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
South-West-based SRK Scaffolding Ltd is one of just five specialist contractors currently providing access scaffolds, temporary roofs, and protection structures at Hinkley Point C – Europe’s biggest construction project, Daniel Norton reports.
On completion, Hinkley Point C will be the first of a new generation of nuclear power stations and the first to be built in the UK for more than 20 years. It will provide much needed low-carbon energy to almost 6 million UK homes.
SRK scaffolding which is one of the South West’s largest privately owned scaffolding firms was employed to provide vital access scaffolds and structures when the massive project started in March 2017. Since then, their scope of works has expanded from the main site in West Somerset which covers a colossal 430 acre site at Hinkley Point C, to Avonmouth docks and even offshore in the Bristol channel.
Working with the multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, SRK Scaffolding has recently been involved in Hinkley Point’s biggest lift at sea. This spectacular engineering achievement saw the precision placement of a 5,000-tonne intake head on the seabed of the Bristol Channel.
The structure is the second of four “intake” heads being connected to 5 miles of tunnels, which will supply Hinkley Point C’s two nuclear reactors with cooling water. The two “outfall” heads have already been lowered into position.
The work to install the system is regarded as one of the world’s most complex marine engineering projects – as the Bristol Channel has the second-highest tidal range on the planet.
Teams of skilled Scaffolders from SRK provided first-class support to Balfour Beatty’s lifting team during the operation.
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing as Graham Sims, SRK Scaffolding Regional Director explains the challenges the company had to overcome, he said: “Due to the time pressures on the project and weather windows for the head’s installations, I only had around 5 weeks to train and mobilise 9 scaffolders to take part in the offshore works. This also included getting the business in a position to be able to conduct offshore scaffolding.”“Also, the vessels are only over here for a few months due to the bad weather out in the channel, so all damage to vessels are time critical to the project and serious delays could push the project back months”, he explained.
“Hinkley Point C safety requires all scaffolding must go through a strict approval process including the Temporary Works departments, meaning each design has to be bespoke to the vessel and go through multiply checks before the construction drawing can be issued.Then 24-hour working is required to build the scaffold as quick and as safely as possible; this is to enable the vessels to get back out and complete the works in the channel”.
SRK Scaffolding Ltd has been operating for over 20 years after being formed by two brothers, Robert and Karl Trott. Originally the business operated from small premises at Bath pool close to Taunton, then moved to larger premises at Durston in 2003 and operated there until moving into a purpose-built office and yard at Chelston in 2016. In 2022 the company expanded its operations to the South of Wales, opening a new distribution yard in Cwmbran.
The company works in many sectors, including Asbestos removal and power station de-commissioning, it also covers many other sectors including – construction, rail, and marine.
Graham Sims concluded in saying, “Being on Hinkley Point C is an excellent achievement and something the company is really proud of. Having been named as 1 of the 5 access providers alongside some of the biggest names in scaffolding makes me extremely proud.”This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 17
CISRS has revealed for the first time ever it’s running a series of subsidised one-day COTS courses over the Autumn and Winter.
In a bid to attract new blood into the scaffolding industry for 2023 CISRS is funding participating training centres to put on COTS courses for only £50 per delegate.
CISRS hopes the nationwide initiative of reduced-price COTS courses will attract more young people straight from school or college into the scaffolding sector, with the right training.
However, existing Labourer card holders can also benefit – as CISRS Scaffolding Labourer (green) Card holders are required to take the COTS course to renew their card every five years.
The COTS course teaches the basics of the industry and how to work safely with scaffolding and access equipment.
The CISRS one-day COTS course Includes:
• Relevant regulations and codes of practice
• General scaffolding responsibilities
• Basic scaffolding terminology
• Servicing of equipment
• Boards & stock
• Quality control
• Health, welfare, hygiene & housekeeping
• Electrical safety
• Mental health awareness
• Fire prevention
• Controlling NVH
• Working at height
• Accident prevention & reporting
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Site transport safety (inc. loading & unloading)
• Equipment & tools
• Manual handling
• Lifting equipment
• Using a rope & wheel
CISRS will also waive the usual costs of the delegate training folders and card application fees normally incurred in the delivery of these courses.
David Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager and NASC Director of Training said: “The commissioning of these subsidised courses will see CISRS reinvest in excess of £100k in 2022. This subsidy is making great use of CISRS generated income – offering a chance to get new people into the scaffolding sector on fantastic value COTS courses.“CISRS is a not-for-profit organisation, and as such we are always keen to look for positive and beneficial initiatives like this to redirect income back into supporting the scaffold training industry. A big thanks to all of the fantastic training centres for participating in this – supporting the industry from the bottom up. We are sure the courses will be successful and inject a burst of new energy and numbers into the sector, assisting with the current labour shortages many firms and the whole construction industry is facing.”The Subsidised CISRS COTS course dates and venues are:
• 3B Training (Blackburn) 12th December 2022
• 3B Training (Doncaster) 11th November 2022
• AIS Survivex (South Shields) 24th October 2022
• All Access Training Services (Glasgow) 4th November 2022
• Aspects Total Training (Coventry) 29th November 2022
• Britannia Safety & Training (Wymondham) 21st December 2022
• Construction College Midlands (Birmingham) 16th November 2022
• CITB NI (Northern Ireland) 5th December 2022
• CWIC (Swansea) November (date TBC)
• Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd (Flintshire) 21st November 2022
• LTC Training Services (Cullompton) 9th December 2022
• LTC Training Services (Plymouth) 16th December 2022
• NCC East (Bircham Newton) 10th December 2022
• NCC South (Erith) 10th December 2022
• NCC Scotland (Renfrew) 9th November 2022
• Richmond Bright (Birkenhead) 31st October 2022
• Safety Services (UK) 30th November 2022
• Safety & Access (Immingham) 7th December 2022
• Safety & Access (Nottingham) 9th December 2022
• Simian (Waltham Forest) 19th December 2022
• Simian (Anglesey) 14th December 2022
• Simian (Warrington) 22nd December 2022
• Simian (Weston-Super-Mare) 25th November 2022
• Simian (Carshalton) 11th November 2022
Delegates will need to contact the training centres directly to check availability, with places offered on a first come first served basis. CISRS centre contact details can be found on the CISRS Website.
Lyndon SGB has unveiled new branding for its Taylor’s Hoists and MASTCLIMBERS™ mechanical access arms of its business.
Designed by its American owners BrandSafway, the modern, yet simple bold new logos aim to align with the existing Lyndon SGB logo in the UK and the rest of the BrandSafway group branding globally.
The open, simple and fresh designs now make up a group of master logos to be used in all forms of marketing and communication for the business.
Lyndon SGB Mechanical Access Director Paul Price said on Linkedin: “We are proud to be able to unveil the brand new logo range for our growing mechanical access division. The old Taylor’s Hoists by BrandSafway logo was a re-working of the existing, original legacy branding that BrandSafway inherited when they acquired Lyndon Scaffolding Plc and Taylor’s Hoists in January 2019. So it is fitting as our hoist operation continues to grow in 2022, that we now have a new logo that represents our prime position in UK construction and within BrandSafway’s leading global access provider’s portfolio. And the addition of an all-new MASTCLIMBERS™ logo is a great, vital new marketing tool for this part of the business too.
“The new logos are a great step forward in showcasing to the UK construction sector the full extent of our hybrid access solutions offerings – scaffolding, hoists MASTCLIMBERS™, QuikDeck® suspended access and rapid edge protection, all under one roof, with full design capability offered in-house by our expert engineering team.
“Our Tier One clients are thrilled to be able to get an access ‘one stop shop’ – offering up the high standards we have carved a reputation for in scaffolding right across all forms of access provision here at Lyndon SGB and Taylor’s Hoists by BrandSafway. The new logos help us represent our total hybrid access solution offerings superbly. We look forward to rolling them both out.”
The TRAD Group’s final fundraising event of 2022 has taken its appeal over £30,000 smashing its overall target of £22,000.
TRAD’s ‘£22k for 2022‘ appeal, which the company set up this year in memory of one of its most popular directors, John Paterson, has far exceeded the original target of £22,000, and the final event of the year proved just how well thought-of John was in the industry.
A very special Golf Day was held at Gleneagles – John’s home club – on October 8th. Teams took part from around the country:
TTAG Scaffolding
RDA Scaffolding
A S Scaffolding
Starfish Construction
Kong Scaffolding
Team Patty (John’s friends)
They were joined by a team of TRAD UK representatives, and by John’s widow Jane, who wanted to be there to meet and thank all the people who had taken time out to support the appeal. Everyone enjoyed a friendly but competitive day, with an auction was held in the evening. The whole day raised around £11,000.
“This Golf Day is a fitting way to end our year of fundraising for the Anthony Nolan Trust, in memory of our dear friend and colleague, John,” said Des Moore, CEO at TRAD Group.
“John would have been delighted to see so many people from across the industry come to play at ‘his’ club, and it was great to share stories and do something so positive in his name. We are especially grateful to Andy Smillie from A S Scaffolding, who donated another £1,500 to help us reach our extended target. All this goodwill just goes to show what a great industry we are part of, and how much John touched all our lives.”Des Moore with Andy Smillie from A S Scaffolding
There is still time to donate to the appeal, which closes in November, when TRAD will present a cheque for the final amount to the Anthony Nolan Trust. Until then, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tradgroup
Scaffolder Simon Boyes has wowed the global construction industry with his world-first intelligent scaffold design software ScaffPlan.
The Australian scaffolder picked up the top award at Trimble’s 2022 Tekla Global Building Information Modeling (BIM) Awards. The biennial competition showcases the world’s most advanced construction projects using Tekla solutions.
ScaffPlan is a revolutionary 3D modelling solution built to resolve many problems that take place in the high-risk scaffolding sector.
Founder of ScaffPlan, Simon Boyes is also the owner of Benchmark Scaffolding and has worked on some of Australia’s highest-profile scaffolding contracts.
“There are a lot of moving parts that happen running a scaffolding business, and I have tried just about every solution on the market to help reduce the stress and hassles, but there was nothing that was the full package to easily design and engineer scaffolding with accurate gear lists and live sharing”, Boyes said.
Initially, Boyes developed ScaffPlan for internal use in his business, however, soon discovered that the need for the product was much larger than he ever could have anticipated.
Earlier this year ScaffPlan launched in Australia and New Zealand, and in rapid succession, ScaffPlan’s international release followed within three months.
Simon Boyes, Founder of ScaffPlan
Boyes added “Being recognised on the global stage for our product is a huge step for us. We have the best team of people working to make ScaffPlan the best design program for scaffolders on the market. ScaffPlan has won its first global award but it won’t be the last.
Our program is getting better all the time and we are excited to work towards supporting the scaffold and construction industry with ScaffPlan. There is much, much more to come.”
ScaffPlan’s solution is one that enables any scaffolding, construction, or engineering company to rapidly develop world-class scaffold designs in 3D, complete with automated safety features, engineering reports, virtual reality and instant collaboration with anyone.
We are seeing the rapid adoption of 3D software across the construction industry as organisations embrace the efficiencies of a paper-free approach by using modern technology, ScaffPlan is finally a way for scaffolders to easily follow suit.
ScaffPlan has been developed in synergy with industry-leading scaffolders, temporary works engineers, and a very talented team of software developers who have brought Simon’s idea into a product that can revolutionise and futurise scaffolding globally.
The Afix Group UK has partnered with Trademagic System Scaffolding to distribute its brand of system scaffolding.
Birmingham-based Trademagic System Scaffolding is a newly established subsidiary that will focus on the hire and sale of AFIX FAST X52 system scaffolding.
Manufactured by the international Afix Group, this multidirectional scaffolding is distinguished by the use of high-quality S355 steel to enhance safety and productivity on site.
Focus on system scaffolding
Trademagic began by manufacturing baseplates many years ago for the scaffolding industry and evolved now to a ISO9001 registered scaffold service point while KGuard® International Ltd is also a part of the Trademagic group of companies.
Trademagic System Scaffolding has been created in order to supply hire & sales of AFIXFAST X52 system scaffolding and components for customers in the construction and scaffolding industry in the North of England.
One-stop supplier
Afix Group is a European system scaffolding manufacturer and one-stop supplier for all types of system and traditional scaffolding which offer engineering, sales, hire and financing in more than 20 countries.
AFIXFAST X52 is the modular and compatible system scaffolding range produced with high-quality S355 steel with an increased yield strength of minimum 400 N/mm² that provides greater safety.
This multi-directional scaffolding range is a cost-efficient solution for temporary works at height and includes all standard components, staircases, scaffolding towers, public stairs and a wide scaffolding accessories assortment.
Trademagic director, Richard Hocknull, is delighted with this new AFIX Group UK partnership. “Supplying system scaffolding was always our intention as a company. We have looked at all systems in the market in-depth and AFIX FAST stuck out with regards to manufacturing quality, price and the high-quality S355 steel used. It clearly shows that is the best value for us as a company and our customers” he said.
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSiF) is urging buyers and end users of PPE and safety equipment to follow a simple process when specifying products to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
Under PPE Regulations, buyers of PPE and safety equipment have a responsibility to ensure that the products they buy are compliant, but many buyers don’t have the knowledge and resources to validate suppliers’ claims.
It is easy to assume that if products look like PPE and safety equipment and are marketed as such, they will provide the protection that’s needed. However, mounting evidence shows that this is not always the case, and the use of ineffective products that put people at risk of injury, or worse, is on the rise.
The simple solution is to ensure that your supplier is a member of the BSiF’s Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. Therefore, if you are a business or organisation in the UK that is buying PPE and safety equipment, the BSiF urges you to:
CHECK your supplier is BSiF Registered. BSiF audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.
BSiF CEO Alan Murray comments: “However you are sourcing your PPE and safety equipment, checking whether your vendor is a Registered Safety Supplier is a quick and easy way of ensuring they are committed to high standards of operation and are compliant with relevant regulations.“Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you wouldn’t buy safety from just anyone. Always specify the shield.”
To find out more about the benefits of specifying a BSiF registered supplier in your supply chain, watch the BSiF’s video The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme: What you need to know when buying PPE & Safety Equipment.
Scaffolding trade body the NASC has published comprehensive advice on how to provide safe and compliant temporary edge protection for flat and sloping roofs with an angle of up to 10°.
The eagerly awaited TG1:22 Temporary Edge Protection includes details of the requirements for Class A type edge protection, constructed with tube and fittings, in compliance with BS EN 13374:2013+A1:2018, together with the basic elements of construction.
This document provides updated guidance and now includes 15 generic design drawings, which may be used to construct edge protection without the need for a bespoke design, provided that environmental conditions and roof/floor structures are suitable.
Dennis Braithwaite, NASC Technical Advisor, said: “Working on roofs is a high-risk activity because it involves work at height. Where work is to be carried out from flat or sloping roofs or open floor levels, there is always a risk of persons or materials falling from the edge and therefore suitable edge protection is required.“I’d like to thank the NASC Technical Committee for their efforts in developing this guidance, which will play a huge part in ensuring scaffolding contractors across the UK construct temporary edge protection that is safe and fit-for-purpose.”
James Attridge, Director at JFE Attridge Scaffolding Services Co Ltd and Chair of the NASC Technical Committee, added: “The re-introduction of TG1 has been a long drawn out and complex procedure as all the Class A designs had to be CAT 3 checked and include wind loading which wasn’t taken into consideration in the previous guidance. “Now that the first set of designs have been completed and approved, the testing for Class B loadings (taken from BS EN 13374) on all the Class A configurations will begin. The official testing is due to start later this year. “Some basic preliminary tests (class B) on a couple of the designs have taken place and proved successful. When TG1:22 has been fully developed and added to the NASC ePortal, it will enable a compliance sheet to be produced from the suite of edge protection types similar to how a TG20:21 compliance sheet is produced for basic scaffolds. “We’re sure this will be widely used by NASC Contractor members.”
TG1:22 is available to NASC members for free digital download via the NASC Shop and the NASC ePortal. The guidance will also be made available to non-NASC members for purchase in the coming months.
The NASC Technical Committee is in the process of producing similar guidance for Class B type edge protection. This is expected to be published next year.
Now that TG1:22 is complete, the NASC’s Health and Safety Committee will update SG27:09 Temporary Edge Protection on Open Steelwork, which provides general advice on safe systems of work when planning the installation of edge protection systems.
Hydrajaws Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer of hydraulic pull testers for load testing scaffold anchors and fixings, has relocated its global headquarters to Tamworth in Staffordshire.
Hydrajaws Ltd, established in the early 1980s has seen massive demand globally for its product range over the years which has driven continuous growth for the business.
Now after outgrowing its previous building, twenty-nine staff now occupy the new HQ in Tamworth, substantial growth from the original three employees in the 1980s.
The firm’s new purpose-built HQ building covers 20,000 sq. ft. on a brown field site in Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth, houses Hydrajaws’ manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, training and service operations.
Exports have grown significantly across the decades, the business is now supplying over 70 countries and across all continents around the globe with distributors in the US, Australia and Continental Europe.
A network of global service agents and field support teams offers comprehensive customer support. The company also 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.
The new building has been designed to incorporate high standards of efficiency using the latest materials, energy (including solar panels), water conservation measures and a major investment in its IT infrastructure. Anticipating growth in electric car usage, charging points for staff and visitors have also been included in the building specification.
Hydrajaws’ first tester was prototyped in 1985 and has been manufactured and developed since 1986 by this family-run business, founded by Chairman Royston Morgan. Significant developments have taken place over the decades and not only to the base design, now with a capacity of 25kN.
Added to the range has been a wide range of adapters and accessories for fixing types from proprietary manufacturers plus additional product for specialised testing, delivering up to 500kN. The full range enables the testing of a simple plastic plug through to M36 heavy duty construction anchors. An important facet of the business is the testing of scaffolding anchor points where any potential for failure can have catastrophic consequences.
Since 2014, Hydrajaws has taken the lead in the digital world, being the first to introduce a sophisticated app where testing can be carried out and the results immediately shared live to a mobile platform or laptop anywhere in the world.
Digital reports include date, time, and GPS location, graphs showing the duration of the test and pass or fail result plus notes and photos taken on site. The app is covered by a comprehensive US patent.
The business began manufacture of its tester in 500 sq. ft. premises in Birmingham in 1986 and has expanded through four separate premises over the ensuing 35 years. The introduction of Health and Safety legislation provided a considerable growth opportunity across the world – the company worked closely with the HSE and the British and European standards organisations on safety cases during the development of the legislation.
Adrian Morgan, CEO (and son of Chairman Royston Morgan) said: “In today’s world of high safety awareness, Hydrajaws is proud to have led the way in testing equipment and techniques that have potential to save lives across the world. The high quality and robust nature of our products has seen demand outgrow our supply capacity, hence our investment in a new HQ operation, helping to ensure continuity of supply and services to our customers. The all-new building not only future-proofs demand but also enables a more efficient and cost-effective flow for our manufacturing and distribution process plus the establishment of more comprehensive training, research and development, service and testing facilities to serve our growing global customer base”.
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 
SRK Scaffolding Ltd has been operating for over 20 years after being formed by two brothers, Robert and Karl Trott. Originally the business operated from small premises at Bath pool close to Taunton, then moved to larger premises at Durston in 2003 and operated there until moving into a purpose-built office and yard at Chelston in 2016. In 2022 the company expanded its operations to the South of Wales, opening a new distribution yard in Cwmbran.
The company works in many sectors, including Asbestos removal and power station de-commissioning, it also covers many other sectors including – construction, rail, and marine.
Graham Sims concluded in saying, “Being on Hinkley Point C is an excellent achievement and something the company is really proud of. Having been named as 1 of the 5 access providers alongside some of the biggest names in scaffolding makes me extremely proud.”
This article was first published in the 
James Attridge, Director at JFE Attridge Scaffolding Services Co Ltd and Chair of the NASC Technical Committee, added: “The re-introduction of TG1 has been a long drawn out and complex procedure as all the Class A designs had to be CAT 3 checked and include wind loading which wasn’t taken into consideration in the previous guidance.
“Now that the first set of designs have been completed and approved, the testing for Class B loadings (taken from BS EN 13374) on all the Class A configurations will begin. The official testing is due to start later this year.
“Some basic preliminary tests (class B) on a couple of the designs have taken place and proved successful. When TG1:22 has been fully developed and added to the NASC ePortal, it will enable a compliance sheet to be produced from the suite of edge protection types similar to how a TG20:21 compliance sheet is produced for basic scaffolds.
“We’re sure this will be widely used by NASC Contractor members.”
TG1:22 is available to NASC members for free digital download via the 
Hydrajaws’ first tester was prototyped in 1985 and has been manufactured and developed since 1986 by this family-run business, founded by Chairman Royston Morgan. Significant developments have taken place over the decades and not only to the base design, now with a capacity of 25kN.
Added to the range has been a wide range of adapters and accessories for fixing types from proprietary manufacturers plus additional product for specialised testing, delivering up to 500kN. The full range enables the testing of a simple plastic plug through to M36 heavy duty construction anchors. An important facet of the business is the testing of scaffolding anchor points where any potential for failure can have catastrophic consequences.
Since 2014, Hydrajaws has taken the lead in the digital world, being the first to 
