UK News | 7
TTF says stability returns to UK timber supply chain
The UK’s leading timber industry representative body – the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) – says the industry will enter a period of greater stability in 2022 following a year of record imports. The latest TTF statistics show a 28% growth in timber import volumes between January and October 2021 (compared to a year before) – reaching a total of 10.3 million m3
for the period.
Stats reveal a significant shift in timber import patterns with volumes 16% lower in October 2021 than in the corresponding month in 2020. It was the first month in 2021 where the volume of timber imported was below its corresponding level from 2020, and the end of 15 months of continual growth in UK imports of timber and panel products.
Softwood import volumes reflected these changes with just 557,000m3
entering the
UK in October 2021 – which is very close to the average volume of softwood imports seen between 2015 to 2018 (559,000m3
).
The TTF says the shift can likely be attributed to a return to more ‘regular’ demand for new housing and RM&I seen in Q4 2021. “As predicted throughout, with stocks having been replenished throughout the supply chain we are seeing price pressure reduce and import volumes return to more normal parameters,” said Nick Boulton, TTF head of technical and trade policy.
“This suggests an end to some of the
market disruption we saw last year where our industry was working above and beyond to ensure exceptionally high construction demand was met. “However, the market is still some way off ‘normality’ as Brexit, HGV driver shortages and Covid-19 disruption continue to affect supply and demand, as well as labour availability.”
TTF members can read the full report on the TTF website at
https://ttf.co.uk/ download/ttf-monthly-stats-january-2022/
Premier Forest Group forecasts 35% jump in annual turnover
Newport-based Premier Forest Group is predicting a 35% increase in annual turnover and a 130% growth in profits with just four months to go until the end of its financial year.
Premier Forest says annual turnover in the UK will have increased to circa £120m and that profits will have jumped from £8.8m to over £20m, a growth of 130% since last year.
The performance is in part due to the group’s sale of its Irish timber business Brooks Timber in the summer of 2021. Premier had acquired Brooks nine years ago and expanded it to become the second largest builders’ merchant group in Ireland. The sale freed up significant capital for Premier Forest Group, allowing the directors to further increase investment in its core UK business, Premier Forest Products.
“The ability to invest even more this year has fast-tracked improvements in operational efficiency and productivity,” said managing director of Premier Forest Products, Joe Walker. “It’s further enhancing our ability to respond to, and capitalise on, the opportunities presented to us. Looking ahead, the focus for us
will be very much on organic growth and suitable acquisitions.”
Premier Forest Group made significant IT investment in 2021, with the company’s first foray into e-commerce for the Mill Timber brand. The Mill Timber Direct website, which carries over 1,000 products, allows online ordering for delivery to site. Premier’s plans for 2022 are very much focused on further significant expansion. The board of directors is already considering several potential acquisitions that would be a good fit for the existing organisation. Terry Edgell, founder and CEO, said if the group had not sold its Irish group then turnover would have been projected to reach £220m.
“Our goal now is to replace this lost turnover as quickly as possible through a series of small, strategic acquisitions and with strong underlying organic growth,” he said. “We are hoping to close an early acquisition at the start of the year. If we do it will result in a further £30m growth in turnover for the next financial year, supplemented by the 15-20% forecasted organic growth.”
Investigation ongoing on Scot Carrier collision
Above: The Scot Carrier
A man was remanded in custody following the collision before Christmas between the UK-registered Scot Carrier and the Denmark-registered Karin Hoej. The collision in the early hours of December 13 in the Baltic Sea resulted in one crew member on the capsized Danish ship as recorded dead and another unaccounted for.
A Scotline statement was released following the incident.
“In line with standard procedures, it is further understood that all crew members of the Scot Carrier were tested for drugs and alcohol with two crew members exceeding the legal limit,” said the Scot Marine Holdings statement.
The company says it has a strict drug and alcohol policy in place and has a zero- tolerance for any breaches that occur. Swedish investigators launched a preliminary investigation into gross negligence in maritime traffic and it is understood that one Scot Carrier crew member is in custody and is suspected of drunkenness and negligence. The case is being dealt with at Malmo District Court. The Scot Carrier is understood still to be at the Port of Ystad, Sweden.
Composite Prime secures Frank Key as retailer
UK composite cladding and decking brand Composite Prime has secured independent builders’ merchant and plant and tool hire specialist Frank Key as a retailer of a range of its products. Frank Key, which was established in 1907 and has 19 branches across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire, supplies building materials, as well as plant and tool hire to both trade and consumers.
www.ttjonline.com | January/February 2022 | TTJ
UK News
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