Setting out a vision

The key theme of the BWF Members’ Day Conference 2017 will be ‘Setting out for success in uncertain times’.

The event will take place on June 15 at Hellidon Lakes Golf and Spa Hotel near Daventry and features workshops from British Woodworking Federation (BWF) technical specialists, and guest experts.

Architect, author and academic Dr Tom Woolley will deliver a keynote speech leading delegates through the landscape of health, sustainability and the opportunities for timber products in construction.

Peter Caplehorn from the CPA will explain how the UK’s construction products manufacturing sector is evolving, looking at the impact of BIM and the digital economy and CITB interim chief executive Sarah Beale will give evidence on how a reformed CITB can better support woodworking businesses in the UK.

The day will finish with economic commentator Alastair Stewart offering an outlook for construction in a post-Brexit Britain and how this is likely to impact upon the woodworking sector.

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has also launched a number of employment guides and new draft policies to support how a joinery business can employ, manage and appraise members of staff.

The guidance features a new employee handbook that BWF members can adapt and use, plus further information on appraisal techniques and an example contract for prospective employees. This is in addition to template policies covering areas such as social media use, company vehicles, data protection and maternity/paternity leave.