Apr 4 2006
The decision to raise the profile of timber at Interbuild 2006 by creating its own dedicated area for the first time has generated an excellent response.
The Timber Zone, which is now completely sold out, will feature 40 companies when the UK's major construction event takes place at the NEC from April 23-27.
Said Interbuild 2006 Event Director Gordon Thomas: "It has proved to be an inspired decision to give timber its own dedicated area and companies have been quick to demonstrate their support.
"Rupert Scott, TRADA's marketing manager, deserves the credit because it was his brainchild. He came away from the last Interbuild saying he thought it would be good to pull all the timber companies together - rather than have them dotted around the show.
"We were very happy to listen to his viewpoint and the fact that the Timber Zone is already sold out confirms what the companies think about it."
Kelly Brothers, Eleco, Akzo Nobel, Lloyds Timber Frame, Arch Timber, Osmose, PEFC, Wood for Good, UPM Kymene are among the many companies exhibiting within the zone.
It will have a prime location in the main Structural Hall, close to the Off-site Solutions Zone, and en-route to the hand tools area, which is popular with builders and professionals alike.
The zone will also include a case study gallery, showing winners and runners-up from the 2005 Wood Awards, while architects, engineers, contractors and members of the timber industry will be able to 'Ask the expert', with TRADA consultants on hand to answer technical questions.
A detailed programme of seminars will run throughout the five days and Mr Scott added: "The CPD talks by TRADA experts will take place in a seminar theatre in the centre of the zone and exhibitors will have the opportunity to influence the choice of subjects.
"We will draw on the very successful lectures developed by TRADA in conjunction with the promotion campaign 'wood-for-good', which have enabled us to reach over 6,000 professionals in the past four years.
"The seminars are always over-subscribed and we expect a similar level of interest at Interbuild, where CPD certificates will be awarded."