Group FSC scheme unlocks potential for UK small enterprises

Oxford Timber Audit Certification, the largest FSC Group of small-to-medium-sized enterprises in the UK timber and paper supply chain, is now certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

Certification under the group scheme offers an avenue for these enterprises to FSC certification where individual certification is too burdensome. Additionally, access to the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certified seal positions these businesses well within a competitive market 

Members of the group will be able to demonstrate their commitment to responsible forestry by using the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM Seal in addition to the FSC label. 

Certification of Oxford Timber Audits by the Rainforest Alliance will help to positively differentiate its 200-strong members amidst a tough economic climate – be they printers, brokers, traders or manufacturers.

“It’s not surprising the Rainforest Alliance Certified Seal presents a real market advantage for our FSC-certified clients when more than 50% of UK consumers recognise the brand”, says Ann Weddle, Director of NEPCon UK, the organisation that manages the Rainforest Alliance FSC certification programme in the UK.

Mark Skelton, Operations Manager of Vantage Press Ltd., member of Oxford Timber Audits, says, “The frog is an instantly recognisable logo and one we want to use. Now that we are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, we are looking at how the frog will feature in our work next year and believe it could offer us an edge on the market.”
 

Riding the economic pinch

In spite of the current economic climate, companies increasingly turn to environmental performance as a key indicator in their business decisions. More than three-quarters of FSC-certified companies globally were pushed towards certification by customer demand, according to the latest FSC market survey.

“We have noticed that the amount of FSC- certified material we deal with has massively increased from around ten per cent to over ninety per cent today. Many customers are not aware of this, but we are actively letting our clients know about this now we are part of the Group,” says Mr Skelton.

“Two-three years ago, FSC was becoming more popular but now it is a specific requirement for many of our clients. Initially we didn’t see it as a promotional tool, but now we see it is something that our clients respond to”.

Miss Weddle says, “Consumer-facing companies are particularly well placed to convey the important message that purchasing decisions drive positive change in the forest. Labelling is a fundamental part of this communication as it offers respected, independent assurance to their clients.”

Unlocking potential for smaller enterprises

Essential to the UK timber and paper industry, SMEs can gain access to FSC certification by joining a group scheme which reduces costs and procedural barriers. When John Barne first established Oxford Timber Audits in 2004, the Group comprised of just seven members. Today, he is running the largest chain of custody group certificate in the UK.

Rosie Teasdale, FSC-UK Deputy Director says, “We are frequently approached by businesses wanting to gain certification but concerned about the financial implications. The group schemes operating in the UK often provide a cost-effective and straightforward solution for these companies.”

“It is surprising how many of these group scheme members are supplying FSC certified products to large retailers or construction companies, with the need for an intact chain of custody, from the forest to the end user, being of considerable importance,” says Ms Teasdale.

Mr Barne, Group Manager at Oxford Timber Audits, explains, “My members appreciate that I come along with my own documents and handle their procedures, given that they don’t have a huge amount of time or capacity. And I’m at the end of the phone when they have any queries. They really value this advisory role.”

Mr Skelton says, “One of our clients referred us to Oxford Timber Audits who had a routine that was ideal for us. I wished we had known about the Group scheme earlier because we initially dismissed certification as we couldn’t
afford it individually.”