Go Construct Careers

Lawsons Announces Christ’s Hospital Bursary

Lawsons are funding an annual scholarship for a pupil to attend Christ’s Hospital School.

The Lawsons family has long maintained a private association with this unique institution and this association has now extended into formal support by the company’s charitable fund.  Founded in 1552 on the wishes of King Edward VI, Christ’s Hospital was established “to educate and nourish the destitute children of the city”.  Their charitable mission continues to this day, and this leading independent school now offers free or substantially reduced fees to over 670 of their 830 boarders, significantly more than any other independent school in the country.

Simon Lawson [Chairman, Lawsons] – “As a business that prides itself on creating development pathways for its staff, it was a very natural step for us to support a charitable institution which offers an outstanding education and excellent pastoral care to young people, irrespective of background.  It is a privilege to work with Christ’s Hospital to enrich and enhance the life of a young student.”

In July, the school celebrates the 128^th anniversary of the building of their school following its move from London to Horsham in 1897. 

Hugo Middlemas [Director of Development, Christ’s Hospital] – “On this anniversary of the laying of the school’s foundation stone, it is fitting that we should recognise the part Lawsons and all of our corporate supporters play in ensuring the school continues to thrive.  Strong relationships, much like the foundation stone itself, endure the test of time and we are delighted to still be working with Lawsons to support our community of students”.

As a corporate donor to the school, Lawsons will help to raise awareness and understanding of the supported entry pathways to the school amongst its staff and customers.

 

Irish Stock Fencing Championship Showcases Skill, Innovation, and the Future of Farming

AFI Members Tornado Wire were once again proud to be part of the prestigious Clonmel Show, held on 6th July 2025—an event where tradition met innovation at the heart of Ireland’s fencing community.

This year’s Irish Stock Fencing Championship was a resounding success, with exceptional levels of craftsmanship, dedication, and professionalism on display throughout the day. The event also welcomed Pete Clark, CEO of the Association of Fencing Industries, who was honoured to join the judging panel and witness first-hand the high calibre of fencing being produced.

A special congratulations goes to the winners of the Professional Competition:
🥇 Peter Redgwell & Stuart Miles
🥈 Jack Bennett & Henry Evans
🥉 Matty Cummings & Pauric Carroll
Followed closely by:
4th – Henry Kavanagh & Anthony Blake
5th – Alan & Patrick
6th – Dale Carroll & Geroid Quinn

This year also marked the exciting launch of the Irish Novice Stock Fencing Competition, delivered in partnership with Macra na Feirme and Tornado. Aimed at showcasing the next generation of Irish farmers, teams were challenged to install 20 metres of fencing using Tornado’s Pro-Strain® System and Pro-Strain i-Post®—a modern solution for today’s agricultural needs.

“The next generation of farmers using the next generation of products.”

The Young Farmers Competition celebrated future talent, with fantastic performances from:
🥇 Dan Long
🥈 Diarmuid Monaghan
🥉 Stephen O’Keefe

A huge thank you goes to all who helped organise and participate in this inspiring event. Your enthusiasm, teamwork, and openness to embracing new technology are shaping the future of stock fencing. AFI is proud to support this progression and looks forward to seeing these rising stars continue to thrive.

 

Countdown to #OpenDoors26

We are delighted to kickstart the Countdown to Open Doors 2026 which will take place from Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March! Open Doors provides a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to go behind the scenes of our industry and see the wide range of roles available.

The new Construction Skills Mission Board, which has been established by Government to tackle the industry’s skills shortages, is aiming to recruit an additional 100,000 construction workers a year by 2029, and Open Doors is one of the most effective ways to showcase the sector and what it has to offer.

After a record 7,000 visitors this year, we are looking to build on that success in 2026 and we need your support to do it! Please make a note of the key dates in your diaries between now and Open Doors Week and start thinking about which of your sites, offices, manufacturing facilities or training centres you will open (you can even edit your details on the website now if you would like to get a head start).

 

Young Talent Shines at NFYFC Fencing Competition Final

The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) Fencing Competition Final took place on Saturday 5th July 2025 at the County Showground in Stafford, showcasing the next generation of talent in our industry.

Congratulations go to the winning team: Andy Bennett, Ed Thomas, and Timothy Downes-Hopkins. A special mention to Ed and Timothy, who are part of MJ Evans Fencing—an AFI member company—demonstrating how AFI membership continues to support and connect the future of fencing.

The competition was judged by a panel of industry professionals, including Si Gibbs (HVB Fencing), George Martin (George Martin Fencing) and Wayne Hammond (Front Row Fencing)—with several of the judges being AFI members, a strong endorsement of the Association’s influence and expertise within the sector.

Events like these not only celebrate skill and precision but also highlight the growing presence of the AFI community across all levels of the industry. A big well done to all involved!

🏆 It’s more than an award – it’s your industry recognising your excellence.

The UK Fencing Awards celebrate innovation, dedication and hard work across every part of the fencing sector.

🎤 The speaker’s a secret (for now)…
🍽️ The dinner is three courses of brilliance…
🏎️ And the simulator experience? Sponsored by FH Brundle and fully revved up!

But none of that matters if you don’t ENTER BY 31 JULY!
👉 enter HERE!!

 

FenceX 2025 – 90% Sold & Best Practice Day Returns

FenceX 2025 is fast approaching – and with 90% of stand space now sold and visitor numbers climbing, the event on 15th October at NAEC Stoneleigh is shaping up to be the UK’s biggest fencing industry showcase yet.

Following a sell-out spring event, the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day returns outdoors, with support from Tornado Wire(lead sponsor), Scanpole, & StowAg. The day will feature:
🔧 Two full fencing lines (wood & metal) 
🛠️ Practical demos on strainers, turners & wire techniques in varied ground
👷‍♂️ Demonstrations led by some of the UK’s top fencing professionals

Inside the hall, the exhibitor line-up reads like a who’s who of the industry – with names like IAE, CLD, Barkers, Zaun, Alexandra Security, Lochrin Bain, Harper Chalice, First Fence, Henry Squire, Gatemaster, Borg Locks, Birkdale, and DHF all confirmed, alongside international brands and sector specialists.

💥 Plus, enjoy the largest-ever destruction testing schedule at a UK fencing show
⚙️ Explore the Gate Automation Zone
🎤 Attend industry seminars
🥓 And claim a free bacon roll when you pre-register!

🎟️ Free visitor tickets at www.fencex.com
📧 Enquiries: fencex@theafi.co.uk