Above: The BWF is supporting the government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap PHOTO: GOWERCROFT JOINERY
that our members’ offerings are front and centre in the push for sustainability. Aligning our activities with the TiC Roadmap priorities is crucial as we explore how members can highlight their green credentials – both in their operations and product offerings – and encourage the sharing of best practice. Added to this, the UK government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and every industry has its key part to play. Without immediate change, we are already on the road to climate crisis and now is the time for the construction industry to turn to timber as part of the solution. At the BWF we will continue to champion sustainably sourced timber for its low embodied carbon footprint and environmental benefits through our ongoing awareness and educational campaigns.
THE NEXT GENERATION To meet the challenges of the climate crisis, we need timber, and to get timber to the masses, we need a new generation of skilled professionals equipped with fresh ideas and energy.
For example, the government has recently announced a long-term vision to deliver new communities with at least 10,000 new homes. However, achieving this vision in line with net-zero goals requires not only sustainable materials but also the skilled workforce to build with them.
This, combined with the introduction of the Skills England Bill, presents a pivotal moment to reassess and enhance local and regional training opportunities, especially in industries like ours that have long faced skills shortages. Addressing the skills gap has been a top priority for the BWF for many years, and this focus is now more important than ever. Young people entering our industry today have immense potential to drive change, bringing fresh and innovative ideas. It’s our responsibility to highlight how woodworking and joinery has evolved and to showcase the exciting opportunities available to them — whether it’s working with cutting-edge timber
technologies or being part of businesses that create stunning, sustainable solutions. Throughout my time at Gowercroft Joinery, we have always emphasised the value of apprenticeships, like many BWF members. Currently, over 10% of our workforce is in active apprenticeships and a further 20% graduated apprentices. This has allowed us to build a team where young professionals take ownership of their roles and grow into leadership positions, driving success across all aspects of the business –from sales and production scheduling, to finance, manufacturing, and installation. As BWF president, I’m looking forward to championing the value of apprenticeships to our sector and highlighting to those looking to enter our profession, how an apprenticeship offers a fantastic route to a fulfilling career.
REGULATORY CHANGES
There are regulatory and legislative changes on the horizon that will impact our members, the woodworking and joinery sector, as well as the wider construction industry. The
recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and the Building Safety Bill will drive forward a greater focus on accountability regarding fire safety within the construction industry, while the Future Homes Standard aims to decarbonise new homes.
At the BWF, we are embracing these changes, which are bringing not only opportunities to the woodworking and joinery sector, but also positive change to the broader industry.
READY TO DELIVER CHANGE The BWF is committed to delivering unparalleled support, advice, and guidance to our members. The resources and knowledge we have, I believe are second to none in terms of trade associations. We are constantly reviewing our offering and exploring new and innovative ways of bringing expertise into our organisations. The British Woodworking Federation is uniquely positioned to drive the change our sector needs, and I’m incredibly proud to be at the forefront of that work. ■
Above: Addressing the skills gap has been a top priority for the BWF PHOTO: GOWERCROFT JOINERY
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2024 | TTJ
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89
