The Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) and the Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (FPDC) have merged to become AIS FPDC, representing the fit out and finishing industries.

The merger was finalised on 10 June at the association’s annual President’s Lunch at London’s prestigious Dorchester Hotel. Witnessed by some 500 members and their guest, FPDC president Angela Mansell and AIS president Jonathan Cherry signed the merger certificate, before Angela Mansell was invested as the first president of AIS FPDC.

Going forward the new organisation will seek to campaign on behalf of the fit out and finishes sector to advance knowledge, skills, training, product development and awareness throughout the supply chain.

Angela Mansell said: “Together we will campaign to improve standards and tackle head on any incidents of bad practice.  Training and skills will be at the top of the new association’s agenda as the sector needs to recruit 1,000 new entrants every year.

‘Membership of AIS FPDC is a statement of quality and we’ll continue to lead setting new standards, campaigns for reform where it is needed and seek to building alliances with other groups with similar concerns.”

Jonathan Cherry added: “Our voice in the industry will be all the stronger for the alliance.  This will ultimately benefit both members and clients who will profit from a truly vertically integrated trade association.”

For further information visit www.aisfpdc.org