AND THE WPA WINNERS ARE…
Being ‘sent to Coventry’ isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it’s for the annual Wood Protection Association (WPA) Awards and Conference. Louise Tomlin of Fencing News would agree with this sentiment – read her full report of the event on pages 62-63.
As an independent, timber trade body, the WPA supports a multitude of businesses, many of which are industry competitors. Hosting this annual event is so important in establishing a common ground amongst our members: primarily, the importance of treated timber as a viable construction material. Every year it’s heartening to see companies doing just that; coming together for the greater good of our industry – to celebrate through awards and working together to share insights at conferences. In that respect, wood is the winner.
The whole event relies on sponsorship funding. The WPA is thankful to all the companies who continue to give their support: Arxada, BSW Group, Koppers and PowerPoles UK (main event sponsors); Bond Timber for sponsoring the golf; and Fencing News for supporting and presenting the Conferred Awards.
As always it was fantastic to meet up with colleagues and indeed, friends. Although on-line meetings have stayed with us long after the pandemic has gone, nothing beats the experience of seeing someone face-to-face. The new, more relaxed format of the evening event allowed guests and the WPA team more time to network and chat. The optional daytime activities provided further opportunities to get to know each other on a personal level.
TOURNAMENT WINNERS
Sponsored for the third year running by Bond Timber, the golf competition still proves to be a hit – although players had to dodge the rain this year. Shaun Getson (Bond Timber) was very generous as ever with the selection of fantastic Cornish hamper prizes presented at the evening event. Willie Clason (PowerPoles UK) was once again a brilliant master of ceremonies – and of course he stood on a chair! Thanks also goes to Graham Blyth (James Jones) for keeping on top of the scorecard.
The individual golf prize was won by John Abbott (Arxada). Team Prizes were:
• 1st – Phil Emsley (W&P Consultants), Steve Uphill (Arxada), Mike Smith (James Jones)
• 2nd – Graham Blyth, Willie Clason, Mike Smith
• Nearest the Pin – Alex Torkington (WJ Group)
• Longest Drive – Mike Smith
New for this year was Laser Clay shooting at a beautiful setting in the Warwickshire countryside. Splitting up into two mixed teams consisting of both men and women, who tried their hand at air rifle target shooting too. Who knew that hitting a static target would be harder than a moving one! It was close in the end, but the winner of the Top Gun award was Emma Haley of Bond Timber.
BENCHMARK AWARDS
The two conferred awards presented at this year’s event, honoured those companies who embrace and fully uphold their WPA Benchmark accreditations. The WPA administers a series of industry recognised quality schemes under the brand Benchmark. The objective is to assure timber treatment formulations, products and processes are fit for purpose, which, in turn, helps to build buyer confidence in treated timber products. Many of our members are approved under one or more of these schemes which, at the moment, cover flame retardants and preservative treatments.
To achieve WPA Benchmark accreditation, a company operating a timber treatment plant or plants, is subject to an annual audit. This not only looks at the quality management schemes in place, but also the skills of plant operatives, treatment system processes and records. With the Treatment Quality Award, we recognise those companies that go above and beyond and whose quality processes stand out. Nominated by the auditors, this year the winner was James Davies Sawmills.
The WPA Benchmark Marketing Award recognises businesses who actively promote their Approved Treater status through on-line and offline promotional material. The winner of this award, M&M Timber, consistently use their accreditations – on its website, trade press advertising and social media channels, and in doing so, help to raise awareness of this important scheme.
Feedback from members will shape the format of next year’s WPA event. But needless to say, such gatherings are an important part of bonding an industry together so it can speak with one voice in the face of competition.
Further information WPA contacts:
Neil Ryan
Janet Sycamore
