A new dimension has been added to Timber Expo with the launch of ProTimber 2012. This will be the first of an annual gathering of timber industry leaders on the eve of the exhibition halls opening for business.

This special half day event on the 24 September 2012 is designed to bring together a cross-section of individuals from all corners of the timber industry to discuss current trends in the sector and inspire everyone on a future path ahead for the timber and wood products sector. ProTimber is expected to host 250 attendees to discuss five key topics alongside a presentation of the results of two studies into current trends in the UK construction industry that is being commissioned by TRADA and Timber Expo.

This research will include an insight into the construction sector and activities of other sectors including steel and concrete and how timber is stacking up in comparison. “We hope the summit will provide some thought-provoking discussion in a serious and informed manner. It will add an important dimension to the show,” says TRADA Marketing & Membership Manager Rupert Scott. “Getting the UK timber industry’s growth strategy right is very appropriate alongside its leading exhibition.”

Chaired by a professional facilitator, this invitation only forum will represent different parts of the timber supply chain. The aim is a clear one – a lively informed debate in a structured manner. This will be an arena to flush out individual and company opinions, tease out detail from the research and also air any legitimate objections. All areas of the industry are expected from clients and contractors to project managers, quantity surveyors, merchants and product developers. Some of the reasons why timber is successful can be developed further but also be clear in understanding why timber is still not the material of choice for many parts of the construction world.

John White, Chief Executive, Timber Trade Federation, said: “With the industry coming together at Timber Expo we have a great opportunity to discuss and shape the future direction of our whole supply chain. With industry bodies now working ever closer together, meaningful, at-the-coal-face input from senior business people will augment and refine the positive steps, such as the Wood First campaign, that are being taken to grow the use of wood.”

Not only will the summit be a high level staging post for the industry, it will be an excellent networking event with other senior leaders. It is FREE to attend but you must be pre-registered and if you wish to attend you should make contact with your relevant trade association. All key timber industry trade associations will be approached and already fully engaged are the TTF, UKTFA, TRADA, UKSIPs, BWF, BMF, CIOB, CIAT and IOM3.