The association is the brainchild of founding members Gary Middleton and Roger Southee who had become concerned that unqualified installers were giving the industry a bad name.
The member companies, whose activities cover manufacture, retail and installation, aim to unify the British wood flooring industry through training, qualification, education and accreditation.
“Having worked in this industry for more than two decades and experienced a massive growth in consumer demand, we feel it is now time that the profile of the wood flooring industry is raised to give it the recognition it deserves,” said Mr Middleton.
“The BWFA will provide its members with a point of reference, a comprehensive installation manual, a technical hotline and accredited training recognised by experts from within our trade.”
Outlining the reasoning behind the formation of the association, Mr Southee said that wood flooring users have increasingly become the victim of unqualified installers – resulting in a gradual loss of confidence in the industry.
“The objective of the BwfA is to address and reverse this trend through the promotion of best practice and by raising the standing of the wood flooring industry – along with the public perception of it – to a more professional level,” he added.
The BwfA have a presence at the W6 – Working with Wood exhibition at the NEC in October.
Membership applications and enquiries are being handled by the BwfA secretariat at association management specialist Huddlestone Ltd. For information call 01629 827038.
