Perfect partnership

Perfect partnership to promote timber cladding and decking

A new partnership agreement between the Timber Decking and Cladding Association and Timber Trade Federation is giving the cladding and decking industry a greater voice

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) and The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have joined forces under a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the market for timber cladding and decking.

The partnership will work similarly to the agreement currently in place between TDCA and the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and the three bodies will work together on projects of mutual interest whilst still maintaining their individual identities and operating as independent trade bodies.

“The TDCA has been working alongside the Wood Protection Association (WPA) for many years – sharing vital resources and occupying the same registered office, with both organisations having a shared agenda in terms of advocating wood protection treatments,” explained Janet Sycamore, director of operations at TDCA.

“The WPA joined forces with TTF in March 2019 under a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the UK market for treated wood. When Dave Hopkins and the TTF approached TDCA about helping support its cladding and decking objectives, it seemed a natural progression to form an alliance, especially after seeing the work that had already been achieved through their WPA partnership.”

The TTF’s membership includes timber importers, merchants, agents and manufacturers and covers a large proportion of all the products and timber technologies that operate within the sector. TDCA is a relatively smaller, technically orientated organisation but a proportion of members also support the TTF or do business with TTF member companies – sharing common ground.

“By aligning with TTF, TDCA will extend its reach. In turn, the TTF recognises the value of the TDCA, as industry experts who can provide them with the resources to achieve their current objectives on both cladding and decking,” said Sycamore.

TDCA and TTF will work together on planned projects of mutual interest which can

benefit members of both organisations, wider target audiences and the general benefit of the timber industry. As well as scheduled meetings, paths cross regularly at industry events and trade meetings, so when the potential for working together or sharing knowledge arises they make the most of the opportunity. Both organisations will maintain their individual identities and operate as independent trade bodies but statements and publications on specific projects will be issued with multibranding to enforce joint messages. The partnership will initially focus on specifier and buyer education to raise awareness and confidence in the timber cladding and decking sectors.

The move aligns with TTF’s plans to focus on market-facing educational activities. A series of TTF working groups are looking in depth at cladding, flooring and engineered wood products sectors. Output from these groups aims to issue guidance on avoiding risks, setting standards and timber species and specification. As part of this education a series of roadshows are planned engaging with trade and specifiers and the TDCA will attend key shows, providing knowledge, experience and resources. In addition, TDCA is currently taking the lead in collaboration with TTF on a publication about timber cladding which will be available later this year.

“The partnership with TDCA, who are recognised industry experts, brings significant benefits and widening opportunities to TTF, WPA and our respective members,” said David Hopkins managing director of the TTF. “The knowledgeable and experienced TDCA team can provide the resources to achieve TTF’s current objectives on both cladding and decking.”

Sycamore added: “Our directors were strongly in favour of a strategic alliance with TTF, recognising the benefits of expanding the reach of TDCA to a wider audience. Initially the agreement was to help TTF implement a programme of education for timber cladding, but we also aim to include decking under the same arrangement. We are excited by the

Janet Sycamore, director of operations at TDCA and David Hopkins, managing director of the TTF

opportunities that working together will bring.” TDCA is mindful of future threats and opportunities influenced by outside forces, which may affect members and the industry as a whole, from Brexit, which has the potential to change the way in which timber can be imported/exported to changing building regulations in the aftermath of Grenfell which continue to evolve and impact timber in construction. Not forgetting the looming climate emergency which is increasingly affecting our everyday choices – as individuals and businesses – in terms of carbon footprints, sustainability and our reliance on plastics. But TDCA is positive about the future.

“This alliance allows us to respond and act as a collective. By working together in this manner, it gives our industry a greater voice,” said Sycamore. “TTF, WPA and TDCA sit on many trade boards and working groups governing technical standards and policy making, which means we are in a greater position to influence. We have greater lobbying power too when we approach government as a collective body, as part of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), representing the many parts of the industry.

“Our greatest asset in all this is wood. Timber is a historical material which has stood the test of time, but it has never been more relevant than today. It has proven advantages which benefit the environment, the economy, the construction industry and our health and well-being. In addition, innovative wood protection technologies extend the service life of timber and increase its performance capabilities in many applications. These key messages will form a big part of our communications going forward.”

The TDCA will continue to promote and advocate the use of timber for decking and cladding applications and through strong partnerships with such trade organisations as TTF, extend its reach to further educate and advise on best practice and quality.

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Become a member of the TDCA

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Visit www.tdca.org.uk/become-a-member or call Janet Sycamore on 01977 558147 to find out more.

5C Flemming Court, Castleford, WF10 5HW  01977 558147  info@tdca.org.uk  www. tdca.org.uk

The TDCA is an independent, technical and advisory body for the timber decking and timber cladding industry. It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.