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The Timber Industry Yearbook 2011 Timber Research And Development Association www.trada.co.uk
TRADA: all about timber The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) continues to be an internationally-recognised centre of excellence for the specification and use of timber and wood products. It is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation and its name is synonymous with independence and authority.
Members are granted permission to use the TRADA member logo on their stationery and marketing materials allowing them to benefit from their association with the well-respected TRADA brand. And only TRADA members appear in the online Suppliers Directory and in the Alphabetical Listing and Buyers’ Guide at the back of this yearbook – a direct route to over 40,000 interested readers.
TRADA’s strength lies in its diverse membership, encompassing companies and individuals from around the world and across the entire wood supply chain, from producers, merchants and manufacturers, to architects, engineers and end users. Bridging the supply and user ends of the market enables TRADA to deliver a dynamic programme of research, information and events through its sole service provider, TRADA Technology Ltd. This programme is put together to meet the needs of members, promote the specification and use of timber in construction and develop the market for timber and timber products. The TRADA website is now well established as an invaluable source of technical information about the use of timber and wood products in building. The site contains most of TRADA’s technical information stretching back over the last 75 years, including full text of publications and many products that are exclusive to members, such as free demonstration software and detail drawings plus full case studies and briefings on the latest developments in Regulations and Codes affecting the building industry. The case studies area on the website is aimed specifically at architects and designed to inspire and enthuse with drawings and photographs. This is supplemented by a new section encapsulating good examples of timber solutions to address specific design and detailing problems that can occur in everyday practice. Regular mailings are sent to all members and include details of new and updated Wood Information Sheets. These mailings also include details of upcoming training courses, seminars and events, many of which are offered at a discounted rate for members. TRADA operates an advisory helpline, providing direct access to expertise and guidance on specific issues from simple information on timber choices to complex questions about design detailing. The TRADA bookshop operates via the website and by telephone, selling a wide range of publications from TRADA Technology, BSI, BRE and commercial publishers. Many publications are available at a discounted price for TRADA members, and the knowledgeable bookshop staff are available during working hours to answer customer queries.
TRADA membership is available to anyone with an interest in timber, both in the UK and internationally, and all membership subscription revenues are applied to TRADA’s unrivalled research and information programme. Membership is divided into three categories:
Corporate membership is open to companies involved in the production, trade or manufacture of timber or wood-based products. It also includes suppliers of products used in conjunction with timber, such as treatments, finishes and fittings.
Professional membership is open to organisations or individuals who design, specify and/or use timber and to industry associations, local authorities and other controlling bodies.
Student membership is an online service operated only through the TRADA website. Full-time students registered on a recognised course at a University, College or Further Education establishment can join free of charge as student members for the duration of their course. Course lecturers are also eligible to join under this category. For more information or to join TRADA, please visit the website: www.trada.co.uk/membership, email: membership@trada.co.uk or telephone: 01494 569603.