Entries open for 2026 BWF Awards

Entries are now officially open for the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2026, its flagship annual celebration of the individuals, skills, projects and manufacturing excellence that have propelled the woodworking and joinery sector forward over the past 12 months.

Marking its 18th year and building on the success of last year’s awards, which reportedly drew a record number of entries and an exceptional calibre of individuals and shortlisted projects, the BWF is expecting even stronger participation from across the UK this year.

The 2026 BWF Awards will return to the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel on Friday 20 November 2026, bringing the industry together to recognise outstanding craftsmanship, technical innovation and business performance across the woodworking and joinery professions.

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said:  “Our awards recognise excellence within the talented woodworking and joinery profession that sits at the heart of UK manufacturing.

“We are acutely aware that this excellence is being delivered in challenging conditions, with many businesses navigating economic pressures, changing regulations and ongoing skills and supply chain constraints.

“The quality, expertise and commitment demonstrated in last year’s entries were a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that define our industry. The 2025 awards were our best year yet for entries, and we expect 2026 to build on that success.”

She added: “We know from conversations with our members that new technologies, regulatory shifts and ambitious sustainability efforts are reshaping how businesses operate on the ground.

“This year’s awards are not only a celebration, but an opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who are adapting and leading the charge – from apprentices at the earliest stages of their careers, to established manufacturers redefining what’s possible with timber as a high-performance, inherently sustainable material.

“It’s a chance for our community to come together, recognise that conditions remain tough and celebrate the innovation, grit and collaborative spirit that keeps our sector moving forward.”

2026 award categories and sponsors 

BWF Health and Safety Award – Sponsored by Sikkens Wood Coatings 

Recognises an individual or collective effort, or initiative, that has made a notable difference to health and safety practices and culture within a business. Judges are looking for initiatives or actions that have tangibly improved safety performance and engagement in an organisation.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by Accsys Technologies

Celebrates the achievements of apprentices within woodworking and joinery businesses.

Judges will be looking for quality of work against agreed targets and standards, a safety-first attitude and outstanding commitment that has added value to the apprentice’s workplace.

BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by James Latham

Recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work have made a real difference to their organisation or the wider woodworking and joinery community.

Judges seek evidence of someone who consistently goes the extra mile for customers and colleagues, and whose contribution has had a positive impact on business performance or efficiency.

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year – Sponsored by NFU Mutual

Showcases innovation and the very best in design, application and ability in joinery manufacture.

The judges are looking for a project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking and joinery and exceeds the usual requirements of joinery products, whether through scale, complexity or quality of finish.

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

Recognises excellence in conservation, restoration or renovation applications.

Judges are looking for heritage joinery projects that demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship and clear evidence of a company’s contribution to the conservation, restoration or renovation of a heritage asset.

BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Swedish Wood

Celebrates outstanding projects, initiatives or individuals that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving environmental sustainability performance.

Judges will look for evidence of lasting sustainability improvements, such as reduced carbon emissions, resource efficiency, responsible sourcing or circular practices, supported by robust data and clear plans for continuous improvement.

BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy

Recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application.

The judges are seeking products, processes or solutions that extend the opportunities and applications of timber joinery by overcoming technical or process challenges or introducing new concepts that deliver clear benefits for customers and the wider market.

Helen concluded: “Our thanks, as always, to our wonderful sponsors for their support. We look forward to returning to the Kimpton Fitzroy for another fantastic evening of recognition and celebration, and we encourage businesses of all sizes and specialisms to put themselves forward.”

How to enter

Entries for the 2026 BWF Awards will close on 7 August 2026 at 5pm. The awards are free to enter, and businesses may nominate themselves or be nominated by clients or suppliers. There are no limits on the number of categories that can be entered.

Further information about the BWF Awards, including entry forms and the full, detailed criteria for each category, can be found on the BWF website: https://www.bwf.org.uk/bwf-awards-2026