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60 | Feature: TTF/TRADA Merger


SUMMARY


■ The merger reflects consolidation in the sector


■ The bodies’ operations will dovetail ■ Opportunities identified in training and information provision


■ The TDUK will have more than 1,500 members


NEW TRADE BODY NEW TIMES,


Timber Development is the name and aim of the UK’s new trade body. Mike Jeffree interviewed chief executive David Hopkins on its launch


The merger of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and TRADA as Timber Development UK (TDUK) creates a trade body encompassing the wood supply chain from sawmill to specifier. And according to chief executive David Hopkins, with structural developments in the industry and wider economy, there’s never been such an important time to have such sector-wide representation. Nor, given opportunities for timber as the low carbon renewable manufacturing and construction material, has it ever had such potential to make a market impact – with the fundamental aim of the new body, as the brand states, being timber development.


The need for greater co-ordination and collaboration between trade organisations isn’t a new topic on the agenda. Faced with the greater size and cohesion of bodies in rival materials sectors and an ever more sophisticated and competitive market place, there’s been appreciation for some time of its need to act and speak more as one to business and political decision makers. Hence the creation of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) umbrella organisation and establishment of an All Party Parliamentary Group for the sector. But recently, says Mr Hopkins, the pressure to create a supply chain-wide body has further intensified.


Above: David Hopkins: TDUK will be a fully- fledged timber market development agency


TTJ | May/June 2021 | www.ttjonline.com


“One increasingly important factor has been increased consolidation within the timber trade itself,” he said. “Companies have been strengthening their position by buying backwards and forwards in the supply chain and the trend has been given added momentum by the growing involvement of bigger companies, private equity and other finance groups. Seeing


multiple small businesses operating in the sector, some acting closely as partners, they clearly recognise opportunities to integrate, consolidate and invest.”


The sector’s trade bodies, he added, needed to respond accordingly. “With this sort of market evolution, it doesn’t make sense for the trade representation to stay the same. To continue to support the interests of our entire membership, we need to reflect a changing business.”


Brexit, said Mr Hopkins, seems set to add impetus to the consolidating tendency. “While creating opportunities, it will lead for many to a more demanding, challenging trading environment,’ he said. “This will no doubt create further drivers for development of bigger businesses and integrated groups, leaving some smaller companies wondering how they can compete.”


Covid-19 also played a part in the thinking behind the TTF and TRADA coming together. “The timber sector has coped well through the pandemic, with strong sales and healthy prices,” said Mr Hopkins. “But one longer term impact is expected to be yet more pressure for consolidation and we felt we had to react.”


The TTF and TRADA had been discussing forming a closer relationship in more detail since 2018, when Mr Hopkins joined the TRADA board. “We’ve worked well together for a long time across a range of areas, collaborating on seminars, conferences and other events and activities,” he said. “The TTF also part funds the TRADA university engagement programme, linking the industry to academia.”


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