After five years as Chair of PEFC UK, Peter Latham is moving to the International Board to help progress the understanding and use of certified timber and the development of sustainable sourcing and supply. In addition to his role at PEFC, Peter is the Chairman of leading UK timber merchants James Latham plc, and was recently awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List, recognising his 20 years service to the UK wood industry.

Q: With five years under your belt at PEFC, what changes and challenges have you seen in forest certification and the growth of sustainable timber supply?

Q: What do you feel have been your key achievements as UK Chair?

A: Building a great team at PEFC UK both in terms of staff and the Board and giving a public face to PEFC in the UK. As well as helping in the process to demonstrate that PEFC certification met the Government requirements under the CPET review.

Q: Tell me a few highlights or favourite moments as UK Chair?

A: Visiting PEFC-certified forests in Tasmania and meeting the independent forest regulator, as well as helping both FSC and PEFC to work together with the Olympic Delivery Authority to deliver proof of sustainable purchasing for the Olympics later this year.

Q: What have been the main stumbling blocks to growth and adoption of certified wood? And what can be done to overcome them?

A: There are a number of stumbling blocks. One is the absence in many countries of credible national forestry standards and a lack of governance which makes certification difficult. Progress is being made very slowly and processes such as FLEGT licensing is a good first step. Another is that there are still too many breaks in Chain of Custody certification in many supply chains that can frustrate the end customer's wish to protect the environment. Major contractors must ensure that their suppliers have third-party audited Chain of Custody. Finally, the unwillingness of some leading ENGOs to engage with PEFC – I believe that this frustrates many companies who cannot understand this stance. This is a real challenge.

Q: What do you hope to achieve and introduce as a member of the PEFC Board?

A: I hope to help PEFC ensure that while the needs of landowners and foresters continue to be important, more emphasis is given to the requirements and expectations of the market. PEFC certification has to add value to all in the supply chain and the process will not be worthwhile if there is no customer demand. PEFC is a federal, bottom up, organisation and it is important for the Board of Directors to keep engaged with all members of the international PEFC family. This is something I look forward to doing very much.

Q: Finally, was it a surprise to be awarded such a prestigious reward as the OBE? You must be very proud!

A: Yes I was very surprised by the award – flabbergasted! Yes and very proud. It is a result of the great teams I have both within James Latham and PEFC UK.

Further Information

• James Latham plc began importing hardwoods into Liverpool in 1757. Under the continuing management and direction of the Latham family, the company has developed into one of the UK's leading importer and distributors of wood-based sheet materials ('panel products'), joinery quality softwood and hardwood and hardwood flooring.