Fit-out

Andy Marr, Tender and Bid Manager at Thorn Baker Construction attended this year's Autumn conference and he rounds up the day for you below. In 1919 The National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) successfully began representing and promoting Shopfitting and Interior contracting sectors. 2019 is the centenary of this excellent trade association so it was with much anticipation my colleague Sid Choudhury and I arrived at the historic County Hall overlooking the Thames to hear on plans to celebrate 100 excellent years. The morning started with an excellent breakfast and the chance to network, which with so many familiar and friendly faces from contractors and other associated members in the room was a pleasure sharing news from across the sector combined with how good or not our respective football teams where performing. Proceeding to a brilliant mixture of guest speakers, an unexpected movement of people between tables to mix everyone up and encourage conversation with people you would not perhaps get the chance to talk with and an announcement on planned activities to celebrate the associations 100th birthday. This included two fantastic initiatives in helping charities and local communities and recognising young talent. The centenary marks a significant anniversary and a turning point in the history of the association, with exciting news of a new Director joining in January 2019. #NAS100 Charity Challenge: Target 100 companies to raise £100k in cash or in kind NAS are asking members and associates if they can you make a difference in there local communities or for a charity that individual teams would be willing to support? From 10th to 22nd June 2019 members are being asked to take part the NAS Charity Challenge by either raising some funds, volunteering some time or do something to help a good cause or community project. A large number of members in the room immediately pledged to participate in the challenge creating a solid base on which to build in hitting the magical 100 companies target. #NAS100 Nationwide Apprentice Competition: Nurturing the best emerging talent in the Shopfitting and Interiors sectors. The 2019 National Association of Shopfitters Skills Excellence Expo will take place from 19th to 21st June 2019 and is open to all apprentices, of any age who have recently completed or are nearing completion of their training in the craft of Bench joinery or its related activities. The competition will challenge Apprentices from member organisations of the NAS as well as the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). Taking place at Leeds College of Building, competitors will be sent a design brief prior to the competition and will be challenged to make the piece at the college on Thursday 20th June. More details on these two fantastic events can be found here Lunch was again another excellent opportunity to mix among the members and with a large number opting to enjoy the strong autumn sun glowing across the capital city. The morning had been positive, upbeat and the welcome sunshine added to the occasion. Lunch was excellent and I’ve got to compliment the County Hall caterers on a superb selection of choice. It may have been Friday afternoon but the spirit and energy in the room from the morning flowed into the post-lunch segment with several more announcements and a very enlightening presentation on technology. I’m amazed by how the industry has changed and made huge steps forward since I came into it back in the 1980s. The day rounded off with a final chance to talk to other attendees and as the event came to an end Sid and I departed having had a brilliant day meeting people we knew, striking up new friendships and plenty of business cards shared. Roll on 2019 and let the association 100 years celebrations begin. If you would like to know more about the National Association of Shopfitters they can be found here Want the latest Construction industry news, jobs and updates? Subscribe here