Wood is important. Right now we all rely heavily on synthetic materials - both at home and at work and that's not sustainable. By being innovative in the ways we grow and use wood in the UK we can create jobs, drive economic growth and preserve beautiful places. Skills and training in wood are hard to come by, support for new wood-based businesses is lacking and innovation in technology and design in wood is scarce.

Innovation in wood technology is vital if our economy is to be less reliant on synthetic materials. Traditional and state-of-art wood skills need to be fostered, and young business nurtured. The use of home-grown timber needs to be promoted. The Sylva Wood Centre - opened in 2015 - supports small businesses and craftspeople who design and make in wood. It aims to support apprentices and training in wood working skills and promote the use of home-grown wood from well-managed British forests.