WPA 2026 Awards
Celebrating wood protection excellence
The winners of the 2026 WPA Awards, were announced at our annual members dinner at Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds on 6 May. The highlight of a very enjoyable evening, these Awards showcased the quality standards, professionalism and commitment required to produce and sell treated wood successfully. From a landmark restoration project to outstanding operational excellence and individual leadership the winners represent the very best examples of excellence in our sector.
Sponsored by:
Project of the Year – Tinside Lido
The restoration and enhancement of Tinside Lido, Plymouth, stood out as a deserving winner for Project of the Year. Combining heritage sensitivity with modern performance requirements, the project demonstrated how treated wood can play a vital role in preserving iconic public spaces while delivering long-term durability in a high profile coastal setting. The quality of execution and attention to detail showcased the versatility and resilience of Accsys Technologies ‘Accoya’ and ‘Tricoya’ modified wood in a high-profile coastal setting.
Plymouth Tinside Lido- a £4.5 million restoration project features doors, windows, decking and outdoor structures in ‘Accoya’ to win WPA Project of the Year Award category sponsored by Koppers.
Quality Wood Treater – Bond Timber
Bond Timber, Trerulefoot, Cornwall, earned recognition as quality wood treater of the year for its continued commitment to compliance with WPA Benchmark QAS standards, and customer service confidence. The award reflects the company’s investment in third-party quality assurance and employee and customer communication about selling and using treated wood that’s fit for purpose.
WPA Benchmark QAS Treater of the Year- presented to Bond Timber’s Emma Haley (centre) by WPA quality schemes director, Neil Ryan and member services administrator, Caroline Hewison.
Sponsored by:
Best Kept Treatment Plant – WJ Group, Rochester
The award for Best Kept Treatment Plant went to WJ Group, Rochester, recognising the exceptional housekeeping standards maintained at this low and high pressure preservative treatment site. Cleanliness, organisation, environmental stewardship and operational discipline are all evident at this first-class facility. The award underlines the importance of maintaining treatment plants that not only operate efficiently but also reflect the professionalism and high standards required to deliver correctly treated wood.
The Best Kept Treatment Plant Awards went to WJ Group’s Rochester service treatment centre. (L-R): WPA’s Steve Young, WJ Group’s Phil Brown and Andy Hodge from Arxada who sponsored this category.
Sponsored by:
Treated Wood Champion of the Year – Ben Parton
The evening’s individual honour was awarded to Ben Parton, managing director of CJT Timber Sourcing (CJTTS), Ruthin. Ben was recognised for his passion for promoting the quality of treated wood produced by CJTTS and his enthusiasm and commitment to educating buyers and end users in the do’s and don’ts of choosing and using treated wood correctly.
Ben Parton (left) receiving his WPA Treated Wood Champion Award from Willie Clason of Bridewell Associates who sponsored this category.
“These awards recognise the strength and diversity of wood protection technology and celebrate the organisations and individuals who work continuously to enhance the reputation and future of pretreated wood across the UK.
It was great to see so many WPA members enjoying the evenings events. A big thank you to all our sponsors without whose support our annual dinner and Awards would not be possible.”
Steve Young, Chairman
Our 2026 Awards Winners
Project of the Year:
Tinside Lido. Accsys Technologies
WPA Benchmark Quality Wood Treater
Bond Timber, Trerulefoot, Cornwall
Best Kept Treatment Plant
WJ Group, Rochester
Treated Wood Champion
Ben Parton, CJT Timber Sourcing, Ruthin
Annual Golf Competition
Individual: Tony Kelly
Team: Willie Clason, Tony Kelly & Chris Jeffery
Associate Sponsors
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Awards Main Sponsors
Curtain raiser event winners
Two curtain raiser events were staged before the Awards evening - the annual WPA Golf competition sponsored by Bond Timber and a wine and cheese tasting, sponsored by BSW Timber.
Emma Haley presents our 2026 golf champion, Tony Kelly, with the WPA’s annual golf competition trophy.
Wine educator, Sophia Luckett of The Drink Talking presents wine and cheese quiz winner Callum Ruffell with a memento of the occasion.