Scaffolding Training Set To Resume

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Scaffolding Training Set To Resume

Scaffolding training provider Simian is set to re-open its centres on the 1st of June with a pilot week aimed at testing the water before looking at a full delivery of their services.

According to Simian, Their plan is to have one course running each day during that week to check the arrangements they have implemented with eventual full function in mind. If all goes well the company hope to steadily ramp back up to a new normal of scaffold training provision.    Dave Randles, Operations Director And Principal Consultant at Simian told us: “The arrangements we are implementing include physical amendments to the training centre. These will include additional washing facilities, sanitization stations and layout changes to classrooms, site entry and exit processes. This will include a brief questionnaire and temperature readings for delegates. “Social distancing will be maintained and there’ll be the implementation of a one-way system in common walkway areas, temporarily reducing the centre’s overall delivery capacity, until we can ensure we can operate safely under the new measures.” In addition, only customer-facing staff will be required to work at the centres as other support staff continue to be home-based. With quality training playing an essential part right across the modern construction and scaffolding industry, the re-emergence of these services will be a welcome sight. A reopening of CISRS centres is subject to ratification of COVID-19 protection arrangements by CISRS. In light of this, Simian is currently working on risk assessments and the documentation of their processes, where necessary. Simian is a world-renowned scaffolding training and health and safety consultancy provider specialising in workplace access and working at height. Their industry knowledge ensures clients benefit from superior service standards and total peace of mind.  While continuing to provide consultancy support, face to face training has been suspended since late March.

Altrad Services Bags Multi-Year Contract at Fawley Refinery

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Altrad Services Bags Multi-Year Contract at Fawley Refinery

ExxonMobil has awarded Altrad Services a multi-year contract for the provision of access, insulation and painting services at Fawley refinery near Southampton.

The new contract, which commenced on the 1st May 2020, builds on the firms previous contract which encompassed ExxonMobil and Altrad working in a collaborative manner, to deliver a value-enhancement programme over a five-year period. The performance on the contract was recognised in 2019, when Altrad and ExxonMobil received the “Company Collaboration Award” from the Engineering Construction Industry Association (ECIA).  Chris Parsons, Altrad Services Portfolio Manager, commented: “During the past five years, we have worked tirelessly with our colleagues at ExxonMobil to deliver greater productivity and introduce measures to improve the overall efficiency of our service delivery. In 2018, we integrated the access, insulation and painting teams with our mechanical services teams to provide a seamless delivery capability for ExxonMobil operating under a single Altrad management team. ” The award of the access, insulation and painting contract provides continuity of employment for around 150 Altrad staff, and when added to our other contracts on the refinery, supports an overall site team of over 200 personnel.  Altrad Services Bags Multi-Year Contract at Fawley Refinery “The renewal of this contract is a fantastic achievement and pays testament to the significant efforts of both ExxonMobil and Altrad in the continuous improvement journey which has occurred over the past few years. Words like ‘collaboration’, ‘productivity improvement’ and ‘efficiency’ are used, all too often, in our industry to describe contract objectives. However, the performance at Fawley refinery has demonstrated we can turn ‘words-into-action’ expediently when working in partnership with our clients. We look forward to playing a major role in supporting the operations at Fawley refinery for many years to come” added Paul Herman, Regional Director for Altrad Services. 

SEC Group submit evidence to House of Commons into the impact of Covid-19

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SEC Group submit evidence to House of Commons into the impact of Covid-19

The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (SEC) which includes the Scaffolding Association as a member organisation, has submitted evidence to the House of Commons business select committee’s inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on businesses and workers.

The SEC Group has asked the select committee to recommend the following actions to support small businesses and revive construction:  (1) Working with the Local Government Association and local enterprise partnerships, the government should use the new £30bn construction framework to develop national and regional pipelines of work to be undertaken by SMEs.  (2) A reduction in VAT for construction-related work especially repair and maintenance to stimulate demand.  (3) To improve payment security for construction SMEs, the government should now adopt Lord Mendlesohn’s bill, Small Business Commissioner and Late Payments etc. Bill. (This seeks to introduce 30-day payment periods, mandate the use of project bank accounts and outlaw certain payment malpractices.) (4) The government should also adopt the now lapsed Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill introduced by Peter Aldous MP in January 2018. (5) The 2015 Public Contracts Regulations should be amended to enable contracting authorities to make direct payments to subcontractors. (6) The government should urgently start a dialogue with the private sector client organisations who regularly procure construction to find out their future pipelines of work and how they will ensure SMEs within their supply chains are properly paid. (7) The government should consider introducing regulations under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to suspend indefinitely contractual claims and counterclaims arising from the lockdown and require the immediate settlement of debts incurred prior to and during the lockdown. (8) The government should now legislate to introduce a moratorium to give firms on brink of insolvency a breathing space in which to negotiate a way forward with creditors.  While the evidence is emerging of more and more sites re-opening and public sector bodies are keen to keep their sites going, invitations to tender published by the wider public sector in April were down 66% on the pre-Covid-19 crisis level in February, the SEC Group says.  SEC Group president Lord O’Neill said that the urgent priority was now to protect SMEs in the supply chains which provide the bulk of construction’s added value. “I’m now getting several reports of firms running out of cash during the coming months. Therefore, our efforts must be directed towards an approach that involves fast-tracking future workloads and enhancing payment security.”  SEC Group is an umbrella trade group for the largest sector in UK Construction (by value). It currently represents the interests of 6 Trade Associations collectively representing over 60,000 firms and a workforce of 300,000 people. Members include the British Constructional Steelwork Association, Building Engineering Services Association, ECA (the electrical contractors association), Lift & Escalator Industry Association, Scaffolding Association, Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation and SELECT (Scottish electrical contractors). 

Charity Launch New Features on Construction Helpline App

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Charity Launch New Features on Construction Helpline App

A new feature-rich upgrade of the Free Construction Industry Helpline App has been released to support Mental Health Awareness Week

Along with technology partners COINS, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’s free App has been upgraded with some fantastic new features just in time for Mental Health Awareness Week. The new features focus on preventative tools and building resilience in the areas of mental, physical, and financial wellbeing and guides users through a series of questions to provide the best possible information, advice and guidance.  Each section of the app offers learnings about a variety of conditions or issues, self- assessment tools, coping strategies and referral pathways to access expert advice and support.  The charity’s mission is that “no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis” and this new version of its popular self-support app complements their free 24/7 Construction Industry helpline and their free online “Lunch and Learn” wellbeing courses.  Along with the industry-leading Building Mental Health initiative that now has nearly 500 companies signed up to its charter, the charity is already helping to drive significant change through the construction industry, concentrating on making all aspects of support and training relating to wellbeing as accessible as possible by making them free at the point of use.  The latest updates to the app come at a time when the industry desperately needs support. Taking the first step in seeking help with personal issues can be daunting but the app offers people self-learning and coping strategies so that they can help themselves or if necessary, take the next step in seeking professional help.  Key support areas include:  Mental Wellbeing; covering anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, sleep and building  resilience  Physical Wellbeing; covering aches and pains, nutrition, weight management cancer, alcohol and drug addiction. Financial Wellbeing; covering budgeting, debt management, tax and legal advice, retirement planning and emergency financial aid.  The app is not only free and simple to use, it now accesses a major researched library of resources on a vast array of topics and brings them all together in one application. The ‘get help’ function is particularly useful as the built-in geolocator signposts users to support from both national help centres and local support services contextualised to the subject being investigated. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said: “By making all our proactive and reactive construction worker wellbeing and welfare support services FREE and totally confidential, we hope to remove all barriers of access. By doing so we move one step closer to our mission “that no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis”. But we cannot do this without the support of our industry and industry suppliers. A huge thank you is extended to the team at COINS who have worked so hard to ensure that we are ready to share this vital wellbeing support tool at a time that it is most urgently needed. Everyone in construction should have this App on their phone.”  With over 35 years of developing software solutions for construction, leading construction software company COINS are passionate about supporting the industry.” CEO, Robert Brown said: “Collaborating with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity in developing this important app has been a privilege. It is our way of giving something back to the industry that we are passionate about helping. It is a tool that we hope will be a great help to both construction workers and their families when they need it the most, especially during these difficult times” The free Construction Industry Helpline mobile App for Android and iOS is available to download now.

George Roberts NW Secures £1M Loan To Help Them Through Lockdown

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George Roberts NW Secures £1M Loan To Help Them Through Lockdown

One of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of scaffolding and access equipment, George Roberts NW Ltd, has secured £1M from Barclays.

The Government-backed loan via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), will ensure that the business can get through a difficult time for the construction industry.

Based in Liverpool, for over 28 years George Roberts NW Ltd has been supporting and supplying their customers with expert advice, quality stock and reliable, fast delivery to ensure projects run smoothly throughout all sectors. However, with the effective shut down of the construction industry, many of the clients that they serve have not been able to continue with planned projects and consequently have had to defer a number of their capital and development projects, presenting significant cash flow challenges on the business until normal trading resumes.

However, the Board Directors along with Barclays set out to form a strong contingency plan to protect the business during this lockdown period and ensure strong long-term future liquidity going forward and has now secured £1 million through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which will help the business with the cash flow it needs to cover business costs and overcome the loss of all-important spring and summer sales.

Mark Roach, Finance Director of George Roberts NW Ltd, said: “During March and into April following the government lock down we quite naturally experienced a reduction in orders due mainly to most construction sites being totally shut down and inaccessible.

“Fortunately, although significant, this was not as destructive and damaging to our business as to some of our competitors, due to the diversity of markets we operate in i.e., industrial, offshore, nuclear, oil and gas and the food and drink industry.  We are considered an essential service and fortunately able to stay open to service these clients, while carefully following government guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of our loyal workforce.

“Our plan factored into account immediately furloughing a small group of staff, although strong continuous employment still remained vital to handle existing orders and new orders still coming in. The second part of plan involved applying for a ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan’ with Barclays, again guaranteeing liquidity and maintain a platform to ensure the business retains and even improves its status in the market place going forward.

“After presenting our business plan with all supporting assumptions to our Relationship Director at Barclays, the loan was sanctioned and deposited into our account within five days which we were extremely impressed with.  This is even more significant as we are in the process of having our 2019 Financial Statements signed off, and due to the strength of the balance sheet, combined with this loan and the strong long-term relationship with Barclays the ‘going concern’ statement will be very strong.  This will also provide our suppliers even greater confidence in our business going forward.”

Graham Duckworth, Barclays Relationship Director, explained: “I’ve been hugely impressed by both the resilience and the agility of the Board Directors to quickly develop a robust contingency plan to help safeguard the future of the business. From the very beginning, I was in regular contact with the Chairman and the Financial Director to discuss their needs and requirements. We spent time looking at their financial forecasts and put together a successful loan application and now they have the financial headroom to get through this disruptive period and be ready to reopen fully when the time comes.”

HAKI and Enigma Sign Distribution Partnership

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HAKI and Enigma Sign Distribution Partnership

Enigma Industrial Services has entered an exclusive agreement to be the sole distributor of HAKI modular scaffolding systems within the UK.

The strategic partnership will enable both organisations to better serve and support the market as it continues to evolve toward simpler and safer systemised solutions.

HAKI has today said under this agreement, its customers can collect stock from 7 strategically located depots based in Erith (South East), Kenfig (South West), Derby (Midlands), Preston (North West), Newcastle (North East), Edinburgh and Glasgow (Scotland); utilising Enigma’s existing network of locations across the UK.

Increasing stock availability nationwide will simplify logistics and shorten lead times for its customers, HAKI said.

Its customers will continue to order stock through the usual channels but can select a preferred Enigma depot for collection or to arrange delivery. Customers will also be able to purchase and hire stock directly through Enigma as part of the partnership.

All primary product ranges are available from the Enigma locations, including the Universal system, stair towers, Public Access Stair (PAS), Bridge System (HBS), and the HAKITEC temporary roof. Enigma customers will also benefit from HAKI’s expansion into the network with access to a wider range of systems than has previously been available.

Extending beyond the provision of stock, HAKI and Enigma will also continue to collaborate on support services. Knowledge and resource sharing practices will improve technical support, training, and product development; enhancing the overall offering for all stakeholders.

Speaking on the partnership, Thomas Schüller, CEO of HAKI said: “We have, over the last few years, built a very strong relationship with Enigma Industrial Services; leading to them being the largest user of HAKI Universal System Scaffold in the UK.

“During the past 12 months, we have continued to build stronger ties, which has resulted in the development of a joint plan for Enigma to distribute HAKI products nationally. Enigma currently operates one of the UK’s largest scaffolding asset bases with nationwide coverage and shares the joint belief that together, we can provide a better service for our customers and improve safety within the industry. This makes Enigma the natural choice to be HAKI’s UK distribution partner and we are excited about this venture.”

Scott Hardie, MD of Enigma Industrial Services, also commented: “Enigma’s relationship with HAKI has been developing over a number of years. It’s very satisfying that we can now go forward in partnership. I firmly believe that existing and new clients will benefit.

“We are partners who are focussed on delivering safe access solutions, improving availability of HAKI product for sale and hire via Enigma’s network of locations and thereby supporting improved safety and productivity on projects throughout the UK.”

Boost For Energy Sector As UK’s Biggest Training Provider Reopens

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Boost For Energy Sector As UK’s Biggest Training Provider Reopens

The UK Energy Sector is receiving a significant boost this week with the reopening of the UK’s biggest training provider 3T Energy Group.

The reopening comes after they enforced closure due to the Coronavirus lockdown announced by the UK Government on 23rd March. 3T Energy Group trains more than 100,000 delegates every year in energy sector health and safety and best practice. After extensive consultation with its clients, it has reopened its two world-renowned training centres today: Survivex, based in Europe’s oil capital Aberdeen, and AIS Training, in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Today 3T said it had carried out full, detailed Risk Assessments at both facilities, leading to even more stringent measures ensuring the safety of everyone on site. They have decided to operate at around 20% capacity initially to allow for a safe environment. 3T will be adapting to the ‘new normal’ at both sites by introducing a raft of Covid-19 safety measures, that include temperature checks for all visitors and staff, medical questionnaires, reconfigured classrooms and much more. The firm has also invested in technology at its training centres to allow for social distancing – state-of-the-art video technology and tablet use are now in place in every relevant location. The company has also been using the downtime caused by Covid-19 to develop world-first technology-driven training techniques for launch to the market in the near future, parts of which will be rolled into its training centres immediately. The reopening of the centres represents a significant turning point for the Energy sector following Coronavirus-related disruption, showing that it is starting to get back into gear following the lockdown period. Many delegates have not been able to complete essential training and refresher courses that allow them to safely carry out their duties on site. Kevin Franklin, CEO of 3T Energy Group, said: “We would categorically not be reopening if we could not provide a safe environment. We are the number one training provider for a reason and our dedication to safety on site is second to none – the measures we have put in place are a testament to that. These precautions are the new normal.” “Our facilities have been upgraded to combat Coronavirus and have changed completely as a result, without compromising quality of training. For example, customers and staff go through rigorous entrance procedures to maintain the new standard and protect all employees and delegates”. Paul Stonebanks, President of 3T Energy Group, says: “Health and safety training is an essential cog in many industries, but none more so than energy. Delegates need to be able to continue their development and access refresher training on their skills so that they are ready to go back on to site, whether that’s offshore or onshore.” “Over the past few months, we have been developing new technology that will truly revolutionise training in the energy industry. We’ll be rolling that out in due course, but for the time being we’ve included some of this into the training centres to ensure customers receive the very best service in the market.” “We’re glad to be doing our bit to help the sector and the local and UK economy get moving again.”

Self-employed Support Scheme Opens

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Self-employed Support Scheme Opens

The HMRC’s self-employment support scheme is now open for claims.

Thousands of self-employed scaffolders are hoping to receive backdated cash of up to £7,500 which could be paid into their accounts within two weeks. To help with the Covid-19 crisis the Government is offering to pay self-employed workers a grant of 80% of average monthly profits over the last three years up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. The scheme is currently only open for a further three weeks, unless the Government extend the scheme like the furlough scheme that was extended yesterday until October. To qualify, individuals need to have made a trading profit up to £50,000. It is only available to those who made the majority of their income from self-employment. HMRC have launched a very handy checker to see if workers are eligible before completing an application. All you need to enter is your UTR number and National Insurance Number. Find out how much you can claim by clicking here!

Scaffolder Loses Battle With Brain Tumour

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Scaffolder Loses Battle With Brain Tumour

A well-liked scaffolder has died after a long battle with a brain tumour.

Wayne Evans, 42 from Barnsley sadly died in a Neurology hospice in the town on Monday 11th May. Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, his family was not with him when he died. Evans had worked in the scaffolding industry since the age of 17. Beginning his career as a labourer, Wayne had worked his way up to become an Advanced Scaffolder and Supervisor. Over the years the well-liked scaffolder had worked for many companies including Benchmark Northern, Cape, Interserve and SGS. As previously reported Evans had suffered for four weeks from constant headaches prior to visiting the Opticians in 2017 where his tumour was found by chance. He underwent emergency brain surgery at Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital to remove the golf ball-sized tumour. While recovering he subsequently made a plea using ScaffMag to warn others to get checked out. A close family friend told ScaffMag that over the course of the two difficult years after his surgery, Evans fought the ultimate battle with his condition until December 2019. He no longer responded to treatment and was admitted into hospital for the final time. Tributes from family and friends within the scaffolding industry have poured in over social media after the news of his death spread. A close friend and scaffolder who is a semi-professional DJ, Paul Orwin organised a full tribute set streamed live over Facebook on Monday. Paul said: “After hearing the sad news about Wayne’s passing in such strange times there was only one thing to do in my mind bring all our friends together with a Facebook live DJ set in tribute to Wayne. I played the music he loved replacing the upset with happiness to all our friends to celebrate his life the way he would have wanted it.”

Steve Gregory, Scaffold Instructor, and Health & Safety Consultant at ScaffSafe Ltd said: “The last couple of years since the operation has not been the easiest for Wayne. He has fought throughout and all his friends have been given so much support.

Once we were informed late last year that another tumour had formed which could not be operated on. We were told to make provisions for the end of life. During the final months of his life, the care team and his closest friend Mark Hale have been fantastic and a massive rock to the rest of us.”

As we prepare to say goodbye to another ScaffBrother this one will be difficult bearing in mind the current COVID 19 Situation. Wayne gave me one final request and he wanted the biggest party ever. I hope we can at some point in the not so distant future we are able to complete it and let everyone fulfil his legacy in his honour by dancing their legs off.”

“We both previously laughed at the word WayneFest. Time will tell if dreams can become a reality.”

ScaffMag would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Wayne’s family, friends and work colleagues. RIP Wayne Evans! 

Godiva Group Falls Into Administration

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Godiva Group Falls Into Administration

Godiva Group has gone into administration leaving around 35 staff jobless.

The Coventry based business with offices also in Manchester and Leeds called in the administrators on Thursday 7th May. Work on all ongoing projects has stopped the company has said.

The award-winning firm which was established in 2014 recently completed works on Coventry’s tallest new build and at peak trading employed more than 100 people. The business offered a full range of access, scaffolding and temporary works solutions in the West Midlands.

In 2019 they turned over £6 million in revenue and scooped two Coventry Business Excellence Awards.

ScaffMag understands that in recent months the scaffold contractor had suffered from challenging trading conditions resulting in reduced margins and contract disputes with slow or non paying clients. And the onset of the current Covid-19 crisis has delayed the commencement of a number of significant projects for the firm has subsequently sent Godiva to the wall.

Colin Taylor, Group Managing Director at Godiva said: “The already problematic trading conditions we faced has been greatly exacerbated by the Coronavirus lockdown which has made our financial position unsustainable.

“It’s with great regret we have been forced to close the business. I would like to thank all our loyal employees that remained with us until the end for their hard work and dedication.

“I will be providing any assistance to all our employees during this exceptionally difficult time.”

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