FENCEX 2025 BREAKS RECORDS AND BRINGS THE FENCING INDUSTRY TOGETHER

The UK fencing industry came together in record numbers on 15th October for FenceX 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh – and the result was a day packed with innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.

With record numbers of visitors and more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fencing products, technology, and best practice, this year’s show was the largest and most dynamic FenceX ever. From the exhibition floor to the outdoor demonstration areas, the energy and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day.

Live Action, Innovation and Expertise

One of the biggest draws of the show was the largest-ever destruction testing schedule seen at a UK fencing exhibition. Crowds gathered throughout the day to watch leading manufacturers – including Barkers, Zaun, CLD, IAE, Alexandra, Henry Squire & Son, and First Fence – put their products through rigorous real-world testing. These live demonstrations not only showcased the strength and durability of modern fencing solutions but also highlighted the continual innovation taking place within the sector.

The Gate Automation Zone, delivered in partnership with the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), and First Fence was another major attraction. Featuring live demonstrations, compliance guidance, and expert advice, the zone proved invaluable for contractors, specifiers, and clients keen to understand more about automated access solutions.

Best Practice in Action

Outside, the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day brought practical skills and expert techniques to life. Following the sell-out spring event at Harper Adams, the outdoor demonstrations at FenceX featured two full fencing lines – one timber and one metal – covering everything from deer and horse netting to stock fencing and electric top rails. Delegates learned how to adapt approaches for strainers, struts, turners, and wire work across different ground conditions and added even more value to a packed programme.

Knowledge Sharing and Future Thinking

Education was also at the heart of the show, with a busy seminar programme tackling key topics including apprenticeships, standards, safety, compliance, and business development. Speakers from across the industry – including training experts, standards bodies, and leading contractors – shared practical insights and answered audience questions in well-attended sessions throughout the day.

Perks, Prizes and Networking

Visitors who pre-registered were welcomed with a free breakfast roll to start their day, and hundreds took the opportunity to network, meet suppliers, and explore new business opportunities. One lucky visitor will also be enjoying a weekend in Ghent, courtesy of Locinox, with Eurostar travel, hotel accommodation, and a private tour of the company’s cutting-edge factory included. The prize draw, entered by dropping name badges into a collection bucket on departure, proved a popular finale to a memorable day – the winners presentation will take place at the UK Fencing Industry Awards on 13th November at Mercedes Benz World.

New for this year were the FenceX Stand Awards, recognising excellence and creativity among exhibitors.

Indoor Stand Winners: 1st Place – QAB Systems 2nd Place – Alexandra Security 3rd Place – Siddall & Hilton

Outdoor Stand Winners: 1st Place – Calders & Grandidge 2nd Place – McVeigh Parker 3rd Place – M&M Timber

Congratulations to all our winners — and a huge thank you to every exhibitor who helped make the show so visually impressive and engaging.

A Landmark Year for FenceX

“FenceX 2025 has surpassed all expectations,” said Pete Clark, CEO of the Association of Fencing Industries. “The quality of exhibitors, the scale of the demonstrations, and the level of engagement from across the sector have been phenomenal. It shows the strength and ambition of our industry – and the importance of coming together to share ideas, showcase innovation, and build the future of fencing. This year’s event has shown that fencing is a professional occupation, the drive is now to increase contractor participation and inclusion at FenceX 2027 across all sectors of fencing. We will also be concentrating on specifiers, surveyors and designers delivering the knowledge of the fencing market that is needed to identify the right fence for their requirements. Good fencing is not an afterthought but an inclusive component of any perimeter.”

With this year’s event setting a new benchmark, the AFI is already planning ahead for future editions. For those who couldn’t make it, highlights, photos, and videos will be shared on the FenceX website and social media channels in the coming weeks.

www.fencex.com