Road and Rail Procurement Under CMA Spotlight
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a market study into rail and road infrastructure, which highlights that a short‐term and fragmented approach to procurement is driving up costs and slowing delivery. It makes a number of recommendations to Government, including publishing a strategic sector plan and mandating compliance with the Construction Playbook.
FenceX 2027 Stand Bookings Now Open
Following the record-breaking success of FenceX 2025, the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is delighted to announce that stand bookings for FenceX 2027 are now officially open to all exhibitors.
Returning to NAEC Stoneleigh, Hall 1 on Thursday 23 September 2027, FenceX will once again bring together the fencing and perimeter security industry for a major showcase of innovation, products, live demonstrations and networking opportunities.
The 2025 event was the largest and most successful FenceX to date, welcoming more than 80 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors from across the industry. Building on that momentum, plans are already underway to make FenceX 2027 even bigger and better, with returning features alongside exciting new additions designed to maximise exhibitor and visitor engagement.
Early Bird Booking Opportunity
To support businesses looking to secure their place early, exhibitors can now take advantage of a special early bird booking option, allowing stands to be reserved with just a 10% deposit.
This flexible booking opportunity gives companies the chance to:
- Secure preferred stand locations early
- Spread the cost of exhibiting
- Maximise exposure ahead of the event
- Be part of the UK fencing industry’s flagship exhibition
With strong interest already being shown following the success of the previous event, exhibitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
FenceX has established itself as a key date in the industry calendar, offering exhibitors a unique platform to showcase products and services, connect with customers and generate valuable business opportunities within the fencing and perimeter security sector.
Further event details, feature announcements and exhibitor information will be released over the coming months.
For stand enquiries or to reserve your space at FenceX 2027, please contact the team at fencex@theafi.co.uk.
Mandatory E‐Invoicing by 2029
The Chancellor announced in last year’s Budget that mandatory electronic invoicing will be introduced for all VAT invoices from 2029 to reduce administration and make tax compliance easier and more accurate for businesses, and Build UK and a group of members met with HMRC to discuss how the mandate will be implemented in construction.
Electronic or e‐invoicing is the direct exchange of invoice information in a digital format between suppliers’ and buyers’ accounting systems. It will become mandatory for all VAT invoices, which are typically issued for business to business (B2B) and business to Government (B2G) transactions where VAT is due, and HMRC will standardise the data that must be included in a VAT e‐invoice. The mandate will not impact the payment provisions within the Construction Act as it only changes the manner in which VAT invoices must be sent, not payment notices. The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) will also not be part of the mandate as it does not fall under the VAT Act.
There will not be a central Government platform for e‐invoicing and it will be up to the private sector to develop suitable products that meet the Government’s requirements once these have been confirmed. Build UK will continue to engage with HMRC to help members prepare for the e‐invoicing mandate when it comes into force in 2029.
Sir Geoff Hurst Confirmed – Have You Entered Yet?
The countdown is on for the 2026 UK Fencing Awards, and with entries now coming in from across the industry, there has never been a better time to put your projects, people and achievements forward.
We’re delighted to confirm that Sir Geoff Hurst will be joining us as guest speaker when we gather at Old Trafford on 12th November to celebrate the very best of the fencing industry.
As one of the most recognisable names in British sporting history, Sir Geoff will bring a unique perspective on achievement, teamwork and success, helping to make this year’s awards an evening to remember.
But before we get to November, there’s still time to enter.
Whether you’ve delivered an outstanding project, developed a rising star, supported the industry through exceptional supply and service, or want to recognise someone who has dedicated their career to fencing, there is a category for you.
Categories include:
- Agricultural & Equine
- Domestic
- Gates & Barriers
- Industrial
- Sports & Education
- Security
- Temporary Fencing & Hoarding
- Highways & Railways
- Supplier of the Year
- Project of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- Women in Fencing
We’re also continuing to accept nominations for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the industry.
📩 Lifetime Achievement nominations: info@theafi.co.uk
👉 Enter now
Recognition from your peers. A fantastic venue. An iconic guest speaker. And the opportunity to celebrate the very best our industry has to offer.
Don’t leave it until the last minute — get your entries in today.
Certified Contractor Scheme Available Free to AFI Members
The Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is continuing its commitment to raising standards across the fencing sector through the AFI Certified Contractor Scheme (CCS) — a professional certification programme available free to AFI members.
The AFI Certified Contractor Scheme has been developed to recognise the professional competence of fencing contractors who meet clearly defined standards for training, technical capability, quality, compliance and continual improvement.
Designed to provide confidence for both commercial and domestic clients, the scheme helps specifiers, procurement teams and end users identify suitably qualified fencing contractors capable of delivering projects to the highest industry standards.
The CCS certification structure reflects the breadth and complexity of work undertaken across the fencing industry, from residential installations through to large-scale, technically demanding and specialist projects. Contractors are assessed against a range of professional and regulatory criteria, ensuring certified businesses demonstrate the skills, experience and standards expected within today’s industry.
Certification levels include:
- General
- Commercial
- Major Projects
- Specialist
Each level provides a clear benchmark of competence and professionalism, helping clients and procurement officers specify the appropriate level of contractor certification within tender and project requirements.
For AFI members, the scheme offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Independent recognition of professional competence
- Enhanced credibility and customer confidence
- Increased visibility to commercial and domestic clients
- Improved opportunities for tender and specification work
- Recognition of technical expertise, training and compliance
- Marketing support through AFI certification branding
As more public and private sector projects seek evidence of competence and accreditation during procurement, AFI Certified Contractor status is becoming an increasingly valuable business advantage.
The scheme also provides reassurance for residential customers, helping them choose contractors who have demonstrated their commitment to quality workmanship, professional standards and continual improvement.
By offering the Certified Contractor Scheme free to members, AFI is helping businesses strengthen their reputation while supporting the wider industry goal of improving standards, professionalism and trust throughout the fencing sector.
For more information about the AFI Certified Contractor Scheme and how to apply, visit:
https://afiorg.uk/training/afi-certified-contractor-scheme-ccs/
New Hospital Programme (NHP) Industry Bulletin.
To read the bulletin click here.