Episodes
There is so much for the timber sector to talk about and express views on. Talking Timber is a channel for conversation and a voice for the industry.
Series 3 - Episode 1: How Naked Kitchens Combines High-Tech Machinery with Handcrafted Detail
Most kitchens are fixtures — Naked Kitchens sees through the surface with a radical approach that combines technology and craftsmanship to create bespoke timber masterpieces.
In this episode, CEO Alex Everett reveals how a Norfolk-based family business transformed from solid timber worktops to a high-tech, design-led kitchen powerhouse – without sacrificing its roots in craftsmanship. Discover the surprising origins, innovative processes, and future ambitions behind one of the UK’s most distinctive bespoke kitchens brands.
Series 2 - Episode 10: Inside the Carrefour International Du Bois: A Timber Industry Powerhouse
Join us as we explore the Carrefour International Du Bois exhibition in Nantes, France, with Samantha Padden, the event’s International Business Manager. Discover the show’s history, its focus on timber, and why it’s a must-visit for industry professionals worldwide.
Carrefour International Du Bois runs 2nd – 4th June 2026 in Nantes, France.
Series 2 - Episode 9: Adapting to Industry Change
In the ever-evolving landscape of the timber industry, understanding trade policy and supply trends is essential for stakeholders. In this episode of the Talking Timber podcast, Mike Jeffree and Keith Fryer chat to Nick Boulton, head of technical and trade policy at Timber Development UK, to gain insights into his long-standing career and the current state of the industry.
Series 2 - Episode 8: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability: The Evolution of Piveteau Bois
In the world of timber production, few stories encapsulate the blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability like that of Piveteau Bois. Founded in 1948, the company has transformed from its humble beginnings as a one-man operation into one of France’s leading softwood manufacturers. In this episode, we delve into the insights shared by Elisabeth Piveteau, the UK and Ireland Sales Director, during her recent appearance on the Talking Timber podcast.
Series 2 - Episode 7: The Evolution of MDF: A Journey Through the Timber Industry
In this episode of the Talking Timber podcast, hosts Mike Jeffree and Keith Fryer dive deep into the fascinating history of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) with industry pioneer Geoff Rhodes. This episode not only explores the origins of MDF but also highlights the pivotal role of the timber industry in shaping modern construction and design.
If you’re interested to find out more about MEDITE’s history over the past five decades, this article explores The Medite Story – 50 Years Since The Start Of MDF Production in Europe.
Series 2 - Episode 6: Bridging the Gender Gap: The Women in Timber Initiative
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 timber and how women can get in the industry and thrive.
Series 2 - Episode 5: Understanding the American Hardwood Assurance Scheme
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.
Series 2 - Episode 4: Timber: The Key to Climate Solutions
In this episode of the Talking Timber podcast, hosts Mike Jeffree 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. |
Series 2 - Episode 3: Developments in Protective Moist-Resisting Performance-Enhancing Overlays for Timber
An interview with the team from Arclin, including Brian Adams, Senior Director Sales and Business Development, who explain just a few of their products and the release of Dryshell – a Vapour barrier bonded to timber panels. Could this be the future? |
Series 2 - Episode 2: Women in Timber
Keith and Mike talk to Chidi Adilih-Osim about the Women in Timber conference in Leeds September 2025.
Series 2 - Episode 1: Salisbury Cathedral
Keith & Mike head to Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire (UK) to check out the timber structures and head to the top of the spire.
Series 1 - Episode 8: Woodscanner
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.
Series 1 - Episode 7: English Woodlands Timber
Mike and Keith talk to Tom Compton of English Woodlands Timber, a leading supplier of European temperate hardwoods and specialist in UK homegrown varieties.
Series 1 - Episode 6: Automation, Anthropomorphic Robots & AI
Keith & Mike talk to Gabriele de Col of wood processing machine giant SCM about latest advances in timber technology – from automation, to remote machine monitoring and Ai’s potential to pre-empt machine problems and enhance reliability.
Series 1 - Episode 5: Hardwood Plywood: Still the Number One Choice?
Mike & Keith discuss plywood, from its early history, through to today. The discussion moves onto the specification and quality of hardwood plywood, how that has changed and whether for the better, or not! The episode looks at alternative products and where hardwood plywood might be heading.
Series 1 - Episode 4: American Hardwood Export Council
Keith and Mike chat with David Venables, European Director of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
Series 1 - Episode 3: EUDR Challenges & Opportunities
Keith and Mike are joined by Nils Peterson to discuss the EU Regulation and Deforestation (EUDR) and it’s challenges and opportunities.
Series 1 - Episode 2: Global Timber Availability
Join Keith and Mike with Dave Hopkin, Chief Executive of Timber Development UK, where they discuss global timber availability.
Series 1 - Episode 1: User Class Specifications
Join Keith and Mike for the first episode in Talking Timber discussing user class specifications.