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.

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) came into effect on 1 January 2026. The aim of CBAM is to protect homegrown industries which are subject to decarbonisation policies from imports that are not. Its purpose is to prevent carbon leakage.

If you are exporting from the UK into the EU you will need to understand whether the EU CBAM is relevant and applicable to you.

The UK government has produced guidance for UK exporters into the EU: What do I need to know about selling to Europe

You can also find out more information on the EU legislation and guidance at : CBAM Legislation and Guidance – Taxation and Customs Union

Background

CBAM is effectively a new tax aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It will impact companies exporting products to the EU and specifying products made with aluminium, cement, iron and steel (it is likely to be extended to cover other products such as glass in the future).

CBAM imposes a carbon cost to ensure imports face a comparable carbon price to goods produced domestically. This mechanism is designed to prevent “carbon leakage,” where companies might relocate production to countries with less stringent emissions regulations.

FIS is inviting industry partners to support Phase 2 of its award-winning FIS Project Reuse Initiative, a pilot project accelerating the reuse of fit-out products in commercial buildings.

Launched in 2024 through the FIS Sustainability Leadership Group, the initiative responds to growing evidence that repeated fit-out cycles generate embodied carbon emissions that can exceed those of a building’s shell and core. With accreditation schemes and the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard now prioritising reuse and circular economy principles, the need for practical, scalable solutions has never been greater.

Phase 1 of the pilot successfully tested the reuse of suspended ceilings and luminaires through live projects, supported by a physical reuse hub. The project has gained strong industry traction and was recognised with the Build Back Better Green Award.

With initial funding ending in January 2026, FIS is now seeking financial and in-kind support to deliver Phase 2, which will focus on:

• Creating more ceiling and luminaires case studies to demonstrate reuse in action
• Continuing to establish cost and business case
• Continuing to drive demand and uptake
• Documenting testing protocols
• Reviewing flexibility of specification process
• A more detailed review of commercial models that will support re-use
• Publishing guidance documents which include flow charts
• Further advocating to Government and the industry

Organisations supporting Phase 2 will join the Governance Board, helping to shape the project’s direction. Supporters will also benefit from profile-raising opportunities and direct involvement in shaping the future reuse market.

We are calling on contractors, manufacturers, distributors, architects and wider stakeholders to get involved and help normalise reuse in commercial fit-out.

To find out more or to support Phase 2 contact Flavie Lowres at flavielowres@thefis.org or Hattie Emerson at reuse@thefis.org

Forecasts for UK construction output growth have been revised down in the Construction Products Association’s Winter forecasts, published today. According to the latest forecasts, overall construction output is expected to rise by just 1.7% in 2026, a significant downgrade from the 2.8% growth forecast in October.

Firms operating across the construction supply chain have all reported that the slowdown in activity in key sectors has persisted since Spring. Weak fundamentals and geopolitical developments are expected to keep decision-makers risk-averse and lengthen the period of uncertainty that is holding back output growth in the private housing, private housing repairs, maintenance and improvement (rm&i) and commercial sectors. In addition, as in 2025, there remains a vast array of risks that could have a major impact on near-term forecasts for each construction sector and sub-sector.

In private housing – the largest construction sector – there is little to suggest a large increase in house building activity this year. For house builders, there is an increasing trade-off between buyer affordability and development viability. In areas where demand has been sustained, properties are affordable, but site viability has been affected by a growing list of additional costs imposed by the government, especially for smaller house builders. In areas where site viability has been maintained due to higher house prices, demand and affordability remain the key constraints. An increase in current house building volumes would require a sharp rise in demand during the key Spring selling season for the major house builders, and at this stage, this appears unlikely in the absence of demand-side stimulus. Private housing output is forecast to grow by only 1.5% in 2026, revised down from a forecast of 4.0% in Autumn.

Private housing rm&i is the second-largest construction sector and activity was subdued throughout 2025, despite a sustained period of real income growth, reductions in interest rates and households with accumulated savings. Therefore, the sector’s outlook is heavily dependent on when homeowners who have the finance available feel confident enough to spend on home improvements. Furthermore, activity will be negatively affected by the government’s announcement in the Autumn Budget that the ECO programme of energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes will now finish in March 2026 and measures included in the Warm Homes Plan are unlikely to lead to notable growth in the near-term. Overall, the forecast for private housing rm&i output has been revised down to a contraction of 1.0% in 2026, marking a second year of decline.

In infrastructure, the third-largest construction sector, activity remains strong, driven by energy generation and distribution and increased investment in water infrastructure under AMP8. This is balanced with work in Hinkley Point C passing its peak, concern that the HS2 ‘reset’ will delay near-term rail activity and the gap in the roads pipeline that is forming, given a cut in nominal funding and a lack of detail on the next Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), which is due to start in April. Overall, infrastructure output is forecast to rise by 3.9% in 2026, unchanged from the Autumn 2025 forecast publication.

Commenting on the Winter Forecasts, CPA Head of Construction Research, Rebecca Larkin said: “We enter 2026 with little to suggest that the conditions that held back construction over the last 12 months are improving: slow economic growth, weak business and consumer confidence and risk aversion resulting in subdued activity in the major sectors of construction. With hopes of a recovery consistently dashed last year, firms in the construction supply chain are bracing themselves for another difficult year that is still laced with risks, challenges and uncertainty. However, there are two main primary questions remaining. Firstly, when will confidence improve enough to see homebuyers, homeowners and investors press ahead with large spending decisions and drive a pickup in house building, home improvements and large private sector projects. Secondly, will government introduce a much-needed policy to enable demand in a housing market and house building sector given that affordability remains a key constraint? Until then, the 1.7% growth that is forecast for construction is pinned on niche areas of activity such as commercial fit-out and refurbishment, infrastructure work on energy and water networks, as well as the effective delivery of public sector building programmes for schools, hospitals and prisons.”

The Scottish Government has published a new Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline, as part of the Scottish Budget 2026/27.

The pipeline details £11.1 billion of investment across major projects and programmes over the next four years, including 36,000 new homes, the A9 Dualling Programme, and HMP Glasgow and HMP Highland, with progress reports to be published every six months.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Davinder Jhamat to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Davinder is a dynamic and commercial minded leader and joins FIS during an exciting time of transformation.

This role is key to helping lead our organisation and members into an increasingly digitally enabled future.  Davinder will play a pivotal role in reimagining how we serve the industry, and our members, championing the adoption of emerging technologies, developing our digital offering and the commercial performance of FIS.

With a career built in real estate and the built environment, Davinder has worked at the intersection of policy, strategy and leadership, driving organisations to deliver meaningful impact. She has 18 years of senior leadership experience, building organisational resilience and influencing at the highest levels of government to drive needed change enabling sectors to thrive. She is an avid golfer, swimmer and now learning to ski.

Commenting on the new role, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said:

“This is an exciting time for the FIS as we stand on the precipice of a new information age with Artificial Intelligence and E-Learning providing opportunities that can transform the way we work and how our members are able to engage with the content and resources that are being developed through our working groups.  In many ways this is a relief as the compliance landscape is becoming ever more complex and it certainly isn’t getting easier out there.  We have to step up and be more effective in protecting our members from risks, poor behaviour and helping them to navigate change.  Davinder is joining our team at a critical time and bringing with her a wealth of experience to ensure that we focussed and structured in delivery and harnessing the full potential of technology and the information we hold to further improve the support we give to this vital community.”

Davinder added:

“It is a pleasure to be joining the FIS at this exciting time where the construction sector, like many other sectors, is not immune to technological change that we all must stay abreast of. Indeed, in how we can ensure the finishes and interiors industry – a fundamental part of the construction sector – can effectively respond to this change, taking a proactive step to futureproof. And how we do this? Through investing in our skills and our future talent pipeline, challenging the negative perceptions the wider construction sector perhaps does battle with, and showcasing the wealth of rewarding opportunities and careers this sector has to offer. And FIS is here to collaborate and work with you as we jointly embark on this journey.

“I am fervently looking forward to meeting and working with our members and the wider sector, of how we can collectively come together and build a better and resilient finishes and interiors industry, ensuring that it prospers and thrives for both the now, and for future generations to enjoy”.

This week FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee was asked to lead a workshop session at the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee (ICC) meeting.  The aim was to help those who are leading reform to the regulatory environment to gain an understanding of the issues/challenges that exist for subcontractors and consider how they can address these barriers to improving competence.  Iain was supported in this by Ruth Devine, President of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA). 

Iain framed the session around the four core risks of contracting; design, time, cost and cash.   Within this he talked about the impact of contract amendments and commonly adopted procurement and payment practices.  The case was made that this is not aligning to the requirements of the new regulatory framework that is demanding a focus on duty and framed around “sufficient time and resource”. 

Iain also touched on the Responsible No approach and how this relies on a responsible response from the client.    In addition to legislative levers, Iain raised concerns about insurance how behaviours upstream are being driven by insurability of risk that is leaving gaps and adding to the pressure on contractors.

A copy of the presentation is available here. As ever we welcome your comments.

FIS also raise concerns with new Chief Construction Adviser

At a separate meeting of Build UK members this week, Iain was also able to address the new Chief Construction Adviser, Thouria Istephan.  Iain again raised concerns about the design process and asked how, in her new role, Thouria is engaging with the insurance industry to support a more responsible approach to managing risk from the outset of a project and making sure risk is fairly apportioned.

Find more about the FIS Responsible No campaign and the work FIS is doing to encourage responsible and compliant construction here.

FIS and The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) have agreed a reciprocal membership, strengthening collaboration between the two organisations and supporting safer working practices across the construction and interiors sectors.

Through the arrangement, FIS members will gain access to IPAF guidance documents, Toolbox Talks and safety resources, supporting improved understanding of safe powered access use when carrying out temporary work at height. In return, IPAF will become a member of FIS, recognising its expertise and leadership within the finishes and interiors sector.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, evidence-based safety improvement, and recognising subject matter expertise across the construction industry, rather than duplicating guidance or resources.

Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, said:

“FIS approached IPAF to request more detailed accident data relating specifically to construction activities, recognising that many of their members regularly use smaller MEWPs such as push-around verticals and scissor lifts. By preparing a tailored report highlighting relevant accident statistics and learning points, we were able to support the FIS in better understanding the risks affecting their sector. This reciprocal membership is a positive example of how trade bodies can work together, by sharing data, guidance, and expertise to improve safety outcomes and ensure consistent, informed messages reach the workforce. I am looking forward to further collaboration in 2026.”

Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS, said:

“The FIS Health and Safety Group had a busy year in 2025 as the work we do comes under ever closer scrutiny.  Our role in this is to help members develop a clear and consistent approach to safety.  This is particularly significant given the sector’s need to lean into contingent working and the impact this has on how people move around the sector.  In trying to provide holistic support, we need to consider all aspects of H&S.  Trying to do that on our own would be an impossibility.  When we reached out to IPAF the response was generous, rapid and comprehensive.  This kind of collaboration is critical – none of us have all the answers, but when we work together we can start to answer the many questions that specialists and their advisors have.  As the questions come in, the guidance will evolve and so, it was the obvious next step to structure our relationship so that together we can better support the sector in keeping people safe.”

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 is a week-long celebration during 9-16 February that highlights the boundless possibilities that can stem from apprenticeships.

FIS is committed to promoting the week and assisting all FIS members in their efforts to do the same. This year’s theme, “Skills for Life,” is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptional work done by our sector in training the next generation.

“Apprenticeships are a powerful tool for connecting people to meaningful careers and helping employers meet workforce demands,” said Beena Nana, FIS Head of Skills. “National Apprenticeship Week 2026 gives the sector the opportunity to celebrate our apprentices and encourage more individuals and businesses to explore apprenticeship as a pathway to success.”

The week will focus on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. We are calling on employers, training providers, individuals and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife.

From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, the week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife. We are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.

To support National Apprenticeship Week 2026 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help build #SkillsforLife. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for the week.

You can keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week updates by following Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2026 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk and for more information on National Apprenticeship Week visit https://naw.appawards.co.uk/

FIS has unveiled a second Simplified Subcontract Template, designed in partnership with construction lawyer Sarah Fox.  This contract is designed to support those engaging or working as labour only suppliers (both individuals and labour gangs). 

Earlier this year, a dedicated task and finish group was established within FIS to look at whether we could develop a simplified contract that worked upstream and downstream to cover both construction or design and build projects.  The resultant template was launched in summer 2025 and is now available on the FIS Legal and Contractual Toolkit. 

This new template extends this, again leaning into Sarah Fox’s “500-word contract” principles, which advocate for concise, plain-English agreements that are easy to understand and implement in a labour only context.

Why this matters
Contracts in the construction sector have traditionally been lengthy, complex, and often inaccessible to those without legal expertise. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and costly disagreements. The FIS and Sarah Fox have worked together to create a document that is:

• Clear and Concise: Stripped back to essential terms, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
• Fair and Balanced: Designed to protect both parties and encourage collaboration.
• Practical and Accessible: Easy to adopt for businesses of all sizes within the finishes and interiors sector.

By reducing complexity and ambiguity, the template aims to support stronger relationships between contractors and their labour only sub contractors and labour suppliers, helping avoid confusion, minimise disputes and improve project delivery.

Commenting on the launch Iain Mcilwee, Chief Executive of FIS

“Our goal from the outset to create a set of contracts that are easy to understand, implement and that ultimately support better working relationships.  Our industry thrives on trust and collaboration and contracts should be written to support this. This template is not just a legal document—it’s a statement of intent to work smarter and fairer.”

Sarah Fox, Construction Lawyer and Contract Specialist added: 

“Contracts should be clear, concise, and understood by everyone who signs them. The 500-word approach ensures that the essential terms are front and centre, reducing risk and building confidence across the supply chain.”

 The Simplified Labour Only Subcontract Template is now available to FIS members via the FIS Contractual & Legal Toolkit. Support and training is available to help businesses implement the template effectively through the toolkit and via the FIS Legal Helpline.  Additional support to implement in your business is available from Sarah at a special rate negotiated for FIS Members.  

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advanced its review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), a targeted migration route designed to help address short-term labour shortages in critical sectors. The committee’s Stage 1 report, published on 9 October (Temporary Shortage List: Stage 1 report), set out the occupations facing the most acute pressures and has now triggered a second phase of work. 

FIS responded to this initial call for evidence and has submitted the below high level response as part of the Temporary Shortage Occupation List consultation.

This response outlines the current workforce challenges, recruitment needs, and skills gaps within the sector, with a particular focus on plastering, dry-lining, and ceiling trades.

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FIS response to the Temporary Shortage Occupation List consultation

The Finishes and Interiors sector is experiencing persistent shortages of skilled tradespeople, particularly dryliners, plasterers, and ceiling fixers. These shortages are exacerbated by multiple factors:

• Insufficient apprenticeships: Current apprenticeship starts and completions in plastering and interior systems are well below the levels required to replace retiring workers and meet growing demand.
• An ageing workforce: A significant proportion of experienced tradespeople are approaching retirement, leading to a rapid reduction in available skilled labour.
• Reduced availability of skilled migrant workers: Post-Brexit immigration changes have limited the traditional source of experienced tradespeople, intensifying pressure on the domestic labour supply.

Our (FIS) recent House Building Trade Contractors Survey demonstrates the severity of labour pressures in the sector, with 94% of companies expressing concern about labour shortages over the next 12 months. Only 6% of respondents reported no concern, highlighting that almost all members anticipate challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople. The survey findings reflect widespread anxiety across the industry, particularly for key finishing trades such as plasterers, dryliners, and ceiling fixers, and underscore the urgent need for both short-term and long-term interventions, including expanded training, upskilling, and targeted recruitment initiatives.

Ceiling fixers were previously excluded from government shortage lists, largely due to classification issues under older Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, which grouped ceiling installation under broader interior systems categories. As a result, earlier assessments underestimated the true demand for specialist ceiling installation skills.

Qualifications in the sector:

• Plasterers: NVQ/RQF Level 3 Diplomas covering advanced internal and external plastering, rendering, dry-lining, and heritage/fibrous work, providing recognised craft-level competence and progression pathways.
• Ceiling fixers: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Construction), covering advanced suspended ceilings, partitions, and complex interior systems. While this provides a pathway to higher-level skills, availability remains limited compared to plastering.
• Level 4–5 NVQs: These focus on supervisory and management roles, such as site supervision or project management, but do not provide hands-on technical skill development for operative roles.

Some headline data to support this is as follows:

• The finishes and interiors sector employs approx. 266,000 people UK-wide, but needs 6,000 new recruits each year to maintain current capacity.
• More broadly, UK construction must recruit around 48,000–50,000 extra workers annually across all trades to meet forecast demand, highlighting the critical recruitment challenge in finishing trades.

Slow apprenticeship uptake, driven by fluctuations in employer investment, where recruitment slows during downturns, has created a bottleneck in the workforce pipeline. As a result, the number of trainees entering finishing trades such as plastering, dry-lining, and ceiling installation is insufficient to meet current and projected demand. With workloads expected to rise sharply in Q3–Q4 next year, the sector faces a critical gap, apprentices starting now will not be fully trained in time to address the upcoming surge in work, exacerbating existing skills shortages and putting project delivery at risk.

Ongoing engagement with industry will take place between now and 2 February 2026 to complete the evidence required for the MAC review.

If members have views or feedback, please do get in touch with beenanana@thefis.org