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• Reports of marine war-risk insurance being withdrawn in the Gulf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.

BSI have just published PAS 2000:2026 – Construction products – Bringing safe products to market – Code of practice.  PAS 2000 is free to download as it was sponsored by OPSS to align with expected changes to construction product reform. 

PAS 2000:2026 | 28 Feb 2026 | BSI Knowledge

FIS was part of the drafting panel for this standard, and member feedback to the construction product reform Green Paper consultation last year was useful in helping to draft some of the proportionate measures outlined in the standard.

The PAS is intended to provide recommendations and guidance to manufacturers of any construction product placed on the UK market about measures they can adopt to demonstrate that their construction products are safe and fulfil their responsibilities as a manufacturer. It sets out what the manufacturer could reasonably be expected to do to assess the safety of their construction product for its intended use before it is placed on the market. It is applicable to all construction products and not only those covered by EU harmonised or UK designated standards. 

The PAS covers risk assessment of the proposed construction product prior to it being placed on the market, including assessment processes, factory production control, provision of construction product information and the collection and use of market feedback, including safety critical incident reporting and investigation.

Compliance with this standard is voluntary, but suppliers will need to consider the possibility of PAS 2000 being used in specification documents.

This week FIS hosted Interiors Insight: LIVE at the Workspace Design Show in London, two days of packed sessions, lively debate and forward-thinking discussion focused firmly on the future of the finishes and interiors sector.

With standing-room-only audiences across multiple sessions, the event demonstrated both the appetite and urgency for deeper conversations around sustainability, circularity, risk, data and design. What made the programme particularly powerful was not just the calibre of speakers, but the active engagement from the audience, challenging assumptions, sharing experiences and contributing to an open, solutions-focused dialogue.

Most importantly, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work FIS is leading in the sustainability space and to take those conversations beyond our immediate membership to new and influential audiences.

Day One: From Strategy to Specification

The first day opened with a strong message: sustainability is no longer a bolt-on. It is central to competitive advantage.

Making Sustainability Your Superpower

The discussion set the tone for the event, exploring how a values-led approach can embed sustainability into every stage of fit-out. The panel tackled commercial realities head-on, demonstrating how aligning sustainability with business drivers creates opportunity rather than constraint.

The clear takeaway? Sustainability done well strengthens brand, resilience and performance.

Opening the Door to a Circular Future

Sometimes circularity begins with something familiar.

This session used doors as a lens to explore how better design and early decision-making can unlock reuse and reduce waste. The conversation challenged conventional specification approaches and highlighted how lifecycle thinking must begin at concept stage, not at strip-out.

Pods – Furniture or Construction?

 One of the most animated debates of the day examined a growing grey area in modern workplaces: pods.

As their use increases, so too do questions around classification, compliance, fire performance and interaction with active protection systems. The session reinforced the importance of early technical scrutiny and clear responsibility. Not everything that looks simple is low risk.

Measuring the Impact of Fit-Out

If you can’t measure it, you can’t reduce it.

This session moved the conversation from ambition to evidence, examining embodied carbon hotspots and how better data is reshaping design and procurement decisions. The message was clear: data is no longer a reporting exercise, it is a design tool.

Putting Reuse First

Is reuse too complicated? Too expensive? Too time consuming?

This energising discussion dismantled common myths, sharing practical examples of how reuse is moving from aspiration to implementation. When embedded early and supported by process, reuse becomes a commercial and strategic advantage, not a compromise.

Day Two: Turning Insight into Implementation

Day two shifted focus toward scaling solutions and connecting sustainability with innovation, wellbeing and technology.

Taking the Plunge – Lessons from FIS Project Reuse

FIS Project Reuse is not theory, it is live research.

This session shared early learning from the project, highlighting the importance of coordination, stakeholder engagement and standardised processes to make urban mining viable at scale. Reuse works, but consistency and collaboration are critical.

Nature x Design

Workplace design is evolving beyond aesthetics.

Exploring biophilic principles, the panel demonstrated how nature-inspired environments enhance cognitive performance, wellbeing and productivity. Better spaces do more than look good, they help people think, focus and perform better.

Tech That Transforms

Digital tools are no longer optional.

This session examined how technology is improving collaboration, reducing waste and unlocking measurable sustainability gains. Better data leads to better decisions, and better project outcomes.

Navigating the Future: The Triple Bottom Line

The closing session brought structure to the sustainability conversation.

Using Ska Rating principles and the triple bottom line framework, the discussion emphasised the need to balance environmental, social and commercial value. Sustainable interiors require evidence, governance and a shared direction, not just good intentions.

A Sector Ready to Lead

Across both days, one theme was consistent: the finishes and interiors sector is not standing still.

From carbon measurement and circularity to compliance, wellbeing and digital innovation, the conversations were honest, technically robust and grounded in real project experience. The engagement from the audience reinforced the appetite for practical solutions and shared learning.

Interiors Insight: LIVE demonstrated the important role we all play in convening the sector, raising standards and driving sustainable transformation.

The discussions don’t stop here.

We look forward to continuing the conversation, and turning insight into action.