Cumbrian Scaffolding Firm Goes Bust

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Cumbrian Scaffolding Firm Goes Bust

Focus Scaffolding Ltd based in Whitehaven, Cumbria has gone into liquidation, putting dozens of jobs at risk.

The company was established in 1995 by Brian Scott and Carl O’Fee. It began trading in July 1995 at an office in Whitehaven with only a small number of employees.

Focus Scaffolding began working as scaffold erectors on the Sellafield site in 1998, then in 2009 branched out into other trades, including joinery, fire protection, painting and thermal insulation. The company had a number of clients at Sellafield.

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said to the News & Star a number of workers from Focus Scaffolding, had been made redundant from roles on site.

He said: “We are disappointed and saddened to hear that local business Focus Scaffolding Ltd has gone into liquidation. As a result, we understand a number of workers employed on projects on the Sellafield site have been made redundant.

“We are currently assessing the implications and impact on the Sellafield site and on our portfolio of major construction projects.”

Focus provided a service to various clients in and around Cumbria (including South Scotland, Lancashire and the North East), as well as on the Sellafield Site and was the only member of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) in West Cumbria.

Rilmac Scaffolding Expand In To New Premises

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Rilmac Scaffolding Expand In To New Premises

Since opening their Northampton branch in mid-2015 Rilmac Scaffolding have seen impressive growth over their first four years in the region and have recently expanded to larger premises due to demand.

The decision to open a Northampton branch on the back of winning a number of prestigious contracts in the area is paying dividends for Rilmac Scaffolding.  Turnover at their Northampton business grew by over 80% in just three years, and they have more than doubled their local workforce!  

Northampton’s ideal location and transport links has allowed them to not only work on projects across Northamptonshire but also on such prestigious projects as an F1 motorsport factory in Milton Keynes, university accommodation in Warwick, schools, infrastructure work, new build housing units across the region and the DNRC (Defence & National Rehabilitation Centre) near Loughborough.  It has also given the company a strong base from which to expand into the West Midlands, London and the South East.

The growth of Rilmac Scaffolding in Northampton has seen an expansion in senior management as well, with Paul Wallis being taken on as Operations Director at the new depot, working alongside Contracts Director Sam McSpadden and nationwide Managing Director Des Booth.

Rilmac Scaffolding has plans in place for further, managed growth across the region, and as part of this moved into a larger depot at Round Spinney in earlier this year.  The new premises cover over 60% more area than their previous yard and offers greater opportunities for success.

“We knew that Northampton would be a great location for us,” said Sam McSpadden, “and the growth we have seen here backs that up.  It was always our aim to bring employment to the area and we are pleased to have more than doubled our workforce here.”

“The larger premises give us the opportunity to service larger customers and more complex projects across the region.” added Des Booth, “We already feel like part of the community and will be growing here in the long term.  This is just the next step of our journey in Northampton.”

“Having previously worked with Des at Rilmac’s Lincoln Depot I am pleased to be able to re-establish our working relationship after 12 years,” commented Paul Wallis, “and I am looking forward to achieving further growth across the Northampton region.”

SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme Gains Momentum

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SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme Gains Momentum

Increasing demand for additional scaffolding labour has seen a SIMIAN training initiative grow in popularity since its inception 12 months ago.

SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme was developed in response to its clients who were feeling the brunt of the general construction industry skills shortage and is intended to take previously unskilled workers and those considering a career change, to equip them for a career in the scaffolding industry and where possible, to match those that successfully complete the course with local employers.

The courses are usually fully funded, so they come at no cost to prospective employers, other than committing time to aiding the development of course delegates.

One such example is Mark Nock, of Wolverhampton, who has recently found employment with West Bromwich-based NASC members and SIMIAN clients, Star Scaffolding Limited. Mark attended a four-week course in the Midlands that was held in conjunction with its partners, Dudley College of Technology, the course contained modules that included, CISRS COTS, four days’ practical system scaffolding (Layher training) and a work experience placement.

The end result of Mark’s training is that he now holds a CISRS COTS card and has found employment and a new career path.

Lydia Chard, Manager at Star Scaffolding, said, “Mark did a week-long work placement with us, both in the yard and out on site. During that time, he demonstrated how hardworking and diligent he was, getting stuck into everything that was asked of him, with a positive attitude. Based on the week he spent with us, it was clear that we could not miss the opportunity of offering him employment at Star and we are confident that he will become a key member of the team.

The SIMIAN PETS initiative is one we are happy to support, and we would have no hesitation in offering course delegates work placement.”

Mark Nock commented, “When I had a call from Mark Chard, the Managing Director at Star, to let me know I was being offered a permanent paid position, I was buzzing. My partner has just had a baby so being back in work means a lot to me.”

Simon O’Donnell, SIMIAN’s National Business Development Manager said, “The PETS course offers a fantastic opportunity, not only for budding Scaffolders, but also for businesses looking to plug the skills gap. The courses we have developed are specific to the scaffolding sector and are funded by the Local authority. This means that local employers have the pain of recruitment and initial training taken away and more often than not, this is free of charge.

The fact that SIMIAN’s PETS courses incorporate the CISRS COTS course means that subject to local induction, delegates are free to start work as soon as they complete the course. Furthermore, the employer and the would-be employee get to assess one another, prior to making any long-term employment commitments.”

We are currently rolling out the PETS initiative on a nationwide basis and currently have courses planned for northwest Wales, London, the North West and the Midlands. Additional courses in more geographical locations are subject to client demand, so I would encourage any interested employers to contact us to discuss their requirements.”

Employers wishing to explore the options that SIMIAN’s PETS can bring should contact them via telephone on 0345 6022 418 or by email via [email protected]. 

Urgent Appeal For Stricken UK Scaffolder Stranded In Sri Lanka

Grahame Anderson
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Urgent Appeal For Stricken UK Scaffolder Stranded In Sri Lanka

An appeal to raise £30,000 has been launched to help bring a stranded UK scaffolder with Locked-In syndrome back home from Sri Lanka.

Colin Whiteside from Bamber Bridge near Preston had been working for Hyundai, on the Cinnamon Hotel complex in the country for more than two years, before the debilitating illness struck after the father of two was bitten by a mosquito. 

The 52-year-old developed dengue fever at first, but was treated well in a private hospital. Sadly, he contracted both pneumonia and sepsis a short time afterwards. Out of the blue the hard-working family man suffered a catastrophic stroke, losing physical control over everything.

His wife Caroline told us: “You can’t move on your own. You can’t scratch an itch. And worse still, you can’t tell anyone around you that you have an itch. You can feel pain, hunger, loneliness, and fear, but you can’t react to those sensations. You are totally aware of your surroundings, but you can’t communicate your feelings or desires, or even your basic needs. The whole thing has been absolutely horrific.”

Colin’s medical insurance won’t cover treatment, so every penny he’s earned in the last 15 years to secure a future has been spent on his care. The family knows the prognosis isn’t good. It’s extremely rare for any significant motor function to return. In fact, The majority of locked-in syndrome patients do not regain motor control. However, some people with the condition continue to live much longer.

His wife added: “Any time my Colin has left we need to do everything we can to help with medical costs and possibly get him home. Without help from the British embassy or his insurance it has been left to his family and friends to do everything in our power to get him home. 

“Anyone who knows Colin will know he was a proud hard-working man who did everything he could for his family and friends but they are desperate. They need him home and any help they can get would mean the world to them and Colin.”

Of the £30,000 needed,  £17,126 has been raised so far by 356 supporters– the truth is however, much more could be required as the days pass. Caroline is having talks with both Hyundai and the construction company who have agreed to help, but there’s no more information at present. The British Embassy have said they can’t help with his insurance.

Help from both inside and outside the industry would be very welcome, to bring Colin back to his devastated family as quickly as possible.

For information on how you can donate please go to his JustGiving Page

UKSSH launches new security gate system

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UKSSH launches new security gate system

UK System Scaffold Hire (UKSSH) has launched a totally new security gate system designed to control access to all types of HAKI site stair towers as well as HAKI Public Access Staircases.

The security gate system is quick, easy and safe to install on all HAKI site stair towers whether they have staggered or in-line standards or are Mark 2 stairs. They are equally effective on HAKI’s sector-leading Public Access Staircases.

The product provides a totally enclosed security system, lockable from both sides of the gate and features cladding panels which can accommodate signage and advertising.

Extremely robust, UK System Scaffold Hire’s gate system provides the perfect security solution when site staircases are accessed from pavements and other areas that are used by the public and provide events organisers with a cost-effective way to ensure that Public Access Staircases and Bridges can only be used by visitors during public opening times.

The Security Gate System is only available from UK System Scaffold Hire – telephone 01246 820900 or email [email protected]

Video: Scaffolders working on Tower Bridge 1951

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Video: Scaffolders working on Tower Bridge 1951

This gem of a video depicts the life of a scaffolder in the 1950s perfectly. Working from one scaffold board 200ft above the Thames, scaffolders erect structures around Tower Bridge in London for stonemasons to make vital repairs after WW II.

The video by Britsh Pathe allows us to see just how far our industry has come in the respect of industry innervations and the health and safety of workers today.

AIF National Working at Height conference 2019 announced

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AIF National Working at Height conference 2019 announced

The Access Industry Forum, the forum for the principal trade associations and federations involved in working at height, has released details of its second national conference on height safety which will take place on Thursday, 14 November 2019, at the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford.

Supported by the Association for Project Safety (APS), Hire Association Europe (HAE) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), Working at height: Access for life will focus on the latest trends and developments in a sector which experienced 40 fatalities in 2018/19 according to the latest figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

From designing for access and the role of virtual reality to mental health awareness and managing risk, the conference will address a wide range of issues, including the response to the report of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Working at Height published earlier this year.

According to Chris Kendall, chair of the AIF conference committee, the event will bring together an exceptional line-up of expert speakers who will talk about the topics set to shape the future of working at height and height safety in particular. “This is the only conference dedicated exclusively to access and safety and, as such, will make a unique contribution to best practice and keeping people safe.

With an introduction from Peter Bennett OBE, chair of the AIF, speakers include: Sarah Jardine, Head of Construction Division, HSE; Gordon Maddan, Assistant Director, Office for Product Safety and Standards; Steffan Groch, Chair, Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association; Dr Karen McDonnell, Policy Advisor, RoSPA and Chris Debrick, Project Manager, Transport for London.

The conference will feature a panel discussion with Jason Anker MBE, Paul Blanchard and Dylan Skelhorn, ambassadors for the No Falls Foundation charity. They will discuss their personal experiences following falls from height and the impact on their respective families, friends and colleagues.

AIF members ATLAS, BSIF, EPF, FASET, IPAF, IRATA, Ladder Association, NASC, PASMA, SAEMA and WAHSA will be represented in the associated working at height exhibition, together with other organisations working in the sector. 

The Working at Height: Access for life conference website is now live. For more information, or to book, go to www.accessindustryforum.org.uk/conference Early bird discounts are available.

Enigma Industrial Services invests further £2M in HAKI

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Enigma Industrial Services invests further £2M in HAKI

Industrial service access provider, Enigma Industrial Services Ltd has purchased a further £2million of HAKI Universal scaffolding, for forthcoming large-scale projects across the UK.

The first phase of the order, valued at £1.4million, was supplied to Enigma during May and June, with the remaining £600k to be delivered in July and August, according to project timelines. 

The move comes after a significant multi-million-pound investment from Enigma in March 2019, where the business took on more than 2,500t of scaffolding equipment, including Mk2 Stair Towers, Universal scaffolding equipment and loading bays – making Enigma the largest stockholder of HAKI Universal in the UK. 

The latest investment was delivered through collaborative working between Enigma’s Procurement and Asset Management Director, Alan Scott, and HAKI’s new International Sales Director, David Probert, and is further demonstration of both organisations’ commitment to driving innovative practices in safe working across all sectors. 

“These are very exciting times for Enigma,” said Alan Scott. “As we look to the future, our investment programme supports our growth and commitment to our clients, in maintaining our position as an industry leader in the provision of scaffolding services.” 

David Probert also commented: “HAKI is proud of the relationship we have established with Enigma and that we are very much seen as a trusted partner. This latest investment is testament to the commitment by both companies to improve levels of efficiency, productivity and work at height safety across industrial services and construction market sectors.” 

Enigma has been providing scaffolding and access services to the industrial, construction, power and infrastructure sectors for more than 50 years. As one of the most experienced and largest stockholders of scaffolding equipment in the country, clients continue to rely on the company’s access division to fulfil their project requirements with high-standard and safety-focused solutions. 

Project 7 helps to create a Major League Baseball park at West Ham’s Stadium

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Project 7 helps to create a Major League Baseball park at West Ham’s Stadium

A British construction firm that specialises in complex and bespoke builds and uses scaffolding to create niche solutions was brought in to help transform West Ham’s London Stadium into a Major League Baseball park.

Project 7’s track record of finding solutions to tricky construction problems came into play as the biggest multi-sport venue in Europe was turned into a setting fit to host the legendary Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees teams.

The company was appointed as a trade contractor to the principal contractor Gardiner and Theobold and took responsibility for many of the unusual problems that were thrown up changing the stadium from its football mode to become a baseball park.

One of the key requirements for Project 7 was ensuring that the existing Olympic running track, stadium seating and drainage was not damaged by the infrastructure required by Major League Baseball’s (MLB) first-ever event in Europe. At the same time, the specialist construction firm had to make sure that its solutions were up to MLB’s high standards.

Ty Robinson, Managing Director of Project 7, said: “We love coming up with solutions to challenging problems.”

“One major problem was how to securely erect the padded fences without damaging the football pitch or the multi-million pound running track but still ensuring they were able to safely take the impact of the players, who are huge, strong athletes. In the US ballparks, these fences would be secured deep into the ground where they sit – not an option for London Stadium.

“Our solution was to create scaffolding that was independently secured with large, heavy concrete blocks that didn’t damage the surface below but could be fitted with the padded fencing and take a hit from one of the baseball guys without moving.

“Another problem to solve was how to install a blackout screen which sits behind the pitcher’s arm to allow the batters to see the white ball clearly. That area is known as the “Batters Eye” and is crucial for the batters to identify the balls coming at them at varying speeds up to 100mph.

“With all the seating in the way we needed something that would sit at an angle but wouldn’t create any glare or reflection. In the end, black serge wool drapes were used, which is traditionally used on film and TV sets to help with blackout and acoustics. We stretched this across timber panels secured on a scaffolding frame within the seats, which remained hidden from view and undamaged.”

Project 7 has built up a good reputation for complex logistical projects under very tight timescales and has previously transformed the London Stadium into a music venue to host top artists; rearranging the seating within 72 hours to successfully meet incredibly tight deadlines.

It also hit the headlines earlier this year for its specialist work on revamping London’s Hippodrome Casino to allow the venue to host Channing Tatum’s hit dance show, Magic Mike Live. This major project had to be carried out without disturbing the casino’s clients who have access to the venue 24 hours a day.

The ability to work to tight deadlines and oversee logistics was key to the MLB project as the transformation had to be completed within three weeks and derigged in only 5 days working shift patterns 24/7. Project 7 took on responsibility for site logistics which included coordinating the movement of more than 150 truck movements a day in the stadium bowl.

The company also built all the broadcast and commentary positions for the TV and radio broadcasters, fit-out and installed the 80 ft wide team dugouts, fit out the bullpens where the pitchers warm-up, and erect the 60 ft tall yellowfins that are called foul poles and weigh more than two tons each.

Mr Robinson said: “We obviously have experience of working in a stadium, but this is the first time we have helped to help create a baseball park.

“MLB Invited us to visit Monterey in Mexico to watch their International Game there between the Cincinnati Reds and the St Louis Cardinals to help with the huge learning curve to ensure that the Mitel London Series was built and delivered in Major League baseball style.

“It was a great experience and MLB were excellent clients to work with.”

“We are already looking at lessons learned from this event to see how we can improve the delivery when the series returns to the London Stadium next year and hosts the Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals.”

MG Scaffolding continues to expand

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MG Scaffolding continues to expand

The 2018/19 trading year is proving to be another successful one for MG Scaffolding (Oxford).

The firm has seen much growth after opening its Birmingham operating centre last year, bringing the total number of offices to 3 with Banbury and Cheltenham being the longer
established.

Despite its name, MG has long been active in Birmingham and the Midlands area carrying out many high profile projects in and around the city. Established in 2002, MG has one of the largest stocks of scaffold equipment owned by an independent scaffolding contractor, and over 100 CISRS trained operatives distributed between its 3 branches MG is able to offer any access solution to any size of project over a wide area.

A spokesperson for MG said: “The appointment of Martin Pritchard as our Midlands Area Manager, with 26 years experience and his focus on customer service have seen MG successfully execute many high-profile scaffolding schemes for repeat customers such as Morgan Sindall, Balfour Beatty, Bouygues UK, Torsion Group and many others.”

MG is consequently looking forward to enjoying its best year ever with turnover set to exceed £10M this year.


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