Excellence celebrated as BWF announces 2025 Award winners

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 anniversary, the 2025 awards attracted the highest number of entries to date and showcased an exceptional range of talent across all categories.

This year’s BWF Award winners included:

BWF Health & Safety Award – sponsored by Professional Woodworking Today

Heron Manufacture Ltd for Aidan McClenaghan and his transformative contribution to the company’s health and safety culture.

Judges recognised that Aidan has worked hard to embed a proactive safety culture within the business, building co-operation and management systems from the ground up. They praised the organisation for its approach, which “brings the team together to drive safety.” The judges noted that this has delivered impressive results, including a reduction in accidents and an increase in near-miss reporting since 2023.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by CITB

Luke Newton of TMJ Interiors. His employer said: “From his very first interview, it was clear that Luke would be a valuable asset to TMJ. Luke exemplifies the ideal apprentice – skilled, dedicated and aligned with our values.”

Judges highlighted Luke’s exceptional dedication to his craft, including receiving TMJ’s Green Award. They commended him for “showing impressive perseverance and passion while working on a 100-year-old building,” adding that they look forward to seeing more of his future achievements.

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

Houghtons of York for the restoration of the tapestry drawing room at the Grade I listed Castle Howard.

Judges hailed this project as “a breathtaking example of attention to detail and faultless traditional craftsmanship.” They described it as “one of the finest examples of traditional craftsmanship” they'd ever seen, praising the way it combines multiple heritage skills to the highest standard. They noted that the project stood out in every aspect, to the point that “most visitors won’t even realise it’s new.”

BWF Innovation Award – sponsored by Teknos

NBJ (London) Ltd for the Grainhouse Staircase project in Covent Garden.

Judges praised the project as “a true showcase of innovation,” recognising how it integrates forward-thinking design with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results. They described it as “a remarkable achievement – both technically and aesthetically.”

BWF Sustainability Award – sponsored by Remmers UK Ltd

James Latham Ltd for the introduction and continued implementation of a wide-ranging set of measures to drive profitable sustainability.

Judges commended James Latham for “fully embracing” sustainability. They highlighted the company’s commitment to achieving cost and carbon savings through management systems, green energy investment, fleet and plant improvements, and material recovery processes. They also praised the company’s “clear understanding of responsible sourcing and strong drive to improve it, with an ambitious carbon roadmap.”

BWF Rising Star Award – sponsored by NFU Mutual

John Mullan of Heron Manufacture Ltd. His employer said: “John is known internally not just for what he does, but for how he does it. He is supportive, dependable and brings out the best in others.”

Judges praised John as “a driven leader whose dedication, innovation and community spirit have transformed both Heron Manufacture and those he works with.” They also noted his “remarkable rise through the business over just seven years,” describing him as “a true rising star.”

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award – sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings

Mumford & Wood Ltd for the handcrafted bespoke windows created for London’s exclusive residential development, 1 Mayfair.

Judges described this project as “a standout,” recognising its ability to modernise heritage design by “creating new history while blending with both contemporary and existing style.” They praised the complexity involved in producing such a large number of intricately designed windows, noting that “in terms of scale, intricacy and difficulty, this is off the chart.”

Celebrating the winners, Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “The skill, dedication and expertise demonstrated across this year’s outstanding entries are a true testament to the talented individuals and forward-thinking businesses within our sector.

“This year’s BWF Awards provided a fantastic opportunity for the sector to come together to recognise and celebrate the projects, businesses and people driving innovation and best practice across woodworking and joinery manufacture. With more submissions than ever before, judging wasn't an easy task and our 2025 winners stand out as shining examples of the skill, creativity and excellence that define our talented profession. Congratulations to all our winners!”

For more information, visit www.bwf.org.uk/bwf-awards-2025