TIMBER Championing change: Why ‘Women in Timber’ matters more than ever


Timber Development UK membership development manager Laura Qualters explains why the Women in Timber event will inspire and connect women across the industry.


T


imber Development UK has launched Women in Timber, a new event designed to celebrate, connect, and empower women across the UK


timber industry. Taking place on 5 September, 2025, at the Oulton Hall Hotel in Leeds, it aims to shine a light on the achievements of women across the timber sector, while also creating space for honest dialogue, networking, and inspiration. At the heart of this initiative are three clear goals: To inspire and empower women by showcasing success stories and sharing strate- gies for personal and professional growth, build a strong and inclusive community within the timber sector, where women can connect and collaborate, and to encourage learning and leadership. The event programme will offer something for everyone, featuring engaging sessions designed to inform and uplift, and a powerful


mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Senior figures from across the timber landscape will offer perspectives on career progression, business challenges, sustainability, and the power of authentic leadership. There will also be open forums. Speakers already confirmed include: Christella Golby, TTBS general manager, Michelle Buckland, chief commercial officer at Miro Forestry, Claire Toomey, head of sustainability and ESG Lead for Howdens Joinery, Judy Parsons, trainer & marketing mentor, Camilla Fish, managing director of SCA Products (UK) and Rosie Wise, managing director of Benchmarx Kitchen & Joinery at Travis Perkins. We think merchants should attend because


improving gender balance isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s smart business. A more diverse workforce brings wider perspectives,


improved problem-solving, and greater adaptability. It helps companies reflect the needs of modern customers, and it supports recruitment and retention in an increasingly competitive labour market. At Timber Development UK, we believe this event represents a crucial step forward. We know that inclusion doesn’t happen by accident and, as champions of sustainable, future-focused industry practices, we want to ensure that the way we support our members reflects the same values we apply to our products and supply chains. In the coming years, we hope Women in


Timber will grow into an ongoing movement; a space where careers are shaped, voices are heard, and positive change is made. For more information visit timberdevelop- ment.uk/events/women-in-timber


BMJ


Specialist Manufacturer Of Primed MR MDF FSC


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