TIMBER: THE STATE OF PLAY
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• Unlike commodities such as oil, timber is sustainable. In fact for every tree chopped down in Britain, two fresh ones are planted. Over the next 25 years, UK timber production is set to grow, and hackers who have secured their place in this sector should have work aplenty. Yet the fact remains that an overwhelming 85% of wood and wood products sold in Britain is imported. As Forest Enterprise director Ian Forshaw explains, global forces dictate the value of UK timber: "The European and world markets influence the value of the product here. It is the worst state of the UK market in 40 years."
The strong pound, cheap timber imports from Eastern Europe and wood recycling are all putting pressure on Britain's industry. Forshaw reports: "Timber prices tend to peak and trough over yearly periods, and we are in a trough at the moment."
Crucially, UK timber hauliers can be confident that there will be round wood to carry in the future. Yet with such stiff foreign competition, UK rates aren't likely to make them millionaires overnight.
USEFUL CONTACTS • Forestry Commission (ask for Forest Operatons): 0131 334 0303 • limber Growers' Association: 0131 538 7111. 11 Forestry Contracting Association: 01467 651368.