Spec Finish

03 Voice of the industry Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive, discusses FIS commitment to producing guidance to help define and support best practice. 06 News round-up We highlight what’s been happening in the finishes and interiors sector. 10 Technical We discuss robust guidance to the conservation of historic plaster ceilings grounded in good conservation practice, peer reviewed and endorsed by trade and professional bodies alike. 12 Health and Safety Ensuring that people are safe when removing and replacing mould contaminated plasterboard. 13 Technical We highlight the problems with how compartment walls are constructed and what you should consider when answering this problem. 14 Industrial Industry experts discuss new construction industry records being set in 2022 and their forecasts for 2023-2024. 16 Educational Social media is an important tool to engage with your customers, build on the brand, and promote services. Here we look at how to implement this in your business. 18 Feature The race to decarbonise commercial buildings. Discussed are the opportunities and challenges. 20 Sustainability A discussion on the meaning of embodied carbon in the fit-out world and what can be done to measure and reduce a carbon footprint. 22 Legal How construction claims will be heard in relation to cladding defects and fire safety after the recent English case decision. 24 Innovation Awards The new FIS Innovation Awards were launched at the Workspace Design Show to celebrate innovation in our sector. 28 Community news Welcome IN THIS ISSUE Charles Begley Charles is Chief Executive at London Property Alliance Flavie Lowres Flavie is FIS Sustainability Champion KarynWatt Karyn is a Partner at Anderson Strathern Paul Henderson Paul is a Trainee Solicitor at Anderson Strathern www.thefis.org 5 elco e EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS David Cant David is a safety and risk management professional, mentor, coach and Managing Director of Veritas Consulting Tom Hall Tom is Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research Oscar Venus Oscar is FIS Social Media and Content Executive Joe Cilia Joe is FIS Technical Director