Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS)

Overview

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is the UK's leading trade association representing the interior fit-out, plastering, drywall and interior finishing industries. Established in 2015 through the merger of the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) and the Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (FPDC), FIS represents a major sector worth £10-12 billion annually with approximately 250,000 workers. The association advocates for contractors, specialists, manufacturers, suppliers and professionals involved in creating, finishing and decorating interior spaces across residential, commercial and new-build construction projects. If you work in plastering, drywall installation, interior specialisms, or supply these sectors, FIS is a central trade body within your industry.

Who Should Join?

FIS serves a diverse membership across the interior finishes supply chain:

• Contractors and Specialists — Independent plastering contractors, drywall installers, interior fit-out specialists, and finishing trades businesses of all sizes
• Employers and Companies — Interior fit-out companies, plastering firms, drywall manufacturers, and construction contractors delivering interior finishes
• Suppliers and Manufacturers — Businesses supplying materials, equipment, systems or services to the interior finishes sector
• Sole Traders and Small Businesses — Self-employed plasterers, finishers and interior specialists

Membership is open to organisations and individuals actively involved in interior finishing trades and related supply. The association operates across the UK and is structured to support businesses ranging from one-person operations to larger multi-site contractors and manufacturers.

Why Join?

Joining FIS connects you to a sector-wide community and provides practical support for business growth and professional standing. Key reasons to join include:

• Professional Credibility — FIS membership demonstrates professional standing and compliance within a recognised trade body, valuable when tendering for work, partnering with contractors or building client confidence
• Business Support and Guidance — Access to industry expertise, technical advice, operational guidance and business support tailored to interior finishes contractors and suppliers
• Industry Representation — Your business joins a collective voice that engages with policymakers, construction clients, health and safety regulators, and industry partners on behalf of the sector
• Staying Competitive — Understand market trends, regulatory changes, new standards and emerging opportunities affecting interior finishes contracting and supply
• Legal and Compliance Support — Access to guidance on employment law, health and safety compliance, contracts, disputes and regulatory requirements specific to interior finishes work

Member Benefits & Opportunities

FIS membership provides access to services designed to support professional development, business operations and sector engagement:

• Networking and Community — Connect with fellow contractors, specialists, manufacturers and suppliers; participate in sector events and forums; build business relationships and partnerships within the interior finishes industry
• Technical Guidance and Standards — Access to industry standards, best practice guidance, technical resources and specifications for plastering, drywall, interior fit-out and finishing work
• Representation and Advocacy — Collective engagement with construction clients, building control authorities, regulators and government bodies on issues affecting the sector
• Events and Training — Participation in industry conferences, seminars, training sessions and sector updates
• Industry Intelligence — Market insights, sector news, regulatory updates and information to help businesses navigate their operating environment
• Directory Presence — Profile and visibility within the FIS member directory, supporting business development and client enquiries

Industry Role & Professional Standing

FIS holds significant authority and influence within the UK interior finishes sector. The association:

• Represents the Sector to Stakeholders — Engages with construction clients, developers, architects, building regulators, health and safety authorities and government bodies on behalf of contractors and suppliers
• Sets and Promotes Standards — Develops and promotes industry standards, codes of practice and technical guidance to ensure quality, safety and professionalism across interior finishes work
• Advocates for the Industry — Campaigns on issues affecting member businesses, including skills development, employment practices, health and safety, regulatory compliance and business conditions
• Provides a Unified Voice — Through FIS, thousands of contractors and suppliers across a £10-12 billion sector speak collectively to influence policy, standards and market conditions
• Supports Sector Development — Works to promote the interior finishes professions, encourage skills and training, and ensure the sector remains competitive and professional

Membership positions your business within an established and influential professional community, connecting you to collective advocacy, shared standards and sector-wide initiatives that shape the interior finishes industry across the UK.

For more information, visit: https://www.thefis.org