New BWF chief announced

Iain McIlwee is to be the new chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation, it was announced today.

Mr McIlwee starts at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) next month and takes over from Richard Lambert, who is now heading up the National Landlords Association.

Mr McIlwee was previously head of commercial development at PCG, a professional association for freelance businesses, a position he held for three years. PCG is the only cross-sector association for freelance consultants, contractors and other knowledge based workers in the UK and has a membership of nearly 20,000.

Until 2009 Mr McIlwee was the London regional director for the Federation of Master Builders and before that he worked with the British Plastics Federation as business services manager heading up commercial and export activities. He has a Masters in materials science and engineering.

Mr McIlwee starts his new role at the BWF on December 13. He will lead and implement the Federation’s core strategies around membership growth, business support services to members and developing the industry leaders of the future.

“BWF has a great pedigree and track record,” he said. “But what really excited me about this role is the BWF’s evident desire and commitment to help the members and to develop and evolve the organisation.

“I look forward to working with the executive committee, the members and staff to take the BWF and associated schemes to the next level of success. Together we will create a more effective resource, well equipped to help the woodworking sector deal with the realities of the current climate and to take full advantage of current and future opportunities.”

BWF president Roy Wakeman, welcomed Mr McIlwee to the federation: “His achievements at the PCG have been particularly impressive, including achieving consistent growth for that organisation and a great performance at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards this year.

“His deep understanding of membership and marketing strategy and his fresh ideas for the BWF are very valuable to us during this time of change within the industry.”

The BWF currently has just under 500 member firms, and provides them with a wide range of business support and technical services. It runs two certification schemes, for fire doors and doorsets and for stairs, as well as an industry training organisation.