FIS has conducted a review of two pieces of guidance to ensure they remain accurrate and aligned with current requirements of our community.

Technical Note: Spontaneous breakages of toughened glass

Listening to our members and the wider community, FIS has noticed an uptick in reports of glass breakage being attributed to Nickel Sulphide (NiS) inclusions. We have consulted with expertise within membership in order to revise and re-publish our existing guidance on spontaneous breakages of toughened glass which can be downloaded here.

It is important to recognise that failure in glass due to NiS inclusions is often difficult to formally diagnose, and there are other factors that can cause apparently spontaneous breakage or stress that will contribute to breakage, and these should not be overlooked to avoid NiS inclusions becoming an easy scapegoat for other more complex design issues.

When diagnosing failure and organising replacement works it is important to consider the full range of contributory factors that could have caused breakage in order to minimise the risk of future breakage.

FIS Best Practice Guide: Servicing Operable Walls

We have also updated the FIS Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, following a review of current guidance.

Developed by the FIS Operable Wall Working Group, the guide supports facility managers and building owners in maintaining operable walls safely and effectively. It highlights the importance of regular servicing to ensure correct operation, preserve acoustic performance and protect users.

Operable walls are widely used across education, leisure and commercial settings, but can be prone to damage or reduced performance if not properly maintained. The guide outlines servicing requirements, helps identify wall types and stresses the need for competent engineers.

With some panels exceeding 6 metres in height and weighing up to 500kg, FIS also emphasises the importance of appropriate training and compliance with health and safety regulations.

The Servicing Operable Walls guide is available free to FIS members and can be downloaded here.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) today published its biennial report, setting out its key priorities for 2026 and detailing the significant progress made during 2025 under each of the CLC’s four strategic pillars: building safety; net zero, resilience and circular economy; people and skills; and next generation delivery.

Over the past year highlights include:

• Establishing the Construction Skills Mission Board to support the delivery of the £625m Construction Skills Mission, and developing over 40 competency frameworks through the Industry Competence Steering Group;
• Working closely with the Building Safety Regulator, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Health and Safety Executive to implement the Building Safety Act across the industry;
• Responding to the consultation on tackling late payment and to reform the practice of retentions;
• Growing the CO2nstructZero programme to involve over 300 companies;
• Continuing to embed the use of the Information Management Initiative Framework across the industry and Government.

As part of its 2026 strategy, the CLC has announced a major change in its strategic priorities. Following the successful launch of the Information Management Initiative in 2025, the ‘Next Generation Delivery’ priority has now been retired, and two new priority areas have been established: ‘Digitalising Planning and Building Control’ and ‘Business Model Reform’.

Isabel Coman, the Industry Sponsor for Next Generation Delivery, has stood done from her role, and two new Industry Sponsors will be appointed in the coming months. This will be alongside a formal process that will be run to appoint a new Deputy Co-Chair for the CLC.

Looking ahead, the CLC’s 2026 action plan focuses on delivering progress in relation to key issues for the industry. These include:

Net Zero, resilience & circular economy:

• CO2nstructZero: Align the CO2nstructZero Performance Framework and strategy with the Climate Change Committee’s 7th Climate Budget and embed it across industry.
• Green Construction Board: Enable and enhance procurement decisions to systematically identify and prioritise low-carbon solutions in infrastructure.
• Building safety: Working with industry and Government on the implementation of the Single Construction Regulator to ensure that the future regulation of the sector is effective and efficient.
• People and skills: Convene industry around the challenge of how we design and implement a digital skills passporting eco-system for the built environment.
• Digitalising planning and building control: Refocus the efforts of the workstream to prioritise progress on the digitalisation of the planning and building control systems, in partnership with MHCLG and wider industry stakeholders.
• Business model reform: Convene and facilitate engagement between the Government, key stakeholders and industry on recently announced legislative proposals to address late payments and abolish retention clauses in construction contracts.
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing: Publishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Action Plan in May 2026, followed by a Mental Health Action Plan and Joint Code of Practice in the summer providing advice to employers on creating a more supportive environment for employees.

In addition, work will continue under the digitalising planning and building control workstream to advance broader digital and data-led innovation across the sector — including the accelerated rollout of the CLC’s Information Management Initiative.

The report itself sets out detailed 2026 objectives and 2025 achievements for each of the CLC’s five core priorities and five industry working groups: Housing, Infrastructure, Domestic Repair, Maintenance and Improvement, Place, Commissioning and Assets and Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
The CLC will fully utilise its expanded board to maintain – and further strengthen – engagement with major Government departments that shape policy and outcomes for the industry.

Mark Reynolds CBE (Executive Chairman, Mace Group and CLC Co-Chair) said:

“The CLC’s latest report highlights a successful and productive 2025 but also recognises that significant work still lies ahead if the sector is to meet its long term ambitions.

“What remains unchanged is the critical importance of collaboration between Government, regulators and industry — and ensuring that organisations of every size are part of that effort.

“By working together, we can accelerate progress in 2026 on the issues that matter most, from improving skills, safety and wellbeing to enhance industry performance and helping Government to achieve its growth objectives for housing, infrastructure, retrofit and remediation.”

Chris McDonald MP (Industry Minister and CLC Co-Chair) said:

“This new report shows how vital the Construction Leadership Council’s work was to our construction sector in 2025, including establishing the new Mission Board to oversee £625m of skills investment, supporting delivery of the Building Safety Act, and growing CO2nstructZero to involve more than 300 companies.
“Construction is central to the UK’s growth and as Co-Chair of the CLC I’m proud to back its 2026 action plan, which will streamline regulation to boost productivity, improve health and safety for workers and double down on sustainability so the sector can play its part with our natural environment.”

FIS recently visited Les Compagnons du Devoir in Strasbourg, alongside representatives from Locker & Riley, George Jackson Limited, and Saint-Gobain Formula, to gain first hand insight into one of Europe’s most renowned vocational training and apprenticeship systems.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Les Compagnons du Devoir has built a long-standing reputation for delivering high quality apprenticeship programs across construction, metalwork, woodworking, and other skilled trades. Its model, combining hands on experience, structured classroom learning, mentorship, and mobility across regions is widely regarded as a benchmark for vocational education.

Its influence extends well beyond France, with European trade bodies, governments, and 21,000 employers often looking to Les Compagnons as an exemplar of structured, effective skills development that produces highly capable, versatile tradespeople.

The visit offered FIS a unique opportunity to see how Les Compagnons du Devoir combines hands on experience, structured classroom learning, and mentorship to develop highly skilled tradespeople across construction and other sectors.

We were particularly interested in how the model integrates work placements with personal development and mobility, enabling apprentices to gain experience across multiple regions and companies.

During the visit, we toured training facilities, observed workshops in action, and met with tutors and apprentices to understand the balance between practical skills, theoretical learning,professional culture and equally as important, the way they live and eat, in building those life-long skills and community. They also discussed the organisation’s approach to quality assurance, skills certification, and career progression.

FIS Head of Skills and Training Beena Nana said:

“With ongoing skills shortages, it’s inspiring to see a structured, practical approach that combines practical experience with high quality training. Learning from proven models like Les Compagnons du Devoir provides real opportunities to explore how similar systems could be implemented in the UK. Collaboration and knowledge sharing like this will be key to building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.”

FIS is exploring how key elements of the Les Compagnons du Devoir model could be adapted to the UK context to strengthen skills development across the sector.

By combining practical experience with structured classroom learning, mentorship, and opportunities for mobility between companies, the UK could develop a more flexible, skilled, and resilient workforce.

While the approach would need to reflect UK industry needs, regulations, and apprenticeships, learning from this proven European model offers practical insights into how a structured, high quality training system can address current and future skills shortages.”  

On Monday 23 March Government opened a consultation on proposals to merge the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) into a single, unified Industry Training Board (ITB). The consultation closes on Sunday 14 June 2026.

The new ITB would serve both the construction and engineering construction sectors, replacing the separate roles currently fulfilled by CITB and ECITB.

Purpose of the consultation

The aim is to create a single body better equipped to support employers and address the skills challenges facing the construction and engineering construction sectors.

The proposal sets out:

• The rationale for ITB reform, including the skills challenges it seeks to address.
• The proposed approach to ITB reform and the intended benefits of a single, unified ITB.
• Technical details of creating a single ITB, including implications for governance, levy arrangements, and training provision.
• Alternative approaches to ITB reform that were considered.

The consultation also seeks views on two potential areas for future reform:

1. Whether further changes should be made to the employer activities covered by a single ITB.
2. Whether the maximum period for an ITB Levy Order should be extended beyond three years.

Your voice. FIS is encourages members to respond

FIS will be consolidating response via our Skills Board.  Members are encouraged to feed their views in and welcome to attend the next meeting to take part in deeper discussions. 

In response to the launch of the consultation, FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana said:

“Since becoming a Prescribed Organisation nearly a decade ago, we have consistently raised concerns about the CITB levy and how it delivers for our community, for you.  We welcome this consultation as an opportunity for our members to have their say on how we can rethink the future levies and the support the sector actually needs.

We encourage all members to review the proposals and respond. This is your platform and FIS is here to help raise your concerns and where possible, to bring change.

Your feedback will help ensure any reforms improve training, better target skills gaps, and support a workforce equipped for the evolving demands of the construction and engineering construction industries.”

The consultation comes at a critical time as workforce shortages and skills gaps continue to challenge the sector. FIS is inviting all members to take part to ensure the finishes and interiors sector is fully represented in shaping the future of the levy and training boards.

Details of the proposal, the consultation and how to respond can be found here: Industry Training Board reform – GOV.UK

Find out more about the FIS Skills Board

We are inviting members to take part in the ongoing government consultations on Construction Product Regulatory Reform.

Construction Products White Paper
This consultation follows the green paper consultation last year and seeks views on the broad reform proposed by Government to construction products to ensure that there are obligations on those placing products on the market. Members can respond directly to the consultation here before 20 May 2026, or complete and return the questions in this form and return to damianhill@thefis.org by Friday 8 May 2026.

General Safety Requirement on Construction Products
This consultation more narrowly covers the proposed regulatory regime for products not covered by a designated standard under a new General Safety Requirement (GSR) . Members can respond directly to the consultation here before 20 May 2026, or complete and return the questions in this form and return to damianhill@thefis.org by Friday 8 May 2026. 

If you have questions about the difference between these consultations, how they apply to you or the best way to respond, please feel free to contact jamesparlour@thefis.org, or damianhill@thefis.org

A ban on construction retention, interest on late payments and fines for perennial offenders are amongst a a stack of hard-hitting legislative interventions announced today by the UK Government as they set out to clamp down once and for all on payment abuse.

In what is undoubtedly the largest and most ambitious set of reforms in over a generation, this heralds a landmark day for construction.  The changes announced will include a new 60-day cap on payment terms on all large firms when paying smaller suppliers.  New mandatory interest on late payments will also be introduced, with a requirement for all commercial contracts to include statutory interest set at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.

For example, if a small business is owed £10,000 by one of its customers and is paid 60 days later than the agreed payment date, they will be owed £10,293.15 including mandatory interest (£10,000 plus £193.15 interest plus £100 compensation).

The Government also propose to ban the withholding of retention payments under the terms of construction contracts, consulting on its implementation. This will prevent small firms losing retentions to insolvency or non-payment.

In addition The Small Business Commissioner (SBC) will be given sweeping new powers to investigate poor payment practices and fine the worst offenders – with fines worth tens of millions for firms that persistently pay late or fail to comply with the new laws.  The SBC will also be given the power to adjudicate payment disputes, but FIS has been advised that this element will not apply to contracts currently covered by the Construction Act.

The measures, announced will be the toughest in the G7 and will build upon and strengthen legislation on late payments, first laid out in the 1998 Late Payment of Commercial Debt Act, over 25 years ago.  The stated aim is to boost the economy by giving small businesses better cashflow and ultimately tackle a problem that is estimated to be costing the UK economy £11 billion every year and address issues that are contributing to 38 businesses shut their doors every single day because they are not paid on time.

Responding to the announcement, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said:

 “This is a landmark day.  We have long called for retention to be abolished and the scourge of late payment to be addressed through regulation and here we are – a plausible set of recommendations laid out and a timeline is being set.  These issues have been a cancer at the core of our sector.  Negative behaviours have become the norm and have restricted capacity, inhibited workforce development and diminished the sector’s ability to perform.

We applaud Government for taking this stand and colleagues in the Civil Service for helping to champion the concerns of the supply chain and setting the wheels in motion for change.

We appreciate this is not the end, but we do very much see it as the beginning of the end for the worst of payment abuse and FIS has already committed to working with Government, the Small Business Commissioner and colleagues from across construction to make sure that the intent of these regulations is delivered and the opportunity to reshape construction is fully grasped”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

“Far too many businesses are forced to shut down because they have not been paid – that is simply unacceptable.

“We are unveiling the strongest, most robust changes to payment laws in over a generation – laws that will transform the fortunes of small businesses for years to come and make their day to day lives much easier.”

Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall said:

“I know first-hand how difficult late payments can be, forcing you to decide if you can afford to keep a business running, pay employees or even buy Christmas presents for your children.

“That is why I’m proud to be leading the charge on tackling a problem that has been left untouched for far too long.

“These are genuinely game changing measures that will ensure no business, no employer, no family has to endure the immense strain of being left strapped for cash they have already earnt.”

Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner said:

“We are on a mission to make life easier for small firms by getting money moving faster through the economy by tackling late payments. The measures the Government has announced today will strengthen the role of my office in taking on the worst payers alongside ensuring small businesses have a stronger voice on payment terms and late payment interest. These reforms will reduce the hours spent chasing debt allowing small businesses to focus on more productive and enjoyable growth.”

FIS has already met with officials to understand the extent and timline of this work and will keep members informed, but this is undoubtedly a positive day for all in the construction supply chain and a clear step towards a better payment culture in the sector.

You can see the published documents here: Late payments: tackling poor payment practices – GOV.UK

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The Construction Products Association Q4 Construction Trade Survey reports that the final three months of 2025 marked another quarter of downbeat reports from the construction supply chain.

For heavy side product manufacturers, the net balance that reported a fall in quarterly sales was the lowest since 2020 Q2, at the height of the pandemic lockdowns. Significantly, heavy side products and materials tend to be used in the earlier phases of construction, which adds to the picture of uncertainty stalling project starts seen throughout the second half of last year. Workloads were also reported to have fallen for chartered surveyors, extending a run of flat or negative growth to five quarters. Light side manufacturers and civil engineering contractors reported modest growth in sales or workloads.

A new report from the Finishes and Interior Sector (FIS), Procurement, Payment and Contract Management: The Challenges in the Low and Mid-rise Housing Sector, exposes the structural barriers facing the UK’s housebuilding supply chain and calls for urgent reform in procurement, payment and contract management practices.

The report highlights concerns raised directly by specialist contractors about the way that current commercial behaviours are restricting capacity, inhibiting workforce development, and diminishing the sector’s ability to perform and invest in more modern construction methods.  FIS warns that without decisive action, these pressures could threaten the industry’s ability to meet national housing targets.

Key insights from the report include:

• Specialist contractors typically provide 60–78 days of credit due to payment terms and delays.
• Two-thirds face post-award price reductions despite agreed contracts.
• Retention practices continue to restrict cashflow and create friction.
• Training investment is constrained as a result, limiting the future skills pipeline.
• 41% report frequent cashflow stress, highlighting the human impact.

Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS said:

‘For too long, the specialist supply chain has operated under conditions that limit growth and stifle innovation. This report gives voice to the people who deliver our homes, highlighting the changes needed to unlock a resilient, skilled workforce capable of meeting the UK’s ambitious housing targets. It is not a point of more needs to be done; it a point of more has to be done as we are significantly behind schedule on national targets.”

The consequences of inaction are already being felt. When a major contractor enters administration, the impact can be severe. In one recent case, over £43m of debt was left across the supply chain with SME contractors and suppliers bearing the brunt and affordable housing developments left at risk of demolition. This is a prime example of not just one company failing but the consequential ripple effect it has on the economy and the wider market.

FIS is calling on housebuilders, commissioning bodies, and policymakers to work collaboratively with the supply chain to address these challenges, restore confidence, and create a sustainable environment for future workforce investment.

The full report Procurement, Payment and Contract Management: The Challenges in the Low and Mid-rise Housing Sector, is available to download from the FIS website here.

FIS has updated its Integrated Management Standard (IMS) as part of a comprehensive new Organisational Capability Toolkit, to help businesses in the construction industry streamline their operations, enhance their organisational capability, and comply with the latest Building Regulations.

Recent updates to the Building Regulations now require businesses to demonstrate their organisational capability, ensuring that all team members are competent and supported by effective process controls. While managing foreseeable risks has always been a legal obligation, this heightened focus from clients and Building Control officers now demands clearer evidence that companies’ processes meet required standards.  

The FIS Integrated Management Standard (IMS), which forms part of the FIS Organisational Capability Toolkit, will help companies implement tried and proven methods of streamlining their company for the benefit of their business and its stakeholders. It will help to link and contextualise the wealth of information that FIS members have available to support compliant business management and how they can use their membership to support claims of organisational capability. 

The standard has had substantial chapters introduced to address: 

• Competence management 

• Contract management 

• Information management 

This IMS sits as a central resource to help align and control resources. It provides a framework for implementing risk management systems (supported by the FIS Product, Process, People Quality Framework) that will help organisations to meet statutory and legislative requirements. 

Speaking about the updated IMS, Ashraf Ali, Compliance Director at FIS member Collins Construction said:

Contractors are operating in an environment where clients, regulators and dutyholders expect a far higher level of assurance around competence, management systems and organisational capability than ever before.

The revised FIS Integrated Management Standard is a timely and valuable update that helps contractors like Collins implement practical, and more importantly, proportionate systems that not only support compliance, but also demonstrate the professionalism and consistency required to secure and deliver work in today’s market.

The fact that this has been developed through collaboration across the sector is particularly positive. Shared standards such as this help raise the bar for the whole industry and support the finishes and interiors community in responding to the challenges of regulatory change, increased scrutiny, and higher client expectations

The FIS Integrated Management Standard can be downloaded at https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/business-management/integrated-management-system/  

The Organisational Capability Toolkit is available at https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/product-process-people/  

For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. 

There has been a revision to the CIJC Pay Promulgation which will come in to effect on 1 April 2026.

This reflects the increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) from this date. The CIJC has increased the rates for General Operative and Year 1 Apprentices, with apprentices aged 19 and 20 required to be paid the NMW and those over 21 required to be paid the NLW.

HMRC is developing a new online service to support the introduction of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As part of this work, FIS has been approached to invite businesses affected by CBAM to take part in user research that will help shape how the service works before it goes live.

HMRC are looking for support from with businesses of different sizes and sectors to ensure the new service is practical, intuitive and reflects real operational needs.

About the research sessions

• Sessions will run 16–20 March 2026, with further opportunities between March and July.
• Each session will last for up to 60 minutes.
• Sessions will be held online via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face.
• Participants will be asked to try early stage designs of the service and provide feedback to HMRC researchers.

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the short form below by 12pm on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

https://forms.gle/hQrGBvfnyGtzKBqE8

Your input will play a valuable role in shaping a service designed to support businesses as CBAM is introduced. We would be grateful for your participation and expertise.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the User Researcher, James Bynner on james.bynner@digital.hmrc.gov.uk

Energy markets have moved sharply following a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, with immediate concerns around disruption to the Strait of Hormuz – a critical route for global oil and LNG supply.

The UK market has experienced extreme volatility, with prices rising considerably across near-term delivery and further along the curve. This indicates a substantial geopolitical risk premium now embedded in contracts.

While prices eased from their intraday peak, markets remain highly headline driven. As seen during the previous energy crisis, supply disruption combined with low storage can quickly translate into sustained pricing pressure. If disruption is short-lived, markets may retrace. If it persists, further structural repricing becomes increasingly likely.

Key risks currently influencing markets include:

• Qatar Energy declaring force majeure on LNG exports
• Reports of marine war-risk insurance being withdrawn in the Gulf
• Potential shipping disruption and rerouting
• European gas storage at just 30%, well below seasonal norms

Market sentiment continues to be dominated by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Strikes into Iran continued overnight, with President Trump initially suggesting a 4–5 week timeline before indicating the campaign could be more open-ended. Iran has issued threats against vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, warning it may target ships using the route. Oil prices have risen to year-long highs, with reported impacts on regional oil and gas infrastructure adding further upside risk to energy markets.

Businesses currently exposed to wholesale movements particularly those out of contract, on flexible arrangements, or with upcoming renewals,  should review protection strategies in the current environment. FIS members are reminded that they can take advantage of a free energy health check from Enexus Energy as part of their membership

Enexus are actively monitoring developments and can discuss appropriate cover where required. FIS Members can contact Andy Radcliffe directly on 01253 966961 and andy.radcliffe@enexusenergy.co.uk

Information correct as of 10am on 3 March 2026

BBA have issued as a notification concerning a temporary suspension of their UKAS accreditation due to a change in corporate structure in 2025.

As a result, BBA cannot at present issue Certificates under UKAS accreditation. The issue identified are administrative in nature, involving the updating of company documentation and do not relate to the organisation’s competency or ability to function as a certification body.

The BBA has emphasised that their work continues as usual, and they do not anticipate this having any impact on the overall certification process.

 Please click here to read this announcement on the BBA website.

FIS is delighted to announce the promotion of James Parlour into the role of Technical Director. This move recognises James’s exceptional contribution to the business and his pivotal role in shaping technical innovation and operational excellence within the team.

James joined the company five years ago and quickly established himself as a driving force in the technical team. As Head of Technical, he led numerous projects including driving best practice and advocacy for proportionality in contractor organisational capability, our Shine a Light campaign highlighting bad snagging practices, and a volume of new guidance across all core disciplines. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in delivering high-quality, technical guidance that meets the needs of FIS members and the wider sector.

In his new role as Technical Director, James will be responsible for shaping, guiding, and delivering the association’s technical strategy, ensuring members receive authoritative expertise, guidance, and representation on all industry relevant technical matters.  He will act as the technical voice of FIS – advising members, influencing policy, leading standards development, and strengthening the association’s position as a trusted industry authority.

Speaking of the promotion, FIS President and Specialist Subcontractor Member of FIS, Ian Strangward said:

“As an FIS Specialist Subcontractor member, it’s encouraging to see technical expertise recognised at this level. Technical leadership sits at the heart of our sector’s progress, and this signals that FIS continues to prioritise its commitment to integrity and delivering value to every member and partner we serve.

“James is exceptionally well‑positioned to guide our technical team into its next chapter of growth. His leadership will not only sustain the momentum we’ve built but also open new opportunities for advancement and excellence across the organisation”

James Parlour commented,

“It’s been a joy to contribute to the legacy of positive change that the FIS has led in this industry over the last five years. My own technical development is owed to the inclusive network of support offered by FIS under previous Technical Director Joe Cilia, and to step into his shoes and represent the sector going forward is the great privilege of my career.”

This key development underpins FIS’s efforts to enhance its technical support and resources for the finishes and interiors sector. 

For further information or for any questions please contact us at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

FIS is proud to reaffirm its commitment to skills development, workforce sustainability, and career opportunities by actively supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2026. Throughout the week, FIS and its members showcased the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening the sector and helping to build the next generation of skilled professionals.

National Apprenticeship Week, the UK’s annual celebration of apprenticeships, highlights the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.  

As part of the campaign, businesses and training establishments hosted open days and career engagement events to provide prospective apprentices, students, and career changers with first-hand insight into the sector. These initiatives are crucial to demonstrate the rewarding career paths available and the long-term progression opportunities apprenticeships can offer.

We are also keen to give a voice to our own apprentice, Hermione Neale, who is undertaking a Marketing Apprentice. She shared her typical ‘day in the life’ of an apprentice which you can watch here.

By sharing these real success stories (you can see more on our LinkedIn Page here), we can start to break down outdated perceptions of construction careers and highlight the modern, innovative, and technical nature of finishes and interiors work.

Beena Nana, Head of Skills and Training at FIS, said:

“Apprenticeships are essential to securing the future of our sector. They provide a structured, high-quality route into the industry and ensure we continue to develop the specialist skills needed to deliver safe, high-performing buildings. National Apprenticeship Week gives us an important platform to celebrate the achievements of our sector’s apprentices and the dedication of employers who invest in developing talent.”

Many FIS member companies continue to lead by example by expanding apprenticeship programmes, collaborating with training providers, and supporting industry-led competence frameworks. These efforts are helping to address skills shortages, improve productivity, and raise standards across the sector.

FIS is also working closely with training partners, colleges, and Skills England to strengthen apprenticeship pathways and ensure training reflects evolving industry needs, including building safety, sustainability, and digital construction practices.

By supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2026, FIS and its members are reinforcing their commitment to building a skilled, competent, and diverse workforce that will support the long-term growth and resilience of the finishes and interiors sector.

Why: To address concerns raised through Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK), FIS has developed guidance to highlight compartmentation requirements when specifying raised access floors (RAF).

What: Guidance recognises that fire resistance testing is typically carried out under standardised conditions to assess the performance of building components when exposed to fire. For passive fire protection systems such as glazed fire screens and door sets, these tests are generally conducted with specimens fixed at the base to concrete linings or block. The test relies on a stable, non-combustible substrate that performs predictably under fire exposure as a base, creating limitations when applied to scenarios where the screen or doorset sits on a raised access floor. The guidance also explores sequencing and when to maintain the integrity of a drywall system that interrupts the raised access flooring.

The inability to identify and mitigate risk at the appropriate stage of design, could present a challenge in getting approval through building control and in extreme cases could compromise safety.

Who: This guidance is targeted at specifiers, designers and contractors.