ScaffCycle relaunches used scaffolding marketplace

ScaffCycle has relaunched its online marketplace for used scaffolding after rebuilding the platform to make it easier for contractors, scaffolders and suppliers to buy, sell and source equipment.

The updated site has been designed to reduce the time it takes to list stock and make it easier for users to search for available equipment.

A key addition is a new “wanted” feature, which allows users to post details of the equipment they are looking for. The aim is to make demand more visible to sellers who may have matching stock in their yards.

The platform also now allows users to copy and paste stock lists directly into ScaffCycle, rather than uploading documents. ScaffCycle said this should make it quicker for companies to get inventory live on the site.

The business said the original version of the platform showed there was demand for a dedicated marketplace for used scaffolding.

But it also showed that users needed a simpler way to list and search for equipment, particularly in a sector where many people are working away from a desk.

ScaffCycle said the rebuild has focused on removing barriers in the buying and selling process, with cleaner navigation and further development planned around uploading and managing stock.

New listings are already being added to the updated platform, with the company continuing to grow its buyer and seller base as awareness of the service builds.

The marketplace is aimed at companies looking to sell surplus scaffolding, source second-hand stock or keep usable equipment in circulation for longer.

ScaffChamp 2026 confirms global live stream details

ScaffChamp powered by Layher 2026 will once again be broadcast live to the global scaffolding community.

The official live stream will begin on 6 June at 10:40 Baltic time, which is 08:40 in London, and will be available to watch on YouTube.

The broadcast will cover the full competition, including team presentations, commentator analysis, interviews, partner sections, results and the awards ceremony.

This year’s event will see 20 international teams compete in Vilnius for the ScaffChamp championship belt.

The competition has grown into one of the most visible international events in the scaffolding calendar, bringing teams together from across the industry to test speed, skill, safety and teamwork under competition conditions.

Organisers said the live stream is aimed at making the event accessible to scaffolders, contractors, suppliers and supporters around the world, whether they are watching from site, an office, a workshop or home.

The stream will be available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f7oTN9l-C8

Key start times

The broadcast will begin at:

  • London and Dublin: 08:40
  • Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm and Warsaw: 09:40
  • Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Athens and Istanbul: 10:40
  • Tokyo: 16:40
  • Sydney: 17:40
  • New York and Toronto: 03:40
  • Los Angeles and Vancouver: 00:40

ScaffChamp has become a rare live platform for the trade, giving the wider scaffolding sector a chance to watch competitors work under pressure and compare standards across different countries.

The 2026 event will again be staged in Vilnius, with results and awards confirmed during the live broadcast.

Australian scaffolding body warns Kwikform collapse exposes subcontractor risks

Australia’s scaffolding trade body has said the voluntary administration of the Kwikform group highlights wider concerns over subcontractor exposure and payment risk across the construction sector.

The Scaffolding Association Australia said the appointment of administrators to the group would have a direct impact on workers, subcontractors, creditors and the wider construction industry.

Kwikform, one of Australia’s major scaffolding and formwork providers, entered voluntary administration last month. Hundreds of employees are understood to be affected, alongside a broad network of suppliers and subcontractors.

In a statement on its website, the association said the administration process should be allowed to run its course, but added that the immediate impact on those affected should not be overlooked.

“This is a difficult situation for many across the sector,” the association said.

“Hundreds of employees and a wide network of suppliers and subcontractors are now facing uncertainty following the collapse of a major scaffolding and formwork provider involved in projects across Australia.”

The association encouraged affected parties to seek legal, financial and advisory support while the administration process continues.

It also said the collapse raised broader questions about how construction supply chains deal with insolvency.

“Events such as this also highlight broader, system-level issues within the construction industry that warrant attention,” it said.

“In particular, the vulnerability of subcontractors in insolvency scenarios, exposure to unpaid claims, and risks associated with retention and delayed payment structures remain ongoing concerns.”

The association said the scaffolding and access sector plays a key role in supporting construction activity across Australia and called for better protection for businesses and workers in the supply chain.

“Ensuring that businesses and workers in this part of the supply chain are better protected must remain a priority for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike,” it said.

The Kwikform administration follows ongoing pressure across parts of Australia’s construction market, where rising costs, tighter margins and delayed payments have continued to affect contractors and suppliers.

HAKI CEO Sverker Lindberg to step down by 2027

HAKI Safety has confirmed that its President and CEO, Sverker Lindberg, will leave his position no later than April 2027.

The company said Lindberg has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to step down. The process to recruit a new President and CEO will begin immediately.

Lindberg joined the business as President and CEO in 2016, when it was known as Midway Holding.

During his time in charge, the group has moved away from its former conglomerate structure and become a more focused industrial business centred on safety products and systems for people working in challenging environments.

Thomas Widstrand, Chairman of the Board of HAKI Safety, thanked Lindberg for his leadership.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to express my big thanks to Sverker,” he said.

“The strategic shift and subsequent development that the Group has undergone under his leadership are impressive. The Group is well-positioned for the future.”

Lindberg said he was leaving with confidence in the company’s current direction.

“I would like to thank the Board and owners for their trust in me during my almost ten years in the Group,” he said.

“With the certainty that the company has a determined, solid and proven strategy, I now look forward to a more open role in working life.”

Lindberg will remain in post until a successor is appointed, or until April 2027 at the latest.

Alongside his role at HAKI Safety, he is also Chairman of the Board of Kulturen in Lund and Lagafors AB.

HAKI Safety is known across the access and temporary works sector for its system scaffolding, edge protection and safety-related products.

Staht signs US distribution deal for digital pull testing range

UK digital pull testing manufacturer Staht has appointed Diversified Fall Protection as its exclusive distributor in the United States.

The agreement will see Diversified market, sell and support Staht’s digital pull testing equipment and accessories across the US fall protection, rope access, construction and industrial sectors.

The deal covers Staht’s t60 Digital Pull Tester, rated to 60kN, the smaller t25 Digital Pull Tester, rated to 25kN, and the company’s LT model for swage testing.

Staht said each kit includes its Staht Connect app for iOS and Android, giving site teams Bluetooth data logging, GPS-tagged test records, load graphs, photographs and PDF report generation.

The company’s equipment is used across several sectors, including fall protection, rope access, scaffolding, construction fixings and lifting.

Rob Hirst, Managing Director and Founder of Staht, said the United States was a major growth market for the business.

“The United States represents a tremendous growth opportunity for Staht, and there is no better partner to help us realise that potential than Diversified Fall Protection,” he said.

“With over 30 years of experience, a nationwide presence, and deep expertise in fall protection solutions, Diversified is perfectly positioned to deliver the same customer experience that has made our digital pull testers the go-to choice in markets around the world.”

Diversified Fall Protection said it would provide product guidance, equipment ordering, demonstrations, training and technical support for US customers.

Travis Nelson, CEO of Diversified Fall Protection, said the technology would support safer and more traceable anchor testing.

“Staht’s digital pull testers represent a genuine leap forward in anchor proof load testing,” he said.

“The combination of purpose-built hardware with a connected software platform delivers faster testing, complete traceability and an improved workflow. We are proud to bring this technology to the US market and to provide full sales, technical support and training to American customers.”

Staht is based in the UK and was founded in 2020. The company said its products are now used by customers in more than 15 countries.

GKR scaffolders help save woman’s life at London project

A GKR Scaffolding site team has been praised after helping to save the life of a woman who collapsed outside a live London project.

The incident happened last week outside the 7 Burlington Gardens project, where GKR operatives were working.

According to the company, members of the site team were first to respond after the woman collapsed. They assessed the situation and realised she had gone into cardiac arrest.

The team began CPR while other workers retrieved a first aid kit and the site defibrillator.

GKR said CPR was carried out for around 5 minutes before emergency services arrived. Paramedics later confirmed that the team’s actions had saved the woman’s life.

The woman was discharged from hospital a few days later. Her first action, according to GKR, was to return to the project to thank the team in person.

Team recognised by client

GKR said the response showed the professionalism of its site team and their willingness to act beyond their normal duties.

The efforts were also recognised by the company’s client, Bovis.

GKR Project Manager Andy Kubacki was sent to collect an award on behalf of the project after the 7BG site was recently shortlisted at the Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards.

The CCS National Site Awards recognise UK construction sites that show strong practice in areas including community impact, environmental care and workforce standards.

In a post shared on LinkedIn, GKR said it was “extremely proud” of the 7BG team and praised their commitment to the project and the local community.

King’s Award recognises Lee Marley Group’s training work

Lee Marley Group has received a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its work to widen access to careers in construction.

The large-scale construction subcontractor, which specialises in scaffolding and brick facades on high-rise buildings, was named among 185 UK organisations recognised in the 2026 awards.

The company has been honoured in the Promoting Opportunity category.

Founded in 1997, Lee Marley Group employs more than 1,400 people and operates across England and Scotland.

The award recognises the firm’s work to recruit local people from the areas where its projects are delivered, creating routes into construction for people who may otherwise have faced barriers to entering the industry.

Apprenticeship route

Lee Marley Group said its approach is focused on helping people learn a skilled trade or profession, gain long-term employment and improve their economic prospects.

The business has supported more than 260 apprentices since 2014 and can provide up to 80 apprenticeship places each year.

More than 90% of apprentices are expected to move into long-term employment within the company.

The latest recognition follows a series of training-related awards for Lee Marley Group.

The company received the Princess Royal Training Award in 2021 and 2024, and was named the 2025 recipient of the Association of Brickwork Contractors’ Commitment to Training and Development Award.

Dan Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer at Lee Marley Group, said the award recognised the people across the business who help develop new entrants into the sector.

“This award belongs to our people,” he said.

“It recognises the purpose, passion and knowledge they bring to work every day, and the commitment they show in helping develop the next generation of construction professionals.

“Our workforce is rooted in the communities we operate in. We recruit locally, from the same boroughs where our projects are built and where our people live, which creates a genuine pathway into the industry for those who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed in 2023.

The awards are now in their 60th year and remain among the UK’s most high-profile business honours.

Winning organisations can use the King’s Awards emblem for 5 years.

Applications for the 2027 awards open on 6 May 2026.

Mock the Week star to host ScaffEx26 awards night

Comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain has been confirmed as the host of this year’s Scaffolding Excellence Awards.

The awards evening will take place on Friday 11 September in Manchester, as part of ScaffEx26.

Ó Briain is best known in the UK for hosting Mock the Week, Blockbusters, Robot Wars and Stargazing Live. He is also one of the country’s most established stand-up comedians.

Industry celebration

The Scaffolding Excellence Awards are organised by NASC and recognise work across the scaffolding and access sector.

The awards cover projects, design, products, services, apprentices and long-term contribution to the industry.

This year’s event will again bring together contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers and industry figures for one of the main networking evenings in the scaffolding calendar.

Entries for the 2026 awards have now opened.

The awards will use the same 9 categories as last year, with one change. Apprentice of the Year has been renamed the Wayne Connolly Apprentice of the Year Award, in memory of the former NASC president and CISRS chairman, who died unexpectedly in December 2025.

Dr James MacFadden, Senior Responsible CSA Engineer at Sellafield, will return as chair of the judging panel.

The winners will be announced during the awards evening at ScaffEx26.

Further details on the awards and entry criteria are available from NASC.

Wayne Connolly honoured as NASC opens 2026 awards entries

NASC has opened entries for the 2026 Scaffolding Excellence Awards, with this year’s apprentice category renamed in memory of former NASC president and CISRS chairman Wayne Connolly.

NASC has confirmed the death of its President and Chair, Wayne Connolly. Tributes are expected from across the scaffolding and access industry.

The Wayne Connolly Apprentice of the Year Award is the only category change for 2026.

Connolly died unexpectedly in December 2025. The renamed award recognises his long service to the scaffolding industry and his work in training, standards and the development of new talent.

The winners will be announced at ScaffEx26 in Manchester on Friday 11 September, during the awards evening.

The awards will again recognise work across people, projects, products and services in the scaffolding and access sector.

As in previous years, entries are open only to NASC members.

The 2026 awards will use the same 9 categories as last year. They are:

  • Wayne Connolly Apprentice of the Year
  • Design of the Year
  • Project of the Year, Small
  • Project of the Year, Medium
  • Project of the Year, Large
  • Project of the Year, Major
  • Product of the Year
  • Service of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr James MacFadden, Senior Responsible CSA Engineer at Sellafield, will return as chair of the judging panel.

He said: “We saw an exceptional standard of entries in 2025, with brilliant examples of innovation, project delivery, leadership and collaboration across the sector.

“I am looking forward to seeing how the industry continues to raise the bar in 2026. These awards are an important way to recognise hard work and professionalism that often goes unseen.

“Once again, I am pleased to be chairing a panel of leading experts from across the industry who all bring different expertise and experience to the process.”

The awards form part of ScaffEx26, which will be held in Manchester and bring together contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers and industry bodies from across the scaffolding and access sector.

Further details on the award categories, criteria and entry process are available on the NASC website.

TRAD UK launches charity campaign supporting Epilepsy Action

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TRAD UK has launched a new fundraising campaign in support of Epilepsy Action, the national charity helping people and families affected by epilepsy.

The 2026-27 campaign will aim to raise at least £7,500 for the charity, which supports around 630,000 people living with or affected by epilepsy in the UK.

The company said the choice of charity was shaped by the direct impact Epilepsy Action has had on employees and their families. It follows previous TRAD UK campaigns supporting Parkinson’s UK and Duchenne UK.

Epilepsy Action was selected after its support for Rosie Sherburn, a Senior Administrator at TRAD UK’s Leeds depot. Last year, Rosie and the Leeds team received the Epilepsy Action Epilepsy Star Award in recognition of the support provided to her at work.

Rosie said she had initially felt nervous about entering the workplace with epilepsy.

“When I began working, as someone with epilepsy, I was so nervous about getting the support I need. I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said.

“I started working at TRAD UK five years ago in an admin role. From the beginning, they never judged me in any way and were happy to support me in the role.”

She said the Leeds team had made a number of adjustments, including allowing extra breaks, time away from screens and regular checks on her wellbeing.

“I have an Epilepsy Action plan I keep on my desk, so if I do have a seizure, they know what to do,” she added.

“They know what the signs are if I’m about to have a seizure, and if I’m looking unwell, they’ll check if I’ve taken my medication.”

Colin Dobson, Managing Director at TRAD UK, said Rosie’s experience had shown the importance of workplace understanding and practical support.

“Rosie is a shining example of courage at work,” he said.

“It’s been wonderful to see how the Leeds team have supported her since she started working with us, and it’s through information and support from Epilepsy Action that the team, and Rosie, have all felt confident to manage her health issues in the workplace.”

He said the campaign was a natural next step for the company.

“As always, we hope to exceed our fundraising target of £7,500, and we’re excited to see what events and activities the whole TRAD team take on this year,” he said.

Charlotte Stern, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Epilepsy Action, said the funds raised would support the charity’s services and awareness work.

“We’re thrilled that TRAD UK have chosen us as their 2026/7 charity of the year,” she said.

“The amazing funds raised will go directly to our work supporting people with epilepsy across the country with our life-changing services, as well as helping us to tackle stigma and misconceptions through our ongoing public awareness campaigns.”

She said £27 could fund a day of enquiries to the charity’s support line.

“It brings us so much pride to hear that Epilepsy Action have been able to support Rosie throughout her journey with epilepsy as well as helping her to thrive in the workplace,” she added.

“We hope other employers are inspired to do the same.”