The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is organising its third annual Online Christmas Charity Auction, with the aim of raising £10,000 to support its education, training and welfare programmes. This year’s auction, which runs from 1–12 December, features more than 25 lots generously donated by companies and individuals from across the furnishing industry. From premium mattresses and luxury bedding bundles to

TMJ Interiors, based in Ipswich, has won the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) Apprentice of the Year Award, recognising the outstanding talent, dedication and skill demonstrated by apprentice Luke Newton. Sponsored by CITB, the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland and Wales, the Apprentice of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of apprentices within woodworking businesses. It recognises high-quality work delivered to agreed sta

The best of the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry were celebrated as the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2025 winners were revealed on Friday 21 November at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Returning to the prestigious London venue, the evening event brought the sector together to recognise the achievements, excellence and skills that have driven the woodworking and joinery manufacturing profession forward over the last 12 months. Marking its 17th annivers

The new DLX2549TJ 18V LXT® Brushless Twin Kit from Makita provides trade professionals with an ideal combination of high-performance tools and heavy-duty batteries for demanding applications. The kit features a powerful DHP492 combi drill, a high-torque DTD173 impact driver, two 5.0Ah BL1850B batteries and a DC18RC fast charger, all of which work together to deliver outstanding efficiency, extended runtime and reduced maintenance requirements. With a maximum torque of 141Nm a

A Forest Datum, an experimental raised walkway constructed at Hooke Park by students of the Design + Make Postgraduate Programme, has won the Bespoke Award at the 2025 Wood Awards. A Forest Datum by Design + Make Architectural Association. Photo © Design + Make Architectural Association The project showcases a groundbreaking structural system that harnesses the strength of natural-growth timber forks, locally sourced from routine forest pruning. Typically dismissed as waste d

An enchanting transformation of the Natural History Museum’s grounds – including a new café and education building – has been named the UK’s best new timber project, winning the prestigious Gold Award at the Wood Awards 2025. Urban Nature Project by Feilden Fowles. Photo © Jim Stephenson Sensitively integrating two new buildings within the relandscaped museum gardens, the Urban Nature Project, led by Feilden Fowles, is a triumph of sustainable, landscape-led development. Five

The warm, earthy fragrance of freshly cut wood fills the bright production floor of Trappenfabriek Vermeulen. Three MINK dry claw vacuum pumps from Busch Vacuum Solutions hum quietly in unison, with a fourth standing idle and ready when needed. The central system reliably supplies seven CNC routers with vacuum for clamping and nesting, ensuring each wooden panel is securely fastened during cutting, without pressure marks or damage. The CNC process remains fast, efficient and

Leading UK timber supplier Premier Forest Products has been applauded by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden for its groundbreaking Corporate Parenting Programme. In partnership with Newport Council and its Children’s Services, the Premier Forest Corporate Parenting Programme supports up to six young people each year, offering paid work placements across departments including finance, operations, logistics and manufacturing. From left to right: Laura Laceyn, Jessica Mord

Introducing the new M18 FUEL™* M-Class AC/DC  dual battery dust extractor from Milwaukee® . With high sustained airflow for all-day productivity and integrated VACLINK™ wireless dust control, this solution redefines cordless dust extraction. This innovative extractor sets new standards for productivity and safety on job sites across general contracting, mechanical, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and remodelling trades. The M18 FUEL™ M-Class AC/DC  dual battery dust extractor  wit

Häfele UK has launched the Trade Hub, a new online space built to help tradespeople save time on every job. The platform brings together more than 25,000 stocked products, covering everyday essentials such as fixings, hinges, drawer runners and consumables. It also offers lighting, kitchen storage, fittings and tools from leading brands including Wera, Festool, Mirka, Trend, Soudal, Bosch and Häfele’s own designed and manufactured solutions. All orders are backed by free next

With more than two decades of experience in the steel fire door and architectural ironmongery sectors, Dave brings extensive expertise in product certification, compliance and fire performance. He has a proven track record of driving business growth, developing new product lines and enhancing manufacturing processes. Beyond his commercial achievements, he’s been a long-standing contributor to industry bodies and technical committees, helping to shape national standards for fi

HAIX, the global functional shoe and clothing specialist, has redesigned its entire workwear safety portfolio, engineered to provide the right shoe for every professional need – from warehouses to major construction sites. The revamped footwear lineup introduces a streamlined range built around XLR8, a suite of technologies that enhance comfort, control and energy efficiency throughout the working day. The refreshed Black Eagle and Airpower XR models will be organised into th

After 10 years in the hot seat, Jonathan Hindle is stepping down as Chairman of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC). The new Chairman is Tony Attard OBE DL, founder and Chairman of the Panaz Group. From left to right: Tony Attard OBE DL and Jonathan Hindle The BFC was established in 2006 by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (WCFM) to represent the industry’s voice to government. Since forming, its Chairs have traditionally been Past Masters of the WCFM. Tony se

Dust extraction manufacturer, Dust Control Environmental (DCE), recently celebrated a major production milestone as its 1,000th dust extractor rolled out of the factory DCE’s 1,000th dust extractor – an Envirojet W-Series – leaves the factory  Established 15 years ago by owner and Managing Director Martin Gill, DCE began life in a small office and garage space in Morley, West Yorkshire, where the very first prototype dust extraction unit was developed. As the business grew an

As temperatures drop, factory-finished joinery faces one of its biggest annual challenges: winter. Low temperatures and high humidity make coating application and curing more difficult and can also affect timber stability. To help, Teknos has put together a series of simple, practical steps you can follow to minimise cold-weather disruption and avoid expensive rework. The hidden risks of winter production Cold weather introduces several risks: Paint can become cold or even fr