Introducing DuraPost VISTA – A New Era in Composite Fencing

DuraPost VISTA – the latest innovation in composite fencing. Designed to offer a sleek, stylish, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional fencing, VISTA combines durability with contemporary aesthetics.

Key benefits of DuraPost VISTA:
✅ Long-lasting – Made from high-quality composite materials for enhanced strength and weather resistance.
✅ Low Maintenance – No painting or staining required, just a long-lasting, clean finish.
✅ Modern Aesthetic – A sleek design that suits both residential and commercial settings.
✅ Easy Installation – Lightweight yet robust, making it a breeze to fit.

This innovative system is set to redefine the fencing market, offering a sustainable and cost-effective choice for customers seeking both form and function.

For more details, visit https://www.birkdalesales.com or contact them directly to explore how VISTA can enhance your next project!

AFI & AFA Best Practice Day Heading to Shropshire with Exciting New Sponsorship

The Association of Fencing  Industries and one of its sub committees, the Agricultural Fencing Association (AFA) are delighted to announce the return of their highly anticipated Best Practice Day, the first of 2025, which will take place on Wednesday, 30th April at Harper Adams University in Shropshire. This event provides agricultural fencing contractors with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills, refine techniques, and gain expert industry insights from some of the most respected professionals in the field.

Following the huge success of the 2024 Best Practice Days held in Lewes and Carrutherstown, this centrally based event is ideally positioned to welcome contractors from across the UK. Attendees will benefit from hands-on demonstrations covering a range of essential techniques, including wood and steel fencing installation, best practices for straining, strutting, and wire work, as well as tailored advice on business finance, estimating, and rural crime prevention. In addition, Line Watch/ LineSearch Before You Dig will be on hand to provide crucial guidance on working safely around underground services.

This year, the AFI and AFA are especially pleased to welcome Fetra as a new sponsor for the 2025 Best Practice Days. Their support, alongside long-standing sponsors Tornado Wire and Scanpole, strengthens the event’s ability to deliver practical, high-quality training for fencing professionals. AFI CEO Pete Clark commented, “We are thrilled to have Fetra join us this year. Their commitment to the industry aligns perfectly with the ethos of our Best Practice Days, which focus on raising standards, sharing knowledge, and supporting contractors in their professional development.”

The event will feature demonstrations by some of the UK’s most experienced fencing contractors, including James Corbett, Rob Bell, Charlie Wright, Peter Redgwell, Mark Evans, Nic Quan, Stuart Miles, Jono Bradley, Si Gibbs, Lewis Knox, Rory Samson, and Duncan Samson. Their generosity in sharing their expertise ensures attendees will leave with practical, real-world skills they can immediately apply in their own work.

A bacon roll and coffee will be provided on arrival, with a hearty lunch included, making it not just an educational day but also an excellent networking opportunity for contractors looking to connect with peers and industry leaders.

Tickets for the event go on sale from 1st March via the AFI website: www.afiorg.uk. Priced at £15 per person, they cover all refreshments and event participation. With demand expected to be high, attendees are encouraged to book early to secure their place at what promises to be another informative and engaging day.

Apprenticeships Update

With a new CITB report revealing that around three times the number of apprenticeship starts in construction are needed to keep pace with demand in the sector, the Government has announced a number of reforms to apprenticeships in England to help boost numbers by a further 10,000 a year and meet its targets in key areas such as housebuilding. 

AFI Membership Renewals

To ensure all members continue to meet the high standards outlined in our Code of Practice and Terms & Conditions, we are introducing new requirements for membership renewal. From 2025, all renewing members will need to provide:

• A copy of your up-to-date insurance documents (employer, public liability, and all-risk).
• Your latest financial accounts.
• A positive reference.

These updates will help maintain the credibility and reputation of AFI members while positioning you for future opportunities.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in implementing these changes, which are designed to strengthen the AFI and the value we provide to our members.

If you have any questions about the renewal process, or member benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact Pete or myself at victoria@theafi.co.uk or 0203 772 0617