Mark your calendar: Women in Timber will be back for the 2026 annual seminar

 Friday, January 9, 2026

The UK timber industry is transitioning to a more inclusive approach, moving away from its male-dominated past. Women in Timber (WIT), an organisation that has quickly grown from a grassroots project to a pillar of professional development and activism, has occupied the forefront. Following the resounding success of its debut gathering, WIT is proud to announce the date for its second monumental milestone officially: the Women in Timber Annual Seminar, scheduled for Thursday, 1 October 2026.

The 2026 seminar will return to the prestigious Oulton Hall, located near Leeds. Known for its historic charm and expansive facilities, the venue provides the ideal backdrop for a day dedicated to high-level strategic thinking and peer-to-peer connection. By hosting the event in West Yorkshire, WIT continues to ensure accessibility for professionals traveling from the industrial hubs of the North, as well as those coming from across the UK.

The timber industry is the lifeblood of sustainable construction, yet its workforce has long lacked gender diversity. Women in Timber was established to rectify this imbalance by creating a dedicated network that spans the entire supply chain.

The WIT mission focuses on four key pillars:

• Visibility: Highlighting the achievements of women in roles ranging from sawmilling and logistics to structural engineering and high-end architecture.
• Education: Providing technical workshops and leadership training that equip women with the tools to advance into C-suite positions.
• Community: Creating a safe space for the exchange of ideas, challenges, and solutions unique to women navigating the industry.
• Advocacy: Working with trade bodies to promote the timber sector as an attractive, viable career path for the next generation of female talent.

Building on the momentum of the inaugural event, the 2026 seminar is designed to be more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for industry-wide change. The agenda for the day will feature:

Keynote speakers: A lineup of trailblazing women who have shattered the “glass ceiling” in construction and manufacturing. These speakers will share insights on the future of mass timber, sustainable forestry management, and digital innovation in timber design.

Interactive workshops: Deep-dive sessions focused on professional growth, including negotiation tactics, technical timber grading, and the integration of AI in the supply chain.

Collaborative networking: Structured “meet-and-greet” sessions that allow junior professionals to connect with seasoned veterans, fostering mentorship opportunities that extend far beyond the day of the event.

Policy discussions: Panels discussing how the UK’s “Net Zero” targets and the “Timber in Construction Roadmap” are creating new opportunities for diverse talent.

“The energy at our first event proved that there is a massive appetite for a network like this,” says the WIT organizing committee. “For 2026, we are raising the bar. This isn’t just about representation; it’s about ensuring women are at the forefront of the timber revolution.”

Women in Timber is built on a foundation of mutual support, which extends to the wider timber family. A core component of the 2026 Seminar is its partnership with the Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS).

The TTBS has provided a vital safety net for those who have worked in the timber trade and find themselves in need due to illness, retirement, or hardship. By integrating the TTBS into the seminar, WIT helps raise critical funds and awareness, ensuring that the industry looks after its own. A portion of the proceeds and various on-site initiatives will be dedicated to supporting the society’s ongoing mission.

The timing of the 2026 seminar is critical. As the UK construction industry faces a skills shortage, tapping into a broader talent pool is no longer just a social goal—it is an economic necessity. Diverse teams have been proven to foster higher levels of innovation and better problem-solving capabilities, both of which are essential as the timber sector adapts to new environmental regulations and the rising demand for sustainable building materials.

By empowering women to lead in forestry and manufacturing, WIT is helping to build a more resilient, creative, and forward-thinking industry.

Tickets for the 2026 Women in Timber Annual Seminar are expected to be in high demand. Given the sell-out nature of the previous event, organisers encourage early registration.

• Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Location: Oulton Hall, Leeds
• Who should attend: Professionals from forestry, sawmilling, timber trade, manufacturing, architecture, design, and construction. Men who are allies and champions of diversity are also welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Detailed ticketing information, sponsorship packages, and the full speaker lineup will be released in the coming months via the official Women in Timber website and social media channels.

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Tags: Diversity in Construction UK, Timber Industry Events Leeds, Timber Supply Chain Networking, Timber Trades Benevolent Society, Women in Manufacturing, Women in Timber 2026