Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims
The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the company’s labour practices after Sweden’s construction union Byggnads filed a €9.2 million lawsuit alleging wage underpayments and unpaid taxes.
Global Scaffolders UAB has rejected allegations made by Sweden’s construction union Byggnads, which has launched legal action seeking €9.2 million in damages for alleged wage and tax violations.
Byggnads claims the Lithuania-based scaffolding company failed to pay correct wages, overtime, and social contributions to employees working on Swedish construction projects.
The union says its investigation uncovered that workers were paid for only 40 hours, while they were working long hours, nine hours a day, six days a week.
The case, one of the largest of its kind in Sweden’s construction sector, was first reported by Industry Radar and Byggnadsarbetaren, the official magazine of the Swedish Building Workers’ Union.
Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones
Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of the scaffolding industry’s true pioneers by renaming its Birmingham headquarters Daniel House, honouring Daniel Palmer-Jones, the man who helped shape modern scaffolding as we know it.
Palmer-Jones founded the Tubular Scaffolding Company in 1905, which became Scaffolding Great Britain (SGB) in 1919. Just a year before, he introduced the Universal Coupler, transforming the trade from timber and rope fixings to the tubular steel scaffolding systems that remain standard today.
“Renaming our home is more than symbolic – it’s a commitment to the pioneering spirit that started over 100 years ago and still drives us forward today,” the company said on LinkedIn.
From those early innovations, SGB went on to expand internationally and launch products that became industry benchmarks, including the CUPLOK system in 1976. After more than a century of evolution and mergers, SGB’s legacy now lives on through Brand Access Solutions, Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, and Hünnebeck Formwork Solutions – all part of the BrandSafway group in the UK.
The company said the renaming of its Valepits Lane site reflects both its heritage and its ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in access engineering.
“From the very beginning, innovation and excellence were at the heart of SGB – and those core values continue to shape everything we do,” the statement continued.
With Daniel House, Brand Access Solutions aims to keep the legacy of its founder alive, recognising over 100 years of scaffolding innovation while continuing to build for the future.
The company said the renaming of its Valepits Lane site reflects both its heritage and its ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in access engineering.
“From the very beginning, innovation and excellence were at the heart of SGB – and those core values continue to shape everything we do,” the statement continued.
With Daniel House, Brand Access Solutions aims to keep the legacy of its founder alive, recognising over 100 years of scaffolding innovation while continuing to build for the future. Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year
New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising costs.
Tradespeople across the UK are paying a heavy price for parking difficulties, with fines and charges costing an estimated £119 million over the past year, according to new research from Direct Line Business Insurance.
The figures suggest that more than 2.3 million parking tickets were issued to tradespeople in the last 12 months, underlining the daily challenges they face working in congested towns and cities.
Four in five tradespeople (81%) said they struggle to find legal parking at least once a week, while three-quarters (75%) admitted they frequently can’t park close enough to their job site.
Almost half (48%) have even turned down jobs because they couldn’t park within sight of their vehicle, citing tool theft as a major concern.
The cost of parking adds further strain, with tradespeople paying an average of £443 per year out of pocket, with some spending as much as £6,000 annually to park while working.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) vary depending on the location and severity of the offence, typically ranging from £50 to £130 outside London, and up to £160 in the capital. Fines are often reduced by half if paid within 14 days.
The issue extends beyond fines, with nearly 3 in 10 tradespeople (28%) reporting that they’ve been clamped or towed while on a job.
Mark Summerville, Product Manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, said: “Parking or off-loading tools and equipment close to a job can often be a challenge for tradespeople, adding stress to their working day.
To avoid unnecessary fines and disruptions, it’s worth checking local restrictions before starting a job and asking customers about parking permits if available.”
Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects
The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected by local councils.
The reforms form part of a strengthened Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which ministers say will help “unshackle Britain” from red tape holding back housing, energy, and water developments.
If approved, the amendments would allow the Housing Secretary to issue “holding directions” to prevent councils from rejecting major schemes while government intervention is considered. This would reverse current rules that limit such action to approved projects.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said, “Sluggish planning has real-world consequences. Every new house blocked deprives a family of a home. Every infrastructure project that gets delayed blocks someone from a much-needed job. This will now end.”
Officials estimate the reforms could boost the UK economy by £7.5bn over the next decade, supporting thousands of new homes and infrastructure projects.
Key changes proposed
- Faster approval for water schemes: Private developers will be able to bring forward nationally significant reservoir projects to speed up supply resilience efforts.
- More onshore wind power: The bill could unlock around 3GW of renewable energy capacity, worth up to £2bn in investment.
- Planning permission protection: Permissions will no longer expire while projects are tied up in lengthy judicial reviews.
- Streamlined environmental checks: Natural England’s role will be narrowed to focus only on high-risk or high-impact cases.
ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa
ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a major jetty project in Africa.
Developed and built at the company’s facility in Cornwall, the self-propelled pontoons deliver safe, efficient, and fully enclosed access around more than 100 piles spread across nearly a kilometre of open water.
The system was designed to meet a critical challenge, providing engineers with 360-degree access above the waterline, while allowing rapid relocation between pile positions to maintain project momentum.
Each of the two 8m x 3m units can be hoisted and secured on either side of a pile, with staging boards spanning the gap to create a stable, full-enclosure work platform. Once maintenance is complete, the entire assembly can be lowered, repositioned, and re-hoisted onto the next pile in just a few hours.
The firm says this repeatable, modular method is transforming how offshore maintenance operations are delivered, cutting downtime and improving safety for crews working in exposed marine environments.
Before deployment, the system underwent a rigorous verification process in Cornwall. This included a Category 3 structural check by Richter, an inclination test verified by a marine surveyor in Falmouth Harbour, and a full trial build under simulated load conditions. The testing confirmed both the system’s stability and its suitability for repeated lifting operations.
Once verified, ScaffFloat packed the complete access system, including both pontoons and all ancillary equipment, into a single 40-foot shipping container for global shipment. A specialist team was deployed to Africa to oversee assembly, conduct final sea trials, and deliver hands-on training for the client’s engineers.
“This project really highlights what’s possible with modular design and proper engineering,” said ScaffFloat Managing Director, Toby Budd. “It’s about solving real-world access problems safely and efficiently — wherever they are.”
ScaffFloat continues to provide remote support as the project progresses, marking another milestone for the company’s expanding portfolio of international marine and infrastructure projects.
A short video showcasing the system in action is available here.
Before deployment, the system underwent a rigorous verification process in Cornwall. This included a Category 3 structural check by Richter, an inclination test verified by a marine surveyor in Falmouth Harbour, and a full trial build under simulated load conditions. The testing confirmed both the system’s stability and its suitability for repeated lifting operations.
Once verified, ScaffFloat packed the complete access system, including both pontoons and all ancillary equipment, into a single 40-foot shipping container for global shipment. A specialist team was deployed to Africa to oversee assembly, conduct final sea trials, and deliver hands-on training for the client’s engineers.
“This project really highlights what’s possible with modular design and proper engineering,” said ScaffFloat Managing Director, Toby Budd. “It’s about solving real-world access problems safely and efficiently — wherever they are.”
ScaffFloat continues to provide remote support as the project progresses, marking another milestone for the company’s expanding portfolio of international marine and infrastructure projects.
A short video showcasing the system in action is available here. CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).
Professor Wooff, Director of Apprenticeship Quality and Regulation at BPP Education Group, brings more than 30 years of experience in education and quality regulation. He has worked with national bodies including the Office for Students (OfS), the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
He also serves as lead external examiner for access courses accredited by the University of Ulster, vice-chair of the Frank Field Education Trust, and a governor of the Royal Humane Society.
The QAC has been created as part of CISRS’s modernisation plans to strengthen its approach to quality, oversight and continuous improvement across all training and certification. The committee will advise the CISRS Board on training standards, assessment practices and centre accreditation to ensure alignment with industry and regulatory expectations.
Wayne Connolly, Chair of the CISRS Board, said: “The creation of this new role is fuelled by the desire to bring in some independent and fresh thinking, drawing on experiences and knowledge from industries beyond our own. Construction is sometimes seen as being behind other sectors in respect of approaches to modernisation, digitisation and best working practices.
“A fresh, unbiased perspective will help balance the work of the Quality Assurance Committee and guide it on training, business development and operational issues.”
Professor Wooff said he was pleased to take on the position: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the newly established CISRS QAC. This role presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen quality standards and promote excellence across the scaffolding sector.
I look forward to working with colleagues to deliver meaningful improvements that support both industry and workforce development.”
The committee will now begin its initial work under Professor Wooff’s leadership, including the appointment of representatives from across the industry as outlined in its terms of reference.
Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant
Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down on overloaded vehicles and improve road safety.
Vehicle overloading is still a common problem, especially for vans and flatbed trucks used by scaffolding and construction contractors. During recent roadside checks, officers found a Ford Transit that was almost 50% over its legal weight limit.
The driver was fined on the spot, and the operator was reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The penalties can also be steep. The DVSA says drivers can be fined £100 for being just 5–10% over the limit, £200 for 10–15%, and £300 for up to 30%. Anything above that can lead to a court summons, vehicle immobilisation, and even invalid insurance.
It’s not just about fines, though. Overloading puts serious strain on a vehicle’s axles, suspension and brakes, making it harder to control and more likely to fail. It can also cause costly damage and lead to increased fuel consumption.
That’s why many companies are now fitting onboard weighing systems such as the VanWeigh Smart-Weigh. The system uses sensors to measure a vehicle’s axle loads and overall weight, giving drivers live feedback on an in-cab display or mobile app. If the weight gets too high, they get an instant alert before they hit the road.
It can be fitted to almost any type of van or truck and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. Drivers can also print or save weight records to help with compliance checks or audits.
As enforcement tightens and insurance firms pay closer attention to overloading, tools like these are quickly becoming essential. They not only prevent fines and downtime but also help keep staff and other road users safe.
A spokesperson for VanWeigh said: “Overloading is still one of the biggest risks for operators, especially in scaffolding where loads change from job to job. Our system gives drivers a clear picture of what’s happening with their vehicle before they leave site. It’s about making life easier, safer and more compliant.”
By fitting onboard weighing systems, scaffolding firms can avoid penalties, protect their reputation, and keep their vehicles running safely and legally.
That’s why many companies are now fitting onboard weighing systems such as the VanWeigh Smart-Weigh. The system uses sensors to measure a vehicle’s axle loads and overall weight, giving drivers live feedback on an in-cab display or mobile app. If the weight gets too high, they get an instant alert before they hit the road.
It can be fitted to almost any type of van or truck and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. Drivers can also print or save weight records to help with compliance checks or audits.
As enforcement tightens and insurance firms pay closer attention to overloading, tools like these are quickly becoming essential. They not only prevent fines and downtime but also help keep staff and other road users safe.
A spokesperson for VanWeigh said: “Overloading is still one of the biggest risks for operators, especially in scaffolding where loads change from job to job. Our system gives drivers a clear picture of what’s happening with their vehicle before they leave site. It’s about making life easier, safer and more compliant.”
By fitting onboard weighing systems, scaffolding firms can avoid penalties, protect their reputation, and keep their vehicles running safely and legally. PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel
The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing major cladding remediation works to meet updated fire safety standards, with a blended scaffolding solution from PERI playing a key role in the project’s safe and efficient delivery.
Main contractor Hamilton specified a system scaffold from the outset to create a safer working environment and support a tight programme schedule. Assemble Scaffolding, the E&D specialist for the project, selected PERI UP Easy as the primary system due to its fast installation and built-in safety features.
The system’s integrated guardrail hook allows advanced fall protection to be installed from the level below, while its lightweight standards reduce manual handling risks. The modular build sequence also supports faster assembly, helping the team maintain progress across the hotel’s seven-storey façade.
One of the most complex aspects of the job involved maintaining guest access through the hotel’s main entrance, where the scaffold could not be grounded. Design engineers at Prime Scaffold and Structural Designs (PSD) developed a bespoke solution to redistribute loads through bracing at each lift, transferring weight into adjacent standards.
For the first lift, engineers combined PERI UP Easy with Flex components to create the necessary clearance. This allowed subsequent two-metre Easy lifts to be safely installed around the rest of the structure.
A hybrid approach was also adopted at the rear of the building, where air vents and shafts had to remain accessible. Here, PERI UP was combined with traditional tube-and-fitting beams to maintain continuous access while spanning the obstacles.
Thomas Bellis, Design Manager and Senior Scaffold Design Engineer at PSD, said the project demonstrated the versatility and engineering advantages of the PERI UP Easy system.
“The system’s wide range of compatible components enabled us to develop a scaffold layout that was not only structurally robust but also efficient to configure around the changing building profile,” he explained. “We were able to adapt quickly to evolving requirements without compromising safety or buildability.”
The project highlights how modern system scaffolding can combine modular design with adaptable engineering to meet the challenges of complex refurbishment work while maintaining full site safety and operational access.
For the first lift, engineers combined PERI UP Easy with Flex components to create the necessary clearance. This allowed subsequent two-metre Easy lifts to be safely installed around the rest of the structure.
A hybrid approach was also adopted at the rear of the building, where air vents and shafts had to remain accessible. Here, PERI UP was combined with traditional tube-and-fitting beams to maintain continuous access while spanning the obstacles.
Thomas Bellis, Design Manager and Senior Scaffold Design Engineer at PSD, said the project demonstrated the versatility and engineering advantages of the PERI UP Easy system.
“The system’s wide range of compatible components enabled us to develop a scaffold layout that was not only structurally robust but also efficient to configure around the changing building profile,” he explained. “We were able to adapt quickly to evolving requirements without compromising safety or buildability.”
The project highlights how modern system scaffolding can combine modular design with adaptable engineering to meet the challenges of complex refurbishment work while maintaining full site safety and operational access. Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy
Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000 for Caudwell Children after completing a gruelling ultra-marathon challenge from Birmingham to Northampton.
The event named “50 Miles for Poppy” was inspired by baby Poppy, daughter of MSS colleague Gary Rouse, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart condition requiring major surgery earlier this year.
Led by MSS Contracts Director Ben Ekins and Estimator Jordan Harrison, the pair completed the 50-mile run, cheered on by family, friends, and supporters as they crossed the finish line at a special family fun day at Northampton Town Football Club.
The challenge brought together staff, suppliers, and customers who donated money, raffle prizes, and time to support the cause, helping the company smash its fundraising target.
Gary, who has worked at MSS for several years, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement — thank you all very much. It’s been a tough year for me and my family, but we battle on every day. I must say a massive thank you to MSS, they’ve supported me all this year and helped me out more than I could have possibly imagined.”
He added that Poppy is now recovering well from her operation: “She’s a really special part of our family, and we all love her to the moon and back.”
After crossing the finish line, Ben said: “Now I’ve completed the ultra-marathon, I’m very tired, very sore and quite emotional. But it’s been a massive achievement, and I am very proud of what we’ve done.”
Jordan added, “The running was pretty hard. I feel emotional, but it’s all for a great cause, so I’m happy.”
Caudwell Children’s Marketing Operations Manager, Amy Helliwell, praised the company’s efforts:
“A huge thank you to Ben, Jordan, everybody at Midland Scaffolding Services and to everyone who donated. It’s incredible they ran 50 miles all in aid of Caudwell Children. Their passion and commitment show the real power of community in helping children and families thrive.”
In recognition of their efforts, Caudwell Children presented MSS with its Fundraising for Change award.
Amie Bailey, Commercial Director at MSS, said the team’s achievement reflected the company’s strong sense of community and teamwork: “It’s fantastic to receive the award from the charity in recognition of everyone’s efforts. We would like to thank all our customers and suppliers who donated prizes and helped us reach the £20,000 target. We couldn’t ask for better people to be surrounding us and Gary’s family.”
Funds raised will go towards supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families through Caudwell Children — including Poppy and the Rouse family.
Donations can still be made at 50 Miles for Poppy – fundraising for Caudwell Children.
AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions
After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma 2025, AT-PAC used ScaffEx25 in Manchester to shift focus closer to home, demonstrating its UK capability, setting out a clear national service promise, and introducing Charles Stratford as its new Managing Director for the UK.
Earlier this year, Scaffmag reported from Bauma, where AT-PAC showcased a series of new modular systems, including MPBS, the PAS Escape Stair, and Ringshore. Sharing a joint stand with Doka, the display was dominated by a 30-metre Ringlock tower, underlining AT-PAC’s role within umdasch Industrial Solutions and its ambition to become one of the world’s top three scaffolding brands. At ScaffEx25, the focus was different. Rather than a global pitch, the company used the UK’s largest scaffolding event to show how that innovation translates into delivery on the ground. Andrew Boynton, who has been with AT-PAC for a decade and previously served as Managing Director of the UK business, has now stepped up to become Regional Director for Europe. Speaking at the show, he told Scaffmag that ScaffEx25 “came at exactly the right time.” It allowed AT-PAC to demonstrate its systems, people, and vision directly to the UK market, while connecting to its broader European strategy of opening new branches and staying closer to customers. His own move into the European role reflects that focus. Appointing Charles Stratford to lead AT-PAC UK, he added, is “key to ensuring we translate those ambitions into consistent, reliable delivery.”A milestone moment for UK operations
For Stratford, the event doubled as an introduction. “ScaffEx25 was a milestone,” he said. “It gave AT-PAC the platform to show not only our product range, from Ringlock to MPBS and our Public Access System, but also the strength of our team and our ability to support the UK industry nationwide.” Many visitors, he noted, were seeing how far AT-PAC had advanced in the UK for the first time. “It underlined our commitment to being a long-term partner in an ever-changing scaffolding landscape, with the right people, the right product and the right commercial offerings to support the scaffolding sector.” Stratford joins AT-PAC from PERI UK, where he worked as Sales and Business Development Manager. He describes his approach as an “outside-in” perspective, shaped by experience both on the operational side and in client-facing roles. “From the outside, AT-PAC always stood out for its strong business model, proven products and consistent growth,” he said. “My role now is to build on that foundation while strengthening an already outstanding team with respected industry professionals and ensuring we scale in a way that delivers predictable, nationwide coverage.”
The year ahead
Stratford is clear about his headline goal: “Nationwide coverage, zero excuses.” He breaks that down into four priorities:- Stock where the work is – repositioning inventory so key hubs and industrial corridors are always within rapid-response range.
- Engineering at speed – fast-turn temporary works and application design, backed by standardised calculation packs.
- Digital transparency – giving customers real-time visibility of kit availability, order status and compliance documents.
- One safety standard – applying the same procedures whether on a public access job or a heavy industrial scaffold.
