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FIS first trade body to achieve top conflict avoidance status
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
Image: Ronstik | Dreamstime.com
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has become the first trade association in the UK to be awarded ‘gold status’ by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition (CAC), a group working to change how disputes are managed in construction and engineering.
Achieving the gold status commits FIS to promoting early intervention, fairer contractual practices, and the adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP) across its membership and wider industry networks.
CAC is supported by a group of more than 90 industry professional bodies, including RIBA, ICE and RICS.
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More than 475 construction organisations across the UK have signed the CAP, including the Scottish Building Federation, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and the Building Engineering Services Association.
The Chartered Institute of Building is also encouraging its members to adopt conflict avoidance process practices to strengthen collaborative working environments.
Iain McIlwee, chief executive of FIS, said: “This recognition is not just a badge – it’s a reflection of our values and the culture we are building across the finishes and interiors sector. Conflict avoidance is about protecting relationships, improving project outcomes, and ultimately driving profitability by reducing unnecessary legal costs.
“Our Responsible No campaign is all about leading by example and through this we will continue to champion collaborative working and early resolution.”
Len Bunton, CAC’s president, said: “It is very encouraging to see that FIS has been awarded gold status partner by the CAC. I have been working with Iain McIlwee, the CEO of FIS, for a number of years, on various matters, and FIS has grasped the nettle in embedding CAP into its philosophies and in encouraging so many member companies to sign the pledge.
“We now need other trade organisations to join this campaign of collaboration and best practice to prevent issues on projects escalating into costly and time-consuming construction disputes.”
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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