The European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA) has announced record membership numbers at the start of 2016, despite their renowned rigorous entry criteria. With their members typically ‘at the top of their game’, they are known to fulfil not only their statutory obligations, but can demonstrate the provision of the highest quality products and services.
The voice of the fencing industry and prominent as a ‘hands-on organisation for a hands-on industry’, EFIA, has been serving the professional needs of the fencing industry since 1982 and has almost 100 members, including fencing contractors, manufacturers, stockists, installers, and other individuals and organisations involved within the industry. EFIA is ‘not a club with badge that can be bought’, but rather a professional trade association with stringent entry criteria representing the interests of the best companies in the fencing industry, as Chairman, Bernard Kilbride explains:
“We are recognised across the industry as having very high standards and there are conditions of entry.” he says. “To be accepted as a member of EFIA, businesses are required to demonstrate that they have the support and respect of their suppliers, are established on a sound financial basis, meticulously uphold health and safety obligations and operate both legally and professionally. By maintaining these values, we are assured that each EFIA member is upholding the principles and ideals that we wish the industry to be known for.”
In return, EFIA fully supports their members on a daily basis, allowing them get on with the all-important task of selling and installing fences:
“We provide free customer credit checks for our members, undertake free CHAS assessments, assist members with training, help members get paid following complex contractual disputes and represent our members’ interests on a range of industry groups and developmental meetings, such as Lantra, BSi, FISS/CSCS, NHSS, UK Contractors Group, National Specialist Contractor’s Council and ConstructionLine. These are just a few of the many benefits we provide.” explains Kilbride.
“In addition, our newly formed partnership with Build UK allows our members to access their professional helplines, which offer guidance on issues such as employment, health and safety, tax, business, training, legal matters and fair payment.”