by Clair Mooney | 24 Jun, 2025 | Contractual and Legal, Employment
From this Autumn, it will become mandatory for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) to verify their identity to prove who they are. This is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to help prevent people using companies for illegal purposes.
Taking action now will help you to avoid delays or complications. If your company has multiple officers, allow plenty of time for each one to verify their identity. Directors based outside of the UK may also need extra time if they plan to use an authorised agent, also known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify their identity.
You can verify:
- online using GOV.UK One Login – if you have the identity documents or information required
- in person at selected Post Offices – you must live in the UK and will need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service first to find out if you can verify this way
- using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) – for example, an accountant or solicitor who has registered as a Companies House authorised agent (you’ll need to provide suitable identity documents)
What happens when you verify
Identity verification is a two-step process.
Step 1: Verify your identity and get your Companies House personal code. This code is personal to you, not the company. Keep this information secure until you need to use it. You can view your personal code in the ‘manage account’ section of your Companies House account.
Step 2: From autumn 2025, link your verified identity to Companies House records. Information on how to do this has not yet been issued.
The Act gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth. Over time, the aims is that the measures will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on its registers.
There will also be new responsibilities for:
- all new and existing company directors
- people with significant control of a company (PSCs)
- anyone who files information on behalf of a company
More details can be found here and a guide to changes to Company Law can be found here.
by Clair Mooney | 18 Jun, 2025 | Skills
CITB’s Skills and Training Fund is an opportunity for businesses to train/upskill their workforce. By offering funding in advance of training, businesses can access training programs tailored to their specific needs.
Please note:
- Up to two applications per year: Businesses can apply twice in a 12-month period but can only have one active project at a time, so you’ll need to manage your applications accordingly.
- Levy return: Your business must be up to date with its Levy Return to be eligible for the funding.
Funding Bands:
Small and Micro Sized Employers
- Employers with CIS only (no PAYE) can receive up to £2,500
- Employers with 1 to 49 directly-employed staff can receive up to £5,000
- Employers with 50 to 74 directly-employed staff can receive up to £7,500
- Employers with 75 to 99 directly-employed staff can receive up to £10,000
Medium Sized Employers
- Employers with between 100 and 149 directly employed staff can receive up to £15,000
- Employers with between 150 and 199 directly employed staff can receive up to £20,000
- Employers with between 200 and 250 directly employed staff can receive up to £25,000
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with marieflinter@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | 18 Jun, 2025 | Skills
FIS is proud to be partnering with Building Our Skills to deliver exciting Careers Festivals – showcasing ‘50 Careers in a Day’ – designed to open young minds to the diverse opportunities available within the finishes and interiors sector and the wider construction industry.
The careers festivals are taking place on
- 2 July in Greater Manchester – Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
- 8 July West Midlands – St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham
These events will bring together school-aged children, teachers, careers advisors, and parents to explore what a future in construction could look like. The festivals will feature real stories from real people, with industry professionals sharing insights into their own career journeys, what inspired them, and the variety of roles available across the sector.
Why get involved?
This initiative is about more than just awareness — it’s about making construction a career of choice for the next generation. The event aims to:
- Position construction as an exciting and rewarding long-term career
- Provide clear, practical information and guidance
- Enable direct engagement with passionate people working in the industry
We’re inviting FIS members to get involved — whether it’s by giving a short talk, sharing your story, or bringing along a hands-on activity that helps bring your work to life.
Are you interested in taking part?
If you’d like to be part of this inspiring day and help us shape the future of our industry, email Beena Nana by 25 June.
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jun, 2025 | Contractual and Legal
The Conflict Avoidance Coalition has announced the appointment of Richard Bayfield, Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), as its new Chair. A seasoned professional in construction and engineering, Richard brings decades of expertise to this leadership role.
Established in 2018, the Coalition now comprises around 90 of the UK’s leading professional and industry bodies, including FIS as a Bronze signatory. Its mission is to reduce the financial and relational costs of disputes in construction and engineering by promoting collaborative practices and encouraging widespread adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.
In his first weeks as Chair, Richard has formed a new steering group to coordinate delivery of the Coalition’s aims and has introduced a written constitution to provide a strong governance framework. These steps mark a renewed phase of activity and impact for the Coalition. Former Chair, Len Bunton, has taken the new role of President of the Coalition
Speaking on the New President, Richard Bayfield said:
“In his former role as Chair Len Bunton has been a tireless advocate for positive change in the industry. Indeed, Len has managed to enthuse a significant array of organisations into joining the coalition. The Steering Group was unanimous in awarding Len the role of President upon his leaving the Chair’s role.
Speaking on his appointment, Richard Bayfield said:
“Conflict Avoidance Processes (CAP) anticipate that conflict is inevitable in any situation involving human activity. Often, small problems are hidden and eventually grow to become too big for the project team to resolve. Decisions are then escalated to a third party such as a judge or adjudicator, at great financial and relational cost to the parties. CAP avoids such risks.”
Martin Burns, RICS representative on the Coalition, welcomed Richard’s appointment:
“Richard has immense knowledge and experience in construction and engineering dispute resolution. His appointment as Chair adds to the Coalition’s status and its growing influence on how employers and suppliers behave towards each other in an industry that has often been damaged by unnecessary disputes.”
In a further development, the Coalition has also launched its new website. Designed as a user-friendly platform, the website will make it easier than ever for businesses and organisations to adopt the Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The new website is a hub for conflict avoidance professionals, providing practical tools and resources to help organisations embed proactive dispute management processes. Visitors to the site are also invited to submit their own conflict avoidance news and events for hosting on the website.
For more information and updates on the website launch, visit conflictavoidance.org.
Steering Group Members
Len Bunton (President)
Richard Bayfield (Chair)
Jeremy Glover (Vice Chair)
Ed Schryver (Vice Chair)
Ian McIlwee (Treasurer)
Sue Barrett
Ashley Belcher
Stephen Blakey
Martin Burns
Julie Forsyth
Ysella Jago
Jim McCluskey
by Clair Mooney | 5 Jun, 2025 | Awards, Main News Feed
Today we have announced the winners of our annual Contractors Awards at a gala lunch held at Royal Lancaster Hotel in the heart of London.
The ceremony honoured the remarkable craftsmanship, exceptional collaboration and exemplary adherence to best practices within the finishes and interiors community. Showcasing a diverse array of fantastic projects, the event recognised the outstanding achievements of FIS members in eight categories.
Guest judge Mike Hayes, previously of PwC, announced Ornate Interiors for its work at Bradford Live, as the winner of the 2025 Project of the Year, which he selected from the award-winning projects. Here is what Mike had to say:
“Selecting one winner from an outstanding and diverse range of projects made the job of final selection extremely difficult. This project not only represents an exceptional technical achievement but revitalised an historic building which had stood derelict for two decades.”
Winners
Interior Fit-Out** sponsored by SIG
Clansman Interiors – Future Beauty Labs
Interior Fit-Out* sponsored by SIG
Titan Interior Solutions – Mulberry Academy London Dock
Partitioning sponsored by Protektor
Indeglas – Edinburgh Futures Institute
Plastering sponsored by Go Interiors
David Fisher & Sons (Edin) – Edinburgh Futures Institute
Plastering Heritage sponsored by Go Interiors
Ornate Interiors – Bradford Live
Plastering Fibrous and GRG sponsored by Go Interiors
Ornate Interiors – Re Making Beamish 1950’s Cinema
Drylining Commercial sponsored by CCF
Measom Dryline – Co-op Live Arena
Drylining Residential sponsored by British Gypsum
Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens
Ceilings sponsored by Zentia
Titan Interior Solutions – One Nine Elms
Steel Framed Systems sponsored by Hadley Group
Drywall Contracts – Holloway Head SFS Phases 1 and 2
Acoustic Excellence – sponsored by Troldtekt
Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens
Most Sustainable Project sponsored by EPD Insulation Group
The Waterman by Ambit
Project of the Year sponsored by Minster
Bradford Live by Ornate Interiors
Commenting on this year’s nominees, Independent FIS Award Judges, Tony Pieri and Colin Hunter said:
“We don’t just judge these projects on their overall finished appearance. Other factors – sustainability, design input, problem-solving, logistics, value-added initiatives and integration – are all factored into our assessment of the work involved. As ever, the final judging evaluation comes down to minimal decimal point differentiation between those achieving or not achieving an award.
“As usual, FIS contractor members have excelled themselves in presenting to us a myriad of high-quality, stunning projects and it has been a real pleasure to witness such outstanding and varied work again this year”.
The awards were announced by double Olympic gold-medallist James Cracknell OBE and presented by category sponsors Minster, SIG, British Gypsum, CCF, Go Interiors, Protektor, Hadley Group, Troldtekt, Zentia and EPD Insulation group.
The FIS Contractors Awards are held annually to encourage and promote high levels of craftsmanship and design. Not only does the FIS member who installed the contract win an award, but the architect or interior designer of an award-winning project is also awarded.
For further information about the 2026 awards, which will open for submission in July, contact us on info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.
by Clair Mooney | 2 Jun, 2025 | Sustainability
Project Reuse, our innovative pilot scheme, has reached an exciting milestone with the first donated fit-out products arriving at the scheme’s East London storage facility. Designed to reduce embodied carbon emissions and waste from the commercial office fit-out cycle, the project is now proving that a scalable, practical model for reuse is not only possible but already underway.
Deconstructed by KpH Deconstruction and transported by Urban Miners, the materials are now safely stored as part of FIS’s pilot to explore the logistics, standards, and business models that will be necessary to scale reuse across the sector. With commercial office spaces refitted on average every five to seven years, there is significant potential to shift away from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model, towards a system where products retain their value and contribute to low-carbon construction strategies.
This initial delivery includes high-quality SAS130 ceiling tiles salvaged from a recent refurbishment project and marks a major step towards creating a truly circular approach in commercial interiors. The ceiling tiles, around 840 in number (covering 420m²), represent a value of £15,000 and an embodied carbon saving of around three tonnes of CO2. These nearly-new components, typically discarded despite being installed only briefly in Cat A fit-outs, are now being catalogued, stored, and prepared for reuse in future projects.
“There is growing appetite for reuse of products in commercial projects,” says Hattie Emerson, Project Manager at FIS. “The challenge is creating a system that gives project teams the confidence that reused products will be available, in the right condition, at the right time. The Project Reuse pilot scheme is paving the way by testing the processes and infrastructure that will make that possible.”
Lyndsey West, Managing Director of KpH Deconstruction, added
“Increasing construction material reuse requires a collaborative effort across the industry. We need to move to a point where circular practice becomes commonplace and redefines construction norms. We’re pleased to be working with FIS on this pioneering project to advance reuse and keep these quality materials in circulation.”
The donated materials were identified through a pre-demolition audit, a process which FIS is keen to see more widely adopted, particularly pre-refit. While materials often make their way to the charitable sector, commercial reuse remains a missed opportunity. This pilot aims to create the systems, standards and trust needed to embed reuse into the heart of the commercial fit-out process.
To find out more about the scheme visit https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/sustainablility/reuse/ or to arrange a donation or source a reuse product contact Hattie Emerson – reuse@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | 30 May, 2025 | Market data
The CPA State of Trade Survey for the opening quarter of 2025 suggested that even before tariff-related disruption and uncertainty hit the UK economy in April, the construction recovery was taking a little longer to gain momentum.
In Q1, product sales decreased for a balance of 15% of heavy side firms, which comes after three previous quarters of growth. In contrast, a balance of 55% of light side firms reported an increase in product sales, which represents the strongest balance since 2019 Q3, pre-pandemic. This split is likely to reflect the varying stages of the construction recovery by sector, with house builders, commercial and industrial developers still holding back on new starts (reliant on heavy side products) but continuing with projects already underway (moving into phases that use light side products). Completions and finishes within private housing are also likely to have been strong in Q1 ahead of the increase in sales before the changes to stamp duty thresholds at the end of March.
Ongoing areas of strength such as government-funded energy-efficiency schemes dominated by thermal insulation and solar/PV measures are also driving demand towards the light side. Nevertheless, even at the time of polling for the Q1 survey, which was when US President Donald Trump had confirmed the US would be implementing ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, leading to falls in global stock markets and a spike in uncertainty, manufacturers anticipated that product sales would increase throughout 2025 – according to balances of 31% on the heavy side and 80% on the light side.
FIS Members can access the full report here.
by Clair Mooney | 29 May, 2025 | Building Safety Act, Contractual and Legal, Legal cases, Main News Feed
On 21 May 2025 the Supreme Court handed down Judgment in the case of URS Corporation Ltd -v- BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21.
This Judgment is perhaps one of the most significant since the Building Safety Act came into force as it starts to give us an indication of how Developers claims are going to impact the wider market. The case addressed important issues such as:
(1) the scope of duty and the recoverability of loss in negligence;
(2) limitation periods under section 135 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA);
(3) whether section 1(1)(a) of the Defective Premises Act (DPA) applies to developers; and
(4) whether a judgment or settlement is required to enable a party to bring a contribution claim under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 (Contribution Act).
The facts
BDW is a major property developer and includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. URS, was engaged by BDW to act as a structural design consultant in connection with multiple high-rise residential developments which completed some considerable time ago. In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy BDW reviewed its portfolio. Two of its high-rise residential developments contained design defects.
Even though BDW had disposed of its interest and sold the developments, in 2020 and 2021 BDW undertook remedial works to the properties at significant cost. At this stage no claim was made against BDW by any third party and in any event, at the time, any such claims would have been time barred.
In March 2020, BDW brought a defects claim against URS to recover its losses. BDW successfully amended the claim in June 2022 following the coming into force of the BSA which retrospectively extended the limitation period for claims under section 1 of the DPA from 6 to 30 years. The case ended up the Supreme Court where Seven Justices of the Supreme Court heard 4 grounds of appeal in December 2024:
Decision
All four grounds the Court found in favour of BDW (URS’s appeals were dismissed):
| Ground 1 |
Is loss that is otherwise recoverable in the tort of negligence irrecoverable if it is incurred (i) without an enforceable legal obligation to do so, and (ii) in respect of property in which the claimant has no proprietary interest, because such loss is voluntarily incurred, and that means it falls outside the scope of the defendant’s duty of care and/or is too remote?
No. There is no rule of law which means that the voluntary carrying out of the repairs by BDW render the repair costs (1) outside the scope of the duty of care owed or (2) too remote. Whether these costs were recoverable is a question of fact and depends on legal issues of causation and mitigation which will be assessed when considering liability. The effect of this is that developers who incur costs to remedy building safety defects, even in the absence of a claim from a third party, may be able to recover these costs from the negligent builder or designer. |
| Ground 2 |
Does section 135 of the BSA (extended limitation period) apply in the present circumstances and, if so, what is its effect?
Yes. Section 135(3) BSA applies to claims which are dependent on s.1 DPA. To make a claim, a developer would need to establish that it applies to actions arising out of a liability that is dependent on section 1 of the DPA even though it is not an action brought under section 1 of the DPA. Such actions are clearly “in respect of damage or defects in relation to buildings”. The Supreme Court said the alternative would undermine the purpose of the BSA i.e. to ensure those responsible for historic building safety defects are held to account.
There is a possible sting in the tail for developers or other relevant claimants seeking to recover losses incurred despite the existence of a potential limitation defence. This is because section 135 (3) BSA does not retrospectively affect the answer to the questions of causation, mitigation and remoteness which determine whether a developer can recover compensation from a negligent designer or contractor for the cost of remedial work carried out before June 2022. This will be a matter to be addressed when considering liability. |
| Ground 3 |
Does section 1(1)(a) of the DPA also apply to property developers?
Yes. The Supreme Court have said that there is no reason why a developer cannot both owe a duty and be a owed a duty, particularly where the developer is the first owner. |
| Ground 4 |
Is BDW entitled to bring a contribution claim against the URS under section 1 of the Contribution Act when there has been no judgment or settlement between BDW and any third party and no third party has ever asserted any claim against BDW?
Yes. The Supreme Court held that the right to contribution arises when: (i) damage has been suffered by C for which D1 and D2 are each liable; and (ii) D1 has paid or been ordered or agreed to pay compensation for the damage to C. On the facts, BDW paid compensation (in kind) for the damage suffered by the homeowners by carrying out the repairs. The fact that there has been no judgment against the developer or admission of liability or settlement between it and any of the homeowners, nor any claim, does not prevent the claim for contribution. |
It is worth noting too that, as intervener, the government made written submissions relating to the background to the BSA, the structure of the BSA and the policy and purpose underlying the BSA in general and section 135 in particular. These submissions were very much supportive of BDW’s case.
The consequences
The Supreme Court has provided encouragement and motivation to developers to be proactive in carrying out repairs by clarifying the law and signifying that there are a host of options available to them to seek to recover those costs.
This gives “teeth” to the BSA and the policy underpinning the Act.
The Supreme Court’s decision will likely have a significant impact on historic claims for building safety defects. However, there are some wrinkles to be ironed out. Whilst the policy behind the decision may be clear, some of the legal issues remain complex and nuanced and the effect of this judgment will be subject to further debate and discussion and clarification by the court and for future cases to involve arguments around causation and mitigation.
This article is an abridged version of an article originally written by FIS Legal Advisors Hill Dickinson, the full article can be seen here.
by Clair Mooney | 22 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
CITB has announced that 67% of construction employers have voted in favour of its Levy plans, after confirming that it achieved Consensus in support for its Levy Proposals that aim to help provide training for the construction industry across the next three years.
FIS was one of two Prescribed Organisations that were in disagreement with the Levy Proposals.
The result means that Levy rates are proposed to remain the same for 2026-29. The proposed Levy arrangements are:
- PAYE: 0.35%
- Net paid (Taxable) CIS Sub-contractors: 1.25%
- Increase the Levy Exemption and Reduction Thresholds to £150,000 and £500,000.
If the employee payroll and Net paid (taxable) CIS subcontractors combined is less than £150,000, employers will not pay a Levy. If it is between £150,000 and £499,999, they will receive an automatic reduction of 50%. This approach was supported by a majority of employers at a recent consultation and means CITB will continue to support its smallest employers, so the Levy delivers for all.
FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana said:
After consultation with our members, FIS voted against the CITB levy proposals. Many of our members feel it isn’t delivering value, with little evidence of progress or meaningful impact on the key issues facing the sector, such as skills shortages, training, and workforce development.
FIS remains committed to supporting members by promoting skills development, and working with industry partners to ensure members can access the talent, support, and resources they need to thrive
CITB has now submitted the results to the Department for Education to ratify. Once ratified a new Levy Order can be raised.
Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, said:
“Thank you to all employers who took part in the Consensus process.
“The Levy is designed to ensure that construction employers of all sizes feel supported with their skills and training needs. It plays a vital role in investing in the British construction industry, ensuring the development of a skilled workforce to meet the sector’s current and future demands.
“We are really pleased that Levy payers continue to be supportive of the Levy Proposals. We will now focus on delivering our Strategic Plan through which we aim to support at least 35,000 employers over the next four years and establish a simpler, more responsive skills and training system better aligned with industry needs.”
For more results information Consensus 2025.
Find out more about how your Levy will be invested in construction skills by exploring the Strategic Plan.
by Clair Mooney | 22 May, 2025 | Sustainability
FIS has been working closely with the Supply Chain Sustainability School for over three years now. Together they have organised several webinars to showcase the great sustainability initiatives of the fit-out sectors. Topics have included reuse, circular economy, organisational carbon reporting or modern slavery. The Supply Chain Sustainability School has a huge amount of online resources which are freely available.
A couple of years ago, FIS members helped create a short e-learning course “An introduction to sustainability”. This course is aimed at those in our sector that have no or little knowledge of sustainability, but are keen to know more. Those that attend the course can be rewarded with CPD points.
More recently, the Supply Chain Sustainability School has been working on a tool to better assess the industry’s capability in sustainability. This new assessment is based on what the company is doing in sustainability rather than their knowledge. We would like to encourage our members to use this tool. The plan longer term will be to use the tool to map our collective journey to net zero and help members benchmark their own efforts.
You can start your sustainability journey by registering with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to access lots of great resources (register here – Supply Chain Sustainability School). You can also assess your company’s capability here and calculate your organisational carbon footprint with this free tool, here: FREE carbon calculator for supply chains – Supply Chain Sustainability School
Visit the FIS Sustainability Toolkit for a full update on the work of FIS in this vitally important area.
by Clair Mooney | 21 May, 2025 | Skills
Transform your construction projects with Toyota’s production thinking.
The Construction to Production Toyota Masterclass is a one-day, high-impact programme designed specifically for Directors, Business Owners, and Operational Leaders in the construction industry. Hosted in collaboration with Toyota at the Deeside Engine Plant, the masterclass provides a rare opportunity to see Toyota’s Production System (TPS) in action and learn how to apply these principles to overcome common construction challenges.
Why attend?
- Learn from industry leaders – see the world’s leading production system in action
- Exclusive access – Gain insights from Toyota’s Lean Management Centre and experts
- Tailored for Construction – specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the construction sector.
Full details are available here. There are just two spaces remaining on the one-day course on 29 May.
The cost to attend is £495 and funding is available through the Employer Network funding of up to 70%. If you are interested in signing up, call: 07973 705018, email: contact@bbiservices.com or visit: www.bbiservices.com for details.
Further courses are planned for later in the year.
by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Skills
1Following a vote of the FIS membership on the level of money proposed to be collected for the construction industry levy by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), FIS has voted against the CITB proposal. A full report has been provided to CITB documenting the result and delivering direct feedback from the community.
The Construction Industry Levy is collected and distributed by CITB in a process governed by the Industrial Training Act. FIS, as a CITB Prescribed Organisation according to the Act, are required to consult with Levy paying members of FIS through the defined process and respond collectively on their behalf.
The proposals for raising and collecting the Levy for the next 3 years (2026 – 2029) were
- 0.35% on PAYE staff
- 1.25% on Net paid (taxable) CIS sub-contractors
Employers with an annual wage bill of less than £150k will be exempt and employers with an annual wage bill of between £150k and £500k will receive a 50% deduction on the Levy assessment, meaning employers will only pay the full assessment if their annual wage bill is £500k or above.
FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee stated: “This vote is a clear indication that the levy is not working for the majority of our members, that they have not seen enough improvement since the last consensus vote and do not have confidence that the proposed CITB Strategic Plan will do enough to shift the dial.
The skills issue is perhaps the biggest challenge facing construction and any levy designed to alleviate this can only be judged by results. Members are simply not seeing the flow of people, the availability and quality of qualification provision and access to the wider training they need, particularly to support the high levels of contingent workforce necessitated by procurement practices in the sector.”
FIS is one of 14 consensus organisations and the vote will be considered in line with others. The overall outcome of the consensus process is expected to be communicated by CITB to the industry after consultation with government over the summer.
Whatever the final outcome, FIS will continue to help members to utilise levy paid where appropriate through the one-to-one FIS Skills Clinics. If any member would like help in understanding what grant claims they are eligible for, Marie Flinter, FIS Skills and Training Advisor will be able to provide support.
For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.
by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
The BSI has published PAS 8700, sponsored by MHCLG, to standardise and streamline the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in new-build residential properties. It covers project set up, design, information management, delivery and assembly, and maintenance and repair.
This PAS sets out the process for the effective deployment of modern methods of construction (MMC) in residential development to improve stakeholder understanding and realise the benefits of MMC. As the sector has significantly evolved and matured, there is a need for greater consistency and comparability to increase the use of MMC.
by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Employment
The CIJC has updated its Working Rule Agreement to reflect the changes in the levels and qualification ages for the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage. The changes impact the rate for the General Operative and the Apprenticeship age related payments only. All other elements of the promulgation remain unchanged.
Members can also access the CIJC holiday entitlement for 2025 here.
by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Building Safety Act
FIS members have access to Build UK’s guide to the validation stage at Gateway Two, which sets out the documents that should be included within an application for Building Control Approval for a Higher-Risk Building (HRB). The May 2025 version confirms the following in line with the most recent guidance published by the BSR:
- Building Control Approval is not required for building work which consists only of exempt work, work carried out under a Competent Person Scheme, or an emergency repair to an existing HRB
- For ‘staged applications’, applicants are advised to contact the BSR prior to submission
- The ‘Description of Proposed Work’ document is being used by the BSR as a ‘project summary’ to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience required of the Registered Building Inspector (RBI) when assembling the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
- Clarification on what should be included within the Construction Control Plan
- In the event an application is rejected, the BSR has advised that any new application should reference the previous one to enable the same MDT to be appointed.
In light of the significant issues with Gateway Two and the potential impact on the Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes, Building Safety Minister Alex Norris held a roundtable with industry leaders to understand what can be done to overcome them. The industry called for a ‘reset’ and urged the BSR to review the process, including providing greater clarity on what is expected within applications for Building Control Approval and increasing engagement with applicants. There was also a clear view that the BSR should share information on why applications are being rejected and publish regular updates on performance against the statutory timescales.
BSR charges increased from 1 April 2025
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has increased its fees for carrying out a range of building control functions from 1 April 2025. This includes processing an application for Building Control Approval at Gateway Two which now incurs an application fee of £189 plus the time spent reviewing it charged at £151 per hour per person working on the application.
by Clair Mooney | 15 May, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills
As part of this process, members of the plastering sector are being contacted to participate in the review. This offers a chance for industry professionals to influence the standards that will ultimately shape N/SVQs.
CITB are seeking representation from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the consultation planned to begin in the next couple of weeks.
Interested parties can complete the provided form https://forms.office.com/e/rgVfxvSymW to participate.
More information on National Occupational Standards can be found here: National Occupational Standards (NOS) – CITB
by Clair Mooney | 13 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
The Home Office have announced that new measures were unveiled in the Immigration White Paper ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System’ to reshape their immigration system towards those who contribute the most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers.
New requirements on employers to boost domestic training will end the reliance on international recruitment.
Every area of the immigration system – work, family, and study – will be tightened up, to reduce record-high levels of net migration and restore control and order to the immigration system.
Core principles of the plan include:
- Reduce net migration: Ensure migration levels are controlled and manageable.
- Link to UK skills needs: Align immigration with domestic training and skills requirements, avoiding over-reliance on foreign workers.
- Fair and clear rules: Make the system transparent and effective, with Parliament-defined rules, especially around family life.
- Enforce the rules: Strengthen enforcement, including tackling illegal work and deporting foreign criminals.
- Promote integration: Support community cohesion through English language requirements and assessing migrants’ contributions.
FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee commented:
“It remains a concern that there is insufficient differentiation between the types of immigration.
“For me, it remains disappointing that the political need to drive down the headline numbers continue to overshadow the practical economic need to consider the merits of migration to key parts of the economy by considering the skills shortages that could well constrain growth.
“We have over the past 50 years, we have become increasingly reliant on immigration. While it’s encouraging to see renewed investment in the skills landscape, we are still not yet the beneficiaries of this investment. No one is arguing against investing in domestic training and modular construction, but that may not be enough in the short to medium term.”
Further information regarding the Immigration White Paper announcement can be found by visiting: Prime Minister’s remarks and Gov.uk news story
by Clair Mooney | 2 May, 2025 | Skills
We are offering members the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed competency framework for SFS.
FIS has been working with members and CITB to develop this, and it is now available for review for a 30-day period (1 May to 2 June 2025). These frameworks define the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours essential for each trade. The framework can be viewed here https://citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/CF_SFS
by Clair Mooney | 28 Apr, 2025 | Main News Feed, Market data
Excluding the potential impacts of the recent U.S. tariff disruption on the global and UK economies, the
Construction Products Association’s Spring Forecasts, published today, show that construction output is only expected to recover gradually. Following two challenging years that have particularly affected the two largest sectors – private housing new build and repair, maintenance and improvement (rm&i) – total construction output is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, from a low base.
This is a slight revision down from the Winter Forecasts due to a slow start to activity this year, weaker UK economic growth prospects, higher inflation for longer and subdued consumer and business confidence. Furthermore, rises in the National Living Wage, employers’ National Insurance Contributions, and falling thresholds, from 1 April, will increase costs throughout the supply chain.
In private house building, activity continues to recover gradually, but house builders reported that it has been a slower start to this year than anticipated, as affordability and a lack of demand remain the key constraints, with mortgage rates remaining high and no government policy stimulus. Furthermore, developers working on high-rise apartment blocks continue to suffer from 6-9 month delays at the Building Safety Regulator, which disproportionally affects new house building in London and Build-to-Rent developments. On the positive side, however, the Government published its National Planning Policy Framework, and its Planning and Infrastructure Bill is currently being passed in parliament. This may help deal with one constraint, but according to larger house builders, activity from the measures is unlikely to be seen on the ground until at least 2027 due to developments already in the pipeline with planning permission. Overall, private housing output is forecast to rise by 4.0% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2026 and the risks remain weighted to the downside.
Private housing rm&i is the second-largest construction sector, and it continues to benefit from a consistent stream of energy-efficiency, solar photovoltaic and cladding remediation work. Outside of this, however, rm&i activity has been slow to start this year. A rush in property transactions before Stamp Duty changes on
1 April and a strong link between transactions and home improvement work within the first 6-9 months of moving in were expected to lead to a recovery in the sector in 2025 H2. This is especially the case as households have now had a sustained period of real wage growth and many homeowners have finance available for home improvements. This may still be the case, but the key is whether they will be confident enough to spend it, and a recent increase in the savings ratio suggests that households are more focused on saving rather than big-ticket item spending. Overall, private housing rm&i output is expected to rise by 2.0% in 2025, with any growth at the backend of the year, and 3.0% in 2026.
In infrastructure, the third-largest construction sector, activity continues to remain strong on major projects such as Hinkley Point C and HS2, whilst the Lower Thames Crossing has been given the go-ahead as expected, although construction work will still not start until 2027, and it will be privately financed. Energy generation activity will be the key driver of growth as wind farm activity ramps up and increases in capital expenditure in the water sub-sector to deal with high-profile water quality issues will also lead to a step-change in activity from 2026. However, whilst the headlines coming from government suggest record levels of investment in roads near-term, spending on road projects this year will be £5.0 billion less than it previously has been, and only two large road projects are expected to start this year. As a result, roads output is forecast to fall this year. Overall, infrastructure output is expected to rise by 1.8% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026.
Commenting on the Spring Forecasts, CPA Head of Construction Research, Rebecca Larkin, said:
“After a difficult couple of years, the fundamentals still point towards a return to growth in construction activity in 2025 and 2026. A gradual improvement in UK economic activity and government’s commitment to capital expenditure should boost demand, whilst government’s easing of planning for house building, infrastructure, data centres, gigafactories, schools, hospitals, and prisons should also help delivery in the medium-term.
“The big risk is the potential impacts of the U.S. tariff disruptions in April. There is likely to be only a limited direct impact of tariffs on construction as three-quarters of construction products used in UK construction are sourced domestically. Even when the UK imports construction products, two-thirds are from the EU. However, this could be overshadowed by any effects on global and UK economic growth and the increase in uncertainty. This uncertainty adds a higher risk over the cost of new large projects, contractors working on existing fixed-price contracts and is also likely to dent investor confidence. As a result, it could mean a delay or hiatus in contract awards and tenders for new, large commercial, industrial and build-to-rent developments, in addition to less appetite for private investment in infrastructure.
“The CPA is forecasting construction output to rise by 1.9% in 2025, and over three-quarters of this growth (79%) is expected to be driven by private sector investment. UK construction is pro-cyclical, meaning construction activity moves in line with the UK economy. Nevertheless, construction activity is also three times more volatile than the UK economy so it would not take a significant hit to global and UK economic growth for construction growth to be badly affected over the next 12-18 months.”
by Clair Mooney | 25 Apr, 2025 | Awards, Main News Feed
FIS is delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s FIS Contractors Awards – a true celebration of workmanship and design in the sector.
Thank you to all our members who put forward their projects, we had a fantastic number of entries, and our judges had a tough job on their hands in selecting the shortlist from all of the outstanding projects. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself, so congratulations to all.
The winners will be revealed at the FIS Awards Lunch on 5 June 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, by our Guest Speaker James Cracknell OBE.
Interior Fit Out – under £1m – Sponsored by SIG
- Clansman Interiors – Future Beauty Labs
- Drywall Contracts – Lillington Health Centre
- DSP (Interiors) – AMS Hayley Derby
Interior Fit Out – over £1m – Sponsored by SIG
- GA Interiors – New St Catherines Hospice
- MPACT Group – Virgin Money
- Titan Interior Solutions – Mulberry Academy London Dock
Partitioning – Sponsored by Protektor
- Indeglas – Edinburgh Futures Institute
- V&D Interiors – Ysgol Robert Owen
- V&D Interiors – Dorothy Pattison Hospital
Plastering (internal, heritage, and fibrous and GRG)
- Artisan Plastercraft – The Old War Office
- David Fisher & Sons (Edin) – Edinburgh Futures Institute
- Fine Art Mouldings – Penkridge Hall
- Ornate Interiors – Re Making Beamish 1950’s Cinema
- Ornate Interiors – Bradford Live
- Spray Plaster Specialists – The Blade and 360
Drylining Commercial – Sponsored by CCF
- Drywall Contracts – MasterChef
- Measom Dryline – Co-op Live Arena
- V&D Interiors – Ysgol Robert Owen
Drylining Residential – Sponsored by British Gypsum
- GA Interiors – Ebbsfleet
- Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens – Blocks A & B
Ceilings- Sponsored by Zentia
- MSC Fit Out – The Wellsprings
- Titan Interior Solutions – One Nine Elms
Steel Framed Systems – Sponsored by the Hadley Group
- Drywall Contracts – Holloway Head SFS Phases 1 and 2
- Stanmore Contractors – Ebury Bridge Estate
- Stanta Crowley – Aylesbury Estate
Acoustic Excellence – Sponsored by Troldtekt
- Clansman Interiors – Future Beauty Labs
- Measom Dryline – Co-op Live Arena
- Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens
The winners will be revealed at the FIS Awards Lunch on 5 June 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, by our Guest Speaker James Cracknell OBE. As well as the installation categories above, winners of the following categories will also be announced on the day:
We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 FIS Contractors Awards. The standard of entries this year was incredibly high making the judging process no easy task – a true testament to the skills and talent that is driving our industry forward.
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