Year one done!

Year one done!

With the end of 2024 nearly upon us, Modern Joinery Editor George Lewis discusses his first year at the publication, learning about a new sector, his key takeaways, and what’s to come in 2025.

When Founder Sarah Ball invited me to take on the role of Editor for Modern Joinery and help her launch the publication, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Launching a new title is always a challenge—and stepping into a market I had no prior experience in added another potential layer of difficulty.

Thankfully, I wasn’t starting from scratch. Having worked within the glazing sector for eight years, and with Sarah and her husband, Andy Ball—Founder Partner of The Joinery Network—by my side, I had a really strong base for me to learn all about this industry.

Over the past year, my personal focus has been on building a strong understanding of what drives companies in the sector. It’s been fascinating to hear from businesses, large and small, about their current challenges, successes, and aspirations for the future.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard to establish Modern Joinery as a trusted brand for the joinery and timber sectors. From growing our audience on social media, to expanding the breadth of news we cover across the sector. We’ve definitely made some good progress, and it’s really exciting to put those building blocks in place going into 2025.

The feedback from our readers so far has been incredibly encouraging, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.

2025 promises to be even bigger for us. We’ll be launching a brand-new website — a hub for all our news, event details, and much more. We can’t wait to share these updates with you in the coming months.

From my perspective, this is a thrilling time to be part of the joinery sector. There are so many brilliant people to meet and understand their businesses, many events to attend, and stories to cover. Our goal is for Modern Joinery to become the go-to publication for everyone in the industry, and I’m eager to see what 2025 will bring.

Want to join us on this journey? There are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether it’s featuring your news in our bi-weekly newsletter, exploring sponsorship opportunities on our website when it is launched, or inviting us to an event, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at news@modernjoinery.co.uk.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me and Modern Joinery in our first year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing many of you in 2025.

George

More news

James Lund Lack, Donaldson Timber Systems 2026

Donaldson Timber Systems appoints Quality Manager

Donaldson Timber Systems has appointed James Lund-Lack as Regional and Quality Manager. James reportedly brings over 15 years of senior management experience to his role, most recently as Managing Director of iHus Annexe, a UK timber frame homebuilder specialising in multigenerational living. His extensive leadership experience is said to cover both executive and non-executive roles, with a… Continue reading Donaldson Timber Systems appoints Quality Manager
Matika 2026

Makita expands cordless lighting range

Makita has expanded its cordless lighting range with the 40VMax XGT ML013G and 18V DML819 LXT Magnetic Work Lights. These lights can be attached and fixed to any metal surface with the powerful magnet, providing unparalleled flexibility, for instant, handsfree illumination and can be used when undertaking maintenance work on construction machinery and heavy equipment.… Continue reading Makita expands cordless lighting range
Big shots 2026

Big Shots 31 raises £30,000 for Furniture Makers’ Company

The 31st edition of Big Shots, The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual clay pigeon shooting fundraiser, raised £30,000 to support people working in the furnishing industry. Held at the Holland & Holland shooting grounds in Middlesex, the event brought together industry professionals, suppliers and supporters for a day of friendly competition, networking and fundraising. Principally sponsored… Continue reading Big Shots 31 raises £30,000 for Furniture Makers’ Company