AFI & AFA Best Practice Day

Thank You – A Brilliant Best Practice Day at Harper Adams!

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined us at Harper Adams University on 30th April for our first Best Practice Day of 2025 – what an incredible day!

With sunshine from start to finish, a sold-out crowd, and a superb line-up of demonstrators – heartfelt thanks go to Mark Evans, Charlie Wright, Jono Bradley, Lewis Knox, Rory Samson, Duncan Samson, Stuart Miles, Peter Redgwell, Rob Bell & James Corbett who generously donate their time and expertise. The event was a real celebration of professionalism, passion, and practical learning in the fencing industry.

Attendees were welcomed with a hot breakfast bap and coffee, and then enjoyed expert-led demonstrations in wood and steel strained wire fencing and advice on business finance, plus a fine selection of trade stands from Tornado Wire, Scanpole, StowAg, Gripple, Zedlock and LineWatch to engage with over lunch  – and, of course, the very welcome ice cream van that made an appearance in the afternoon!

Our sincere thanks to the volunteers who delivered the demos and to our generous sponsors Tornado Wire, Scanpole, and StowAg for making the day possible.

📅 Missed it? Join us at the next Best Practice Day at Fencex 2025, NAEC Stoneleigh, on 15th October!

FenceX tickets  –  www.fencex.com 

 

FenceX 2025 – Final Stand Availability & Record-Breaking Destruction Testing Line-Up

Momentum is building for FenceX 2025 – now just months away – and excitement is at an all-time high. With the largest-ever destruction testing schedule at a UK fencing show, FenceX will showcase live testing from leading manufacturers including Alexandra, Barkers, Zaun, CLA, CLD, IAE, First Fence and Henry Squire & Sons.

Indoor stand space is over 80% sold compared with last show, get your stand booked to avoid missing out on your key client base visiting Fencex 2025. Now outdoor space is also available as part of the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day, which returns after a sell-out spring edition. New Domestic Demonstration Area with limited stands and demo areas.

🚀 Don’t miss out – exhibitors and visitors can find everything they need at www.fencex.com
🎟️ Visitor entry is free – and includes a complimentary bacon roll if booked in advance!

To enquire about exhibiting, email fencex@theafi.co.uk.

Understanding the Importance of Pre-Treatment in Mesh Manufacturing, courtesy of AFI members Siddall & Hilton

A Closer Look at British Standards

At Siddall and Hilton, we are committed to raising awareness around what true quality looks like in welded mesh manufacturing — and why proper pre-treatment is a critical factor for long-term performance.

Why Pre-Treatment Matters

Powder coating over galvanised mesh enhances:

• Aesthetics – Adding colour to complement surroundings.
• Durability – Extending lifespan and protecting against corrosion.

However, without proper pre-treatment, moisture can penetrate beneath the powder coating, leading to corrosion and eventual product failure. Pre-treatment is essential to ensure the coating performs as intended.

How Pre-Treatment Supports Quality

As part of our powder coating packages, Siddall and Hilton work with trusted coating partners to ensure every panel undergoes thorough pre-treatment, including:

• Jigging: Panels are securely positioned for even coating coverage.
• Cleaning: Oils, greases, and oxides are removed to create a clean base.
• Deoxidising: Acid etching creates a surface that ensures strong adhesion.
• Phosphating: A protective zinc phosphate layer enhances coating durability.
• Powder Coating: High-quality powders provide superior UV and corrosion resistance.

Our Commitment

While we don’t apply the powder coating in-house, we maintain strict quality control with our external partners to ensure:

• Full compliance with BS EN 13438 (powder coatings on galvanised steel).
• Pre-treatment processes that deliver real-world durability.
• Salt spray testing to validate long-term corrosion resistance.

At Siddall and Hilton, we’re not just manufacturing mesh — we’re setting new expectations for quality, performance, and value across the fencing and construction sectors.

 

🏆 Supplier of the Year – Get Involved!

New for 2025, the Supplier of the Year category recognises the companies who go the extra mile to support fencing contractors – whether through reliable service, product innovation, or exceptional customer care.

We’re encouraging contractors to nominate the suppliers who make a real difference to their business – and we’re also urging supplier members to promote the award to their customers and invite nominations. The more nominations you receive, the better your chances of being shortlisted!

And don’t forget – every contractor who submits a nomination will be entered into a free ticket draw to attend the UK Fencing Industry Awards at Mercedes-Benz World this November.

Let’s make sure the industry’s best suppliers get the recognition they deserve!

📍 Entry details: www.afiorg.uk

 

Monitoring Payment Performance

The Cabinet Office has published PPN 021 encouraging contracting authorities to ‘spot check’ their suppliers to ensure that 30-day payment terms are being implemented throughout the supply chain on public sector contracts with a value over £5 million per annum, as required under the Procurement Act which came into force on 24 February