Fatal incidents at construction sites in London and Birmingham have prompted separate investigations involving police and the Health and Safety Executive.
A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a mobile scaffold tower overturned on Putney High Street, seriously injuring two members of the public.
Fatal incidents at construction sites in London and Birmingham have prompted separate investigations involving police and the Health and Safety Executive.
A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a mobile scaffold tower overturned on Putney High Street, seriously injuring two members of the public.
Fatal incidents at construction sites in London and Birmingham have prompted separate investigations involving police and the Health and Safety Executive.
A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a mobile scaffold tower overturned on Putney High Street, seriously injuring two members of the public.
Fatal incidents at construction sites in London and Birmingham have prompted separate investigations involving police and the Health and Safety Executive.
A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a mobile scaffold tower overturned on Putney High Street, seriously injuring two members of the public.
Last year, to help businesses who were suffering with cashflow difficulties due to Covid-19, the Government announced that they would defer VAT payments for 12 months.
Now, nearly 12 months later, businesses that did defer their VAT payments need to start planning, as these payments will be due by 31st March 2021. However, businesses don’t need to worry about being hit with one massive VAT bill. They are able to spread the payments over the year by paying it in 11 interest-free instalments.
If you want to pay by instalments, you need to meet the following criteria:
Have deferred VAT to pay
Be up to date with VAT returns
Opt-in before 1 March 2021 (this is not currently open, but will be soon!)
Pay the first instalment before the end of March 2021
Be able to pay the deferred VAT by direct debit
It is worth remembering to register for VAT at the appropriate time.
AIMS MD Henry EjdelbaumAIMS MD Henry Ejdelbaum said of the changes “Clearly these are welcomed changes to ease financial pressure, especially on businesses which have been forced to close for yet another lockdown. However, the requirements are specific and need to be followed properly for businesses to qualify – it’s easy for businesses to get it wrong without meaning to.”
Businesses must opt into the instalment plan to participate and will be able to do so until 21 June 2021. Clearly, as the instalment payments start from 19 March, the sooner that a business opts in the smaller each instalment payment will be: i.e. spread over 11 months if you opt-in immediately but only 8 months if you don’t opt-in until June. Each business will need to think about what works best for them.
Additionally, an online service opened on 23 February 2021 and closes on 21 June 2021.
Some more positive news – Many businesses probably have applied for a Bounce Back Loan (BBL). For those that did, there is now a six-month delay for repayments, and loans are now able to be extended from six to ten years to reduce monthly repayments by nearly 50% – Payments can be tailored to individual circumstances.
Henry Ejdelbaum is MD of AIMS Accountants for Business, who have 200 local accountants based all across the UK and specialise in helping small business owners with their tax affairs.
Scaffolding training establishments have now been given the green light to reopen following the national lockdown restrictions imposed in January.
Around half of the CISRS registered scaffolding training centres across the UK have been temporarily closed due to the national lockdown.
But thanks to the recent Government’s roadmap out of lockdown announcement those centres that had to close are preparing to reopen on 8th March.
As previously reported the lockdown closures had caused a number of issues for many scaffolders renewing cards and booking CPD courses due to the lack of capacity.
We reached out to SIMIAN the UK’s largest privately-owned scaffolding training provider to get their reaction to the reopening news.
Dave Randles Operations Director at SIMIAN said: “We’re delighted to get the green light for the reopening of our training centres. From the outset of the pandemic, we have resolved to follow Government guidance and although it was disappointing that we had to close our doors again back in January, we were happy to play our part in getting the UK on top of the pandemic.We have constantly updated our COVID Security measures over the past 12 months, and will continue to do so moving forward. In the short term, we are currently exploring options for lateral flow testing at our centres and we expect this to be implemented in all locations within the next four weeks or so.
Backlog
Closing our doors temporarily has created a backlog of displaced learners and we are working hard to get them back on track. Demand for future training is high, and we recommend that anyone considering scaffolding training in the future, books early to avoid disappointment.Our customers have been incredibly patient over the past 12 months and we would like to thank them for that, and we’d also like to thank our Apprenticeship employers for keeping their Apprentices engaged and in learning.”
Lyndon SGB has appointed respected and well-known Brand Energy Director,Derek Heaney in the role of National Accounts Director.
Heaney joins Lyndon SGB having made his name with BrandSafway.
Heaney will work on both new and existing Lyndon SGB clients and brings a wealth of access industry experience, with a proven track record inthe scaffolding industryand large-scale developments across the globe.
As the ex-Managing Director of Brand Energy International in India and Egypt, Heaney joins Lyndon SGB having made his name with BrandSafway. He raised the profile of the company and strengthening its position as the region’s top scaffolding and access provider.
Speaking of his new role, Heaney said “I am joining Lyndon SGB at really busy time, but I am thrilled by the massive potential to go further. Lyndon SGB has a tremendous foundation. Our plan is to ensure Lyndon SGB is the scaffolding contractor of choice for major infrastructural and industrial projects, nationwide.
Our ability to offer all types of scaffolding while being supported by mast climbers and our market leading hoist provider, Taylor’s Hoists, means we can provide clients with a unique integrated ‘total access’ service.”
Managing Director Stuart Robinson has said: “Getting someone of Derek’s vast access sector experience on board just as we come out of the pandemic, is perfect for our mission to expand nationwide and support the extensive recovery and growth in the UK construction sector.
His know how, vast contacts book and well-known enthusiasm will be just what we need to serve our top clients’ premier projects in industry, infrastructure, and commercial construction – supporting the country’s economic bounceback.”
BrandSafway purchased Lyndon Scaffolding and Taylor’s Hoists inJanuary 2019combining the businesses with SGB to create a truly national access provider, Lyndon SGB.
Lee Marley Brickwork has just announced a new Scottish scaffolding division in Glasgow.
The scaffolding and brickwork contractor LMB has appointed Billy Dolan as Operations Manager of their new Scottish scaffolding division based in Glasgow. It’s the next step in the company’s national expansion plan.
Billy brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry in a management position, he has worked for a spectrum of multi-national, national and local businesses over his career.
Billy said: “I am delighted to join the Lee Marley team in Scotland and to work alongside Michael Carr. We are extremely excited that we can now offer our clients a full package service of scaffolding and brickwork, as well as being flexible to offer them as standalone services.”
Michael Carr, Commercial Manager – Scotland comments: “Billy is a great addition to our team in Scotland. In the five years that we have been operational in Scotland it has been an ambition of mine to offer a masonry and scaffold solution that mirrors our set-up south of the border. Billy’s wealth of experience in this sector allows us to offer our customers the same high standard from a scaffold perspective that we have become known for through our masonry side of the Scottish business.”
Billy is excited to be part of the company’s continued expansion plans and with the investment that LMB have put into the Scottish market, he has high hopes for the future. As of next month, LMB will be working on several projects in Scotland that cover new build housing and social housing.
The team are delighted to announce they will be working on a scaffold and brick package for Morrisons on their Winchburgh schools project.
In Scotland, Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd are working on many brickwork projects including a number of projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
LMB Joint Managing Director Dan Clarkson added: “Having worked closely with Bill over a number of years it is great to have him join our team in Glasgow. His technical and safety knowledge is second to none and his appointment allows us to replicate the combined brickwork and scaffolding offering that has proved so successful in London and the South East. It will also allow us to offer scaffold only services to a wider range of clients on new-build, refurb and maintenance projects across the Central Belt”
The company has set up group-wide Project Units to help drive its approach to a range of business issues.
TRAD Group (‘TRAD’), one of the UK’s leading scaffolding and access companies, has announced a new safety initiative for 2021.
The initiative was driven by internal committees set up to tackle key business issues, the company said.
COVID permitting, the Group is set to begin a roadshow around the country, visiting all its depots and offices to deliver engaging content on safety and wellbeing.
The initiative, called the Personal Engagement Programme – or PEP talks – is focused not just on industry-led health and safety issues, but also on general wellbeing and mental health, something that has been a focus for CEO Des Moore for some time.
“One in four of us suffers from a mental health issue,” he comments. “That means that, on any given construction site or office, there are likely to be several people who may be struggling and not know where to turn. That’s why it’s important that employers support their people not just with their personal health and safety, but with their ongoing wellbeing, and that’s a vital part of our new approach.”
The initiative is the result of TRAD’s new Project Unit approach, which involves representatives from all areas across the business. These teams come together to review existing initiatives and improves the way that the business works both internally and with other site workers, customers, suppliers and the general public.
“We already have a fantastic range of health and safety programmes in place,” says Steve Kearney (Group Safety and Quality Assurance Director). “The Project Unit has picked the best and most successful parts of these programmes and enhanced them with a wider approach. We’ll be re-inducting staff, which is a big project, but is important to ensure that everyone is on board and understands the protections and support in place across the company.”“Alongside positive communications and support from managers and supervisors, so that they are leading by example, there will be monthly visits to the depots, sites and the team to ensure that the staff’s health, safety & wellbeing is much higher than just a satisfactory level.”
The company says it wants to engage fully with its staff, and for the staff to be open and recognise they can talk, whether it be something personal, or whether it be about the business in general and ways to potentially improve the way things are currently done.
“We believe in reward and recognition,” adds Des Moore, “so will be instituting quarterly awards and prizes for people who demonstrate a great attitude to safety and wellbeing, and who put themselves out to be a beacon for best practice. Our aim is to make things better for our people and in turn for our sites, our customers and everyone coming into contact with our work and our people.”
Safety decking systems manufacturer G-DECK has delivered a £1,000,000 investment plan to increase its capacity, reduce lead times and underpin quality assurance as the company continues to grow.
Based in Leicester with manufacturing facilities in the Polish city of Walbrzych, G-DECK has experienced such high demand for its safety deck systems that the company has invested in a second factory and a state-of-the-art laser fibre Kimla Power Cut machine.
The investment programme will dramatically increase the company’s output capacity, ensuring production remains cost-effective and lead times remain short as demand continues to increase.
Ty Wilson, sales director of G-DECK explains: “We manufacture three G-DECK systems – our standard metal decking system, our G-DECK Dual system, which combines our trademark metal decks and patented brackets with scaffold tubing, and our G-DECK Lite system with plastic coated metal legs. Demand is high for all three systems because they combine high safety standards with ease and speed of installation.
“We are committed to ensuring our customers receive the products they need on site on time so, as we continue to grow, we’re reinvesting in the business to keep that promise and maintain the quality standards that have made us first choice for so many construction contractors, housebuilders and scaffolding companies.”
The new factory brings G-DECK’s total manufacturing operations to 80,000 sq ft, along with 72,000 sq ft of office, fabrication and stockholding accommodation at the company’s Leicester headquarters.
The new Kimla Power Cut machine will enable precision cutting of metal G-DECK components up to ten times faster than before, enabling the company to increase the volume of product produced, maintain short lead times and provide exacting standards of quality assurance.
“Having built a reputation for quality, service and innovation,” Ty adds, “we are now focused on how we maintain those standards while scaling up production to meet demand. The new factory and machine are now fully commissioned and we have an efficient logistics operation to bring the product to the UK market, enabling us to supply customers quickly and efficiently.”
Scaffolding contractors, Millcroft, is to take on 12 young people over the next two years under the Government’s Kick Start Scheme, creating opportunities for young people and investing in skills for the sector.
Launched last September, the Government scheme aims to help young people aged 16-24 to take their first steps on the career ladder by generating six-month paid work placements in a trainee role.
The new recruits will work a 25-hour week at Millcroft and receive training, along with the potential to go on to a full-time, permanent position.
Millcroft is currently in the process of recruiting the first six Kick Start trainees, who are expected to join the business in March.
The company say they will carry out a full selection process to bring on three trainee scaffolders, a trainee quantity surveyor, a trainee estimator and a trainee administrator, all of whom will undergo an induction, including health and safety training for those in on-site based roles.
Billy Jones, managing director of Millcroft comments: “As a company, we are committed to training and personnel development and have a long track record of developing young people through apprenticeships. We have our own training centre on site and an excellent staff retention record because we offer every member of the team the opportunity to progress in their career with us.“We were alerted to the Kick Start scheme by the NASC who are keen for scaffolding companies to take advantage of the initiative to develop the next generation of skills for the sector. It’s the ideal solution for us because it allows us to provide young people with the lucky break they need to start a rewarding career, while adding to the team as we continue to serve clients across the construction, transport, industrial and heritage sectors.”
The Kick Start recruits will be mentored by experienced members of Millcroft’s skilled team and a second cohort of young people will join the company in 2022.
Henry Annafi, training officer at the NASC adds: “The Kick Start Scheme is the ideal opportunity for scaffolding companies to bring fresh talent into the sector and create real social value in the process by generating opportunities for the 16-24 year-old demographic who have been hardest hit by the economic impact of the pandemic.“With their focus on training and apprenticeships, it came as no surprise to us that Millcroft got on board with the scheme and we’re looking forward to seeing their new recruits flourish in such a supportive company culture.”
Neil Sambrook from National Construction College said: “CCM realise that scaffolding is a safety-critical industry and is supporting employers by continuing to offer a suite of CISRS training programmes.
As you would expect, the safety of all is paramount in these difficult times and the centre is following all the relevant COVID secure guidelines to ensure everyone on site is protected but remain able to obtain the correct card to ensure construction projects continue as scheduled.”
The college offers the full range of CISRS programmes, from new entrants on COTS courses, through to the Advanced Scaffolder training, supervisory programmes and scaffold inspection courses. The college can also offer SSSTS and SMSTS courses throughout the lockdown via remote delivery sessions.
Neil Sambrook added: “As you would expect, CCM is constantly reviewing the situation and reacting swiftly to government guidelines, ensuring that safety of all attendees remains of the highest priority.”
More than 50 scaffolders are now in their fourth week of strike action at British Steel’s Scunthorpe steelworks.
The scaffolders, members of Unite and employed by Brand Energy have been striking for the industry-agreed Blue Book rate of pay, an increase of around £2 an hour.
They are responsible for the maintenance of over 500 scaffolding structures at the Scunthorpe site. But the dispute has been ongoing since 2019.
According to Unite since 2019, Brand Energy has refused to engage with the union over the pay dispute, leaving them with no option but to ballot for strike action.
As previously reported the scaffolders began strike action in late January and having already taken three weeks of 48-hour strike action, the workers are now ramping up to three days of walk outs.
Workers aim to hit Brand Energy with the increased action, who are losing the maintenance contract on the site to Activo.
They hope the increased action will send a clear message to the new contractors and getting the rate for the job.
Scaffmag understands that Activo has offered talks in advance of starting the new contract in March.
Tim Burt steps up to CEO at IDH as the company eyes South West expansion.
Independent Design House (IDH), the engineering design consultancy based in the UK and Poland, is consolidating a successful 2020 with the appointment of Ian Fernandes-Johnson as managing director, as Tim Burt moves into a new CEO position at the company.
Now over 30 people-strong, the business has also welcomed a new Engineering Manager as it eyes further expansion in the South West.
Working with industry-leading clients such as ISG and Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd, IDH has just opened its first office in Bristol, led by Fernandes-Johnson.
This will be a new addition to its UK operations, currently centred in Maidstone, which works closely with its hub in Krakow, which is now known as Independent Design House Sp. Z o.o.
The firm provides both temporary and permanent works design; with full 2D draughting and 3D modelling services along with all BIM requirements.
2021 will also see IDH increasing its work for the steel industry, continuing to offer services ranging from structural frame design to connection design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and further temporary works design, plus full draughting services.
It will also offer design and support for all bridge installation schemes, both steel and concrete.
Leading UK operations will be new managing director, Fernandes-Johnson, who has a strong background in steel and bridge engineering and is highly experienced through working with companies such as Bourne, Cleveland Bridge, ISG and engineering consultancies in the nuclear sector.
He has been tasked with expanding and developing the business, with a focus on the West Country.
Fernandes-Johnson comments: “Building on my experiences working in some major construction companies I felt it was the right time for me to step up to a managing director role.
I’m particularly excited about joining such a great team, opening a new Bristol office, and developing our offering to the industry in this part of the country, building and on our work in London and the South East. I’m looking forward to working with existing customers and offering our services more broadly.”
Meanwhile, as CEO, Burt will be overseeing the business as a whole, as well as focusing on a new property development arm, with builds starting in early 2021.
He comments: “2020 laid the groundwork for a brilliant new year, and we’re so pleased we can bring Ian on board as MD while I expand my role. We will be focusing on developing our UK team to concentrate on design delivery and management, with our core team of highly technical engineers undertaking design and analysis from our base in Poland.”
The new Kimla Power Cut machine will enable precision cutting of metal G-DECK components up to ten times faster than before, enabling the company to increase the volume of product produced, maintain short lead times and provide exacting standards of quality assurance.
“Having built a reputation for quality, service and innovation,” Ty adds, “we are now focused on how we maintain those standards while scaling up production to meet demand. The new factory and machine are now fully commissioned and we have an efficient logistics operation to bring the product to the UK market, enabling us to supply customers quickly and efficiently.” 
