FILIPA SANTOS, COMPLIANCE MANAGER – 1ST YEAR AT NHG TIMBER

A Year at NHG Timber: Navigating the Rules, Staying Committed

How we’re building a future as a responsible and reliable timber trader.

It’s been a big year at NHG Timber — especially for our Compliance Manager, Filipa Santos. From day one, we’ve been clear that if we want to trade timber responsibly and sustainably, we can’t just wait to be told what to do. We’ve got to stay ahead of the curve.

And that’s exactly what we’ve done and will continue to do.

 

Keeping One Step Ahead

Timber regulation and compliance is front of centre of NHG Timber’s business model. We have been adapting our strategy from day one to be ahead of regulatory changes. Being prepared when the initial European Timber Regulation (EUTR) came into play, when it was adapted into the Timber and Timber Products Placing on the Market Regulations (UKTR) after Brexit and now implementing the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Last year when the original EUDR start date for 2024 was delayed, we didn’t see that as a reason to take our foot off the gas. We kept moving — using the extra time to strengthen our due diligence systems and make sure everything was running smoothly.

Now, with talk of another year’s delay and proposed changes still up in the air, we know many in the industry are feeling uncertain. But here’s where we stand: NHG Timber is staying focused. We’re committed to doing things properly — for the environment, for our customers, and for the future of this industry, and we will continue to implement the higher standard of regulation.

Whatever happens with the rules, we’re making sure compliance is one thing you don’t have to worry about. That includes helping you meet EUDR requirements — whenever they land — and staying fully aligned with UKTR here in the UK.

Real People, Real Support

A huge part of the work behind the scenes this year has been led by Filipa Santos, who joined us in 2024 to boost our compliance efforts and get our systems EUDR-ready.

But her role has gone far beyond our internal systems — she’s been right there with our customers too. Whether it’s helping you gather the right documents, understand what geolocation data you need, or figure out how to format and upload it — Filipa has been hands-on, explaining the tricky stuff in simple terms and helping you get it right.

She’s also taken part in key industry events — both as a learner and a speaker — making sure we’re not just following the conversation but helping shape it. We believe collaboration is key, and we’re proud to be part of an industry that shares knowledge to raise the bar.

Due Diligence That Goes Further

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes or sitting behind a desk. This year, we made sure our due diligence went all the way to the ground — with audit trips to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Ghana.

Being there in person matters. It means we can:

  • Audit our suppliers face-to-face.
  • See operations first-hand, from forest to factory.
  • See the progress in community projects and commitments
  • Keep a clear line of sight on what’s happening at every step.

When we say we care about traceability and transparency, we mean it — and we’ve got the evidence to prove it.

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Looking Ahead: Doing Things Right, Not Just Doing the Minimum

We don’t just want to keep up with regulations — we want to help shape them. This year we’ve taken part in events like the AITBT Conferences, the TDUK EUDR Workshop, and Preferred by Nature Training (where Filipa presented).

Why? Because we want to be part of building an industry that works with nature, not against it.

That’s also why we’ll continue working with responsible suppliers and sourcing sustainable hardwoods. And why we’ll keep giving you the support you need to stay compliant — even if the rulebook keeps changing.

To sum it up…

  • The rules might be shifting, but we’re not.
  • We’re ready for EUDR — and we’re here to help you get ready too.
  • We’ve got people on the ground, in the details, and on your side.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us. We hope that you continue to trust NHG Timber for your timber supply.