Longwood recently hosted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Welsh sawmillers, welcoming timber industry professionals from across Wales. The event brought people together for a focused and productive day. It also created valuable space for discussion, reflection, and forward planning.
First, attendees reviewed the year just gone. This included developments within the Welsh timber industry and the wider market. Next, the group discussed current challenges. These included timber supply, sustainability, and skills across the sector. Importantly, the AGM also looked ahead to future opportunities for Welsh-grown timber.
In addition, attendees discussed the latest Confor manifesto, produced for the Welsh Government ahead of this year’s Senedd election. The discussion focused on how policy could better support forestry, woodland management, and the wider timber supply chain in Wales. For more details, the manifesto can be viewed on the Confor website here. This gave sawmillers a valuable chance to share their views and consider the sector’s priorities in the years ahead.
Supporting the Welsh Timber Sector
As a business committed to the Welsh forestry and sawmilling sector, Longwood was pleased to host the AGM. The venue offered a practical and welcoming environment. Because of this, discussions were open, constructive, and well informed.
Moreover, bringing Welsh sawmillers together remains essential. The industry continues to face economic pressures and changing regulations. At the same time, demand for sustainable, locally sourced materials is increasing. Therefore, collaboration across the sector is more important than ever.
Face-to-face meetings allow businesses to share knowledge. They also help build stronger relationships. In addition, they encourage new ideas and partnerships that support long-term resilience. Attendees were also able to tour Longwood’s own sawmill facilities, seeing firsthand how local timber is processed and managed sustainably.
Collaboration and Industry Connections
Alongside the formal AGM agenda, time was set aside for networking. These informal conversations were equally valuable. They allowed sawmillers to share experiences, compare approaches, and discuss common challenges.
Furthermore, the AGM highlighted the importance of working together. By collaborating, Welsh sawmills can support local forestry. They can also reduce reliance on imported timber. In turn, this strengthens local supply chains and promotes sustainable practices.
Finally, the meeting reinforced a shared commitment to the future of the timber industry in Wales. Through continued cooperation, the sector can remain adaptable, resilient, and forward-looking.
Longwood would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to a successful AGM. We are proud to support events that promote Welsh timber, local sawmills and sustainable forestry, and we look forward to hosting similar industry gatherings in the future.