Leading timber industry membership organisations UKSIPS and the Structural Timber Association (formerly the UKTFA) have joined forces, creating a stronger presence for their members within the sector.
From April 1 the members of UKSIPS will join the Structural Timber Association (STA) and will be represented by a new STA working group for SIP technology and across the various existing STA committees.
Peter Barr of SIPCO, and current vice-Chairman of UKSIPS, will be joining the STA main board to boost the representation of structural insulated panels within the management of the Association.
Lawrence Young, chairman of the STA comments: "I am pleased to be welcoming our colleagues from UKSIPS to the STA - something we have been discussing for some time now.
"They will bring technical expertise, quality standards and significant insights that will play a vital role in our ongoing services to the construction sector. This announcement is another step in the growth of the STA and its representation, and I look forward to working with the new SIP members."
Charles Stewart, outgoing Chairman of UKSIPS comments: "This announcement represents a significant opportunity for our members to grow the influence of the SIP industry within the structural timber sector and the wider construction industry. By joining forces we are demonstrating both the diversity and the clout our various technologies have within construction as a whole. We look forward to continuing to champion the ‘fabric first' agenda and to using the combined technical skills and knowledge of our members to put forward new solutions for the zero carbon agenda."
The significant announcement has received wide support from across the timber industry. Andrew Abbott, Chief Executive of TRADA comments: "There is so much synergy between these organisations and we expect to see a much greater profile around structural timber from the combined entity. TRADA looks forward to working with the STA on future strategies and new initiatives for the sector."
Diana Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association comments: "This move makes a lot of sense and will go a long way to helping clients find the right answers when choosing structural timber solutions. Combining trade associations with similar objectives will help to provide greater clarity in the sector, and we support the wider timber industry's coming together within a broad Confederation."
Further support came from Peter Hansford, Government chief construction adviser, while addressing the recent Ecobuild STA industry lunch: "I welcome the creation of the Structural Timber Association, bringing together all forms of structural timber for the UK construction industry into a single trade association."
The STA represents a wide cross section of the structural timber industry including suppliers, manufacturers, erectors and designers. It is recognised as the authoritative voice of the timber frame industry and provides definitive technical information, plus news and views from across the sector.
The recent rebrand from the UKTFA came about because of recognition of the growing membership of the Association and the products which members offer. The remit of the new body represents not just timber frame, but all users of structural timber products, including CLT, SIPS and Glulam.
The STA maintains strict criteria about who can join the Association, with members frequently audited to ensure they are delivering industry best practice. This gives consumers the peace of mind that the products they are using and the services which they are provided with are of the highest quality, as well as adhering to required regulations.
