‘A passionate and knowledgeable’ industry

As part of our new feature where we get to know members of the joinery sector, we’re speaking to the Joinery Network’s Business Co-Ordinator Teresa Humphries, on first impressions of the industry, what it looks like now from her point of view, plus her best and worst parts of the job.

Name: Teresa Humphries

Job Title: Business Coordinator

Company: The Joinery Network

How long have you been in the industry for? I have worked in the distribution side of the industry for over 10 years but predominately the supply of window hardware and components prior to my recently appointed role with The Joinery Network.

What was your first impressions of the timber industry? The passion and knowledge that the industry has for their craft and the level of detail and tradition held in the work they produce.
Also, the fact that the industry can be very insular and therefore reluctant to share knowledge and embrace change. Many of our members are family concerns where business has been passed through generations and there is a wealth of knowledge captured

What is your favourite part about your job? I enjoy talking to our members and finding out about their businesses, how they trade, what they produce and how they operate in a changing world. I also am excited to be able to, along with the team, introduce new products and efficiencies that can help and support their business for the future.

And the least favourite part about the job? Witnessing businesses fold due to challenges they struggle to overcome.

How important is the Joinery Network to the sector? Hugely important! The network brings together like minded, skilled individuals and creates a community within the Joinery industry.
Joiners within the timber industry needs support to navigate through barriers that can arise with changing legislation and supply chain.

The weekly ‘Joinery Hour’ held by the Network, every Friday is a perfect opportunity to seek Free advice from professionals, learn about newer methods and advancing processes that can enhance their business and generally talk to other joiners to resolve issues that members come up against every single day.

The licensing Scheme for the manufacture of fully complaint products can be a gamechanger for many businesses. Improving efficiency and widening their customer opportunities which also can fit easily alongside the custom products that most of our members enjoy producing.

And lastly, if you had to describe our industry in three words, what would they be? Traditional, Passionate, Challenging.