June 2002

Timber Trade Federation Welcome Malaysian Action Over Indonesian Logging
26 June 2002

The Timber Trade Federation welcomes the decision by the Malaysian Government to ban the importation of logs from Indonesia in an effort to combat the problem of illegal logging. Malaysia has been accused of importing illegal logs from Indonesia and selling the timber products produced from these logs to consumers worldwide.

The aim of the ban is to give assurances to buyers of timber and timber products exported from Malaysia that they come from legal and sustainable sources and that efforts to implement the national timber certification scheme under the Malaysian Timber Certification Council will not be jeopardised.

The Timber Trade Federation supports all efforts to enforce forest laws and regulations and believes that only through effective law enforcement by sovereign governments will the trade in illegal timber and timber products be halted.

For further info call Mark O'Brien on 020 7839 1891

TTF Welcome Free Advice From Action Energy
26 June 2002

The Timber Trade Federation has welcomed the new initiative Action Energy, which aims to reduce business energy costs through the provision of free, professional advice and assistance. As part of the launch a new £10 million Energy Loans initiative is also being introduced across England and Wales.

It is estimated that 30% of energy - the equivalent of £12 billion per annum is being wasted and through Action energy organisations from multinationals to small businesses will be able to receive free and impartial advice on how to save money by reducing energy use.

The services offered include a free helpline providing expert advice, online information, publications providing basic to technical information and free energy surveys to identify opportunities for energy savings.

Action Energy is placing a strong emphasis on supporting smaller businesses which includes the provision of tailored, practical and simple -to-implement advice through the helpline and network of advisers, which has been set up in association with the Energy Saving Trust to cater specifically for the needs of companies at a local level.

Small and medium-sized companies in England and Wales that require capital investment to become more energy efficient, can also benefit from the new £10 million of interest-free energy Loans - these are available in loans between £5,000 -£50,000, repayable over four years. The scheme builds on the success of similar schemes, which already operate in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A further incentive available to all businesses is provide in the form of Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs), which encourage businesses to invest in energy saving equipment. The Carbon Trust is taking over responsibility for managing, promoting and monitoring the ECA Scheme. Businesses can claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments and write off the cost of their investment against taxable profits for the period during which they make the investment.

Companies should call the helpline now on 0800 58 57 94 or visit www.actionenergy.org.uk