8 | UK News
Roofscape Design Awards return to celebrate best projects and people
professionals shaping the future of timber engineering.
The 2026 Roofscape Design Awards will recognise outstanding achievement across six categories, reflecting the diverse skills and creativity of the trussed rafter industry. The three project-based awards honour
Above: The Roofscape Design Awards return in 2026
The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) has announced the return of the Roofscape Design Awards 2026, celebrating the very best in trussed rafter design across the UK construction industry.
Launching earlier than in previous years, the awards recognise excellence, innovation, and technical skill in the use of trussed rafters, showcasing the designers, engineers, and teams who bring complex roof structures to life.
From major housing developments and creative refurbishments to technically demanding commercial builds, the awards shine a light on the projects and
excellence in residential, commercial, and refurbishment design, celebrating everything from new-build housing developments to innovative conversions and complex non-residential projects. Alongside these, three individual categories will spotlight the people driving progress within the industry: the Innovation Champion of the Year, recognising leadership in sustainability, technology, or operational improvement; the Safety Champion of the Year, celebrating exceptional commitment to safe working practices; and the Career Development Champion of the Year, acknowledging dedication to learning, growth, and professional excellence. “We’ve brought the awards forward this year to give our winners more time in the spotlight and to showcase their achievements across the industry,” said
Timber and joinery product value sales dropped -3% in August year-on-year
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in October, shows total builders’ merchants’ value sales in August 2025 were down -5% compared to the same month a year before. Year-on- year volumes decreased -4.1% while prices were down -1%.
With one fewer trading day in 2025,
like-for-like value sales for August (which take trading days into account) were -0.3% lower.
Only one of the 12 categories sold more in value sales compared to August 2024 – work wear and safety wear – which was up +2.7%.
The worst performing categories were ironmongery (-6.4%), heavy building materials (-6.6%) and decorating (-7.8%). Timber and joinery products (-3%) fell less than total builders’ merchants. In the three months June to August 2025, total value sales were +0.2% higher than the same three-months a year before. Volume sales increased +1% but prices were down –0.9%.
Eight categories sold more in terms of value with renewables and water saving (+5.5%), plumbing, heating and electrical (+3.2%), kitchens and bathrooms (+2.8%) and timber and joinery products (+2.5%) ahead the most. The weakest categories were landscaping (-0.3%), heavy building materials (-1%) and decorating (-4.1%). There was no difference in trading days. Value sales in August were -12.7% lower than in July. Volume sales were down -13.4% and prices up +0.8% month-on- month.
All categories sold less, but ironmongery (-14.5%) and miscellaneous (-15%) declined the most.
Timber and joinery products were down -12.3%. With three fewer trading days in August, like-for-like value sales were +0.3% higher.
For the latest reports, expert comments and round table debates, visit the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) website at
www.bmbi.co.uk.
TTJ | November/December 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
Nick Boulton, chief executive of the TRA. “The judges always enjoy seeing the range of creative and technically impressive projects our members deliver. If you’ve been involved in a great project, this is your chance to celebrate that success. I’d encourage all TRA members to take part and to encourage your colleagues to submit entries as well.”
Entries may be based on trussed rafters, metal web beams or combinations of the two and should include a clear project or nominee description, supporting visuals, plus a compelling narrative that highlights technical achievement, design quality, or professional growth.
The award categories are sponsored, with individual prizes presented to each winner. Submissions are invited across multiple categories, and members are encouraged to enter any exceptional work completed in 2025.
The TRA looks forward to celebrating its members’ achievements and showcasing the strength, creativity, and skill that define the trussed rafter industry. For more information, visit
www.tra.org. uk/news-events/roofscape-design-awards/
James Donaldson Timber prepares for Chorley expansion
Leading timber supplier, James Donaldson Timber (JDT) is preparing to open its new, 110,000ft2
flagship manufacturing facility
in Botany Bay Business Park next month, with the creation of highly skilled job opportunities for local workers. As one of the UK’s largest timber importers and distributors, the state-of- the-art facility focuses primarily on the sawmilling, processing, and distribution of timber, specialising in custom and standard profiles, using hardwoods, softwood, sawn redwood and MDF mouldings. With new technology, enhanced capabilities and an improved working environment, the 165-year-old family business is launching a recruitment drive to attract skilled wood machinists, with the aim to increase their workforce by 20%. It seeks professionals in roles such as wood machinists specialising in Weinig moulders and paint line operatives. The new factory will more than double capacity.
UK News
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