Reminder: Get TrustMark Registered – A Free Benefit for AFI Members!

Did you know that as an AFI member, you can become a TrustMark Registered Business at no extra cost? 🎉

What is TrustMark?
TrustMark is the only UK Government-endorsed quality scheme for trades, helping businesses demonstrate high standards, reliability, and customer confidence. By becoming TrustMark registered, you’ll:

✔ Boost credibility and stand out in the industry
✔ Reassure customers of your professionalism and compliance
✔ Gain recognition as a trusted fencing contractor

Getting started is easy! Simply email victoria@theafi.co.uk to begin your registration. Don’t miss out on this valuable benefit!

April is Stress Awareness Month

Make Stress Awareness Month the month you make it routine to prevent stress and support mental health at work.

AFI is committed to helping all in fencing with the stress that we face, in our day to day lives.

For this reason we are asking that whether in your company or outside of work, you do this every week of April.

So start by:

·         Putting a start date in your diary.

·          Set time aside.

·         Click the link for more help https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds/

·         Post on your social media.

Then follow the 5 R’s

• Reach out and have conversations

• Recognise the signs and causes of stress
• Respond to any risks identified by agreeing action points

• Reflect on the actions taken – have things improved?

• Make it Routine to check back in on how things are going

Get Involved in the Supplier of the Year Award

Great suppliers keep the fencing industry moving, providing the materials, service, and expertise that contractors rely on every day. Now, it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve!

The Supplier of the Year Award at the UK Fencing Awards 2025 is open for nominations! Whether you’re a fencing contractor or a supplier, you can get involved:

✅ Contractors – Nominate the supplier you rely on most.
✅ Suppliers – Encourage your customers to vote for you! Digital posters and stickers are available to help you spread the word – contact victoria@theafi.co.uk for details

Vote now here

Every contractor who votes will be entered into a prize draw for a free ticket to the UK Fencing Awards!

Let’s celebrate the suppliers that go the extra mile for the industry. Get involved today!

Government to Fund Construction Skills

Promising to ‘back the builders, not the blockers’ in yesterday’s Spring Statement, the Chancellor has announced £600 million of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers by 2029 in order to tackle the industry’s skills shortages. The funding package is designed to ensure the Government can meet its target of delivering 1.5 million new homes as part of its Plan for Change and includes:

• £165 million to help colleges deliver more construction courses
• £100 million to fund 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges
• £100 million to expand Skills Bootcamps, ensuring new entrants, returners or those looking to upskill within the industry will be able to do so
• £100 million to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, supported by a £32 million contribution from CITB
• £80 million for a capital fund to support employers to deliver bespoke training based on their needs
• £40 million for new construction foundation apprenticeships to be launched in August 2025
• £20 million to form partnerships between colleges and construction companies within all Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas.

The funding will be overseen by a new Construction Skills Mission Board, co-chaired by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Build UK member Mace Group and Co-Chair of the CLC, which will develop and deliver a construction skills action plan and provide strategic leadership to the sector. The huge success of Open Doors last week shows that people are interested in joining construction and Mark has called on the industry to “embrace the Government’s growth mission and match their ambition” by investing in new jobs and training. This is a great opportunity to address some long-standing skills issues and scale up the systems we have in place to make a real difference to employers across the supply chain and their workforce.

🚨 LAST CHANCE – TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT! 🚨

The AFI & AFA Best Practice Day on 30th April at Harper Adams University is nearly at full capacity! If you haven’t got your ticket yet, this is your final call!

🔥 What you’ll get:
✅ Hands-on wood & steel fencing demonstrations by national & international champions
✅ Expert guidance on straining, wire work, knot tying & installation techniques
✅ Insights into business finance & underground service safety
✅ 🍽️ Breakfast roll & hearty lunch included!

🎟 Final tickets – £15! Secure yours NOW HERE before they’re gone!

Have we still got your 2025 membership certificate?

 If you haven’t received your 2025 membership certificate it’s because we’re still missing some key documents! To issue your 2025 membership certificate, we need the following:

✅ Up-to-date insurance documents (Public, Employer & All Risk)
✅ A positive customer reference
✅ Your latest filed accounts (if available)

Once we receive these, your certificate will be on its way. Don’t miss out—ensure your continued accreditation and industry recognition by sending your documents today.

📩 Please email your documents to victoria@theafi.co.uk as soon as possible.

If you’ve already sent them, thank you—your certificate will be with you shortly! If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.