September 2001

TTF Going in the Right Direction

The Timber Trade Federation has held its annual conference and AGM where the last year of progress was reviewed and the plans for 2002 were outlined to members.

Alistair McDonald a trade association specialist and former senior DTI official spoke of the need for a trade association to develop strategic plans, prioritise targets, improve communications and ensure value for money for members. In turn he said that a trade association could expect its members to see it as an investment not an overhead, to have a constitution that encourages participation and to have the personal and strategic input of members. Paul Martin the TTF's Director General said, " It was encouraging to hear from a trade association expert that the TTF is going in the right direction."

NOTE: The TTF's Conference was held at the Telford Golf & Country Club on the 19th and 20th September 2001. Seventy delegates attended and listened to speeches from TTF President Philip Underwood, TTF Vice President Geoff Rhodes and TTF Director General Paul Martin.

Finnforest Chief highlights Supply Chain Changes

John Tong, Managing director of Finnforest UK Ltd was the keynote speaker at the TTF Conference and in his speech he demonstrated the savings that can be made through investing in electronic procurement, reducing or eliminating loss making activities and the benefits that can accrue to the entire industry by making the supply chain more efficient.

John Tong also spoke about the importance of the code of Conduct in helping to promote industry integrity and quality and called for full and consistent support for the Federation in projecting our message to a wider audience with greater authority. He said, " A united timber industry will result in the growth of overall sales by promoting the benefits of timber over other materials, by creating and maintaining a strong and positive reputation for both conduct and practices and by maximising the benefits of collaborative working practices for members."

TTF Members Face an Opportunity and a Warning

At the TTF's conference (19/20 September 2001) Paul Martin the Federation's Director General introduced the new Code of Conduct initiative as an opportunity for members to promote themselves but issued a clear warning that serious breaches of the Code could lead to expulsion.

He said, " The principle aim of our Code is to strengthen the marketing position of our members. This can only be achieved by a professional, well-delivered and well-funded campaign to market the codes to customers and prospective customers.

It is essential that our members play their part by ensuring that their employees, their suppliers and their customers are fully informed as to what the codes mean and the strength of our determination to enforce them vigorously through a clear, fair and strictly policed disciplinary procedure. I fully accept that companies could be expelled from the Federation but I must say that I would be entirely glad to see that sort of company go. I am confident that the enhanced reputation the codes will achieve for our remaining members and the new members that will be attracted to join because of the codes will far outweigh the loss of the disreputable elements.

We will ensure that every new member must sign up to our codes on joining and they must accept that their actions will be closely scrutinised and that any default from the codes will lead to speedy and vigorous implementation of our disciplinary procedures. We are offering no easy refuge for disreputable companies. "

For further information please contact Mark O'Brien on 020 7839 1891