Platform for Progression - Opinion piece from Dirk Vennix

The Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) is set to bring fresh impetus to the promotion of the timber supply chain along its entire length.  Dirk Vennix has been charged with making it all happen.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done”, said Nelson Mandela. At the CTI we keep this quote in mind. And for good reason.  Just some months ago our project seemed nothing but a dream. “Do you really want to create a Confederation representing the whole timber supply chain? That’s madness”, someone said. “We do need a strong representative voice for the industry but, you know, it’s too difficult to change minds after decades”, somebody else added.

Here we are. The CTI isn’t a fantasy anymore but a vivid reality. Moreover, as with all new born babies, we are full of energy and developing in many directions. Thanks to our Network members, we have just set up three working groups to deepen our key areas of interest: Value and Growth; Sustainability and Quality of Standards; Skills and Education. What does it mean? Simply that we are shaping our strategy collaborating with our supporters and partners.

For instance the first group, named Value and Growth, will map and report on the value and prospects of the industry. In order to do that, we need to ask ourselves some questions. Where are the gaps? Which sectors need a boost? What type of support is required? Subsidies, deregulation or other incentives? Understanding the growth prospects and competitive pressures is critical and this is where CTI supporters can provide crucial contributions.

The same approach is used for the Sustainability group. Timber is the only truly sustainable building and construction material and we need to spread this message. For every m3 of timber used across the supply chain, one tonne of carbon is stored. CTI will play a critical role in setting the bar for timber being at the forefront of growing our low carbon economy.  It is about safeguarding sustainability of future supply and quality standards across the chain. We can help government achieve its carbon economy targets but how can Government help our sector and ensure it is a win-win situation?

For sure timber and wood products form the platform for life not just in the UK, but across the world. That’s why we will are also focused on Jobs, Skills and Education. In one word: the future. The timber industry is experiencing a downturn in the supply of skilled personnel and it’s time to reverse the trend. The research, science, development and employment of such a universal material demands highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, whether from forestry, shipping, manufacturing, distributing, retailing or recycling and energy production. The career opportunities across the chain are immense. Education and skills development needs to match these opportunities to ensure that timber leads the way in 21st Century Construction.

But, as you know, every challenging target must be backed by a pragmatic approach. Firstly the sector needs to map out where new apprenticeships, degrees and/or centres of excellence are needed. Where are the skills shortages?  Where will the supply come from? What is needed in terms of funding and infrastructure? How do we get the next generation to want a career in the timber sector? How do we get specifiers, designers and contractors to increase demand for their skills?

Well, we haven’t got all the answers but we are sure about one thing: we are going to find them. Together!