Anthony CantinIn advance of the UK General Election industry body The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched its own manifesto, “A Blueprint for Better Construction”.
The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero.
Throughout the manifesto’s development, FIS leaned heavily into research completed with Professor Stuart Green of Reading University and AMA Research in 2023. It has also consulted with its membership and externally to help further refine and ensure it does not cut across and is consistent with other construction lobby groups.
FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee, describes the document as containing well-reasoned practical, targeted and specific recommendations, before adding: “Beyond this we’ll be using our network and opportunities to ensure as FIS we carry forward the message that construction is a key enabling industry, but there are key policy levers that can be pulled to unleash the full potential of the sector.”
FIS will be taking this message forward with Ministers, MPs, Regulators and Civil Servants and at the same time is recommending its members use the document to target their candidates locally.
Consistency is key to change
McIlwee also argues that regardless of who forms the next government, a consistent message and plan are needed to “ensure construction is well placed to support their vision for our future.”
FIS is urging all members to contact their local candidates (you can find their details here) and challenge them on how their party will support a sector that enables growth, delivers sustainability and provides employment for one in 10 people in the UK.
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