The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has announced a rebrand of the organisation.
In recognition of its growing membership that encompasses producers, users and specifiers of the product, the remit of the new Structural Timber Association (STA) will be broader and will now represent not just timber frame, but all users of structural timber products, including CLT, SIPS and Glulam.
The overall purpose of the organisation will continue to be the promotion of structural timber products and systems within the UK construction industry. With the growing understanding that timber construction is the way forward in terms of energy efficiency, time saving and flexibility, the new STA will reiterate these messages through its programme of seminars, factory tours and research.
Lawrence Young, chairman of UKTFA, said: "The timber frame industry is no longer defined simply by the supply of timber kits; it is driven by intelligent and integrated hybrid solutions. Because of this, the UKTFA now stands for much more than 'timber frame', and we felt that we needed to broaden the Association to reflect the evolving industry.
"This rebrand strengthens what the UKFTA has always stood for and as the STA we will be stronger and more inclusive. The UKTFA leads the industry in terms of quality, health and safety, education, technical knowledge and customer service, and this work will continue under the STA banner."
With support from key organisations including TRADA and interested stakeholder bodies who have all recognised the value in broadening the remit of the new STA, this move has been welcomed by the industry.
Andrew Abbott, chief executive of TRADA, said: "This rebrand comes as the timber industry undergoes change and is in response to that. TRADA welcomes the move, is fully supportive and looks forward to developing closer links with the STA in the future."
UKTFA board member Simon Orrells of Frame Wise added: "The benefit to my business of being part of the UKTFA has always been clear - we benefit from networking, expertise and access to the latest research. To see the organisation evolve and embrace a wider remit as the timber sector grows is of even greater benefit to us and I look forward to the next stage of this influential organisation."
Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the UKTFA, concluded: "We have spoken far and wide within the industry and taken soundings from across the board to confirm the need for the new STA. We will continue to stand up for quality within the industry and drive the agenda towards a greater use of timber within UK construction."
The STA will officially launch at Timber Expo on 24 September, 2013 and will be open to manufacturers of structural timber products and systems, supply chain members, erectors, and designers.
Associate membership is available to end user clients, specifiers including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, housebuilders, developers, stakeholder groups and public sector bodies.
