Women from across the timber industry came together for the inaugural Women in Timber Conference on 5 September, enjoying a day of learning, networking and empowerment.
The first-ever Women in Timber Conference marked a milestone for the UK’s timber industry, creating a space for more than 120 women from across the supply chain to gather. The conference brought together timber professionals at every stage of their careers, from those new to the sector to industry leaders, including many for whom this was their first-ever industry event.
Women in Timber was born from a simple idea by Laura Qualters, TDUK’s Membership Development Manager: to create a welcoming forum where women in a traditionally male-dominated sector could meet, share stories, and collaborate.
She explained: “Women in Timber started as a simple idea: to create a space where women in our industry could connect, learn and feel seen. The energy in that room was amazing.”
The day combined powerful keynote speeches and panel discussions with opportunities for one-to-one conversations, as well as a raffle that raised over £1,700 for the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS). The Women in Timber Conference also donated an additional £1,000 to TTBS on the day.
“This wasn’t just an event – it’s the start of a movement,” said Karen Sussex, TDUK’s Head of Operations.
Supporting people
The first speech was delivered by Christella Golby, General Manager of TTBS, the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people in the timber trade. Christella shared the charity’s long history, having been founded in 1897, and explained its wide-ranging support, from quarterly grants to helping with essential costs such as funeral expenses, utility bills, and even household appliances for those in need.
She outlined TTBS’s more recent initiatives, including a partnership with MHFA to deliver Mental Health First Aid training, as well as collaborations with other organisations to support employment and financial counselling.
Christella’s talk highlighted the human side of the timber industry – the workers and their families who form the foundation of the industry – and underscored how events can play a role in keeping that community strong.
Building personal brands
LinkedIn trainer Judy Parsons brought energy and humour to her interactive session on using LinkedIn as a personal branding platform rather than a static CV. She walked participants through practical steps for building a strong presence, optimising their profile, aand showcasing achievements rather than job titles.
Judy introduced the audience to LinkedIn’s networking tools, and encouraged them to see the platform as an extension of in-person events. She demonstrated how small tweaks to a profile can dramatically improve visibility and influence, citing examples from her 12 years of experience. Her key message: “Think of LinkedIn as your professional brand. It’s not about every job you’ve ever done; it’s about what you want to be known for.”
The session left attendees inspired with practical skills to raise their profile in the industry.
Lessons from global forestry
Michelle Buckland, Chief Commercial Officer at Miro Forestry, offered attendees a global perspective on the industry. She reflected on how far the UK has come in creating opportunities for women in timber, particularly when compared with other parts of the world.
Michelle’s presentation highlighted Miro’s impressive operations in Ghana and Sierra Leone, where the company manages over 22,000 hectares of plantation forest and employs around 4,000 people. She shared striking stories about initiatives to increase female participation in all areas of the business – from heavy machinery operation to plantation management and nursery operations – and how women’s attention to detail has improved efficiency across Miro’s supply chain.
Her passion for sustainability was evident. She described Miro’s conservation work, community schooling programmes, and how sustainable forestry is driving both economic and environmental progress.
Michelle’s advice to those at the start of their careers was clear: “Ask questions, involve yourself in every part of the business, and don’t accept the ceiling – you are your own worst enemy if you do that. Bring your perspective, because that’s what makes the industry move forward.”
Resilience and leadership
Claire Toomey, Head of Sustainability and ESG Lead at Howdens Joinery, delivered an inspiring session on her journey from studying food science to the timber sector. Claire’s talk covered the challenges of balancing career development with family life, and how resilience became a central theme of her career. She spoke about her role in embedding Howdens’ net zero strategy, securing SBTi approval, and driving sustainable change.
Claire also championed timber as a vital renewable material in the fight against climate change, explaining that a deep understanding of forestry and sourcing is essential to creating meaningful ESG strategies.
Claire said: “How did I go from a girl from the West Midlands who wanted to be a pilot, to 20 years in the timber industry and a board director? The answer is resilience, determination and a love of learning. “Keep asking questions – that is how you learn. For me, it’s been about leadership, timber, sustainability and anything that supports women in their careers.”
Succession and opportunity
Camilla Fish, Managing Director of SCA Products UK, gave a fascinating look at leadership development and succession planning in the timber industry. Her timber industry journey began with an unusual job posting: the chance to join SCA in a fast-track programme with the potential to become Managing Director – no timber experience required.
Camilla admitted she initially assumed the role would go to someone with industry knowledge and years of management experience. However, she embraced the challenge and embarked on a two-year development programme that not only gave her deep insight into SCA’s operations, but also built her leadership skills and confidence.
Camilla spoke about the importance of businesses investing in structured succession planning to prepare future leaders. She credited SCA’s willingness to take a chance on her potential as a key factor in her success. Her story reinforced the theme that opportunities can often come when you least expect them – and should be seized boldly.
She said: “If you create a great team and people feel valued and accepted, other people want to be part of it…your power lies in being yourself. By embracing your authentic self, you unlock your own potential and make the path easier for those who follow.”
Building confidence
Rosie Wise, Managing Director of Benchmarx Kitchen & Joinery, offered insights into building confidence and credibility in the workplace. She reflected on how curiosity and a willingness to learn have helped her carve out a rewarding career in timber, proving that success doesn’t require a traditional path.
Rosie also highlighted the importance of mentorship and peer support, noting how women in leadership roles can help those starting out feel seen and supported. By sharing her own journey, Rosie reminded attendees that career growth is often non-linear and that resilience and collaboration are critical.
She said: “By building brilliant teams, connecting with colleagues, and creating environments where people want to work, I’ve been able to succeed. I discovered early on that I have a special skill – bringing people together to get stuff done.”
All five speakers then took part in a Q&A panel hosted by Chidi Adilih Osim, Group Sales Manager of Timber Trades Journal (TTJ).
Industry support
The Women in Timber Conference was more than a networking event; it’s the beginning of an ongoing movement to create a stronger, more inclusive timber sector.
“Seeing so many women come together to support one another and share experiences was incredibly powerful,” said Karen Sussex. “We’re proud of the positive energy this day created and can’t wait to build on it.”
The success of the conference demonstrated a strong appetite for representation and community among women within the sector. Women in Timber had the backing of a diverse committee – including representatives from BSW Timber, TTJ, and Timber Garden Buildings – and support from over a dozen sponsors, namely: NWTTA, TTJ, CDS Consultants, BSW Timber, Timber Garden Buildings, James Jones & Sons, h&b Group, NETTA, Södra Wood, Stag Softwood, Taylor Maxwell, Kullick Gill & Robinson, Jewson, NMBS, Metsä Wood and Kronospan.
Laura concluded: “This is just the beginning. Our focus now is to build on this momentum and grow the Women in Timber community, providing ongoing support, and planning the next event to ensure this platform continues to inspire and empower.”
You can learn more about Women in Timber and keep up to date with the latest news at www.womenintimber.uk
