FenceX 2025 – Final Call to Pre-Register!
We’re now just over a week away from FenceX 2025, taking place on Wednesday 15th October at NAEC Stoneleigh– and this is your final opportunity to pre-register for your free ticket.
Pre-registration closes at 12 noon on Monday 13th October, so don’t miss your chance to secure fast-track entry and your free breakfast roll on arrival.
Here’s what’s waiting for you at the UK’s biggest fencing industry event:
💥 Destruction Testing – see industry-leading products put through their paces live, with demonstrations from Barkers, Zaun, CLD, Alexandra, IAE, Henry Squire & Son and First Fence.
⚙️ Gate Automation Zone – discover the latest powered gate technology, access systems and safety standards in partnership with DHF.
🌿 Best Practice Day – watch live outdoor demos from leading contractors, including timber and metal installations, horse and stock fencing, and practical problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
🎤 Seminars – hear from industry experts on apprenticeships, standards, safety, business strategy, sustainability, and more.
🤝 Networking – connect with 80+ exhibitors showcasing the very best products, services, and solutions in the sector.
✈️ Win a Weekend in Ghent – enter our free prize draw for a weekend for two, including travel, hotel and a tour of Locinox’s new factory. Simply drop your badge into the prize bucket as you leave.
🎟️ Pre-register before 12 noon on 13th October to claim your free breakfast roll and save time on the day: www.fencex.com
If you miss the deadline, don’t worry – you’re still very welcome to attend and register on the door.
Government Payment Requirements
As of 1 October 2025, companies bidding for central Government contracts over £5 million per annum must now demonstrate that they pay invoices within an average of 45 days, down from 55 days. They must also continue to pay at least 95% of invoices within 60 days (90% if an action plan is provided) otherwise they will be excluded from bidding.
The guidance to PPN 018 confirms that companies must meet both of these metrics in at least one of their two previous six-month reporting periods under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations, although any companies that have failed to do so may submit data that has not yet been reported for the previous three or more months. Build UK’s payment performance table shows the results for more than 130 of the industry’s largest companies, and all Build UK tier one Contractor members meet the new requirement to pay invoices within an average of 45 days.
The Government is consulting on further measures to tackle late payments, and thanks to all those members who joined our meeting earlier this week to discuss the proposed package of legislative measures. The deadline for responses to the consultation is Thursday 23 October, and the draft Build UK response will be circulated to your nominated contact for comment in due course.
Constructions Hidden Killer of two people a day!
With two suicides a day across construction the CLC acts on this hidden crisis.
The aim is for the whole of construction to:
- Break down barriers around mental health.
- Take steps toward change.
- Have your voices heard.
- Get the support you need.
- Hear from Industry on your Needs.
The Construction Leadership Council launched a consultation today (closing on 5th November) following a series of workshops in partnership with Mates in Mind and the University of Warwick, to identify the primary root causes for poor mental health in construction. The consultation details those causes and invites stakeholders across the industry for their views on what can be done to eliminate or reduce them. Further details, together with how to complete the consultation are available at CLC Launches Construction Mental Health Consultation – Construction Leadership Council
The CLC will then analyse the consultation results, before agreeing and publishing, in Spring 2026, an action plan with supporting guidance with industry leaders, and key stakeholders on what we can jointly do to address the root causes. They would welcome your input.
Click Here to submit your views.
If you, or anyone you know, need support the AFI strongly encourage you to reach out to Perennial Helpline 0800 0938543 but other charities are available – if you are feeling overwhelmed services such as Samaritans (116 123) and Mind (0300 123 3393) offer confidential help 24/7 for anyone in need.
New Towns
The Government has published its response to the report from the New Homes Taskforce, welcoming all 12 recommended locations for new towns with at least 10,000 homes. It has pledged to begin building at least three new towns during this Parliament, with Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in north London and Leeds South Bank the most promising sites at this stage.