A Welsh scaffolding firm has continued to expand after securing major international offshore deals and opening new headquarters during the Coronavirus pandemic.
BGB Scaffolding – now based at the Port of Mostyn in Flintshire – signed high-profile contracts and framework agreements in the offshore and onshore sectors over the past 12 months. Alongside these exciting opportunities, Managing Director Ben Badham revealed they have been awarded access work in Taiwan – on the Greater Changhua 1 and 2a Offshore Wind Farms – and for the world’s largest offshore wind farm Hornsea 2 off the Yorkshire coast. Ben says the North Wales firm will play its part in the global Green Industrial Revolution, committing to initiatives in the UK and Europe. And to meet demand in the booming Asia-Pacific region, they have launched BGB APAC (Asia-Pacific), reinforcing Ben’s long-term vision to forge new partnerships and support local supply chains, economies, and employment overseas. “We are really excited to be playing a major role in helping to construct offshore wind farms, especially in light of plans by so many countries to increase and speed up the development of offshore wind energy by 2030,” said Ben. “Taiwan is our first port of call, where we are looking to build new relationships and support their green energy development by finally meeting face to face with the suppliers, we’ve been in contact with over the past year. “Long-term there will be a lot of growth within the area, and we aim to play a big part in that, but we also want to give back as much as we can. “Eventually we would be looking to enter into joint ventures with companies and to help train their scaffolders using our experience and expertise – that’s the ultimate aim.” Ben added: “It’s a statement of intent that we have a clear vision; to be able to go out there and deliver during such a challenging period globally is a benchmark for us and the industry.”
Other highlights in recent times included the completion of jobs for LS Cable and System, one of the biggest cable manufacturers globally, a project for the National Grid, and beginning works on the 50MW Kincardine offshore wind farm.
Currently under construction in Scotland, that will be the world’s biggest floating offshore wind farm.
Ben was also delighted to see BGB Scaffolding gain ISO 9001/14001/45001 accreditations with the support of Fulcrum Scaffolding Safety and Training and The Scaffolding Association.
From painting, rope access and blasting to training and even a drone and underwater inspection division, they are very much a multi-disciplined operation and going forward will also focus on larger infrastructure schemes in alternative sectors including rail and construction.
However, safety continues to be their number one priority, and ensuring every one of their 40 direct employees has a career development pathway.
“We are growing and working to internationally recognised standards, and that is pivotal to our future success at home and overseas,” said Ben.
“This is a challenging time, but we are in a strong position and a lot of that is down to us looking further and wider at what opportunities are out there, strengthening and expanding our offering and making sure staff are well-trained and supported.
“Last year we unveiled plans to double in size and that’s the way we are heading; creating lasting relationships with the sector in the Asia-Pacific region will play a big part in that.”
He added: “I would like to thank each and every member of our team for their efforts in helping achieve what we have so far and look forward to creating a long-lasting future with them all at BGB.” 
The Esplanade Hotel is the second high-profile hotel refurbishment Infiniti Group have won in Scarborough and follows the conversion of The Mount Hotel into the Bike & Boot Hotel in 2020.
Established in 2015, Infiniti Group has a 10,000sqft HQ in Scarborough, roofing & construction businesses. The roofing & construction business employs a team of 10 staff including expert builders, roofing, general labourers, as well as an experienced administration and office team.
The group’s ethos of innovation and continual improvement can be seen with Infiniti Roofing & Construction’s approval as an accredited contractor for Sika Liquid Plastics. Its roofing and construction services include full new commercial and industrial construction and roofing installations, repairs, and refurbishments. Infiniti Scaffolding was recently accredited by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). 
“There were a number of logistical challenges to overcome and we couldn’t have done it without our travel agents and SMTL Training, who went to great lengths to ensure the centre is Covid compliant.
“We also need to thank CISRS for completing the 2021 centre audit, paving the way for training to begin again.
“Travel has been extremely difficult over the past year, meaning we’ve struggled to fly CISRS instructors where they’re needed. However, we’re beginning to see restrictions lifted and more centres reopen.
“Every member of the Simian Overseas team has had both Covid-19 vaccinations and is available when required.”
Dave Mosley, CISRS Managing Director, added: “This is excellent news for the centre and scaffolders in the region. Simian/SMTL have set up a first-class centre in Trinidad. We are hoping they can pick up where they left off and continue to flourish in the Caribbean.”
Phillip Archie, SMTL Training Managing Director, said: “It was indeed challenging getting the CISRS trainer into the country. Trinidad borders remain closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and we faced additional setbacks due to the closure of neighbouring airports as a result of the La Soufrière volcanic eruptions.
“Together with the Simian team we were able to get the trainer here, have resumed scaffolding training for our employees and are open to provide similar training to other scaffolding providers in Trinidad.” 
