Timber Expo has opened its doors and is ready for business. The first visitors are now sampling the first Timber Talks seminars and speaking to the most comprehensive group of timber specialists gathered together under one roof.
The show was kick started yesterday by ProTimber 2012. Nearly 70 timber industry leaders met to take part in the first of a regular annual gathering to discuss the challenges ahead for the timber sector.
Under the headline banner of ‘one vision one voice’ the afternoon saw serious and informed debate centred on the presentation of two pieces of commissioned research from consultancy Lychgate. The summit received cross timber association support from BWF, CONFOR, TDCA, TIMCON, TRADA, TTF, UKSIPS, UKTFA, Wood for Good, WPA and WPIF.
The two studies, separated by panel and audience discussion, included the specification and perceptions of timber and issues and concerns triggered by steel and concrete and how the timber sector can respond, target markets for growth and reinforce its position within the construction market. The findings of the studies involved detailed interviews with over 50 architects and main contractors to tease out common themes.
The overarching theme and something the audience was in agreement about was the need of a more cohesive and collaborative approach across the timber sector. Not only to market the strong sustainability messages of timber correctly, but also to answer questions surrounding product data, material supply, costs and carbon sequestration in a definitive, easily understood way.
The development of Wood First and the signing of the recent Timber Accord is the first step in the process of creating this ‘one vision one voice’.
Full findings and copies of the report will be circulated to all the supporting trade associations over the next few weeks.
