In the face of major political, economic and technical changes coming the way of the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is making ‘risk’ the key theme of this year’s BWF members’ day.
The event will be held on 7 July, at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire. Prior to the event, the BWF AGM will confirm the appointment of a new BWF President for 2016. There will also be a drinks reception and informal networking dinner, providing a very popular social opportunity for members to discuss industry issues.
“This year’s event will focus on how to understand the risks coming our way, how to prepare for them, and how to manage them. It’s important that risks are identified and controlled and this event will help joinery businesses do just that,” said Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF.
Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive of Build UK, will give an update on the progress being made on resolving fair payment and other fundamental supply chain issues. Bill Esterton MP will also give a keynote address, giving the legislators’ viewpoint on the implications of the EU Referendum and the latest iteration of the government’s construction strategy.
The programme also features BWF technical experts and other guest speakers covering topics as diverse as the fundamentals of stair design and how to deal with the ‘spaghetti’ of conflicting standards and regulations in that market, to managing difficult clients, smarter production processes, the growing use of wood in interiors, maintaining certifications, tackling poor installations, and how to avoid the three big health and safety fines.
Kevin Underwood, the BWF’s technical director, will also be running a workshop on the practical introduction of CE marking of fire doorsets.
BWF members’ day will provide joinery manufacturers and woodworking professionals with the opportunity to participate in various workshops entirely focused on their needs, and to get up to date with the latest developments in the industry, with a free exhibition showcasing the latest innovations and technologies to aid the joinery industry.
The event is open to anyone in the industry; not just BWF members. But as in previous years, the BWF is offering all BWF joinery manufacturing members one free space. This is usually a sell-out event so booking is essential, and 98% of last year’s delegates are said to have rated the event as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.
