The Building Safety Regular (BSR) has published its latest data for the period 8 June to 31 August 2026. The data shows that a total of 333 decisions were made across all valid Gateway Two applications with an approval rate of 84%. However, 174 applications (34% of the number received) were deemed invalid or withdrawn in the same 12‐week period.

The BSR highlights a ‘steady increase’ in new build applications in August, with the number expected to rise again this month ahead of the Building Safety Levy coming into operation on 1 October 2026. A year on from the establishment of the Innovation Unit, the median approval time for applications has reduced from 43 weeks to 22 weeks.

There are currently 184 live ‘major change’ requests. 42% are new build, 36% are Category A and B, 6% are remediation, 14% are NHS, and 2% are transitional projects. New build change requests are currently taking on average seven weeks to close, against the statutory target of six weeks.  

The BSR also received 53 Gateway Three applications during the last 12 weeks. There were 16 decisions made in an average time of 20 weeks with an approval rate of 88%. No new build projects that have been through Gateway Two have yet reached Gateway Three, and this will be focus of the discussion at the next Build UK Building Safety call on Tuesday 29 September

As the Commercial Payments Bill makes its final stand in the House of Lords, FIS looks at progress and what we all need to do next to ensure that we get the reform we’ve been promised and how you can help.

Quick recap on what the Commercial Payments Bill is and how it is progressing?

The Commercial Payments Bill is the government’s plan to fix late payment in construction. The Bill will set in law a legal cap on payment periods, that statutory interest must be paid and can’t be contracted away, and, the headline measure for our sector, phases out cash retentions altogether.

So far the good news from our perspective is that the Bill has rifled through Committee stages in the House of Lords with any opposition swept to one side.  The only significant change tightens the Bill by closing off a gap where public clients weren’t held to the same standard as private ones. There were also modest tweaks to widen the Small Business Commissioner’s cost-recovery powers (again a good thing) and add a duty to consult before setting financial penalty rules.  Vitally what hasn’t been watered down is that the retention ban itself, and its phase-out timetable, has been supported this far.

Quick recap on what the Commercial Payments Bill is and how it is progressing?

The Bill has now cleared debates through the House of Lords (with no significant change).  It will now be subject to three debates in the House of Commons and at the end, if passed (Royal Assent and commencement), it becomes an Act – the Law!

Our hope is now that we can champion it through the Commons so that it becomes an Act within this Parliamentary cycle. Every amendment that reopens settled ground or adds complexity increases the risk of “ping-pong” (the Bill bouncing back and forth between the Commons and the Lords) which eats up the parliamentary time the Bill needs to actually pass. The single biggest risk to this reform right now isn’t opposition to its aims; it’s delay.

What we’re asking members to do

With the Bill heading to the Commons, it would be great for you to approach your MP and explain why this Bill is so important to construction.  We’ve prepared a briefing note  to help with this, which goes into the detail, but our advice is keep it simple.  The priorities are:

• Back the Bill.  Poor payment and retention abuse have been a cancer at the core of construction and drive adversarial relationships, undermine investment and destroy businesses and lives.
• Retentions don’t buy quality – competence, supervision and proper contracts do. Holding back cash doesn’t make anyone build better.
• Resist carve-outs that dilute the retention abolition. One exemption invites others, and SMEs end up carrying the risk.
• Close the loopholes. Staged payments and third-party arrangements are still lawful, be alert to any mechanism that quietly reintroduces a retention-by-another-name is caught.
• Hold the line on payment terms and interest. 30/60 days should be a floor, not a ceiling, applied at every tier and the Act needs to ensure interest reaches suppliers, not just exist on paper.
• Adjudication Reform is needed. Fast, affordable dispute resolution is critical and needs to be supported alongside the Act.
• Protect the timetable. Ask for a firm commencement date, not more consultation — and make sure the Commissioner is properly resourced (helped by the Bill’s own cost-recovery powers).
• Push for public sector leadership now. Nothing stops public clients dropping retentions today, the Construction Playbook could get ahead of the legislation and we’ve included a draft Retention Pledge in attached.
• Ensure the market is equipped to monitor impact.  Watching how the Construction Act changes and their guidance get implemented, so they aren’t quietly reinterpreted or gamed to preserve the old way of doing things.

The ambition of this Bill is a construction sector that pays fairly by default.  That only happens if we stay engaged through Commons stages and work with the wider industry to ensure that the ambitions it sets down are met.

How we can help

If you need help contacting your MP, reach out to FIS and we can support the process and if you do get an opportunity to discuss are more than happy to go through this briefing note with you and help you prepare, but the truth is that what they will really want to do is hear your story and why this is important to you.  The facts and figures help strengthen the case, but your story as their constituent is the critical part in getting them interested. 

A more detailed briefing which looks at a is available on request from info@thefis.org – this briefing adds a clause-by-clause analysis, the full evidence base and suggested responses to common objections.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is conducting a statutory review of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) and is seeking views and information through two surveys. 

This review is separate from HSE’s recent consultation on proposed updates to CAR 2012, although evidence gathered through that consultation will also inform the review. 

HSE is seeking feedback to help build a better understanding of how the regulations work in practice, with two surveys currently open:

Identifying the Presence of Asbestos Before Work Commences

This survey is aimed at workers and businesses who work with or around asbestos, including construction workers and other trades whose work could disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

HSE is seeking information on how asbestos risks are identified and managed in practice, including awareness of asbestos, access to information and training, and the challenges workers may face when undertaking work that could disturb ACMs.

Complete the survey: Review of CAR 2012: Identifying presence of asbestos before any work commences

Asbestos Surveyors

HSE is also seeking views from asbestos surveyors about their experiences of working under CAR 2012.

The survey looks at the practical challenges involved in identifying asbestos, carrying out surveys and providing information to support the effective management of asbestos risks.

Complete the survey: Review of CAR 2012: Asbestos Surveyors

Both surveys close at 11:59pm on 16 September 2026.

FIS is encouraging members to complete the relevant survey and share their experience to help inform HSE’s review and provide insight into how CAR 2012 operates in practice.

The draft Competence Framework for Specialist Furniture Technicians has now been published, with the wider industry invited to review the framework and contribute to the consultation.

Developed through an industry-led process, the framework aims to establish a clear understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of specialist furniture technicians.

SITEWORKS has supported and coordinated the development of the framework, working alongside an industry steering group whose knowledge, experience and constructive challenge have helped shape the draft.

The next stage is to hear from the wider industry.

Businesses and individuals are being encouraged to share the draft framework within their organisations and professional networks, particularly with those involved in specialist furniture, procurement, project management, installation, training, design and construction.

Have your say

This is an important opportunity for the industry to help shape a framework that reflects the realities of specialist furniture work and the competencies required within the sector.

Industry professionals are encouraged to:

• READ the draft Competence Framework
• FEEDBACK through the consultation form
• JOIN the live Industry Q&A on Tuesday 15 September at 2pm

The consultation form also provides an opportunity to register for the Q&A session and submit questions in advance.

An industry-led framework

While SITEWORKS has been proud to help coordinate and lead the development process, the framework has been shaped by the expertise and experience of the industry steering group.

The consultation now provides an opportunity for the wider sector to build on that work, challenge the proposals where appropriate and ensure the final framework is relevant, practical and reflective of industry needs.

Everyone with an interest in specialist furniture and the development of competence within the sector is encouraged to get involved.

Review the framework, provide your feedback and register for the Industry Q&A here.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022, including the extension of PPE requirements to so-called “Limb (b) workers”. This has regularly been raised as an issue for the finishes and interiors sector in H&S Working Group Meetings.  FIS is preparing a formal response on behalf of members. The consultation closes at 23.59 on 18 September 2026.

FIS is working on and intends to share a draft response next week, giving members time to comment before the deadline. In the meantime, the organisation wanted to flag some of the key themes emerging from our discussions and encourage members to pass relevant information to FIS and to respond directly with the HSE consultation.   The draft response focuses on a number of practical concerns that have been raised by members:

• Confusion over how “Limb (b) worker” status should be applied within common construction labour models.
• The disconnect between CIS tax status, employment law definitions and site compliance requirements.
• Uncertainty around who is responsible for providing PPE in labour-only subcontracting, gang labour and agency arrangements.
• Differing interpretations by clients, auditors and contractors, creating compliance risk and inconsistency.
• Questions around worker-owned PPE, particularly safety footwear.
• The interaction between respiratory protective equipment (RPE), facial hair policies and equality obligations.
• The need for practical, construction-specific guidance rather than reliance on broad legal definitions.

FIS is actively seeking to confirm member views and provide examples of specific situations where confusion has arisen, challenges encountered in the tender process related to costings for safety provision whether this is consistently reviewed, practical issues on site associated with the regulations, how you are currently interpreting the rules and any case studies related to cost of compliance.  Please send any comments or information to iainmcilwee@thefis.org

Further information on this subject and the challenge in interpretation is available via the April 2026 SpecFinish edition in an article written by lawyers DAC Beachcroft LLP and further information is available to FIS Members via FIS published guidance that was written when the regulations were introduced.

FIS is strongly encouraging businesses in the sector to respond directly to the HSE consultation, as individual business experiences will add weight to the sector’s collective voice.  The consultation can be viewed here –  Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations

Further details and the FIS draft response will be circulated next week with the FIS newsletter – if you wish to sign-up for the newsletter click here.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a new government initiative designed to reduce electricity costs for thousands of manufacturing businesses across Great Britain.

From 2027, eligible manufacturers could save an estimated £35–£40 per MWh of electricity used, equivalent to around 3.5 – 4p/kWh, potentially reducing their total electricity bill by up to 25%.

FIS Associate Member Enexus Energy is here to help FIS members understand whether you may qualify and what you need to do next.  They have compiled the information below to answer any question and can offer members a free eleigibility check – simply email your full company name and SIC code to andy.radcliffe@enexusenergy.co.uk  or call 01253 966964 and they will support you through the process.

The Employment Rights Act represents the ‘biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation’ and further measures will come into force next month. From 1 October, the time limit for an employee to make a claim to an Employment Tribunal will be increased from three to six months, with the following measures to be introduced from 30 October:

• Employers will be required to prevent harassment of their employees by third parties and to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment, replacing the current legal obligation to take ‘reasonable steps’. Ministers will also be given the power to bring into effect at a later date evidence‐based steps that employers must take to prevent sexual harassment.
• Employers will have to provide a written statement to workers informing them of their right to join a trade union. This statement must be provided at the start of a worker’s employment and at other prescribed times, and the Government is expected to publish further guidance on what it must include this month.

The Government has created a dedicated webpage with guidance and practical tools to support employers in meeting their obligations under the Act. This is being regularly updated as more measures are introduced throughout the rest of 2026 and 2027.

BSI committee B/544 has opened a consultation on the merger of BS 5234-1 and BS 5234-2 into a new standard BS 15234. 

BS 5234 parts 1 and 2 respectively constitute a code of practice and test methods for robustness for partitions and have remained unchanged since 1992. The standards cover most types of partitions including drylining, glazed partitions and moveable walls.

The consultation is open to all, and members are encouraged to respond with their thoughts before the deadline of 20 September using the link below. You can also volunteer through this consultation to be involved in the development process.

BS 15234: Partitions (including matching linings) – Strength and robustness – Specification

Please contact jamesparlour@thefis.org if you have questions about this consultation or would like to be more involved in the development process.

The publication of new retention data through Build UK’s Payment Performance Table marks a significant milestone in the long-running campaign to improve payment practices across construction. For the first time, reporting requirements now provide transparency around how retentions are being used and passed through supply chains, offering valuable insight into a practice that has impacted specialist contractors for decades.

Build UK’s latest data shows the real impact on cashflow through the supply chain.  It identifies that tier one contractors withhold retentions at an average rate of 2% and, typically, pass on 74% of the retentions withheld by their clients. The transparency has been welcomed by Government and comes at a pivotal moment, with the Commercial Payments Bill progressing through Parliament and expected to receive Royal Assent in 2027. The Bill proposes a package of measures including:

• A ban on construction retentions
• Maximum payment periods of 60 days in the private sector
• Mandatory interest on late payments
• Enhanced powers for the Small Business Commissioner
• Expanded payment reporting requirements

For FIS, the direction of travel is positive. The principle of reform is now broadly accepted and supported across Parliament. The challenge is ensuring that the legislation delivers meaningful improvements in cashflow and business resilience rather than simply moving withholding practices into different parts of the payment process.

Introducing the FIS Commercial Draft Policy Briefing Note

As the Bill enters Report Stage FIS has prepared a detailed briefing note examining the Commercial Payments Bill and its implications for the finishes and interiors sector. The document sets out FIS’s current position, identifies areas where the Bill could be strengthened and highlights risks that could undermine its intended benefits.  It aims to support both our own engagement with Government and any work members are doing directly with local MP or wider groups.

The key questions

While FIS supports the abolition of retentions, we are conscious that simply removing one mechanism does not guarantee better payment behaviour.

Our analysis focuses on several critical questions:

• How do we prevent retentions being replaced by delayed certification, extended verification periods or prolonged final account negotiations?
• What safeguards are required to stop alternative forms of withholding emerging?
• How can payment rights be enforced economically by SMEs?
• How do we ensure the Small Business Commissioner has sufficient powers and resources?
• What further reforms to the Construction Act may be needed to support the objectives of the Bill?

Why we need member input

As the Bill progresses, several important issues remain open for debate.

FIS is particularly concerned about:

• The Bill getting diluted with some organisations advocating potential exemptions for certain client groups.
• The risk of retention practices reappearing under different contractual arrangements.
• The affordability and accessibility of replacement security products such as bonds.
• The practical operation of payment deadlines within construction contracts.
• Creating affordable dispute resolution processes to.

This is where member experience becomes essential.

Have your say

The FIS briefing note is therefore being issued as a consultation document to members.

We are particularly keen to hear:

• Whether the FIS policy positions reflect your experience.
• Examples of payment practices that could be used to circumvent the proposed retention ban.
• Views on retention bonds, latent defects insurance and other alternative security mechanisms.
• Evidence of delayed certification, verification procedures or final account processes impacting cashflow.
• Suggestions for strengthening enforcement and transparency.

The aim is not to reopen the principle of reform but to ensure that the final framework delivers genuine improvement for specialist contractors and does not simply relocate financial pressure elsewhere in the payment cycle.

The next phase

FIS will continue to work closely with parliamentarians, the civil service, and industry partners as the Commercial Payments Bill progresses. We support the Bill’s objectives and believe it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve payment culture within construction. However, the legislation must be accompanied by practical reforms that make rights enforceable, prevent avoidance and ensure that money flows through the supply chain as intended.

We encourage all members to review the briefing note and share their views. Your feedback will help shape FIS’s engagement during the remaining stages of the Bill and ensure the voice of specialist contractors is heard as these important reforms move towards implementation.

340 decisions were made across all valid Gateway Two applications with an approval rate of 82% according to the latest Building Safety Regulator data for the period 11 May to 1 August 2026. However, 300 applications (47% of the total received) were deemed invalid or withdrawn in the same period. For the first time, NHS applications – covering a range of hospital building work from maintenance to new facilities – have been reported on separately.

This month marks a year since the establishment of the Innovation Unit, which has determined a total of 102 new build applications in that time. 75% have been approved or approved with requirements, with the median approval time reducing from 43 weeks to 22 weeks over the last year.

The BSR has provided its first data on ‘major change’ requests. Of the 181 live major change requests, 42% are new build, 33% are Category A and B, 12% are remediation, 12% are NHS, and 1% are transitional projects. New build change requests are currently taking on average seven weeks to close, against the statutory target of six weeks.

The BSR also received 45 Gateway Three applications during the last 12 weeks. There were 29 decisions made in an average time of 16 weeks with an approval rate of 72%. No new build projects that have been through Gateway Two have yet reached Gateway Three.  

FIS has submitted its response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Call for Evidence on the Strategy for Built Environment Professions, Trades and Occupations.

In our response, which you can view here, FIS asserted that competence is not only a matter of individual skill or organisational capability, it is a condition created or undermined by how projects are procured, contracted, programmed and governed. Procurement is the control point at which our sector’s four core risks – design, time, cost and cash – are either managed or passed downstream to those least able to control them. The Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative reaches the same conclusion independently, ranking lowest-price procurement and procurement routes as the top two barriers to improving specialist design.

Our priorities, with the questions where each is argued:

• Procurement is the lever. Route, appointment timing, scope and risk allocation decide whether competence can be exercised at all. Put the procurement record, contract and a live Design Responsibility Matrix in the Golden Thread, and use the Procurement Act 2023 to enforce uptake of the Construction Playbook (Q6, Q12, Q16, Q23).
• Fix the design development process. Stages should be evidence-based decision points, not vague milestones, with detail classified as confirmed, nominal or unresolved. 51% of CQIC respondents disagree that design responsibilities are clearly defined (Q23, Q31, Q33).
• Post-award price reduction strips investment out of projects. Around two-thirds of specialists are asked to cut price after appointment. Those cuts come out of supervision, out of value engineering the system, or out of the labour rate — rarely out of margin (Q33, Q38).
• Treat payment as a competence measure. Specialists extend 60–78 days of credit to larger clients; retentions are never released on time for 65% working with national housebuilders. Firms that cannot forecast cash cannot invest in supervision, training or evidence (Q38).
• Training is an absorption problem.  Short-notice pipeline, aggressive procurement and poor payment practices remove the return on investment required and force companies to use more contingent labour (Q76).

The full FIS response, which is available here, provides the detailed evidence, recommendations and supporting data behind these positions.

Skills Minister thanks construction industry for its role in shaping apprenticeship reform

The construction industry’s voice is being heard as government moves forward with reforms to apprenticeship assessment, with the Skills Minister recognising the sector’s contribution to shaping how the changes will work in practice.

In a letter to members of the Construction Coalition and Skills England’s Construction Taskforce, the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern thanked industry representatives for their “invaluable and constructive contributions” to the implementation of Apprenticeship Assessment Reform across the Construction & Built Environment sector.

The Minister highlighted the important role industry has played in identifying the challenges created by significant changes to apprenticeship assessment, advocating for action and, crucially, co-developing solutions with Skills England.

She said this collaboration has helped ensure that the requirements of industry are secured alongside the benefits of reform, with a shared focus on streamlining unnecessary complexity while maintaining confidence among employers and learners in training and assessment for safety-critical occupations.

The letter is a clear recognition that successful reform cannot be designed by government alone. The expertise and experience of employers and industry bodies have been central to testing proposals and identifying practical solutions that work for the construction sector.

Beena Nana, FIS Head of Skills and Training welcomed the progress:

“It is encouraging to see industry being genuinely listened to and involved in shaping this important work. We have worked closely with our members and Skills England to ensure the approach is practical and reflects the needs of employers, while maintaining the high standards and competence expected across our sector.”

The Minister also noted that the contributions from the Construction Coalition and Construction Taskforce have helped ensure reforms support the continued competence of the workforce and maintain employers’ confidence that apprenticeships produce people able to work safely, effectively and to the high professional standards expected across the sector.

With the current round of test cases now almost complete, the lessons learned will help inform assessment plans across other apprenticeships.

Baroness Smith concluded by stressing that successful apprenticeships depend on strong collaboration between industry, training providers, assessment organisations and government.

For the construction sector, the message is encouraging: industry has been listened to, its concerns have helped shape the approach, and its expertise is influencing the next stage of apprenticeship reform.

The work now is to build on that collaboration and ensure the final reforms deliver for employers, apprentices and the wider economy.

Following recent announcements, FIS welcomes the Prime Minister’s recognition that there should be no hierarchy between academic and technical education, and that young people should have the freedom to choose the route that best suits their ambitions and strengths. For construction, apprenticeships and skilled trades offer a valuable pathway into rewarding careers, combining practical experience, recognised qualifications and the opportunity to build a long term career in a vital industry.

The Government is backing that ambition by investing in more opportunities for young people closer to home. By expanding access to colleges, apprenticeships, technical training and high-quality work experience, we can help young people develop the skills employers need while creating stronger local economies. This means making sure young people have access to the opportunities they need without having to move away from their families and communities.

Stronger links between education providers and local businesses will also help create a clearer pathway from education into good, skilled jobs. By bringing employers closer to schools, colleges and training providers, young people can gain practical experience, understand the opportunities available to them and develop the skills needed to build successful careers. At the same time, local businesses benefit from a stronger pipeline of home-grown talent.

For too long, where someone lives or the type of education they choose has shaped the opportunities available to them. This approach is about changing, giving young people more choice, more practical opportunities and a stronger start in their working lives. Success does not look the same for everyone, but every young person should have the chance to build a fulfilling career and a secure future, whether their journey begins in a lecture theatre, a college workshop or on the job.

For more information on career routes into the sector contact FIS Head of Skills and Training Beena Nana or FIS Skills and Training Advisor Marie Flinter.

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Research reveals a significant gap between what councils think local suppliers need and what small businesses say would help them win public sector work.

A new best practice guide is urging councils across England to rethink how they engage with local businesses and voluntary organisations, arguing that outdated procurement practices continue to exclude the very organisations best placed to deliver economic growth, social value and resilient local services.

Published by Local Government East and developed in partnership with local authorities and procurement leaders, Building a Local Business and Voluntary Sector Friendly Council provides practical guidance to help councils attract, engage and retain more small and micro businesses within their supply chains.

The publication comes at a time of increasing national focus on local economic growth, community wealth building and the role of public procurement in supporting local economies.

Drawing on research, interviews and survey responses from almost 100 businesses and voluntary organisations, including FIS, the study found that many smaller organisations feel excluded from council procurement opportunities, citing overly complex processes, difficulty identifying opportunities and a perception that councils primarily work with larger suppliers.

The findings also reveal a significant mismatch between council perceptions and supplier experiences. While there is a widespread consensus among councils to assume that additional training or “meet the buyer” events are the key to increasing participation, businesses consistently identified a need for councils to better understand the practical realities of operating as a small organisation, including limited time, capacity and resources.

The guidance argues that councils can make immediate improvements by simplifying documentation, using plain language contracts, adopting proportionate requirements, improving communication and taking a more proactive approach to engaging local suppliers.

Ken Cole, lead author and Local Government East Talent Bank Associate, said:

“Small and micro businesses are the backbone of local economies and account for the overwhelming majority of businesses operating across England. Yet many councils still unintentionally create barriers  through their procurement policies and procedures that make it difficult for these organisations to engage.

This guidance demonstrates that becoming more business-friendly doesn’t require legislative change or significant investment. Often it means challenging assumptions, simplifying processes and recognising that smaller organisations operate very differently from large corporations.”

The report highlights growing evidence that increasing spend with local businesses delivers benefits far beyond procurement outcomes, supporting local jobs, strengthening communities, improving social value and contributing to environmental sustainability through shorter supply chains.

Sally Guyer, Global CEO of World Commerce and Contracting said

“This isn’t simply about procurement. It’s about how councils use their spending power to support thriving local economies and stronger communities.

While the project originated in the East of England, the challenges and opportunities identified are shared by councils across the country. Our ambition is for this guidance to help local authorities everywhere create more accessible and inclusive approaches to working with local businesses and voluntary organisations.”

The publication is also expected to form part of wider national discussions on the future of local procurement, including the World Commerce & Contracting webinar, Bridges not Barriers: Unlocking Local Procurement for Small and Micro Businesses. https://www.worldcc.com/events/event-calendar/bridges-not-barriers-unlocking-local-procurement-for-small-and-micro-businesses.html

After eight years of service, Iain McIlwee confirmed today that later this year he will be stepping down as CEO of FIS and the process has begun to find his replacement. In this short article Iain reflects on his time at FIS and the exciting opportunity to lead the next chapter for the FIS and wider sector.

Eight years ago, I was entrusted with the role of Chief Executive at Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS). Today, I am confirming that later this year I will be handing that responsibility on to someone new.

This has not been an easy decision as FIS has always been more than a job to me. I care deeply about this sector, the people within it and the vital role FIS plays in helping drive positive change. Representing our members has been one of the greatest privileges of my career and, hand on heart, I have given everything I have to that mission throughout my tenure.

There is never a perfect time to move on from something that means so much, but after eight years it feels like the right moment to pass the baton and allow someone new to lead FIS into its next chapter.

What has driven me every day in this role is doing right by the people. The businesses and individuals who turn drawings into reality, overcome challenges every day and quite literally put the wow into buildings. The trust placed in me by members and the FIS team over the years has been humbling, and I will always be grateful for it.

When I joined FIS, the organisation was still relatively early in its journey following the merger that brought together different parts of our sector under a single banner. Over the past eight years, we have continued to strengthen that collective voice, grow our influence and raise the profile of an industry that plays a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable buildings.

The backdrop has been one of unprecedented challenge and change. Together, we navigated COVID, waves of inflation and supported the sector through the profound reforms that followed the Grenfell tragedy and continue to reshape construction. We have prioritised the competency agenda, strengthened our leadership on sustainability, championed better procurement through the Responsible No campaign and intensified the fight against poor payment practices and cash retentions. Seeing the Commercial Payments Bill progress through Parliament is a reminder of what can be achieved when industry comes together behind a shared cause.

No Chief Executive achieves anything on their own, and any success attributed to me is really a reflection of the people around me. I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the FIS Board for their leadership and support, and to the amazing FIS team for their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to our members.

As I prepare for the next chapter, I do so with complete confidence in the future of FIS. We have an outstanding team, a clear purpose and a membership that continues to demonstrate the very best of our sector. The work is far from done, but I know FIS will continue to play a leading role in driving positive change in construction.  To whoever follows me, I can only commend this role. If you are passionate about making a difference, bringing people together and helping to lead change, there are few opportunities in our industry that offer the same privilege, challenge and reward.

Before I sign off, I want to leave one final call to action.

FIS is at its best when members get involved. When people share their experience, challenge thinking, contribute expertise and work together to improve our sector, good things happen.  Whether you are already a member or considering joining, my message is simple: don’t take FIS for granted and don’t stand on the sidelines. The greater the participation, the stronger our collective voice becomes and the more we can achieve together.  My experience over the past eight years has shown me time and time again that when we come together behind shared challenges and opportunities, we are greater than the sum of our parts. More influential. More effective. Better able to shape the future of our industry.

FIS will always be defined by its members. Please continue to support it, challenge it and help shape it.

In return, my final promise is that I will leave nothing on the pitch over the next three months as we manage this transition and continue building on these strong foundations.

FIS is now welcoming applications from interested and ambitious candidates to lead the next chapter for FIS and the wider sector.

Could this exciting opportunity be your next career move? Find out more about the role and take the next step towards making an impact for the finishes and interiors sector.