AFI Gains TrustMark Scheme Provider Approval
We are delighted to announce that the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is now an approved TrustMark Scheme Provider. This exciting development means that as an AFI member, you are eligible as part of your membership to become TrustMark Registered, enabling you to showcase your professionalism and commitment to quality in domestic fencing and related works.
Why TrustMark?
TrustMark is the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work in and around the home. By becoming a TrustMark Registered Business, you’ll enjoy:
- Enhanced Credibility: The TrustMark badge is a widely recognised symbol of trust and quality, helping you stand out in a competitive market.
- New Opportunities: Appear in TrustMark’s ‘Find a Trader’ directory, visited by over 500,000 unique users annually.
- Support and Resources: Access free contracts, business tools, and training to support your growth.
- Consumer Confidence: Reassure your customers with protections, including an Ombudsman service for dispute resolution.
Benefits for Your Business
TrustMark membership also gives you access to:
- A free Business Portal to showcase your work, manage customer inquiries, and track engagement.
- Exclusive cashback offers for your customers.
- Eligibility for the Trading Standards Approved Scheme.
- Discounts on tools, training, insurance, and much more.
Learn more about TrustMark’s exclusive benefits: Benefits for Businesses.
How to Join TrustMark Through AFI
Becoming TrustMark Registered through AFI is straightforward:
- Let us know that you’d like to register – email victoria@theafi.co.uk
- Ensure your AFI membership is up to date
- Once approved, we’ll guide you through setting up your TrustMark profile and maximising the benefits of the scheme.
Take the Next Step
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business, gain recognition, and access new work opportunities. Joining TrustMark through AFI reinforces your commitment to high standards of work and customer service.
To register or find out more, contact us today at victoria@theafi.co.uk or visit www.afiorg.uk
UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025 – Entries Opening & Sponsors Announced!
The UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever, taking place on Thursday, 13th November at Mercedes-Benz World. With entries opening on 21st March, it’s time to celebrate the exceptional talent, projects, and innovation that make the fencing industry thrive.
Meet Our Sponsors
We’re very proud to introduce our category sponsors, whose support helps make this event possible:
- 🌾 Agricultural & Equine Contractor of the Year – Tornado Wire
- 🛠 Apprentice of the Year – Siddall & Hilton
- 🏆 Project of the Year – Zaun
- 🏡 Domestic Contractor of the Year – DuraPost
- 🚪 Gates & Barriers Award – Door & Hardware Federation
- 🚆 Highways & Railways Award – Smart Awards
- 🏭 Industrial Contractor of the Year – IAE
- 🔒 Security Award – Barkers
- 🏫 Sports & Education Award – Alexandra
- 🚧 Temporary & Hoarding Award – Safe Road
- 🏅 NEW for 2025 – Supplier of the Year – Scanpole
FH Brundle Joins as Simulator Zone Sponsor! 🏎🔥
We’re thrilled to announce FH Brundle as the sponsor for the Simulator Zone Experience at the UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025!
Think you’ve got what it takes? Guests will have the chance to compete for the fastest lap of the night – with bragging rights and a prize up for grabs!
NEW for 2025 – Supplier of the Year – kindly sponsored by Scanpole – nominate your preferred Supplier for this prestigious new Award!
One Final Sponsorship Opportunity
There is still one sponsorship package available – the Bar & Champagne Reception. This is a premium branding opportunity to showcase your company to the UK’s leading fencing professionals.
Interested in aligning your brand with the industry’s biggest celebration? Contact us now to secure your spot!
🔗 Enter the Awards Today HERE
📩 Enquire About Sponsorship: info@theafi.co.uk
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at Mercedes-Benz World this November! 🎉
🚜 Sharpen Your Skills at the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day! 🔥
Join us on 30th April at Harper Adams University for a full day of hands-on training, expert insights, and top-tier demonstrations from national & international fencing competition winners!
💡 What’s in store?
✅ Master wood & steel fencing techniques with focused workstations
✅ Learn straining, knot tying & wire work from the best in the industry
✅ Get expert advice on business finance, estimating & rural crime prevention
✅ Discover how to safely navigate underground services with LineWatch
✅ Keep yourself & your team in top shape with wellbeing insights
🍽️ Bacon roll on arrival & a hearty lunch included!
🎟 Tickets £15 to cover catering costs – available HERE!
Proudly supported by Tornado Wire, Scanpole & Fetra. Don’t miss out – book your place today!
Countdown to Open Doors 2025 at Littlewoods
Littlewood’s are doing just that and for the second year in a row they will be hosting a Build UK Open Doors “An Introduction to the Fencing Industry” Workshop on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at their Head Office in Battle!
If you’ve ever considered a career in the fencing industry or are curious about the diverse opportunities available, this free, one-day workshop is the perfect starting point. Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer or simply looking to expand your skill set, the event is open to all ages and backgrounds.
What to expect
Their Build UK Open Doors Workshop is designed to provide an in-depth look into the fencing industry, covering everything from project planning to hands-on installation. Here’s a glimpse of what the day will look like:
- Kickstarting your career
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from our HR team, who will guide you through CV tips and mock interviews to help you stand out in your job search.
2. Sales & commercial success
Our team of Estimators and Quantity Surveyors will introduce you to the commercial side of fencing, explaining the key elements of sales, costing and project budgeting.
- Hands-on design & innovation
Discover the power of 3D CAD modelling with our in-house Mechanical and Structural Design team. Engage in interactive activities, test your skills and even win prizes!
- Site safety & hazard awareness
Before stepping into the field, our HSQE team will provide essential training, including a hazard perception quiz. You’ll also receive your own PPE to prepare for hands-on activities.
- Practical fencing demonstration
The highlight of the day! Work alongside our on-site fencing team to gain real-world experience. You’ll:
- Mark out your working zone
- Scan for buried services using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT)
- Dig by hand or operate small plant machinery
- Construct a fence from start to finish
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the confidence to explore a rewarding career in fencing.
Why attend?
- Gain hands-on experience with industry professionals
- Access career advice, CV support, and mock interviews
- Explore different roles within the fencing sector
- Network with experts and like-minded individuals
- Have fun while learning new skills!
Supporting the Armed Forces community
Littlewoods are proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting veterans and active service members transitioning into civilian careers. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for those looking to start their next chapter in a dynamic and growing industry.
For more information or to register, contact Dominique Stevenson, Business Development Coordinator at: dominique.stevenson@littlewoodgroup.co.uk
Retentions Update from Department for Business and Trade
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has updated its guidance to the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations setting out how companies should report on new metrics on retentions. Companies using retentions will be required to include the following information in their payment reports every six months:
- A series of statements covering the company’s policy on retentions, including when they are used, any standard terms, and the process for their release
- The amount of retention withheld by the company from its suppliers, as a percentage of the amount withheld against it by its clients
- The amount of retention withheld by the company from gross payments made to its suppliers, as a percentage of the gross amount paid to its suppliers.
Build UK has worked closely with the DBT on the introduction of the new metrics and they will apply to each financial year of a company beginning on or after 1 April 2025. This means that for companies with a financial year beginning on 1 January, their first reports containing the new metrics will be for the period 1 ‐ 30 June 2026 and need to be submitted by 30 July 2026.
The Small Business Commissioner has announced the first companies to sign up to the new Fair Payment Code (FPC), which include Build UK Contractor member John Sisk & Son. Members wishing to apply to the FPC should complete the expression of interest form in order to receive an application form, and they will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze status depending on the time taken to pay invoices.
Bowmer + Kirkland are the latest to certify use of Common Assessment Standard
New Minimum Wage Requirements for 1st April 2025
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
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