Southern Oak News
Sonia Robinson Announced as Women in Timber UK 2026 Speaker
Southern Oak founder Sonia Robinson has been selected as a speaker at the sold-out Women in Timber UK Seminar 2026 in Leeds.
Southern Oak is delighted to announce that our Founder and Managing Director, Sonia Robinson, has been selected as a speaker at the Women in Timber UK Seminar 2026.
The sold-out event will bring together more than 120 women from across the timber industry at Oulton Hall, near Leeds, on Thursday 1 October 2026.
Organised to celebrate, connect and support women throughout the timber supply chain, the seminar will welcome professionals from forestry, manufacturing, timber supply, architecture, design and construction for a day of speakers, practical sessions and industry networking.
Sharing the Southern Oak story
Sonia's journey into the timber industry and business ownership did not follow a conventional path.
At 44, following redundancy and a period of significant personal change, Sonia made the decision to back herself and explore a new direction.
After identifying an opportunity within the oak-framing industry, she began developing the idea that would become Southern Oak. Drawing on her previous experience in construction and working alongside experienced oak specialists, Sonia gradually built the foundations of the business.
Since its formation in 2023, Southern Oak has developed into a nationwide specialist in bespoke oak-framed garages, cart lodges, porches, gazebos, outbuildings and architectural structures.
The business now supports clients throughout the complete process, from early ideas and design visualisation to planning, structural design, manufacture and installation.
At the Women in Timber UK Seminar, Sonia will share her experience of starting again, entering a traditionally male-dominated industry and building a specialist business around quality, trusted relationships and the courage to take action.
Supporting women across the timber industry
Women in Timber UK was created to increase the visibility of women working across the timber sector and provide opportunities for connection, professional development and shared learning.
The 2026 seminar follows the success of its inaugural event in 2025 and has already sold out.
Sonia will join speakers from across timber, forestry, business, professional coaching, women's sport and workplace wellbeing. The event also supports the Timber Trades' Benevolent Society, which provides assistance to people who have worked within the timber trade and find themselves in need.
Speaking about the invitation, Sonia said:
"I am genuinely honoured to have been invited to speak at Women in Timber UK. Southern Oak began at a point in my life when I had to make a choice between allowing circumstances to define what came next or taking a chance on myself.
"The timber industry has given me the opportunity to build something I am incredibly proud of, alongside a knowledgeable and committed team. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can encourage other women who may be considering a new direction or questioning whether they have the confidence to take their next step.
"You do not always need to feel completely ready. Sometimes confidence comes after you decide to act."
About the Women in Timber UK Seminar 2026
The event takes place on Thursday 1 October 2026, from 10:00am to 4:30pm, at Oulton Hall Hotel near Leeds.
Women in Timber UK brings together women working at every level of the timber supply chain. Its purpose is to create connections, share experiences and support personal and professional growth throughout the industry.
The 2026 event is currently sold out, although the organisers are operating a waiting list.
Find out more about the event: womenintimber.uk/event/570/
About Southern Oak
Southern Oak creates bespoke oak-framed buildings for homes, businesses and development projects across the UK.
Our team supports clients with oak-framed garages, cart lodges, porches, gazebos, outbuildings and larger architectural structures, with designs developed around each property and the way the finished building will be used.
From the initial concept through to manufacture and installation, every Southern Oak project combines traditional oak craftsmanship with modern design, planning and project coordination.
Considering an oak-framed building?
Speak to Southern Oak about your ideas and discover how we can help develop them into a bespoke oak-framed structure designed around your property.
From the guide to the build