Joinery manufacturers, timber door, window and interiors companies and woodworking experts across the UK are being encouraged to seek recognition through this year’s British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards.

Entry to the awards is free and open to all, including non-members of the BWF so long as they are from the joinery and woodworking sector.

All shortlisted entrants will have their achievements promoted through a high profile marketing and social media campaign. In addition, all shortlisted entrants will receive a free place at the BWF’s Annual Awards Dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum in October.

A new Product Design in Wood category has been launched in 2016 to recognise excellence in technical innovation, application and innovation in joinery product manufacture and design.

This category joins the highly prestigious Woodworking Project of the Year (sponsored by Accoya) which recognises the very best in design, application or ability in joinery manufacture, and innovation in joinery projects. This award is given every year in memory of John Hedgecock, former technical director at the BWF.

Categories in the BWF Awards 2016 include:

  • Process Efficiency (sponsored by W16) – recognising lean processes which have improved business performance, including maximising value for money, quality and speed of delivery;
  • Health & Safety Hero (sponsored by Didac) – acknowledging an individual or collective effort which has made a notable difference to the health and safety practices and culture of a business. The award will be presented in memory of Michael Lee, former membership director at the BWF who passed away earlier this year;
  • Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by CITB) - celebrating apprentices who have really stood out from the crowd, whether through fantastic feats in their work or extraordinary commitment that adds value to a business;
  • Trainee of the Year (sponsored by CITB) – also celebrating the work and commitment of those who have entered the joinery industry through alternative routes, including graduates, A-level students and in-house trainees.
  • This year, the BWF Awards will be co-located with W16, the joinery and furniture manufacturing show held at the NEC, and will be announced on 4th October.
  • The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 24th June, although any joint applications ended in May.

Last year’s BWF Awards winners included Houghtons of York, AJB Woodworking, DJ Newman Joinery, West Oak Joinery and Beard Evans Joinery.

Entries for this year’s awards can be submitted via the BWF website.