Joinery sector gathers in London

Mr Curry hosted the awards, which recognise achievements in technical innovation and professional development, attended by 160 people from the UK joinery industry and suppliers to the sector.

The longest standing award, the Technical Excellence and Innovation Award, was set up in 2010 in memory of John Hedgecock, the former technical director of the BWF. Presented to Houghtons of York Ltd for a second consecutive year, the award was given for the manufacture and stunning hand carving of a reredos and gradine for a private chapel.

AJB Woodworking Ltd was the recipient of the Process Efficiency Award. The company invested £1.5m into new factory premises, a huge move with great upheaval for both business and staff. Since the move, AJB’s product lead time has halved and they are expecting to increase staff by a third in 2017.

The Health and Safety Hero Award saw Lawrence Pereira of D J Newman Joinery Ltd crowned Health and Safety Hero.

Two awards were given to young people working within the joinery and woodworking sector. Joe Handy of West Oak Joinery Ltd was awarded Apprentice of the Year, while Trainee of the Year was presented to Dale Hodgins of Beard Evans Joinery Ltd, who impressed the judges with his “strong aptitude for understanding drawings and producing an exemplary standard of work”.

“The BWF awards provide us with the opportunity to showcase some of the most gifted businesses and individuals in our industry who make some of the most exciting products and projects that can be achieved using wood,” said Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF.

The BWF Woodworking Awards were sponsored by Accoya, CITB, Didac and the W16 Exhibition.