charter, we hope to combat that. Signing the charter also builds on our ethical approach and belief in the highest levels of integrity - both of which have helped us to become the trusted fastener partner for customers in a range of areas.”

Accoya chosen for new decking of historic SS Great Britain

The deck of the historic SS Great Britain in Bristol is being replaced with Accoya. The first decking boards made from Accoya were placed on the 4 December. Expected to take 32 weeks in total, the project will see 6,050m of timber being fitted. The boards will weather to a stunning silver colour recreating the original colour of the deck.

The new decking will help preserve the deck of the ship and the original ironwork that sits underneath. Alongside the vital conservation work, the project will enable wheelchair and step-free access to every area of the ship.

Designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain is a museum ship and former passenger steamship that was advanced for her time. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854, sailing around the world 32 times. The ship has been a visitor attraction since its return to Bristol in 1970.

The conservation project is being carried out by the SS Great Britain Trust, funded by Arts Council England through the Museum Estate & Development Fund (MEND). The decking is being supplied by Robbins Timber.

Mike Lewis, technical sales manager UK, Accsys Technologies, said: “We’re honoured that Accoya has been chosen for such a prestigious and well-loved project. With over 150,000 visitors annually, the Trust needed a material that is extremely stable and hard wearing, whilst maintaining an authentic look and feel. Accoya’s durability and stability

make it an ideal fit for this purpose. It’s resistance to shrinkage and swelling will protect the iron hull from water damage and minimise maintenance for the Trust. It gives us great pleasure to know that, with Accoya’s 50-year warranty, this new deck will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

More at  www.accsysplc.com

NMITE announces new chief academic officer

NMITE has confirmed the appointment of David Oloke as its new chief academic officer and first professor of civil engineering. David will take up the role and the leadership of NMITE’s academic mission in February 2024, an exciting year for NMITE as it will see its first graduates, the pioneers who, in September 2021, embarked on the accelerated master’s degree in engineering. The appointment of an experienced civil engineer to NMITE’s leadership team will further drive NMITE’s commitment to the sustainable built environment, a key area of NMITE’s academic focus.

David joins from the University of Brighton where he holds the senior role of head of technical education and apprenticeships, having previously worked at the University of Wolverhampton in the School of Architecture and Built Environment as well as in the engineering sector. This combination of higher education innovation with real-world experience and his extensive body of published work is always valued at NMITE. His experience in the strategic leadership of higher technical education in terms of programme planning,

development and delivery, the development of several engineering and built environment programmes and courses in addition to transnational education and post-graduate research degrees will add to NMITE’s expertise.

“David’s extensive experience in technical education and his work to incorporate skills and employability into an academic curriculum will be of great benefit to us” says James Newby, president & chief executive at NMITE. “His experience and skills are closely aligned to NMITE’s strategic priorities. Recognising that there is always more that we can do for the organisation and our students, David will build on an impressive legacy as our new chief academic officer and will lead the development of new programmes and partnerships which will enhance our impact.”

David is a chartered engineer and chartered construction manager being a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Building. “For me this is a perfect opportunity to combine all my experience and interests in the one opportunity. I was incredibly impressed by the quality of NMITE’s leadership, and the academic

team and I look forward to help shape the future for the organisation in line with its vision,” explained David. “My role will allow me to review the already robust systems across the organisation including governance and student feedback and bring my networks to enhance the work of, for example the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) and the Centre for Automated Manufacturing (CAM).”

More at  www.nmite.ac.uk

‘Better Times Lie Ahead’

Timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed, with total volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to the latest TDUK statistics.

Timber import statistics for November 2023 show the market continued to improve in 2023, relative to 2022, with total import volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures.

Import volumes in the month of November 2023 were 0.9% higher than in November 2022. The deficit in the cumulative annual volume of the UK’s timber and panel imports after 11 months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, reduced once again to stand at around 117,000m3 –down from 123,000m3 last month. This cumulative reduction in volume of all imports in 2023 to November over 2022 was 1.3%.

This is a significant improvement on earlier in the year, as during the spring import volumes were on track to be the lowest since 2013, but imports during the second half of the year allayed any fear of this being the case. The loss in volume peaked at 384,000m3 in May 2023 and has reduced each month since to stand at 117,000m3 – or just 1.3% below 2022.

The 0.9% growth in the month of November completed six months of consecutive growth of the combined volume of the main timber, panels and engineered wood products imported by the UK. This better second-half performance has been realised largely through higher softwood, hardwood plywood, OSB and MDF imports.

Signs of change

“It’s encouraging to see main timber import volumes have now seen six months of consecutive growth in the second half of 2023, with statistics for the year just 1.3% below 2022 levels,” says TDUK head of technical and trade, Nick Boulton. “This supports our belief – and the Construction Products Association (CPA) forecasts – that while the

market may be challenging for the coming months, particularly in the core newbuild housing and RMI sectors, better times lie ahead.

“It’s important to remember that while 2024 may have started slowly, this is likely to be an election year and the political parties will soon begin to set out their manifestos and plans for the construction and housebuilding sectors. The industry is expected to see recovery begin in 2025, post-General Election, and we look forward to learning how the different political parties plan to support the move towards timber as a core low-carbon building material, as has already been set out in the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap.”

Softwoods: volumes high, but prices fall

Softwood imports supplied by Sweden, Latvia and Finland in November 2023 were higher than in November 2022, which was instrumental in total volumes for the month being a little higher. Throughout 2023, volumes from Sweden and Finland have been higher than in 2022, but volumes from Latvia are lower, with the share of supply slipping to 16% of the total. Outside of the leading group, volume increases have also been recorded from Norway, Estonia and Austria, however, it is the 16% growth of an already high volume from Sweden which carried the market forward in 2023.

However, the value of softwood imports in the 11 months of 2023 to November was 24% lower than over the same period in 2022. The value of planed softwood imports fell by 22% and sawn softwood values decreased by 25% over the same period. With values lower by 24% and, as shown above, total volumes a little higher than a year earlier by 1.7%, the 24% reduction in value is due to the 25% reduction in the average price.

Hardwoods: USA tops the temperate hardwood table

Following record volumes in 2022, hardwood imports fell back in 2023 by around 23%, or 123,000m3. Around one half of this shortfall is attributable to a decline of 63,000m3 from Latvia. Of the leading group of supply countries, only Romania realised any growth in 2023, up by 11%.

Volumes from the USA were virtually the same as in 2022 which, on a lower market, has raised its share of supply in the 11 months to November 2023.

Imports of temperate hardwoods also declined by 12% in the 11 months to November 2023. Most of this lower volume resulted from a reduction in volume from France of 15,000m3 and an 11,000m3 drop in volume from Estonia. Substantially less oak has been imported from France and much of the lower volume from Estonia was comprised of sawn birch.

Matched against a lower overall volume compared to 2022, similar volumes of oak, poplar and ash supplied from the USA enabled the

share of supply from the USA to rise in 2023 to resume leadership of temperate hardwood imports.

TDUK members can read the full report online on the TDUK website. As part of their membership, TDUK members receive access to a wide range of statistics and market data to help them stay up-to-date with all the latest developments from across the timber sector. This includes timber import data for softwoods, hardwoods and panel products, construction demand forecasts from the CPA, and our structural timber price index, which indicates the price of structural timber imports by combining a basket of common products widely used in the construction industry. TDUK also offers access to CPA data on housing starts and completions, as well as work across public and private housing.

More at  www.timberdevelopment.uk

“It’s encouraging to see main timber import volumes have now seen six months of consecutive growth in the second half of 2023, with statistics for the year just 1.3% below 2022 levels.”

Nick Boulton, TDUK head of technical and trade

TDUK has released average carbon data for the 10 major timber product categories – completely free for all to access. This data will support architects, engineers, and other specifiers to make accurate assessments of the carbon impacts of their material choices as early in the design process as possible – when they have the greatest ability to influence them.

TDUK’s new independently verified

Embodied Carbon Data for Timber Products calculates weighted average A1-A4 embodied carbon data for common timber products such as softwood, engineered timber, and panel products, including and excluding sequestered carbon. More than 80 EPDs were reviewed in this comprehensive new paper.

A1-A4 data is provided for 10 major timber products which means the EPD Database can be used to calculate the carbon impact of more than 95% of timber consumed in the UK.

The A1-A3 data draws only from EPDs for products available in the UK, with the data weighted based on country of origin. With the addition of A4 data on transport to the UK, calculated using TDUK’s access to imports information to take into account our diverse supply chain – this is the most

accurate data for timber products available for whole life cycle assessments in the UK.

With one of TDUK’s core missions being to help create a low-carbon future, this data – and a paper on the methodology (which has been independently verified by Construction LCA) – is available to download for free from the TDUK website. The paper which accompanies the EPD Database figures has more information on the methodology used, data confidence levels, and includes a PDF dataset with links to EPDs, product densities, and a verification report by Jane Anderson at Construction LCA, confirming compliance with CEN/TR 15941:2010 standards.

Charlie Law, sustainability director, TDUK, said: “Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are key for specifiers to design low-carbon assets, helping them accurately assess the impact of their designs and material selections, but historically, limited data has been available. “All of the data, and the methodology used to create these averages, is completely independently verified – and freely available for all to download and use for their own tools and resources. We are proud to have undertaken a particularly rigorous process, and release

both the data and methodology for free. This means anyone working within the built environment can benefit from this research, with complete confidence in its independence.”

The new, free to use timber EPD database fulfils a key commitment made by TDUK within the UK Government’s recent Timber in Construction Roadmap. More at  timberdevelopment.uk/ resources/embodied_carbon_data_for_ timber_products/

 TDUK releases huge amount of embodied carbon data

Moving Material the Sustainable Way

Vincent Timber has introduced certain measures in recent years to support its aim to be carbon neutral by 2030, with an electric forklift fleet a major investment and change to the business.

Established in 1923 in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham, Vincent Timber is a prime example of how a fourth-generation business with strong family values has also carved out a leading role in its sector – as a supplier of natural timber cladding, solar shading and decking for prestigious building projects across the country.

In its bid to be carbon neutral by 2030 and integrate the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency it has installed LED lights with sensors throughout the premises, a biomass facility that uses waste products for heating, and substantial investment in a fleet of HGVs that are Euro 6 and ULEZ compliant, and which have reduced its carbon footprint by 50%.

It is no surprise therefore that the forklift fleet that it had operated for decades – “dirty red diesel trucks” - according to managing director Darren Powell, has been retired, and replaced by something much more

contemporary and in line with the company’s stance on environmental issues.

Three Combilift electric powered C5000 SLE sideloader models are now in operation at the 2.5-acre site, following demos from various manufacturers for the team of drivers, who judged the Combilifts to be the best of the bunch. “Looking after our workforce is a major driver for our success,” says Darren Powell, “This applied to the choice of new handling equipment where operator feedback was decisive.”

Collaboration between materials handling suppliers Briggs Equipment, FTC Safety Solutions and the manufacturer Combilift

resulted in a fleet of customised trucks that meet all operational requirements whilst reducing emissions and costs, as well as creating a quieter workplace. The Combilifts’ 5t capacity makes light work of handling products that can be up to 10m long and weigh in at 4t, whether they are being offloaded, loaded or put into the 5m high top racking in the undercover storage areas. Jake Vincent, operations director, commented: “Compared with the limited manoeuvrability of the old trucks the multidirectional capability is also particularly beneficial when moving product around tight spaces on the premises and between machinery on the factory floor.”

Three Combilift electric powered C5000 SLE sideloader models are now in operation at the 2.5-acre site, following demos from various manufacturers for the team of drivers, who judged the Combilifts to be the best of the bunch.

As a business that has the wellbeing of its 40-plus strong workforce at the heart of its ethos, safety around equipment and in the warehouse is paramount. Vincent Timber therefore tasked FTC Safety Solutions to install its Pedestrian Detection Camera System onto the trucks, which uses AI and machine learning to help operators be more aware of pedestrians

in their vicinity and to avoid collisions. The provision of real-time detection and alerts minimises the risk of injuries and damage.

“As well as celebrating the rich history of the company, we are also looking towards further growth, and have purchased some adjacent land from the council to facilitate this,” adds Darren. “Thanks to the expertise and first-class service of

 Combi-CB70E – designed with timber in mind

One of Combilift’s latest models – the Combi-CB70E – is a further addition to its growing electric range, and offers powerful performance, extensive battery life and unrivalled ergonomics. It boasts the distinction of being the shortest 7t capacity counterbalance truck on the market whilst also benefitting from multi-directional ability, enabling the versatile space saving handling of both long and bulky loads.

Design features such as its large super-elastic tyres and compact wheelbase make it ideally suited for the operational demands of the timber industry. With a 7,000kg lift capacity, the Combi-CB70E benefits from an impressively small footprint as well as exceptional manoeuvrability meaning that it can easily move bulky loads of timber around in confined spaces.

Occupational health and safety requirements mean that the welfare of the workforce has become ever more important over the years. Drivers of industrial vehicles, who are often required to spend extensive periods in their workstations, quite rightly expect the highest levels of comfort and safety. Combilift’s designers have therefore gone to great lengths to ensure that the latest

all involved, our up to the minute fleet will allow efficient handling of an ever-increasing volume of products across a more extensive area.”

More at  https://combilift.com

generation of models are kitted out with top quality components that ensure sophisticated ergonomics for a stress-free in-cab environment. Features in the spacious cab include generous glazing for excellent all-round visibility, the tilting steering column, hydraulic steering and the Grammer MSG65 seat.

What sets the Combi-CB70E apart from other forklifts is its gas strut suspension cab, which uses components such as those found in large scale industrial machinery with cab suspension. This guarantees the smoothest of rides over uneven or less than perfect ground conditions such as those typically experienced in lumber yards. Combilift’s optional Auto Swivel Seat automatically engages and swivels the seat and armrest 15° to the right or left to accord with the direction of travel selected by the operator – reducing driver strain, particularly when travelling in reverse.

Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar says: “The increased capacities that we are offering in our electric range will answer the demand for ever more powerful products which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations.”

The Future of Wood

In an era where sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the forefront of consumer choices, Abodo represents a paradigm shift towards carbon-negative timber building materials.

Carefully crafted timber with tomorrow in mind, Abodo stands as a testament to responsible forestry practices and environmental stewardship and is crafted from sustainably sourced New Zealand Radiata Pine and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).

“We’re committed to meeting the increasing needs of today’s building industry without disadvantaging future generations,” says Daniel Gudsell, founding director at Abodo. For more than 20 years, Daniel has been working with rapidly renewable plantation timber to create beautiful, durable, carbon-beneficial feature timbers.

Carbon negative timber

The European export market has pushed Abodo to outperform on other measures as well, Daniel says: “Because we trade in Europe,” says Daniel. “We have to compete with the global market on CO2 emissions. We find that the architects we work with there are often even more driven by those measures than they are by design aesthetic. Embodied carbon is a priority, and even when we’re shipping product 20,000km, it’s still storing around 500kg of CO2 per cubic metre. This means that, in addition to being energy efficient and having no chemical additives, our thermally modified Vulcan timber is carbon negative.”

Abodo’s thermally modified timbers are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for people and minimising negative impacts on the environment. Thermal modification also provides the following benefits:

• Durability class 1 (EN350-1)

• Ideal for interior, exterior and joinery applications

Creating a more sustainable future for the building industry is at the heart of Abodo’s values. even if the path to get there isn’t always easy. Daniel adds: “We recognise that people value these old-growth materials because of the way they look and how they perform over time, but they don’t always take into account that they are unsustainable, no matter how you spin it. The question we need to be asking is whether or not there will be as much or more of a resource left for future generations. If the answer is no, it’s not sustainable. It’s that simple.”

Thermally modified timber

Abodo has brought thermal modification technology to New Zealand, enabling the transformation of renewable plantation timber into durable wood that can stand the test of time. “This technology was developed over 100 years ago,” says Daniel. “It uses high-temperature kilns to caramelise the resins in the wood and alters its cellular walls, making it more durable without the need for any chemical treatments or additives. We’ve had to go through a lot of testing to show that our thermally modified Vulcan timber is as good or better than existing timber solutions.”

• Improved stability (less movement).

Vulcan timbers perform particularly well in window and door applications, Daniel says: “In addition to being aesthetically pleasing – akin to a tropical timber – and stable, Vulcan also boasts 20% better thermal conductivity, meaning it is a better insulator than traditional timbers.” An important consideration in the design of windows and doors, the right timber choice will greatly improve the value, health, and sustainability of the building. Vulcan Joinery timber provides an ultra-low thermal conductivity rating of ~0.095 W/(mK).

 National distribution

Timbmet are delighted to be the stocking partner in the UK for the full Abodo product portfolio – including a wide product range across flatsawn (25-75mm) and vertical grain (engineered) is held ex-stock. From Timbmet’s in-house sawmill, they can also offer both standard and bespoke profiles. Full nationwide delivery is available from Timbmet’s two stocking depots – Oxford and Glasgow.

Clifton Hill - Vulcan Charred Cladding, Abodo Wood

The Future of Wood 2024 / Stadium Tour

Stadium Tour Dates

29th April Newcastle St James Park

30th April Leeds Elland Road

1st May Birmingham Villa Park

2nd May Manchester Etihad Stadium

7th May London Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

8th May Bristol Ashton Gate

9th May Brighton Amex Stadium

Three session times available each day

09:00 - 11:00

11:30 - 13:30

14:00 - 16:00

RSVP to hello@timbmet.com to secure your spot.

Customers at the Core

Established in 1991, MGM Timber has grown to become Scotland’s independent timber merchant of choice for both trade and retail customers. Managing director Steve Galbraith, spoke to us about success and sustainability.

With decades of experience in timber and building products, highly knowledgeable staff, and 15 branches across Scotland. A part of the Donaldson Group since 2005, MGM’s experience and geographical spread has enabled it to provide unrivalled customer service and offer only the highest quality products, value for money and a ‘personal, local service that is second to none’.

“We put customers at the core of everything we do,” says Steve. “Our people, our integrity, delivering sustainable financial and environmental performance, and embracing the future through our proud family heritage. The commitment of our colleagues is what really underpins our success. We commit to ongoing training and development, and we know that the knowledge of our long-serving team provides the service that customers value most.”

E-commerce & market forces

With an extensive product range encompassing panel products, softwoods, hardwoods, fencing materials, engineered products, what sets the business apart compared to others supplying similar products? “While we do operate in a commodity market, our colleagues’ product knowledge is what sets us apart from other businesses selling similar products,” says Steve. “Many of our colleagues have worked with us for decades and we are constantly upskilling to ensure they are up to date on the newest products and innovations that our customers are looking for. While our online presence is growing, the face-to-face element of supporting both our trade and retail customers is key to our success.

“In addition to our colleagues, we also commit to quality. We are rigorous in our approach to sourcing and supplying the highest quality products and pricing them competitively so that we can ensure that we offer fair and competitive prices for products that are designed to last And our service supports customers in making informed choices when purchasing, so they are buying the right products for the job.”

This is reflected in repeat business and customer feedback. As MGM have rolled out its e-commerce offering in recent years – with a Trustpilot score currently 4.9 out of 5 – Steve sees this as recognition that they are providing the offering that trade and retail customers want. MGM Timber recently won a People in Retail award for its e-commerce approach and having a cutting-edge digital shop front in the timber trade is now essential to the customer experience.

“Having an e-commerce platform is now integral to our business,” says Steve. “Since 2020, an online presence has become vital to retaining a strong place in the market and reflecting changing shopping behaviours. Our e-commerce site now makes up 5% of our sales and we expect this to grow as more of our trade customers look for online solutions. Because of this evolution, we’re in the process of expanding our website to include more products and materials. We take an omnichannel approach to everything so we will always offer a mix of online and in-person service, but it’s important to innovate and adapt to the changing world.”

Superior product reach

Steve sees being part of the Donaldson Group as bringing a great deal of synergy to the organisation and boosting the reach that MGM

MGM Timber’s new St Andrews branch is its latest and 15th branch in Scotland

Timber has. “Being a part of the Donaldson Group allows us to leverage the supply chain right across the UK and supports our procurement processes and our aim to secure the best possible market terms. We may deal directly with trade and retail, but the benefit of the Group’s network around the country helps us maintain the quality our customers expect.

“The Group’s family business approach is also at the heart of our business and that ethos is one of the reasons that we have long-tenured colleagues who are really dedicated to supporting our customers. And because timber is at the core of our product offering, the Donaldson Group’s 163-year history of supplying and advocating for timber provides a legacy and a trust that we have the right knowledge and experience of timber products.

The timber material supply chain has suffered a tricky last 18 months with the construction slow-down, especially within the residential sector and impact of the cost-of-living, inflation, and energy fluctuations. The DIY sector has also seen reduced business.

“As interest rates have made housing affordability challenging, we have seen a slight slowdown and drop in demand across the supply chain,” says Steve. “But our volumes remain strong within our core business, and we have had an increase in accounts being opened with us. Consumer spending has also reduced due to the rising cost of living, so we are experiencing pressure from both sides of our customer base. However, many of the smaller trades continue to be busy and many of our retail customers are carrying out smaller home renovations and projects. We have weathered dips in the market before and we are using this time to prepare for the upturn we expect in 2025.

Sustainability and the year ahead

With net zero carbon targets in mind – both in the range of products sold and the way facilities are operated – MGM and Donaldson Group are fully committed to creating a ‘positive, responsible future for everyone’ and delivering on its sustainability targets. “We have made good progress toward our net zero position as a Group and at MGM,” says Steve. “We are making a variety of changes to play our part in achieving these targets. We have a robust supply chain that is PEFC and FSC certified, supporting timber as the most sustainable building resource. We have also upgraded our energy efficiency at our branches with more sustainable heating and lighting, and we are rolling out electric forklifts at our sites. The Group has a policy encouraging the use of electric vehicles, which is something that we wholeheartedly support across MGM. As we make upgrades and improvements across our branches, sustainability is at the forefront of our plans and we are always looking at ways to operate more efficiently.”

Across the merchant sector, fencing and cladding products have always been top-sellers and seem to be real growth product areas within the marketplace. But what is the market leading timber products for the trade and construction sector and what can we expect from MGM in 2024? “Fencing and cladding have always been at the top end of our product sales,” says Steve. “Though both can be very seasonal. We are seeing strong growth in e-commerce sales, in particular, along with decking. Our sales and products have often been very consistent with

even demand for homegrown timber for carcassing, but we are certainly seeing an increase in the supply and demand of composite materials for cladding and fencing. We’re also noticing a shift from hardwood to MDF for finishings. And in the next couple of years, we expect to see higher demand for UC4 timber preserving treatment to extend the life of outdoor products facing the elements.

“We opened a new branch in St Andrews at the end of 2023, our fifteenth in Scotland. We opened this branch following a programme of extensive customer research and it was designed to reflect the insights customers provided. Offering an improved in-branch experience, with a focus on lay-out, range optimisation, visual presentation, and in-situ displays, this new format will roll out across all locations in the coming months. This supports all customers, including trade, but we aim to make our showrooms more welcoming and customer-friendly for retail, so they have the same opportunity to take advantage of our expertise.

“We are also investing on further improvements to our website to create an even better online and digital experience that will help trade customers plan, estimate, and manage projects. Investment is also supporting our kitchen showrooms as we aim to create exciting growth opportunities and drive new audiences to our MGM branches. We expect that demand will begin to rise in 2025 so we are using this year to prepare for that growth and ensure that we have the right products in the right places. And crucially, we will continue to invest in our people to maintain our expertise and underline the quality of our customer service.”

More at  www.mgmtimber.co.uk

MGM Timber has developed an award-winning e-commerce customer experience

Taking Timber to New Levels

The Government’s ‘Timber in Construction Roadmap’ sets out a framework for increasing the use of timber in construction and signals the UK making bold steps to a wider decarbonisation of the built environment.

The ‘Timber in Construction Roadmap’ outlines how the UK government intends to increase the safe use of timber in construction as well as increase domestic wood supply and reduce embodied carbon across the built environment. This builds on commitments made in the government’s Net Zero Strategy and England Trees Action Plan.

The policy roadmap outlines priority themes that identify both the opportunities and barriers to timber construction in England. The roadmap comes after a significant amount of work by the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) to advocate for timber, including a policy report ‘Timber in Construction: Barriers and Solutions’ as well as political site visits, and APPG engagements. CTI members, Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Structural Timber Association (STA), all feature heavily in the roadmap, having worked with government and many industry partners in the Timber in Construction (TiC) Working Group over the past 12 months.

“I hope this publication supports the production and use of our homegrown timber whilst boosting associated jobs throughout the country,” says Rebecca Pow, minister for nature in the policy document’s introduction. “I look forward to seeing an increasing number of timber framed homes, public buildings and offices being built into the future. I want to thank all stakeholders for their input in creating this document and look forward to continuing to work together to implement the actions outlined within it.”

Priority themes

Chaired by DEFRA, the TiC Working Group also includes the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Department for Business and Trade and the Forestry Commission, along with timber industry representatives. The recommendations are structured around seven ‘priority’ themes looking at creating far

reaching change for English woodlands, homegrown constructional timber and many boosting many aspects of the timber knowledge and supply chain on the national road to net zero. The key themes are:

• Improving data on timber and whole life carbon

• Promoting the safe, sustainable use of timber as a construction material

“This new roadmap places a spotlight on the inherently renewable qualities of timber and the role it can play in reducing the carbon impact of our buildings. The government’s commitment to promoting innovative, high-performing timber as a construction material will play a central role in the industry’s ability to achieve net zero. However, while the roadmap champions the benefits of structural timber, we believe that it could go further. The industry should be encouraged to embrace timber in all of its applications – be it windows, doors, cladding and even decking.”

Dr Jelena Arsic van Os, CEO, Accsys Technologies

“This roadmap is a cast iron commitment to increasing timber use in the UK and is a pivotal moment for our exciting, low-carbon industry.”

Alex Goodfellow, chair of Confederation of Timber Industries

“It is great to see the government make a firm commitment to expanding low-carbon timber construction in this policy document.”

David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK

• Increasing skills, capacity, and competency across the supply chain

• Increasing the sustainable supply of timber

• Addressing fire safety and durability concerns to safely expand the use of engineered mass timber

• Increasing collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers

• Promoting innovation and high performing timber construction systems.

Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) chair, Alex Goodfellow, said: “This roadmap is a cast iron commitment to increasing timber use in the UK and is a pivotal moment for our exciting, low-carbon industry. As we stated in our recent APPG report, the government must provide both effective environmental regulation and market incentives to expand timber construction in the UK.

“The increased use of structural timber presents an opportunity to transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-efficient method of construction.”

Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the STA

“The roadmap provides a solid foundation in achieving this aim, setting out real intent from the government to tackle the barriers to timber construction. However, there are areas of the report, particularly in relation to embodied carbon, which we feel need to be bolder. It is a shame to see the government delay action on this to 2025. The CTI will continue to work with all political parties in the long term, to ensure these positive commitments are both actioned, and in some cases, expanded.”

“The release of the roadmap is no doubt a step in the right direction, confirming that the UK government has realised the critical role timber can play in the race towards net zero. This will bring about a renewed appreciation for timber products but, more importantly, growth and innovation within the construction industry. As a company, we are ready to participate actively in the collaborative efforts outlined in the roadmap. We see it as an opportunity to engage with stakeholders, contribute and collaborate on research and development initiatives, and collectively work towards a more sustainable and resilient timber industry.”

Paul Cave, sales director, Koppers

“We welcome the announcement of this roadmap, which offers real intent to increase timber use in construction in the UK. The structural timber industry is well placed to provide the increased number of timber-frame homes suggested by Government. Our sector is already capable of providing the data, guidance, and quality assurances the wider industry needs to safely design and build more sustainably with timber. There are areas of the report that we believe could be delivered sooner, and it’s disappointing to see that some of the potential measures for embodied carbon reduction have been delayed until 2025 and others until 2028.

Andrew Donaldson, CEO Donaldson Group

Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the STA added: “The increased use of structural timber presents an opportunity to transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-efficient method of construction. As the only truly renewable and sustainable building resource, and with low embodied carbon, timber is an effective solution to achieving net zero and meeting the requirements of the Future Homes Standard – so we are pleased to see that the Government is prioritising its use.

“We applaud the leadership that has been shown in setting this objective and in the collaborative approach that has been taken with industry during the development of this essential policy roadmap. With solid recommendations now in place, the roadmap will give clarity and reassurances to stakeholders throughout the construction industry, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we take the next steps towards implementation of the recommendations.”

Committed to timber

The TiC Working Group will continue to meet regularly to track delivery of the actions outlined in this document and to scope and implement new actions as needed. We will also develop a framework for monitoring and evaluation of progress towards this document’s objectives and ensure this is aligned to wider net zero and resource efficiency monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

“It is great to see the government make a firm commitment to expanding low-carbon timber construction in this policy document, says TDUK CEO, David Hopkins. “By expanding low-carbon timber construction, particularly in the housing sector, we can decarbonise our built environment whilst simultaneously building high quality, efficient buildings. Expanding timber construction also offers a range of economic benefits, helping regions to ‘level up’ with green jobs, and creating localised manufacturing bases across the country which add value to raw timber products.

“Though there are many positives from the roadmap, it must be viewed as a good start rather than the finished article. Some policy areas, particularly the carbon section, are light on commitment when it comes to tackling embodied carbon, despite its pivotal importance to net zero. The CTI/TDUK will continue to engage with government to ensure the commitments are actioned and expanded in the coming years.”

16.04.2024

30 EUSTON SQUARE - LONDON

SHOWCASING THE LATEST TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN STRUCTURAL TIMBER

08:30 REGISTRATION, EXHIBITION VIEWING AND NETWORKING

09:30 CHAIR INTRODUCTION

Andrew Carpenter, Board MemberConfederation of Timber Industries

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

09:40 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Bella Murfin, Deputy Director for Trees, Woodlands & Forestry - INVITED Defra Timber in Construction Roadmap

10:00 David Hopkins, Chief Executive OfficerTimber Development UK Government Timber in Construction Working Group

10:20 Alex Goodfellow, Chief Executive OfficerDonaldson Offsite

Is Now the Time for Timber?

10:40 Q&A PANEL DISCUSSION

10:50 PANEL DEBATE:

Building Safety and the Impact of the Building Safety Act

Tim Galloway, Deputy Director Building Safety Programme - Health & Safety Executive Kelly Harrison, Director - Whitby Wood

Andrew Orriss, Chief Operating OfficerStructural Timber Association

11:10

Refreshment Break, Exhibition Viewing and Networking

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF THE BEST

12:00 David Lomax, Associate DirectorWaugh Thistleton Architects and Duncan Walters, Director - Eckersley O’Callaghan

A Case Study on The Black & White Building

12:25 Representatives from HLM Architects, B&K Structures and Engenuiti

A Case Study on National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)

12:50 Steve Wilkinson, Associate - James Gorst Architects

A Case Study on New Temple Complex

13:10 Tim Snelson, Structural Engineer - Arup A Case Study on Sky Pavilion

13:30 Krzysztof Marcinkiewicz, Associate Director - Heyne Tillett Steel and Lucas Lawrence, Company Director - Studio Egret West

A Case Study on The Arbour, Brent Cross

13:50 Q&A Panel Discussion

14:00 Lunch, Exhibition Viewing and Networking

FUTURE FOCUS – WHAT NEXT FOR TIMBER?

15:00 Chris Gaze, Sustainability ConsultantStructural Timber Association

Timber Construction and Whole Life Carbon

15:20 PANEL DEBATE:

Building a Circular Economy with Timber Philippa Birch-Wood, Local Network Coordinator - UK Green Building Council Kirsten Haggart, Associate DirectorWaugh Thistleton Architects

Charlie Law, Founder & Managing DirectorSustainable Construction Solutions

15:40 Jess Hrivnak, Sustainable Development Adviser - RIBA

Will We Look Back in 2050 and Ask What Went Wrong?

16:00 Finbar Charleson, dRMM

Home-grown Timber, Markets and Opportunities

16:20 Q&A Panel Discussion

16:30 Chairmans Event Summary

16:35 Event End

In partnership with:

Increasing Space Safely

The need for additional and smarter storage solutions remains constant. But as guidance from the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) points out, with the correct advice, you can do this safely, grow your business and avoid unnecessary overheads.

Investments that add to your racking or adjust the layout can yield relatively lower costs but deliver significant rewards. In the era of austerity, most owners are running out of warehouse space but would prefer to avoid the costs associated with moving premises.

When boosting your warehouse racking, the approach can appear simplistic. Add in some additional racking and you’ll increase your storage. But, in the wrong hands, this approach can waste opportunities and prove unsafe. When addressing any racking design, whether installing new or going for an upgrade, there are three key goals to address. Increase your storage capacity, improve processes and perhaps most critically keep safety standards at the forefront.

An experienced supplier, should examine your processes and warehouse space before deciding whether to adjust, add, or redesign your existing layout. They will address the current racking structure and specification to understand how the new design can benefit your business the most. They should analyse how stock travels through the warehouse, ease of accessibility, and pick time efficiency. Finally, they must create a design that incorporates safety factors, such as protecting employees in loading areas and designing new loading capacities.

Increase warehouse space with a racking upgrade

Maximising the ability of your warehouse doesn’t always necessitate starting from scratch. In most cases, it should be possible to take your existing racking and upgrade the structure with cost-effective adaptions.

Adjusting your pallet racking to Very Narrow Aisle racking will increase the number of aisles within the same building footprint. While incorporating warehouse space-saving features such as pushback or pallet live racking will increase the volume of pallets you can store within a compact racking configuration. Or consider creating additional, usable space through a mezzanine floor or a pick tower structure.

Be aware that any racking design must meet the relevant industry standards. In the UK, these are either SEMA Design Codes or the European code EN 15512. Both are acceptable design standards which instruct on the structural analysis of racking, what types of loads to consider, how to test components and what factors of safety you require.

Before moving ahead with your racking upgrade, you need to bear one caveat in mind. The process of dovetailing in additional racking or redesigning the layout is a skilled job that requires a significant level of technical knowledge and expertise. Yet, one of the big problems in the storage equipment arena is that it is largely an unregulated industry with very few barriers to entry. Knowing which pallet-racking suppliers are reputable can be difficult to navigate. It was for this reason that SEMA was established, to provide warehouse owners with reassurances. For over 50 years, we have been working hard to achieve the highest standards of quality and safety in the storage equipment industry.

When you buy a structure manufactured by a SEMA member, it provides reassurance that an engineer has designed it to meet SEMA codes.

The same words of caution also apply to the installation stage of your racking. It can be difficult to establish the skill level of your installer and experience does not automatically equate to quality. As the client and owner of the racking, the HSE will expect you to check the installer’s competence. You should also be aware that most racking installations are classed as construction projects. Under CDM 2015 regulations, it is a legal requirement for you to plan for the health and safety on the project.

SEMA members can help

Our guidance and the work of SEMA members support warehouse owners over the lifetime of their racking. This starts with the design, supply and installation of your racking and goes the full circle to the inspection and maintenance of your equipment. Finally, to prove the credentials of our suppliers, we also independently assess each member to ensure they meet our high standards.

Sounds simple enough but how do you know if your installer is appropriately qualified and working safely? Most installers learn ‘on the job’ with little or no formal training. That is why SEMA established their training program Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme (SEIRS) which instructs installers on correct installation methods that follow SEMA standards. Before you let anybody install your racking, ask to see their SEIRS card.

One last consideration is whether the work will impact the warranty for your current racking. When you buy a structure manufactured by a SEMA Member, it provides reassurance that an engineer has designed it to meet SEMA codes. Any unauthorised work that alters this original state could render the warranty null and void – the same also applies if you need any repair work conducted.

If you’re looking to increase your warehouse space, or have any questions surrounding racking and storage visit:  www.sema.org.uk or email  enquiry@sema.org.uk

Green is the Way to Go

Packaging pioneer, The Pallet LOOP is now officially part of BSW Group and has announced several strategic changes to help the roll out of its circular economy green pallets.

The move, which follows BSW’s acquisition of Scott Pallets, also sees The Pallet LOOP become a member of Binderholz – Europe’s leading timber processing operation. The Pallet LOOP is a transformational, circular economy, pallet reuse scheme that is on a mission to eliminate avoidable pallet waste in the UK construction sector. The Pallet LOOP provides construction companies with a greener, leaner, safer and smarter way of transporting building materials.

Ahead of the roll out of its green pallets, The Pallet LOOP is also announcing changes to its operating model, which are designed to benefit the entire building materials supply chain. To incentivise returns, The Pallet LOOP will now be offering registered return partners – typically merchants, distributors, principal contractors, and housebuilding companies – a PayBack of up to £4 for every green pallet they put back in the LOOP.

Getting rid of pallets via skips is costly from both a financial and an environmental perspective. The Pallet LOOP estimates that putting a pallet in a skip can cost up to £8 – depending on skip prices. Using pallets multiple times will also save vast amounts of timber that can be repurposed elsewhere in construction. Estimates suggest around 600,000 cubic metres of sawn timber is used annually for single use construction pallet production.

This financial incentive, which recognises best practice, will be in addition to the waste cost savings that those who receive pallets (end users) will gain from the service. Holistically, The Pallet LOOP is designed to work out significantly more cost efficient than the current

default approach, which sees the vast majority of pallets disposed of via wood skips after just one trip through the building materials supply chain.

Andy Williamson, director of business development, The Pallet LOOP

Experienced team at the helm

Paul Lewis remains at the helm of The Pallet LOOP as founder and managing director. He will work closely alongside his team to roll out an innovative B2B pallet distribution and collection model that will shift the construction sector away from the current pallet practice of ‘deliver, distribute and discard’ to the more sustainable principles of ‘recover, repair, reuse.’ In doing so, The Pallet LOOP will be able to leverage BSW Group’s integrated supply chain capabilities, which span all aspects of timber production and processing from seed innovation and tree nurseries to forestry management and harvesting, sawmilling, timber product manufacturing, and carbon offsetting.

In a further boost to The Pallet LOOP, Andy Williamson, former commercial director of SIG PLC, has joined the company as director of business development. Andy joins The Pallet LOOP after working with the team for the last six months as a non-executive director. “It’s an incredibly exciting time at The Pallet LOOP,” says Paul Lewis. “We are on the cusp of delivering a widespread shift in how building materials are moved around the UK. With a range of green pallets that are engineered to be used again and again, and a nationwide pallet collection service, The Pallet LOOP is designed to have a positive financial and environmental impact. We are grateful that BSW have recognised the inherent value in our model and delighted to be part of a fully integrated supply chain that is committed to unlocking the full potential of timber, sustaining long-term growth for the construction industry and building a more sustainable world. I’d also like to thank Andy for his support and advocacy of our work. It’s great to have him on board to help amplify our voice and progress conversations with key players throughout the construction sector about our circular economy scheme.”

Mike Faulkner, commercial director at BSW Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome LOOP as a member of BSW and Binderholz.

A staggering 20million pallets are manufactured for the UK construction industry every year, but less than 10% of these are currently reused. As a major supplier into this sector, we want to do what we can to change this. Our values at BSW are aligned with those of LOOP, and we’re incredibly excited to drive positive change by incentivising customers to reduce waste and reuse pallets. We’ve already been impressed by the growth and commitment of the business and are keen to build on the great work that Paul and his team have started. LOOP perfectly slots into BSW’s circular business model and we can’t wait to get going.”

Get ready for rollout

The Pallet LOOP is encouraging housebuilding companies, merchants, distributors, and principal contractors to register for an account with the business so they can take advantage of the PayBack on offer as soon as green pallets reach merchant branches, distribution hubs and building sites.

The Pallet LOOP’s pallet collection service is already up and running, with several large housebuilders and principal contractors using the scheme as a simple, cost-effective way of getting rid of single use pallets. So far, The Pallet LOOP has picked up more than 115,000 ‘white’ pallets from building sites nationwide – saving its collection customers around £450,000 in waste disposal costs: reducing waste volume by more than 23,000m3 and cutting their collective carbon footprint by around 10 tonnes. When its distinctive green pallets come on stream, The Pallet LOOP will continue to pick up single use pallets as part of a holistic service designed to reduce waste, repurpose timber and support the sector’s net zero ambitions. To sign up for collections and become an official return partner of green LOOP pallets, you need to register an account with The Pallet LOOP.

More at  www.thepalletloop.com

Using pallets multiple times will also save vast amounts of timber that can be repurposed elsewhere in construction. Estimates suggest around 600,000 cubic metres of sawn timber is used annually for single use construction pallet production.

ABP & Timber: a sustainable approach to growth in 2024

TAssociated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading ports group, with 21 ports creating a unique national network that is responsible for handling 90 million tonnes of cargo and plenty of timber.

he port of King’s Lynn, owned and operated by ABP continues to emerge as a powerhouse in the timber trade, showcasing impressive growth and a commitment to sustainability.

Despite the challenges posed by a volatile market, the port of King’s Lynn has witnessed remarkable growth in its timber and wood products business. June 2023 marked the second busiest month on record for timber handling at ABP, and this growth builds upon the success of 2021, a record-breaking year for high timber handling volumes.

Timber trade growth amidst challenges

Many timber customers at the port of King’s Lynn support the construction and home development industries. Whilst the past 12 months have been challenging for most businesses with the raise of fuel costs and other geopolitical forces, these sectors have proved very resilient over the past year.

While the majority of timber volumes at the port of King’s Lynn are traditionally sourced from Scandinavian countries, ABP has seen a notable increase in volumes from Latvia, reflecting a diversification of timber sources. This expansion in sourcing contributes to the port’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Key timber customers at the Port of King’s

Lynn

ABP’s commitment to efficient timber handling is evident in its diverse customer base. Major customers such as Setra Group, Travis Perkins, and Metsä Group rely on the port of King’s Lynn for its strategic location, proximity to local markets, and the ability to handle various timber products efficiently.

Setra Group, a leading Swedish wood industry company, values the port’s location and its contribution to transforming raw materials into climate-friendly, value-added products. Travis Perkins benefits from ABP’s support in discharging and storing timber on-site, ensuring flexibility and timely delivery. Metsä Group has been importing timber into the port of King’s Lynn for a very long time, is investing in growth, developing bioproducts and a fossil-free future, which aligns closely with ABP’s commitment to sustainability.

New long-term partnerships

ABP recently secured a new long-term contract with the Landguard Point Group – one of the leading UK timber importers, specialising in quality softwoods. The new partnership strengthens the port’s position as one of the leading timber-handling ports in the UK. Leveraging the port’s existing capabilities in supporting the timber trade this collaboration will help to support future growth ambitions within the industry.

ABP has demonstrated its commitment to strengthen the port’s capabilities in this industry, and for its customer, through having recently invested £3million toward the development of 4.5 acres of hard standing and the implementation of a new Terminal Operating System (TOS) – CommTrac v4, which will improve their ability to run UK distribution and streamlining the process.

Paul Ager, divisional port manager, for ABP said: “2023 has been another busy year for timber at the Port of King’s Lynn, having exceeded 180,000 cubic metres so far this year, and with June being the port’s busiest month on record for timber handling at ABP.

“The team at the port of King’s Lynn rehandle on average 2,500 cubic metres of timber onto customer transport each week to

Image © Stephen Waller

go directly to their customers. In whatever size and packaging forest products arrive at the port, we have the expertise and equipment to handle them efficiently.”

Ashley Brown, general manager (Bury St Edmunds), Landguard Point Group said: “We’re pleased to have established a long-term partnership with the Port of King’s Lynn, which has proven track-record as an efficient timber-distribution terminal. It is also the port’s strategic location and proximity to local markets, which enables us to provide cost-effective and timely delivery of the best possible service and products to our customers.”

The deal sees Landguard Point Group strengthen its relationship with ABP as they also operate out of their Cardiff port.

Outlook for 2024 and beyond

ABP remains cautiously optimistic about the timber trade’s future. ABP’s dedication to sustainability is emphasised through its ‘Ready for Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy, which outlines plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 2040 at the latest and highlights how it is future-proofing its business. Furthermore, ABP’s ongoing investments in timber-handling facilities are helping to streamline operations, ensuring efficient timber distribution, and further helping to meet the demands of customers both today, tomorrow and into the future.

More at  www.abports.co.uk

“The team at the port of King’s Lynn rehandle on average 2,500 cubic metres of timber onto customer transport each week to go directly to their customers. In whatever size and packaging forest products arrive at the port, we have the expertise and equipment to handle them efficiently.”

Timber Trader

Image © Stephen Waller

James Hinkley, sales director, Landguard Point Group and Ashley Brown, general manager, Landguard Point Group with members of the ABP team at the port of King’s Lynn

Structural Timber Awards 2024

10 Year Anniversary Celebrations | 02 October 2024, NCC Birmingham

Due to popular demand, we are increasing capacity by 25% – more networking for you!

Enhanced marketing campaign – a 15% increase in the marketing budget –greater profile for you!

Videographer –more post-event profile for you!

The offsite timber construction industry has undergone notable evolution, marked by significant progress and a commitment to a more productive and innovative future.

The Structural Timber Awards serve as a prominent platform to showcase excellence within this dynamic sector, providing an opportunity to position your brand alongside influencers and pioneers.

Champagne on every table – now that’s the way to celebrate our 10th anniversary!

Live music and increased postevent entertainment in the bar area –fun until midnight!

Aligning your business with the Structural Timber Awards demonstrates your commitment to fostering progression, innovation, and talent in timber design, engineering, and construction. Sponsorship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable exposure through our extensive event PR coverage, positioning you as a champion of sustainable construction and innovation to a wide audience.

Category sponsor opportunities remaining:

The timber supply chain is long and complex, taking material from the forest to primary processors, product manufacturers, merchants and end users.

For all projects to operate smoothly and reach a successful conclusion/completed building, a huge collaborative effort is required based on industry relationships, reliability, business confidence and understanding the pressures each step of the supply chain operates under.

Entries can be an individual, small business or group supplier that have worked on a specific project or a multiple site scheme, large and small-scale, both in footprint, scope and budget.

The winner will have shown clear understanding of the timber supply chain and the need for collaborative networks, logistical planning, quality control, managing risk, building successful working partnerships, and using digital tools to deliver a sustainable streamlined project.

Working with Wood: Making a Difference

Organisers of Materials & Finishes Show (formerly W Exhibition) have announced that visitor registration is now live for the UK trade show aimed at the furniture manufacturing and joinery industries.

With over 50 years of heritage, the event returns to the NEC in its new and reinvigorated format from May 19-22 2024. Part of Montgomery Group’s global event portfolio, the Materials & Finishes Show will bring the UK’s furniture manufacturing and joinery industries together for the first time since 2018, having undergone an extensive period of research and development. The trade show is the primary platform for carpenters, joiners, machinists and installers to see running woodwork machinery, the latest materials, components, software, tools and innovations for the woodworking sector.

The countdown is officially on

Some of the latest brands who have joined the lineup for the relaunch event in May include brands such as AES, Woodmizer, Leitz Tooling and the Wagner Group. The stellar lineup also includes the likes of RJ Woodworking Machinery, Vertongen, AMS/ Wadkin Bursgreen, Hanex, Hranipex, Rubio Monocoat and Mundy Veneer, with new brands joining the lineup weekly. Alongside networking with the entire industry under one roof, visitors will be able to see thousands of the latest products on the UK market and speak directly to leading manufacturers and suppliers for the woodworking sector. A new live demonstration zone will allow visitors to see many of these products in action for the first time.

Materials & Finishes Show event director, David Todd comments: “The countdown to Materials & Finishes Show 2024 is officially on. The floorplan has evolved significantly over recent weeks, and we are on course to deliver a truly international showcase when we reopen the doors to the industry this May. Alongside heritage W Exhibition brands, there’s a very strong cohort of overseas exhibitors, with 45%

of the lineup made up of international brands with companies from Turkey, China, Italy, Poland, Belgium, USA, Ireland, Spain, Germany and Switzerland all represented at the show. It’s exciting to see such a diverse lineup, and a huge coup for the UK that so many overseas brands have recognised the huge potential that the UK market represents.

“Visitors are always excited to see running machinery at the show, which is why we’ve developed a new live demonstration feature. Visitors will be able to see brands such as Leitz Tooling and Advance Machinery Services working together to bring exciting demonstrations of unique tooling for bespoke timber windows and doors, with an end-to-end timber window construction on the show floor. They’ll also be able to see tooling, paint and finishing brands deliver handson, practical demonstrations, bringing new products, innovations and technology to life for joiners and carpenters.

“We’re also excited to announce that we are working with industry influencers to ensure that the show content is as up-to-date and relevant as possible for our audience. We know that influencers are ‘on the ground’ when it comes to the latest products, techniques and technology which is why we are working with the likes of Robin Clevett to bring a new, real-time dimension to the show that will make it more relevant than ever for anyone working within the furniture manufacturing and joinery industries.”

YouTube exposure and developing the market

Robin Clevett, the self-confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, will act as an official ambassador for the trade show. As well as working closely with the event organising team in the run up to the event, Robin will also make a special appearance at the exhibition this May.

Robin, who boasts over 113,000 YouTube subscribers, more than 40,000 YouTube followers and hosts The Carpentry Show in FIX Radio, will play a hands-on role as part of the brand new Materials & Finishes Show demonstration area, as well as compering a special panel on the main seminar stage.

Speaking about the collaboration, Robin said: “I was approached by the Materials & Finishes Show team last year and was instantly impressed with what the organisers have been doing to redevelop the show for the market. As a working chippy and active member of the wider carpentry and joinery community, I know that there’s a real appetite for this type of UK event for our community.

partnerships we’ll be announcing in the run up to the show.”

AMA Research, part of the Barbour ABI Group, will produce a detailed kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) and worktops market intelligence report, of which Materials & Finishes Show visitors will be amongst the first to hear the key insights when it is delivered as part of the CPD certified learning programme at the show in May.

David adds: “The brand new CPD certified seminar programme is about to go live. We’re working closely with industry media, exhibitors and associations such as the furniture makers, British Woodworking Federation (BWF), Woodland Heritage and Barbour ABI to curate a tailored and targeted programme of seminars and panel debates. Industry experts will be

“I’m looking forward to meeting visitors at the show this May and, like them, being able to see all the latest materials, tools, technology and equipment side-by-side at the NEC. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks for a sneak peek of what we’ve got planned.”

Materials & Finishes Show event director, David Todd added: “We’re hugely excited to announce Robin’s involvement in Materials & Finishes Show this May. What better way to shape the content and features than collaborating with someone who is on the cold face of the industry and walking in the shoes of a large proportion of our visitors.

“We’ve been bowled over by Robin’s enthusiasm and this, combined with his expertise and knowledge can only make for a winning formula for our visitors from the joinery and carpentry communities. As organisers, we’re always looking at new and innovative ways to connect with our audiences – Robin’s involvement is the first of many new

delivering a full schedule of content covering key industry themes and topics that will help the visitor audience to broaden their knowledge, understand the latest legislation and regulations around topics such as dust extraction, and help them to run more efficient and profitable businesses.”

Materials & Finishes Show attracts buyers from every corner of the industry, from furniture and joinery manufacturers and designers right through to retailers, the KBB market, carpenters, joiners and worktop fabricators.

You can register at

 https://materials-finishes-show-2024.reg.buzz/timber-trader or contact Materials & Finishes Show PR & Comms Manager, Jess Hardisty  jess.hardisty@montgomerygroup.com or phone

 07871 544330

100% Wood – Carrefour Returns for 2024

Carrefour International du Bois – France’s influential biennial timber show returns in 2024 with a range of new features.

After the success of Carrefour International du Bois in 2022, the show returns once again to host a wide range of businesses operating across Europe and with an impact on the UK marketplace. Taking place in Nantes, France every two years, the three-day event covers a range of products and services alongside conference and seminar sessions. It will take place 28-30 May at the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire.

The 2022 show was a record breaker, both in terms of the number of exhibitors (607 exhibitors) and the number of visitors (14,000 visitors – a 20% increase compared to the previous show – including the proportion of international exhibitors, which was considerable and saw professionals visit from over 40 countries.

With only a few months before the opening of this unique event, the organiser, Fibois Pays de la Loire, is looking forward to even more visitors and more stand sales.

Great step forward for stand sales

A major indicator that signals a successful event is that Carrefour International du Bois was fully booked by the end of 2023. The exhibitors’ enthusiasm for this biennial event was clearly high.

Géraldine Cesbron, the Tradeshow Manager for Carrefour International du Bois says: “Despite the market turmoil announced for 2024 across various markets, the show remains a highlight for the entire timber industry for them to take advantage of the event to secure new

products and suppliers, find new partners and to develop their business with customers from all over the world.”

New 2024 features will continue the strong momentum of previous shows

With its record attendance, the 2022 edition of Carrefour International du Bois was such a success that it is now forcing the organisers to change the show: “The show has reached such a level with the number of exhibitors and visitors, it has become necessary to ensure that the event

is clear and comprehensible for everyone,” adds Géraldine. “It is important for visitors to optimise their time so we are facilitating a clear path around the show so visitors can spend plenty of time seeing the stands and talking to our exhibitors.”

Visibility and sectorisation

“Carrefour International du Bois remains the only international event where timber traders, consumers, manufacturers, operators, processors, and distributors – as well as institutions – come together to find solutions to each of their needs”

Jean Piveteau, director general, Piveteaubois.

The growth of Carrefour International du Bois in recent years has given the organisers the opportunity to improve the visibility of products and improve the visitor experience. For 2024, the four large exhibition halls will be arranged in major sectors:

• Halls 1 & 2 will welcome exhibitors from the Panels & Flooring sectors

• The Grand Palais will house the Construction sector

• The XXL Hall, which will be opened for the first time at the show, offers an additional 12,000sq m of exhibition space. It will house professionals from the Sawmill, Forestry and Timber Trade sectors.

New opening days

Another change proposed by Fibois Pays de la Loire for Carrefour International du Bois is the opening of the show on new days to simplify the logistics of the exhibitors and optimise the visitors time at the show. The show will be open for three days from Tuesday to Thursday, instead of the past Wednesday to Friday dates.

A word from the president of the tradeshow

“Carrefour International du Bois remains the only international event where timber traders, consumers, manufacturers, operators, processors, and distributors – as well as institutions – come together to find solutions to each of their needs. It is a place of synergies between professionals. It is indeed a highlight not to be missed because it is

one of the unique opportunities to meet face-to-face, to discuss the economic situation and consider future solutions with confidence. At trade shows, professionals can work on industry strengths, move forward together and find solutions to forge real links for a better future.”

Also, during Carrefour International du Bois, two professional meetings will be taking place concerning the wood pellet heating sector: 28 May: the European Pellet Forum, the industry’s international event and 29 May: the Propellet Event concerning the French market.

You can register for the show and your free access badge at  www.timbershow.com

Jean Piveteau, director general, Piveteaubois

Technology Driven Results

With many issues facing timber firms in 2024 we spoke with Kristian Niklasson, managing director of TimberTec, a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) for the timber industry to find out what the industry can do to prepare for the future.

Business management and digital software are everyday parts of most organisations’ workflow. ERP offers tools that all departments can adopt to better manage key elements of their operations, from inventory management to accounting and purchasing – with the key driver being the effective management of data that can be accessed by many users at any time.

New tools for new challenges

At the start of 2024 some of the key challenges that timber firms face are tied to IT and digital tools. “We see three key challenges as the timber industry undergoes a major transformation, says Kristian. “Firstly, the demand for increased sustainability, secondly the need to develop new products and thirdly increased internationalisation. These are interlinked and it is essential they are tackled in a co-ordinated way.

“The answer to these challenges – and the wider transformation of the timber industry – is digitalisation. Digitalisation, including cybersecurity, cloud-based solutions and future-proof ERP systems to ensure international competitiveness are the major IT topics in the timber industry. To be able to streamline their operations, reduce

their climate footprint and create greater competitiveness, wood product companies now need modern IT support to help them succeed.

“With so many changes that have taken place in recent years it has become increasingly important for these companies to adapt their operations to the future. Limited supply and increased costs for raw materials, transport and energy require efficiency improvements through digitalisation.

“What we are seeing in the transition to a more sustainable world is a demand for wood as an alternative to steel and concrete in property construction. For example, wood fibre is an incredibly adaptable and attractive resource for many industries. Its renewable nature and high environmental credentials have led to increasing pressure on the availability of it as a raw material, so managing efficiently and sustainably managing supply is more important than ever.

“Therefore, efforts to combat climate change creates unique opportunities for the timber industry. However, it also creates new demands, for example new product development and international deliveries, as well as new legal requirements and certifications. All of these can be efficiently managed by a smart, adaptive IT system.”

Are the costs worth it?

There are many costs involved in upgrading IT systems and embedding new ways of working and the timber sector has been under financial pressures for many years both before and after the pandemic – is the investment worth it?

“The reality is that the entire timber industry must take important steps today to maintain its profitability in the future,” says Kristian. “The whole issue of raw material supply and prices will come to a head in the coming years. In addition, vertical integration has been an important component for a number of companies for some time now. This is especially true as we see a transition from mass-produced products from the sawmill industry to high-quality structural timber products, which significantly increases the requirements for efficiently designed processes. This is where a high-quality ERP system really delivers value, by streamlining and managing the entire vertical integration.

“Undoubtedly, the biggest trend is the move towards the Cloud or Software as a Service (SaaS) as opposed to managing all your IT on-site or in-house. As well as a technology change this is a mindset change where we should not view IT as a task but as a solution and a service that is constantly working to help make business better.”

Many companies – and individuals – are nervous about the Cloud and cyber-security, whether because of perceived loss of control or data loss risks. How would you respond to those concerns? “I understand,” says Kristian. “Especially when things have been the same for such a long time. Many companies are still working on local systems: however, my view is that these are not only more complex to manage, but also pose a significant security risk. They are also difficult and expensive to maintain and keep up to date.

“However, high quality cloud-based systems can increase security and service quality, simplify updates and provide far more flexibility. Cloud-based solutions are not only continuously maintained and updated in accordance with current security standards, but also provide access to functionality that would represent a major expense for individual companies. TimberTec is pragmatic and can combine the best of both worlds, using cloud systems due to the advantages

already mentioned, whilst also continuing to work with on-premises computing that is continuously synchronised with the cloud.”

As outlined by Kristian Kristian Niklasson, the shift towards a sustainable net zero future creates opportunities as well as challenges and a modern, cloud-based, industry specific ERP solution is fundamental to managing these efficiently.

More at  www.timbertec.com

Growing Pains & Small Retailers

Chris Timmer, CEO of Linnworks explains why an e-commerce platform that seamlessly manages inventory and order fulfilment across multiple marketplaces

Starting up as a retailer is easy – it’s managing growth that’s tricky. Entrepreneurial individuals can leverage any one of over 400 marketplaces to build up a brand and access global customers. Stock can be stored in a single location and orders quickly fulfilled by hand. But that’s just the start. Successful business expansion depends upon the ability to sustain customer experience and brand value irrespective of the number of additional customers, channels, or product lines. And that is where a great business – and business owner – can start to unravel.

Identifying the right time to invest and scale up the business to the next level is difficult. But there are often signs the current model is beginning to creak. Whether it is spending evenings and weekends trying to keep up with orders, making mistakes in order processing and inventory that are leading to customer service issues, or feeling overwhelmed by a spiralling cost base, it is time to invest in technology before growth risks derailing the business.

Expanding business opportunities

When customers like the product, sales soar and feedback is great, how does a business take the next step? Multi-channel retail is important – with 70% of customer searches originating on marketplaces and social media – but each additional marketplace adds complexity and risk. How can the order process be managed effectively? Where should stock be located? Are third-party logistics (3PL) providers the best option? Is it possible to provide customers with the full visibility of order status throughout? Any growing small business will hit a point when change is inevitable. But what needs to change and where should the investment be focused?

Timing is everything

To scale without adding unnecessary risk or unacceptable cost, a retailer needs to connect and automate every aspect of the e-commerce process. With a flexible pricing model that aligns cost to value, dedicated Connected CommerceOps software affordably provides a level of

can’t be ignored.

cross-marketplace efficiency with inventory management and fulfillment excellence that cannot be achieved using multiple spreadsheets or homegrown databases.

By operationalizing the entire e-commerce process, a small retailer can seamlessly scale up while sustaining a high-quality customer experience. With a single, reconciled view of inventory across warehouses and third-party logistics providers, the risk associated with expanding across multiple marketplaces is mitigated by enabling efficient order fulfillment processes that truly meet each customer’s expectations.

Leveraging an ecosystem of integrated solutions to include pricing, listing capabilities, or shipping to provide customers with full visibility of order status and delivery, with access to marketplace channels, the entire e-commerce process can be executed holistically. The retailer’s reach is extended while safeguarding the quality of experience that is at the heart of successful, profitable growth.

Retain focus with intelligence

Furthermore, Connected CommerceOps delivers new levels of insight into every part of the retail process, allowing early intervention when inevitable problems arise and supporting further growth plans. Rather than spending 100% of the time operationally firefighting, a business owner or management team can use insight to understand trends in customer behaviour, optimise inventory

models, and continually assess courier performance.

Evidence suggests that a five or moremarketplace model provides optimum performance for a small but growing retailer. It smooths out the volatility that can occur with a one or two-channel model and, with complete visibility and automation, provides a successful platform for growth. Once retailers have become established at that level, insight into performance across each marketplace, product line, and customer profile can then support further marketplace expansion as required.

Critically, this can be achieved without working seven days a week; without the need to constantly juggle order fulfillment with finance, and customer services with merchandising. Combining slick operational processes with accurate business insight not only allows a retailer to scale and sustain the customer experience but it also gives a retail owner their weekends back.

Investing in the right technology at the right time safeguards not only business growth but business commitment. No more problems associated with inconsistent stock information, leading to missed opportunities and the untenable costs associated with overstocking. Or nights spent second-guessing this season’s performance when planning what to buy for next season. And no more risk associated with unfocused multimarketplace models that add complexity but fail to truly reflect the business concept. More at