Andy Ball, Founder Director at The Joinery Network shares his key takeaways from the Materials & Finishes Show (MAFS) at the NEC in Birmingham, and why The Joinery Network is returning as an exhibitor in 2026.
MAFS demonstrates the demand for Lignum Windows and Doors
When the W Exhibition relaunched as Materials & Finishes Show (MAFS), its organisers, Montgomery Group, said it was a ‘reimagined concept developed to provide a platform for manufacturers, processors and installers of timber, components and supporting services, alongside complementary materials such as stone.
The show began life in 1974, at first solely as a woodworking machinery exhibition, then evolving and covering the full range of technology and materials for industrial woodworking.
The decision to exhibit at the newly revamped show, which hadn’t taken place since 2018, was a no-brainer for The Joinery Network.
Being a conglomerate of companies that specialise in bringing together a complete range of services for businesses who manufacture or install timber windows and doors, a good opportunity to speak to joinery companies to demonstrate all that The Joinery Network had to offer under a single roof, or exhibition stand as it was here.
A ‘one-stop shop’
The event gave Joinery Network partners Woodge Software, business coach Erin Woodger, full-service marketing agency Balls2 Marketing, and new partner, systems manufacturer Gutmann showing the new GUTMANN LIGNUM wood-aluminium window and door system, plus some of our Affiliate Partners, a chance to collaborate on a joint exhibition stand that was a ‘one-stop shop’ for all those that that manufacture and install timber windows and doors.
And that ‘one-stop shop’ proved to be a hit for visitors, with the stand attracting vast amounts of interest throughout the four days.
The Vacuum Glazing Network’s PassivGlas brought its heat booth that was a big pull for visitors. The cleverly designed glass unit means that despite a heat lamp at the centre, the outside pane was comfortable to touch, and clearly demonstrated the energy performance of the glass. There was also information on how to achieve 2025 Building Regulations thermal performance with its super-slim glazing offering a true energy saving solution for conservation areas.
RegaLead added colour to the stand with its new decorative glass range for timber doors, plus visitors to take away the beautiful brochure that includes all the designs, styles and sizes.
JFJ Wood Flooring offered joiners a simple way to increase profit from projects with John Fanthorpe from JF Joinery was also on hand to give practical manufacturing advice.
Woodge software showcased its practical software solution for joinery and kitchen manufacturers.
And lastly my co-director Sarah Ball and me were on hand to discuss the services Balls2 Marketing with our specialism in the glazing industry and specific interest in timber. Sarah also provided information about the People in Glazing Society, AKA PiGs, a networking event held four times a year across the UK for those in the glazing and fenestration sector.
Owen influences
But it wasn’t just the stand that proved to be a success for the Joinery Network. The ‘Demo Zone’, which MAFS organisers said gave visitors a chance to ‘see products come to life’ was well-received throughout the event.
Alongside influencers from the joinery and carpentry sectors such as the BBC’s Carpenter of the Year, Tibby Singh, and popular YouTuber Robin Clevett, was Joinery Network Founding Partner Owen Dare.
Owen, a joinery manufacturing consultant with more than 35 years’ experience working in the industry, provided a live demo twice a day showcasing how to make a Lignum window using Leitz tooling. Leitz Tooling UK is also a partner of the Joinery Network had its own stand during the show.
Owen’s demos proved to be one of the most popular throughout the duration of the show, and he demonstrated to packed aisles every time.
And being ideally situated close to the ‘Demo Zone’, Owen could send visitors watching to the nearby Joinery Network stand, to discuss the Lignum window, and the support available to joinery companies, in more detail.
The Joinery Network demo was designed to help joiners become more efficient so that they can make more profit with a low investment model to grow their business portfolio.
“MAFS provided an ideal platform for joiners to see the latest products and innovations, as well as stay abreast of the latest legislation and regulations for the industry.
Future plans
The show was a success all round. The organisers said they are increasing the footprint of the show by 60 percent for 2026 and have already secured a high percentage of re-booking. And we are testament to that success. We took more than 200 enquiries throughout the show for The Joinery Network
Over the coming months, Joinery Network partners and affiliates will be hosting manufacturing days to demonstrate the benefits of manufacturing and installing the Lignum timber window and door system.
