Final Call for Contractors: AFI & AFA Best Practice Day Heads to Kirkley Hall

There’s not long to go until the fencing industry comes together in the North East for the AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day – and contractors are being encouraged to secure their places.

Taking place on Thursday 15th October at Northumberland College – Kirkley Hall Campus, the event will bring together fencing contractors, industry experts, manufacturers and suppliers for a day dedicated to practical skills, knowledge sharing and best practice.

Running from 9am until 3pm, the Best Practice Day has been designed to get attendees out of the meeting room and closer to the practical side of the industry, with live demonstrations, expert advice and opportunities to discuss the techniques and challenges encountered every day on site.

Practical Knowledge You Can Take Back to Site

At the heart of the day will be agricultural strained wire fencing, with experienced fencing professionals demonstrating techniques and sharing their knowledge with attendees.

Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, contractors will have the opportunity to ask questions, compare methods and learn from others working within the industry.

The day will also provide an opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers, see equipment and products first-hand and catch up with fellow fencing professionals.

For the AFI and AFA, the aim is simple: to create an accessible environment where the industry can come together to share knowledge, develop skills and continue raising standards.

Pete Clark, Chief Executive of the Association of Fencing Industries, said:

“Best Practice Days are about bringing people together and sharing the knowledge that exists throughout our industry. There is a huge amount of experience among fencing contractors, trainers, manufacturers and suppliers, and these days give people the opportunity to see good practice first-hand, ask questions and learn from one another.

“Whether you’ve been fencing for a couple of years or your whole working life, there is always something we can learn from each other – and hopefully everyone who comes to Kirkley Hall will leave with something useful they can take back to site.”

Bring the Team

The event isn’t just aimed at business owners or experienced contractors.

AFI and AFA are also encouraging companies to bring along employees, apprentices and those developing their fencing skills, giving the next generation of fencing professionals an opportunity to learn alongside experienced people from across the trade.

With tickets costing just £15 per person, including a breakfast roll and hot drink on arrival, refreshments and lunch, the organisers have deliberately kept the cost low to make the event accessible to as many people within the industry as possible.

For employers, that also makes the Best Practice Day an affordable opportunity to invest in the knowledge and development of their wider team.

Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute

With the event now just days away, contractors who have been meaning to attend are encouraged to get Kirkley Hall in the diary and book their places.

Come along, meet others in the industry, ask questions, share knowledge and take some new ideas back to site.

For further information, visit www.afiorg.uk or contact info@theafi.co.uk.

AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day
Thursday 15th October 2026
9am – 3pm
Northumberland College – Kirkley Hall Campus
Kirkley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 0AQ
£15 per person, inc. catering