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Entries are now open for the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) Awards, which celebrate the outstanding skills and talent in the woodworking and joinery sectors, in addition to milestone achievements of the past year.

2023 sees the BWF celebrating 15 years of the prestigious annual awards taking place, with seven categories designed to showcase the sector’s best projects, products, processes and people.

Helen Hewitt, BWF Chief Executive, said: “Our industry has changed so much over the last 15 years, and what continues to amaze me is the way in which we keep finding new ways to do things, making them even better and more innovative. That's what the awards are all about – unearthing and celebrating the best our industry has to offer.

“As entries open for another year, we can’t wait to hear about the individuals and companies taking woodworking and joinery to the next level.”

Entries for the 2023 BWF Awards close at 5pm on Friday 1 September 2023. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the prestigious BWF Awards Dinner, which is due to be held on 24 November, at The Langham, London – Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’. Finalists will be notified a month ahead of the ceremony.

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a client or supplier. The categories for this year’s awards, which are free to enter, are as follows:

WOODWORKING PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD – sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited

This award recognises innovation and the very best in design, application and ability in joinery manufacture. Judges are looking for a joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking and joinery.

INNOVATION AWARD – sponsored by Anker Stuy

Recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application. The judges are looking for a product or process development that helps to showcase or extend the opportunity and application of timber joinery.

BWF HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD

Acknowledges an individual or collective effort, or initiative, that's made a notable difference to the health and safety practices and culture within a business. The judges are looking for an initiative or action that's improved safety within a business.

The 2023 Award is dedicated to the memory of Jon Gibson, who had a huge passion for training and health and safety in the joinery sector. He was a long-time supporter of the BWF and its members through his work at DIDAC, the HSE Wood Safety Group, and as a valued independent judge for previous BWF Awards.

BWF RISING STAR AWARD – sponsored by ASSA ABLOY Group

Recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work has made a real difference either to the organisation in which they work, or the wider woodworking and joinery community. Judges are looking for an individual that goes the ‘extra mile’ to ensure customers receive the best possible experience. For example, they may have implemented a new customer journey process or a new ordering system, which has gone on to produce a positive outcome for both the customer and business.

BWF HERITAGE PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD – sponsored by Remmers

Now in its second year, this award recognises excellence in a conservation, restoration or renovation application. The judges are looking for a heritage joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking/joinery.

BWF PROCESS & RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AWARD 

Recognises exceptional projects or initiatives that demonstrate the most efficient use of business resources or materials. The judges are looking for a solution to a clearly defined and well understood problem.

BWF APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD – sponsored by CITB

Celebrates the achievements of all apprentices within woodworking businesses. The judges are looking for quality of work to agreed quality targets and standards.

For further on the BWF Awards, including entry forms, click here.