With the World Cup fast approaching, Leach’s have announced their own online football tournament from the 2nd-11th November.
The tournament will give you a chance to #ChooseYourSide and be entered into a draw to win discount codes, merchandise and a copy of FIFA 23.
It’s been launched alongside the introduction of some new coloured BIGBEN Scaffolder’s Kits. The kits are available in Red or Blue, each coloured belt comes with a matching frog, level holder and tape holder; with the option to include matching tools.
How to win a copy of FIFA 23 and Leach’s discount codes?
From the 2nd-6th November, you will be able to visit https://leachs.com/pages/leachs-league and submit a short, simple form declaring which team you think will win the tournament. Every entry that picks the winning team will be entered into the draw to win a copy of FIFA 23 and exclusive Leach’s discount codes.
As an extra bonus, if your team wins in Round 1, Leach’s will give you 10% off their entire store!
How will the tournament work?
On the 2nd November, the fixtures for the first round will be released on Leach’s social media, revealing the 8 Premier League teams competing. The online matches will be simulated using the match engine in FIFA 23 and highlights will be posted on social media for you to watch.
This classic knockout-style tournament will see 8 teams compete in Round 1, with the winning teams moving into the semi-finals.
On Friday 11th November at 12:00pm, the final will be streamed LIVE across Leach’s social media profiles. This will give you a chance to cheer on your team while receiving extra discount codes just by watching!
#ChooseYourSide
There is only one thing left for you to do, head over to Leach’s and #ChooseYourSide! You can follow Leach’s on social media using the links below:
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Layher UK has launched its ground-breaking new beam after unveiling the cutting-edge product at its jam-packed solutions open day.Layher the world’s largest system scaffolding manufacturer launched its latest beam innovation to the UK market on Wednesday (2 November).
The new TwixBeam launch that headlined the event came as Layher showcased its latest developments at its biannual Solutions Open Day held at Layher UK’s Headquarters in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
More than 200 invited guests consisting of industry leaders, customers, clients and Layher Germany shareholders including joint Directors, Georg Layher & Carolin Langer attended the launch event.
Those attending were wooed and impressed by the dramatic entrance of the new beam as it was slowly lowered from the roof wrapped in a bespoke chocolate bar wrapper ready for unveiling.
The new two-piece multifunctional beam which has been aptly named after the well-known chocolate bar is made entirely from high-grade aluminium and produced at the world-famous Layher Eibensbach factory near Stuttgart in Germany.
TwixBeam is a low weight easy to dismantle and incredibly strong beam that effortlessly integrates into the Layher Allround System.
Users of the scaffolding system will also benefit from its versatility as it works perfectly in tandem with the highly successful Flexbeam that launched in 2018.
Weighing just 12kg/m the new smart multifunctional beam will be available in an array of lengths from 0.8m to an impressive 6.6m.
The TwixBeam will have many uses for specialist scaffolding contractors including conventional scaffolding, industrial scaffolding/boiler scaffolds and shoring in combination with TG60.
Speaking about the event and the new TwixBeam, Sean Pike Layher UK’s Managing Director said: “We were, as always humbled by the huge attendance and most grateful to all who came for giving up their time to spend with us. This year, the attendance has grown significantly, and we were delighted to welcome many new faces and celebrate with them many examples of their work with our products, as well as taking the opportunity to highlight our hints, tips and solutions as well as launch our new Twixbeam. The interest on the day in the Twixbeam was one of the biggest responses we have ever had to a new product launch, topped only by receiving our first order for it on the day, with several other enquiries quickly following”.
Des Moore, CEO at TRAD Group, takes a look at system scaffolding and whether it can add value to your business.Des Moore, CEO of the TRAD Group
In September, I took part in a panel discussion as part of the Scaffolding Conference 2022. The subject of the panel was ‘System Scaffolding – Is this the future?’ and it was great to hear a range of viewpoints and take questions from the audience about the pros and cons of system scaffolding.
I’d have liked to discuss this further, but of course these events have a strict time limit. So I thought it would help to set out my thoughts in this article.
I first got involved with system scaffolding in 1991, when I joined TRAD. We were in the middle of a bad recession, and we needed to look for ways to save money across the business. We tried out system scaffolding to see if it would result in savings – it did. We significantly reduced labour costs, were able to offer a competitive advantage and found work with new customers and in new industries – such as the industrial sector and aircraft maintenance sector.
So, in general, I am very pro system scaffolding – in particular because it has excellent characteristics that encourage us to look at a wider pool of talent in the industry, including increasing the number of women in the sector. But I know that it might not be for everyone. When I started writing this article, I put a poll out on my LinkedIn page:
Q: What do you think about system scaffolding?
64% said it saves them time and money. 19% said they thought it was too expensive and 16% said they either wouldn’t use system scaffolding or didn’t know enough about it.
These are interesting statistics, and I’m always happy to have a chat with anyone who has questions about the cost, or use-case for system scaffolding. First, let’s address the cost question.
Is system scaffolding expensive?
Like all capital expenditure, system scaffolding can seem expensive in terms of initial outlay. But, like all capital expenditure, you need to also consider any potential long-term savings. Over a 10-year period, for example, system scaffolding will undoubtedly give you better value for money than tube, fittings and boards.
That’s because tubes will invariably be cut on each project – eventually making them far less usable. For example, how many boxes of butts do you currently have? Fittings get lost or stolen, and timber boards can rot or be easily damaged. In comparison to system scaffolding, the elements of a traditional scaffolding system will generally need to be repaired or replaced periodically – and those costs add up. System scaffolding is extremely robust and usually fully galvanised, so suffers far less loss and damage and your investment is still delivering value over a long period.
What do you know about system scaffolding?
Of course, most people start their training on tube and fitting and, in England and Wales at least, it’s the most common form of scaffolding used. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, firms have been using system scaffolding successfully for a long time and there are some great case studies showing how it can be adapted across a wide range of projects.
At TRAD, we use, hire and sell both traditional and system scaffolding. That’s because sometimes traditional scaffolding is the best choice for a particular specialised project that may also require a significant investment in special components, and sometimes system is the right choice. Using both broadens our market reach and allows us to use the skills of our teams in the best way.
So here are my thoughts about why it’s worth considering system scaffolding:
It’s a good investment – we’ve covered this above, and I believe that if you can manage the capital cost, you will get measurable value from investing in system scaffolding and have a valuable asset that will provide you with many years of service.
Labour savings – system scaffolding is generally faster to erect and dismantle, and in the majority of instances, much easier and quicker to adapt – particularly on scaffolding that is designed for multi-trade use. In fact, some time and motion studies have shown this to be up to 70-80% quicker! Although, it has to be said, I don’t believe you will gain this level of saving in the real world, as there are a lot of other factors which come into play. However, from my experience the reduction in labour costs on projects can be quite significant, especially when examined in comparison to similar projects completed in traditional forms of scaffold.
Skills shortage – we have seen over the last decade or so a real shortage of available labour. One advantage of system is that it is possible to reduce the reliance on the quantity of highly-skilled labour required. Typically, and depending on the site, the mix of labour for tube, fittings and boards is usually based upon the traditional scaffold gang, which customarily consisted of two qualified scaffolders (one commonly being the chargehand) and a labourer (or trainee). With system scaffold this can be changed. The speed of erection means that fixers require equipment to be available at a much faster rate, so the ratio of skills within the gang can be changed to suit, freeing up the more skilled scaffolders to be utilised more effectively.
Skills and training – system scaffolding is a great way to start people on their scaffolding training. You can cover all the essential principles of scaffolding faster and more safely, helping you to give new people a good grounding in scaffolding before moving them on to tube and fitting.
Opens up opportunities – system scaffolding is easier to handle, lift and manage than traditional scaffolding. This opens up opportunities to recruit from a wider pool of people, including encouraging more women into the industry. This is something I have promoted during my time as CEO at TRAD Group, and when I was President of the NASC – and it’s something I’ll be writing about in more detail in my next article.
Health & Safety – the design and assembly of system scaffolding makes it a safer option on-site. It’s easier to risk assess and to manage, and also makes it safer for regular on-site inspection.
Load capacity – the very nature of system scaffolding means that it has a greater capacity to carry higher loads than traditional scaffolding and, with a minimal amount of equipment, you can, in some instances, quite easily construct Load Class 6 structures straight from the user guide, whereas an extensive design would be required for traditional forms. Be aware though, as there is generally no requirement for intermediate support, that if using metal system decks, and they get beyond, say, 2.5 metres, they may flex, although they are still completely safe.
New market opportunities – there are projects where clients prefer system scaffolding, and if you can’t meet those requirements, you can’t bid for the contract. Being able to offer a wider range of services can help you to access new markets and grow your business. This includes major residential developers, who often prefer the aesthetics of system scaffolding – it becomes a great advert for the project. In fact, a number of developers and house builders now insist on system scaffolding in their tenders.
However, don’t forget to really do your research before you try to break into a new market. A quick story about how I didn’t get that quite right when I started out in system scaffolding:
When TRAD started looking at using system scaffolding, we trialled a number of systems and eventually invested in one. I thought I could take it into any new market and be successful. So I looked at the events sector – which is actually a very niche market that requires a lot of specialist knowledge. I hadn’t done any research, but won a contract to provide a covered stage for a Hell’s Angels annual Chapter concert in Dymchurch.
But my inexperience and lack of research meant that I didn’t use the right roofing materials, and the roof started leaking when the band was on. We were up on the roof for the duration of the concert, trying to patch it so that the equipment didn’t get damaged and the band didn’t get wet.
When the time came to go back over to the site the following week and collect payment, I was very worried. I was met by two Hell’s Angels – each well over six feet and looking pretty mean. They took me into a caravan, and I wasn’t sure I was going to get out again! But they paid me – in cash, in a Tesco bag – and were very understanding. They were total gents, which just goes to show that looks can be deceiving.
All turned out well in the end, but a great lesson in doing your research and not taking on more than you can realistically handle without the right experience, training and sector knowledge.
Where to start?
If you’re interested in investigating system scaffolding, I’ve got a few pieces of advice:
Hire first – it’s a good idea to hire system scaffolding so you can try before you buy. And if you’re a manager who’s come from the tools, make sure you get back on site during the hire period so that you can see how it works for yourself. When we first starting using system at TRAD, Hayden Smith and I spent two months of weekends on-site, using the system with our scaffolders, understanding how it worked and whether it was the right choice for us.
Research – look at all the products available on the market to see what’s best for you. Look at price, availability, hire or buy and the support and advice that’s available. It’s a significant investment, so learn as much as you can before you commit.
Always buy from a reputable manufacturer or supplier – this will ensure that you get the best support. Look for companies that have staff who have direct scaffolding experience and back-up – they will understand what you need and give you the right advice, and not just for the first purchase.
Different management approach – with system scaffolding, you need to properly assess the components required before you leave the yard. Because of its nature, you can’t ‘make do’ on site in a similar way that you would with tube and fitting. For system scaffolding, 75% of your assessment of materials and work to be done needs to be done before any material leaves your premises. I can’t emphasise enough how important this is – you need to get it right in order to maximise the value of your investment. If the approach is wrong, the whole experience will be poor.
Ensure your scaffolding designers design around the stock you hold – then you will be able to limit the amount of specialist stock that you have to hire or buy. You’ll also get the best utilisation out of your investment. If you do need to hire, it’s most effective to hire and return on a project basis. And plan ahead as far as you can – as you’d expect, specialist items can have long lead-in times.
Storage and transport – you need to make sure you store it properly. System scaffolding often needs more space than tube and fitting, and you will also need a suitable trailer bed to transport it. However, if stacked correctly, TRAD UK can still transport the weight limit of 12 tonnes on our fleet of trucks, whether it be system or tube, fittings and boards. And, if you consider that you generally require a lesser total amount of componentry with system, it is perfectly feasible to reduce the number of journeys required to site, helping with your carbon footprint!
If you’re looking for a way to expand your business, get into new markets, open up your labour opportunities and give yourself some flexibility, you should investigate how system scaffolding could work for you. I believe that it’s a good string to add to your bow – there’s always going to be a place for tube and fitting, and for highly skilled and qualified scaffolders, but adding system to your portfolio will increase your business opportunities.
There’s lots of information out there, lots of options on the market, and some good quality systems for hire or sale. At TRAD, we’re always happy to chat about how system can support your business – feel free to give us a call.
The courts have disqualified a Scaffolder from Berkshire for 6 years after failing to pay close to £210,000 of tax.
Scaffolder, Vincent Larkin (51), from Bracknell, Berkshire, has received a 6-year disqualification order in the High Court of Justice before Insolvency & Companies Court Judge Jones.
During proceedings, the court heard that Vincent Larkin was the director of a scaffolding company called V Larkin Limited. Trading as Olympic Scaffolding, the firm was incorporated in February 2006.
The scaffolding firm, however, went into liquidation in May 2019 and V Larkin Limited’s insolvency triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service.
Investigators uncovered that Vincent Larkin caused the business to trade to the detriment of the tax authorities when V Larkin Limited failed to pay £209,000 worth of business and employee-related tax from the tax year ending 2016/2017.
Further enquiries revealed that between April 2017 and right up to the point the company was heading into liquidation in May 2019, Vincent Larkin caused the business to make payments totalling close to £489,000 but no payments were identified as having been made to the tax authorities.
Vincent Larkin was disqualified and ordered to pay costs of £7,355.80.
Lawrence Zussman, Deputy Head of Company Investigations at the Insolvency Service, said: “As a company director, Vincent Larkin had a duty to ensure the scaffolding firm declared and paid the correct amount of taxes due. Our enquiries, however, clearly showed that Vincent Larkin systematically abused the tax authorities when the scaffolders failed to pay more than £200,000 of tax.
This type of behaviour from a company director is deplorable and we will not hesitate in taking action against tax abuse.”
NASC’s Managing Director Robin James is stepping down from the job after serving more than 20 years at the UK scaffolding trade body.
During his time at the NASC, Robin has undertaken numerous tasks within the organisation and has overseen significant increases in both NASC membership numbers and staff.
He will officially step down from the job on 31 October 2022.
Over the years Robin has been involved in raising the profile of the NASC Hire, Sale and Manufacturing Committee. Key achievements include the development of the NASC Code of Practice Product audit. This sets minimum standards for core scaffolding product supplied to the UK scaffold contracting sector by NASC supplier members.
Externally, Robin has engaged with UK industry stakeholder bodies, including the HSE, CLC, Build UK, CITB, AIF, JTC and CLG, helping to both forge and develop key relationships for the benefit of the NASC contracting membership within the construction sector. Alongside Dave Mosley, NASC Director of Training, Robin has helped to raise the profile of both the NASC and CISRS within Europe, where he sits on the board of the European umbrella scaffolding group UEG and helps to ensure that NASC requirements are perceived as a minimum baseline for the European scaffolding sector.Over the years, Robin has alongside committee members of the NASC overseen the development and maintenance of a vast body of NASC industry guidance, covering a wide range of Health & Safety, Technical, Product and Contractual topics. This includes iconic titles such as SG4, SG6, TG20 and TG1 which are widely used through the industry. These guidance titles continue to set new benchmarks for industry best practice, both here in the UK and abroad.
David Mosley will be acting Managing Director of NASC in the interim whilst the new MD is appointed. He said: “ I have worked with Robin for over 20 years, the organisation has changed immeasurably during his time at the helm. It been a pleasure working with Robin. Myself, the staff and the wider membership send him and his family our very best wishes for the future.”
UK Manufacturer Hydrajaws Limited has appointed a new Service Agent in the Republic of Ireland.Masonry Fixing Services Ltd, a family-run business will now be heading up the localised Hydrajaws service, sales, and calibration from its premises in Ireland.
Hydrajaws’ Adrian Morgan, Andrew Middleton, and Simon Harris recently visited the Masonry Services Technical team to give comprehensive training on the Hydrajaws offering. This included sales training, equipment maintenance, and calibration services and support, together with a detailed demonstration of the Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital Report System and App.
Adrian said ‘We’re delighted to have Masonry Fixing Services Ltd as one of our official partners. Our visit was a great opportunity to reinforce our relationship as well as assist them in setting up their Hydrajaws Service Agent status. We’re looking forward to working with them to grow their business offering’.
Managing Director of Masonry Fixing Services Ltd, Bryan Carroll said ‘We’re excited to be the Hydrajaws Service Agent in the Republic of Ireland. This partnership complements our fixings offering as we are the exclusive distributor for Fischer and Spit fixings in Ireland since 1979.’
Hydrajaws provide the knowledge and support to ensure their Service Agents benefit greatly from promoting and selling Hydrajaws products and ancillary services. Localised services ensure that Hydrajaws’ customers benefit from a quicker turnaround, reduced shipping costs, and local knowledge.
Hydrajaws Ltd is the world’s largest and most trusted British manufacturer of hydraulic pull testers for load-testing anchors and fixings. With twenty-nine staff occupying a newly built 20,000 sq. ft HQ in Tamworth, Staffordshire UK Hydrajaws runs its’ manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, training, and service operations under one roof.
The UK’s largest trade body for the scaffolding industry the Scaffolding Assocaition is urging its members and the wider industry to engage with the #Big Conversation – an intuitive being led by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
The #Big Conversation is a chance for employers, training providers, business representative bodies, apprentices and anyone else who uses or is affected by technical qualifications to give their views and help shape the skills system.
They want to hear what’s working, what isn’t and how the system supports or could better support your business and the scaffolding and access sector among others.
Themes include:
Qualifications: Breadth and range of qualifications
National System: How far the skills system supports national priorities, such as the levelling up agenda
Progression: How far the system allows you, your organisation, or your region to progress
Confidence: How confident you feel that the system can deliver what your business or region needs
Quality: Quality of the system and the qualifications which support it
Those wishing to take part can register their details here and someone from IfATE will be in touch to have a conversation – it’s that simple. Views will be analysed and used to create a report which will be published in March 2023.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “It’s vitally important that industry engages with this opportunity and has its say on what works well and what doesn’t. This industry faces a significant and growing skills and labour shortage and a fit for purpose apprenticeships system will be an essential ingredient to help resolve this.”
A podcast for the construction industry has been launched this week by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Supporting the Work Right Construction: Your Health. Your Future campaign, this new episode discusses the impact and the prevention of the serious aches, pains and strains that can affect every part of a construction worker’s life.
In the episode, Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics and Human Factors Consultant at HSE, which is Great Britain’s workplace regulator, and Peter Crosland, National Civil Engineering Director at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), talk about what the construction industry can do to promote change and protect its workforce.
Last year, 40,000 construction workers reported suffering with serious aches, pains and strains, more formally known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The conversation covers the impact that these injuries can have on workers, employers’ legal responsibilities and the sensible control measures that can be introduced regardless of the size of the construction site.
The podcast launches as HSE inspectors carry out 1,000 inspections this month and next, checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials.
Matt said that if moving and lifting is managed properly, a physical job on a building site should not result in aches, pains and strains which affect every part of workers’ lives.
He said: “They can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, they can be unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.“They can struggle to sit down and stand up, they can struggle to keep still and move around. The most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected – they might be desperate to go the toilet but find themselves unable.“It’s not something that many people feel comfortable talking about, perhaps particularly on a building site, but if your back has gone or if you’re in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.”
Listen to the podcast here: https://hsepodcast.podbean.com/e/manual-handling-in-construction/
Staffordshire-based Hydrajaws Limited has recruited a new Managing Director tasked with the job of continuing the successful growth of the business.
Stephen Hynes has joined Hydrajaws Limited with an extensive background in a diverse range of industries from automotive, and chemicals to off-highway and logistics experience in B2B manufacturing and distribution. Within these industries, he has gained knowledge of global export markets and has led commercial teams and manufacturing operations in large corporates and SMEs.
“It’s a very exciting time to be joining Hydrajaws Limited,” Stephen said. “We have an excellent established team and a trusted name within the pull testing industry. I am looking forward to leading and evolving the business during its next stage of significant development.”
Adrian Morgan, CEO of Hydrajaws Limited added “At a time when Hydrajaws is growing and expanding its footprint across our customer base worldwide, it is appropriate, as an important part of our growth strategy, to establish this new leadership role for the business.”
Hydrajaws Ltd is proud to be the world’s largest and most trusted manufacturer of hydraulic pull testers for load-testing anchors and fixings. With twenty-nine staff occupying a newly built 20,000 sq. ft HQ in Tamworth, Staffordshire Hydrajaws runs its’ manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, training, and service operations under one roof.
Established in 1988, the company supplies several large OEMs in the anchors and fixings sector, its comprehensive range of equipment working on several major construction projects, most recently Crossrail and now HS2. As well as growth in the UK market, exports have grown significantly with the business now supplying over 70 countries.
Scaffmag speaks with Layher Ltd UK’s new Operations Director Katherine Fox on transferable skills and tenacity.
How linear has your career been, to date? Did you enter the industry at an early age and then take a traditional developmental path, rising through the ranks via a combination of in-house and external training, qualifications, and promotions? Or can you still recall a former life lived in another sector?
More and more people are approaching work listlessly, and if Katherine Fox’s story is much to go by, the most forward-thinking firms in our industry should embrace the opportunity to take in staff from other fields.
As the new Operations Director at Layher Ltd UK, Fox is tasked with delivering the scaffolding giant’s shared leadership strategy. Key to this is UK logistics, operations, stock ordering, depot functions, accounts, Credit control, HR and internal sales.
More importantly, though, she’s taken up the role as a fresh arrival in the construction world, entering at a senior level thanks to past experience garnered in very different environments. And that knowledge brings clear advantages to the company.
Cutting a long story short, while studying at university Fox actually dreamed of being a museum curator, but soon found herself drawn to a management programme at Marks & Spencer. Half a decade on, she moved to Homebase, gradually ascending to roles including learning & development advisor, and then KBB installations specialist.
From there, there were successive years at John Lewis, first as National Installations Manager and then within a discreet team focused on internal start-up activities — essentially, bringing staff up to speed on new niche consumer offerings that required particular skills, points of delivery and knowledge. Or, as she puts it, developing, piloting and rolling out “innovative concepts grounded in customer research, helping to augment the portfolio of services across both John Lewis & Waitrose”.“I’m a prolific ideas generator — there are only ever solutions, no problems,” Fox says, explaining that her last role with John Lewis was Vice President of Business Transformation, before diving into the skills she possesses as a result of that storied resume.
“I am passionate about creating a vision that others can buy into. I think it’s very important to be interested rather than interesting, asking questions and really listening has been a key skill I’ve learnt to help me become an effective leader. “I can lose a whole day listening to my team and seeking to understand what we can do differently to help them be more productive and feel valued. I’ve developed my skills as an agile practitioner and progressive change leader who is passionate about unlocking commercial and people potential.”
Suffice to say, you don’t achieve any of Fox’s success without making an impact, and she’s keen to point out that calculated risk-taking, and being brave enough to try out new ideas, is ingrained in her ethic. As is “a restless tenacity for improving the customer experience”.
“Failures have been few and far between over the years, but that’s not important. Instead, it’s the way we learn from those wrong turns, move on, and apply that knowledge to the next challenge that really counts. Because when your job is rethinking, that’s the only logical approach, and the only way to guarantee solutions are found”.“The home sector has always felt like a distant cousin of the construction sector, so it didn’t feel alien when I first researched the opportunity at Layher Ltd UK,” Fox says.
“I looked at the role and immediately thought ‘I can add real value to the development of this company’. The size of the international business that operates from the head office in Germany is very impressive and I was attracted to the concept of working within a worldwide business but with the autonomy of being a national subsidiary.“Within 5 minutes of my first interview, I knew this was the role for me,” Fox replies when we ask what made her feel construction was a logical sector to move into. “I’ve had the warmest welcome from both the UK and International team — it already feels like home. A real testament to how Sean Pike — Layher Ltd UK Managing Director has engaged and developed the team. “Layher Ltd UK have been extremely open to new ways of working, implementing new ideas and changes in process. Call it ‘transferable skills’ call it a ‘corporate mindset’ if you like, but at the end of the day, it’s about employing the right person for the right role,” Fox adds.
“Sean was transparent at my interview that he was recruiting for someone outside of the scaffolding sector and was looking for someone who has the right leadership behaviour to support growing the business,” she says of how open construction feels to those from other industries, before we move on to how the sector can improve external intake. “I think the most important step is to be open to change and engagement with other sectors. Being open-minded and not accepting the norm will help you to discover the wealth of experience, skills and diversity that are out there to explore.”
Fox also points out that, in an industry that’s used to high risk, being risk averse when it comes to shaking things up seems misguided. And, if one thing is for sure, there’s never been more reasons to consider the benefits of employees from other walks of life.
According to Construction Skills Network’s forecast from last June, the sector needs almost 217,000 new recruits by 2025 just to meet domestic demand. Since then, the world has changed dramatically, and the task of keeping the scaffolding up — literally and symbolically — has only become more complex.
With that in mind, while there’s a clear need for more specialised skills on-site, as ScaffMag has addressed in the past, there’s also an urgent shortage of people with top level management and logistical nouse, many of which can currently be found treading different paths.
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 17
Those attending were wooed and impressed by the dramatic entrance of the new beam as it was slowly lowered from the roof wrapped in a bespoke chocolate bar wrapper ready for unveiling.
The new two-piece multifunctional beam which has been aptly named after the well-known chocolate bar is made entirely from high-grade aluminium and produced at the world-famous Layher Eibensbach factory near Stuttgart in Germany.
The TwixBeam will have many uses for specialist scaffolding contractors including conventional scaffolding, industrial scaffolding/boiler scaffolds and shoring in combination with TG60.
Speaking about the event and the new TwixBeam, Sean Pike Layher UK’s Managing Director said: “We were, as always humbled by the huge attendance and most grateful to all who came for giving up their time to spend with us.
This year, the attendance has grown significantly, and we were delighted to welcome many new faces and celebrate with them many examples of their work with our products, as well as taking the opportunity to highlight our hints, tips and solutions as well as launch our new Twixbeam.
The interest on the day in the Twixbeam was one of the biggest responses we have ever had to a new product launch, topped only by receiving our first order for it on the day, with several other enquiries quickly following”. 
Those attending were wooed and impressed by the dramatic entrance of the new beam as it was slowly lowered from the roof wrapped in a bespoke chocolate bar wrapper ready for unveiling.
The new two-piece multifunctional beam which has been aptly named after the well-known chocolate bar is made entirely from high-grade aluminium and produced at the world-famous Layher Eibensbach factory near Stuttgart in Germany.
TwixBeam is a low weight easy to dismantle and incredibly strong beam that effortlessly integrates into the Layher Allround System.
Users of the scaffolding system will also benefit from its versatility as it works perfectly in tandem with the highly successful Flexbeam that launched in 2018.
Weighing just 12kg/m the new smart multifunctional beam will be available in an array of lengths from 0.8m to an impressive 6.6m.
The TwixBeam will have many uses for specialist scaffolding contractors including conventional scaffolding, industrial scaffolding/boiler scaffolds and shoring in combination with TG60.
Speaking about the event and the new TwixBeam, Sean Pike Layher UK’s Managing Director said: “We were, as always humbled by the huge attendance and most grateful to all who came for giving up their time to spend with us.
This year, the attendance has grown significantly, and we were delighted to welcome many new faces and celebrate with them many examples of their work with our products, as well as taking the opportunity to highlight our hints, tips and solutions as well as launch our new Twixbeam.
The interest on the day in the Twixbeam was one of the biggest responses we have ever had to a new product launch, topped only by receiving our first order for it on the day, with several other enquiries quickly following”. 
Masonry Fixing Services Ltd, a family-run business will now be heading up the localised Hydrajaws service, sales, and calibration from its premises in Ireland.
Hydrajaws’ Adrian Morgan, Andrew Middleton, and Simon Harris recently visited the Masonry Services Technical team to give comprehensive training on the Hydrajaws offering. This included sales training, equipment maintenance, and calibration services and support, together with a detailed demonstration of the Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital Report System and App.
Adrian said ‘We’re delighted to have Masonry Fixing Services Ltd as one of our official partners. Our visit was a great opportunity to reinforce our relationship as well as assist them in setting up their Hydrajaws Service Agent status. We’re looking forward to working with them to grow their business offering’.
Managing Director of Masonry Fixing Services Ltd, Bryan Carroll said ‘We’re excited to be the Hydrajaws Service Agent in the Republic of Ireland. This partnership complements our fixings offering as we are the exclusive distributor for Fischer and Spit fixings in Ireland since 1979.’
Hydrajaws provide the knowledge and support to ensure their Service Agents benefit greatly from promoting and selling Hydrajaws products and ancillary services. Localised services ensure that Hydrajaws’ customers benefit from a quicker turnaround, reduced shipping costs, and local knowledge.
Hydrajaws Ltd is the world’s largest and most trusted British manufacturer of hydraulic pull testers for load-testing anchors and fixings. With twenty-nine staff occupying a newly built 20,000 sq. ft HQ in Tamworth, Staffordshire UK Hydrajaws runs its’ manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, training, and service operations under one roof. 
Suffice to say, you don’t achieve any of Fox’s success without making an impact, and she’s keen to point out that calculated risk-taking, and being brave enough to try out new ideas, is ingrained in her ethic. As is “a restless tenacity for improving the customer experience”.
“Failures have been few and far between over the years, but that’s not important. Instead, it’s the way we learn from those wrong turns, move on, and apply that knowledge to the next challenge that really counts. Because when your job is rethinking, that’s the only logical approach, and the only way to guarantee solutions are found”.
“The home sector has always felt like a distant cousin of the construction sector, so it didn’t feel alien when I first researched the opportunity at Layher Ltd UK,” Fox says.
“I looked at the role and immediately thought ‘I can add real value to the development of this company’. The size of the international business that operates from the head office in Germany is very impressive and I was attracted to the concept of working within a worldwide business but with the autonomy of being a national subsidiary.
“Within 5 minutes of my first interview, I knew this was the role for me,” Fox replies when we ask what made her feel construction was a logical sector to move into. “I’ve had the warmest welcome from both the UK and International team — it already feels like home. A real testament to how Sean Pike — Layher Ltd UK Managing Director has engaged and developed the team.
“Layher Ltd UK have been extremely open to new ways of working, implementing new ideas and changes in process. Call it ‘transferable skills’ call it a ‘corporate mindset’ if you like, but at the end of the day, it’s about employing the right person for the right role,” Fox adds.
“Sean was transparent at my interview that he was recruiting for someone outside of the scaffolding sector and was looking for someone who has the right leadership behaviour to support growing the business,” she says of how open construction feels to those from other industries, before we move on to how the sector can improve external intake.
“I think the most important step is to be open to change and engagement with other sectors. Being open-minded and not accepting the norm will help you to discover the wealth of experience, skills and diversity that are out there to explore.”
Fox also points out that, in an industry that’s used to high risk, being risk averse when it comes to shaking things up seems misguided. And, if one thing is for sure, there’s never been more reasons to consider the benefits of employees from other walks of life.
According to Construction Skills Network’s forecast from last June, the sector needs almost 217,000 new recruits by 2025 just to meet domestic demand. Since then, the world has changed dramatically, and the task of keeping the scaffolding up — literally and symbolically — has only become more complex.
With that in mind, while there’s a clear need for more specialised skills on-site, as ScaffMag has addressed in the past, there’s also an urgent shortage of people with top level management and logistical nouse, many of which can currently be found treading different paths.
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 17 
