Scaffolding firm is a flying success at business showcase event

Daniel Norton
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Scaffolding firm is a flying success at business showcase event

Scottish scaffolding firm MJR Group Solutions held a business showcase event on Wednesday that included landing a helicopter on a custom-designed cantilevered scaffold helipad.

A number of invited guests from Scotlands construction industry converged on Wednesday at the swanky Lochside Hotel in New Cumnock, Scotland.

Guests attending the business showcase event were able to learn more about the recently established Kilmarnock-based scaffolding firm, and its new strategic alliance with system scaffold giants Layher UK.

Both, MJR Group Solutions Director, Richard Russell and Layher UK Managing Director, Sean Pike held presentations on the day showcasing its business and gave details of its strong partnership with Layher and what it means for its current and future clients.

Alongside the informative presentations, MJR laid on practical demonstrations of its new choice of system and its features.

  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event
  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event

The business showcase event comes just weeks after the news that MJR Group Solutions made a £1M investment in the Layher system. The business switched from the use of Cuplock to exclusively using Layher on all its projects across Scotland.

Although it wasn’t mentioned at the event, ScaffMag understands that the firm has now taken steps to further build its business with the establishment of a new Scaffold & Access Hire Division. MJR is set to supply its rental clients the Layher range of scaffolding and access solutions from its two yards in Central Scotland.

The Helipad

To round off the event and to show that the ‘possibilities are endless’ with its new system, a helicopter flew in and landed on a pre-erected designed 4 meter high, cantilevered Layher helipad.

Many believe it could be the first-ever scaffold helipad erected anywhere in the UK.

  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event Layher Scaffold Helipad
  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event Layher Scaffold Helipad
  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event Layher Scaffold Helipad
  • MJR Group Solutions Business Showcase Event Layher Scaffold Helipad

MJR Group Solutions Managing Director, Ryan Orr said: “The event was to show that as a company we want to build a strong relationship with our clients, current and future, and ensure that they have the chance to really understand that the services that we offer and the systems we use.

I strongly believe that currently in the construction industry there is not enough understanding of how a different scaffold system and company ethos can positively, or negatively, impact a construction project. Our event aims to help grow understanding, plus show the creative side of our business with the helicopter landing pad.”

Notre Dame still at risk from tons of fire-damaged scaffolding

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Notre Dame still at risk from tons of fire-damaged scaffolding

Experts have said the Notre Dame cathedral is still at risk from the fire-damaged scaffolding that hangs above it.

Over 550 tons of fused and melted scaffold is currently hanging in the balance over the Paris monument’s roof that was destroyed in a huge fire six months ago. French authorities have said that the tangled mess of scaffolding poses the biggest challenge to efforts to ensure that Notre Dame’s vaulted ceiling doesen’t collapse. The scaffold needs to be dismantled without pieces falling into the building, says Christophe-Charles Rousselot, the head of the Notre-Dame Foundation. ScaffMag understands that it will take several months to remove the fire-damaged scaffold. Another scaffold will be built above it, where workers will rappel down to carefully cut and remove the tubes one by one.
Image Credit: STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images
Boarding will also be installed above and below the vaulted ceiling for protection and to study in more detail what state it’s in. The huge fire in April started on the roof, which was partly covered with the scaffolding as restoration work was underway.    

CITB safety test cheats caught in police raids

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CITB safety test cheats caught in police raids

Three safety test workers have been arrested after being caught giving answers to candidates for cash.

According to reports, the cheating was exposed by counter-fraud raids on test centres in Cheshire, Essex and London by the CITB, police and the Home Office. CITB audits found that staff was giving correct answers in exchange for money. A member of staff at the Cheshire centre admitted to authorities they helped its candidates choose the correct answers, while a “considerable amount” of cash was found without a plausible explanation. In Essex, staff members admitted being supplied with a large number of candidates, many of whom the administrators were paid to give the right answers to during the test. Six candidates were also suspected of being in the country illegally and were detained, while the centre was suspended from carrying out further tests. It’s believed many candidates paid up to £500 to take the £21 construction health, safety & environment (HS&E) test. In London, the Metropolitan Police, supported by CITB investigators, arrested a man suspected of facilitating corrupt tests for other candidates. CITB said it would now review just over 2,500 tests conducted by the three centres in the past year and then decide whether or not to revoke them. Ian Sidney, CITB fraud manager, said: “CITB has considerable experience in auditing test centres all over the country, and works with the Home Office, police and other law enforcement agencies where necessary on behalf of the construction industry to ensure a safe working environment for all. “If anyone has information about fraudulent testing within construction they can contact CITB anonymously on [email protected]” So far in 2019, CITB has terminated 17 test centres involved in delivery of fraudulent tests or CITB qualifications.

Trade Organisation to hold its third Contract Law Seminar

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Trade Organisation to hold its third Contract Law Seminar

The Scaffolding Association and Birketts LLP Solicitors are set to co-host its Northern Contract Law Seminar in Leeds.

The Scaffolding Association (SA) has again joined forces with Birketts LLP Solicitors to run a seminar on Contract Law and relevant contract issues called “How not to make a rod for your own back…” The event will take place at the Malmaison Leeds on Thursday 21st November 2019 from 10am to 3pm. Although there is a small cost involved, the SA has said it includes bacon rolls on arrival (from 9.30am) and lunch. Places are limited to 25 on a first come first served basis with a discount for members of the SA. Speaking about the last Contract Law Seminar held in Birmingham Mark Parkin, Head of Operations, TIGER Specialist Access Limited said: “I thought the seminar was very well put together and a great way to chat with Birketts and also interact with our industry peers. I feel this is a necessary insight to an increasingly difficult market for any companies involved in scaffolding.” ScaffMag understands that topics will include:
  • Knowing your contract – what to look out for and the risks if you don’t
  • How much control do you have?
  • Payment notices – the payment scheme and how it applies to you
  • Variations/changes – risk management, fixed price contracts etc
  • What happens if you don’t get paid? – suspending your works or termination
  • Dispute resolution – adjudication and insolvency
  • Open panel discussion at the end for YOUR questions
VENUE: Malmaison, 1 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG To book please email: [email protected] or call 0300 124 0470.

Manchester scaffolding firm transported to success

Grahame Anderson
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Manchester scaffolding firm transported to success

‘New Kids On The Block’ take delivery of a compact new fleet

DCS Scaffolding based in Ashton Under Lyme is transporting itself into a new era of success with ongoing contracts of more than £1.4million. And what better way to celebrate than taking delivery of a new compact fleet of three vehicles complete with a vibrant new logo. The changes don’t stop there however, as the firm who specialise in scaffold access has undergone a management re-structure, to help carry them forward into a positive future. Scott Gallagher takes up the role of Director, with Andy Nutall becoming Operations Manager, and Joel Pearson becoming Senior Estimator. Scott Gallagher has worked his way up from working in the yard, now carrying a wealth of experience within the industry, including the all-important area of infrastructure. He’s been largely responsible for helping push through major accreditations in rail and infrastructure, so the company are fully compliant “He told ScaffMag: “These are exciting times for all of us and we remain determined to deliver a consistent high quality service to all our clients.”  Joel added:  “We are now involved in projects with blue chip clients across the north west, with our new management team DCS scaffolding has now secured more than 1million pounds worth of work for 2020. The company consists of 15 staff with three working in our busy office. In terms of potential and ongoing projects, we are a national scaffold company so as long as we can create a margin, travelling isn’t a problem. We are also compliant accreditation wise, in both the commercial and social housing sectors.”
Joel Pearson Senior Estimator, DCS Scaffolding
Joel Pearson Senior Estimator, DCS Scaffolding
Word of mouth has been a powerful tool for DCS, enabling work to come in on a regular basis. The team has re-established the business, and the months of hard work are really starting to pay off as we move toward the end of 2019. The firm hopes the group can continue to build on strong foundations. 

Safety & Access Co Founder dies aged 81

Daniel Norton
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Safety & Access Co Founder dies aged 81

Safety & Access has announced the death of its longterm Director and part Founder Michael Morris aged 81.

Mr. Morris who was well-known within the industry and had been involved in the scaffolding training providers business since it was established in the early 1990’s. He was also a longterm and very senior Health and Safety Manager at SGB. Safety & Access took to Facebook yesterday to spread the news of Michael’s passing. The post highlighted that Mr. Morris was very well regarded in the scaffolding and access industry with his wealth of technical knowledge and his ability to communicate at all levels both in the UK and overseas. His technical knowledge was also used in the development of safety and technical guidance within the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) for the benefit of all and was known as a great contributor, Safety & Access said in its Facebook post.
In addition to his work within our industry, Mr. Morris was a magistrate for 10 years and was a Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CFIOSH). He also obtained the Freedom of the City of London. Rick Statham Joint MD of Safety & Access told ScaffMag: “We were all very sad to hear that Mike had passed this week. The business has lost a great statesman and the scaffolding industry has lost one of its true greats. He was a man that was not only extremely well experienced and knowledgeable but also a very well respected and well-liked gentleman whom always made time to speak to people and take a genuine interest in their work. On a personal level, I have worked with Mike not only with Safety & Access but also previously as a colleague on the NASC Health and Safety Committee. Mike will be dearly missed by all that knew him.” RIP Michael Morris.

Scaffolders charity golf day success

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Scaffolders charity golf day success

SCP and Forgeco hold its first-ever Scaffolders Golf Championship at the Belfry.

Scaffold and Construction Products (SCP) and Forgeco, suppliers of scaffold and construction products and components, held their first-ever Scaffolders Golf Championship to crown “Golfer of the Year” at the prestigious Belfry Golf Resort near Birmingham. Despite the poor weather conditions, players turned up in force to support the event, and those attending acknowledged the event as a great success, SCP said. The company also arranged an exhibition of its revolutionary “Klawz” scaffold fittings along with other new products including Tamer, Safelinx and Scotti Fittings. Leading Construction supply companies, Actavo and Haki, collaborated and supported the event with their own exhibitions. Various exciting activities took place throughout the day to raise money for The Lighthouse Club, a leading construction industry charity since 1956. 

Scaffolders Golfer Of The Year

Winner Andrew Crowe of Enigma Industrial Services
SCP Forgeco crowned the “Scaffolders golfer of the Year” at the evening presentation shortly after a luxurious buffet dinner. Andrew Crowe of Enigma Industrial Services scoring 36 points won the prize of £500 and the SCP Claret Jug Trophy. Runner up Zack Stafford of Apex Scaffolding Leicester won the prize money of £250 along with the “Longest Drive” award.  In third place was Peter Bavister of Actavo Hire and Sales winning the prize money of £100 along with “Nearest the Pin” award. Following the event, Peter has chosen to donate his prize money to Cancer Research UK.   Competitors enjoyed the day of Golf, Networking and Education and are grateful of the initiative SCP have introduced to the Industry for the exciting years to come. 

New Aberdeen and South Wales scaffolder training centres open

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New Aberdeen and South Wales scaffolder training centres open

CISRS scaffolder training across the UK has been increased through the opening of two new centres.

AIS Training which is part of the UK’s biggest energy sector training provider has recently opened new training facilities in Aberdeen and Pyle, South Wales. The centre in Dyce, Aberdeen, will play host to a variety of CISRS courses including the one-day COTS course, Inspection courses, the mandatory CPD, Supervisor and Scaffold Awareness programme. David John Adams, AIS Business Unit / Operations Manager, said: “This new facility will be to service the requirement of the offshore, industrial and construction sectors in the north east of Scotland and also give scaffolders and scaffolding contractors another location in the UK to undergo their training.”  David Mosley, CISRS Managing Director, added: “I’d like to congratulate AIS Survivex on gaining CISRS accreditation for their new training centre in Dyce. Through this new facility the availability of a wide range of scaffolder training courses in Scotland has been significantly increased.” The Aberdeen launch comes shortly after a similar opening in Pyle. This centre offers Scaffold Awareness, COTS, Inspection, Supervisors and CPD courses.  AIS is looking to increase course availability in South Wales as well as provide additional on-site training, having recently delivered courses for KAEFER Ltd at Barry Island.   

Trade body offers free advice and guidance on Mental Health

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Trade body offers free advice and guidance on Mental Health

The NASC marked World Mental Health Day (10 October 2019) by reminding the scaffolding industry of its free guidance and advice on Mental Health.

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and raising awareness of the various support services available have been key objectives of the NASC’s Head for Heights campaign, launched last year, the trade body said on its website. The scaffolding trade body said, one of the key achievements of this campaign has been the production of SG38:19, a dedicated mental health and wellbeing policy guidance. The document is intended to help employers adopt a clear approach to mental health provision and includes advice, resources and contact details of other organisations who can provide support. It is free to download from the NASC website here. It has also produced a mental health toolbox talk, which was circulated to its 300+ members. The short presentation gives members a way of starting a conversation on mental health with their employees. The NASC has also signed the Building Mental Health Charter and Time to Change Employer Pledge as part of its ongoing drive to promote positive mental health practices. The CISRS scaffolder training scheme has also played its part in the Head for Heights campaign by adding a mental health module into all CISRS courses. Increasing provision of mental health and wellbeing support was one of the key objectives of NASC President and TRAD Group CEO Des Moore, who suffered mental health issues earlier in his career and has spoken very candidly about this experience with a view to helping others. This objective – which was realised in the form of the NASC Head for Heights campaign – gained further impetus after statistics published in 2018 revealed the scale of mental health issues suffered by people working in the scaffolding and access and wider construction industries – and the fatal consequences they often bring. Every year more than 400 construction workers commit suicide. Stress, anxiety and depression also account for a fifth of all work-related illnesses. Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “Mental health is a huge issue in the scaffolding and access industry but sadly one that has often gone by without notice. As the trade body for scaffolding and access in the UK, we were determined to help change the status quo, which is why we launched the Head for Heights campaign. “We have been overwhelmed by the response we’ve received from our members, who have downloaded the SG38 guidance in their droves, delivered the mental health toolbox talk on sites across the UK, engaged with the mental health guest speakers at the NASC regional meetings and pushed us to do more to bring about change. “We encourage the entire industry to get involved and let us know what we can do to further support them in raising awareness of mental health issues.”

Connolly Scaffolding shortlisted for 4 awards

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Connolly Scaffolding shortlisted for 4 awards

Manchester-based scaffolding firm Connolly Scaffolding has been shortlisted for FOUR industry and business awards.

During October it was announced that Connolly Scaffolding Ltd was shortlisted for an NASC Project of the year award (upto £5m turnover) for its work on the Manchester Terminal 2 project. The firm is also in the running for three Salford Business Awards, Salford Business of Year, The Entrepreneur of the Year and the Inspiring Young People award. A spokesperson for Connolly Scaffolding said: “The rewards of being successful in business are obvious, but to be recognised across the industry and in the local area for the hard work of our team is incredibly rewarding. It’s extremely satisfying to see that when the staff is given the opportunity to shine, they shine so brightly. This year, we have been shortlisted as a finalist for the Project of the Year (up to £5m Turnover). It is an award that we would be delighted to win as it would recognise the hard work, professionalism, and sheer will and determination that our highly skilled team has shown in getting a huge project like the Manchester Airport Terminal 2 redevelopment over the line.” The announcement for Salford Business Awards winners will be on 31st October 2019 at the Lowry Hotel, While the NASC awards will be held on 22nd November at the Celtic Manor Resort.
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