Triplar have been members of The National Association of Shop fitters (NAS) for over 25 years, supporting and participating in all aspects of the organisation’s work, with Mike Rodwell last year appointed to the NAS Executive Council. So what does the NAS do? And how is Triplar helping to shape its policy? Mike explains…

“Formed in 1919 NAS represents the needs of shop fitters and retail design businesses.  By acting with one voice the Association is well placed to promote dialogue between its members and stakeholders, provide practical advice, and develop accredited training programmes.

“While building on its history, the NAS also works extensively on future requirements in our industry sector, including accreditation and training.”

Accredited Work Force

“Alongside its support for construction industry schemes such as CSCS cards, the NAS continues to underpin the basic standards with its own management and operational systems clearly detailed in PAS 82:2012. NAS also promotes the use of its own Shop fitting and Interior Contracting Competency Scheme (SICCS) to ensure that everyone in the sector can demonstrate the necessary level of competence, qualifications and Health and Safety awareness.”

Training

“Vitally important to NAS activities is its work to increase the wealth of training courses available to members.  Working through the ‘Shop Fitting Independent Training Forum – SITF’ members are able to access every aspect of development training needs such as: Health and Safety; First Aid; Shop Fit Management; CAD; Estimating; Practical Skills;  and Ad-Hoc courses as the need arises. Courses are available for all levels of employee: from apprentices to directors.”

Industry Developments

“Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a hot topic at the moment and the NAS is actively working with all stakeholders to help the industry incorporate this Government-mandated process.   Although in the early stages of development, the NAS is actively involved in working groups and testing plans to ensure they work.

“NAS members are encouraged to be accredited under the Considerate Constructor Scheme. And the NAS is working to ensure the scheme contains all the relevant parts applicable to interior fit outs and does not over burden shop fitting contractors in areas not applicable to their works.

Awards

“The annual Design Partnership Awards recognise exemplary performance achieved by NAS members and are independently judged and awarded.  Ranging across the spectrum of fit outs the Award encourages all members to be proud of their achievements.”