AFI Annual General Meeting 2026 – Join Us In Person or Online
The AFI Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 3 September at 2.00pm, hosted by IAE, Mossfield Road, Adderley Green, Stoke-on-Trent.
The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the work of the Association over the past year, receive updates on key areas of activity and have a say in the future direction of AFI.
We appreciate that travelling to attend isn’t always practical, so this year members will also be able to join the AGM online via Microsoft Teams.
The Teams joining link will be available in the Members Area of the AFI website, making it easy to log in and join us on the day.
Whether you attend in person or online, we’d be delighted to see as many members as possible getting involved.
Visit the Members Area for the AGM agenda and Microsoft Teams link
Thursday 3 September | 2.00pm
Capital Grants 2026 – 75% of Funding Already Allocated
Farmers, land managers and foresters considering applying for Capital Grants 2026 are being encouraged to act quickly, with 75% of the £225 million budget now allocated.
The scheme supports investment in projects that benefit nature, improve water quality and biodiversity, and encourage sustainable land management. With strong demand continuing, the remaining funding is becoming increasingly limited.
For fencing contractors working within the agricultural and rural sectors, the programme may also be worth highlighting to customers who are considering eligible land management and infrastructure improvements.
Find out more about Capital Grants 2026, eligibility and how to apply
Who Should Come to the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day?
The AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day is heading to Kirkley Hall on Thursday 15th October – and it isn’t just for experienced business owners.
Best Practice Days are designed for everyone working in agricultural fencing, from experienced contractors to employees and those newer to the industry.
For business owners, it’s also a great opportunity to bring members of your team along and give them access to practical learning, demonstrations and industry expertise away from the pressures of a working site.
Throughout the day there will be opportunities to watch practical demonstrations, discuss different techniques, ask questions and learn from experienced people within the industry.
It’s also a chance to meet suppliers and manufacturers, see products and equipment first-hand and spend time with other fencing professionals from across the region.
Bring the team
At just £15 per person, including a breakfast roll and hot drink on arrival plus lunch, we’ve deliberately kept the cost as accessible as possible.
So why not bring an employee, apprentice or colleague with you?
Whether they pick up a new technique, gain confidence in an area of fencing or simply benefit from meeting and learning from others in the trade, it’s an inexpensive investment in your team.
- Thursday 15th October 2026
- 9.00am – 3.00pm
- Northumberland College – Kirkley Hall Campus, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 0AQ
- £15 per person including hot breakfast roll & drink and hot lunch!
BOOK YOUR PLACES
Member Benefit Spotlight: TrustMark
Did you know that eligible AFI contractor members can access TrustMark registration through their AFI membership?
TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering work carried out in and around the home, helping consumers identify businesses that have been appropriately vetted and meet required standards of technical competence, customer service and trading practices.
For AFI members working in the domestic fencing sector, TrustMark registration can provide another valuable way to demonstrate professionalism and give potential customers added confidence when choosing a contractor.
It also gives registered businesses a presence on the TrustMark website, helping homeowners searching for reputable tradespeople find them.
If you carry out domestic fencing work and aren’t currently TrustMark registered, you could be missing out on a valuable benefit of your AFI membership.
Interested in becoming TrustMark registered? Contact the AFI team to find out more.
Looking for a New Van? Current Crusader Van deals
If you’re thinking about replacing a van or adding to your fleet, don’t forget that AFI members have access to bespoke vehicle deals through Crusader Vans.
Crusader currently has a range of offers available across new models, stock vehicles and fleet solutions, including:
- Vauxhall Combo M – from £187 + VAT per month
- Vauxhall Combo Electric XL – from £194 + VAT per month
Both offers are based on a five-year Finance Lease, with plenty of other vehicles and options also available.
Whether you need one van or are looking at a larger fleet, it’s worth checking what’s available through your AFI member benefit before making a decision.
See the latest Crusader Vans offers
Put Your Products in Front of the Industry at FenceX 2027
Whether it’s a brand-new product, an established industry favourite or a solution that really needs to be seen in action, FenceX 2027 provides the perfect platform to showcase it.
Returning to NAEC Stoneleigh on Thursday 23 September 2027, FenceX brings together businesses and professionals from across the fencing and perimeter security sector for a dedicated day of products, innovation, demonstrations and industry connections.
One of the great strengths of FenceX is the opportunity it gives visitors to get hands-on with products, ask questions and speak directly to the people behind them.
For exhibitors, that means an opportunity to do far more than simply display a product. FenceX provides the chance to explain its benefits, demonstrate what makes it different and have valuable face-to-face conversations with the people who specify, purchase and use products every day.
Following the record-breaking success of FenceX 2025, plans for the 2027 event are continuing to develop, with returning favourites and new features in the pipeline.
Thinking About Exhibiting?
Stand bookings are now open, and businesses can currently secure their indoor space through the Early Bird Booking Scheme with just a 10% deposit.
Booking early gives exhibitors a wider choice of locations and plenty of time to plan their presence, whether that’s a product launch, demonstration or simply creating a great space to meet customers.
For the latest floorplan, stand availability or to discuss what might work best for your business, contact fencex@theafi.co.uk.
Put your business in front of the industry at FenceX 2027.