5 Minutes with… Chris Osborne

In this edition of 5 Minutes with… interview, we spoke to Chris Osborne, Sales professional at Hundegger, and learn about his career from furniture to future-proofing timber construction. Chris has carved a unique path in the industry. With more than four decades of experience, his story is one of global adventure, machinery innovation, and a … Continue reading “5 Minutes with… Chris Osborne”
5 Minutes with… Julian Elsbury

In our 5 Minutes With… series, we shine a light on the people behind the trussed rafter industry. From designers and manufacturers to directors and rising stars, we’re finding out what makes them tick, how they got started, and what advice they’d give to the next generation. This time, we caught up with Julian Elsbury, … Continue reading “5 Minutes with… Julian Elsbury”
5 Minutes with… Allen York
In this edition of 5 Minutes with… interview, we spoke to Allen York, General Manager at Donaldson Timber Engineering’s Warrington branch. After a successful career in construction hire and sales, Allen made the leap into timber engineering, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Here, he talks about what drew him … Continue reading “5 Minutes with… Allen York”
5 Minutes with… Lorrana Barros
Stepping into a new industry is always a challenge, but doing so in a different country, with a different language and entirely new principles, takes resilience and determination. In this edition of 5 Minutes With… the TRA spoke with Lorrana Barros, trainee trussed rafter and metal web joist designer of Wolf Systems to hear about … Continue reading “5 Minutes with… Lorrana Barros”
5 Minutes With… Andrew Watters
In this “5 Minutes With…” interview, we spoke to Andrew Watters, Division Production Manager at National Timber Systems. Andrew shares his journey from an apprenticeship as a wood machinist to a 13-year career in the timber industry, highlighting the industry’s exciting advancements and commitment to sustainability. He emphasises patience, hard work, and the value of … Continue reading “5 Minutes With… Andrew Watters “
5 Minutes with… Monika Thomas
“5 Minutes with…” is an interview series designed to bring TRA members closer together, helping to build a cohesive and unified voice within the timber engineering industry. In this feature, we caught up with Monika Thomas, Business Unit Manager – Offsite Construction at ITW, who recently joined TRA’s Management Committee. Monika shared her journey into … Continue reading “5 Minutes with… Monika Thomas”
Leading by example: women in timber engineering
Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that 271,000 out of 2.2 million people who are working in the construction industry are women. Although the industry has historically been male-dominated, efforts are still required to create a more inclusive environment. To gain further insight, we spoke with Cyndi Chandler, managing director of … Continue reading “Leading by example: women in timber engineering”
5 Minutes With… Rebecca Thick
“5 Minutes with…” is an interview series that introduces TRA members to one another and fosters a unified voice within the industry. Our conversation with Rebecca Thick, a sales executive at Vida Wood, highlights the importance of diversity and equal opportunities in the industry. Rebecca also shares her personal journey into the timber engineering field. … Continue reading “5 Minutes With… Rebecca Thick”