Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is proud to sponsor the Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year category at the 2026 Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) UK Fencing Awards. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and commitment across the fencing industry, and recognise companies and individuals who continue to raise standards across the sector.
The Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year category gives contractors the opportunity to showcase the quality of their work across all sectors, with entries judged on standards of precision, attention to detail, innovation, creativity and overall workmanship. As part of the entry requirements, companies must also submit key safety and compliance documentation including a Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS), a Compliance & Residual Risk Assessment and a Declaration of Conformity. These documents are essential in demonstrating that installations are safe, compliant and professionally delivered.
All finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony, which will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on 12th November 2026.
As part of its continued work across the industry, DHF remains committed to promoting gate safety and compliance. Powered gates and barriers are now a key part of many modern installations, making it increasingly important that systems are installed, maintained and operated safely. Training and competence continue to play an important role in supporting these standards. Through recognised training programmes, DHF helps industry professionals understand current legislation, risk assessment requirements and safe installation practices.
“This award recognises the high standards of workmanship, safety and professionalism that exist across the gate and barrier sector,” explains Steve Hill, Senior Training & Compliance Officer at DHF and judge for the category. “It is important that the industry continues to focus not only on the quality and performance of installations, but also on safety, compliance and ongoing competence. We look forward to seeing the entries for this year’s awards.”
The awards are open to the entire industry and companies do not need to be AFI members to enter. Businesses are invited to submit details of their best installations completed within the past 12 months with entries closing on 14th August 2026.
For further information about the AFI UK Fencing Awards and how to enter, please visit the AFI website https://bit.ly/49cdZMw
Join dhf
Enjoy the full benefits of dhf membership
Apply today
