Construction recorded 3,866 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the year to August, the highest total of any industry, despite a 2% annual fall.
The SAIA Education Foundation will open scholarship applications in January 2027, offering financial support for education, training and professional development across the US scaffold and access industry.
Revscaff Safety Systems has made a seven-figure investment in Layher equipment as the East Yorkshire business builds a new scaffolding operation alongside its established safety systems companies.
Construction recorded 3,866 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the year to August, the highest total of any industry, despite a 2% annual fall.
The SAIA Education Foundation will open scholarship applications in January 2027, offering financial support for education, training and professional development across the US scaffold and access industry.
Revscaff Safety Systems has made a seven-figure investment in Layher equipment as the East Yorkshire business builds a new scaffolding operation alongside its established safety systems companies.
Construction recorded 3,866 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the year to August, the highest total of any industry, despite a 2% annual fall.
The SAIA Education Foundation will open scholarship applications in January 2027, offering financial support for education, training and professional development across the US scaffold and access industry.
Revscaff Safety Systems has made a seven-figure investment in Layher equipment as the East Yorkshire business builds a new scaffolding operation alongside its established safety systems companies.
Construction recorded 3,866 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the year to August, the highest total of any industry, despite a 2% annual fall.
The SAIA Education Foundation will open scholarship applications in January 2027, offering financial support for education, training and professional development across the US scaffold and access industry.
Revscaff Safety Systems has made a seven-figure investment in Layher equipment as the East Yorkshire business builds a new scaffolding operation alongside its established safety systems companies.
The petition was advertised in The London Gazette on 11 September and is listed in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division. The hearing is scheduled for 10.30am on 23 September 2026.
The notice names the Commissioners for HM Revenue & Customs as the petitioner. It does not disclose the amount claimed.
A winding-up petition is an application asking the court to place a company into compulsory liquidation. JECS has not been wound up at this stage and remains listed as active at Companies House.
JECS responds
Following publication, JECS Offshore contacted Scaffmag to clarify its position.
The company said it relocated its operations to Spain in 2024 after finding it increasingly difficult to carry out work in Europe following Brexit.
JECS said it is currently trying to reach a resolution with HM Revenue & Customs over the winding-up petition, although discussions have reached what the company described as a “standstill”.
In a statement to Scaffmag, JECS said: “We are still hoping on resolving this matter with HMRC but they are not being very helpful at the moment. JECS continues to provide its services to our clients throughout Europe from its offices in Spain.”
Companies House filings
Companies House currently lists JECS Offshore Scaffolding as “Active – Active proposal to strike off”.
The company’s accounts are overdue. Its latest filed accounts cover the year to 30 November 2022, while accounts to 30 November 2023 were due by 30 November 2024.
Its confirmation statement is also overdue. The latest statement on the register is dated 3 November 2024.
Companies House filing history shows that a first Gazette notice for compulsory strike-off was issued in January 2025, with the strike-off action recorded as suspended the following month.
Offshore wind specialist
JECS Offshore Scaffolding was incorporated in November 2014 and has built its business around specialist access work in the offshore wind sector.
Scaffmag reported on the company’s growth in 2017, when JECS said it was supplying scaffolding access services to developers and contractors working on offshore wind farms across five European countries.
In 2021, Scaffmag also reported that the business had been selected to provide offshore access equipment and scaffolding and rigging teams for work connected with the Seagreen offshore wind farm off Scotland.
JECS contacted Scaffmag following publication and has since provided a statement clarifying its current position
The award notice, published on 2 September, names all eight firms on the Midlands lot. Three of those contractors have also been selected for the national lot, which covers England and Wales.
Selected suppliers
Another Level Scaffolding (Midlands) Limited, Midlands lot
R.A.U.K. Scaffolding Limited, Midlands lot
24-7 Scaffolding Services Limited, Midlands lot
Olympus Scaffolding Ltd, Midlands lot
Mr.Singh Scaffoldings Limited, Midlands lot
Aylesbury Premier Building Services Limited, Midlands and national lots
Braintree Scaffolding Ltd, Midlands and national lots
K Scaffolding Limited, Midlands and national lots
The notice records 11 supplier places across the two lots, but three companies appear on both. The framework therefore has eight distinct suppliers.
EEM said the £207.24m figure represents the total potential value over the full four-year framework. It takes account of the two-lot structure, the possible length of call-off contracts and potential growth in EEM membership. It does not represent guaranteed work for the selected contractors.
The framework is expected to run from 21 September 2026 to 30 September 2030. The award notice listed both contracts as pending when it was issued, with signing estimated for 14 September.
Work available through the framework will include scaffold erection, dismantling and removal, together with surveys, design, ordering, inspection and handover.
The scope covers domestic and commercial properties, ranging from housing and blocks of flats to hospitals, schools, offices, leisure facilities and public buildings. Publicly funded organisations including housing providers, councils, NHS bodies, education providers and emergency services will be able to use the arrangement.
Call-off contracts awarded under the framework may run for up to five years beyond its expiry date.
The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has opened a nationwide survey covering recruitment, workforce development, qualifications and the accessibility and effectiveness of existing training.
The findings will inform the association’s discussions with BuildSkills Australia, as well as its engagement with governments, training organisations and other industry stakeholders.
SAA said it wants responses from across the sector, including scaffolders, supervisors, employers, trainers, assessors, engineers, designers, safety professionals, principal contractors and suppliers.
Training system under review
The survey asks how people enter and progress through scaffolding, where current training works well and where access or delivery problems remain.
It also covers workforce and skills shortages, the abilities required of modern scaffolders and possible future models including apprenticeships, traineeships, smaller skill sets and microcredentials.
Respondents are being asked whether existing scaffolding training products and standards should be formally reviewed, and what benefits or difficulties different training models could create.
SAA said broad participation would give it a stronger evidence base when pressing for future training and qualification arrangements.
Association representatives raised those issues during meetings at Parliament House in Canberra in August.
The new survey does not itself create an apprenticeship or change scaffolding’s official status. Its immediate purpose is to establish what the industry needs and provide evidence for the next stage of discussions.
The survey opened on 14 September and closes on 9 October 2026. SAA estimates that it will take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete.
The scaffolding package is listed on Wandsworth Borough Council’s Supply Wandsworth portal and is scheduled to go out to tender on 21 October.
Its scope covers external scaffolding, adaptations and inspections, including design, along with internal scaffolding. Tender returns are due by 18 November.
The current programme has the scaffolding works starting on 10 March 2027 and running until 28 February 2028.
Contract requirements
Companies bidding for work at Wandsworth Mills are required to hold £10m public liability and employers’ insurance, with £5m professional indemnity cover required for design works.
The project requirements also include company registration, CIS details and a UTR number, relevant trade accreditations and CSCS cards for applicable roles.
Firms interested in the package can register their interest through the contacts listed by Wandsworth Council, quoting the B09 package.
Wandsworth Mills development
Wandsworth Mills is being developed by St George, part of Berkeley Group, beside the River Wandle.
The wider 3.4-acre scheme is planned to provide 383 homes across new-build and Grade II listed buildings, alongside landscaped areas and 210 metres of river frontage.
Berkeley has also agreed a forward sale of 74 shared ownership homes at the development to Wandle Housing Association, with those homes due to enter delivery from spring 2027.
The public procurement listing does not identify which individual Wandsworth Mills building the B09 scaffolding package relates to.
Other B09 packages being brought to market include façade works, brick and blockwork, balconies, hoists, mechanical and electrical services, and drylining.
The winners of the 2026 Scaffolding Excellence Awards have been announced following Friday night’s ceremony at Manchester Central.
The awards brought ScaffEx26 to a close after two days of exhibitions, conference sessions and live demonstrations, with companies and individuals recognised across nine categories covering apprentices, products, services, design and projects.
NASC said entries for this year’s awards were up 40% on 2025, with the winners revealed during a gala evening attended by figures from across the UK scaffolding and access sector.
Dara O’Briain, Rachel Riley, Kym Marsh and Phil Tufnell joined the evening’s celebrations.
An emotional tribute to Wayne Connolly
One of the most moving moments of the night came before the presentation of the Wayne Connolly Apprentice of the Year Award.
A tribute film shown on the big screen featured interviews with Wayne’s former colleagues at NASC and Connolly Scaffolding, who spoke warmly about the man they had worked alongside and the impact he had on those around him.
The film also included clips from a poignant interview Wayne recorded before his death, capturing much of the character, humour and personality for which he was known across the industry.
It proved an emotional moment in the room and was met with a standing ovation from guests.
Wayne’s partner was also present and took to the stage to present the award. The couple had been due to marry just weeks before his untimely death.
The award was won by Leo Bradbury of High Peak Scaffolding.
The apprentice category was renamed this year in memory of the former NASC president and CISRS chairman, who died in December 2025.
Product and service winners
George Roberts Ltd took the Service of the Year award, while AT-PAC won Product of the Year for its Raised Ledger System.
Benchmark Scaffolding was named winner of Design of the Year.
Project winners
JMAC Industrial & Access Group Ltd took Project of the Year in the Small category.
Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Limited won Project of the Year, Medium, while Alandale Plant & Scaffolding Ltd collected the Large Project award.
GKR Scaffolding Ltd completed the project categories by winning Project of the Year, Major.
Lifetime achievement
Chris Sedgeman was also recognised individually on the night, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award had been kept under wraps ahead of the ceremony and was announced during Friday evening’s event.
NASC described the night as a celebration of the people, products and projects making an outstanding contribution to the industry, while also recognising a number of finalists as Highly Commended.
The ceremony marked the end of ScaffEx26 at Manchester Central, following two days that brought together contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, training providers and other organisations from across the scaffolding and access sector.
2026 Scaffolding Excellence Awards winners
Wayne Connolly Apprentice of the Year: Leo Bradbury, High Peak Scaffolding Service of the Year: George Roberts Ltd Product of the Year: AT-PAC, Raised Ledger System Design of the Year: Benchmark Scaffolding Project of the Year, Small: JMAC Industrial & Access Group Ltd Project of the Year, Medium: Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Limited Project of the Year, Large: Alandale Plant & Scaffolding Ltd Project of the Year, Major: GKR Scaffolding Ltd Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris Sedgeman
ScaffFest 2027 is being planned for NAEC Stoneleigh, with three scaffolding championships at the centre of an event open to contractors, suppliers, scaffolders and their families.
The event will occupy the Warwickshire venue from 21–26 July, including build-up and dismantling, with public days scheduled for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July.
Founded by Tony Nicolaisen and Alan Osborn, known in the industry as Dr Scaffold, ScaffFest will combine competitive scaffolding with equipment demonstrations, a trade expo, camping and live entertainment.
Tony Nicolaisen and Alan Osborn
Organisers say the event will operate independently of any trade body or manufacturer, with participation open across the industry.
Three championship categories
The competition programme will include a System Scaffolding World Championship, a Tube and Fitting World Championship and an Under-23 System Scaffolding World Championship.
The format will bring system scaffolding and tube-and-fitting teams together at the same venue, with a separate competition for younger system scaffolders.
Organisers say eight international referees have been confirmed. Team places remain available across all three categories, with entries being sought from the UK, Ireland, Europe and further afield.
Scaffs UK has committed to sponsoring the Tube and Fitting Arena, according to the announcement. Alimak and KEWAZO are also named among the businesses planning to attend, while AK Scaffolding is expected to enter competition teams.
Festival plans include families and camping
Alongside the competition arenas, plans include a trade exhibition, live product demonstrations, a technology and innovation hub, and a vehicle and plant display.
A wellbeing and mental health area is also planned, together with children’s activities, food and drink facilities, on-site camping and Saturday evening entertainment.
“This is a celebration of everything our industry stands for – skill, safety, innovation, teamwork and pride in the craft,” said Nicolaisen.
“We want scaffolders, companies and families to come together for a weekend that feels like a festival, with world-class competition at its core.”
The programme also includes a proposed scaffolding-related world-record attempt. The announcement does not yet specify the record being targeted or the organisation that would verify it.
Organisers plan to stream all three championships live, supported by on-site podcasts and interviews with teams, exhibitors, trainers and safety advocates. Social media videos and post-event coverage are also planned.
Exhibition spaces are being offered in 5m × 5m and 10m × 10m formats, alongside sponsorship and demonstration opportunities.
Planned visitor options include day and weekend tickets, camping packages and VIP access. Ticket prices and a detailed competition timetable have yet to be provided.
ScaffEx26’s second day brought practical questions to the exhibition floor: how to make scaffold designs easier to follow, get more use from equipment and give people better support at work.
At Manchester Central on Friday 11 September, Scaffmag’s conversations ranged from a new agreement between NASC and the Women in Scaffolding Association to the details of roof connections and the software contractors need to run their businesses.
There was also time to get beyond the product announcements and see how some of the equipment and technology on display was intended to work.
Support for women in the trade
NASC and the Women in Scaffolding Association (WiSA) discussed the next steps in their working relationship following a memorandum of understanding at the show.
Speaking to Scaffmag, representatives described an agreement intended to give WiSA greater reach across the industry and help NASC promote its work to member companies and their female employees.
That support would extend to women in office and other roles as well as those working on site.
Ideas discussed included involvement in NASC regional meetings, shared communications and opportunities for WiSA to raise issues affecting women in the trade. Further details were expected in a joint announcement the following week.
The conversation also covered concerns women had raised during the exhibition, including where to find support when faced with inappropriate comments at work.
WiSA’s representative said meeting people at ScaffEx had helped the association understand more about those experiences and the questions it needed to address.
The discussion gave a practical follow-up to Clive Dickin’s Virgin Radio appearance before the show opened on Thursday, when he spoke about encouraging more women into scaffolding.
Taking the drawing onto site
Layher’s SIM2Field XR demonstration focused on a familiar challenge: helping scaffolders interpret the design they are expected to build.
The app takes 3D scaffold models from LayPLAN CAD and makes them available on a mobile device through a link or QR code. Associated project documents can be accessed alongside the model.
During the demonstration recorded by Scaffmag, the team showed how users could inspect a structure, separate components visually and isolate a section of scaffold. The parts list and weight display changed to reflect the selected area.
An augmented-reality view allowed the model to be positioned in the physical space around the user.
The presenters explained that the aim was to reduce misinterpretation of detailed drawings and help the erection team understand how components fit together. The demonstration paired the digital model with a physical scaffold build.
A closer look at VECTA
On the Scafom-rux stand, Scaffmag took a closer look at the VECTA temporary roof and beam system announced ahead of the exhibition.
The explanation centred on practical details: identifying braces in the yard, keeping roof-track joints together and tensioning sheeting.
Colour-coded braces and size labels were designed to make component selection easier. The team also demonstrated the thinking behind track connections intended to draw adjoining sections together and seals intended to limit water ingress.
A sheet-tensioning arrangement was presented as an alternative to conventional ratchet straps.
The beams’ use beyond temporary roofing was another part of the discussion. The system is intended to give contractors equipment they can use in ordinary scaffolding applications as well as specialist roof work.
That was a useful opportunity to examine the design behind the launch. Performance figures will need the supporting technical documentation before they can be assessed in detail.
What contractors want from software
Conversations away from the demonstrations showed how closely visitors were looking at the day-to-day usefulness of business software.
One contractor described wanting a system that could take a job through its full life, from the initial enquiry to payment, with accounts linked in so information did not have to be entered twice.
It was a specific requirement, and a reminder of the buying decisions taking place between the larger displays. Visitors were comparing how products would fit their own businesses and what work would still have to be done manually.
Friday’s published conference programme covered hidden site risks, computer-based training and temporary roofing.
Thoughts are now turning to tonight’s Scaffolding Excellence Awards at Manchester Central, where the industry will come together to celebrate its people and projects.
ScaffEx26 opened at Manchester Central on Thursday with large scaffold displays, viewing platforms and a conference programme focused on the practical pressures facing the trade.
Across the exhibition floor, visitors caught up with suppliers and colleagues, while the opening speakers addressed recruitment, recognition and the realities of running a scaffolding business.
Scaffolding on national radio
Earlier that morning, Clive Dickin had been taking the industry’s message to a wider audience on Virgin Radio.
His appearance before the exhibition opened covered the work behind the structures people pass every day, including scaffolding’s role in heritage restoration, energy and the film industry.
“Scaffolding is all about giving safe and efficient access to the work areas,” he said.
Dickin spoke about the range of careers available and the need to introduce the trade to young people in schools. It gave scaffolding national exposure as exhibitors and visitors prepared for the day in Manchester.
CISRS plans spark discussion
One subject came up repeatedly in Scaffmag’s conversations during the day: CISRS’s announcement that it plans to leave CSCS.
Several people who spoke to Scaffmag were initially unconvinced by the move. Questions centred on card recognition, site access and the possibility of competing requirements for scaffolders and their employers.
As Scaffmag reported on 8 September, CISRS plans to end its CSCS licence agreement on 1 June 2027, with new and renewed cards issued without the CSCS logo.
CISRS says the change will preserve a single competence card across construction and other industries, avoiding duplication. It says existing cards will remain valid until expiry, with qualifications and training routes unchanged.
Scaffmag understands CISRS was holding meetings with union representatives during the event. The outcome of those discussions was not known at the time of writing.
A bigger exhibition
The exhibition gave visitors plenty to explore, with large scaffold structures and viewing platforms drawing attention across the hall.
The NASC village included the Black Hat Arms, a pub-style space serving coffee and giving visitors somewhere to meet between stand visits. Skills and safety activities ran alongside the conference and exhibition, with a face-fit testing demonstration among the sessions announced on the floor.
Opening the conference, NASC president Sarah Klieve said the event had grown since its first edition in Belfast, with more suppliers and a wider range of products and services.
Klieve, who is also business director at High Peak Scaffolding, described a technical and creative industry that remains underestimated by the wider public.
Recruiting the next generation
Klieve put recruitment and retention firmly on the conference agenda.
She said High Peak had put at least 45 apprentices through the programme during her time in the business, with many still working for the company. Apprenticeships would remain important, she said, alongside other routes into the trade.
“We need the good people coming through. We need to give them the right skills and support,” she told delegates.
Her message also reflected the pressures facing contractors now. Businesses were dealing with changing conditions, she said, and ScaffEx gave them an opportunity to compare experiences and find practical ideas to take back to work.
Sean Pike, managing director of principal sponsor Layher UK, acknowledged the difficult market while pointing to the ambition evident across the exhibition.
He stressed the people behind scaffold designs and successful projects, encouraging visitors to use the two days to meet suppliers and develop business relationships.
Payment and risk under scrutiny
The first panel brought those business pressures into sharper focus.
PHD Access managing director Danny Dwyer described the risks contractors carry through extended payment terms and demanding project programmes, alongside the safety responsibilities inherent in working at height.
He warned that firms could face substantial exposure if they did not understand the contract terms they were accepting. A fairer approach to project delivery, he argued, would distribute risk differently across the supply chain.
Rob Wright of Lindum Group pointed to earlier involvement of scaffolding specialists as a practical way to reduce project risk. Bringing subcontractors into planning sooner helped ensure access arrangements met the needs of the trades using them.
The discussion gave contractors a direct connection between the event’s broader ambitions and the daily realities of delivering work and getting paid.
Remembering Wayne Connolly
A recorded message from Rebecca Long-Bailey, who introduced herself as the MP for Salford, paid tribute to former NASC president Wayne Connolly.
She recalled his pride in the industry and his commitment to improving recognition and conditions for those working in it.
“You’re often the first to arrive on the site and the last to leave,” she told delegates.
Long-Bailey also urged businesses to engage with their MPs, explain the work they do and use NASC’s manifesto to press for support on issues including late payment and skills shortages.
ScaffEx26 continues on Friday 11 September, with conference sessions scheduled on less visible site risks, computer-based training and temporary roofing. The Scaffolding Excellence Awards follow on Friday evening.
The event opened this morning, Thursday 10 September, with contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers and industry bodies gathering in Manchester for the third edition of ScaffEx.
This year’s show is visibly larger than previous editions, with NASC President Sarah Klieve telling delegates during the opening session that there were more suppliers, more sectors and more products and services represented across the exhibition.
The conference programme began alongside the exhibition, with host Sophie Long setting out three main themes for the next two days: “skills, safety and success”.
Klieve used her welcome address to encourage visitors to make full use of the event, meet suppliers, ask questions and share experiences with others across the industry.
She also pointed to the continuing skills shortage as one of the biggest issues facing scaffolding businesses.
“We need the good people coming through,” she said. “We need to give them the right skills and support, and we need to show that scaffolding can offer a genuine, rewarding and long-term career.”
Drawing on her own experience at family-owned High Peak Scaffolding, Klieve said the business had put at least 45 apprentices through the programme during her time with the company, with many still working there.
She said apprenticeships remained important, although the industry would need to look at a wider range of routes to bring people into scaffolding.
The opening session also included remarks from Layher Managing Director Sean Pike, principal sponsor of ScaffEx26, before the conference moved into a discussion on the commercial pressures affecting the scaffolding supply chain.
Topics included payment terms, the allocation of risk, workforce pressures, safety expectations and relationships between contractors and clients.
A recorded message from Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey also paid tribute to former NASC President Wayne Connolly and called for greater recognition of scaffolding as a skilled profession.
Away from the conference stage, the exhibition floor is hosting companies from across the scaffolding and access sector, with new equipment, digital tools, safety products and training initiatives being presented during the show.
Several launches are taking place across the two days.
Scafom-rux is introducing its new VECTA aluminium temporary roof and beam system, while SMART Scaffolder is using the event to present its AI Voice Reporting technology.
CISRS has also announced a new Train the Trainer programme aimed at creating a route for experienced scaffolders to move into training.
Live demonstrations form another major part of the event.
AT-PAC is due in the Demo Zone this afternoon with its Weather Protection Solutions presentation, including the Scaffix temporary roof system.
NASC will then demonstrate the latest changes to the TG20 ePortal, including support for 1.5m lifts and scaffold returns.
Conference sessions continue throughout today and Friday, covering skills, safety, business pressures, technology and technical development.
ScaffEx26 will conclude tomorrow evening with the Scaffolding Excellence Awards at Manchester Central.
Scaffmag is reporting from the event throughout both days, with further news, interviews and product coverage to follow.
The programme has been developed to bring more trainers into CISRS delivery and will be unveiled as ScaffEx26 opens at Manchester Central.
Candidates will be trained by CISRS-appointed instructors, recruited through the scheme’s selection process. The programme covers CISRS requirements and the practical skills needed to deliver training sessions, with assessment focused mainly on candidates’ delivery against formal criteria.
Those who complete the programme will continue to receive mentoring from their instructor, observed delivery with structured feedback, peer support, regular CPD and access to updated CISRS training materials.
Rob Boardman, CISRS Head of Training and Education, said: “There is broad agreement across the industry that we need more trainers, and that the route into training should be clearer than it has been. What we have not had until now is a defined path from site to the classroom with proper outcomes attached to it.
“This programme will build confidence and delivery skills alongside technical understanding, so people finish it ready to stand in front of a group. We have taken our time, making changes off the back of feedback we have received, and we will continue to engage before, during and after the forthcoming pilot to ensure the highest quality programme for our industry.”
A UK pilot is due to run during the second half of 2026. CISRS said the material will be tested and refined where needed, with oversight from its Quality Assurance Committee.
Further details on entry requirements, locations, dates and how candidates can apply have not yet been released.
