Rather than viewing the current situation as a temporary spike before returning to old levels, merchants and contractors should be prepared to see this as the new normal, Timber Trade Federation CEO David Hopkins commented following the conference: “Historically the UK has seen high stock levels and a fairly easy supply situation. What is clear from the presentations today is that this has changed dramatically and is unlikely to return to “normal” anytime soon. The predictions are that demand will outstrip supply for some years to come meaning all points in the chain will have to examine their purchasing and stock holding strategies, to keep on top of their market.” The growth in global demand for timber plus the changes in UK market dynamics due to the on-going pandemic were fully evident in the presentations given by speakers from timber-producing countries across Europe.