Eight of nine successful TFT Woodexperts’ students from timber merchant James Latham plc received their Level 4 Certificates in Wood Science & Technology in a special ceremony held at Leicestershire County Cricket Club on 31 July.

Hosted by James Latham’s managing director Christ Sutton and HR Director Piers Latham, the certificates were presented by John Park, board chairman of IOM3’s Wood Technology Society (WTS), the professional body for wood technologists in the UK.

Jan Antonovics, Commercial Manager at TFT Woodexperts, also congratulated the students, praising their desire to progress, and the exceptional support for education and training of the James Latham Group.

HR Director Piers Latham said: “It’s important to have the best-trained staff to be able to take advantage of new technologies, leading to better job satisfaction, morale and motivation. As a family business we look after our staff and like to treat people properly.”

Latham’s managing director Chris Sutton added that he, like the students, is constantly learning, citing the company’s involvement in the Business Design Centre in London and sponsorship of the plywood exhibition at London’s V & A Museum.

John Park, WTS chairman, invited the newly-qualified students to apply for professional membership of IOM3 (the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining), and said: “You are some of the few in the UK with such a qualification who can call themselves ‘wood specialists’. Your employer recognises the value of the knowledge you now possess.”