As many of you will have seen recently, the cost of structural timber is rocketing, particularly in the USA. Even the Daily Telegraph has announced, “lumber prices hit record high after lockdown spurs DIY boom”. So, how will this impact on the softwood market here in the UK? Over the past 40 years the softwood sector in … Continue reading “Challenging softwood market for remainder of 2020”

A new industry campaign to showcase timber’s environmental credentials is being launched today (13 July). ‘Wood CO2ts less’ is raising awareness of how using wood from sustainably managed forests is one of the simplest ways to help reduce carbon emissions. It is supported by Wood for Good, Swedish Wood, Confor, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF),  … Continue reading “New timber industry campaign to reduce CO2 in construction”

Following the prime minister’s announcement of a major investment in construction and infrastructure to help boost economic recovery, Nick Boulton, chief executive of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) said: “This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. As the construction industry is getting back on its feet, it is good to know the Government … Continue reading “TRA backs Boris to build, build, build”

The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) has welcomed the publication of the ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ strategy by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) which sets out a two-year plan to drive the recovery of the construction and built environment sectors, and through them the wider UK economy, post-pandemic. The plan’s key objectives are focused on: Modernisation through … Continue reading “Trussed Rafter Association fully supports construction industry recovery plan”

The current advice from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Public Health England is: Businesses and workplaces should encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible If you cannot work from home, then you can still travel to work. This is consistent with the Chief Medical Officer for England’s advice Workplaces … Continue reading “TRA back to work risk assessments”

A report released today shows that the timber supply chain are fully prepared to support construction with companies stocked at either normal or above normal levels for this time of year (88%). Based on a survey of TTF members from around the UK, there were responses from 54 member companies, reflecting a diverse supply chain … Continue reading “TTF report shows timber supply chain well prepared to support construction”

Carpentry and timber engineering students are set to benefit from a reciprocal agreement formed between the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) and the Institute of Carpenters (IoC). As part of the agreement the TRA will present at the IoC’s city hub workshops which take place at construction colleges across the UK, offering students the chance to … Continue reading “Carpentry and timber engineering students to benefit from agreement between TRA and IoC”

The next generation of timber industry professionals were provided with a vital briefing on safety and quality issues in trussed rafter roof construction at the first Talking Timber event held at Neath Port Talbot College (NPTC) Group this month. With the UK construction industry facing serious skills shortages, the current generations of students are the … Continue reading “College’s timber talent given safety briefing on roof construction”

A new technical guide is being issued to housebuilders in the UK to boost uptake of gable wall spandrel panels, a readily available component that can support the industry as it moves towards modern methods of construction (MMC). Gable wall spandrel panels are an offsite manufactured product, put together in quality-assured factory conditions before being … Continue reading “New technical guidance published for housebuilders to boost uptake of gable wall spandrel panels”

Following the re-election of the Conservative party, Nick Boulton, chief executive of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA), urged the new government to deliver on its campaign promises. He commented: “Throughout the election campaign, a consistent need raised by people in all communities across the country was the need for more, and better, housing. The Conservatives … Continue reading “Trussed Rafter Association urges new government to deliver on housing promises”