The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) membership renewals have exceeded expectations and new member recruitment are in line with previous years, despite turbulent economic times.
The BWF had feared there would be a substantial reduction in both renewals and recruitment this year, but 85% of members have renewed their membership and 33 new members have been confirmed for the first half of the year.
Chief executive Richard Lambert, BWF told TTJ in May that the organisation had budgeted for a 25% fall in subscriptions over the next two to three years.
He said the current membership situation showed that many BWF members felt they needed the support of as trade association more than ever in a recession.
“It’s particularly encouraging that new members are still signing up,” he said.
“The current economic climate has, understandably, hit many of our members hard, leading to several resignations. But we have also seen more than 40 members opting to freeze their membership, leaving the door open for them to return as soon as things pick up.”
Folkestone-based Kauri Joinery, one of the newest BWF recruits, said its main reason for joining was the credibility with being associated with the BWF.
Company owner Brian Edwards said displaying the BWF logo on its website and promotional materials had already led to an increase in enquiries and sales leads.
