New president

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has appointed Paul Bailey, founder and managing director of European Doorsets, as its new president.

He succeeds Sean Parnaby, managing director of West Port Timber Windows, who has been president of the association since October 2016.

Paul has over 30 years’ experience in the woodworking sector.He established European Doorsets, manufacturers of bespoke performance doors, doorsets and associated joinery items, in 1990 and for a number of years has been an active member of the BWF. Paul has been integral to driving forward the BWF’s aims and ethos, having been a member of the association’s board of directors for 13 years and vice president since 2016.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the BWF, said: “[Paul] brings with him experience and knowledge of the sector, an understanding of the challenges we face as an industry and a clear sense of what we can be doing collectively to meet them head on. Our thanks go to Sean Parnaby who has played a central role in our growth.

“Paul is committed to continuing to drive forward Sean’s excellent work in promoting our sector and ensuring it remains attractive to young people who seek a long and rewarding career.”

Paul said: “Political events continue to dictate the activities of businesses across all sectors and the uncertainty over Brexit has undoubtedly made it difficult to plan ahead, particularly for the joinery and woodworking industry. However, if any sector has the skills, experience and resilience to make alternative plans and get on with things, then it’s ours. I’m confident that with support from the BWF and overarching leadership from the Confederation of Timber Industries, the industry is well placed to build on the encouraging growth it has experienced over the past few years.”