July 2004

New President Elected

14 July 2004

At the Annual General Meeting of the Timber Trade Federation on Wednesday 14 July 2004, John Tong was elected the Federation’s sixtieth President. 

After his election he said, “ I firmly believe that the industry needs a strong Federation to represent its interests. Without it the individual trade members will never be able to make best use of their combined skills, knowledge and strengths and we will have a weaker industry as a result. I will be looking to set a strategy that reflects the Membership’s needs and create a structure that is vibrant, forward thinking and responsive.

It is my hope that the Federation will become a broader church representing all aspects of our industry from forest to consumer. We are moving into a period of accelerating change, both in the UK and Europe as a whole, where legislation is constantly on the move and we need a strong, united voice to ensure that the interests of our industry are protected. It is evident to me that by having a clear strategy and a single approach to government, both in the EU and the UK, that we will have a united and strong message that government must listen to. 

I summary, we need a strong pro-active Federation that represents the best interests of all of its Members. Through the Federation we need industry to pull together as one and appreciate that it is no longer acceptable to sit on the sidelines and criticise. All sectors of our trade need to get involved and become positive activists who are going to help deliver this for the benefit of all.”

For further information contact Caroline Ready on 020 7839 1891

Note: John Tong is Managing Director of Finnforest UK Ltd (circa £250 million business) employing 950 staff in 7 locations in the UK.