“As we stand at the threshold of another year, it’s a time for reflection and appreciation. We’ve had an incredible journey throughout 2023, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our esteemed members, valued partners, and dedicated supporters. Together, we’ve achieved milestones, fostered meaningful connections, and strengthened our community in ways that make us immensely proud – a sincere ‘thank you’ from all at NAS.
Below are some of our standout moments and significant milestones from our activities throughout the year.
With very best wishes for the New Year and beyond,
James Filus, NAS Director”
Critical Issues in Construction Contract Management and Winning with Sustainability Workshops: Aligning with our mission to help develop our members, these free half-day workshops aimed to enhance members’ knowledge and skills, offered both in-person and online. More workshops are scheduled for 2024.
E-Learning Platform (EdApp): Our new e-learning platform launched in late 2023. Courses on various topics such as Asbestos Awareness, Display Screen Equipment, and Manual Handling are available for NAS members. Additional courses including Personal Protective Equipment, Dust Management, and Passive Fire Protective, amongst others, are planned for launch soon.
“The online format was better than sitting in a classroom being lectured to. I would definitely recommend this and sit other modules.” – EdApp User
Shopfitters Socials: Electric Shuffle and Clays were the destinations for our Shopfitters Socials. Our Socials aim to bring people working across the sector together in a relaxed environment to network, but most importantly to have fun.
Members’ Day and AGM: Scheduled for March 2024, this event at the prestigious Carpenters’ Hall aims bring you an informative day filled with guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities. This event is free to members – book your place online.
Partnership with Institute of Carpenters (IOC): 2023 saw the start of our partnership with Institute of Carpenters (IOC), which will continue in to 2024 and hopefully beyond. We are collaborating with IOC members on the Wood Occupations NVQ review, have supported their CITB Commissioned Mentoring Programme for learners, and are finding efficiencies through sharing knowledge and resources. We believe collaboration and consolidation in the sector is necessary and these are our first steps.
Holmes & Hills Legal Review: Our national legal partners, Holmes & Hills, have reviewed the NAS model contract, which can be accessed in our Member’s Area to bring it up-to-date. This model contract is an ideal starting point for businesses in the sector, or a good tool to benchmark your existing terms against. Holmes & Hills will be completing a live contract review at our Members’ Day – something not to miss!
CSCS Partner Card Scheme, the SICCS: There are now over 500 workers in the sector under the Shopfitting and Interior Contracting Skills Cards scheme (SICCS), with more joining them daily. The NAS will support its members to achieve competency and provides SICCS cards at a discounted rate. We are planning to add new cards and occupations in 2024.
Participation in Industry Groups: Collaborating with key stakeholders and partners has been one of our main focuses in 2023. We joined the CICV – the Construction Industry Collective Voice, joined the Construction Leadership Council People and Skills Network, and attended each of the CITB’s Prescribed Organisation Forums, along with other industry peers.
Business Opportunities Generation: Our commitment to promoting our member and the sector more broadly continued in 2023 with 21 new business opportunities for NAS members to respond to. National opportunities, covering all aspects of the trade, were generated for our membership, through our desire to help clients with their projects and match them with suitable contractors. We will continue to grow and build on this latest development for the NAS in 2024.
News and Insight: We’ve continued to support the sector with valuable news and insight, including our quarterly State of the Trade micro-survey, and our monthly newsletter to members.
Online Presence: Expanded reach across platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and the NAS website, which received thousands of visitors. Follow us on our social channels to keep up to date on the latest news.
New Membership Engagement Platform (Glue Up): Scheduled to launch in early 2024 to further engage and support members.
Subscription Fee Freeze: Going into 2024, we have frozen our subscription fees for a third-consecutive year.
Mission and Vision: Our mission to promote, support, and develop our membership and the sector more broadly is unchanged. We will continue to build on the foundations we’ve laid over the past years in 2024.
