Cliff Thrumble, managing director of Boyland Windows, has been appointed as the new president of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).
Cliff built his career at Boyland Joinery over 20 years, starting as a labourer before becoming commercial director and then managing director at 35. He has also managed the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme and is an active member of the Wood Window Alliance.
Cliff takes on the BWF presidency after three years of leadership by David Pattenden, managing director of Specialist Joinery (South).
Cliff Thrumble said: “I owe a debt of gratitude to David who steps down as president having led the BWF through its most successful years yet. The BWF is now in excellent shape, with more than 700 members, subscriptions increasing, a clear strategy and a powerful voice with policy makers.
“My most urgent priority in my time as president will be about helping to tackle the ongoing skills crisis, both in terms of increasing awareness of joinery as a secure and rewarding trade to bright school children and career changers, and increasing the commitment to training given to joiners, machinist and installers. This is a critical part of the BWF’s action plan for the success of the industry.
Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, said: “Cliff has the woodworking industry in his DNA. He has already contributed a huge amount to bringing the BWF to where it is today. He gets the practicalities and can help us to shape the changes we need to support an evolving sector in a new economic environment.”
