TTF Conference Meets in Cambridge

The Timber Trade Federation held its annual conference at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Cambridge (Thursday 18 September) on the theme " The Challenges Facing Business. "

The conference attracted seventy representatives from across the industry and heard speakers from the Confederation of British Industry, the Construction Products Association and the Freight Transport Association.

Presentations covered the growing burden of regulation and taxation, transport congestion, pensions, insurance, trends in the construction and housing markets as well as timber procurement in the public sector and the growth of corporate social responsibility.

The Federation's Director-General, Paul Martin said, " The conference gave delegates the opportunity to hear views on the whole range of challenges facing business today and of possible ways of responding to them. It was a useful and productive day for all involved. "

For Further Information Call Mark O'Brien on 020 7839 1891

Timber Trade Meet International Development Department
16 September 2003

A delegation of members of the timber Trade Federation has met with International Development Department (DFID) Forestry Adviser, John Hudson (Wednesday 10 September 2003) to discuss the legal and sustainable sourcing of timber, particularly from the tropics.

The meeting discussed certification, illegal logging, the Government's procurement policy, the EU Action Plan on Illegal Logging and the need to avoid discriminating against tropical timber sources in developing countries.

The meeting will be followed by more TTF/DFID dialogue when International Development Minister, Hilary Benn MP, meets the timber trade for the fourth time on Monday 6 October. This meeting is to put the trade's views forward prior to the Minister attending the African Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Conference in Cameroon (13-16 October 2003). Andy Roby will be representing the UK trade's views at the AFLEG meeting.

A spokesman for the Timber Trade Federation, Mark O'Brien said, " DFID recognise the importance forestry plays in the economies of many developing countries and they are delighted with the work we are involved particularly in Indonesia. Our strategy is based on using our marketing leverage to encourage sustainable forest management, which many countries rely on as a much-needed source of wealth. "

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