The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has declared itself fit and healthy as it celebrates the 100-year mark.
BWF director Richard Lambert said new initiatives in the centenary 2004 year include an overhaul of its website and a bid for Investor in People status.
He said the BWF had enjoyed a renaissance in the last five years, with membership doubling, closer links being enjoyed with government and industry regulatory bodies, as well as an increasingly professional approach to market research and promotion.
The success was due in part, he said, to a series of technical and marketing initiatives, including the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme, the BWF-Certifire Fire Door Scheme and a recruitment drive supported by the delivery of substantial membership benefits.
The success is a stark contrast to the crisis situation faced by the organisation during the mid-1990s when the construction industry was in recession and joinery membership falling.
Mr Lambert said: “The BWF’s strength lies first and foremost in doing a good job for its members at all levels. We have moved with the times to become a listening organisation that hears what is being said in the market place and can initiate or react effectively.”
The BWF grew from the English Joinery Manufacturers’ Association, which was set up in 1904. This became the British Woodwork Manufacturers Association, before merging with the Joinery & Timber Construction Association in the mid-1970s to become the BWF.
