BWF announces 2024 Awards shortlist

This year’s shortlist for the prestigious British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards – which celebrate the outstanding skills, talent and achievements of the UK woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry – has now been revealed. 

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, commented: “As the BWF Awards enter their 16th year, I’m pleased to share the fact we’ve received a record-breaking number of entries, which clearly demonstrates the wide range of skills, expertise and passion within our talented sector.

“It’s also exciting to see enthusiasm for the new BWF Sustainability Award. For the first time, we’re shining a spotlight on the woodworking and joinery businesses that are committed to reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency through innovative new processes. 

“The BWF Awards give us a welcome opportunity to celebrate the projects, successes and brilliant individuals within our profession. I’m looking forward to a fantastic evening, recognising achievements from across the woodworking and joinery sector.”

Winners will be announced on Friday 22 November at the BWF Annual Awards evening, which will be held at prestigious London hotel, The Langham.

The full shortlist for the 2024 Awards is as follows:

BWF Health and Safety Award – sponsored by NFU Mutual

•  Heron Joinery – for its Continuous Improvement Project, aimed at enhancing health and safety protocols while demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a safer working environment for all employees.

•  JELD-WEN – for its development of a Radio Frequency Tag System, using AI technology to protect pedestrians from moving industrial vehicles.

• Heron Fire Doors – for its transition from manual handling to mechanised solutions in order to improve workplace safety.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by CITB

•  Lilli-Mae Broadhurst – Gowercroft Joinery, Lilli-Mae’s employer, said: “She’s a very fast learner and her hunger for knowledge and ambition to get on, soon became apparent. Her fast promotion at Gowercroft has been down to hard graft, determination and willingness to take initiative.”

• Harrison Ward – James Wilding Joinery, Harrison’s employer, said: “He’s grown into an exceptionally talented young man, who continually goes above and beyond in all tasks he’s presented with and works in an extremely professional manner. As a company, we welcome ideas from all levels and areas of the business, from apprentices right up to the partners.”

• Paige Kavanagh – Corbel Conservation Ltd, Paige’s employer, said: “Coupled with the practical skills she possesses is her determination to do the right thing for the company and peers. Paige’s drive, passion to learn and enthusiasm to always improve has really stood out.”

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

•  Blairs Windows and Doors – for its intricate window restoration project on the Tontine Hotel – an A Listed Building.

• Precision Made Joinery – for its valuable contribution to the restoration of The Old Rectory, Fornham All Saints, Suffolk – a Grade 2 Listed property.

• A R Manley and Son – for using traditional techniques to accurately replicate an authentic Victorian greenhouse, using modern timbers and paint.

BWF Innovation Award – sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings Ltd

• Coastal Group – for its Inowa sliding door system, which aims to redefine the standard of sliding door technology within the UK joinery industry, by integrating cutting-edge innovation, sustainability and superior functionality.

• Joinerysoft – for its development of JMS Cloud – a cloud-based software solution, which is specifically designed to enhance any joinery business’ efficiency, accuracy and profitability.

• Heron Fire Doors – for the ongoing development of its cost efficient external ‘Herodor’ door set.

BWF Sustainability Award – sponsored by Mirka

•  Surrey Wood Products – for its commitment to demonstrating lasting and sustainable change in the company’s timber supply.

• James Latham – for its development of The James Latham Carbon Calculator, which is developed to help woodworkers and joiners select materials with greater confidence to meet regulatory, ethical and aspirational requirements surrounding sustainability.

• Gowercroft Joinery – for its commitment to continued improvement within the company’s manufacturing processes; this leads to tangible enhancements in sustainability practices and further reductions in the overall environmental impact using Life Cycle Assessments.

BWF Rising Star Award – sponsored by Accsys Technologies Plc

• Chris Cork – employer, Cubby Construction, said: “Chris has shown willingness to help anyone and everyone, especially customers. He’ll often do extra hours, both in the workshop and on site, to ensure a job is completed to the highest standard.”

• Tautvydas Bumblys – employer, Heron Joinery, said: “We’re truly fortunate to have an individual who embodies the values of care, compassion and dedication, not only to his colleagues but also the broader community.”

• Joanna Zyser – employer, Heron Fire Doors, said: “Under Joanna, our factory’s glazing area has undergone a complete transformation. She’s implemented lean methodology and just in time processes within her area, reducing waste and greatly improving efficiency. This is no small achievement for someone thrown in at the deep end, with no experience, working within the joinery or fire door industry.”

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

•  D Foord Joinery Ltd – for its elegant, yet technically challenging design and installation of an elliptical staircase for a Georgian house, using English oak.

• R & E Falkingham – for its extensive and complex restoration and enhancement of the striking 1920s property Uplands, in Beverley.

• Precision Made Joinery – for its manufacture of a bespoke suspended staircase in a Grade 2 Listed property, The Old Rectory, in Fornham All Saints, Suffolk.

For more information on the 2024 Awards, visit www.bwf.org.uk/awards-2024.