A Day to Remember! Celebrating the 2026 UK Fencing Industry Awards
What a fantastic celebration of the fencing industry!
On Thursday 12 November, the Association of Fencing Industries welcomed guests from across the sector to the iconic Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, for the 2026 UK Fencing Industry Awards.
Bringing together fencing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals, the Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the outstanding skills, dedication, innovation and achievements that make our industry something to be proud of.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, a three-course lunch and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Old Trafford, alongside the opportunity to hear from footballing legend Sir Geoff Hurst, who joined us as our special guest.
But, of course, the real stars of the day were the people and businesses being recognised for their exceptional contributions to the fencing industry.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry
From agricultural and domestic fencing to major infrastructure, security installations and specialist projects, this year’s entries demonstrated the remarkable breadth of talent and expertise within our sector.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, making the judging process particularly challenging. Alongside our finalists and winners, a number of entries were also recognised as Highly Commended, reflecting the quality of work submitted this year.
The Awards also celebrated the people helping to shape the industry’s future, through our Apprentice of the Year and Women in Fencing categories, alongside those making an outstanding contribution throughout their careers.
Congratulations to every winner, finalist, Highly Commended entrant and nominee. Being recognised among such a strong field is an achievement in itself, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud.
Thank You for Making It Possible
Events like these simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to every company that supported this year’s Awards.
Our thanks also go to our judges, whose time, knowledge and expertise are invaluable, and to everyone who submitted an entry, nominated a colleague or joined us at Old Trafford to celebrate.
Most importantly, thank you to the businesses and individuals who continue to raise standards, demonstrate professionalism and champion excellence across the fencing industry.
Relive the Celebrations!
We’ll be sharing photographs, winner announcements and highlights from the day across our website and social media channels over the coming days.
Keep an eye out — you might just spot a familiar face!
Congratulations once again to everyone recognised at the 2026 UK Fencing Industry Awards. Here’s to another year of celebrating the very best of British fencing!
Further Changes to Employment Law
The Employment Rights Act continues to introduce new rights for employees and place greater obligations on employers, with more measures set to come into force throughout 2027. To ensure that the changes will work in practice for businesses of all sizes, the Government is currently seeking views on a number of proposals, including:
- Fire and Rehire – The Act makes changes to the statutory protections against dismissal and re‐engagement, and the Government is consulting on a revised code of practice to reflect these legislative changes. The deadline for responses is Thursday 17 December.
- Employment Status Reform – A consultation is underway on proposals to tackle bogus self‐employment, which include introducing a ‘presumption of worker status’, whereby employers would have to demonstrate that an individual is genuinely self‐employed, rather than a worker. The deadline for responses is Friday 8 January.
- Non‐Compete Clauses – The Government confirmed in the Budget that it will shortly be consulting on the use of restrictive practices, including non‐compete clauses, to ensure that they do not act as a barrier to hiring or to workers moving jobs.
Following a consultation earlier this year, the Government has confirmed that it will strengthen dismissal protections for pregnant women and new parents. The reforms, which are expected to be introduced from October 2027, will strengthen the legal framework governing dismissal during the ‘protected period’ and extend such protections to employees on adoption, shared parental, neonatal care, and bereaved partner’s paternity leave.
To help employers prepare for the changes, Build UK Partner Citation has produced an overview of all the measures introduced under the Employment Rights Act, which is being regularly updated as new requirements come into force.
Building Regulations
Following the announcement in the Budget that the Government will not make major changes to Building Regulations during this Parliament except to improve building safety, MHCLG has confirmed to Build UKthat changes already underway will not be affected, including the Future Homes Standard and reform of the construction products system, and it will work with industry to prioritise changes to Building Regulations.
Fencing Tender Opportunity – Wye National Nature Reserve, Kent
Natural England is inviting tenders for the renewal of approximately 1,500 metres of stock fencing at Wye National Nature Reserve in Kent.
The works involve removing existing fencing, clearing vegetation and scrub, and installing new stock fencing across the North Downs.
Contractors should note that the site includes steep terrain, with some sections requiring manual working where machinery access is restricted.
Key details:
- Location: Wye National Nature Reserve, Kent
- Estimated contract value: £21,650 excluding VAT
- Anticipated completion: 26 March 2027
- Tender submission deadline: 22 November 2026
This may be of interest to agricultural fencing contractors experienced in working on challenging terrain and environmentally sensitive sites.
VIEW THE TENDER DETAILS AND DOCUMENTATION
Are You Making the Most of Your AFI Membership?
Small savings, practical support and professional advice – there’s more included in your AFI membership than you might realise!
Running a fencing business comes with plenty of expenses, from fuel and insurance to training, accreditation and the everyday costs of keeping things running smoothly.
That’s why AFI membership is about more than simply belonging to a trade association. It’s about having access to practical benefits that can help you save money, reduce administration and get the support you need.
Just look at some of the savings and services available:
- 4p per litre off diesel through UK Fuels.
- 30% off BSI orders, helping you stay up to date with industry standards.
- 30% off Construction Health & Safety and Environmental Manuals.
- 20% off new CHAS memberships and 10% off renewals.
- 15% off Risk Management Insurance, alongside other discounted insurance options.
- Bespoke van and truck deals through Crusader Vans.
- Discounted access to WorXflo, a business management platform designed to help streamline your operations.
And the value doesn’t stop at discounts.
Members also have access to free employment and health and safety advice, construction law and contract advice, unlimited credit checks, and a library of useful business templates, including risk assessments, method statements and customer care policies.
How many of these benefits are you already using?
With membership renewals approaching, now is a great time to explore what’s available and make sure you’re getting the full value of your membership.
Visit the AFI members’ area to explore your benefits.
AFI membership – supporting your business, all year round.
Looking Ahead to FenceX 2027 – Have You Secured Your Stand?
With another busy year for the fencing industry drawing to a close, our attention is already turning to FenceX 2027, taking place on Thursday 23 September 2027 at NAEC Stoneleigh.
Following the record-breaking success of FenceX 2025, preparations are gathering pace for another fantastic event, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and industry professionals from across the fencing and perimeter security sector.
With live demonstrations, industry-specific seminars, practical activities, competitions and plenty of opportunities to network and do business, FenceX promises another packed day for the industry.
And with further features and developments in the pipeline, there’s still more to come!
Thinking About Exhibiting?
Stand bookings are already underway, and there’s now just a matter of weeks left to take advantage of our Early Bird Booking Scheme.
Until 31 December 2026, exhibitors can secure an indoor stand with just a 10% deposit, giving businesses the opportunity to reserve their space before the end of the year and plan ahead for 2027.
Whether you’re a returning exhibitor or considering FenceX for the first time, we’d be delighted to help you explore the options available.
Want to see what’s available?
Simply contact fencex@theafi.co.uk for the latest floorplan, pricing and stand availability.
FenceX 2027 – One Industry. One Place. One Fantastic Opportunity.