Talking Timber Podcast

In a world where diversity and inclusion are paramount, the timber industry is taking significant strides to encourage more women to join its ranks. The Women in Timber Initiative is a groundbreaking effort aimed at transforming the traditionally male-dominated sector into a welcoming space for women.

Laura Qualters, membership development manager at the Timber Development UK Trade Association, together with committee members Chidi Adilih-Osim, group sales manager at the Timber Trades Journal, and Sian Morton, head of sales at the BSW sawmill group, organise events that celebrate and promote women in the industry.

We talk about the rise of Women in the Timber and how women can get in the industry and thrive.

In this episode we talk with Rupert Oliver about the significant economic impact of hardwood exports from the US, highlighting the potential for efficient verification models that could be funded at a fraction of the current market value. We chat about the implications of these practices on global markets and the importance of sustainable funding models.

In this episode of the Talking Timber podcast, hosts Mike Jeffrey and Keith Fryer engage with Paul Brannen, author of 'Timber: How Wood Can Help Save the World from Climate Breakdown.'

The conversation explores the critical role of timber in addressing climate change, the importance of decarbonising the construction industry, and the innovations in timber construction that can lead to a more sustainable built environment.

Paul discusses the target audience for his book, the challenges of fire safety in timber buildings, and the need for political intervention to promote timber use in construction. The episode concludes with a positive outlook on the future of timber in the construction industry and the potential for sustainable timber supply.

00:00
Introduction

02:20
The Importance of Timber in Climate Action

06:08
Timber: How Wood Can Help Save The World From Climate Breakdown

10:23
Decarbonising the Built Environment

15:58
Innovations in Timber Construction

20:46
Fire Safety in Timber Buildings

28:25
Political Intervention and Timber Legislation

33:10
Sustainability and Timber Supply

36:49
Outro

Keith and Mike are joined by Arclin.

Keith and Mike talk to Chidi Adilih-Osim about the Women in Timber conference in Leeds September 2025.

Keith & Mike head to Salisbury Cathedral in Salisbury to check out the timber structures and head to the top of the spire.

Keith & Mike talk all things new coming up in Series 2 of the Talking Timber Podcast!

Keith & Mike talk about Series One and everything that has happened during the process, all that has been achieved including guests that have made it onto the show and more!

Keith and Mike talk to founder Andy Ferguson about WoodScanner,  a transparent digital market place for sellers and buyers to make contact and communicate, ultimately a forum to facilitate timber business. 

Mike and Keith talk to Tom Compton of English Woodlands Timber, a leading supplier of European temperate hardwoods and specialist in UK homegrown varieties .