A new industry body has been established to provide coordinated representation for the UK wood fuel and heating sector at a time of increasing focus on renewable heat, energy resilience and the future direction of UK heat policy. 

The Wood Fuel and Heating Association (WFHA) brings together organisations from across the supply chain to support informed engagement within policy and regulatory discussions, while also encouraging collaboration, high standards and greater coordination across the industry and to powerfully advocate the benefits of sustainable wood heating to the UK economy. 

Biomass, including wood fuel, currently accounts for around 40% of renewable energy output in the UK and continues to play an important role in supporting renewable heat across homes, businesses and industry, while also positively contributing to forestry management and rural economies. 

Despite the scale and importance of the sector, however, it has not previously benefited from a single body dedicated to representing its interests clearly, responsibly and with practical industry expertise. 

WFHA has been established to help address that need. 

The association is led by a founding board drawn from across the industry: 

Terence McCracken (Chairman) 
Mark Lebus (Vice Chairman) 
Julian Morgan-Jones (Treasurer) 
Bruno Berardelli 
Richard Dalley 
Mike Ingoldby 
Mick Johnson 
Thomas Wilkins 

Collectively, the board brings together long-standing operational experience and expertise spanning wood fuel supply, world class appliance technology, installation, maintenance, forestry and wider sector delivery. 

Commenting on the launch of the association, Terence McCracken, Chairman of WFHA, said: 

“The wood fuel and heating sector already makes an important contribution to renewable heat in the UK, yet it has not always had clear or coordinated representation within wider policy discussions. 

At a time when conversations around energy policy, sustainability and long-term heat security are becoming increasingly important, it is vital that decisions are informed by practical operational experience and a proper understanding of the sector itself. 

WFHA has been established to help ensure the industry is represented clearly, responsibly and with informed expertise.” 

Alongside representing the interests of its members, WFHA will support informed discussion around renewable heat, encourage best practice across the sector and help strengthen long-term confidence in sustainable wood fuel and heating within the UK energy landscape. 

WFHA is a membership organisation open to businesses and organisations operating across the wood fuel and heating sector. 

To mark the launch of the association, organisations joining during the initial launch period will receive a 20% reduction in first-year membership fees. 

Further information, including membership details, can be found at: https://www.wfha.co.uk/ 
Or email us at info@wfha.co.uk