Boost for timber frame industry

Timber frame construction is becoming more popular. The industry generated sales of £330m last year compared with £306m in 2001.
The number of timber frame units manufactured increased to 31,800 (29,600 in 2001), while the sector's market share of housing increased from 14.1% to 15.2%. Manufacturing capacity has grown in tandem with demand; in 2002 it grew 28%.
Nearly a third of social housing projects were built in timber frame last year.
The national breakdown shows 10% of all new housing in England was timber frame. In Wales it was 7%, Scotland 60% and Northern Ireland 4.6%.