Members of the AFI board rubber stamped the agreement last month.

‘We are delighted at having this opportunity and view it as a major steppingstone in our ambitious plans to expand the AFI in the coming years, ‘said Chairman Chris Hackett.

‘Over the years Fencex has cemented itself as an essential part of the industry and we are excited what the future holds. AFI executives will work alongside the current organisers for this year’s show being staged on October 11th at Stoneleigh Exhibition Park near Coventry and afterwards will take a controlling interest for subsequent exhibitions.

‘We have the chance to gain valuable experience with this year’s show and put down the foundations for the future,’ said Hackett. ‘This has been something we had on the horizon as we look to build recognition for the organisation and its members. Fencex now in its 20th year, is staged once every two years and moved to Stoneleigh Exhibition Park some 15 years ago where it has remained.

‘I am delighted that the AFI are to take Fencex forward in the future’ said Ian Law, organiser of Fencex. ‘The AFI’s new pro-active approach will ensure that the exhibition, a mainstay in the industry calendar, will flourish. Since we took on Fencex some 20 years ago, it has become a bi-annual centrepiece for companies to showcase their latest products; and an industry networking event.

‘The AFI is dedicated in bringing excellence to the industry and I have no doubt that’s just what they will do as they take on the reins of Fencex.

CEO of the AFI Pete Clark said that this was a ‘golden opportunity’ for both the industry and Fencex. ‘It is an exciting prospect and we have many plans to extend Fencex in the future, representing all the sectors of fencing’ he said. Fencex will give us another string to our bow that will benefit the industry as a whole as we continue to promote excellence for all in fencing, plan for the future with the continued emphasis on training, best practice, innovation, products and standards within all of fencing.’

For Further information visit http://www.fencex.com/visitor-registration/#free-ticket or call 020 82534516.