The woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry’s brightest stars were honoured as the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024 winners were unveiled during a memorable evening at The Langham in London. The 5-star hotel provided an elegant backdrop to recognise the people, projects, and innovations that have shaped the sector over the past year.
Marking its 16th anniversary, this year’s awards drew the highest number of entries yet and showcased an exceptional range of talent across all categories. Guests enjoyed fine dining and celebrated achievements highlighting the sector’s commitment to excellence and progress. The prestigious event featured seven award categories. The winners included:
BWF Health and Safety Award – Sponsored by NFU Mutual
JELD WEN for their development of a Radio Frequency Tag System, using AI technology to protect pedestrians from moving industrial vehicles.
BWF Award judges recognised that this initiative is a significant investment in modern and emerging RFID and AI technologies to help manage safety, protecting both employees and visiting HGV drivers on the premises. The judges commended them for “focusing on risk reduction and demonstrating a clear commitment to safety improvement, in what is currently one of the highest severity risk areas at work.”
BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by CITB
Lilli-Mae Broadhurst, Gowercroft Joinery. Lilli-Mae’s employer nomination praised her achievements saying she “is a very fast learner and her hunger for knowledge, and ambition to get on was soon apparent. Her fast promotion at Gowercroft has been down to hard graft, determination, and willingness to take the initiative.”
Her nomination was commended by the judges for not only bringing a smile to their faces but reminding them of the hugely important role played by professional back-office staff in the successful business operations. Her can-do attitude, initiative and commercial awareness were recognised for adding value to Gowercroft Joinery.
BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Remmers (UK) Limited
Precision Made Joinery for their valuable contribution to the restoration of the Grade 2 Listed property, The Old Rectory, Fornham All Saints, Suffolk.
The judges highlighted that Precision Made Joinery delivered an exceptional project which clearly demonstrated quality workmanship to achieve a traditional result. The judges praised this as an “exceptional project showing a wide range of high-quality traditional woodworking and joinery skills”.
BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings
Heron Fire Doors for the ongoing development of their cost-efficient external door set ‘Herodor’.
The BWF Award judges commended the Herodor as a true innovation for the industry. It aims to do something entirely new and is a timely product offering demonstrably improved fire safety standards to consumers at a relatively low cost.
BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Accsys Technologies Plc
Tautvydas Bumblys, Heron Joinery. Tautvydas’ employer nomination celebrates his achievements sharing that “At Heron Joinery, we are truly fortunate to have an individual who embodies the values of care, compassion and dedication not only to his colleagues but also to the broader community.”
Judgeswere impressed by Tautvydas’ outstanding efforts in the workplace and outside. They noted his fantastic organisation and leadership skills as contributing to “many projects to support the business in achieving its goals, clearly demonstrating his commitment to the organisation.”
BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Mirka
Gowercroft Joinery for their commitment to continued improvement within its manufacturing processes, leading to tangible enhancements in sustainability practices and further reductions in the overall environmental impact using Life Cycle Assessments.
Judges were impressed by how Gowercroft Joinery have demonstrated a real commitment to genuine and comprehensive environmental improvements, sustainable goals and pioneering for the future.
BWF Woodworking Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited
D Foord Joinery Ltd for the elegant, yet technically challenging design and installation of elliptical staircase for a Georgian house using English oak.
This project impressed the judges as not only a fine example of exceptional craftsmanship, but the design and engineering process to come up with the final design are “truly fantastic” and a “perfect example of traditional woodworking skills”.
Commenting on this year’s winners and the Awards ceremony, Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said:
“It is truly inspiring to see the exceptional quality and quantity of entries this year, especially those for our new Sustainability Award which received an outstanding response and attracted the highest number of entries in this year’s submissions. It’s been incredible to see all the impressive work and individuals who have made an impact on the industry.
“The BWF Awards are a rare opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the fantastic achievements of the past year and the skills, dedication and technical expertise that drive our industry forward. As the Awards continue to grow and the submissions become harder to judge, the hard work, skills and innovation displayed by our fantastic finalists truly celebrates the very best of our profession. Congratulations to all of our winners on their impressive achievements.”
