Industry Update*

‘Growth’ Budget Brings Few Surprises

Wednesday's Budget, which had already been well trailed in the press, brought few surprises but some small positives for our industry. Although nothing in the announcements looked like creating a ... Read more »

Default Retirement Age Being Phased Out From 6 April

BWF Members are reminded that the Default Retirement Age (DRA) is to be phased out, meaning that employers will no longer be able to force staff to retire at 65. The changes are due to begin on 6 ... Read more »

CNC Training Sell-Out By BWF Members

BWF Members have seized the opportunity to train by filling all places on the recently advertised CNC Course. The 5-day CNC course is fully funded by ConstructionSkills for apprentices and some ... Read more »

BWF News Update No 211

In this edition of News Update, we summarise Wednesday's budget announcements, and remind members of some big legislative changes ahead including the imminent phasing out of the default ... Read more »

Putting the Commonsense Back Into Health and Safety

The Government's H&S review is heading in the right direction.

What Tests Can I Do To Demonstrate The Performance Of My Windows?

BS 644 specifies the requirements for the design, construction and performance of fully finished and glazed factory-assembled timber windows of various types...

Join In No. 31

In this edition of Join In, we look at how the BWF can act as your HR department, JELD-WEN is the 1000th Company to sign the Skills Pledge and we invite you to sign it now, we look at how ... Read more »

CPA Launches New Trade Survey

The Construction Products Association is looking to start a new quarterly Trade Survey covering heavy and light side product manufacturing...

Fire Door Inspection Scheme Prepares For Launch

The Fire Door Inspection Scheme is set to launch in May, offering the UK's first professional training and individual certification scheme for the fire door industry...

BWF Opens Its Doors To Help Prepare For The Future

The British Woodworking Federation will hold its annual Members' Day on 19th May, returning to Loughborough University for a day of technical workshops and industry analysis...

How Can I Reduce Noise From My Woodworking Machines To Safe Levels?

Many woodworking machines give rise to noise levels above the legal limits. Employers have a duty under the Control of Noise At Work Regulations to carry out an assessment of the noise levels in ... Read more »

New Requirements for Home Security Being Considered

Work is being undertaken across Government in relation to security standards in domestic properties, with recent exercises including a 'call for evidence' session hosted by the Department for ... Read more »

Independent Auditing Of Accounts Could Be Scrapped For SMEs

The coalition Government has pledged that small firms will no longer have to have independently audited accounts, in plans which are hoped to save 42,000 businesses £40 million per year...

Important Changes To Corporation Tax Filing And Payment From April

From April 2011, all Corporation Tax payments will have to be made electronically, and all company tax returns must be filed online for accounting periods ending after 31 March 2010. The returns ... Read more »

Scottish Government recognises the benefits of 3rd party accreditation.

In a departure from previous practice, the Scottish Government have now incorporated advice to duty holders, on whom duties are imposed under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, on the benefits of ... Read more »