The winners of the prestigious British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2022 have been revealed at an evening of celebration.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the annual Awards which celebrate outstanding achievement, skills and talent from across the woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector.
The seven categories and winners were:
BWF Process and Resource Efficiency Award - Sponsored by Teknos - The Sash Window Workshop for its project to identify and significantly reduce carbon emissions and offset their remaining emissions. The judges acknowledged that “reducing carbon emissions is incredibly important for our industry, and The Sash Window Workshop's commitment to this is outstanding. By identifying and measuring key areas, they were able to considerably reduce their carbon footprint, even as their manufacturing capacity increased.”
BWF Innovation in Design Award - Sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings - Valdi Ltd for the innovative design and manufacture of a cornerless timber bifold door system that allows the building to open on three sides. The judges commented that “the concept of this design seems difficult enough, but to actually produce this is breathtaking.”
BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award - Sponsored by Remmers (UK) Ltd -Gowercroft Joinery Ltd for the complex retrofit of a low-energy Victorian listed mews property in West London. Gowercroft Joinery was commended for demonstrating “a great vision for the importance of keeping sustainability achievable in conservation projects.”
BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award - Sponsored by National Timber Group - Precision Made Joinery Ltd for its multifaceted renovation of a heritage property in Suffolk. The company picked up the award for “an example of great capability and skill – where modern joinery techniques have been used to sympathetically blend structures into the existing fabric of the building.”
BWF Rising Star Award - Sponsored by CITB - Jamie Dixon, Technical Manager at ERW Joinery Ltd, for his strength of purpose in customer service and achieving greater efficiency within the business. According to ERW Joinery, Jamie has demonstrated “exceptional skill and aspiration for the growth of the business, and his attention to detail and customer service have positively impacted both the business and its customers.”
BWF Apprentice of the Year - Sponsored by Lorient - Aidan Taylor, Apprentice at TMJ Interiors Ltd, for demonstrating dedication to high quality work and not being afraid to stretch his skills or to push outside his comfort zone. According to his employer, Aidan takes pride in everything he does and sets himself the highest standards.
BWF Health and Safety Certificate of Commendation - Sponsored by PIB Insurance Brokers - Nigel Barber, Health and Safety Manager at Salisbury’s R Moulding & Co, was awarded the Certificate of Commendation in recognition of his work to improve and embed health & safety throughout the organisation’s 150 employees and subcontractors. Nigel has changed the perception of health and safety at his company and reduced the risk of potential accidents to keep employees safe at work.
Commenting on this years’ winners and the Awards ceremony, Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “The BWF Awards allow us to come together and take pride in all that has been achieved over the past year. Our sector has overcome a great deal this year, with supply chain interruption as well as the increase in energy costs and the continued skills shortage. The Awards are a welcome opportunity to celebrate the hard-earned achievements of the past year and showcase the skill and technical expertise in the sector. Every year I’m amazed at the hard work, innovation and incredible skill of all of our finalists, and I want to congratulate all our winners on their achievements. It was fantastic to bring the industry together once again and celebrate the successes our ever-evolving profession.”
