17th BWF Awards now open for entries

Entries are now open for the 17th British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards – a celebration of the individuals, skills, projects, and manufacturing excellence which have driven the woodworking and joinery sector forward over the last year.

Entries for this year’s BWF Awards close on Friday 15 August at 5pm. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the BWF Awards Dinner on Friday 21 November at Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel.

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “From conversations with BWF members and colleagues across the woodworking and joinery sector, it’s clear that the past 12 months have been shaped by new innovations, skilled craftsmanship and the rise of new talent making their mark. I’m excited to see these achievements reflected in this year’s award entries.

“Last year’s launch of the BWF Sustainability Award exceeded all expectations, becoming our most entered category. That tells us something important – across our sector, sustainability is not just a talking point, it’s driving forward our continued growth and success. By encouraging our customers and the broader construction industry to embrace timber’s potential as a high-performance, low-carbon material, we can support Government initiatives such as the Timber in Construction Roadmap and Future Homes Hub, and deliver beautiful, responsibly sourced products.

“We’re looking forward to returning to the Kimpton Fitzroy for what promises to be fantastic celebration of our profession’s achievements. It’s an evening to come together, recognise excellence, and enjoy ourselves.”

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a client or supplier, and there are no limits on the number of categories that can be entered.

The categories for this year’s awards, which are free to enter, are:

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings

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

BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Teknos

This award recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application. The judges are looking for a product or process development that showcases or extends the opportunity and application of timber joinery by overcoming technical or process difficulties or by introducing new concepts to produce the desired joinery solution.

BWF Health and Safety Award – Available to sponsor

This 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 an organisation.

BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by NFU Mutual

This award recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work has made a real difference to either 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 and has had a positive impact on the performance or efficiency of the business.

BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection

Recognising excellence in a conservation, restoration or renovation application, for this award the judges are looking for a heritage joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking/joinery, and evidence that the company contributed to the conservation, restoration or renovation of a heritage project.

BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Remmers UK Ltd

This award recognises outstanding projects, initiatives or individuals that demonstrate a commitment to improving the company’s environmental sustainability performance. The judges are looking for organisations or individuals that have identified and secured lasting sustainability improvements, demonstrated through evidence that sustainable environmental improvements have been made, and committed to continually improving sustainability through clear processes.

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, a safety-first attitude and extraordinary commitment that has added value to the apprentice’s place of work.

The BWF – British Woodworking Federation | The Voice of Woodworking