by Oscar Venus | 10 Apr, 2025 | Main News Feed
From 1 April 2025, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has introduced increased fees for a range of building control functions, including the processing of applications for Building Control Approval at Gateway Two.
As members navigate the evolving building safety regime, it’s important to be aware of these changes and factor them into project planning and resourcing. To support this, Build UK has updated its Gateway Two Validation Guide, which now includes the revised fee structure and helpful guidance on how to prepare a compliant application.
FIS encourages all members involved in regulated building projects to review the updated guide to ensure smooth progress through Gateway Two.
by Iain McIlwee | 7 Apr, 2025 | Main News Feed, Market data
The FIS Wage Rate Survey 2025 (data gathered in the first quarter of the year) revealed that, across the trades, FIS members have continued to experience increases in wage rates averaging around 7% in key trade occupations (the full index is available to contributors only).
Commenting on the data FIS CEO Iain McIlwee stated:
“The data underpins that the supply chain continues to be hit by inflationary pressures with an annual increase of 7% in 2025 piling on top of double digit inflation in 2024. If we look at what this means in real terms, for some trade areas rates are now (cumulatively) 75% higher than when we started to gather data in 2020. If we compare this to the wider economy, construction wages continue to outstrip the national average which was below 6% in 2025 and 2025. This is putting real pressure on specialist contractors. Comments gathered as part of the research raised concerns linking this inflation to shortages in key trade areas. If the market does start to improve in 2025 and 2026 there are very real concerns that the skills are simply not going to be there to meet demand. To address this, it is vital that recent Government announcements about investment in skills don’t just get lost in long term strategy, but are invested in supporting employers now in training and developing their workforce.”
The survey also points to changes in the structure of the workforce, which continues to trend away from direct employment, which has fallen from 26% in 2021 to 23% in 2025.
FIS also gathered data on Payment Trends, with around 20% suggesting that payment payment practices have worsened in the past 12 months and less than 5% reporting improvements.
FIS gathers and collates a range of market data to support the sector, you can see the full range of data available here.
by Clair Mooney | 28 Mar, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills
The Skills Centre at Southwark are running new Skills Bootcamps in partnership with FIS in Internal / External Insulation and Drylining and we are seeking employers support in offering a work trial and/or potential employment to candidates that are taking part.
The Skills Bootcamps are aimed at London residents aged 19+ and start of various dates from 1 April 2025.
These intensive, hands-on training programmes are designed to equip individuals with the critical skills needed to meet our industry demands. The bootcamps will provide practical experience, industry-relevant knowledge, and career support; helping bridge the gap between talent supply and employer needs. They offer entry routes into construction and green construction as well as upskilling opportunities for those already in the industry.
If you are interested in supporting and are able to provide work experience or employment please get in touch with Beena Nana or Marie Flinter at FIS.
As part of this partnership with The Skills Centre, there is an opportunity for employers to visit the centre and see first-hand the training that is taking place. Details are below:
Date: 9 April
Time: 11-2
Address: Surrey Quays Road, Junction of Canada Street, London SE16 7PJ
by Oscar Venus | 28 Mar, 2025 | Main News Feed
The government has announced plans to reform its regulatory framework, aiming to ease businesses’ administrative load and boost economic growth. This is part of a broader strategy to streamline compliance processes across various sectors.
Key to this reform are consultations this year concerning updates to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) and Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). These updates are crucial for workplace safety and operational efficiency, potentially simplifying business compliance.
The government’s focus on revising these rules highlights the need to balance regulatory oversight with business-friendly practices. Simplified regulations allow businesses to concentrate on growth and innovation instead of complex compliance.
This initiative transcends mere paperwork reduction; it fosters a thriving business environment, driving economic progress and societal benefit. Businesses are encouraged to participate in consultations, providing insights that could shape future regulations.
Stay informed as these changes develop, offering a more dynamic and supportive business framework nationwide.
by Clair Mooney | 4 Mar, 2025 | Main News Feed
FIS is pleased to announce that Justin Devaney has been elected to the position as Vice President of the FIS Board of Directors.
A member of the FIS board since 2023, Justin has 20 years’ experience working in the fit-out industry. He started on site as a ceiling installer and now holds the position of Operations Director with FIS Contractor Member Platt & Reilly.
“I have spent almost 20 years with Platt and Reilly, working in the UK fit-out industry and overseas. I have a keen interest in playing my part in ensuring the fit-out industry receives the recognition and respect it truly deserves while striving for a level playing field for all involved. I play an active role in addressing the UK’s skills shortage, having overseen the implementation of a monumental training programme within the business.” said Justin. “I look forward to working with the current board to build on the phenomenal achievements of both past and present boards.”
Commenting on the new appointment, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said:
“I’d add my own congratulations to Justin and look forward to working with him in this capacity. Justin is a passionate advocate of better and his contributions already are helping to shape the way we are working. Justin gets that change is about inspiring and supporting the people in the community as well as influencing those around us. He leads by example and has been generous in sharing his knowledge and time for the good of the community.”
“It will be an honour to represent FIS as Vice President in 2025, and I will fulfil the role with the deference the position deserves,” concludes Justin.
You can find out more information on the FIS Board here
by Clair Mooney | 27 Feb, 2025 | Awards, Main News Feed
FIS announced the winners of its 2025 Innovation Awards at a ceremony held at is Conference in London on 26 February.
In front of a live audience at the Business Design Centre, the winners of the FIS Innovation Awards were announced and presented. The Awards recognise and celebrate innovation in the finishes and interiors sector showcasing companies that are paving the way for greater efficiency and collaboration. The awards comprised three categories: Product, Digital and Sustainability.
All entries were independently assessed by a panel of expert judges and the winner of each category was announced in front of a live audience. The winner of each category was then invited to deliver a short pitch on their innovation to the audience, who then determined the overall 2025 Innovation of the Year winner.
The 2025 award winners are:
Innovation of the Year
XFrame for its circular build solutions
Digital
Circuland for its Circuland platform to enable material re-use
Product
Architectural Wallsz for its fire rated back-to-back headwall
Sustainability
XFrame for its circular build solutions
The awards and event were supported by sponsors Troldtekt, Procore, Simonswerk, Forza Doors, Plus Finance and SpecFinish
