In brief
- The British Woodworking Federation published the shortlist for its 18th awards on 29 September 2026, in the federation's 50th year.
- Houghtons of York is a finalist twice, for its work on Salford Cathedral's rood and crucifix and on the wider restoration of the cathedral.
- Three apprentices are in the running for Apprentice of the Year.
- Winners are announced at the Kimpton Fitzroy London on 20 November.
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF), the trade body for woodworking and joinery manufacturing, published the shortlist for its 18th awards on 29 September. There are seven categories, from health and safety to sustainability. For workshops making to commission, the heritage, project and apprentice awards are the ones closest to the bench.
Heritage Project of the Year
- Ventrolla, for renovating the sash windows at Canons Ashby House, a Grade I listed National Trust property in Northamptonshire.
- A Sturrock & Son, for designing, making and installing bespoke heritage windows and a Crowley doorset in the restoration of Boleskine House.
- Houghtons of York, for the repair and restoration of the rood and crucifix at Salford Cathedral.
Woodworking Project of the Year
- NBJ (London) Ltd, for complex joinery, internal doors and wall panelling throughout the 664-seat auditorium of Cambridge Arts Theatre.
- Houghtons of York, for its part in the repair, conservation and re-ordering of Salford Cathedral in the Restoring the Glory project.
- AR Manley & Son Ltd, for windows, external doorsets and shutters made to replicate an authentic Georgian property.
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- Ivan Ryshchak, Taylor Made Joinery Interiors.
- Timothy Patterson, Heron Manufacture Ltd.
- Alfie Clutterbuck, Ventrolla.
The Innovation shortlist includes The Joinery Workshop (Orpington) Ltd for thirty-one bronze-style timber shopfronts at Pegasus House, Piccadilly, a project also shortlisted for Sustainability for its use of FSC-certified sapele.
“advances in health and safety, sustainability, manufacturing and heritage restoration continue to transform our sector”
— Helen Hewitt, CEO, British Woodworking Federation
The winners will be announced at the BWF Awards at the Kimpton Fitzroy London on 20 November. The event is in our diary.
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