Brightest Woodworking Stars Celebrated at BWF Awards 2024 Gala in London

The woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry’s brightest stars shone at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024, unveiled during a spectacular evening at The Langham, London.

The 5-star hotel served as an elegant backdrop for recognising the people, projects, and innovations that have shaped the sector over the past year.

Marking its 16th anniversary, this year’s Awards drew a record number of entries, showcasing exceptional talent across the industry. Guests enjoyed fine dining while celebrating the sector’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

With seven prestigious categories, the winners included:

BWF Health and Safety Award – sponsored by NFU Mutual

Winner: JELD WEN – for developing a Radio Frequency Tag System using AI technology to protect pedestrians from moving industrial vehicles.

The judges praised this initiative as a significant investment in cutting-edge RFID and AI technologies to improve safety. They commended JELD WEN for “focusing on risk reduction and demonstrating a clear commitment to safety improvement in what is currently one of the highest severity risk areas at work.”

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by CITB

A still from Lilli-Mae Broadhurst’s entry video for the BWF Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Lilli-Mae Broadhurst – Gowercroft Joinery

Lilli-Mae’s employer nomination described her as a “fast learner with an evident hunger for knowledge and ambition.” Her dedication and initiative have propelled her rapid promotion at Gowercroft Joinery.

The judges commended her “can-do attitude, commercial awareness, and the critical role she plays in back-office operations that add immense value to the company.”

BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – sponsored by Remmers (UK) Limited

Precision Made Joinery offers a range of handmade bespoke joinery solutions

Winner: Precision Made Joinery – awarded for its exceptional restoration of The Old Rectory, Fornham All Saints, Suffolk – a Grade II Listed property.

The judges praised this project as an “outstanding demonstration of traditional woodworking and joinery skills, achieving a high-quality, traditional finish.”

BWF Innovation Award – sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings 

Heron Group is an award-winning construction and property development company operating throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe

Winner: Heron Fire Doors – for the ongoing development of its cost-efficient external Herodor door set.

Judges hailed the Herodor as a timely and innovative product offering improved fire safety standards at an accessible price, calling it a “true industry innovation.”

BWF Rising Star Award – sponsored by Accsys Technologies Plc

Winner: Tautvydas Bumblys – Heron Joinery

Tautvydas’ nomination celebrated his care, dedication, and leadership, both within the workplace and the broader community.

Judges highlighted his “exceptional organisation, leadership skills, and contributions to numerous projects that help drive business success.”

BWF Sustainability Award – sponsored by Mirka

Gowercroft Joinery Sales Director, Joe Grimley, with Apprentice, Lilli-Mae Broadhurst. The company scooped two accolades at this year’s BWF Awards: Apprentice of the Year and the Sustainability Award

Winner: Gowercroft Joinery – recognised for its commitment to sustainability, Gowercroft Joinery has achieved measurable improvements in its manufacturing processes, reducing environmental impact through Life Cycle Assessments.

The judges applauded the company’s “genuine environmental commitment and forward-thinking sustainable practices.”

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award – sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited

D Foord Joinery Ltd brings over 20 years of expertise in bespoke joinery manufacturing, catering to contractors, architects and the domestic/private sector

Winner: D Foord Joinery Ltd – for the design and installation of an elliptical staircase in English oak for a Georgian house.

Judges described the project as a “perfect example of traditional woodworking skills, combining exceptional craftsmanship with innovative engineering.”

Celebrating excellence in woodworking

Commenting on the winners, BWF Chief Executive Helen Hewitt said: “It’s truly inspiring to see the exceptional quality and quantity of this year’s entries, especially in our new Sustainability Award, which received an outstanding response.

“The BWF Awards offer a rare opportunity to celebrate the skills, dedication, and technical expertise that drive our industry forward. As the Awards grow, the hard work, innovation, and talent displayed by our finalists reflect the very best of our profession. Congratulations to all our winners on their outstanding achievements!”

For further information on the 2024 winners, see www.bwf.org.uk/awards-2024.