The relationship between the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has been transformed, delegates at the BWF’s annual Members Day heard.

CITB (now renamed CITB-ConstructionSkills) was criticised by the BWF last year (TTJ May 17/24) for offering “almost nothing” to its members.

But 130 delegates meeting at the Midlands Conference Centre in Leicester on March 31 heard a rapid improvement in relations had taken place, with BWF members linked to CITB-ConstructionSkills now getting back about £3.75 worth of value in initiatives for every £1 they pay in levy – the highest return for any trade federation.

Peter Lobban, chief executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said the two organisations had developed a joint action plan and are working on a range of initiatives, with local training advisers now taking a pro-active approach to helping BWF members access training and grants.

Delegates also heard the BWF recorded its highest-ever turnover in 2003, totalling just over £1m. There were 88 new members during the year, bringing membership to 470, while four more manufacturers signed up to the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme, bringing the total to 15.

&#8220The BWF certainly seems to be gaining in strength and has moved on to become almost unrecognisable from the talking shop it used to be”

BWF delegate

Richard Lambert, BWF director, said there was a “buzz” among delegates on Members Day, which featured a number of workshops covering subjects such as engineered wood; influencing legislation and regulation; partnership sourcing and supply chain management; and a timber merchant’s perspective on sustainable hardwoods.

One delegate commented: “The BWF certainly seems to be gaining in strength and has moved on to become almost unrecognisable from the talking shop it used to be.”