U.K. Edition
Scaffolding Christmas Cheer at Former Bristol Royal Infirmary
A dazzling Christmas light display at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) has brought festive cheer to central Bristol, raising vital funds for The Grand Appeal on behalf of Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Organised by scaffolding contractors Shield Services Group, the lights adorn the historic former BRI building and were illuminated during a special event.
Former Premier League player and manager Ian Holloway joined the celebrations, switching on the lights to the delight of onlookers, including children from the hospital directly opposite.
The event is part of the “Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital” campaign, which supports the hospital’s innovative Patient Hotel. This groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in the UK, offers families a comforting “home away from home” just moments from the hospital.
With therapy spaces and practical support services, it provides vital emotional and logistical help to families navigating their children’s hospital care.
So far, the campaign has raised an impressive £1,950, just shy of its £2,000 target, thanks to the generosity of over 70 supporters.
Organisers hope the display will inspire further donations to help keep families together and ensure children receive the care they need.
Ian Holloway said: “It’s an honour to be part of something so meaningful. This is what Christmas is all about – bringing light and hope to families who need it most.”
Luke House Shield Services Group Chairman expressed gratitude to all involved: “We’re thrilled to contribute to such an amazing cause. The lights are not just a festive gesture; they’re a beacon of hope for the families and children in the hospital.”
To support the campaign and help transform the lives of families at Bristol Children’s Hospital, donations can be made via the JustGiving page: Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
UK Braced for Storm Darragh as 90mph Winds Trigger Red Warning
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning as Storm Darragh prepares to batter parts of the UK with gusts of up to 90mph.
Coastal areas in Wales and the southwest of England are in the firing line, with the warning in place from 3 am to 11 am on Saturday.
The storm is expected to bring “damaging winds” that could cause major disruption to transport, power supplies, and construction sites. Scaffolding firms in the affected regions are being urged to take extra precautions to secure structures and prioritise safety.
Danger to Life and Property
According to the Met Office, the intense winds pose a “danger to life” due to flying debris, while large waves are expected to hammer exposed coastlines. Gusts could be particularly hazardous in areas like the Bristol Channel, where funnelling winds may intensify the storm’s impact. Irish forecasters at Met Éireann have also issued a red wind warning for parts of the west coast of Ireland, including Galway, Mayo, and Donegal, as the storm barrels across the Irish Sea overnight.Amber and Yellow Warnings Add to Chaos
Elsewhere, amber warnings remain in place for much of Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, with yellow alerts covering a wider area. Heavy rain is also forecast for some regions, compounding the risk of flooding and site disruptions. Storm Darragh arrives just weeks after Storm Bert, which caused chaos in several parts of the UK. For those in the scaffolding trade, this means another challenging period as sites brace for potentially severe weather conditions.How to Prepare
For scaffolding contractors, ensuring the safety of workers and the public is paramount. Check that all scaffolds are properly tied and braced, remove any loose materials or tools from structures. The Met Office advises that “extremely strong winds will ease from late morning, but it will remain very windy into the evening.” If work is planned on exposed sites, it may be worth considering a delay until conditions improve.Stay Safe and Stay Prepared
Storm Darragh serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of thorough preparation. For those in the scaffolding industry, it’s critical to double down on safety measures to prevent accidents and damage during these challenging conditions. Keep an eye on the latest forecasts, follow safety guidance, and, above all, stay safe.Tyne Bridge Restoration Enters Next Phase with Scaffolding Across River
Work on the iconic Tyne Bridge has taken a significant step forward as scaffolding is set to span the River Tyne in the next phase of its comprehensive restoration project.
The ambitious operation follows the successful installation of scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower. Now, Esh Construction, in collaboration with specialist contractor Infrastructure Site Solutions (ISS), is moving ahead with an underdeck scaffold structure that will stretch from the Newcastle tower to its counterpart on the Gateshead side, 84 feet above the river.
This latest phase will see operatives working underneath the bridge, securely fastened with safety harnesses and supported by a safety boat stationed below for emergency rescues.
The 100-metre-long by 11-metre-wide scaffold will allow for detailed inspections beneath the bridge, paving the way for subsequent cleaning, grit blasting, and repainting. To ensure safety and minimise environmental impact, the structure will be enclosed in protective sheeting throughout the work.
Gareth Dawson, Project Manager for Esh Construction, highlighted the progress made:
“A programme resequencing exercise has allowed the underdeck scaffolding to be actioned earlier than originally planned. The change in programme will provide efficiencies throughout the project given the scale of the repair and restoration work to be delivered – this scheme is far more than ‘just a lick of paint.’”
The restoration, commissioned by Newcastle and Gateshead councils, is a monumental undertaking. Over four years, it will use more than 180 miles of scaffolding tubes—enough to stretch from Newcastle to Dundee—and over 13,000 tonnes of scaffolding components, equivalent to the weight of six London Eyes.
The work is divided into 20 phases due to the bridge’s weight restrictions.
Cllr Dr Juna Staithan, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change and Transport, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
“I am really delighted with the progress on site as we restore this icon to its former glory. Everyone involved is hugely proud and passionate to be part of this major project to preserve this much-loved icon for future generations.”
The restoration hit a major milestone in October when scaffolding around the Gateshead tower was dismantled, revealing the first section of blasted, repaired, and repainted steel.
With over 1,000 repairs planned, the Tyne Bridge restoration is as much about preserving history as it is about modernising infrastructure. As one of the North East’s most recognisable landmarks, the bridge will continue to be a symbol of regional pride for generations to come.

Major Repairs and a Historic Paint Job
Beyond the scaffolding, restoration work is advancing inside the bridge’s deck void, where three of the 36 steel hangers supporting the carriageway are set to undergo strengthening. Repairs also include steel, concrete, stonework, and masonry restoration, along with drainage improvements, deck waterproofing, and parapet protection. One of the restoration’s crowning achievements will be the bridge’s new coat of paint in the historic ‘Hollybush’ shade, chosen for its resemblance to the original colour. The new paint system is designed for durability and will protect the bridge for up to 30 years against the harsh conditions of the Tyne Valley gorge.
PERI Wins NASC Product of the Year Award
PERI has been named winner of the Product of the Year award at the Scaffolding Excellence Awards, hosted by the NASC in Belfast.
The company received the accolade for its PERI UP Cladding system, which has been recognised for its innovation and versatility since its launch in the UK earlier this year.
PERI competed against two other finalists in the category, with judges praising the cladding system’s design and its potential to transform scaffolding practices.
The PERI UP Cladding system has been widely adopted for its flexibility, serving as a protective enclosure, temporary roofing system, and hoarding for building sites.
Its lightweight panels, fast assembly process, and adaptability have made it popular among contractors, while its safety features, including dust and noise containment, have been welcomed by those working in public-facing projects.
The Product of the Year award highlights PERI’s commitment to innovation in the scaffolding sector.
“Our system provides scaffolding contractors with more choices, increased efficiency, and unparalleled adaptability. It’s an honour to be recognised for these contributions,” Stratford added.
A Standout Exhibit at ScaffEx24
PERI’s success at the awards coincided with a strong showing at ScaffEx24, the NASC’s first-ever conference and exhibition. The company’s 24-square-metre stand, which was one of the largest at the event, showcased a range of products, including the award-winning PERI UP Cladding system. The display featured a custom-built viewing deck, allowing attendees to experience the system up close. Charles Stratford, Business Development Manager for PERI UP, described the event as a major success. “ScaffEx24 was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and showcase the capabilities of our scaffolding systems. Winning Product of the Year was a highlight and reinforces the benefits our cladding system offers to the industry.”Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
The PERI UP Cladding system is designed to improve safety for scaffolders, contractors, and the public. It helps reduce the risks associated with falling debris and dust pollution while containing noise from construction sites. Its seamless integration with PERI scaffolding systems has made it a valuable addition to construction and public event projects across the UK.
IE Access Tackles Bridge Repairs with PERI UP
North East Lincolnshire sees innovative scaffolding solutions for essential maintenance work.
Maintenance work is in full swing on the A180 Gilbey Road Bridge in North East Lincolnshire, with proactive repairs aiming to prevent future closures and extensive repair needs.
The project, focused on refurbishing steel beams and replacing bridge bearings, is critical to ensuring the structure can continue to handle the load of heavy traffic for years to come.
Worksop-based IE Access was appointed to deliver a full temporary access solution beneath the bridge to enable these essential repairs. The scaffolding contractor opted for the PERI UP Flex system, a modular scaffolding solution praised for its adaptability and efficiency.
Speed and safety were key priorities. By using the PERI UP Flex system, IE Access was able to create a tailored scaffolding solution that simplified alignment with the river’s course. The system’s modular design allowed scaffolders to step the scaffolding in and out with ease, using fewer components to reduce installation time and material handling.
Charlie Wheeler, Managing Director of IE Access, praised the PERI UP system for its practicality. “Minimal standard components from the PERI UP range made work easier for our scaffolders. We didn’t have to manage numerous small parts and fittings or worry about safety while working above the public walkway. It also minimised material handling during construction,” he said.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges
Spanning five sections of the bridge, the project presented several logistical challenges, including a river, a public walkway, and a complex site layout with structures running in different directions. Careful pre-planning and close collaboration between VSL’s temporary works team, IE Access, and PERI’s project team ensured an efficient scaffolding solution that integrated seamlessly with the site’s requirements.
Public Safety a Priority
Public access under the bridge was maintained throughout the project, with a pedestrian tunnel constructed using the PERI UP system. This provided a safe route for pedestrians while shielding them from overhead repair work. The modular scaffolding’s wide bay sizes and minimal components significantly reduced safety risks associated with traditional scaffolding, such as falling fixings and smaller parts during installation. These features also accelerated the build, as fewer components meant less time spent on fastening and handling operations.Flexible Adjustments Mid-Project
Even after the scaffolding was in place, the PERI UP system demonstrated versatility. IE Access adapted the structure to meet revised leg load requirements on the pavement without dismantling or delaying the project, showcasing the system’s modular flexibility.
A Collaborative Success
The A180 Gilbey Road Bridge maintenance project highlights the importance of innovative scaffolding solutions in tackling complex infrastructure challenges. By using the PERI UP Flex system and fostering close collaboration between teams, the project is progressing efficiently, safeguarding the bridge’s long-term integrity while prioritising public safety and access. This project is a testament to the power of modern scaffolding systems in delivering safe, adaptable, and efficient solutions for critical infrastructure repairs.Winners Unveiled at Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024
The scaffolding and access community came together in spectacular fashion at the NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024, held at the ICC Belfast on Friday night.
The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and innovation within the industry, showcasing the best of scaffolding expertise and dedication.
The glittering evening followed the successful ScaffEx24, featuring a glamorous gala organised by the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
Over 700 distinguished guests, including international industry leaders from Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Switzerland, joined the festivities, which included a luxurious drinks reception, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment.
The NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards, a highlight in the industry’s calendar, honoured exceptional contributions across a range of categories.
Winners and runners-up were announced during a dazzling ceremony hosted by special guests, including TV stars James Nesbitt, Mike Tindall, and Denise van Outen, who paid tribute to the dedication and innovation of the industry’s finest.
Winner: Albie Cooper, Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd
Driven by a desire to support his young family, Albie Cooper was described by his Site Manager, Jack Murphy, as having one of the best attitudes he’s encountered in all his years in scaffolding. Judges praised Albie’s proactive and positive outlook, noting his ability to overcome challenges and seek additional opportunities. The award includes a £1,000 prize courtesy of CISRS.
Highly Commended: Harrison Mapley
Winner: SRK Scaffolding – Industrial Storage Tank
SRK Scaffolding’s design for accessing a 33-metre-high industrial storage tank required exceptional creativity and problem-solving to complete the project within a short timeframe. Judges were impressed by the out-of-the-box thinking and technical expertise demonstrated.
Winner: PERI Ltd – PERI UP Cladding
PERI’s innovative cladding system protects scaffolders, contractors, and the public while offering unparalleled flexibility through removable individual panels. Judges commended the system’s unique design and wide-ranging practical applications.
Winner: Lee Rowswell
Recognised for over 30 years of service, Lee Rowswell has transformed GKR Scaffolding, taking it from a turnover of £800,000 to £36 million. His leadership has driven innovation, sustainability, and diversity within the industry, and he has played a pivotal role in NASC initiatives. Judges highlighted his collaborative spirit and his ability to inspire others while delivering landmark projects across London.
Winner: Shield Services Group – Cathedral Park, Bristol
Shield Services Group delivered a 50-metre temporary roof structure and a 15-metre birdcage inside a converted cathedral, excelling in technical execution, environmental consideration, safety, and social value. Judges praised the project for its thoughtful approach and its exemplary representation of the scaffolding industry.
Highly Commended: Ingleford Scaffolding
Winner: Inner City Scaffolding Ltd – Parkside Court, Chelmsford
Inner City Scaffolding developed an innovative solution to safely access a live building for a recladding project. Judges described the work as a “fantastic piece of engineering” and called it the “scaffolder’s scaffold” for its precision and complexity.
Winner: Lyndon SGB – New Register House, Edinburgh
This project, valued between £1m and £2m, required Lyndon SGB to deliver a scaffold for the Grade-A listed New Register House while managing the challenges of Scottish winter weather, an open building, and stringent heritage restrictions. Judges praised the team’s coordination, collaboration, and expert management.
Winner: GKR Scaffolding Ltd – 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
GKR Scaffolding’s work at 25 Canada Square, valued at over £2m, stood out for its complexity and scale. The project involved a bespoke cantilevered scaffold system constructed within a skyscraper and required meticulous planning and collaboration. Judges commended its innovative design, social value, and execution in a high-profile location.
The NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024 celebrated the talent and innovation driving the scaffolding and access industry forward. With a global audience and record-breaking attendance, it highlighted the sector’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.
Scaffolding Excellence Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year

Scaffold Design of the Year

Product of the Year

Service of the Year
Winner: Costain/Skanska (SCS Railways) – Scaffold Request App This innovative app streamlined scaffold requests for the HS2 JV project, saving time and money while maintaining safety standards. Judges highlighted its tangible improvements in productivity and on-site results.Lifetime Achievement Award

Project of the Year – Small

Project of the Year – Medium

Project of the Year – Large

Project of the Year – Major

The NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024 celebrated the talent and innovation driving the scaffolding and access industry forward. With a global audience and record-breaking attendance, it highlighted the sector’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.
ScaffEx25 Set to Break Records with Expanded Venue and Attendance
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has announced its plans for ScaffEx25, set to take place on 11 and 12 September 2025 at Manchester Central (formerly GMEX).
Following the success of this year’s ScaffEx24, which drew over 600 attendees, next year’s event is poised to be significantly larger, with organisers expecting more than 3,000 industry professionals to attend.
The event will feature an impressive 10,000 m² of exhibition space, making it 17 times larger than ScaffEx24, which was held at a more modest venue, the ICC in Belfast, as a trail.
The expanded size reflects significant interest in the UK’s scaffolding and access industries and provides ample room for exhibitors to display the latest innovations in scaffolding and access equipment. At ScaffEx25, over 30% of the exhibition space has already been secured, with 25% secured before the event, its set to be a global first, giving access and scaffolding the presence it deserves.
Unrestricted Opportunities for Exhibitors
Unlike ScaffEx24, exhibitors at ScaffEx25 will face no restrictions on height or weight allowances in the main exhibition hall. These limitations, which affected some exhibitors this year at the ICC in Belfast, will no longer hinder participants, ensuring businesses can fully showcase their products and services. Also, a wider range of suppliers will be present, bringing the entire supply chain into ScaffEx25, including vehicle manufacturers, MEWPs, and all the service providers.
Organisers say the event will focus on innovation, networking, and business development, with a diverse lineup of exhibitors presenting cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions. The exhibition will also offer attendees unparalleled opportunities to connect with decision-makers and industry influencers. In addition, there will be a training and education area, with all CISRS centres available with the new CISRS developments announced at ScaffEx24 being available to get an update.
A New Milestone for the Industry
NASC has described ScaffEx25 as a key moment for the scaffolding and access sectors, reflecting the expansive growth and ambition of the industry. The decision to host the event at Manchester Central—a venue known for hosting major international conferences—signals a step forward for ScaffEx, firmly cementing its status as the premier event for scaffolding and access professionals in the UK.
The announcement has already generated significant interest within the industry, with companies eager to secure space at what is expected to be a landmark event. ScaffEx25 is set to firmly position the UK scaffolding industry on the global stage.
Further details, including exhibitor announcements and ticketing information, are expected to follow early in the new year.
TG30 Launches at ScaffEx24, Ushering in a New Era for System Scaffolding
Today, at ScaffEx24 in Belfast, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) officially launched TG30, a revolutionary guidance suite for system scaffolding that promises to redefine safety and compliance standards across the industry.
Described as a “game changer” by industry leaders, TG30 builds on the success of its predecessor, TG20, which became the benchmark for tube and fitting scaffolding.
With TG30, the focus shifts to system scaffolding, offering a standardised and practical framework that simplifies planning, construction, and maintenance for contractors, clients, and regulators alike.
A standout feature of TG30 is its compliance sheets, modelled on the widely adopted TG20 sheets. These documents will allow contractors to evidence that their scaffolding meets the highest safety standards without requiring bespoke designs.
NASC CEO Clive Dickin reflected on the milestone: “The launch of TG30 at ScaffEx24 marks a turning point for the industry. With this guidance, we’re not just ensuring compliance — we’re creating a safer, more efficient future for scaffolding.”
What TG30 Brings to the Table
Developed in collaboration with leading scaffolding system manufacturers, TG30 introduces comprehensive tools to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of system scaffolding projects. The suite includes:- TG30 eGuide: A digital tool for generating compliance sheets.
- TG30 Operational Guide: Practical instructions for safe use.
- TG30 Design Guide: Detailed guidance for designing system scaffolds.
- User Guide: A pocket-sized resource for quick reference on-site.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Colin Murphy, Head of Technical Authorities at Altrad UK & Ireland and a member of NASC’s Technical Committee, highlighted the significance of the new guidance. “For basic system scaffolding structures, where the cost of a design can often be prohibitive and the manufacturer’s user manual overly complex, the use of a TG30 compliance sheet will be a game changer. It will provide much-needed reassurance to clients while ensuring a safe and consistent approach to construction,” Murphy said.A Digital Transformation for Scaffolding Guidance
TG30 represents a significant milestone in NASC’s digital transformation strategy, enhancing access to critical resources for its members. By integrating system scaffolding into a single framework alongside TG20, contractors can ensure all projects meet unified safety and compliance standards. Initially, TG30 will cover Rosette Generic Systems, with Wedge and Cup systems to follow in 2025. Future updates will also include specific manufacturer products, enabling contractors to incorporate higher structures into compliance sheets.A Landmark Moment at ScaffEx24
ScaffEx24 provided the perfect platform for the TG30 launch, with over 500 attendees, including international delegates from Japan, New Zealand, and across Europe. The unveiling was met with widespread enthusiasm, signalling the importance of the new guidance to the global scaffolding community.
Looking Ahead
As the scaffolding industry embraces TG30, its impact is expected to be far-reaching. By simplifying compliance and enabling safer construction practices, TG30 is set to become as indispensable to system scaffolding as TG20 is to tube and fitting. Attendees of ScaffEx24 were given exclusive access to TG30’s features, positioning the guidance as a cornerstone of the industry’s evolution.Belfast Makes History with Europe’s First Scaffolding Exhibition ScaffEx24
Today, Belfast cemented its place in scaffolding history by hosting ScaffEx24, Europe’s inaugural scaffolding conference and exhibition, at the ICC Belfast.
Organised by the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), the event welcomed over 500 visitors, marking a landmark occasion for the industry and setting the stage for future collaboration and innovation.
ScaffEx24 brought together nearly 30 exhibitors, including Scaffmag and industry leaders from across the globe, to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and showcase the latest innovations.
The conference programme featured lively discussions and keynote presentations addressing central themes such as buyer needs, innovation, skills, and education.
NASC CEO Clive Dickin described the event as a “turning point” for the scaffolding profession. “I’m delighted at how the entire industry has responded to this first event, whether they are NASC members or not,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that ScaffEx will become a regular fixture in the industry calendar. After today, the industry will come together more often to share insights, ideas, and innovations in this way.”

Major Announcements Steal the Spotlight
During the event, NASC unveiled two groundbreaking announcements that promise to shape the future of the industry:- TG30 Guidelines: The newly introduced TG30 is set to revolutionise system scaffolding, much like TG20 did for traditional tube and fitting scaffolds.
- Common Assessment Standard (CAS): NASC also announced the adoption of the Common Assessment Standard as an optional add-on to its audit process, streamlining standards and boosting efficiency for contractors.
Global Reach and Recognition
ScaffEx24 drew international attention, with representatives from Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and across Europe eager to learn from the UK and Northern Irish scaffolding sectors. Recognised globally for their health and safety standards, British scaffolding firms showcased best practices and cutting-edge solutions. The event will conclude with the highly anticipated NASC Ball and Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024, hosted by celebrated actor James Nesbitt alongside a lineup of celebrity guests. Hundreds more attendees are expected to join the evening celebrations, which will honour outstanding achievements in scaffolding and access.A Bright Future for ScaffEx
ScaffEx24 has already set its sights on future success. According to Clive Dickin, exhibitors are eager to return with more extensive stands and more ambitious presentations for next year. “Today has shown the power of bringing the industry together. The conversations and connections made here will resonate for years to come,” he said. With a focus on opportunity, innovation, and collaboration, ScaffEx24 has firmly established itself as a pivotal event for scaffolding professionals worldwide.Global Success for ScaffPlan at SketchUp Challenge
ScaffPlan has triumphed in the prestigious SketchUp 0-60 Challenge, an international competition hosted by Trimble Ventures that celebrates technological innovations addressing critical challenges in the construction industry.
The SketchUp 0-60 Challenge provides a global stage for startups and developers to tackle key issues in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Competitors are tasked with creating tools that enhance design workflows, foster collaboration, and simplify documentation using Trimble’s widely-used SketchUp platform.
This year’s competition showcased leading-edge solutions from companies such as Foveate, Modelizer, and ScaffPlan, each bringing innovative ideas to solve real-world construction challenges.