Construction economics expert Brian Green has urged nearly 100 British Woodworking Federation (BWF) members to stay positive about the future despite the continuing onslaught of gloomy statistics and construction forecasts.
Mr Green was the keynote speaker at the BWF’s annual Members’ Day in Loughborough, which an “overwhelming number” of members found to be an informative and worthwhile experience, according to the BWF.
This year’s event focused on ensuring that the joinery and woodworking industry would be prepared for the changes ahead.
Mr Green, author of the Brickonomics blog, predicted that a combination of factors would push the housebuilding industry to look towards “quality rather than commodity” in their future choice of products.
He said a slow recovery in housebuilding coupled with increased pressure for family housing would lead to housebuilders looking for added-value products, providing an opportunity which the joinery sector “could, and should, seize”.
The day also featured a range of comprehensive workshops, with topics such as future changes to regulations in 2013, certifications, the changing training landscape, and using websites and social media to drive sales. The BWF’s new marketing communications adviser, Liz Male, posted regular updates on Twitter throughout the day (@lizmale).
The BWF’s new Health and Safety Guide was also launched as the most comprehensive single guide in the woodworking industry to date.
