Cliff Thrumble is to join the British Woodworking Federation as the new president, it has emerged…
Managing director of Boyland Windows Cliff Thrumble has been appointed the new president of the British Woodworking Federation.
The decision was taken during the AGM and annual Members’ Day, which included 150 representatives from the joinery manufacturing business sector.
Thrumble, who started at Boyland Joinery over two decades ago, began his career as a labourer before completing an apprenticeship as a bench joiner. He went on to work his way up the company to become managing director at 35. Thrumble, who will replace David Pattenden as president, also has ties to the Wood Window Alliance and managed the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme.
In a statement, Thrumble said: “I owe a debt of gratitude to David who steps down as president having led the BWF through its most successful years yet. The BWF is now in excellent shape, with more than 700 members, subscriptions increasing, a clear strategy and a powerful voice with policy makers.
“My most urgent priority in my time as president will be about helping to tackle the ongoing skills crisis, both in terms of increasing awareness of joinery as a secure and rewarding trade to bright school children and career changers, and increasing the commitment to training given to joiners, machinist and installers. This is a critical part of the BWF’s action plan for the success of the industry.
“It is also very much about ensuring the BWF talks to the wider industry, and our members talk to us.
“We have a strong trade body, but we need to do more to grow membership and engage as many as possible in our work. This means meeting the needs of all members and adding their voice to ours. A key part of my role will be in helping the BWF team to keep our feet on the ground while we look to the horizon.”
Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, said: “Cliff has the woodworking industry in his DNA. He has already contributed a huge amount to bringing the BWF to where it is today. He gets the practicalities and can help us to shape the changes we need to deliver to support an evolving sector in a new economic environment.
“We live in interesting and exciting times. The years of Cliff’s presidency are likely to be among the most critical in the history of the woodworking industry, and we are looking forward to meeting the many changes head on.”
