Against a backdrop of regulatory pressure, subdued demand and skills reform, Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, looks ahead to why raising standards, protecting competence and championing timber clearly will be key to unlocking growth in 2026.
As we move into 2026, the UK woodworking and joinery sector is entering a more cautious and complex trading environment. Businesses are navigating tightening regulation, weakening demand, and increasing margin pressure, alongside a slowdown in housebuilding and domestic repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) activity. This environment will require businesses across our sector to come together to successfully navigate challenges and champion timber to drive growth.
Unlocking pockets of opportunity
Forecasts such as the Construction Products Association’s State of Trade Autumn Forecast suggest UK construction growth of 2.8% in 2026. While this provides some optimism, many timber traders and woodworking and joinery manufacturers recognise that headline growth figures do not always reflect day-to-day trading conditions. Growth is uneven, and for many businesses across the sector, market conditions remain challenging and increasingly competitive. Despite this, opportunities remain. High-value commercial refurbishment, specialist joinery, and technically demanding fit-out projects continue to show resilience.
To secure projects in a competitive landscape, businesses need to be able to demonstrate technical expertise, reliable delivery, and professional credibility, with growing emphasis on professionals and products supported by independent certification, traceability, and membership of reputable industry associations.
Our latest research report ‘Championing Timber in the Home’ highlights the growing importance of professionalism in a cautious market. Forty-two percent of housebuilders prioritise suppliers who belong to a recognised industry scheme, while 39% of homeowners and 40% of housebuilders value membership of a professional body. In practical terms, accreditation and scheme membership are increasingly becoming commercial differentiators, not optional extras. Businesses and manufacturers who align themselves with recognised standards are better placed to maintain credibility, reduce risk, and build trust with customers.
Through BWF membership and adherence to our Code of Conduct, businesses are able to signal their professionalism and provide reassurance to their customers and industry partners. This reassurance not only supports current contracts but also strengthens long-term relationships.
Advocating for the sector and the next generation
To help our sector navigate the coming 12 months, the BWF will continue to advocate for timber at a Government level, helping to shape the regulatory environment. A strong recent example is our leadership of the Construction Coalition, a 30-organisation alliance formed to challenge proposed government reforms to construction apprenticeships. By spearheading this initiative and bringing together stakeholders from across the industry, we secured a pause to changes affecting all construction-related apprenticeships, including carpentry and joinery, and gained a seat on the new Skills England Task Force. This will enable a much-needed review and reset of the proposed apprenticeship reforms, ensuring high standards are maintained for this vital pathway into our profession and that the next generation is equipped with the skills required for a lifelong career.
Protecting apprenticeship pathways is critical for the long-term health of the sector. Skills, competence and technical knowledge underpin quality, compliance and safety. In 2025, the BWF launched and consulted on the proposed ‘Route to Competence for Specialist Fire Door Installers and Carpenters and Joiners. This included updating key National Occupational Standards and beginning implementation changes to Level 2 vocational qualifications, ensuring individuals are trained to install members’ products to the highest standard. Maintaining high standards of training will also help the sector address ongoing labour shortages and support consistent performance across the supply chain.
The BWF will continue to provide guidance, advocacy and technical support for members throughout 2026. By elevating standards, influencing policy and championing professionalism, we can help businesses navigate change while reinforcing timber’s central role in the built environment.
Positioning for long-term success
In today’s operational climate, market insight is vital for helping direct our sector’s efforts. Our Championing Timber in the Home report revealed a misalignment with homeowner ambition and their understanding of how timber can meet their needs. For example, while homeowners prioritise aesthetics (91%), durability (92%), and environmental impact (77%) when considering material choices in the home, these strengths are not yet strongly associated with timber. In fact, only 14% view it as energy-efficient and just 12% consider it to offer the best lifespan compared with other materials.
Added to this, homeowners are also unsure what to look for when selecting sustainable products – 41% admit they are uncertain which sustainable products to choose, and over a quarter are unclear which certifications to trust. This provides a timely opportunity for our sector to showcase timber’s strengths, particularly its inherent sustainability credentials. By aligning on clear, evidence-based messaging, we can help homeowners and the wider market make well-informed choices.
As the sector looks ahead to 2026, businesses that invest in skills, uphold professional standards and align with recognised schemes will be best placed to secure opportunity and growth.
By working together to raise standards, showcase best practice and champion timber with clarity and evidence, the woodworking and joinery industry can strengthen its position and unlock new opportunities.
More at www.bwf.org.uk
