Blog

Welcoming New Member: Armstrong Priestley

We are proud to welcome Armstrong Priestley, the UK’s leading independent fire protection contractor, as the newest member of the National Association of Shopfitters. With nearly 50 years of experience, Armstrong Priestley has built a first-class reputation for delivering fire sprinkler solutions that protect life and property across the UK. Founded in 1976, the company …

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Summer 2025 Edition of Cutting Edge Now Available

The latest issue of Cutting Edge is now available exclusively to members of the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and Institute of Carpenters. (IOC) Log into Glue Up to find the link, or contact the NAS/IOC team. Log into Glue Up here: https://shopfitters.glueup.com/my/home/ Cutting Edge is the Quarterly publication from the IOC. It’s packed full …

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CITB’s 2025–2029 Construction Outlook: Urgent Need for Skilled Trades and Workforce Investment

On the 19th of June 2025, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) released their ‘Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–2029′, outlining both significant opportunities and pressing challenges for the UK construction sector – including the shopfitting industry. With output reaching £215.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at an average of 2.1% annually over the next …

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Progress Update on NOS for Wood Occupations Review

National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Wood Occupations Review Update from Amanda Scott, Chair of NOS Wood Occupations Review Body, and National Working Group. It has been a privilege to lead the alignment of the NAS and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) across all timber trades, through a constructive collaboration focused on updating and standardising wood …

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World Class Managers Course Funded by the NAS – 2025 Edition

For the fourth year running, the NAS is funding 10 places on the World Class Managers course run by The Global Growth Institute. This course is perfect for middle tier managers or people who are already progressing in their career and are looking for a further development. We are looking for 10 nominations from our …

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Choosing the Right Qualification: Diploma vs. S/NVQ

Understanding the Difference Between a Diploma and an S/NVQ When investing thousands of pounds in a qualification for a new entrant into our sector, it’s crucial to understand the difference between two commonly discussed options: occupation-related non-competence qualifications and occupational competence qualifications. In this latest Skills Update, your NAS Skills Lead Amanda Scott explains the …

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The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Has Closed

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is no more, following its closure on 1st June 2025 and transition to Skills England. Skills England’s mission is to build our nation’s skills, enabling growth and opportunity. Helping businesses to boost their workforce and get more people into skilled jobs faster, enabling prosperity. Working across government, …

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