Advice for Specifiers
FIS provides specifiers with a single source of fit-out and finishes specialists serving the industry. Our Best Practice Advice and Ongoing Vetting of Members means you can specify based on FIS advice and membership with confidence.
We also provide technical and product advice and operate an independent specialist advisory service for problem installations.
FIS is the not for profit trade body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The sector is a pivotal part of construction, turning structures into homes, educational facilities, hospitals, care homes, workplaces, hotels, leisure facilities, retail outlets and functional spaces.
FIS has a number of services that support specification in the interiors and finishes sector and should you have any questions around fire safety, acoustics, new systems or technical details, please don’t hesitate to call or email our technical team. We provide more in-depth support (and dispute resolution) through our Advisory Service.
We produce a range of publications including:
- Specifiers Guide – Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers
- Site Guides for Drylining, Suspended Ceilings, Raised Access Flooring, Partitioning, Glazed Partitions and Wallcoverings (which are RIBA CPD approved guides designed to aid understanding the requirements in specifying and managing installations and include glossaries, handy hints and details on regulations, standards and tolerances)
- The FIS Guide to Office Acoustics
- Our renowned FIS Guide to Office Fit-out
- Technical library
All of these resources are supported by a constantly evolving range of resources developed through our working groups.
Acoustic Verification
In response to confusion raised by clients and concerns expressed within the industry related to the comparability of acoustic airborne sound insulation tests, members of the FIS tasked the organisation to develop and promote a framework for third-party verification of airborne sound insulation test results. The FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme has been created to enable members to verify tests against an agreed criterion and a methodology to present these to market in a consistent and transparent manner.The scheme draws on FIS experience working on the Grenfell Response and recognises the concerns that manifest in the construction sector over quality and trust and seeks to draw together like-minded manufacturers and harness the power of value led change. Through the FIS Acoustic Verification Process, appointed Acoustic experts Cundall LLP ensure that products displaying the Verified Data Logo can be fairly compared. Look for the logo to provide reassurance that you are working with a responsible supplier.
Products currently in scope – operable walls and glazed partitions, find out more here.
Specifying FIS members
Representing all aspects of commercial interior fit-outs, refurbishment and building finishes, FIS provides specifiers with a single source of quality interior specialists. FIS actively promotes good practice in the sector to enable clients to achieve the high quality projects to which they aspire, and is keenly involved with industry training and health and safety issues. Part of our mission is to raise, maintain and ensure continuity of standards and to be a source of quality membership, giving specifiers peace of mind that the FIS member they engage will provide excellent service and results. Membership is not automatic and applicants are subject to strict vetting procedures. Not only are members vetted on application, they are vetted every three years to ensure that they continue to meet the high standards FIS demands. Ongoing vetting comprises an on-site assessment, plus a detailed documentary review.
Our magazine SpecFinish is free to architects, interior designers, facilities and premises managers, main contractors and other key specifiers. To read the latest issue click here.
Our project library provides insight into some of the most significant interiors and finishes projects in the UK, drawing on entries to our industry leading Contractors Awards held annually in London and Scotland.