by Nicky Smith | 27 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
We have seen examples of non-system (third-party) products being promoted for use in performance systems, and although they have performance claims and test evidence, they may not have evidence of being tested in manufacturers’ systems.
This may not come to light until compliance evidence is requested, by which time the product may be installed and any performance warranties from system manufacturers become null and void, with dire consequences.
We recommend that any changes to a system by including third-party products are checked before installation and that a letter of confirmation is requested before proceeding. If you are in any doubt, check with your system supplier.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Cilia, Technical Director: joecilia@thefis.org
by Nicky Smith | 27 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
The HMRC will be running free webinars in April, providing members with advice and support regarding the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Whether you’re new to CIS or building on your existing knowledge, the online help will explain how the scheme works and your responsibilities.
CIS for subcontractors – Thursday 12 April – 5 pm to 5.45pm
This webinar provides guidance to businesses and includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Getting started in CIS
– Payment & Deduction statements
– Records you need to keep
Register here
CIS for contractors – Friday 13 April – 9 am to 10 am
This webinar includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Engaging and paying subcontractors
– What information you need to report to HMRC
– How long you need to keep records for
Register here
You will be able to ask questions during the webinars using the on-screen text box.
by Nicky Smith | 22 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
More and more public and private stakeholders are considering indoor air quality (IAQ) as a very relevant building performance characteristic. However, existing schemes at national and EU level are falling short of providing a comprehensive system covering design, construction and product information to guarantee reasonable levels of indoor air quality.
The CPA, in discussion with the Subgroup on Dangerous Substances (SGDS) and other stakeholders, have questioned if the focus on product performance only, without including design of buildings/rooms and the installation, is not falling short of creating an efficient approach to provide a safe indoor air environment. The experts of the SGDS have clearly pointed out that this will require more professional expertise than they could provide – in particular, the input of designers and contractors.
FIS members are invited to provide comment and/or work on a European Commission proposal on a global/holistic approach to indoor air quality. Interested member companies or individual experts should download this document and then contact the UK representative Tim.Yates@bre.co.uk by 6 April 2018, cc’ing joecilia@thefis.org
If enough interest is received, respondents will be invited to a brainstorming meeting in Brussels before the summer.
by Nicky Smith | 21 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
Robert Barker, FIS membership manager, will be retiring on Monday 26 March. Robert joined the company in September 2006 when it was known as the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS). Previously, Robert has worked for a number of members including Burgess Architectural Products (now Burgess CEP), SAS International, Nevill Long Contractors, Sabre Contractors, Phoenix Flangeclamp and Roskel Contracts. With over 45 years in commercial interiors, Robert has been both a contractor and product sales manager. In the mid-90s he ran his own company called Associated Louvres and Diffusers (ALD) and over the years has worked in Europe, USA, South Africa, Turkey and the Middle East.
David Frise, CEO said: “Robert has been a great servant of the FIS, he has used his vast knowledge about interiors and finishes to help members through many of the pitfalls of fit-out. He has a wealth of experience about products and good practice and a “rolodex” that meant he always knew who to contact. We are going to miss him very much.”
From all of us at FIS we would like to take this opportunity to thank Robert for his hard work and dedication to the role, and we’re sure that you will join us in wishing Robert and Rita a very happy retirement.
by Nicky Smith | 21 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
CITB will launch its new Construction Training Directory, Construction Training Register and Grants Scheme on 3 April 2018.
Collectively known as the Training Model, the three parts cover:
- Construction Training Directory – employers can find the right training, in the right place, at the right time supported by Grant.
- Construction Training Register – employers can see the qualifications each construction worker holds
- New Grants Scheme – more flexible and focused on supporting construction-related training, allowing CITB to support the areas of greatest training need.
To help give some clarity on how the new Training Model will work and interact, CITB has developed an interactive presentation which can be accessed via the CITB website here.
Any queries regarding the new scheme should be sent to: grant.modernisation@citb.co.uk
There is a CITB YouTube Playlist which provides more guidance.
CITB is currently running Employer Advisory Forums at various locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more and book free tickets here.
by Nicky Smith | 20 Mar, 2018 | Main News Feed
All FIS contractor members who completed projects in Scotland during 2017 are eligible to enter the Scottish Awards. Nominations are also sought for apprentices who are training in Scotland. This is your chance to receive recognition and promotion of your work and employees; the closing date for all entries is 31 March 2018.
Entries are visited by two FIS award judges, who will determine the winners in the contract categories of:
- Interior Fit-Out
- Partial Fit-Out
- Drywall Construction
- Plasterwork (general and heritage)
- Suspended Ceilings
- Partitioning
- Judges’ Award (for projects which do not fit into the above categories)
In addition, the awards include a category for Apprentice of the Year; the apprentice must be training in Scotland. The winners of these awards will be announced and presented at our Scottish Awards Lunch in Glasgow on 28 September 2018.
To gain inspiration for your entry, visit our image gallery which lists all of our previous award winners. We hope to see your projects on the 2018 gallery – click here to enter.
