There has been a collective effort across the industry to pave a way out of the crisis and find new ways of operating

A report released today (Friday May 1) shows that the timber supply chain is mostly stocked at either normal or above normal levels for this time of year (88%) and are well prepared to support construction.

Based on a survey of Timber Trade Federation members from around the UK, there were responses from 54 member companies, reflecting a diverse supply chain of merchants, traders, and agents.

Some of the key statistics included in the report include:

  • 97% of respondents said they could implement safe Site Operating Procedures either partially (27%) or fully (70%) in their business
  • Growth in demand was rated as the number one factor for deciding to reopen businesses, followed closely by specific advice from the Government
  • Key risks in the supply chain include ‘unfair' payments, difficulty of transporting timber to sites, and being unable to source from suppliers
  • As compared to last year there was a mean 33% fall in sales in March, and 66% fall in sales in April. This comes as 69% report their cash flow has decreased or decreased significantly
  • Around 40% of members say that if restrictions are lifted they could return to normal sales in the next three months, with nine per cent of these saying they could do so in less than a month
  • 85% of respondents are accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, 56% have contacted HMRC about deferring tax, and 45% have contacted their bank about accessing the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans
  • Product categories where members have most identified shortages were in garden supplies and plywood

David Hopkins, CEO of the TTF, said: "While there is rightly a health first focus, it is important that the economy, and the construction industry, finds ways to safely reopen. Fortunately, there has been a collective effort across the industry to pave a way out of the crisis and find new ways of operating.

"It's clear from this survey that there is no shortage of stock within the supply chain, and that traders are ready to re-start operations as soon as the manufacturing and construction sites they serve also start operations. It is important that all businesses maintain communications up and down their supply chains to ensure a smooth restart of business across the country just as soon as it is safe to do so.

"As the UK emerges from this crisis, we will be calling on the Government to inject stimulus into sustainable construction, with timber a key part of an emergent green economy. By working together and maintaining clear lines of communication, we are confident of the ability of the timber supply chain to weather the crisis."

Download the full report, Looking beyond the Coronavirus, by clicking on the below link: https://ttf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Timber-Trade-Federation-Survey-of-membership-April-2020.pdf