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Membership of the TTF is open to any company within the UK with an interest in timber.
We operate a number of benefits for our members. These range from advice and support through to affinity schemes where members enjoy a substantial discount in many areas related to their business. Listed below are the types of benefits available. If you would like to receive further information on membership, then please contact Jean Rennie on jrennie@ttf.co.uk or telephone 020 7291 5372. There is also a no obligation membership application form click here. Once this is received, further details together with costs will also be sent.
The TTF is constantly reviewing its services and a number of further services will be available over the coming months.
Environment
The TTF provides a substantial environmental service to its members. Our aim is to promote the positive environmental benefits of using timber and encourage environmentally responsible trading practices. We offer guidance to central Government, local Authorities, the construction industry and the architectural profession.
Regular briefings on environmental issues of interest are produced. We have a seat on the Government’s “think tank” committee “CPET” which was set up to establish the way ahead for Government procurement. Regular meetings are held with a number of NGO ‘s to keep in touch with their thinking and to put our story across.
We are always available to give our members any advice they might need on any environmental matter within their company.
Click here for more information
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Environmental Guidance
The TTF provides a substantial environmental service to its members including briefings, training, tools, research data and policy making. We promote the positive environmental benefits of using wood products and encourage environmentally responsible trading practices. We are always available to offer members advice on any environmental matter and regularly publish material for members and their customers. TTF advises the Government on timber procurement through the Reference Board for the Central Point of Expertise in Timber (CPET).
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Environmental Market Outlook
The TTF undertakes market reseach into legal and sustainable timber, using industry analysts such as Forest Industries Intelligence and Timber Trends, and makes this information available to members and their suppliers. TTF also monitors market drivers through frequent interaction with a wide range of national and international organisations such as governments, NGOs and customers with environmental interests. Architects and specifiers (including government procurement), as well as builders and developers, are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact. We welcome this concern and work to make sure that our members understand and are able to deliver products that meet these environmental demands.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Responsible Purchasing of Wood Products
The Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) is a tool designed to assist TTF members implement their commitment to trading in legal and sustainable timber as laid out in the TTF Code of Conduct. The RPP has been highly commended by a wide range of organisations, and is fast becoming the international industry benchmark for responsible timber buying with growing recognition from government. NGOs and other stakeholders both in the UK and internationally. We are continually refining the RPP to ensure that it is both cost-effective, credible, and market-focused, to help promote individual member companies and the timber trade in general. Members who have signed up to the Policy are committed to sustainable sourcing practices verified by independent auditing. We encourage the building industry to buy from suppliers with responsible purchasing policies for timber.
Details can be found on the dedicated RPP website (www.ttfrpp.co.uk)
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Tropical Supply Chain Management Financial Support
TTF teamed up with leading business NGO, the Tropical Forest Trust (TFT), to launch the Timber Trade Action Plan (TTAP) in 2005. This € 7 million EU-funded programme offers TTF members support to their tropical and Chinese suppliers in the form of a complete supply chain review, from stump through manufacture, to point of export to the UK. A 72% subsidy is available to assess and improve supply chain management, giving buyers peace of mind that they are truly buying verified legal wood products. TTF Members have taken great strides in getting certified timber products into the supply chain but there are still overseas suppliers that need assistance to improve their supplies.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Country Specific Guidance Papers
Internet based country reports are currently available using third party websites as a source of information. In 2007 a series of bespoke Country Specific Guidance Papers will be produced providing TTF members with more specific guidance on all high risk countries. These guidance notes are updated on a regular basis and provide straightforward advice to buyers on due diligence when purchasing timber. This guidance will be aligned with the UK Government Timber Procurement Policy and help members meet their TTF Code of Conduct obligations.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Sustainable Construction
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive tool for measuring the environmental impact of products during their entire life cycle, from cradle to grave. Knowledge of the environmental footprint of building materials is increasingly needed as policy-makers demand carbon neutral buidlings and zero emission industries. We can provide workshops and training in LCA and will be commissioning detailed LCA market research aimed at providing specific information to members and as a means of promoting the environmental credentials of timber.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Climate Change
TTF provides briefings to members on climate change issues such as the Stern Report and the implications for the timber trade. We will be exploring ways in which the carbon sequestrating properties of forests can be more clearly valued in the timber market. We are also able to provide advice to members on how to develop carbon offsetting.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Meetings with Suppliers
TTF regularly organises business seminars with suppliers and industry representatives in key countries to communicate market changes and offer encouragement and support. In 2005 we ran forums in Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo-Brazzaville, and in 2007 these will be held in Malaysia and Indonesia. With government funding, TTF can help offset travel costs for members that wish to attend.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377 / lbetser@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5373
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Chain of Custody
The TTF operates a 'no win, no fee' service to members to get them through the FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody audit. The service consists of site visits and deskwork to enable any member buying into the service to adapt their current, or implement new, systems to enable them to trace their products through the supply chain to the source of the wood they buy.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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A Simple Guide to Cites
We recognise that obtaining the paperwork surrounding the correct certification documents for importating timber in complicated! We are therefore putting together, in conjunction with DEFRA, a "simple guide" that should help shipping departments conform to what is required under CITES.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377
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Illegal Logging Legislation
The EU is currently negotiating legislation with partner countries to licence their timber exports to the EU. The TTF is closely involved in this Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade process and are able to advise members on how their suppliers can meet these new requirements.
Contact for more information: ajroby@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5377
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Statistics
The TTF supplies the only authoritative timber import statistics for the UK. Information provided through agencies appointed by HM Revenue & Customs is prone to errors and omissions, which have to be corrected before the figures can be issued. Members find our statistics invaluable for assessing market trends. Members can also use the services of Timbertrends (Nick Moore) who can provide a tailor-made statistical and market intelligence service at a discounted rate.
Contact for more information: nmoore@ttf.co.uk or 00 34 966762 988 / nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Timber in Context - An Annual Review
The TTF publishes an Annual Statistical Review of the Industry. The Review is focussed on an early stage of the supply chain rather than wider activities. The review is concerned with trade from UK sawmills and importers into secondary processing, merchanting and distribution operations.
Contact for more information: nmooore@ttf.co.uk or 00 34 966762 988 / nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Commercial
Federation staff possess a wide range of specialist knowledge and experience and are happy to provide information and advice on many subjects, including the environment, standards, technical issues, trade practice, and shipping and insurance. Depending on the circumstances, they can also intercede with authorities on behalf of members in matters of dispute.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378 / jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Health & Safety
The TTF has teamed up with the leading Health & Safety consultancy, Citation Plc, to offer members an advice and action service. Citation will provide a FREE H&S assessment of your business. They can also provide advice and action in all fields of H&S at a greatly reduced TTF rate.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Health & Safety Newsletter
The TTF now produces a monthly electronic Newsletter to members covering all aspects of Health & Safety in the workplace.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Personnel & Employment
The TTF, again with Citation Plc, can deliver a service to members covering all aspects of Personnel and Employment Law. Citation can review your current Employee Contracts, Terms and Conditions and identify any shortcomings in existing contractual arrangements. They provide a helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition they provide indemnity against Employment Tribunal actions covering representation costs, basic and compensation awards, as well as financial settlements agreed on members' behalf.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Employment Law Newsletter
The TTF also produces a monthly electronic Newsletter to members covering various topics on Employment Law.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Credit Insurance Scheme
The TTF has teamed with industry leaders Aon and Credit Indemnity & Financial Insurance Services (CIFS) to provide a competitively priced credit insurance and cashflow management facility, specifically designed for the timber industry. A TTF Insurance Steering Group oversees the administration of the scheme and is developing further tailored schemes to meet your business needs. The Credit Insurance Scheme will also provide complementary benefits including keenly priced credit information, non-recourse discounting of Bills of Exchange, promissory notes and letters of credit together with debt collection and invoice discounting. Regional workshops and seminars are also planned covering all aspects of cashflow management.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Cargo Insurance
"Covermycargo" offers members the opportunity to buy cargo on a shipment-by-shipment basis, eliminating the need for sizable premiums at the beginning of the policy year. Covermycargo is an on-line facility specifically negotiated for members backed by specialist cargo brokers and established timber insurers. The scheme offers broad cover, competitive rates, on-line insurance certificates and the convenience of buying on-line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Should claims occur, specialist timber surveyors will guide you step by step through the claims procedure to ensure prompt payment, enabling you to continue trading.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Contract Forms
The TTF provides a number of internationally recognised contract forms for members. Following on from the successful launch of the new Softwood Contract "NORSOF" (2005), we are now able to offer members the new Panel Products Contract "PANPRO" (2008). We also operate a Contract Licensing Scheme for members who wish to use their own identity when issuing contracts, whilst still operating within the contract terms. Click here for a list of members who are entitled to issue contracts under licence.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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TTF Standard Terms & Conditions of Sale
The TTF are currently revising the TTF Standard Terms & Conditions of Sale and should be available to all members towards the end of 2007.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Members' Directory & Buyers Guide
The Members Directory was re-launched in 2006. The simple to use format proved very successful including additional member information, and giving members an opportunity to advertise their company. The Directory was sent to over 3000 builders, specifiers, architects and local authorities. It promotes the benefits of using wood in general, and why they should choose a TTF member in particular.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Careers & Jobs
The industry now has a new website, developed jointly by the Education & Training Committee of the TTF and the Timber Trades Journal. "The Doorway" gives advice and information on careers in the timber industry, as well as a link to jobs.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Technical Support
From simple enquiries to sourcing products and services, through to more complex information, TTF staff have the knowledge and contacts to help your business. We value members’ enquiries as an important means to monitor the issues affecting the trade on a day-to-day basis. If it concerns you, then it concerns us.
Your membership fee enables us to promote timber and wood based products generically, providing Architects and Designers with the information they need to specify the products being sold by our members.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Panel Guide
The Panel Guide gives visitors a complete overview of veneer and core plywoods, particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB) and fibreboard. It also gives guidance on panels in construction, storage, handling, environmental aspects and health and safety.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Free Sales Leads
The TTF website is an increasingly significant presence scoring highly on search engines such as Google. This means the site is often the first port of call for buyers looking to purchase specific wood based products or products with specific environmental credentials. All member companies have the opportunity to promote their products, services, outlets and environmental credentials through the Buying Wood section of the TTF site providing access to significant sales leads.
Contact for more information: nboulton@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378 / ngrundy@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5376
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Copyright Licensing
If your organisation copies or scans extracts from magazines, books or journals you are likely to need a licence. UK copyright law states that permission must be obtained from the authors and publishers who own the copyright before their work can be copied. The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) offers licences that grant blanket permission to copy from UK and foreign publications, providing peace of mind by insuring against the risk of infringing copyright. CLA is non profit-making so all fees collected are distributed to authors and publishers after a deduction to cover costs. By supporting owners in this way CLA helps to protect the value of their work, thereby sustaining creativity and its benefit to all. The cost of an annual licence starts from as little as Ł103 and TTF members can claim a discount of 15% off the fee, simply by quoting their TTF membership number.
To find our more or to apply for a licence, call CLA direct on 0800 085 6644, visit: www.cla.co.uk or email: licence@cla.co.uk / jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Networking
The TTF provides ample opportunities to meet other traders (importers, merchants, shippers, agents, etc) in a variety of forums. Regular meetings are held at the TTF offices where the trade meets to discuss topical issues and there are a variety of social events, from informal gatherings to formal dinners. The TTF Area Associations also meeting regularly to discuss local issues as well as holding local social events. Regular meetings are also held both with NGO's as well as Government officials.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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Communication
Click here for more information
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Timber Topics and Enews
Timber Topics is an Enews information sheet on any particular item that might be of interest to members. It is issued periodically and members are invited to contact the TTF if they feel there is a topic worth sharing with other members. TTF Enews covers up to the minute economic, environmental, industry and Federation news.
Contact for more information: jwhite@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5374
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Public Affairs
A major benefit of membership is the Federation’s role as the corporate voice of the timber industry, through which it promotes the timber industry to a wide variety of external audiences. The TTF maintains regular contact with Ministers, MPs (including within the EU), peers, civil servants and local authorities. The Federation also has close contact with a variety of trade publications, which it supplies with editorial, as well as contacts with environmental correspondents from television, radio and the broadsheet press.
Contact for more information: jwhite@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5374
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Logos
A set of logos, fully downloadable in a number of formats, can be used by TTF members for use on promotional material.
Contact for more information: ngrundy@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5378
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Hotels
The TTF recommend using Business Bookings Limited who are able to achieve up to 50% discount on hotel rates. They are contactable on Freephone Tel: 0800 169 29 29. You can also visit their website on www.businessbooking.com
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Workshops
The TTF runs workshops throughout the year on a number of topics. Notice of these workshops are posted on the website and featured in the Enews.
Contact for more information: jrennie@ttf.co.uk or 020 7291 5372
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