🔒 TRADEMARK SCAM ALERT

One of our members, Knight Fencing, recently flagged an important warning we feel all members should be aware of. A concerning new scam is targeting businesses across the UK, with fraudsters posing as intellectual property attorneys and issuing threatening letters about trademark ownership.

This article outlines what to look out for, what rights you do have, and what to do if you receive one of these scam communications.

⚠️ Important Tip: If you receive any communication claiming to be from a trademark or IP attorney, always verify their credentials via the official register: ipreg.org.uk/register

Stay alert and protect your brand.

April is Stress Awareness Month

Here’s the second of our Stress Awareness month articles on dealing with the pressures of living and working in today’s world.

Together with AFI partner Perennial, we share some practical self-care tips that might make a big difference: 

1. Try positive thinking – list 3 things you’re thankful for each day, no matter how small.
2. Talk to someone – chat with trusted friends, family, or a helpline when feeling overwhelmed.
3. Split up big tasks – break big jobs into manageable chunks and celebrate your progress!
4.  Be more active – exercise is great for releasing tension and boosting your mood.
5. Plan ahead – prepare for stressful days with to-do lists and travel plans to ease the load. 

Need a quick break? Unwind and test your knowledge with Perennial’s Stress Crossword.

Give it a go here:

🏆 Get Your Entries In – UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025!

The countdown is on for the biggest celebration in the fencing calendar – the UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday 13th November at Mercedes-Benz World.

Entries are now open across all categories – from Agricultural & Equine to Security, Highways & Railways, Apprentice of the Year, and our brand-new Supplier of the Year category. Whether you’re a contractor, supplier, or rising star in the industry, this is your chance to shine.

The evening will include a champagne reception, three-course dinner, guest speaker, and the F1 simulator challenge– with a prize for the fastest lap on the night!

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your best work and gain industry-wide recognition. Get your submission in today – because as always, you’ve got to be in it to win it.

📍 Entry details can be found at: www.afiorg.uk

Best Practice Day

Just a quick reminder ahead of the upcoming Best Practice Day at Harper Adams University on Wednesday 30th April:

🎟️ The event is SOLD OUT – tickets must have been purchased in advance.
📋 No registration, no entry – we’re fully booked and unable to admit anyone not on the delegate list.

If you have purchased a ticket you no longer need, or would like to come but don’t have a ticket, please contact info@theafi.co.uk

We can’t wait to welcome all our registered attendees for a brilliant day of fencing demos, expert insights, and industry connection!

See you bright and early on Wednesday – breakfast baps served from 9am 🍳☕