Timber frame firms remain upbeat

Timber frame manufacturers are still bullish about the future despite the industry's latest credit crunch victim.

North Tyneside's Lakeland Timber Framed Homes ceased trading last week and has entered into insolvency.

Lakeland, part of the £7m annual turnover Lakeland Group, had revealed ambitious expansion plans including the purchase of a new office and factory worth £260,000.

The UK Timber Frame Association said the industry was confident it could maintain year-on-year growth in a tougher market.

Its recent interim market report showed turnover increased in 2007 by 10% to £601m.