New push on timber sector consolidation follows WWA-BWF merger

Mr Parnaby outlined his hopes after the announcement of the merger at the BWF’s Annual Awards dinner in central London.

“As part of this new [merged] structure, I have been co-opted onto the BWF Board,” said Mr Parnaby. “In this capacity, I intend to push for further consolidation. The timber industry has been too fragmented for too long.

“It needs united and consistent support to drive growth – the future is bright for timber products, but only if we are there with the tools to grab it.”

Mr Parnaby said the combined strengths of the BWF and WWA created a formidable force focused on highlighting the value of timber windows, ensuring the products’ sustainable credentials were recognised and helping the sector define and uphold high standards.

For the past eight years, the WWA has promoted timber windows based on quality, performance and sustainability standards, undertaking research to support its marketing position. During this time timber windows have increased their share of the windows market to 25% (based on value).

BWF CEO Iain McIlwee said the WWA had done a fabulous job of promoting wood windows, but the benefits of integrating the promotional side with the BWF’s wider services had increasingly become clear.

The BWF will take on responsibility for auditing companies to meet the WWA standard, enabling more companies to become BWF members.