averil:

Usually, pruning is done just before trees break dormancy, just as buds begin to turn green, and swell. You can as an alternative either air-layer, or try rooting the side branches after pruning them. I would select a centrally located stem, and train it to grow upwards to form a vertical leader, Trim back, or eliminate all side branches to force growth into the selected, vertical stem. While the tree is being trained don't expect much of a fig crop. Stake the new leader, and tie the stem to this stake to keep it vertical. It will take a few seasons to train this into a single stem, tree form.

If it's a bush that you want with some vertical stems, stake the side branches in the same way, and make them grow up instead of outwards. Trim away any new growth inclined to continue growing in the wrong direction.

It sounds very complicated, but it is really just basic pruning techniques. More detailed information can be found on this forum, and on sites illustrating pruning techniques.

I hope this gets you started. Good luck.

Frank

Hi Frank, thanks very much for your help. I will take your excellent advice and stake up a branch as a vertical leader. Is it advisable to prune side shoots off now or should I do that next year?
Kind regards
Averil Uk