Stephen Powney is news editor with the industry’s most senior magazine, Timber Trades Journal (TTJ).
“I made a decision to go into journalism at the age of 21. I had graduated from Wolverhampton Polytechnic with a degree in humanities. I liked writing and wanted a job with variety, so after a methodical look at various career possibilities I chose journalism. “I managed to secure a place on a one-year National Council for the Training of Journalists course at Harlow College in Essex. This provided training on law, public affairs, shorthand and writing. After graduating, my local newspaper, the Kent and Sussex Courier, with which I’d done some work experience, offered me a job.
“There followed a two-and-a-half year period on the Courier, working across West Kent and East Sussex. I then completed over five years with the Kentish Times before moving on to business magazines, and to TTJ.
“I’ve always liked wood as a material but was not an expert. I remember asking myself: “What is there to write about wood?” Well, now I know. The uses of wood are so diverse, from construction to joinery, garden products, furniture or even fuel. One minute I can be writing about the challenges of sustainable timber sourcing from the Far East or South America, and the next minute covering a project showcasing the latest developments in engineered timber, or even learning how to build an oak frame building.
“I also cover conferences - TRADA, IWSc, BWF, Woodmex and BRE’s Offsite to name a few, I attend shows abroad such as Ligna, Xylexpo, and Expobois, and visit overseas companies. One of my best memories is of jumping into a lake in the middle of a Finnish forest. It’s something they like to do after a sauna in Finland, apparently.
“I have found the rise of glulam, decking and timber framed housing particularly interesting. And I’m relishing the prospect of using some products in remodelling my bungalow - perhaps some Parallam and some ekki/greenheart.
“The job also involves visiting timber traders, joinery manufacturers and timber frame housing builders, keeping www.ttjonline.com updated daily and writing for our other titles, Timber Windows, and Timber Building. Nearly all the people I’ve met in the industry have been pleasant - which certainly helps when you’re trying to get information. Working for TTJ has given me a greater appreciation of wood and I think the global drive towards sustainability will ensure a healthy future for the industry."
