8 | UK News
TTF survey finds timber industry resilience, but also Brexit trade friction
Difficulties with logistics and trading with Northern Ireland under new Brexit protocols are having impacts on an already tight timber supply chain, a new UK Timber Trade Federation (TTF) survey has found.
But despite the challenges, the survey found TTF members are coping well overall following the Brexit changes.
The survey identified logistics as the most pressing challenge – with a lack of haulage vehicles, inflated costs, and hauliers’ hesitancy to import and export goods in and out of the UK slowing down trade. Second is the Northern Ireland Protocol. Some 45% of survey respondents from Great Britain who are trading with Northern Ireland (NI) believe the Protocol is detrimentally impacting their ability to supply the NI market. One respondent stated that it would be “more cost-effective for our business to cease trading with Northern Irish customers”.
Reasons include customs declarations,
due diligence under the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR), phytosanitary certificates and potentially duty under the Northern Ireland Protocol. This disadvantages GB suppliers compared to their European counterparts, as NI, for practical purposes, is still in the EU. However, NI exporters to GB do appear to have largely “unfettered access”, with 55% of respondents reporting that they were not experiencing trade restrictions while moving goods from NI to GB. Additional administrative procedures, as well as some European companies unwilling or unable to share details of supply chains to help members complete the necessary due diligence under UKTR, is also affecting respondents’ businesses. Concern also exists about further challenges and uncertainties once the grace period for customs declarations comes to an end in July, and when UKCA marking is enforced next year.
“On the whole, this survey shows that our
BSW Timber Solutions Ltd announced as new name of SCA Wood UK
BSW has announced that its acquisition - the Building and Supply Solutions division of SCA Wood UK - has now been renamed BSW Timber Solutions Ltd. BSW, the largest integrated timber and forestry business in the UK, acquired the Building and Supply Solutions division of SCA Wood UK in December last year. The integrated group now comprises six main operating divisions – tree nurseries, forestry management, tree harvesting, sawmilling, biomass energy, and timber processing and distribution – operating as Maelor Forest Nurseries, Tilhill, Dick Brothers, BSW Timber, BSW Timber
Solutions, BSW Energy, and Alvic Plastics. BSW Timber Solutions Ltd is one the largest processors and distributors of timber products in the UK with annual sales in excess of £145m. The business operates from its headquarters and distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent, and has further processing and distribution capability at its three other sites in Melton, Welshpool and Cumbernauld.
BSW made the acquisition as part of a move to offer a combined package of timber solutions and adding to security of supply for the market.
Södra Wood Ltd announces a two-year contract with Denholm Port Services
Södra Wood Ltd’s new two-year contract with Denholm Port Services is part of Södra taking steps to streamline its imports and mitigate any potential issues or customs delays in light of increased paperwork and more complex requirements following the UK’s departure from the EU. “With the UK leaving the EU and all
TTJ | March/April 2021 |
www.ttjonline.com
lorries and ships entering the country now requiring customs clearance – combined with the sheer volume of timber we import – we wanted to avoid any potential issues with delays,” said Anthony Burridge, Södra Wood shipping manager.
Södra’s business model effectively gives it end-to-end control of its supply chain.
members are coping well with the changes brought about by Brexit,” said David Hopkins, TTF CEO.
“But, the new trade restrictions have come at a time when the market is experiencing unparalleled challenges as a result of the Covid pandemic. “In December we released a market statement warning of tight timber and panel supplies into 2021. Now, the situation is exacerbated by increased administration and slower delivery times as a result of the Brexit trade deal. “We are working with the Construction Products Association (CPA) to look for practical solutions to this situation.” Mr Hopkins said TTF members were optimistic for the year ahead, with timber demand “at an all-time high”. The TTF survey gathered 36 member companies’ responses, representing timber importers, merchants, agents, and manufacturers between January 11-February 12.
Hardwood Sales invests £2m in manufacturing
Liverpool-based Hardwood Sales Ltd says it is “powering” through the pandemic with a new £2m investment in manufacturing technology to aid its growth. The hardwood timber product importer and distributor, which supplies products globally, has completed the building of a new 15,000ft2
which gives it a total machining operation extending to 35,000ft2
manufacturing plant .
Technology being installed includes a new cyclone extraction system, a Weinig Powermat P1500 HSK moulder with universal head, a Weinig VarioRip automatic rip saw, Weinig PowerCom control system and a Weinig fully automatic tool room for precision mouldings.
Other new technology includes three new spray lines for lacquering, priming and fire retardant treating, as well as a TigerStop automatic cross-cut saw.
In total, Hardwood Sales says it has invested £3m in its manufacturing plant in recent times. The company imports hardwoods direct from Europe, America, Africa and the Far East.
UK News
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