News
FIS Supports the Opening of The Skills Centre Essex
FIS was proud to attend the official opening of The Skills Centre Essex in Horndon Industrial Estate, Brentwood, on Friday 10 October, a significant milestone in strengthening skills development across the construction sector. The new Essex facility marks the 10th...
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What It Means for the Finishes and Interiors Sector
From 6 April 2026, HMRC’s new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service will come into effect, marking a major change in how self-employed individuals, including many working within the finishes and interiors sector, manage their tax. The move is part of HMRC’s plan...
Migration Advisory Committee Review of the Temporary Shortage List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published the first stage of its review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which sets out occupations that may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa under the recent changes to the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System. With...
Industry Competence Committee Publishes Guidance on Competence Management – Consultation Now Open
The Industry Competence Committee (ICC) has published new draft guidance, Setting Expectations on Competence Management, now open for consultation via the HSE Citizen Space from 25 September to 6 November 2025. This guidance outlines the ICC’s expectations for how...
FIS response to late payment and retentions consultation
In response to the Government’s consultation on tackling late payment and retentions in the construction sector, FIS has prepared its formal response on the package of proposed legislative measures to address late, long and disputed business to business payments....
Finalists unveiled for 2025 Training Awards
We're delighted to announce the shortlist for this year's Training Awards. Celebrating excellence and achievement in plastering and interior trades, these awards acknowledge the accomplishments of apprentices and students who have exceeded expectations, training...
Calling all Scottish drylining employers: help shape apprenticeship standards
Are you a drylining employer based in Scotland? Your expertise is essential in shaping the future of our industry. We’re currently reviewing the occupational standards for drylining apprenticeships—the benchmarks that define what apprentices need to know and be able...
Government cracks down on late payment
From 1 October 2025, companies bidding for central Government contracts over £5 million per year must now demonstrate that they pay invoices within an average of 45 days, down from 55 days. They must also continue to pay at least 95% of invoices within 60 days (90% if...
Mental Health: Get Construction Talking
This week I attended the Mental Health Summit run by Get Construction Talking. The stats are stark; we lose two people to suicide every day in construction. The industry is, when at its best, an amazing place to work, but not for everyone and not all the time. We all...