Want more young people in Fencing? – Open Doors 2027 – hold an event with industry backing and help from Build UK We are delighted to kick off a new chapter for Open Doors, the industry‐wide initiative delivered by Build UK to inspire careers in construction. We are introducing a more flexible format for 2027, which will […]
Impact of Steel Trade Measure The Government’s new steel trade measure came into force yesterday (1 July), reducing steel import quotas by 51%, with imports above these levels now subject to a 50% tariff. Following concerns raised by industry, the reduction is less than the 60% originally proposed, but the cost of delivering projects is still expected […]
Time Is Ticking – Have You Entered the 2026 UK Fencing Awards? With the entry deadline of 31st July fast approaching, now is the time to make sure your business, projects and people are in the running for a 2026 UK Fencing Award. Every year, the awards recognise the outstanding companies and individuals who are helping to raise […]
AFI Member Samson Fencing Wins NSA Scotsheep 2026 Fencing Competition The Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is delighted to congratulate AFI member Samson Fencing on securing first place at the NSA Scotsheep 2026 Fencing Competition, held on 10 June at Wedderlie Farm, Berwickshire. The competition once again showcased the very highest standards of skill, craftsmanship and professionalism within […]
Join Us for Boundary & Access Day AFI is pleased to be taking part in the upcoming Boundary & Access Day, hosted by Commtel on Friday 17 July 2026 in Crawley, West Sussex. This practical industry event brings together leading organisations involved in fencing, gates, locks and access control to explore how these disciplines combine to create […]
Road and Rail Procurement Under CMA Spotlight The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a market study into rail and road infrastructure, which highlights that a short‐term and fragmented approach to procurement is driving up costs and slowing delivery. It makes a number of recommendations to Government, including publishing a strategic sector plan and mandating compliance […]
Fencer gets £10k fine for power cable hit AFI members are being encouraged to take advantage of the free LineWatch Safe Digging eLearning module — a simple but essential course designed to help fencing contractors work safely around underground utilities and remain compliant with industry safety requirements. The online training module has been developed specifically […]
Government Sets Out Priorities At the State Opening of Parliament last week, the King outlined the programme of legislation that the Government intends to pursue in this parliamentary session. Highlighting that the UK’s ‘economic security depends upon world class infrastructure’, this year’s King’s Speech covered 35 bills, and the key ones for businesses in construction include: […]
Common Assessment Standard Update The Common Assessment Standard is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains relevant and up to date, and this process is overseen by the Common Assessment Standard Review Group, which is currently finalising the proposed changes for Version 6 to be published later this year. The Building Safety section has been […]
Build UK Focuses on Cost of Doing Business The rising cost of doing business is front and centre of our discussions with members, Government and other stakeholders. A combination of war in the Middle East, increases in taxes and levies, and the new Employment Rights Act and other legislation has led to significant increases in […]