Spec Finish

WELCOME David Crowson Editor 4 www.thefis.org CONTACT US EDITORIAL Editor: David Crowson Email: david.crowson@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 2022 Welcome SPEC FINISH I t appears that things have not changed a great deal since we said our farewell to 2022. Businesses in our sector are still grappling, amongst other things, with rising inflation, and material and skills shortages. This reminded me of the term ‘fight or flight’ which is used to describe the reaction that people have to a dangerous situation, that makes them either stay and deal with it, or run away. I understand things are challenging and I read stories daily, which I am afraid don’t always have a happy ending. However, I am always heartened by stories of FIS members and other businesses in our sector standing up and fighting, not just talking about the challenges we face, but actually doing something positive about them through innovation, education and motivation so making a difference NOW to their businesses and our sector and its future. On page 12, David Cant, safety and risk management professional, mentor, coach and Managing Director of Veritas Consulting discusses the importance of following a health and safety process to protect people when removing and replacing mould contaminated plasterboard. KarynWatt, Partner and Paul Henderson, Trainee Solicitor at Anderson Strathern, on page 22 help us to understand the fallout from the judgement in the English case which has helped provide some fresh insight into how construction claims will be heard in relation to cladding defects and fire safety. I was privileged to attend the new FIS Innovation Awards. The audience watched as the winners and those shortlisted in the categories received congratulations from the sector for their achievements. Read more on page 24. Please let us know about your projects and company news as we do like to feature members as much as we can. No project too small... david.crowson@warnersgroup.co.uk www.thefis.org SpecFinish magazine wrapper Please recycle the wrapper this magazine was delivered in. It is recyclable plastic. TO THE MARCH ISSUE OF SPECFINISH Cover image: FIS InnovationAwardwinner for Product innovation –Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF E) Rockfon Lamella