Fencing Installer Apprenticeship – Have Your Say!
The Fencing Installer Apprenticeship Assessment Plan is now available for public consultation through Skills England.
This is an opportunity for employers, fencing contractors, training providers and others involved in the industry to review the proposed assessment arrangements and share their feedback.
Apprenticeships play an important role in developing the next generation of skilled fencing professionals, and industry input can help ensure that assessment arrangements reflect the practical skills, knowledge and competence required on site.
If you employ apprentices, are considering taking one on, or have experience of training and assessing fencing installers, we’d encourage you to take a look and have your say.
VIEW THE APPRENTICESHIP SURVEYS ON SKILLS ENGLAND
New British Standard Published – BS 1722-19:2026
BS 1722-19:2026 – Fences: Electric Fencing in Agriculture – Design, Installation and Maintenance – Specification has now been published.
The standard covers electric fencing used in agricultural applications, providing a technical reference for those involved in its design, installation and maintenance.
For contractors working in agricultural fencing, keeping up to date with the latest British Standards is an important part of maintaining good practice and ensuring work meets relevant specifications.
Members involved in electric fencing are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the newly published edition and consider any implications for their working practices.
The standard is now available through BSI Knowledge.
VIEW BS 1722-19:2026 ON BSI KNOWLEDGE
Supporting Your Team – New Free Resources for Employers
Running a business isn’t just about managing the workload – it’s also about looking after the people who help get the job done.
From supporting employees through personal difficulties to navigating workplace challenges and financial concerns, employers can sometimes find themselves dealing with situations they’re not quite sure how to approach.
Perennial, the charity supporting people working in horticulture and related industries, has launched a new Employers Resource Hub, bringing together practical guidance, useful tools and expert resources to help businesses support their teams.
The hub covers a range of topics, including:
- Mental wellbeing at work – resources to help employers support their employees’ mental health.
- Supporting unpaid carers – guidance for businesses with employees balancing work and caring responsibilities.
- Managing workplace changes – advice on approaching difficult conversations around redundancy or reduced working hours.
- Financial wellbeing – practical information on pensions, financial planning and managing money.
- Webinars and expert guidance – access to recorded sessions and opportunities to join upcoming webinars.
Whether you employ a large team or just a handful of people, having access to reliable advice can make a real difference when challenging situations arise.
While the hub has been developed with horticulture employers in mind, many of the resources cover issues that will be familiar to businesses across the wider fencing and landscaping sectors.
EXPLORE PERENNIAL’S EMPLOYERS RESOURCE HUB
New Free Debt Advice Service
Perennial has also announced a new partnership with PayPlan, an FCA-regulated debt advice provider, offering free, one-to-one support to people referred through the charity.
Debt can be difficult to talk about, and financial worries can have a significant impact on wellbeing, both at home and at work.
The new partnership aims to make it easier for those eligible for Perennial’s support to access professional debt advice, with greater resources available nationwide and quicker access to help.
Whether you’re looking for ways to better support your employees or know someone who may be struggling financially, these resources could be worth exploring.
Find out more
Celebrating the Very Best of Our Industry!
The countdown is on! In just ten days, we’ll be gathering at Old Trafford to celebrate the 2026 UK Fencing Industry Awards – and discover who will be taking home this year’s trophies.
From agricultural fencing and domestic installations to major infrastructure projects, security systems, gates and barriers, this year’s finalists demonstrate the incredible breadth of skill, expertise and professionalism across our industry.
Our judging panels certainly had their work cut out for them!
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, with some incredibly difficult decisions to make across the categories. In fact, the quality of submissions was such that the judges introduced Highly Commended distinctions this year, recognising entries that deserved particular acknowledgement beyond the final three.
And it’s not just about outstanding projects.
The Awards also recognise the people and businesses who help our industry thrive, with categories celebrating apprentices, women in fencing, suppliers and those whose dedication has made a lasting contribution to the sector.
Reaching the final three is a tremendous achievement, and every finalist should be immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished.
To all our 2026 finalists – congratulations, and the very best of luck!
Whatever the results on 12 November, you’ve already demonstrated the exceptional standards that make our industry something to celebrate
Who will be taking home the trophies?
We’ll find out very soon!
Thursday 12 November 2026
Old Trafford, Manchester
More Than Just Stands – What’s Happening at FenceX 2027?
If you think FenceX is simply a hall full of exhibition stands, think again!
FenceX 2027 is shaping up to be another action-packed day for the fencing and perimeter security industry, with plenty happening beyond the exhibition itself.
Building on the success of the 2025 event, plans include:
- Live Attack Destruction Testing – putting perimeter security products to the test.
- Gate Automation Demonstrations – showcasing technology and solutions in action.
- Best Practice Day Demonstrations – practical skills and techniques from across the industry.
- Industry-Specific Seminars – knowledge, insights and developments affecting the sector.
- Closeboard Speed Competition – putting fencing skills to the test.
Alongside these attractions, visitors will have the opportunity to meet leading manufacturers and suppliers, discover new products and make valuable industry connections.
And we’re not finished yet! Further features are being developed behind the scenes, with more announcements to follow as plans progress.
Thinking of exhibiting?
Stand bookings are already underway, and our 10% Early Bird Deposit Scheme remains available until 31 December 2026.
For stand information and the latest floorplan, contact fencex@theafi.co.uk.
Thursday 23 September 2027 | NAEC Stoneleigh
FenceX 2027 – See it. Experience it. Be part of it.
Small Savings Add Up – Are You Making the Most of Yours?
With the cost of running a business showing no signs of getting any easier, every saving counts. And some of the everyday expenses you’re already paying could cost you less simply because you’re an AFI member.
From fuel and insurance to industry standards and accreditation, your membership gives you access to a range of exclusive discounts.
Here’s a reminder of just some of the savings available:
- UK Fuels – 4p per litre off standard diesel.
- BSI – 30% off British Standards documents.
- Construction Industry Publications – 30% off Construction Health & Safety and Environmental Manuals.
- Risk Management Insurance – 15% discount.
- CHAS – 20% off new memberships and 10% off renewals.
- Crusader Vans – bespoke member deals on vans and trucks.
And that’s before you consider the value of the free advice, resources and professional support included in your membership.
You might already be using some of these benefits, but are there others you’re missing out on?
A few small savings throughout the year could make a real difference to your business.
Take a few minutes to explore the full range of member benefits at afiorg.uk and make sure you’re getting the most from your membership.