In a recent onsite vetting visit, Nigel Higgins, Technical Engagement Manager at FIS, shared his eagerness to see how Arena Point in Leeds, such a complex and high-profile high-rise project, was being delivered to the highest standards.
Onsite vetting is a cornerstone of FIS membership for contractor members. It ensures that our members uphold the principles of our Code of Conduct1, from being conversant with and adhering
to the relevant current British, European and International Standards, as well as other technical standards, regulations and practices that underpin compliant working, to conducting business in a manner that reflects credit on the FIS community. It also ensures that organisational and workforce competence can be demonstrated, that members hold the required levels of statutory or appropriate insurance, and have the systems in place to deliver high quality, compliant projects.
Although members are vetted on application and every three years to ensure that they continue to meet the high standards expected by FIS, the vetting process is more than a compliance check; it
is a valuable opportunity to engage with our members, understand their challenges, and share the full range of FIS resources, from technical guidance to contract management tools and our Product Process People (PPP)2 Quality Framework.
A towering example: Arena Point, Leeds
One recent vetting visit took place at Arena Point in Leeds, where long-standing and award-winning FIS member BW Shrimpton is delivering the drylining works. At 46 storeys, Arena Point is the tallest purpose built student accommodation block in the world and the tallest building in Yorkshire. According to the site team, it is clearly visible from planes approaching Leeds Bradford Airport.
I was eager to see how such a complex high-rise project was being delivered to the highest standards. On site, I met with Kirk Shrimpton, Managing Director of BW Shrimpton, to walk the project and carry out the vetting process.
From family business to industry leader
BW Shrimpton began as a family run plastering business in 1980, founded by Kirk’s father. Since taking over in 2010, Kirk has steered the company towards large scale, complex drylining projects. Kirk proudly recalled winning the FIS Project of the Year in 2021 for Buxton Crescent and delivering multiple high-rise projects, including PBSA and BTR schemes for the RG Group.
When asked where preparation begins for a project on the scale of Arena Point in Leeds, he said: “It starts at the tender stage. We work closely with designers, the main contractor, our manufacturers, and distributors to resolve complex details and plan logistics. On Arena Point, for example, the floor loading limits meant we had to use split pallets, so early input from our supply chain was essential.” On this project, BW Shrimpton is collaborating with fellow FIS members Siniat and CCF.
Logistics at height
Arena Point is a tight urban site with limited ground space. Deliveries must be swiftly loaded via crane or a specially designed side opening hoist, which eliminates the need for board trolleys.
The height of the building adds further complexity. Kirk explained that the biggest factor is the weather. He said: “High winds can halt both crane and hoist operations. Last winter, we even had to shovel snow off the floors where it had blown in through open sections of the building envelope.
“Welfare facilities are extremely important, so to reduce downtime, the main contractor has provided facilities on levels 14, 21, 28, and 35, with a canteen on level 21 to minimise the need for workers to return to ground level. Water for taping and jointing is pumped up overnight and stored in bowsers on each floor.”
Experience and innovation
This is not BW Shrimpton’s first highrise project. They recently completed a 38-storey student accommodation building next door for the same contractor, strengthening relationships and gaining
valuable experience. The vetting process began at the top of the tower, where we inspected works in progress to assess structural details such as head deflections and fixing centres. As we descended, we reviewed boarded areas and discussed their quality assurance systems.
BW Shrimpton uses the Fieldwire app to manage site information and ensure quality checks are completed throughout the build. I was able to share FIS’s latest recommendations for record-keeping in line with the Building Safety Act and encouraged the team to take advantage of our free BSA training module3.
Quality, compliance, and continuous improvement
The team has created a fully finished mockup area, approved for quality, which serves as a reference point for all stakeholders. At ground level, we concluded the vetting by reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), materials handling, health and safety protocols, and waste management processes.
As part of every vetting, we ask members about the key challenges they face and how FIS can help. Recruitment remains a common concern. For BW Shrimpton, a particular issue is the lack of drylining training provision in Yorkshire colleges – a gap we have noted and passed on to the relevant FIS teams.
My report concluded that this complex project is being delivered to a high standard. The only recommendations were enhancements to the existing QA process to futureproof compliance under the Building Safety Act.
A badge of quality
The entire vetting process took around 90 minutes. It’s always a pleasure to meet our members, learn from their methods, and share best practices. I genuinely believe our members are among the best in the industry – committed to excellence and looking to FIS for support, guidance, and that all adds to the credibility and importance of FIS membership as the badge of quality.
www.bwshrimpton.co.uk
The FIS vetting process
Membership is not automatic and applicants are subject to strict vetting procedures (built around the concept of organisational capability and the FIS Product Process People (PPP Quality Framework). Not only are members vetted on application, but they are also vetted every three years to ensure that they continue to meet the high standards FIS demands. Ongoing vetting comprises an on-site assessment, plus a detailed documentary review.
The Code of Conduct
FIS members have signed up to deliver acceptable standards of workmanship and ethical trading. On application each member company agrees to a focussed business audit to ensure that they are operating in a compliant and ethical manner. In the case of contractors, construction sites are visited to assess quality of supervision and workmanship. Members are periodically re-audited to ensure that standards are maintained and that they continue to uphold the FIS Code of Conduct.
As part of the audit, guidance and resources are offered in key areas such as Health and Safety, Technical Compliance and Contract Management.
The aim is to:
• Maintain standard for responsible working within the community and help members to achieve it
• Promote and encourage standards and quality in the industry
• Ensure the FIS logo is recognised as a mark of quality, so that customers can specify FIS members with confidence.
The FIS code of conduct requires members:
• To ensure they are conversant with and adhere to the relevant current British, European and International Standards and other relevant technical standards, regulations and practices that underpin compliant working.
• To conduct business in a manner that will reflect credit on the FIS Community.
• To adhere to acceptable standards of customer care and reasonable and responsible supply chain management.
• To adhere to the requirements of the FIS complaints process.
• To adopt and commit to the principles and practices laid down in FIS guidance and exercise high standards of business practice and workmanship communicating them effectively within their team.
• To ensure organisational and workforce competence can be demonstrated.
• Ensure that products or systems are tested and/or comply with the recognised standards specified by the client or statutory authorities.
• Not knowingly mislead others by fact or implication as to the performance of products or systems.
• To hold required levels of statutory or appropriate insurance.
• To operate an effective health and safety policy and have a current health and safety policy statement.
• To keep records of all RIDDOR reportable accidents and provide annual accident statistics to FIS when requested.
• To have and implement an appropriate environmental policy statement.
• To display wherever practical the FIS Accredited Member Logo or FIS Associate Member Logo (as applicable) on its premises, website, business stationery and brochures.
• To make this FIS Code of Conduct available for inspection.
