What is Timber Development UK? And how can it help the timber sector?

David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, introduces a brand-new resource for TDUK members.

At TDUK our goal is to position timber as the first-choice building material for any UK construction project.

Architects, designers and engineers are increasingly looking for low-carbon construction methods that will result in striking, design-led buildings. We fundamentally believe that timber offers the best route to decarbonise the built environment, and we are working tirelessly to bring you everything you need to embrace the natural qualities and benefits that low-carbon timber construction can offer.

What is TDUK?

Timber Development UK has been formed from the merger of two of the largest and longest established organisations in the supply chain – the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA).

Bringing these two associations together has created the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK, spanning from sawmill to specifier and all points in between. We want to create a vibrant network of timber businesses, all of whom can speak with one voice to promote the benefits of timber.

This is the perfect time to be creating our dynamic new organisation. Using Timber Development UK (TDUK) we can capitalise on the growing interest in designing buildings with timber, both to better connect our living and working environments to the natural world and to act as an agent of change towards more sustainable, low-carbon forms of construction as the country continues its net-zero journey.

TDUK exists to become a centre of excellence for how to use timber as a core building material. Being a member of TDUK already gives you access to a wide library of knowledge, market data, expertise and advice, and we’re working hard to introduce even more support.

We have already created new relationships with key timber organisations and educational partners, including Edinburgh Napier University and NMITE, so that we can offer everyone who works with timber all the tools, training and guidance you need to grow your businesses.

Together, we can promote the specification and use of timber products in the modern construction industry, firmly establishing timber as the premier low-carbon building material.

Designing Timber magazine

This should be clear from our first edition of Designing Timber, a brand-new magazine from Timber Development UK (TDUK) dedicated to architects and specifiers who are interested in bringing timber into their designs.

You will receive your free copy of Designing Timber every quarter as part of your TDUK membership. In every issue we will empower you with all the knowledge and confidence to better understand and use timber, by bringing you all the latest news, connections, advice and tools to help you succeed. Inside this issue you will find the latest TDUK news, some inspiring timber case studies, profiles of our members, plus updates on the very latest building regulations changes, educational opportunities and sustainability news.

If you would like to get involved in future issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.