DECKING
A YEAR IN THE WORK OF THE WOOD PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
We look back at the highlights of the WPA ’ s 2024 and preview its flagship event at Oulton Hall Hotel , Leeds , this May .
1 . WPA Commercial committee launch Created to help members address their commercial challenges , develop alliances , promote treated and modified wood , and enhance WPA communications and services .
2 . Field trial extension WPA extended its preservative performance field trial of treated British softwood fence posts to 15 years , with results expected in May 2025 .
3 . Getting together The 2024 awards and conference in Coventry featured industry presentations and networking . See below for information on our 2025 event .
4 . Promoting WPA Benchmark New product labels were introduced to boost visibility of the WPA Benchmark quality scheme at the point of purchase .
5 . Communications campaign A new campaign launching in early 2025 will raise awareness of quality-assured treated wood and provide marketing support for scheme members .
6 . Improving market access WPA successfully lobbied for improved access to highways fencing contracts by securing an alternative competence verification route for treatment plant operators .
7 . Updating preservative guidelines BS 8417 updates include changes to preservative requirements , UC3 specifications , and new warranty and service life information .
8 . Setting new standards The WPA released a new code of practice outlining training standards for treatment plant operators .
9 . Building expertise New CPD courses , developed with TDUK , cover flame-retardant wood and preservation best practices .
10 . Statutory review support WPA helped wood treaters navigate statutory permitting reviews of timber treatment operations .
11 . Celebrating Chris Dr . Chris Coggins retired after 35 years , leaving a lasting impact on the industry .
12 . Coming up in 2025 : Annual WPA event
The WPA ’ s 2025 awards event and conference will take place on Wednesday , 7 May , and Thursday , 8 May , at the prestigious Oulton Hall Hotel in Leeds .
Buying treated timber ?
Get it from a supplier you can trust
Olympic Stadium , Stamco Hoppings
Look for third-party accreditation of treatment - such as WPA Benchmark
Find a WPA Approved Treater www . thewpa . org . uk
01977 558274 contact @ thewpa . org . uk
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