Challenges due to external factors and over which the company has no control include: . Availability of funds as a result of the devastating fires of 2007 as well as the global recession that started in 2008, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the demand for timber by the construction industry. . Insufficient capacity of Platorand Training Centre in meeting all training needs . Artisan training restricted by Merseta requirements that allow only two trainees per mentor in the workplace.