Altrad has added a further 2000 new employees to the business after the successful acquisition of the Sparrows Group, which was concluded on 11 July 2022.
Sparrows is a global provider of engineering, inspection, operations and maintenance services to the offshore energy, renewables and industrial sectors.
The company operates across the Americas, UK and Europe, Africa, Middle East, Caspian, India, Asia Pacific and Australia, complementing Altrad’s extensive international footprint.
The transaction, which includes Sparrows’ wind energy business Alpha, enhances Altrad’s service portfolio and further diversifies its presence across multiple sectors, particularly in the high-growth renewables market. It is an important development in Altrad’s ambition to invest in businesses that share its excitement, vision and values to offer enhanced services to its clients.
As part of the wider Altrad Group, Sparrows will benefit from a larger network of expertise and resources to deliver additional services across more geographical locations.
Ran Oren, Altrad’s Co-CEO said: “We are delighted to welcome Sparrows and its 2,000 strong team into the Group. As the world’s leading lifting and handling specialist its level of technical expertise and experience is an extremely valuable addition to our capability. We are committed to investing in Sparrows to support its continued growth so together we can play our part in supporting industry to ensure safety and transition towards a more sustainable future.”
Stewart Mitchell, Sparrows’ CEO added: “This is a pivotal moment for Sparrows, the acquisition presents many advantages for us and our clients as we continue on our growth trajectory. We are a people business and being part of the Altrad Group delivers even more opportunities for our people to develop fulfilling careers. By working together to share our skills and knowledge we will be able to support each other’s growth aspirations while our combined service offerings will allow us to deliver integrated solutions to global clients.”
Over the last 12 months, Altrad has completed a significant number of acquisitions, adding over €1.4 billion to its turnover worldwide. In the coming years, the Group will continue to invest in new companies while generating value and developing and diversifying its portfolio of services and products.
Engineering and maintenance provider Bilfinger UK has launched a recruitment drive to hire over 40 engineers nationwide as the business prepares for further growth delivering some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects.
The new roles range from entry-level posts to senior engineering positions across the firm’s portfolio of renewables, chemical and petrochemical, utilities, oil and gas and food and beverage manufacturing contracts.
Successful candidates will support various projects, from providing fabric maintenance and construction services at Hinkley Point C to working on systems at National Grid transmission sites.
The recruitment drive follows the merger of Bilfinger’s two UK entities, Bilfinger UK and Bilfinger Salamis, in January 2022 to create a turnover business employing more than 4,500 people with 13 onshore locations across the UK’s key industrial hubs.
In addition to supporting future growth, the business, which is headquartered in Warrington, Cheshire, is creating new capacity to bolster its services in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), where the firm provides clients with one interface as the lead contractor on major construction projects.
Jane Atkinson, Engineering and Automation Executive Director at Bilfinger UK, said: “The markets we operate in are changing rapidly as the UK accelerates its energy transition and this is creating new, exciting opportunities to support our customers across the asset life cycle, from consulting to decommissioning.“These roles offer the prospect of working at the forefront of industrial change across some of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects, with one of the industry’s largest tier-one contractors.“Learning and development sits at the heart of our operations. In addition to our UK programmes, we lean on our international network as part of the Bilfinger Group to supplement our leading development schemes, providing our engineers with learning opportunities and placements with our teams across Europe.”
To apply for the roles, please visit: www.jobs.bilfinger.com
The UK construction industry is being adversely affected by the cost of living crisis, inflation, and continued disruption caused to supply chains, says leading construction industry intelligence provider Barbour ABI.
In its latest monthly Snap Analysis report, it highlights the uncertainty caused by the cost of living crisis, 25% inflation for building materials, and the conflict in Ukraine and ongoing pandemic issues as major factors.
The report compiles data from each sector of the construction industry in the UK and from each stage of the construction pipeline, from planning application to contract award to provide a holistic picture of the industry in the short, medium, and longer term.
Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI, said: “June was a good month in terms of the value of contracts awarded with a 15% increase on May’s value to £6.4bn. However, the levels seen in Q2 are well below the record levels seen in Q1 and could reflect the uncertainty caused by the cost-of-living crisis, inflation of 25% in the cost of materials and disrupted supply chains.“June’s positive news on the value of contracts awarded is tempered by the fact that not all sectors performed well. Infrastructure construction was really the only sector to be showing positive potential with others giving cause for concern. The concern deepens as we look at the picture shown by planning applications and approvals. Nonetheless it is good news that new work is progressing, albeit at lower rates than previously.”
When UK System Scaffold Hire received a call for help from the organisers of the Wireless Festival in London they didn’t have a moment to lose.
Responding to a last-minute change of plan, the event’s organisers needed to find a company that could erect a massive Public Access Staircase in double-quick time.
The staircase – a mightily impressive 31 metres wide and scaling a 4.5 metre high bank – was needed to provide the main access point for 150,000 concert-goers expected at the event (London’s largest festival).
From experience, the organisers knew that UKSSH had the stock, the expertise and – with the help and support of Tamworth Scaffolding – the best scaffolders to do the job.
In just 48 hours UKSSH and Tamworth Scaffolding designed the massive temporary Public Access Staircase, shipped lorry loadsof components from their Tamworth base to Crystal Palace and erected it.
The result is stunning.
A UKSSH spokesperson said: “That’s the benefit of dealing with a team that’s on your wavelength!!”
New data has revealed that more than 100,000 TG20:21 compliance sheets have been produced and downloaded since the new software was launched in April last year.
Download statistics show subscribers of NASC’s expanded and updated software have now taken the number of compliance sheet generations past six figures.
This latest milestone shows TG20:21 usage is on the rise as it took subscribers eight months from product launch to reach 50,000 downloads but just seven months to hit 100,000.
According to the data, Independent scaffolds continue to be the most popular scaffold by type, with 72,464 downloads (63% of the total), followed by tied tower scaffolds (9,431), internal birdcages (7,616) and loading bays (6,522).
The statistics also show that on average more than 6,000 compliance sheets have been downloaded every month, in excess of 1,600 every week.
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to see downloads pass the six-figure mark. Each of these downloads represents a scaffold that was erected in compliance with the necessary regulations, helping to keep construction workers and sites across the UK safe.“This latest milestone shows that use of TG20:21 is growing steadily and that the software is serving a multitude of required scaffold types. “Making TG20:21 available via the NASC ePortal – including the associated Operational and Design guides – was a huge undertaking but has been extremely well received by both NASC Contractor members and non-members alike.”
System scaffolding business AT-PAC has galvanised its partnership with Doka, a world-leading formwork, solutions, and services provider headquartered in Amstetten, Austria.Doka has acquired a major stake of AT-PAC. Both AT-PAC & Doka formed an initial partnership in 2020 to deliver comprehensive global construction site solutions and has been expanding their footprint ever since.
The majority stake opens a new, worldwide “industrial scaffolding” business segment and positions Doka as a single source for formwork and scaffolding for the global construction community.
“AT-PAC has 25 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality scaffolding and is a major player in various sectors. With AT-PAC, Doka will be able to focus on the industrial sector worldwide, besides supporting our current customers according to the one-stop-shop principle,” says Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka.
“With a single request, clients now have access to a comprehensive formwork and scaffolding portfolio, consistent customer support, and expanded access to Doka services across the globe. The ability to source comprehensive construction solutions from a single supplier serves to increase operational efficiencies and reduce project material lead times. The customized solutions support streamlined operations and simplify administrative processes. “Our customer’s needs are always at the center of our attention and with this expanded offering we are optimizing processes and reducing interfaces to create added value for our customers.”
New growth opportunities
The majority shareholding enables Doka via AT-PAC to address entirely new customer segments in the industrial sector, where AT-PAC is already widely experienced.
AT-PAC, on the other hand, gains a robust partner as Doka has an extensive global sales network and is active in over 60 countries with 160 locations.
“Together we can perfectly serve the requirements and the needs of customers in the hydropower plant, chemical and mining industries, among others,” says Hauser. “By leveraging Doka’s global network and AT-PAC’s experience, we can unlock further growth potential in industrial scaffolding and be part of the entire project lifecycle.”
Jeff Davis CEO of AT-PAC commented on the majority stake; “Today marks a prominent landmark in our already illustrious 25-year history. We have been providing innovative scaffold access products and solutions that drive positive impact on large industrial projects all over the world with great success. Doka has seen our dedication to provide the best level of service to our clients as well as proving our inhouse capabilities to develop and deploy a world-renowned DIBt-certified scaffolding system Ringlock, designed and developed from our Global HQ in Atlanta, USA. The majority shareholding only strengthens our ability to service our clients, and we are very excited about our future opportunities to prosper and continue to grow our amazing company”.
Scaffolding solutions at bauma
During the world’s largest construction trade fair bauma 2022, which will be held in Munich from October 24 to 30, Doka will be debuting its DIBt-certified scaffolding system Ringlock under the AT-PAC Doka brand.
As a result of the strategic progression, Doka will also be showing applications for industrial customers as well as for the construction industry. The combination of the formwork portfolio, the scaffolding management software Hi-Vis® and other additional services, positions Doka as a one-stop-shop for the global construction industry.
One hundred and twenty-three workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in the last year, according to figures published today by the HSE.
The annual data release covers the period from April 2021 to March 2022, during which time most pandemic restrictions were lifted and the economy began returning to normal.
The industries with the highest deaths were construction (30), agriculture, forestry, and fishing (22), and manufacturing (22); though agriculture, forestry and fishing has the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers.
The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be falling from height (29), being struck by a moving vehicle (23), and being struck by a moving object (18).
The 123 worker deaths in 2021/22 is lower than the previous year, though it is in line with pre-pandemic figures. There has been a long-term downward trend in the rate of fatal injuries to workers, though in the years prior to the coronavirus pandemic the rate was broadly flat.
A further 80 members of the public were killed following a work-related accident in 2021/22. This is an increase on the previous year but below the pre-pandemic level. This is likely to reflect the various COVID-19 restrictions in place.
The release of the annual figures coincides with the 50th anniversary this month of the publication of the Robens report. The landmark report led to the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974, which ultimately led to the HSE being set up the following year.
Since then, Great Britain has become one of the safest places in the world to work with the number of workplace deaths and injuries falling significantly.
HSE’s Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “While Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, today’s figures show we must continue to ensure safety remains a priority. Every loss of life is a tragedy, and we are committed to making workplaces safer and holding employers to account for their actions, as part of our mission to protect people and places.”
The figures relate to work-related accidents and do not include deaths arising from occupational diseases or diseases arising from certain occupational exposures (including Covid-19).
The HSE has also published the annual figures for Mesothelioma, which is a cancer that can be caused by past exposure to asbestos. The figures show that 2,544 people died from the disease in 2020. This is in line with the average of 2,523 deaths over the previous eight years. Current mesothelioma deaths reflect exposure to asbestos that mainly occurred before the 1980s and annual deaths are expected to decline during the next decade.
Top bosses from the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) have recently met to discuss their incoming new president’s objectives that are set to benefit its members and the wider scaffolding industry.
NASC’s Managing Director Robin James and David Mosley, Director of Training & CISRS Managing Director met up with incoming NASC president David Brown – Managing Director of Barnsley-based IBN Scaffold Access Ltd.
The trio met up in Barnsley at IBN Scaffold Access Ltd’s head office premises on Wednesday 29 June.
Discussions on the subject of David Brown’s Presidential objectives, when he succeeds Lynn Way (Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd) as NASC President at their AGM in London on Friday 18 November 2022.
According to the scaffolding trade body, David’s objectives as incoming NASC President include a wide range of topical and innovative targets and will benefit prospective and existing NASC members and widen the footprint of the scaffolding industry generally.
Presidential objectives are designed to complement ongoing (but separate) NASC objectives. Typically, they build upon existing objectives and help set out a template for the kind of legacy that a departing NASC President wishes to leave behind when they step down upon completion of their term of office.
The usual term of office for an NASC President is two years. However, due to the Covid pandemic, Lynn Way’s presidency was extended for a further year, and she will have completed three years in the post when David steps up to the NASC Presidency in November.
It’s understood that David will reveal further details on his objectives at the NASC AGM and within the NASC 2023 Yearbook that will be published in November.
The NASC AGM will precede the NASC Ball & Awards which are being held at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza, London on Friday 18 November 2022.
The UK’s largest scaffolding trade body is holding its first-ever annual conference for both its members and non-members from across the UK scaffolding and access sector.
The event will be held on the 29th of September 2022 at the Heart of England – Conference & Events Centre. Over 300 delegates are expected to attend the conference from across all areas of the scaffolding and access sector.
Organisers at the Scaffolding Association say, since opening for membership in 2013, they have proactively listened to what their members are saying about the industry and have composed a conference programme which they hope to be engaging, informative and above all else relevant to their audience.
Conference keynote speakers will include Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Richard Turfitt, Senior Traffic Commissioner.
Other speakers and sessions will be announced over the coming months, the Scaffolding Association said.
Having not been able to hold face-to-face events during the pandemic, the Scaffolding Association were pleased to say they have made provision for two hours of dedicated networking time to allow conference delegates to establish relationships with other industry professionals on a more personal level.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said; “I’m incredibly proud to be able to say we’re now in a position to be able to host the UK’s first dedicated scaffolding and access conference event. The event will bring together some of the best, most progressive leaders in the sector and we hope that the planned programme will offer delegates a range of insights and tools that they can take away to implement within their own businesses.”
There are a limited number of Earlybird tickets available as well as discounts for booking multiple places. For more information on the Scaffolding Conference and to book your ticket, visit: https://www.scaffoldconference.co.uk
Aberdeenshire-based Northern Platforms & Stagings has expanded its transport capabilities further with the new Mercedes-Benz Atego.
Supplied by Mercedes-Benz supplier for the north of Scotland, BLS Truck & Van, the 7.5-tonne GVW Atego is the fourth that Peterhead-based Northern Platforms & Stagings has purchased from BLS Truck & Van since the dealer’s appointment in 2018.
Like its predecessors, the truck is an 816 variant with ClassicSpace S-cab and a 5.1-litre engine that produces 115 kW (156 hp) and is paired with a smooth and fuel-efficient Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission. Its platform body, meanwhile, was built in Mirfield, near Huddersfield, by Advance Commercial Bodies.
Acquired with funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, the Atego is now being inspected and maintained under a Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contract at BLS Truck & Van’s workshop on the Altens Industrial Estate, Aberdeen.
Northern Platforms & Stagings was established in 1984 by John Johnston, who remains at the helm as Managing Director.
The company offers a comprehensive range of scaffolding services at competitive prices but without compromising on safety. It has extensive experience of serving customers from the petrochemical and marine engineering sectors in the Grampian region, as well as local builders and construction firms.
The Atego range from 7.5 to 16 tonnes GVW is purpose-designed for light- and medium-duty distribution work, and construction applications.
Northern Platforms and DStagings in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, with their new Mercedes-Benz Atego 7.5 tonne truck.Picture Simon Price/Firstpix
John Johnston said: “We’ve been running Mercedes-Benz vehicles for well over 10 years and have never had any problems with them. The fact that they don’t let us down means they make a valuable contribution to the efficiency of our operation.”
“The Atego is entirely fit for purpose. It’s the right size and carries the weight well, while the guys like their trucks because they’re so comfortable. As a business with an unwavering commitment to health and safety, and compliance, we’re also reassured by the knowledge that Mercedes-Benz Trucks leads the field when it comes to the protection not only of those who use its vehicles, but also of other road users.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to see downloads pass the six-figure mark. Each of these downloads represents a scaffold that was erected in compliance with the necessary regulations, helping to keep construction workers and sites across the UK safe.
“This latest milestone shows that use of TG20:21 is growing steadily and that the software is serving a multitude of required scaffold types.
“Making TG20:21 available via the NASC ePortal – including the associated Operational and Design guides – was a huge undertaking but has been extremely well received by both NASC Contractor members and non-members alike.” 
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to see downloads pass the six-figure mark. Each of these downloads represents a scaffold that was erected in compliance with the necessary regulations, helping to keep construction workers and sites across the UK safe.
“This latest milestone shows that use of TG20:21 is growing steadily and that the software is serving a multitude of required scaffold types.
“Making TG20:21 available via the NASC ePortal – including the associated Operational and Design guides – was a huge undertaking but has been extremely well received by both NASC Contractor members and non-members alike.” 
