Call for entries as British Woodworking Federation celebrates 15th Annual Awards

Entries have now opened for the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) Awards which celebrate the outstanding skills and talent in the woodworking and joinery sector, and the milestone achievements of the past year.

This is the 15^th year that the prestigious annual awards have taken place, with seven categories designed to showcase the sector’s best projects, products, processes and people.

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “Our industry has changed so much in 15 years, and what continues to amaze me is the way that we keep finding ways to do things even better, even more innovatively. That is what our awards are all about – unearthing and celebrating the best our industry has to offer.

“As entries open for another year, we can’t wait to hear about the individuals and companies that are taking woodworking and joinery to the next level.”

Entries for this year’s BWF Awards close at 17:00 on Friday 1^st September 2023. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the prestigious BWF Awards Dinner on 24^th November, at The Langham, London – Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’. Finalists will be notified a month ahead of the ceremony.

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a client or supplier. The categories for this year’s awards, which are free to enter, are as follows:

Woodworking Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited

This award recognises innovation and the very best in design, application and ability in joinery manufacture. Judges are looking for a joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking and joinery.

Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy

Recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application. The judges are looking for a product or process development that helps to showcase or extend the opportunity and application of timber joinery.

BWF Health and Safety Award

Acknowledges an individual or collective effort, or initiative, which has made a notable difference to the health and safety practices and culture within a business. The judges are looking for an initiative or action that has improved safety in your business.

The 2023 Award is dedicated to the memory of Jon Gibson, who had a huge passion for training, and health and safety in the joinery sector. He was a long-time supporter of the BWF and its members through his work at DIDAC, the HSE Wood Safety Group, and as a valued independent judge for previous BWF Awards.

 BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by ASSA ABLOY Group

Recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work has made a real difference either to the organisation in which they work, or to the wider woodworking and joinery community. The judges are looking for an individual who goes the ‘extra mile’ to ensure that customers receive the best possible experience. For example, they may have implemented a new customer journey process or a new ordering system that has a positive outcome on both the customer and the business.

BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Remmers

Now in its second year, this award recognises excellence in a conservation, restoration or renovation application. The judges are looking for a heritage joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking/joinery.

BWF Process & Resource Efficiency Award

Recognises exceptional projects or initiatives that demonstrate the most efficient use of business resources or materials. The judges are looking for a solution to a clearly defined and well understood problem.

 BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by CITB

Celebrates the achievements of all apprentices within the woodworking businesses. The judges are looking for quality of work to agreed quality targets and standards.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, which are open to members and non-members, please contact gemma.price@bwf.org.uk.

Further information about the BWF Awards, including entry forms, can be found here.