Timber Trade Federation and British Woodworking Federation consult members on plans for joint company

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and British Woodworking Federation (BWF) are consulting their respective members on plans to form a joint company headed by a single chief executive.

Members of the two bodies have been sent a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for their consideration.

The MOU stresses that the two would continue as separate entities, with no dilution of respective roles but a new company would 'bridge' the organisations with a board comprising up to three representatives each from the TTF and BWF governing bodies.

While serving the specific interests of their membership , the BWF and TTF teams would work closely together and collaborate on "complementary activity" and "amalgamation of core activities".

The MOU says the chief executive of the new company would also be joint chief executive of the TTF and BWF, supported by heads of woodworking and timber trade.

"This is about linking up two strong, well-established organisations, both in good financial shape, who are growing and developing well to further enhance what we do," said BWF chief executive Iain McIlwee.

TTF president Stephen King described the move as “a very exciting opportunity”. He added: "I believe this will raise the profile and understanding of the benefits that the timber supply chain provides to the economy, environment and individual customer sectors.

“It could drive research and enable projects to influence policy makers, improve market development and supply chain interaction and aid collaboration to resolve common problems and grow markets."

However there remains "a lot of detail to work through", said King and at this stage it was about consulting the BWF and TTF memberships.

"If there is sufficient support we hope to sign the document by the end of August," he said.