The Wood Awards and the timber trade

Now in its 11th year, the Wood Awards has yet again proven the sheer volume and quality of projects in the UK that use wood in imaginative and inspiring ways. This year there were 186 projects entered in five categories. The basis for the respect in which the awards are held by entrants is that they are judged, not voted. An eminent panel of nine project and four furniture judges spend a great deal of time in May considering the merits of each entry before a final shortlist was drawn up to be inspected on sites all over the country in July and August. The process now starts with a personal online selection privately by each judge, so no peer-pressure there! This year nearly 90 entries received one or more votes - a testament to the standard of entries - producing an impressive 'long-list'. It was no easy task to select about 20 for the shortlist when the judges met at Carpenter's Hall at the end of May. Nine projects had received five or more votes - a majority which fast tracked them straight to the shortlist. But selecting 11 more to join them stretched the discussions profoundly until consensus was reached.

A schedule of visits is now underway to enable a final decision on winners in September leading to the announcement at the annual ceremony in November. It's too late now for the British timber trade to encourage its customers to enter, in whose interests the whole programme takes place, but it is never too late to take an interest. Why? Because, undoubtedly the Wood Awards 2015 will offer another chance to encourage architects, developers, designers and engineers to enter their new projects, using wood products supplied by the trade. The awards cannot occupy a cocoon and need to be inclusive. That means including the trade, sponsors, judges and organisers - encouraging entries and spreading the word for wood.

Earlier this year, in this journal, I wrote "What has perhaps been lacking over the years is the engagement of the timber trade, the very community that stands to gain most from the success of the awards. Each year one of the greatest challenges for the organisers is to secure a comprehensive and representative entry of new, fresh projects to keep the standard of entries as high as possible. The trade is always welcome at the awards ceremony, but many do not take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the best in wood with the professionals that influence its consumption."

One might say that the level of entries in 2014 proves that the awards are in good shape and certainly there are some enlightened trade sponsors. Thank you Arnold Laver (and see www.woodawards.com for details). But we know there are many projects out there in high class fit out, renovation and joinery, as well as fine furniture that are not entered, which timber traders must know about. There are also a couple of key organisations missing from the sponsors who need to be persuaded of the benefits of inclusion and perhaps there are TTJ readers that might influence them. Details from the editor or Wood Awards administrator!

If nothing less, do let the organisers know if you wish to attend the ceremony in November - and consider engagement.