Non-profit organisation The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has officially launched a new online Innovation Hub this month.
The new hub is aimed at transforming how innovation is discovered, shared and adopted across the finishes and interiors market.
The FIS is the not-for-profit representative body for the finishes and interiors supply chain in the UK.
Headquartered in Solihull, the organisation supports its members with technical guidance, training, and sector advocacy, while promoting best practice and innovation throughout the industry.
From smart materials and digital planning tools to low-carbon finishes and circular economy models, the Hub showcases a comprehensive selection of advancements set to impact the sector
The platform, hosted on its SpecFinish website, brings together a wide range of cutting-edge product developments, digital tools, and sustainability-driven solutions under one virtual roof.
The Innovation Hub has been designed to serve architects, designers, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers, offering curated access to the latest solutions shaping the future of interior environments.
From smart materials and digital planning tools to low-carbon finishes and circular economy models, the Hub showcases a comprehensive selection of advancements set to impact the sector.
Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of FIS, said: "It is frustrating to hear people typify construction as a non-innovative sector. The truth is that there is no shortage of great ideas bubbling up all the time, but it can be hard to land innovation in a market where everyone is under pressure and the cost of delays is crippling.
"We see this platform to tap into this healthy innovation streak and help bring new ideas to market in a structured way. This is a key role for FIS and will support our drive to improve productivity, profitability and safety in the sector.
“Through this platform, we will create a dynamic catalogue of innovation of all types — digital, product, tools, and even services —and provide an opportunity to question and appraise potential.
“We hope too it will be a catalyst to support a network of innovators, when the barrier of entry is high, to get support from FIS and our community and to exchange ideas and collaborate more effectively.”
Key features of the Innovation Hub include:
- New products: Showcasing the latest cutting-edge materials, finishes, and systems from both established brands and emerging businesses.
- Digital solutions: Highlighting digital tools that streamline project planning and management, including those addressing reuse, circularity, and digital record-keeping.
- Sustainable innovations: Presenting verified low-impact products, green solutions, and initiatives aligned with recognised standards such as LEED, WELL, and BREEAM.
- With the finishes and interiors sector under increasing pressure to innovate both sustainably and digitally, the Innovation Hub offers a valuable platform to accelerate the uptake of progressive, forward-thinking solutions.
Top image: The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has officially launched a new online Innovation Hub this month