Timber award winners

The winners of the prestigious British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2019 were revealed at a recent celebration held at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London.

The six categories and winners are listed below.

Woodworking Project of the Year went to Gowercroft Joinery for the design manufacture and installation of more than 300 timber external and internal joinery items at Templeton House, a grade two listed property in Roehampton. The timber joinery was part of a £32 million restoration of the grade two listed mansion, which included sympathetic replacement of the original sliding sash windows, to provide modern levels of performance at no detriment to the historic value of the building.

Apprentice of the Year went to Bailey Donkin, apprentice at Middlesbrough-based ERW Joinery. Bailey won the award for his creativity, innovative approach and outstanding joinery.

Product Design in Wood Award went to Tom Pearson and Sons for a unique replacement entrance door solution that incorporated the original stained glass.

The company designed a vented system that incorporated a clear toughened double-glazed unit. The stained glass was then suspended in front and beaded into place, with a vented bottom bead and further venting to the top bead to prevent moisture build up. The steel bar that the stained glass panels were originally tied to was challenging to incorporate, but the company managed to retain the aesthetics that the client desired at no detriment to the overall performance of the door.

Health and Safety Hero Award went to GE Door Manufacturing for its health and safety first culture to drive continuous improvement across its factory, with clear measurement of colleague engagement and adoption.

Process Efficiency Award went to West Port Timber Windows and Doors for its fire door manufacturing project which focused upon customer value by reducing waste.

By reducing waste throughout its fire door manufacturing processes West Port Timber Windows and Doors was able to significantly improve efficiency across several key areas. A faster turn-around time to meet customer demand was key to this project.

Rising Star Award went to Carol Bruce, HR manager at Allan Brothers, for her support of colleagues and guidance across the business which has been pivotal to the company’s recent transformation programme.

Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, said: “The BWF Awards shine a light on the innovative companies and individuals that push the boundaries of woodworking and joinery, as well as recognising the stars and leaders of tomorrow. Our sector makes a significant contribution to the UK’s construction and manufacturing industries, and it’s fantastic to come together at the BWF Awards to champion the outstanding talent and achievement that make our industry so successful.”