Spec Finish

Welcome IN THIS ISSUE Amandeep Bahra Amandeep Bahra is an economist at the Construction Products Association where she specialises in infrastructure. She is also responsible for managing the quarterly State of Trade Survey and contributes to industry forecasts. Joe Cilia Joe is the Technical Director at FIS. He provides support to members of the Association, and works with relevant bodies on legislative and technical standards. Greg Mansell Greg Mansell is Head of UK Research and Insight at Cushman &Wakefield. He is responsible for UK market research and thought leadership on urban regeneration, sustainability and investment. Paul Mason Paul is Head of Tax Partnerships at Markel Tax and has been providing tax and insurance advice in the contractor market since 2001. He works closely with the Markel Tax contract review team and the CIS and IR35 investigations specialists to ensure that all the players in the supply chain get best advice, protection and defence. Mark Norton Mark Norton is Group BIM Director at ISG and Chair of the FIS Digital Construction Working Group. He has more than 35 years’ experience in the construct and engineering industry. George Swann George Swann is the FIS Skills andTraining Lead. Throughout his working life George has worked on construction sites around the globe, developed, delivered and managed training, mentored, coached and trained apprentices, assessed and verified vocational qualifications and, with the help and support of employers, developed occupational standards leading to the accreditation of new and revised qualifications. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS www.thefis.org 5 elco e 03 Voice of the industry Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive, is encouraged by the resilience of our sector. 06 News round-up We highlight what’s been happening in the finishes and interiors sector. 08 07 Brexit Brexit deal implications for the finishes and interiors sector. Brexit With ongoing challenges for our sector, the need to swiftly adapt to new norms is critical for success. 16 Profile - COVERSTORY ISG’s Sophie Newcombe, is set to become an inspirational role model for our sector. 20 24 26 29 30 Feature How the economy will perform in 2021. Materials Timber Trade Federation warns of continuing tight timber supplies. Health & Safety Caring for employees’ and colleagues’ mental health. FIS member company and people news New BIMToolbox The new FIS BIM toolbox should accelerate the sector’s digital progress. 10 Finance IR35: Time is running out to prepare for one of the biggest tax changes in a generation. 12 Technical FIS helps to develop standardised acoustic testing of pods.