The Trust UK C16 Campaign has received the prestigious Chair’s Award at the annual Confor Dinner & Awards. The ceremony took place on 11 March at Surgeons Quarter in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The award recognises outstanding contributions within the forestry and wood-using industries. It celebrates organisations and individuals making a significant impact. This recognition highlights the growing importance of the campaign within the UK timber sector.
The award was presented during the annual event organised by Confor. The event is widely regarded as a major gathering for the UK forestry industry. It celebrates innovation, leadership and collaboration across the sector.
Industry leaders attended the dinner in Edinburgh. The evening recognised projects that strengthen the future of forestry and wood-based construction in the UK.
Recognition for Industry Collaboration
The Trust UK C16 Campaign has been widely praised for its collaborative approach. The initiative brings together major sawmilling companies and industry organisations.
The campaign was launched through a partnership between three leading UK sawmillers. These include BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers.
Their joint objective is clear. They want to increase the use of domestically grown and manufactured C16 timber in construction.
The initiative is also supported by Timber Development UK. The campaign is aligned with wider industry strategies promoting sustainable building materials.
According to Confor’s Chair Ian Duncan, the campaign has strong potential to transform how home-grown timber is perceived. It could also drive wider adoption in housing and construction.
He highlighted the long-term value of using domestic timber resources. The campaign, he noted, could play a key role in strengthening the UK supply chain.
Addressing the UK Timber Import Gap
Despite having a modern sawmilling sector, the UK remains heavily dependent on imported timber. Approximately 80% of timber used in the country is sourced from overseas.
This imbalance is significant. Around £9 billion worth of forest products are imported every year.
The UK is therefore considered the second-largest net importer of forest products globally. This situation creates supply chain vulnerabilities.
The Trust UK C16 Campaign was developed partly in response to this challenge. It aims to encourage greater use of domestic timber resources.
Reducing reliance on imported timber is a central objective. The campaign also supports economic resilience in rural regions.
A Practical Framework for Industry
The campaign operates through a clear framework designed to guide the construction supply chain. The strategy focuses on four key actions.
Grow. Manufacture. Specify. Build.
Each stage supports greater use of UK timber. More productive woodland is encouraged. Domestic sawmilling capacity is maximised.
Design professionals are also urged to specify C16 timber more frequently. Contractors are encouraged to use it in standard structural applications.
Strategic collaboration has also expanded. The campaign now works with major professional bodies such as Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and Institution of Structural Engineers.
This broader engagement helps integrate timber into modern construction practices.
The Role of C16 Timber in Construction
C16 graded timber is widely suitable for common structural applications. It is frequently used in housing frameworks and general building projects.
The material offers several advantages. Strength and versatility are key characteristics.
It can also provide environmental benefits. Lower embodied carbon has been associated with domestically grown timber.
In many cases, C16 can provide a practical alternative to higher grade imported timber such as C24. This supports cost-effective building solutions.
Domestic timber production also contributes to rural employment. Supply chains become more resilient when local materials are used.
Industry Leaders Highlight Future Potential
Industry representatives believe the campaign marks a turning point for the UK timber sector.
James Brennan, Head of Marketing at BSW Group, said the campaign demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration. The initiative brings together sawmillers, trade organisations and construction professionals.
The campaign promotes stronger domestic forestry and manufacturing capacity. It also highlights the role of timber in reducing carbon emissions from construction.
Greater adoption of C16 timber is being encouraged across the building sector. This supports both environmental and economic goals.
The initiative also aligns with the UK government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap. That strategy promotes the increased use of sustainable timber materials in buildings.
Growing Support Across the Industry
Since its launch, the Trust UK C16 Campaign has gained strong support from industry stakeholders. Architects, engineers and policymakers have shown increasing interest.
Media coverage has also expanded awareness of the initiative.
The campaign continues to highlight the strategic value of UK-grown timber. Its message is simple. Domestic resources should play a bigger role in construction.
Industry leaders believe the initiative will help reshape timber specification in the years ahead. The Chair’s Award recognition reflects that growing momentum.
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