News
An open letter on COVID-19 to the sector from the FIS President
I like you have been head down this past week, trying to make sense of all that is befalling us and managing the various conflicting pressures. Mike and I have been running Tapper Interiors now for 35 years, but this has, without doubt, been the toughest week yet – I...
Jean Birch, first CEO of AIS passes away
It is with a sad heart that we have to inform you that Jean Birch has passed away from cancer. Many of you might know Jean, she was CEO of the Partitioning and Interiors Association (PIA) and Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) for nearly 23 years, before...
The Telegraph Report: FIS CEO, highlights concerns at Government’s confused strategy
Construction industry chiefs have voiced their anger as firms scramble to understand if building sites should stay open. Building work is being allowed to continue despite Boris Johnson ordering people to stay in their homes on Monday night. It has fuelled anger from...
What CITB is doing to support construction employers’ needs through the coronavirus crisis and beyond
CITB Revise Support to Employers: the 20 week grant claim processing rule is frozen, they urge employers to check their Grant Online accounts for claims which need authorising, and to sign and return any paper Grant Claim forms we have issued as quickly as possible....
COVID-19 Impact on CSCS applications
Current position 11.1.21 Pearson Professional Centres continue to operate the HS&E test in England and Scotland. Due to social distancing measures the centres cannot run at full capacity and some are experiencing longer wait times than usual. Testing in Pearson...
March year-end? Don’t miss out on a valuable cash boost
FIS Associate Member ForrestBrown explains how the upcoming financial year-end could be an opportunity for members to get cash back from the tax man. If your accounting year-end is 31 March, it’s worth reading this. If you are an innovative business, this is your...
Budget Highlights for FIS Members 2020
Change and Coronavirus were the main themes of the Budget. It was a Budget warning of short term pain, but long term gain and the catchphrase was "Getting it Done". The good news for the construction sector was that this included "Getting Britain Building". The...
FIS Launches 3 Steps to Rebuilding Construction Campaign
Following our letter to the Chancellor, consultations with our membership and recent publication of the CBI State of Construction Report, FIS President, Helen Tapper, is recommending a three step approach to rebuilding construction: Step 1: Return to the principles...
Qualifying your Workforce: New NVQ funding opportunities for FIS CITB Levy paying members
From 1 April 2020, FIS members will be able to apply for up to £25,000 of funding from the CITB Skills and Training Fund. CITB launched the fund in 2016 to help small and medium businesses invest in their people. Since its launch, the fund has delivered over £20m of...