THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE TIMBER INDUSTRY AT EVERY STAGE FROM SOURCING AND SUPPLYING RIGHT THROUGH TO CARPENTERS AND FURNITURE SPECIALISTS.
The fortunes of the timber industry are inextricably linked to a number of different sectors and industries, such as housebuilding and manufacturing. So, news that the UK government has set out ambitious plans to ‘get Britain building’ has been celebrated by the industry.
Housing is a hot topic, and features on the lack of affordable homes are commonplace in newspapers and television news, as Britain’s population continues to soar.
Well, if a recent white paper, entitled ‘Fixing our broken housing market’ is to be believed, the government are going to take bold steps to revitalise the housebuilding market and get more people in their dream homes.
If more houses are being built, that means that there is a greater need for flooring, desks, staircases, cupboards and all sorts of furniture. All of this is good news for the timber industry at every stage from sourcing and supplying right through to carpenters and furniture specialists.
Details of the changes being brought in by the government include steps to support smaller building companies entering the market, through a £3 billion Home Building Fund. This is with the aim of building more than 25,000 new homes this Parliament, according to the Timber Trade Journal.
Iain McIlwee, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), said: “Rather than seeking a magic bullet, it is a broad strategy that covers all parts of the housing sector, ensuring that the volume housebuilders are free and encouraged to build on available land.”
Just how successful this new initiative will prove to be is yet to be seen, but the effort and intentions are being wholly welcomed by the timber industry. The BWF say that they are ready to support local authorities in ensuring that the natural advantages of wood are put to good use in delivering desperately needed sustainable housing.
