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 […]
JCT Contracts The JCT 2016 Edition of contracts has been superseded by JCT 2024, which members should be using to ensure their contracts are up to date. JCT 2016 is now only available in hardcopy while stocks last and online until 31 December 2026. All JCT 2024 forms can be purchased via the JCT online store. 2026 UK Fencing […]
AJS Training Ltd – Business Update On 12th March 2026, AJS Training Ltd officially became part of the Saferoad Group. Saferoad is a leading European road safety provider, employing over 2,700 people across multiple countries. The group was formed in 2007 through the merger of Ørsta Group and Euroskilt Group, and has been owned by FSN […]
HSE Changes Reporting of Injuries The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a consultation on amending the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), which will increase the amount of information that must be reported to the HSE. The proposed changes are designed to help tackle work‐related ill health and include: The consultation also […]
New Employment Rights The latest measures under the Employment Rights Act came into force on 6 April 2026, introducing new ‘day one’ rights for employees and placing greater obligations on employers regarding fairness, equality and wellbeing. Described by the Government as the ‘biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation’, the recent changes include: […]
Lawsons Group Appointment Lawsons Group [Lawsons Whetstone Ltd] is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Cope as an Independent Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. Andrew brings considerable experience to the role having served for twenty years as Managing Director of Chandlers Building Supplies, an established family owned and managed business of eight branches located […]
2026 UK Fencing Awards – Entries Now Open & Industry Support Building Entries are now open for the 2026 UK Fencing Awards, and we’re already seeing strong engagement from across the industry. Taking place on 12th November 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester, the Awards continue to be a key date in the fencing calendar — celebrating excellence, innovation […]
New member Focus: Commtel Commtel is pleased to be joining AFI. We focus on ensuring that the systems people rely on at the point of entry do exactly what they need to – simple and reliable. We design and manufacture intercom systems for both residential and commercial projects, including multi-occupancy environments. We work closely with […]