Timber Update September 2021

• The government has officially confirmed that the recognition of CE marked products will continue until 1st January 2023. This means that CE marked goods can continue to be placed on the UK market until the end of 2022.
• According to the latest Construction Products Association (CPA) Trade Survey, construction remains in expansion mode, with repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) and private housing leading the industry.
• The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) reports that 67% of builders merchants and 86% of suppliers are facing haulage difficulties. BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb cited a shortage of HGV drivers within the UK as the biggest concern.
• The BBC reports that the government is expected to announce a change to the testing process of HGV drivers. It wants to fast track drivers into the industry to address national haulage difficulties.

To read the full BBC article, click here.

• According to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics, UK wood import volumes in Q2 of 2021 were 60% higher than in the same quarter last year. In June alone, over 1 million m3 was imported. The last time that this volume was imported in the month of June was back in 2007.
• National House Building Council (NHBC) statistics show that timber frame was used in around 9% of new build homes in England compared to 22% in Wales, 30% in Northern Ireland and a staggering 92% in Scotland. There exists significant growth potential for this industry in England, where there is rising pressure to build quicker and to reduce carbon emissions. This has been stated in a report for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Timber Industries.

To read 'How the Timber Industries can help solve the housing crisis', click here.

In preparation for the busiest part of the flooring season, we have good stocks arriving of all of our floors including three of our best sellers. These are:

To speak to our team for more information, click here.

Did you know that just 13% of the UK is woodland?

This equates to 3.2 million hectares. This is a low figure compared to other European countries. In comparison, Germany is 32%, Italy is 35%, Spain is 37% and Finland is an amazing 72%.

To read the report 'State of the UK's Wood and Trees', click here.