Somerset House in London has been covered in an ultra-realistic scaffold wrap.
The iconic Neoclassical façade of Somerset House is instantly recognizable overlooking the Southside of the Thames. And while the building is currently undergoing some restoration work, you may not have noticed thanks to the ultra-realistic scaffold wrap that covers the construction work beneath.
The man behind this impressive faux façade says it’s been one of his most challenging jobs to date, involving countless hours of photo-editing, printing and installation by skilled professionals.
“This type of wrap is called a trompe L’oeil building wraps and they are somewhat of a specialised craft,” explains Project Print Management (PPM) owner and creator, Justin Murray.
“The process begins with a team of engineers and designers collecting accurate measurements and photos of the building façade, which are then carefully edited to create the perfect realistic perspective, colour and scale. A framework is then built over the building scaffolding that will hold the printed wrap exactly in place to create the optical illusion during the construction work. Our team then coordinates a skilled specialist rope access team to install the enormous print on the frame.”
Scaffold Wrap is digitally printed for Somerset House
The scaffold wrap was digitally printed on 5-meter-wide format printer using UV ink technology onto Verseidag mesh PVC banner material, which can let the wind pass through. These types of facade building wraps are often used when historical buildings are undergoing refurbishment or maintenance work.
Since these buildings are often visited by tourists, it’s important they maintain their characteristic visual aesthetic, so the scaffold wraps cover up any unsightly scaffolding, making it almost invisible.
Somerset House is one such grade 1 listed building, open to the public and regularly hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year from ice-skating in the winter to the Film4 summer screenings, where the courtyard is transformed into a stunning open-air cinema, housing London’s largest open-air screen.
“Most of our work is on period buildings, and it’s always challenging to get our print to visually represent the actual building. This is the ‘art’ of the process – making it look like nothing’s there,” says Murray.
He founded PPM in 2011 after leaving the print company he had started at age 19 and run for 18 years, deciding to become a specialist large-format creative print coordinator.
10 Years of Creatives Talents for Justin
Almost 10 years on and Justin is still enjoying using his business experience and creative talents for a range of exciting large format printing challenges, including his specialty of trompe L’oeil building wraps.
“Lots of companies handle quite complex large-format print jobs, but not many do the kind of thing we specialise in at PPM,” enthuses Murray, who has created building wraps for clients including; The Monument to the Great Fire of London, Everton Football Club Stadium and the BNP Paribas building.
CISRS tells industry to ‘bear with us’ after delays with its new Smart card system emerges.
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has this afternoon contacted training providers to notify them of a delay to the production of its new Smart cards. The new digital cards will not be available until mid-February.
The new cards were supposed to be in production this month after NOCN Job Cards took over from the CITB when it withdrew from providing the card scheme administration services on 2nd December 2019.
When they are available, the revamped cards will use NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. When the Smart card is tapped on any NFC enabled device like modern mobile phones and tablets, the cardholder’s name, photo, courses, and endorsements will magically appear on the screen of the device.
It’s understood that the ‘change of IT systems’ is being blamed for the current delay. According to an email seen by ScaffMag, the new system with NOCN job cards is not properly able to access the 40+ years of CISRS data and is proving more problematic than CISRS envisaged.
Further testing is currently being carried out while extra staff has been drafted in to help alleviate the backlog of CISRS card applications, the email reads. Interim non-Smart cards will be issued until the new system is fully functional. These will be then replaced with Smart cards free of charge, it says.
CISRS has also stated, if employers or individuals want to confirm someone has completed training or applications have been received, they can call the helpline 0844 815 7223. Alternatively, they can email [email protected] and put “CISRS confirmation of application” in the subject line so that it gets to the correct team.
Dave Mosley CISRS Manager reached out to ScaffMag and said: “It is not the start to the new year and the new scheme we were hoping for and I realise it is very frustrating for all concerned.“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and ask that the scaffolding sector and the wider industry to bear with us a few more weeks until the issues can be resolved.”
Scaffolder Callum Jones is due to appear on ITV’s hit TV show Love Island.
The 23-year-old scaffolder from Manchester is employed by Connolly Scaffolding Ltd. He is set to enter Love Island’s swanky Cape Town villa this coming Sunday.
Scaffolder Callum Jones, Credit: ITV
According to reports, Callum hadn’t told his workmates he was going into the villa and they expected him in work on Monday. He has self-described himself as a “cheeky chap” and says he has “builders banter but is down to earth”
For those that don’t know, Love Island is an ITV reality TV show which sees single participants couple up in an effort to find love – and win the £50,000 prize.
Many previous participants in the show find fame and fortune after the show ends. But will Callum also succeed or will he be back scaffolding on a construction site in a couple of months?
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has appointed Dennis Braithwaite as its new Technical Advisor
Mr.Braithwaite has extensive scaffolding and access knowledge within the industry with 40 years of experience, predominantly working for Cape Industrial Services Ltd. He has a wide and varied experience which includes involvement within the oil and gas, chemical, power generation, and offshore sectors both in the UK and overseas.
The trade body has said Mr.Braithwaite has already a wealth of first-hand experience of the NASC, having sat on a number of the trade body’s committees. He is also currently part of the team working on the new forthcoming TG20:20 guidance.
NASC’s new Technical Adviser Dennis Braithwaite
Speaking about his new role, Mr.Braithwaite said: “I am really looking forward to getting started and would encourage NASC members to get in touch if they have a technical query they need help with.
“It’s great to join the NASC’s executive team, which plays such a key role in supporting the NASC membership as well as the scaffolding industry as a whole.”
Mr.Braithwaite replaces Ken Johnson, who held the role for more than seven years.
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “I’d like to welcome Dennis to the NASC team. He has extremely large shoes to fill in replacing Ken but we’re sure if anyone can carry on the outstanding work Ken undertook on behalf of the confederation then it’s Dennis.”
Warrington based Omega Access North Ltd is planning a major upgrade to its headquarters in Woolston creating 10 new jobs in the process.
The scaffolding company has applied for planning permission from Warrington Borough Council to renovate its office and yard, reports the Warrington Guardian.
Plans submitted involves the demolition of existing office buildings and outbuildings for the storage of materials. These will be replaced with the construction of a new two-storey office and new storage space.
The firm hopes that the scheme will ‘remove poor quality, inefficient old buildings and regenerate the site’ and allow for expansion.
Ten new jobs are set to be created as part of the plans.
Planning application documents stated: “It is proposed to upgrade the existing scaffolding facility – the modular office building will be replaced with modern, high-quality accommodation.“The new offices will provide a central area to support the continuous growth of the business.”
As the year edges closer to an end, and before we pack up and close for the traditional Christmas break we take a look back at what most attracted your attention during 2019.
The last twelve months have been another busy news-filled year for the scaffolding industry as ScaffMag continues to keep you updated with what’s going on. Either on desktop, mobile, tablet or in our quarterly magazine available in digital and print, we have you covered.
During the holiday season, we will update the site with any major breaking stories but our full news service will be back on 6 January 2020.
3. Scaffold Collapse in North London (Pageviews/Reads 7,918)
In March a scaffold collapse left a mass of bent and twisted scaffold tubes and broken boards on a street in Hampstead, London.
Major Scaffolding Collapse in North London
4. Accident Leaves Worker Hanging Off Building (Pageviews/Reads 7,025)
5.Highest Scaffold In Europe (Pageviews/Reads 6,778)
GKR Scaffolding successfully completed the build of what is currently the highest scaffolding in Europe on the construction of the UK’s second highest skyscraper.
GKR Builds Highest Scaffold in Europe
6. Scaffolding Championships in Lithuania (Pageviews/Reads 4,541)
Scaffolders competed in the first-ever international scaffolding championships held at RESTA the countries largest trade fair in Vilnius, Lithuania.
ScaffMag has enjoyed another year of growth through the website, magazine and social channels.
Google Analytics show ScaffMag.com receved between Dec 2018 – Dec 2019: 878,993 pageviews from more than 242,000 users
ScaffMag has the largest following of any scaffolding related page on Facebook. Our social media community on Facebook alone now stands at a massive 80,961 likes with more than 135,000 followers from around the world.
Twitter: @ScaffoldingNews 7,148 Followers
Instagram: @scaff_mag : 3,680 Followers
The ScaffMag quarterly magazine’s digital version has also enjoyed increased readership with just under 28,000 reads and over 90,000 impressions on issuu.
Our daily and weekly rundown email newsletters now have over 7,400 subscribers.
If you are interested in booking an ad campaign with us in 2020 and join our growing band of advertisers please contact us at [email protected]
We would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year. See you in 2020.
System scaffolding supplier, HAKI, has announced the acquisition of UK based Span Access Solutions Ltd.
The latest development follows years of partnership between the two companies; each benefiting from collaborative working and integration of product lines. HAKI has said the strategic move is aligned with its commitment to provide the safest working conditions in complex environments. The introduction of products like Span Access’s TechniSpan™ – a safe and efficient alternative to under-deck scaffolds – into HAKI’s portfolio will see the business offer more solutions for safer practices during temporary works.Span Access’s TechniSpanIn addition to product compatibility, the two companies have also agreed to share design, engineering and technical capabilities. HAKI says this will optimise service for its customers throughout the project lifecycle and ensure safe, practical and economic access solutions are planned, provided and assembled on sites. Span Access, now a HAKI company, believes the acquisition of the business will add significant value to future temporary works projects. Ross Turner, Managing Director of Span Access, commented: “Span Access and HAKI share the same vision for specialist access solutions. The acquisition by HAKI will allow us to offer a comprehensive range of innovative, class-leading products tailored to our clients’ requirements.”Thomas Schüller, CEO of HAKI Group, also said: “It is very satisfying to now be able to commence acquisition activities to strengthen and expand HAKI’s operations. We have previously been partnering with Span Access, whose vision and offerings excellently complement HAKI’s product portfolio.“Span Access’ offering aligns well with HAKI’s strategic focus on solutions for safe work in complex environments. The company also strengthens HAKI’s strategy to strengthen and broaden its offering in complex solutions for both the construction and industrial sectors, in terms of products, service and support alike. The acquisition also provides opportunities for increased organic growth, as well as a clearer focus on innovation and product development.“Span Access has 11 employees, is mainly active in the UK, and has its headquarters in Scotland. The company’s products, including the proprietary Technispan platform, contribute to safe and effective solutions in complex environments. Span Access’ solutions are used beneath major bridges, on oil drilling platforms and in wind turbines, for example. “Over the upcoming months, we will focus on integrating Span Access into HAKI. At the same time, we are continuing to seek out opportunities for strategic acquisitions, to further strengthen and broaden our offering.”
Industrial services provider Bilfinger has secured a maintenance deal with global agricultural fertilisers manufacturer CF Fertilisers (UK) Ltd.
The three-year agreement includes mechanical, access, insulation and painting (MSIP) services at its two UK manufacturing facilities. It covers CF Fertilisers’ nitrogen complexes at Billingham in Stockton-on-Tees and Ince in Cheshire.
Employees of existing on-site contractors affected by this change will transfer to Bilfinger to create a consolidated multi-discipline maintenance delivery team for each site.
Phill Maurer Managing Director at Bilfinger UK said: “This award is a strategic win for Bilfinger and a key part of our ongoing drive to become the multi-disciplinary partner of choice within the process industry for intelligent and innovative maintenance programmes.
“CF Fertilisers is a prestigious name in UK industrial manufacturing, and an important addition to our client book in the sector.”
David Hopkins, Managing Director at CF Fertilisers said: “Our Billingham and Ince sites are both multifaceted facilities consisting of multiple production plants and supporting infrastructure. Maintaining these assets efficiently and with the highest standards of health and safety is a complex challenge, and Bilfinger’s track record in successful delivery of this kind of contract made the business our partner of choice.”
CF Fertilisers makes 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser per year in the UK, supplying 40 per cent of the country’s demand, as well as half a million tonnes of related chemicals annually.
Todays’ historic result must draw a line under years of crippling uncertainty that has been so toxic for UK construction, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the General Election result.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The new Conservative Government has a golden opportunity to sort out Brexit and set out its new vision for the UK. Building the homes and infrastructure that this country needs has to be a key priority to help drive the economy forward.”
Berry concluded: “The Government needs to back the nation’s army of small builders, by delivering on the promised £3bn National Skills Fund, investing in quality through a licensing scheme for the whole UK construction industry, and supporting local builders to retrofit the millions of homes that need to be upgraded to low carbon.”
The Conservatives have today achieved a historic victory in the UK General Election, but what’s been the reaction within the scaffolding industry?
As it stands so far today (13 December) the Conservatives have won the General Election with a huge majority. They have won 364 seats – an increase of 47 seats on the last election in 2017.
Many believe within the scaffolding industry the key to the Tories winning campaign was the ‘Get Brexit Done’ warcry, which seems to of also struck a chord with millions of voters across the country.
Its been the Conservatives’ strongest performance for decades.
The Labour Party, on the other hand, took a hammering at the polls by losing 59 seats, securing just 203. While SNP bagged 48 seats becoming the third biggest party. The Liberal Democrats who aimed to stop Brexit won just 11 seats.
Readers Poll
We ran our own poll on social media days before the General Election to judge the feeling amongst some of our readers. The results showed the Conservatives had a huge lead.
Industry Reaction
This morning I spoke to some leaders and members of the scaffolding and access industry on today’s result.
Des Moore“I think the result is the best one the UK Construction industry could have hoped for,”said Des Moore, Group CEO of the TRAD Group.“We now have a Government that is agile, can actually govern and move the Brexit issue forward as well as removing entirely the prospect of another Referendum.“From my viewpoint there are and still will be many challenges on Trade etc but there is no doubt that both UK and international investors will now have confidence in our direction and release funds for many stalled Projects particularly in London and the South. “However, I still see significant delays in stalled infrastructure Projects such as HS2 and the 3rd Runway at Heathrow.” Helen GaworHelen Gawor, Business Strategy Director at GKR Scaffolding Ltd gave her reaction:“I think like many in the industry there is palpable relief that we now have a decisive result and therefore a Government that can lead a pathway to a smooth Brexit.”
“The fact the financial markets have responded positively is an indicator of greater confidence, especially seeing the lift in shares for housebuilders.
“We are optimistic the construction industry will benefit from the Conservative manifesto pledge to build more homes, create more apprenticeships and crackdown on late payments.
“As a business, we hope the reduction in uncertainty will help to stabilise the market we work in. However, we are realistic that there are still a couple of difficult years ahead post Brexit.”
Robin James, Managing Director of The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) told me:“The election result will free up the gridlock as the uncertainty around Brexit has now been removed,” said Robin.“But clearly the detail now needs to be worked out. The industry as a whole will no longer be plagued by political division as there is now a clear mandate to proceed with Brexit. This will enable everyone to move forward,” he concluded.
Since these buildings are often visited by tourists, it’s important they maintain their characteristic visual aesthetic, so the scaffold wraps cover up any unsightly scaffolding, making it almost invisible.
Somerset House is one such grade 1 listed building, open to the public and regularly hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year from ice-skating in the winter to the Film4 summer screenings, where the courtyard is transformed into a stunning open-air cinema, housing London’s largest open-air screen.
“Most of our work is on period buildings, and it’s always challenging to get our print to visually represent the actual building. This is the ‘art’ of the process – making it look like nothing’s there,” says Murray.
He founded PPM in 2011 after leaving the print company he had started at age 19 and run for 18 years, deciding to become a specialist large-format creative print coordinator.
ScaffMag has the largest following of any scaffolding related page on Facebook. Our social media community on 
Our daily and weekly rundown email newsletters now have over 7,400 subscribers.
If you are interested in booking an ad campaign with us in 2020 and join our growing band of advertisers please contact us at 
Robin James, Managing Director of The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (
