MJN on the road: Women in Timber 2026

Rachael Lewis, Content Coordinator at Modern Joinery News (MJN), discusses attending the second Women in Timber UK event at Oulton Hall, near Leeds.

“On 1 October, I attended my first Women in Timber UK seminar at Oulton Hall.

“Hosted by a group of women across the timber industry, including: Laura Qualters and Karen Sussex of Timber Development UK (TDUK), Jessica Vernon of Timber Garden Buildings, Chidi Adilih-Osim of GlobalData, Sian Moreton of Accys Technologies and Jennie Ward of TDUK and JKW PR and Marketing.

“It was the second seminar to be held there, with 170 women from throughout the industry attending, a rise on the inaugural event last year.

“The day started with a networking session, hosted by Transformational Coach and Mindfulness Practitioner, Danielle Thornton-Walker.

“It was a professional “speed networking” session, where you had to find someone you didn’t know and had five minutes to talk about yourself.

“Following on, Danielle began her coaching session by teaching us how to release negative energy and focus on the things that uplift, nourish, and support our energy.

“After lunch, we heard from Nicole Allison, Owner and CEO of Worcester City Women’s Football Club.

“Nicole delivered an inspiring talk about how she built the club up in just five years, sharing the challenges she faced along the way and the resilience it took to succeed.

“Continuing on throughout the day were industry speakers, such as: Katie Gunstone, Mums Achieving More/Juha.co.uk Ltd, Kate Hawley Forestry Commission, Samantha Hanks of The Support Yard and Sonia Robinson, Southern Oak.

“Each talk had a different impact. Katie Gunstone started the session with an empowering talk about balancing her career with motherhood and how reframing your mindset can change the way you approach challenges and opportunities.

“Next was Kate Hawley, who shared her brilliant story into the environmental industry as a young woman.

“Personally, I loved her story about turning up in her pink wellies despite being told to tone it down. It was a great reminder to stay true to yourself and embrace who you are.

“Samantha Hanks spoke about her experience in the industry, how she dealt with being the only women in the room creating The Support Yard.

“Her talk was incredibly moving and highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace.

“Sonia Robinson closed the day with a powerful talk about starting again and building Southern Oak into a nationwide business in just three years.

“As Founder and Managing Director, she spoke about the importance of backing yourself and wanting her children to see a strong woman.

“She finished with a heartfelt reminder that when you’re happy, your children are happy too.

“Overall, it was a day full of inspiration, connection and powerful conversations. I left feeling motivated, uplifted and reminded of the importance of backing ourselves and each other.

“Here’s to celebrating the women shaping our industry!”

For more information about Women in Timber UK, visit: Women in Timber – Women in Timber