Stop waiting for January: Why woodworking businesses should act before 2026

David Ward, Woodworking Manager at BPI

David Ward, Woodworking Manager at BPI, discusses why delaying decisions until the new year holds businesses back, and how selling unused machinery today can free space, release capital and set woodworking companies up for success in 2026

Every November, the same refrain starts to echo: “We’ll look at that after Christmas.” For many woodworking businesses, that means delaying the difficult, but important decisions – upgrading equipment, freeing up workshop space or even planning for retirement.

But the truth is simple: if you wait until January, you’ve already lost ground. If you want to start 2026 in a strong position, the time to act is now.

At BPI, each week we work with woodworking companies that wish they’d moved sooner. Some are chasing growth but need capital for a new CNC router; others want to streamline workshops by reducing older, inefficient kit; and some are owners preparing to step away after decades of hard work. In every case, outcomes aren’t decided by luck; they’re decided by how early and decisively action is taken.

Your workshop could be sitting on hidden capital

Unwanted machinery, underused saws, even old vans – these don’t just take up space; they tie up cash. They’re not gathering dust; they’re holding potential. The sooner this equipment is brought to market, the sooner that capital can start working for you – whether it’s reinvested in modern machinery, used to reduce debt or put aside as part of a retirement plan.

Selling doesn’t have to be slow or complicated

Many owners hesitate because they think disposing of equipment is time-consuming or risky. That may have been true years ago, but not anymore. At BPI, we’ve streamlined the entire process into a fast, transparent and profitable system. Our online platform reaches more than 700,000 unique users each year, including over 180,000 registered bidders competing 24/7. More eyes on your machinery means better results than traditional disposal routes.

Take A.M. Products in Somerset, for example. When owner Andrew Willment decided to retire, he asked us to help. Within two days, we catalogued more 

than 125 lots of woodworking equipment, promoted them to the right buyers and delivered a hammer price of more than £147,000. Andrew was able to step away on his own terms – not months later, but within weeks.

Acting now gives you options

Waiting until January limits your choices and increases pressure. By taking stock now, identifying what’s underused and putting it to work, you give yourself the flexibility and momentum to start the new year in control.

With BPI, there’s no upfront costs, no middlemen and no need to move machinery off-site unless you choose to do so. You can set reserves to protect asset value, making the process risk-free and completely under your control.

And while some business owners are waiting to see what the budget brings, the bigger risk is doing nothing. Whatever policies are announced, businesses that act decisively today will always be better positioned tomorrow.

So, here’s my challenge to woodworking businesses across the UK: stop waiting. Whether you want to reinvest, restructure or step away entirely, the decisions you make in November and December will shape your business in 2026. Sitting on the fence is the only choice guaranteed to hold you back. The woodworking businesses that act now will be the ones ready to seize the opportunities of the year ahead. 

To find out more about BPI, visit www.bpiauctions.com.