October 9, 2024

George Barnsdale has been longstanding members of the British Woodworking Federation so we caught up with Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive to find out what she thinks about their contribution to the sector.

How long have you been working with George Barnsdale?


George Barnsdale has been a longstanding valued member of the British Woodworking Federation for nearly 30 years and in that time Stephen Wright has been a member of the BWF Board and Council for many years. I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen on the Board in my tenure as CEO of the BWF, which is coming up to 6 years.


Other members of George Barnsdale such as Steve Dixon and Tom Wright also support the BWF attending our Annual Members’ day and the BWF Awards event and have invested their time by attending many of the Federation’s working groups and committees over the years such as the Heritage and Conservation Committee and Wood Window Alliance.


What was your first impression of the company/staff?

I have been to visit the George Barnsdale factory and found that all of the staff were friendly and helpful and clearly very proud of the place they work and the products they manufacture. I mainly work with Stephen Wright who is full of passion for the sector, easy and fun to work with.


What contribution would you say companies like George Barnsdale make to the industry as a whole?


Stephen Wright has spent many years voluntarily giving up his time to be a BWF Council and Board Member. The Council and Board are responsible for driving the strategic direction of the Federation and to represent the members.


As with any organisation that represents its membership, this can change depending on what is happening around us. The woodworking and joinery sector have witnessed many changes over the years, especially in regulation so the products and services we offer tend to vary depending on the priorities members have. Stephen has been integral to the success of the BWF as a Board member helping to shape and define our focus.


Describe George Barnsdale in one word?


I can’t, I have too many words.


Would you like to send a birthday wish?


Yes, Happy Birthday to a long-standing valued member of the BWF from all of the team at the BWF.