Wood is Good: Cheltenham's BPE Solicitors advises Timber Trade Federation on merger

Cheltenham-based BPE Solicitors has advised long-standing client, the Timber Trade Federation, on its merger with the Timber Research and Development Association to create a new trade association, Timber Development UK.

The Timber Trade Federation's members account for around 80 per cent of the £10 billion UK timber industry, and include timber importers, merchants, agents and manufacturers.

The merger of these two membership organisations marks a significant change for the timber industry in the UK. Timber Development UK will oversee the timber trading matters and activities of its 1,500 members which include architects, specifiers and product manufacturers, distributors and processors.

Head of Commercial Iain Garfield led the deal with support from Corporate Partner Louise Grzasko and Trainee Solicitor, Lorenza Picciano, working with Chris Sutton, Timber Development UK’s new Chairman, and Chief Executive Dave Hopkins, throughout the entire process to ensure the merger was a success.

Chris Sutton said “The support from BPE was invaluable throughout this transaction, they dealt with issues as they cropped up and kept us looking at the bigger picture as the merger progressed. The merger will make a big difference for our members and we’re excited for this next stage in the Timber Development UK’s journey.

Commenting on the transaction, Iain Garfield said “We were delighted to be involved in the creation of Timber Development UK. We have supported Timber Trade Federation with their legal needs for over 20 years alongside offering an extended membership benefit for their member base, and wish the new team the best as their new organisation grows”.