The Wood Protection Association (WPA) has announced that Dr Matthew Powell (pictured) has been appointed to take responsibility for the Flame Retardant (FR) related activities conducted by the organisation. Matthew will be taking the reins from Gordon Ewbank – who gave notice at the July WPA board meeting, of his intention to retire at the end of 2023. Gordon has served the WPA and the timber treatment industry for many years. Over the next few weeks Gordon and Matthew will be working together for a smooth transition.
Matthew is highly experienced in wood protection technology and his WPA management team colleagues are looking forward to working with him.
Matthew’s role will include acting as chair of the WPA FR Committee, keeping Members of the WPA up to date with standards, regulations and any other matters that could affect the market for FR treated wood, products, and processes. He will also act as the spokesperson on FR treated wood and wood-based materials in internal and external communications and at WPA events.
Matthew’s expertise lies in getting products to market – which involves intensive research and data collection – particularly fire test data, which stands him in good stead for his roles at the WPA. The WPA is the UK lead body on all matters concerning wood protection and has a respected voice with many British and European Standards setters. In addition, we have strategic partnerships in place with other major trade associations, so that we speak with one voice on such issues.
More at www.thewpa.org.uk
