2025 BWF Award Winners Announced

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2025 winners were revealed on 21 November at the Kimpton Fitzroy London.

Returning to the London venue, the evening event saw the sector come together to “recognise the achievements, excellence and skills that have driven the woodworking and joinery manufacture profession forward over the last 12 months”.

Marking its 17th anniversary, the 2025 awards reportedly drew the highest number of entries yet and showcased an exceptional range of talent across all categories.

The winners of this year’s BWF Awards included:

BWF Health & Safety Award – sponsored by Professional Woodworking Today

Winner: Heron Manufacture for Aidan McClenaghan and his transformative changes to the Heron groups health and safety culture.

BWF Award judges recognised that Aidan has clearly worked hard to embed a proactive safety culture within the business, building co-operation and management systems from the ground up. They commended the organisation for its approach which “brings the team together to drive safety”. The judges noted that this approach has delivered impressive results, with a reduction in accidents and an increase in near-miss reporting since 2023.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by CITB

Winner: Luke Newton of TMJ Interiors.

His employer said “from his very first interview, it was clear that Luke would be a valuable asset to TMJ. Luke exemplifies the ideal apprentice – skilled, dedicated, and aligned with our values”.

BWF Award judges recognised that Luke has already demonstrated exceptional dedication to his craft by being a recipient of TMJ’s Green Award. They commended him for “showing impressive perseverance and passion while working on a 100-year-old building”. The judges added that they look forward to seeing more of his accomplishments in the future.

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

Winner: Houghtons of York for the Restoration of the tapestry drawing room at the Grade 1 Listed Castle Howard.

BWF Award judges hailed this project as “a breathtaking example of attention to detail and faultless traditional craftsmanship.” They described it as “one of the finest examples of traditional craftsmanship” they had ever seen, praising the way it combines multiple heritage skills to the highest standard. The judges noted that the project stood out in every aspect of execution, so that “most visitors won’t even realise it’s new.”

BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Teknos

Winner: NBJ (London) for the Grainhouse Staircase, Covent Garden project.

BWF Award judges praised the Grainhouse project as “a true showcase of innovation,” recognising how it brings together forward-thinking design and cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results. They described it as “a remarkable achievement – both technically and aesthetically”.

BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Remmers UK

Winner: James Latham for the introduction, and continued commitment to introduce a series of measures to profitable sustainability.

BWF Award judges commended James Latham noting that the company has “fully embraced” sustainability. They praised its commitment to achieving cost and carbon savings through management systems, investment in green energy, and fleet and plant improvements, and material recovery processes. The judges also highlighted James Latham’s “clear understanding of responsible sourcing and a strong drive to improve it, and ambitious carbon roadmap”.

BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by NFU Mutual

Winner: John Mullan of Heron Manufacture. His employer said “John is known internally not just for what he does, but for how he does it. He is supportive, dependable, and brings out the best in others.”

BWF Award judges praised John as “a driven leader whose dedication, innovation, and community spirit have transformed both Heron Manufacture and those he works with.” They highlighted his “remarkable rise through the business over just seven years”, describing him as “a true rising star”.

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

Winner: Mumford & Wood for the handcrafting of bespoke windows for London’s exclusive residential 1 Mayfair project.

BWF Award judges described this project as “a standout,” due to its ability to completely modernise heritage by “creating new history while blending with both contemporary and existing style.” They praised the complexity involved in producing such a large number of intricately designed windows, noting that “in terms of scale, intricacy, and difficulty, this is off the chart”.

Celebrating this year’s winners, Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “The skill, dedication, and expertise demonstrated across this year’s outstanding entries are a true testament to the talented individuals and forward-thinking businesses within our sector.

“This year’s BWF Awards provided a fantastic opportunity for the sector to come together to recognise and celebrate the projects, businesses and people driving innovation and best practice across woodworking and joinery manufacture. With more submissions than ever before, judging was not an easy task, and our 2025 winners stand out as shining examples of the skill, creativity, and excellence that define our talented profession.

“Congratulations to all our winners!”

For more information visit: https://www.bwf.org.uk/bwf-awards-2025/