Timber stats released for first time

Statistics covering the performance of the timber frame industry in the UK have been released for the first time.

The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) "state of the industry" statistics for 2001 reveal a 24.5% increase in industry turnover to £306m (£246m); a rise of 21.4% in the number of units manufactured to 29,272 (24,115); and a 2% increase of UK market share for timber frame houses to 14%.

"The message that timber frame construction offers sound economic, environmental and lifestyle advantages is clearly being accepted by both the construction industry and the public, with one in seven new houses now being built in modern timber frame," said UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley.

"Across the country, UKTFA members are delivering a factory-engineered, quality assured product that is right for 21st century living."

Comparing English and Scottish figures against all new housing UK-wide in 2001, the number of units of timber frame built in England exceeded that of Scotland.

English timber frame starts represented 6.8%, while Scottish timber frame starts represented 6.3% of all new housing in the UK.