SÖDRA Survey Reports UK Timber Trend Up

 A recent industry survey conducted by Södra Wood has shown a definite increase in the specification of timber as a construction material in the UK, with 63% of respondents saying they believe timber is growing in popularity. 

The survey generated insight from almost 350 architects, consultants, contractors and merchants. The objective was to ascertain whether the UK is beginning to recognise the merits of timber and the results were clear to see: 69% of those questioned said they already worked with timber and 68.75% of respondents felt that timber can help meet government housebuilding and sustainability targets. When asked to rank the benefits of timber in order of importance, sustainability took the lead, followed by the fact that it is a quick and efficient material to work with. Great aesthetics took third place, then versatility, cost-effectiveness and offsite capabilities.

Nigel Buckley-Ryan, Sales Director, Merchants, at Södra Wood, said: “As a timber business, we have been working hard to position the benefits of what wood can do for our construction industry - it’s really rewarding to see so many people working with timber. We believe it can help meet many sustainability and housing targets in the UK, so I’m delighted to see recognition of that. Sustainability is something that we are very passionate about here at Södra, which is why for every tree we fell, we plant another three and operate according to a tree’s natural lifecycle. It is welcoming to see that the UK construction industry is becoming more conscious of timber’s excellent sustainability credentials.”

Jeremy English, Great Britain and Ireland Manufacturing Sales Director for Södra, added: “While timber’s popularity is clearly growing, there remains lots of opportunity
for further development, especially in terms of timber’s offsite capabilities, cost and time efficiencies. The interesting thing about this survey is that it also shows that work still remains to be done to raise awareness around timber’s benefits. We’ll certainly continue to build its case and, as always, endeavour to drive the industry forward.”

Jeremy English was also recently appointed to the board of the Structural Timber Association (STA) and said: “I am delighted to be on the STA board and to be a part of an organisation who shares the same values and objectives as Södra. We believe timber can help overcome many of the UK’s construction challenges, from meeting housing needs to fast and efficient delivery of buildings. We are committed to the UK timber industry and being active members of the STA helps us to live out that commitment.”

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