AFI Helps Secure Rethink on Apprenticeship Assessment
Companies interested in getting involved with the Fencing Apprenticeship Trailblazer Committee and helping represent the industry’s views are encouraged to contact the AFI office – info@theafi.co.uk
We can put interested members in touch with the appropriate contact at Department of Work & Pensions/ Skills England.
AFI has welcomed an important change in approach to proposed reforms of apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) following lobbying by AFI and the wider construction industry.
Plans announced in 2025 to streamline apprenticeships risked reducing the level of practical skills that fencing apprentices would be required to demonstrate. AFI raised concerns that this could weaken the qualification at a time when the construction industry is placing greater emphasis on demonstrating competence, skills and experience.
Working alongside other industry associations, AFI has actively challenged the proposals and supported the development of a coordinated construction industry response.
Following the robust defence of five initial construction apprenticeships, industry will now have greater input into determining the appropriate assessment requirements rather than a single streamlined approach being imposed across all apprenticeships.
The fencing apprenticeship is expected to be reviewed in the third quarter of 2026, giving the sector an important opportunity to ensure it remains a robust and valuable pathway for new entrants.
AFI firmly believes that the apprenticeship plays a vital role in bringing the next generation into fencing and ensuring their skills and professionalism are properly recognised.
AFI Annual General Meeting 2026 – Members Invited
The AFI Annual General Meeting 2026 will take place on Thursday 3 September at 2.00pm, hosted by IAE, Mossfield Road, Adderley Green, Stoke-on-Trent.
The AGM is an important opportunity for members to hear about the work of the Association, look back at progress over the past year and help shape the future direction of AFI.
This year’s agenda will include the Annual Report, updates from AFI’s sector Champions, the Association’s accounts and the election of Board members for 2026–29.
Several existing Board members are standing for re-election, alongside Charlotte Peterson of Siddall & Hilton and Philip Lucas of HBS, who are seeking election to the Board. Any additional nominations for the Board should be submitted to AFI by 28 August 2026.
We encourage members to get involved and join us on the day, either in person or via teams (link will be sent out nearer the date) – your Association, your industry and your opportunity to have a say.
View the AGM agenda and further details
Improving Payment Practices in Construction
The Build UK payment performance table now includes information on retentions in line with new requirements under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations. For large companies in the industry required to report their payment performance, our table shows whether they withhold retentions, the average rate they withhold, and the extent to which they are ‘passing on’ retentions to their supply chain.
For the first time, the data provides transparency on the use of retentions across the sector. The average retention rate for Build UK tier one Contractor members is 2% and they withhold on average 74% of the retentions withheld by their clients from their own supply chain. Publication of the data by Build UK has been welcomed by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST):
“Build UK’s benchmarking of payment performance is a great example of a sector taking the lead in addressing a long‐standing issue and it has provided the catalyst to transform behaviours in the industry. We now have the platform to monitor how retentions are being used as we bring forward a ban through the Commercial Payments Bill.”
The Commercial Payments Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent in early 2027, sets out a range of measures to tackle late payments, including a ban on the use of retention clauses, maximum payment periods of 60 days, and mandatory interest on late payment. Build UK has produced a high‐level summary, in collaboration with Pinsent Masons LLP, setting out how the new measures will be implemented in the construction industry, particularly for construction contracts under the Construction Act.
What Will You Take Away from the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day?
The countdown is on to the AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day, taking place at Northumberland College – Kirkley Hall Campus on Thursday 15th October.
But what can you actually expect to take away from the day?
Best Practice Days are designed around practical learning. They bring contractors, trainers, suppliers and industry experts together to demonstrate good practice, share experience and discuss the techniques that make a difference out on site.
Whether you’ve been fencing for two years or twenty, it’s an opportunity to step away from the day job, compare methods and perhaps pick up a new technique or idea that saves you time on the next job.
See it. Ask about it.
Throughout the day, attendees can expect live fencing demonstrations, hands-on learning and technical guidance, with experienced professionals on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers, see products and equipment first-hand and catch up with fellow contractors from across the region.
And that’s an important part of Best Practice Days too – bringing the industry together to talk, learn and share knowledge.
At just £15 per person, including a breakfast roll and hot drink on arrival plus lunch, it’s a full day of industry learning and networking for little more than the cost of lunch.
AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day
- Thursday 15th October 2026
- 9.00am – 3.00pm
- Northumberland College – Kirkley Hall Campus, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 0AQ
- Tickets: £15 including catering
If you’ve been meaning to book, now’s a great time to get your place secured.
BOOK YOUR TICKET
Professions, Trades & Occupations
Build UK has submitted a response to the call for evidence, which will inform the Government’s long‐term strategy for built environment professions, trades and occupations. We highlighted that the systems for delivering organisational capability and individual competence are convoluted and inconsistent, leading to confusion and duplication.
Despite progress made in recent years, dutyholders looking to fulfil their obligations are still unsure what is required and how they can demonstrate competence. They are also hampered by the way that projects are procured, low margins, the practice of sub‐contracting, and high levels of self‐employment. To achieve the ambition of a competent workforce, the industry will need to come together with Government and other stakeholders and agree:
- The training and qualifications that deliver the skills and knowledge required across the professions, trades and occupations
- How experience and ongoing training develop, maintain and improve competence
- The behaviours expected across all construction workplaces
- How these elements of competence will be consistently evidenced.
With the strategy expected to be published next spring, Build UK is calling on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to formally recognise that cards carrying the CSCS logo provide evidence of the skills and knowledge elements of competence for the occupation shown on the card. With over two million cards carrying the CSCS logo which can all be supported by the My CSCS app, the industry is well placed to move forward with a shared set of rules and standards and deliver a digital skills passport for the built environment sector.
More Than an Exhibition: The FenceX Experience Returns in 2027
FenceX is more than a date in the industry calendar. It is an opportunity for the fencing and perimeter security sector to come together, share knowledge, discover new ideas and build relationships – all in one place.
Following the record-breaking success of FenceX 2025, preparations are gathering pace for FenceX 2027, which will take place at NAEC Stoneleigh on Thursday 23 September 2027.
At the heart of FenceX is the opportunity to connect. From manufacturers and suppliers to contractors, installers and other industry professionals, the event creates a unique environment for conversations that might otherwise take months to arrange.
See It. Discuss It. Experience It.
One of the things that sets FenceX apart is the amount happening beyond the exhibition stands.
The 2025 event combined a busy exhibition hall with live demonstrations, live attack destruction testing, industry seminars, the Gate Automation Zone and Best Practice Day, creating plenty of reasons for visitors to explore, engage and spend time at the show.
For 2027, the team is looking at how these successful elements can be developed even further, alongside new ideas and features that will be revealed as plans progress.
Education and knowledge-sharing will continue to play an important role, while practical demonstrations will once again give visitors the opportunity to see products, equipment and techniques in action.
Most importantly, FenceX provides a dedicated meeting place for our industry – somewhere to catch up with existing contacts, make new connections and discover what businesses across the sector have to offer.
Want to Be Part of FenceX 2027?
Stand bookings are now open, and exhibitors can currently take advantage of our Early Bird Booking Scheme, allowing them to secure their indoor space with just a 10% deposit.
Booking early gives exhibitors access to a wider choice of locations and plenty of time to plan how to make the most of their presence at the event.
If your business is considering exhibiting, we’d be delighted to talk through the options available and help you find a space that works for you.
For the latest floorplan, stand availability or further information, contact fencex@theafi.co.uk.
FenceX 2027 – Bringing fencing together.
Member Benefit Spotlight: Perennial
Running a business can be demanding, and sometimes everyone needs a little extra support.
As an AFI member, you have free access to Perennial’s confidential wellbeing service, offering independent, trained therapists who can help with life’s everyday challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, financial worries, family issues or simply need someone to talk to, help is just a phone call away.
✔ Free for AFI members
✔ Completely confidential
✔ Independent trained therapists
✔ Support for you and your family
Because looking after your wellbeing is just as important as looking after your business.
Find out more or access the service through your AFI membership in the members area
Helping you get more from your AFI membership