MP visits Hartlepool joinery firm to discuss business and skills in the woodworking industry

At the tail end of last year, Iain Wright MP visited Hartlepool firm – and BWF member – John Watson Joinery.

While on his visit, Iain Wright MP toured the factory, meeting the John Watson Joinery team and hearing about being a business in Hartlepool, the joinery industry in general and skills in the workplace. After the visit, he tweeted to his 4,300 followers, describing John Watson Joinery as a “Great Hartlepool biz supplying high quality timber doors across UK.”

Eddie Watson, Operations Director at John Watson Joinery, said:

"It was a privilege to welcome Iain Wright MP to our factory. It’s really important that our local parliamentary representatives are aware of the role woodworking and joinery firms play not only locally as employers, suppliers and investors in skills in our regions, but also the contribution we make nationally to the UK’s construction industry and future."

The British Woodworking Federation is calling on its members to engage with local MPs in support of the BWF Manifesto. Iain McIlwee said:

“As an industry, if we miss this opportunity it’ll be another five years before we’ll get another serious chance to influence politics in this country and the policies we need for industry growth.

"Now is the time to contact your local MP and the new Prospective Parliamentary Candidates hoping to be voted in this May. Invite them to come and see your business and learn about the importance of the joinery industry to the British economy, environment and society.”

With the key points put forward in the BWF Manifesto now getting national coverage, we have included an additional document – 'BWF: Getting your voice heard' – which explains the benefits to BWF members' businesses of supporting the campaigns at a local level and how you can use the manifesto as a tool to engage with your local MP. You can also download and use our draft invite letter to an MP.