68 | Feature: Women In Timber
REBECCA THICK SALES EXECUTIVE VIDA WOOD
My parents, Sharon and Richard Thick, played a role in my introduction to the timber engineering industry. Their passion for the company and dedication to serving customers left a lasting impression on me.
I joined the Vida team as an administrative assistant, handling order processing, customer calls, and other tasks. This daily interaction with customers solidified my desire to remain in this industry. When the opportunity to join the sales team arose, I eagerly accepted. Vida Wood UK and the entire timber engineering group have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I look forward to continuing my journey with them. Being asked to join the sales team at Vida
Wood UK has been a pivotal moment in my career. It’s an honour to be part of such a reputable and customer-centric company. I take immense pride in contributing to the company’s growth while ensuring customers receive the products and services they need. Fostering strong customer relationships has been a key aspect of my success, and I aim to achieve many more milestones as I progress in my career.
If I was giving advice to someone starting out in a career in the timber industry, I would say, embrace the learning process and seek guidance from experienced individuals. Value your network, colleagues, and customers, as they are invaluable sources of knowledge and support. Knowledge is paramount in this industry, so utilise all available resources, including site visits, knowledge sheets, and meetings.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express your opinions, and propose solutions when appropriate. Fresh perspectives and diverse ideas are always welcome.
While there has been progress in recent years, if I could change one thing about the construction industry, I would like to see more women represented in all areas. This would not only address the skillset shortage but also create a more diverse and equitable workplace for everyone involved. Additionally, I believe providing more opportunities for young people to enter and advance within the industry would be beneficial. ■
TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
TRISH HOLLERAN GROUP CERTIFICATION MANAGER TRAVIS PERKINS I’ve worked in the timber industry for nearly 50 years, and even now, I can still tell what species a piece of wood is just by its smell or grain. I joined Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading builders’ merchant, over two decades ago, starting out in operational roles before moving into management and, eventually, into certification. Today, I’m proud to be the group certification manager, leading our work to ensure every piece of timber we handle is responsibly sourced and fully traceable. I began in timber because I loved the material – its complexity, character, and the way every piece tells a story. From driving wagons and working in mills to now auditing hundreds of branches nationwide, that passion has never left me.
My role is to ensure we maintain our chain of custody certification so that every piece of timber we handle meets the highest sustainability and ethical standards. This involves overseeing rigorous audits across our 500+ UK branches and port operations. Our meticulous adherence to strict chain of custody requirements guarantees complete traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain – a commitment reflected by over 20 years’ certification.
One of my proudest achievements is helping embed sustainability across the business – not just in procurement but also in training our people. From the forest to the customer, we teach our teams how to treat timber with the respect it deserves. What inspires me most is that customers now care more about where their timber comes from. Sustainability isn’t just our responsibility – it’s becoming a shared value. That shift, after decades in the industry, feels like progress. ■
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