Spec Finish

Welcome IN THIS ISSUE 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. George Swann George Swann is the FIS Skills and Training Lead. He has developed, delivered and managed training, mentored, coached and trained apprentices. Mick Hill Mick Hill is the Lead Technical Manager at Profab Access. FIS Awards Lunch The FIS Awards Lunch is on 5 November 2021 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, where the winners of our Contractors Awards will be announced and presented. The guest speaker is Kriss Akabusi and tickets are £180 + VAT each. www.thefis.org/project/fis-awards-lunch-5-nov-2021 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS www.thefis.org 5 elco e 03 Voice of the industry Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive, on the transformation of construction, creating a new culture built on quality, safety and fairness. 08 Technical FIS guide to specifying ceilings. 14 16 11 Sustainability Leadership, engagement and accountability: how construction companies can unlock the value of sustainable design. Materials Selecting products to reflect the impact of the pandemic. News round-up We highlight what’s been happening in the finishes and interiors sector. 24 Legislation FIS signs the RICS Conflict Avoidance Pledge to help create a better environment for our supply chain. 26 28 30 31 New products and projects Materials The new National Construction Products Regulator brings a new era of testing and certification. Technical New FIS technical note on specifying acoustic absorbers. FIS member company and people news 17 Apprentices COVERSTORY FIS member, Errigal Contracts Ltd, has set up its own apprenticeship training academy and it has become a significant part of everyday life at the office. 22 Design Pushing staircase design boundaries.