Author: George Lewis

A fearless group of six furnishing industry professionals, led by Master Jessica Alexander, has successfully completed a spectacular 100-metre abseil down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company. The challenge took place on Sunday 13 September, with the Master joined by Andy Corbett, Business Director (Comfort Division) at Vita Group; Limun… Continue reading Furniture Makers’ Master completes charity abseil

The Wood Awards has announced the 34-strong shortlist for its 2026 awards, which are said to showcase the UK’s most ambitious and innovative work in wood across architecture, furniture and product design. Selected from more than 200 entries, the shortlist comprises 20 buildings and 14 furniture and object projects. Together, they are said to demonstrate… Continue reading 2026 Wood Awards shortlist announced

UK timber and panel product imports remained below last year’s levels during the first half of 2026, with weaker softwood and plywood volumes weighing on the market, according to the latest statistics from Timber Development UK (TDUK). The combined volume of the UK’s main timber and panel product imports was 3.9% lower in H1 2026… Continue reading UK timber and panel imports fall 3.9% in first half of 2026

In her latest article, Samarah Dawson, Business Development Manager at specialist furniture and interiors apprenticeship training provider, WEBS Training, looks at how to bring in a new apprentice into your business. You’ve done the sums, you’re ready to commit – now you just need that perfect apprentice to join your business… This segment I’ll be… Continue reading How to find the right apprentice for your business

Hadleigh Timber Group has announced the appointment of Ben Todd as Managing Director of Hadleigh Timber Group. Ben is said to bring extensive leadership, financial and industry experience to the Group, having built a successful career across finance, distribution and the building materials sector. An ACA Chartered Accountant, Ben began his career with KPMG and… Continue reading Hadleigh Timber Group appoints Ben Todd as MD

The Structural Timber Association (STA) has announced Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, as the latest addition to its Board of Directors. With over 25 years’ experience in the UK timber construction sector, spanning design, technical development, manufacturing and business leadership, Darren is said to bring a wealth of expertise to the STA… Continue reading Structural Timber Association appoints Darren Jarman to board

Five carpenters and joiners have seen off strong competition from across the UK and Ireland to win a semi-final place in Screwfix’s annual search for its Top Tradesperson. Richard Barnes from Knutsford, Kevin Crawford from Prestonpans, Karl Malone from Tamworth, Josh Richards from Surrey and Gavin Tutton from Kenilworth have all earned places in the… Continue reading Carpenters and joiners amongst semi-finalists for Top Tradesperson

Lowfield Timber Frames has reportedly become the first framing-focused business in Britain to achieve Grown in Britain certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to responsible timber sourcing and the promotion of home-grown timber. The certification is said to have been achieved in support of the work Whitbread has put into its build… Continue reading Lowfield Timber Frames achieves Grown in Britain certification

Modern Joinery’s sister company, PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society is evolving its annual sponsorship programme for 2027, introducing the new Annual PiGs Partner programme, as it continues to expand its reach across the glazing industry. Built around the simple idea of bringing the industry together, PiGs has grown significantly since its launch, with 2026… Continue reading PiGs launches Annual Partner programme for 2027

Final preparations are underway for the PiGs Charity of the Year Inca Trail Challenge, Machu PiGchu, with the team set to fly out to Peru on 2 October. The team of 12 intrepid explorers from the glazing industry will spend two days acclimatising to the altitude before starting the five-day trek along the Inca Trail… Continue reading PiGs Inca Trail team enters final preparations for Peru challenge