Phil O’Leary is Business Unit Head in charge of BM TRADA’s Timber Consultancy, the UK’s pre-eminent team of timber experts providing value-adding advisory services to the construction industry, building product manufacturers and insurers.

As a qualified visual strength grader and with a BSc in Economics, an HNC in Countryside and Conservation Management and an MSc in Forest Products Technology, Phil brings a broad skill-set and vast experience to the job.

He specialises in condition surveys, performance assessments and structural strength advice for timber in many building types, including historic buildings, railway infrastructure, marine assets and cooling towers. 

Phils’ particular expertise is in the quality, performance characteristics, deterioration and preservation of different kinds of timber for different uses. He has served as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures in, for example, scaffold boards and tool handles.

As well as leading the Timber Consultancy team, Phil is responsible for all of their highly regarded series of standard and bespoke training courses. He personally delivers presentations and training seminars on timber strength grading both in the UK and overseas. 

Phil sits on the BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.