BWF president addresses LHC

The guest speaker was David Pattenden, who, as managing director of Westgate Joinery, gave an insight into the operations of a bespoke, predominantly hardwood-using joinery company and, and as president of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) provided an update on the work of the organisation and its proposed merger with the Timber Trade Federation.

The BWF had been "going great guns" in recent years, said Mr Pattenden, adding that membership was up by 50% to just under 700 and ranging from "one-man bands" to joinery giants such as Premdor and JELD-WEN.

The federation was focused on all areas of change, such as the EU Timber Regulation and the Construction Products Directive and on supporting its member companies on these and other subjects, including influencing legislators.

On the latter, Mr Pattenden said the BWF had published a policy manifesto which had been distributed to every MP in the UK. "This has had a very favourable response, with some politicians asking for follow-up meetings," he said.

Speaking about the BWF/TTF merger, Mr Pattenden said the two organisations already worked closely together and "shared a vision".

The proposed merger was broadly welcomed by the LHC members at the lunch, with Peter Latham, chairman of James Latham plc, congratulating the two organisations for "having the courage to consider the merger".

The next LHC meeting takes place on November 5, when the speaker will be Nigel Straw of the Forestry Commission, who will give a presentation on the emerald ash borer.

The LHC's New Year lunch will take place on January 23, 2015.

The BWF annual dinner is on November 21 at Ironmongers' Hall in London. The guest speaker will be Loyd Grossman.