The shortlist for the 18th British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards has been revealed. The BWF Awards celebrate the skills, creativity and dedication demonstrated by companies and individuals across the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry over the last 12 months.
“The quality of entries for this year’s BWF Awards reflects the talent, skills and passion that define the UK’s woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector," says Helen Hewitt, CEO of the BWF.
“As we celebrate the eighteenth year of the Awards and 50 years of the British Woodworking Federation, it’s inspiring to see how individuals and businesses across our sector continue to innovate and deliver high-quality, safe and sustainably minded solutions for the UK’s buildings.
“The latest entries showcase how our rising stars and apprentices are shaping the next generation, while advances in health and safety, sustainability, manufacturing and heritage restoration continue to transform our sector. Clearly showcasing the skills and innovation of modern woodworking and joinery, these achievements will be crucial to the sector’s future growth.
“The BWF Awards provide a key moment for our sector to come together to recognise, and importantly celebrate, the outstanding achievements of the past 12 months. I’m looking forward to joining our finalists, members and industry colleagues at the Kimpton Fitzroy to celebrate their successes and the best of British woodworking and joinery.”
The winners will be announced at the annual BWF Awards, taking place at the Kimpton Fitzroy London on Friday, 20th November.
More information about the awards can be found on the BWF website here. The full shortlist for this year’s awards is as follows:
BWF Health & Safety Award – sponsored by Sikkens Wood Coatings
- Nikki Higgins of Premdor - in recognition of her outstanding contribution to health, safety and environmental excellence.
- Premdor Crosby Ltd – for the company-wide Safer Together strategy aimed at including wellness and mental health as part of the "health and safety" banner.
BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by Accoya
- Ivan Ryshchak of Taylor Made Joinery Interiors - his employer said, “At just 21 years of age, Ivan Ryshchak has demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and commitment throughout his apprenticeship journey.”
- Timothy Patterson of Heron Manufacture Ltd - his employer said, “Quiet, modest, and unassuming, Timothy isn't someone who seeks recognition or attention. Instead, he lets his work speak for itself.”
- Alfie Clutterbuck of Ventrolla - his employer said, “In over 20 years of managing joiners and apprentices, Alfie stands out for his attitude, commitment and genuine passion for the craft.”
BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection
- Ventrolla - for the careful renovation of sash windows in Canons Ashby House, a magnificent Grade I listed National Trust property in Northamptonshire.
- A Sturrock & Son - for the design-develop, manufacture, supply and install of bespoke heritage windows and Crowley Doorset in the Boleskine House restoration.
- Houghtons of York - for the repair and restoration of Salford Cathedral’s rood and crucifix.
BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings Ltd
- The Joinery Workshop (Orpington) Ltd - for the thirty-one 'bronze-style' timber shopfronts at Pegasus House, Piccadilly.
- JoinerySoft Ltd - for JMS Cloud, the innovative software designed specifically for joinery businesses to transform core operations.
- Bauer Media Outdoor UK - for the Milestone project - the first UK bus shelter designed to be manufactured from Douglas Fir structural glue-laminated timber.
BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Swedish Wood
- Heron Manufacture Ltd - for Tui Bumblys, in recognition of his leadership, commitment, and measurable contribution to embedding sustainability within Heron Manufacture Ltd and beyond.
- Stairways Midlands Ltd - for delivering bespoke sustainable joinery through reuse, craftsmanship and circular design on the Home Farm project.
- The Joinery Workshop (Orpington) Ltd – for the onsite use of FSC-certified Sapele for the Pegasus House, Piccadilly project.
BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by James Latham
- Chloe Wainwright of Performance Doorset Solutions Ltd - her employer said, “Chloe is an outstanding and highly driven individual who has rapidly established herself as a key contributor to business performance and operational excellence.”
- Eleanor Broadbridge of R & E Falkingham Joinery Ltd - her employer said, “Since joining R&E Falkingham Joinery, Eleanor has become a very important part of our business. For a small business like ours, she has made a real difference.”
- Karolina Kuczak of Heron Fire Doors - her employer said, “Since joining Heron Fire Doors just over a year ago, Karolina has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine passion for learning. She has quickly established herself as a highly valued member of the production team.”
BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by NFU Mutual
- NBJ (London) Ltd - for the design, manufacture and installation of highly complex joinery, internal doors and wall panelling throughout Cambridge Arts Theatre’s 664 seat auditorium.
- Houghtons of York - for their significant contribution to the repair, conservation and re-order of Salford Cathedral as part of the 'Restoring the Glory' project.
- AR Manley & Son Ltd – for the significant manufacture and delivery of windows, external door sets and shutters to accurately replicate an authentic Georgian property.
