The British Institute of Fitted Interior Specialists (BIFIS) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) have announced the further development of their strategic partnership, designed to deepen collaboration between the fitted interiors and plumbing and heating sectors.

The renewed alliance aims to reinforce professional standards, expand training opportunities and improve outcomes for consumers across the built environment. It will also broaden opportunities to influence policy, support apprenticeship pathways and provide clearer guidance for homeowners seeking accredited and reliable tradespeople.

By bringing together their combined expertise, the two organisations will accelerate joint work supporting professionals across kitchen, bathroom and fitted interior installations – areas where precision, safety and coordination are critical. The partnership will focus on developing shared guidance, exchanging best practice and fostering a stronger culture of continuing professional development at a time of ongoing change across the home improvement and construction sectors.

Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, said the strengthened partnership represented a significant opportunity for both organisations and the wider industries they serve.

He said: “The development of our partnership represents a great opportunity for both organisations and the wider industries we serve – clearly there are synergies between the two organisations, and we should rightly collaborate to achieve our shared vision. By working closely with CIPHE, we can ensure that professionals across both disciplines are better aligned, better trained, and better equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern homes, buildings and consumers during a fast-moving landscape.”

He added: “Kevin and I have been driving our respective organisations for decades; we share the same passion for our respective industries and are both focused on collaboration. It makes perfect sense to be working more closely with each other on topics of key importance, and we are both open to sharing ideas and using our collective influence to drive positive change.”

Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, also highlighted the importance of closer collaboration in raising standards and supporting future skills across the sector.

He said: “Collaboration is essential if we are to raise standards, strengthen skills, and support the future needs of the built environment. By working more closely with BIFIS, we can share expertise, align our efforts, and help ensure that professionals across our sectors are better equipped to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes for consumers.”

He added: “As an educational charity we want to provide public benefit so that installations are carried out efficiently and effectively by qualified and experienced professionals. This strategic alliance with Damian and BIFIS will improve consumer confidence and result in safer and high-quality installations.”