Timber Development UK (TDUK) and Structural Timber Association (STA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help grow and develop the timber construction market.
Under the terms of the agreement the two parties have agreed to form a partnership in order to collaborate on technical projects to further the development of timber design and construction as well as on policy related communication matters.
Both parties already produce technical and design guidance for architects, engineers and manufacturers. The collaboration will help ensure that both parties avoid duplication in their work and that the market is better served with agreed, authoritative sources of technical information.
It will also ensure that the downstream, manufacturing and design sectors of the timber supply chain are speaking with “one voice” to policy makers. This will be conducted according to a common advocacy plan under the umbrella of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI).
David Hopkins, CEO Timber Development UK
Speaking at the signing of the MOU, David Hopkins, Chief Executive of TDUK said: “I’m delighted to sign this with the STA. In many ways it formalizes what we have already been doing – working together to help grow the market – but gives a fresh impetus to us doing so. We formed TDUK last year to help bring different parts of the supply chain together. This MOU takes us one step closer to achieving that.”
STA and TDUK have been working together over the past 18 months, with Confor and others, to help inform the Government’s ‘Timber in Construction Roadmap’ – a policy initiative spanning several departments to help grow the market for timber construction. The roadmap is due to be published in November.
Andrew Carpenter, CEO Structural Timber Association
Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the STA said: “I am well known for preaching the sermon of collaboration across construction, so am delighted to be signing this MOU to do just that within our own sector. If timber is going to take centre stage in the construction sector then we need to ensure that we work with all parts of the supply chain. This partnership will allow us to maximise the strengths of both organisations for the common good.”
Both parties will also be working together to promote the use of timber as a housing construction solution during 2024.
All Enquiries: Jack Clappen
About TDUK
Timber Development UK (TDUK) was formed in 2022 from the merger of Timber Trade Federation and TRADA – the two oldest trade bodies in the timber sector. It forms the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body for timber in the UK with over 1200 members.
TDUK formed with three key aims:
- Connect the supply Chain: to improve dialogue, understanding and market opportunity between and for all points of the chain from sawmill to specifier
- Lead Best Practice: by building the largest, most comprehensive online library of technical specification and design guidance for our members
- Accelerate a low Carbon Future: By creating the tools, training and guidance to support the design and construction sectors to utilise timber in their net-zero solutions.
TDUK is committed to growing your connections, knowledge and influence through our resources, education, events and advocacy.
With over 850 members, the Structural Timber Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the structural timber sector and associated supply chain companies. The STA exists to represent the collective interest of its members by providing confidence in the use of structural timber across the construction industry.
Working to influence legislation and regulation, the STA supports the objectives of the structural timber sector as a whole. By connecting construction professionals, the STA supports and collaborates with members to showcase the many benefits of structural timber. The STA also provides member benefits including the STA Assure Quality Assurance Scheme, research and testing, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with government and industry bodies.