UK News | 7
Leading sawmillers unite with Confor to champion benefits of UK timber
also undermines environmental progress, contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions, and reduces the potential for rural job creation.
Above (from left): From left: Mike Faulkner, commercial director, BSW Group; Mike Glennon, joint managing director, Glennon Brothers; and Rob MacKenna, general manager, James Jones & Sons
BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers have announced the establishment of a unique partnership, as they join forces to promote UK timber and reduce reliance on imported materials. In an industry first, the UK’s three largest sawmillers – BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons, and Glennon Brothers – have joined forces in a landmark collaboration to promote the use of domestically grown and manufactured timber. Backed by leading trade bodies Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries) and Timber Development UK (TDUK), the initiative is a call to action for a more sustainable, economically sound future for the UK construction sector. Despite the UK having a world-class sawmilling industry, it is the second- largest net importer of forest products globally, with 80% – worth £9bn – of its requirements imported annually. This over-reliance on imported timber not only weakens our domestic industry, but
At the heart of the campaign is C16 graded timber – grown and manufactured in the UK. C16 is suitable for most standard construction applications, offering strength, versatility, and lower embodied carbon than many imported alternatives, such as C24 timber. It is a renewable, biophilic material that supports well-being and contributes positively to the built environment, which currently accounts for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions.
This collaboration supports the UK government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap and aligns with national goals for decarbonisation, economic growth, and forestry expansion.
The joint campaign lays out a clear strategy for progress: • GROW: Increase tree planting, and replanting, to ensure the growth of productive woodlands in the UK, securing future timber supply and boosting carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and air and water quality.
• MANUFACTURE: Capitalise on advanced harvesting and sawmilling technology to maximise the value of UK timber, helping to sustainably decarbonise the construction sector.
• SPECIFY: Encourage architects, engineers, and contractors to specify C16 timber more frequently, reducing dependency on higher-carbon materials like concrete, steel and imported alternatives.
• BUILD: Leverage the full capabilities of C16 timber across construction,
Donaldson Timber Systems launches timber frame training programme
Leading offsite timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems has launched an industry-first timber frame skills hub, to develop a workforce capable of building using offsite timber frame. With over 50 years of experience, Donaldson Timber Systems is responding to the skills crisis by harnessing its knowledge and expertise of offsite timber frame to develop a bespoke training programme.
Modules have been created for all
disciplines, from design and technical to commercial and construction, empowering Donaldson Timber Systems customers to realise the true benefits of building in timber frame, in terms of cost, speed and performance.
The programme is available on GRASSP, a new online innovative training platform, designed to make construction learning easy.
It can be accessed on desktop or mobile with 24/7 access to allow for practical
delivering cost-effective, sustainable solutions that also support the economy and rural employment.
The three sawmillers, who collectively produce the vast majority of the UK’s C16 sawn timber, are working with Confor to support an industry-wide rebalancing of supply chains, focusing on domestic timber production to help futureproof the UK’s timber requirements.
Speaking on the collaboration, Stuart Goodall, chief executive at Confor, said: “Global demand for timber is projected to rise significantly given its low-carbon benefits. If the UK wants a secure, consistent, and sustainable supply of timber material, now is the time to invest in our industry. Confor supports this collaboration as an important initiative to highlight how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term future of UK timber.”
“Our Plan for Change is focused on creating new, green jobs, planting more trees, increasing access to nature and reducing carbon emissions,” added Mary Creagh CBE, Minister for Nature. “We currently import 80% of the timber we use and that needs to change. “Our Timber in Construction Roadmap and the C16 campaign will boost the use of UK timber to help build the homes and schools we need faster and more sustainably.”
Through joint advocacy, public engagement, and cross-industry alignment, this campaign represents a pivotal step in creating a stronger, greener future using one of the UK’s most underutilised natural assets: its forests.
guidance on the move, whether in the office or on the building site. Supported through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)’s Industry Impact Fund, the interactive training programme consists of a series of easy- to-follow expert lessons, best practice guidance, checklists, tutorials and visual aids covering every stage, from design and commercial appraisals to installation and site completion.
“The future success of the housing sector depends on the skills, confidence and availability of people to deliver it,” said Alex Goodfellow, CEO at Donaldson Offsite.
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2025 | TTJ
UK News
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