Beacon Forestry has been offering a monthly electronic timber marketing service since 1995.  During this time we have been supported and used by private woodland owners, managers, agents, the Forestry Commission and wood processing companies in England, Scotland and Wales; which we greatly appreciate.

Over the last 8 years, there have been significant changes in technology, timber markets and the structure of the industry.  Some of the many changes are:

r      The widespread acceptance and use of the internet, the web and broadband.

r      The reduction in information on timber prices for individual parcels as greater use has been made of off-market negotiated long-term contracts.

r      The FC investing heavily in new software which will allow them to market most of their timber by tender over the internet from April 2005.  This would mean the phasing out of competitive open market auctions, and a further reduction in open market price information.

r      Changing expectations and requirements of those using an internet timber marketing service.

The Forestry Commission has supported Beacon Forestry over the last 6 years, but has now indicated that it is intending to stop selling significant amounts of timber through us next year. Therefore, we would like to find out how woodland owners, managers and agents operating in the private sector value our service; how it could be improved; and how you see timber marketing developing in the future.  We would appreciate it if you could spare some of your time to complete the on line questionnaire so we can evaluate the options open to us.  All responses will be treated as confidential.