Men’s Health Strategy
AFI Member Knight Fencing Delivers Hands-On Workshop for West Sussex Alternative Provision Colleges
AFI member Knight Fencing recently led a successful workshop for students at a West Sussex Alternative Provision College, as part of a new pilot scheme designed to engage young people through meaningful, practical activities.
The students took part in building robust outdoor furniture, gaining hands-on experience and a real sense of achievement. One staff member commented:
“The furniture looks so sturdy and well made. When I arrived, one of the students was sitting at the bench he’d made with a staff member, which was lovely to see. I know from talking with Clinton that the students really benefitted from the experience – especially those who thrive on engaging with meaningful, hands-on tasks.”
As well as supporting local communities, this kind of initiative plays a valuable role in showcasing the types of work that could suit students long term — including careers in fencing. With its blend of practical skills, visible outcomes, and team-based problem-solving, fencing can offer the kind of purposeful, physical work that resonates with many young people.
The pilot scheme has been well received, with hopes to expand the workshops to more centres across the county. It’s a great example of how the fencing industry can help support young people into rewarding careers, while giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
Lawsons celebrates Fair Tax week as first gold standard builders merchant
UK-based Lawsons Group are marking their first Fair Tax week (8th to 15th June 2025) having been the first ever building materials merchant to be awarded the Fair Tax Mark, the gold standard of responsible tax conduct, earlier in 2025.
Fair Tax Week 2025 (8–15 June 2025) is an opportunity for businesses to step forward and say what they pay with pride, and UK councils to declare their support for the economic contribution this makes locally.
Over the last decade the success of Lawsons has contributed £14.9m of Corporation Tax payments, £18.9m of employers national insurance and £62.5m of VAT.
Established in 1921, Lawsons has a rich history as a family business, expanding their product range. Over the last decade since 2015, Lawsons has more than doubled from a seventeen-branch network with revenue of £76m with 370 employees to a thirty-five branch network of £165m with 700 employees, transforming into the largest independent timber, building materials and fencing merchant in London and the southeast of England.
Despite recent operating and financial headwinds for other participants in the sector, Lawsons has remained profitable during 2024 and 2025 and announced in November 2024 up to £25m of new facilities which the Group is actively using to continue its journey of both organic growth and strategic acquisition.
For the duration of Fair Tax week, Lawsons is offering customer 5% off online purchases via its website – activate by clicking the Fair Tax week logo on www.lawsons.co.uk .
Chris Harrison, Group Finance Director at Lawsons, said:
“As a significant player in the builders merchant sector, which is a key sector for the UK economy, it is only right that we should publicly demonstrate our approach to paying our fair share of tax in full and at the right time.
We were delighted to be the first builders’ merchant to be recognised in this space which is important given the corporation tax, employment tax and VAT contributions the sector makes to the Treasury.
Spending Review Supports Homes and Infrastructure
The Chancellor unveiled her Spending Review last week, promising to deliver investment, jobs and growth in every part of the country as part of ‘renewing’ Britain. She outlined £113 billion of capital investment over the next three years, with economic and social infrastructure at the heart of the Government’s plans to facilitate better public services, connect towns and cities, and improve people’s lives. The key points for construction included:
- £39 billion for a new Affordable Homes Programme to help build affordable and social housing over 10 years
- £15.6 billion for local transport upgrades across nine city regions outside of London and £2.2 billion for Transport for London’s capital renewals programme
- £30 billion for nuclear power, including £14.2 billion to build Sizewell C nuclear power station and £2.5 billion for the Small Modular Reactor programme
- £7 billion for the renewal of military accommodation, including £1.5 billion of new investment for rapid work to fix forces family housing
- £2.4 billion per year for the School Rebuilding Programme over the next four years and £2.3 billion per year to fix and maintain existing schools
- £1.2 billion of additional skills funding to support over 1.3 million 16 – 19-year-olds to access training.
The Government is expected to publish its 10‐year Infrastructure Strategy next week, setting out in one place a long-term plan for delivering and maintaining the country’s economic, social and housing infrastructure. The strategy will be followed by a pipeline of projects, due to be published before Parliamentary recess begins on 22 July, which will provide more granular detail of all the projects. Taken together, they should be a step forward in giving businesses across the industry the confidence they need to plan and invest.
The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), which will oversee the implementation of the Infrastructure Strategy, will be joining our next All Member Forum on Tuesday 1 July at 8:30am to give an overview and look ahead to publication of the pipeline.
Did you know many people working in industry are also caring for a loved one—without even realising they’re unpaid carers?
They may not see themselves this way, but balancing work and caring responsibilities can take a real toll. Acknowledging their role and pointing them to relevant support can make all the difference
According to Carers UK:
• Around 3 million carers aged 16+ in the UK are also in paid employment
• 73% say juggling work and care is stressful
• 44% have reduced their working hours to care
AFI Partner PerennialGRBS are here to help you support the carers in your workforce. They’ve created a set of practical tips and highlighted some of the free tools available to help people manage their caring responsibilities—while looking after their own wellbeing, finances and future.
Often people who care for others put themselves last. Supporting them can make a huge difference to their lives, their work, and your organisation.
Even if your team members don’t think of themselves as carers, it’s worth a look. You never know what support is available until you check.
- Carers UK Digital Resource Packed with guidance and tools to support your caring role and give peace of mind, including: The Upfront Guide to Caring MyBackUp contingency planner
- The Jointly app to organise care Support with finances, health, and working life
- nudge – financial management tool Caring can put real strain on your finances. nudge is a free, personalised financial education platform that can help you understand and manage your money, claim benefits, plan for the future and handle the financial impact of caring.
- Spectrum Life – Health & wellbeing platform and app
Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. Spectrum Life gives you access to:
- Fitness routines you can do at home
- Delicious, healthy recipes
- A wellbeing learning hub Audio courses to help you feel calm and centred
These free tools are designed to help you feel more supported, resilient and informed, at work and at home.
Start exploring today
NHP Gathers Pace
🚀 Time is Ticking – Get Your Entries In!
The UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025 are fast approaching, and entries close on 31st July! This is your chance to shine on the biggest stage in the industry.
🏆 Award Categories:
🔹 Agricultural & Equine – Tornado Wire
🔹 Apprentice – Siddall & Hilton
🔹 Project – Zaun
🔹 Domestic – DuraPost
🔹 Gates & Barriers – Door & Hardware Federation
🔹 Highways & Railways
🔹 Industrial – IAE
🔹 Security – Barkers
🔹 Sports & Education – Alexandra
🔹 Temporary & Hoarding – Safe Road
🔹 Supplier of the Year (NEW!) – Scanpole
Join us at Mercedes-Benz World on 13th November for a night of celebration, including a champagne reception and bar (sponsored by First Fence), the thrilling F1 simulator experience (courtesy of FH Brundle), and a guest speaker you won’t want to miss!
📌 Don’t wait – submit your entry today!
🔗 Details here
You’ve got to be in it to win it!
🌿 Best Practice Day Returns at FenceX 2025!
Join us on 15 October at NAEC Stoneleigh for a full day of live demonstrations, practical techniques, and hands-on learning — all part of the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day, running outside as part of FenceX 2025!
🎟️ Tickets are FREE – and include a bacon roll on arrival if booked in advance!
📍 Outdoor exhibitor pitches are still available – a great chance to showcase your products in action.
Inside the hall, it’s just as exciting:
💥 The largest-ever destruction testing schedule
⚙️ Gate Automation Zone
🎤 Seminars and over 75% of stands already sold!
Recent Comments