Timber offers new opportunities for Welsh construction industry

Economy Minister, Edwina Hart will highlight the economic and environmental benefits of using Welsh timber in the construction industry at a conference in Cardiff next month.

Organised by the Welsh Government and Woodknowledge Wales, the Woodbuild Wales conference will also feature speakers and exhibitors from across the industry with a focus on upon the opportunities to stimulate increased procurement of home grown timber in the public and private sectors.

The Minister said:

“There are opportunities in the construction sector for Welsh timber suppliers and next month’s conference will be a chance for them to find out how they can boost their business and for the construction industry to discover the benefits of using wood in building.

“As one of my key priority sectors, construction plays a vital part in the overall economy, and its success and growth is a barometer for the health of the wider economy.  We need to think more innovatively about how we use our resources into the future and timber offers many environmental benefits and also cost-effective solutions to delivering affordable new homes quickly. I urge interested companies to attend this free event as it offers an excellent opportunity to showcase what Wales has to offer, and important networking opportunities.”

In addition to the Minister, the speakers will include:

• Peter Davies – Climate Change Commission for Wales

• Duncan Mayes – Stora Enso

• Alastair Parvin – WikiHouse Foundation

• Gary Newman – Woodknowledge Wales

• Neil Sutherland – MAKAR

The exhibition area will showcase companies that are leading the way in the use and production of timber in construction.

The conference takes place on Thursday, 17 March 2016 from 9am to 4.30pm at the SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.

To reserve your free delegate space at the event please register at  www.wales.business-events.org.uk/en/events/wood-build-wales-2016/, or telephone 03000 6 03000, stating the name of the event.