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Timber Decking Sales Set to Rise in Light of Smoking Ban

BSW Timber, the largest sawmilling business in the UK, is expected to be a major winner in the wake of the smoking ban in Scotland.

The company, whose group headquarters is based at Earlston, Berwickshire, is bracing itself for a significant increase in orders as pubs and cafes draw up plans to build timber-decked beer gardens for smokers.
Hundreds of businesses in Scotland have already applied for planning permission to construct beer gardens, canopies and smoking shelters amid fears smokers will be driven away by the ban. Hotels, restaurants and leisure clubs are also expected to follow suit and press ahead with timber decking areas for customers who smoke.

BSW Timber, which distributes its Timeless Timber Decking brand across Scotland, believes the smoking ban can only boost the popularity of the product.

The Timber Decking Association (TDA) predicts a UK-wide smoking ban could boost decking sales by 20 per cent over the next three years.

There was a major increase in demand for outdoor facilities following the introduction of the smoking ban in Ireland in 2004.

BSW has a significant Scottish presence with three sawmills in Fort William, Petersmuir in East Lothian and Boat of Garten in Inverness-shire.

Bryan Crennell, marketing manager at BSW, said: "We anticipate a significant increase in Timeless Timber Decking sales as a direct result of the smoking ban in Scotland. BSW is the largest sawmilling business in the UK and this represents a major sales opportunity for us as a company.

"We are prepared for the increase in orders from our customers and believe the smoking ban offers terrific growth potential."

Steve Young, director of the Timber Decking Association, said: "If we look at what happened in Ireland, we saw massive increase in demand for outdoor rooms. Decking rose dramatically. We believe there will be a similar increase in the UK."

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