A major UK builder’s merchant is rolling out a strategy to improve the quality and choice of its timber range to fully support and align itself with Grown in Britain, an initiative which aims to improve the sustainability of timber use and sourcing. Currently being tested in seven branches, Travis Perkins’ range of timber products has been amended to feature more ‘home grown’ carcassing products, reducing its reliance on imported timber. Not only will this move support high-quality, UK timber, and the rich range of services provided by Britain’s forest and woodlands, but it will provide increased price competiveness for the benefit of customers.

Simon Pearson, Product Group Director, said: “We’re proud to support the Grown in Britain initiative and to reflect the popularity of home grown timber in seven of our branches. The current pilot implements an improved product range, clear merchandising, and competitive pricing, all with the very clear additional benefit of using British carcassing suppliers where possible. Larger branches are being encouraged to source directly and more economically, whilst smaller trade counters will be buying predominately from our internal Timber Supply Centres to enhance our service further.”

The strategy is supported by investment in high-quality battens and fencing posts, improved racking to separate product, with clear labelling and planograms to make selection as simple as possible for the customer. Staff training is also high on the agenda with quality standards being reinforced to ensure straight, fresh timber is always available. The company is committed to further training programmes to ensure quality is maintained in branch by implementing routines such as rotating top layers and covering the timber whenever practical.

Dougal Driver, Chief Executive of Grown in Britain, said: “Grown in Britain aims to change how timber is sustainably sourced and used in the UK by focussing on preferential consideration of home-grown product at procurement and increasing the number of woodlands in management. Pulling more products through the UK timber supply chain will support the rural economy and provide jobs, as well as investing in the societal benefits of woodlands and forests in this country – providing better management for product, people, and biodiversity.”