Spec Finish

WELCOME Nicky Rogers Editor 4 www.thefis.org CONTACT US EDITORIAL Editor: Nicky Rogers Email: nickyr@warnersgroup.co.uk SpecFinish Warners Group Publications West Street Bourne Lincs PE10 9PH ADVERTISING Advertising enquiries: Theresa Geeson Email: theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS SpecFinish is distributed to members of FIS and other selected finishes and interiors businesses. If you wish to receive a copy of SpecFinish or would like to amend or cancel your subscription, please contact either info@thefis.org or telephone 0121 707 0077. FIS Tel: 0121 707 0077 www.thefis.org Email: info@thefis.org FIS, Unit 4, Olton Bridge 245Warwick Rd Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH SpecFinish magazine is published on behalf of FIS by Warners Group Publications plc and the views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those held by FIS or the publishers. The publishers shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles. The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication. © All editorial contents SpecFinish 2021 Welcome SPEC FINISH A T last, we seem to be on the verge of coming out of lockdown if we all hold our nerve and take it steady. It seems an appropriate time to take stock of the impact of the pandemic, factoring in Brexit at the same time. The fallout from both will continue for years, some will be good of course, but the immediate concerns for the fit-out sector have to be skilled labour shortages, faltering workloads and materials price increases. We should have the courage and confidence that we already have the wherewithal to flourish, and this partly depends on continuing to secure a fully qualified workforce, starting with apprentices. Our cover story (page 17) tells of Errigal Contracts Limited, who have set up their own apprenticeship training academy and are approved to deliver qualifications by City and Guilds. There are many compelling reasons to take on apprentices; not least because of Brexit. The tap for EU workers coming to the UK is well and truly off – for every 5% of EU workers that decide not to work in the UK, our sector’s recruitment need doubles just to maintain current numbers. The encouraging conclusion of the recent FIS webinar, ‘Building an Apprentice Workforce’ was that it doesn’t have to be complicated to take on and support apprentices because there is plenty of help available. It gives employers the opportunity to mold their workers to fit the way the company operates by teaching them specific skills and it can improve staff retention. We have a duty of care to the next generation and if we don’t do all we can to support them in an enjoyable career and, by that, improve standards throughout our sector, our industry is in danger of continuing labour shortages. If you missed it, you can watch the webinar at www.thefis.org/webinar-recordings/building- an-apprentice-workforce The FIS pledges to help and support you when you decide to take on apprentices. Go to www.thefis.org/skills-hub/apprenticeships-and-qualifications/apprenticeships-employers for the ‘Apprentice – Guidance for Employers’ downloadable document. www.thefis.org