Supplying Timber Issue 9 0 - Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 30
———— WOMEN IN TIMBER ————
on that I have a special skill –
bringing people together to get
stu昀昀 done.”
All 昀椀ve speakers then took
part in a Q&A panel hosted by
Chidi Adilih Osim, Group Sales
Manager of Timber Trades
Journal (TTJ).
Succession and opportunity
THE MARKET
Camilla Fish, Managing Director
of SCA Products UK, gave a
fascinating look at leadership
development and succession
planning in the timber industry.
Her timber industry journey
began with an unusual job
posting: the chance to join SCA
in a fast-track programme
with the potential to become
Managing Director – no timber
experience required.
Camilla admitted she initially
assumed the role would go
to someone with industry
knowledge and years of
management experience.
However, she embraced
the challenge and embarked
on a two-year development
programme that not only gave
her deep insight into SCA’s
operations, but also built her
leadership skills and con昀椀dence.
Camilla spoke about the
importance of businesses
investing in structured
succession planning to prepare
future leaders. She credited
SCA’s willingness to take a
chance on her potential as a key
factor in her success.
Her story reinforced the theme
that opportunities can often
come when you least expect
them – and should be seized
boldly.
Camilla said: “If you create
a great team and people feel
valued and accepted, other
people want to be part of it...
your power lies in being yourself.
By embracing your authentic
self, you unlock your own
potential and make the path
easier for those who follow.”
↑
All 昀椀ve keynote
speakers took part in
a panel discussion.
Building con昀椀dence
Rosie Wise, Managing Director
of Benchmarx Kitchen & Joinery,
o昀昀ered insights into building
con昀椀dence and credibility in
the workplace. She re昀氀ected on
how curiosity and a willingness
to learn have helped her carve
out a rewarding career in timber,
proving that success doesn’t
require a traditional path.
Rosie also highlighted the
importance of mentorship
and peer support, noting how
women in leadership roles can
help those starting out feel seen
and supported.
By sharing her own journey,
Rosie reminded attendees that
career growth is often nonlinear and that resilience and
collaboration are critical.
She said: “By building
brilliant teams, connecting
with colleagues, and creating
environments where people
want to work, I’ve been able
to succeed. I discovered early
SUPPLYING TIMBER
30
AUTUMN 2025
Industry support
The Women in Timber
Conference was more than
a networking event; it's the
beginning of an ongoing
movement to create a stronger,
more inclusive timber sector.
“Seeing so many women come
together to support one another
and share experiences was
incredibly powerful,” said Karen
Sussex. “We’re proud of the
positive energy this day created
and can’t wait to build on it.”
The success of the conference
demonstrated a strong
appetite for representation
and community among women
within the sector.
Women in Timber had the
backing of a diverse committee
– including representatives
from BSW Timber, TTJ, and
Timber Garden Buildings – and
support from over a dozen
sponsors, namely: NWTTA, TTJ,
CDS Consultants, BSW Timber,
Timber Garden Buildings, James
Jones & Sons, h&b Group,
NETTA, Södra Wood, Stag
Softwood, Taylor Maxwell, Kullick
Gill & Robinson, Jewson, NMBS,
Metsä Wood and Kronospan.
Laura concluded: "This is just
the beginning. Our focus now
is to build on this momentum
and grow the Women in Timber
community, providing ongoing
support, and planning the next
event to ensure this platform
continues to inspire and
empower."
www.womenintimber.uk
