An employee at scaffolding software company Avontus is preparing to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon this weekend to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity — a cause that hits close to home.Emma Newman will take on the 13.1-mile route through central London on Sunday 6 April, starting at 10:30 am, to raise awareness and support for vital brain tumour research. Her personal connection to the cause has inspired colleagues and the wider scaffolding community to get behind her fundraising effort.“I’m running this race to raise awareness and funds for vital brain tumour research — a cause deeply personal to me,” Emma explained.“I lost my mum at 18 and still miss her every day. Now, a dear friend of over 25 years has been diagnosed with the same tumour and won’t survive, leaving her family to face an unimaginable loss. I know their pain all too well.”Emma works at Avontus, a global software company specialising in digital tools for the scaffolding and access industry. The company has pledged its support and encourages others across the industry to donate and spread awareness.Emma on a previous runThe Brain Tumour Charity, founded in 1996, is the world’s leading organisation dedicated to defeating brain tumours. Its mission is to double survival and halve the harm caused by the disease by 2030.The London Landmarks Half Marathon, organised by pregnancy and baby loss charity Tommy’s, has raised more than £50 million for various charities since its debut in 2018. The race route showcases a blend of London’s rich history and hidden gems, spanning both the City of London and Westminster.Emma’s race is a tribute to her mother’s memory and a gesture of solidarity with her friend’s family — a step-by-step demonstration of resilience, remembrance, and hope.Supporters can donate via her JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/emma-newman-1739200940419.
Italian construction solutions specialist Pilosio will unveil an extensive suite of innovative scaffolding, formwork, and vertical access systems at Bauma 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, held in Munich from 7–13 April.Located at Stand B3-103, Pilosio will present a forward-thinking portfolio of products centred around aluminium, chosen for its exceptional combination of lightness, mechanical strength, and durability. The company’s exhibition stand is designed to replicate a real construction site environment, offering visitors both hands-on demonstrations and immersive virtual experiences of its latest technologies in action.
New Product Launches at Bauma 2025
High-Capacity Aluminium IXI Truss Beam
Developed in collaboration with Canada-based Optimal Access Solution Ltd, the IXI Truss Beam will make its debut as a modular, lightweight truss system for constructing wide-span platforms and temporary structures.
With a load-optimised design and components weighing just 18.5 kg/m², the IXI beam is compatible with both multidirectional scaffolding and traditional tube-and-coupler systems, allowing for complex hybrid structures on demanding sites.Aluminium Fly 105 Bracket
A significant advancement in cantilevered scaffolding, the new Aluminium Fly 105 Bracket builds upon Pilosio’s trusted steel model. The bracket’s lightweight construction enables faster installation, while its reversible design supports both tube and U-profile board connections.
Its Z-shaped frame incorporates a sliding walkway on the lower level, providing a cantilevered platform for bracket installation without interrupting pedestrian or road access—ideal for maintenance on bridges, cornices, and facades.
P75 Lightweight Aluminium FormworkPilosio will debut its P75 vertical frame formwork system, designed to redefine handling efficiency and site productivity. Engineered from high-performance aluminium alloy, the panels weigh just 21.00 kg/m² while withstanding concrete pressures of up to 60 kN/m². Available in 3.00 m and 1.5 m heights, the system is compatible with Pilosio’s established P300 steel system, making it suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, especially where crane access is limited. Three facing options—phenolic plywood, wood/PVC composite, and Alkus PVC—offer long-term durability and suitability for fair-faced concrete finishes.Quick Stripping Corner SystemDesigned to streamline formwork removal in confined pours such as elevator shafts and stairwells, Pilosio will introduce its Quick Stripping Corner. Compatible with both P75 and P300 systems, this solution supports manual, crane-assisted, and hydraulic stripping operations. Available in heights of 1.50 m and 3.00 m, the corners can be stacked for pours up to 9 metres in height.PILOSIO UP Vertical Access RangeIn partnership with Salerno Ponteggi, Pilosio will present the new PILOSIO UP range of construction hoists, transport platforms, and self-erecting work platforms. Ranging from the compact PT900 to the high-capacity PT4000 Twin, the hoists are built for efficiency, modularity, and ease of installation, addressing the diverse access needs of industrial, infrastructure, and high-rise projects.
Flagship Systems and Technological Demonstrations
FlyDeck Suspended PlatformReturning to Bauma is the FlyDeck, Pilosio’s flagship suspended platform system designed for work beneath bridges, viaducts, and overhead structures. This edition highlights its integration with the X Force Hoist motors, enabling rapid lifting and retrieval of the platform in response to sudden environmental events—critical for safety and preservation, as proven during a recent flood intervention in Italy.Dynamo Also on display will be the Dynamo, a ballast-operated mobile scaffold base tailored for infrastructure maintenance. Designed to support cantilevered and curved scaffold structures within tunnels and over viaducts, Dynamo provides a flexible alternative to conventional MEWPs, minimising disruption to road traffic.MP Multidirectional Scaffolding and StairsPilosio will also spotlight its robust MP Multidirectional System, constructed from hot-dip galvanised steel and known for its strength, adaptability, and modularity. The system supports a wide array of scaffold and stair configurations, including public access stair towers, which will be featured at the stand with aluminium handrails.Immersive Virtual Reality ExperienceIn addition to physical demonstrations, Pilosio will offer an immersive virtual reality simulation, allowing visitors to experience the assembly and functionality of its systems—including the FlyDeck—at heights of up to 80 metres. This interactive component aims to provide construction professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the operational safety and usability of Pilosio’s latest offerings.Bauma 2025 takes place in Munich from 7 to 13 April. Pilosio is exhibiting at Stand B3-103
A new initiative designed to reward and support apprentices in the construction industry is being launched to help reshape how young people experience and engage with their early careers.Spearheaded by Kirsty Allan, Co-founder and Performance Director at City Access Scaffolding, the Build Up scheme aims to bring real-world benefits to thousands of construction apprentices across the UK. The idea is simple but powerful: offer construction apprentices the kinds of lifestyle perks and discounts already enjoyed by university students—everything from discounted meals and travel to money off gym memberships and workwear.At the heart of the plan is a new partnership with TOTUM, the UK’s leading ID and membership benefits platform, already used by over 1.7 million students, professionals, and apprentices. Through Build Up, apprentices would be able to access TOTUM’s extensive range of offers, potentially saving hundreds of pounds each year.“We want apprentices to feel valued,” says Kirsty Allan. “Construction isn’t just about hard hats and muddy boots—it’s about building a future. This card helps make that journey a little easier and a lot more rewarding.”The initiative comes amid growing concern over the skills shortage in the construction sector, with just under 30,000 of the UK’s 750,000 apprentices working in the industry. Many of these young people come from economically challenged backgrounds, where the cost of living weighs heavily on low apprenticeship wages.The Build Up card aims to ease that burden and inject pride into the role of being an apprentice—mirroring the public recognition schemes seen in other sectors.Supporters argue that giving apprentices access to discounts on essentials like food, travel and PPE, as well as lifestyle perks, can help foster a sense of identity and belonging. “It’s about dignity and inclusion,” said one supporter close to the project. “This could be the beginning of a cultural shift in how we view trades and those learning them.”The Build Up team is currently seeking support from industry stakeholders to roll out the scheme nationally. Sponsorship, marketing assistance, and help spreading the word to apprentices and employers are all being welcomed.The financial model includes funding for the first year of operations, the launch of the reward card, and sponsored membership access for tens of thousands of apprentices.Beyond just financial benefits, the Build Up team say they want to drive long-term social mobility in the construction sector. The goal is to create a level playing field where young people from all walks of life can thrive—not just survive.This vision aligns closely with the ethos already embedded within City Access Scaffolding, a firm widely praised for its focus on social impact and community engagement.“Having worked with apprentices for a decade, I’ve seen the struggles they face, both personally and financially,” Kirsty said. “Many of our young people, some of the most economically disadvantaged, would thrive with the same support offered to students. By easing their financial burden and providing a sense of belonging, we can give them a stronger start, ensuring they feel valued. If we invest in the next generation of apprentices, these young people will not just build their futures—they will build Britain.”
The Scaffolding Association has appointed seasoned industry leader Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, in a move set to bolster the organisation’s ongoing efforts to improve safety standards, elevate industry recognition, and support its growing membership base.
With a career spanning 37 years, Mark Parkin brings a wealth of frontline experience to the role. His journey through the scaffolding sector has included positions as an advanced scaffolder, supervisor, managing director, CEO, and operations director. This extensive background gives him a unique perspective on the sector’s challenges and opportunities—from the ground up.
Mr Parkin is expected to play a central role in shaping the Association’s strategy and furthering its mission to promote scaffolding as a highly skilled and essential industry.
Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, welcomed the appointment, describing it as a “perfect fit” for the organisation’s goals.
“Mark’s extensive industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and strategic mindset align perfectly with the Association’s mission,” said Mr Candy. “His expertise will help the Association continue its work in supporting members, driving innovation, and ensuring the scaffolding industry gains the recognition it deserves.”
Mr Parkin, who has long championed professional development and operational excellence within the sector, said he was eager to take on the new challenge.
“I’ve spent 37 years in the scaffolding industry—not just working within it but striving to understand it at its core: its challenges, its opportunities, and the people who make it what it is,” he said.
He added that one of his key ambitions is to help businesses reframe their thinking to overcome common hurdles.
“All too often, I see businesses struggling because they can’t see the options available to them,” Parkin said. “Using the right approach for each challenge requires an open mind and the ability to think outside the box. Sometimes, you just need to reframe what’s in front of you to get a different perspective.”
In his new role, Parkin will work closely with the Association’s leadership team to strengthen member support, champion best practice, and cultivate closer collaboration across the sector. His focus will also include helping to future-proof the industry by encouraging innovation and a more unified voice for scaffolding professionals.
The Scaffolding Association has grown steadily in recent years, becoming one of the UK’s leading trade bodies for the access and scaffolding industry. With Mr Parkin now in post, the organisation hopes to accelerate its progress in building a stronger, more resilient future for the sector.
The company raised target three times as employees and clients went above and beyond for Duchenne UK.
TRAD UK has reached the end of its fundraising campaign for Duchenne UK with an amazing total of £30,000. The charity was chosen because of its support for Thomas, son of two TRAD employees, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy 18 months ago.
Starting with an initial target of £7,000, TRAD has had to raise the target three times, and has been overwhelmed by the support from both employees, clients and suppliers during the fundraising year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team at TRAD,” says MD Colin Dobson. “They have been an incredible support to Danielle and Liam, Thomas’s parents, and they have made so much effort to raise money for this very special charity. We’ve been blown away by the engagement across the business – and from our loyal clients and suppliers – to help us reach this fantastic goal.”
The final fundraising challenge of the year was on March 14th where six of TRAD’s team took part in a skydive at UK Parachuting in Peterborough. Congratulations to Darren Cooper, Cameron Stuart, Tom Mason, Kyle Sykes, Martin Riches and Ian Given, who represented TRAD from across the country!
The money raised will go towards Duchenne UK’s research into the condition, and Thomas’s parents are delighted to be able to make such a huge contribution to the charity’s work.
“When we originally asked TRAD if they would consider sponsoring Duchenne UK, we weren’t expecting to raise anything like this amount,” says Danielle, Thomas’s Mum. “We would have been so grateful for any amount, but £30,000 is just an incredible amount and it will help the charity do so much for children like Thomas. We couldn’t be more thankful to everyone at TRAD and everyone else who has supported this amazing cause.”
TRAD’s new fundraising partner will be announced in April.
Businesses overlook good customer relationships at their peril. It only takes a quick glance at Amazon or TripAdvisor reviews to see how important customer service is and what a difference it makes to a business’s success.In this article, ScaffMag talks to Perry Todd and Joe Thompson of Layher UK, whose focus is on ensuring that customers have the best quality training and support at all times, and to Des Moore, Layher’s Brand Ambassador, who helps both existing and potential customers understand the commercial benefits of using the company’s products.In the scaffolding industry, service is exceptionally important. Whether you are selling or renting equipment, or providing scaffolding contractor services to end clients, understanding the commercial power of good customer service can be the difference between success and failure. That’s why Layher, for example, has created a set of values that are focused on the customer – Service, Support, Solutions and Supply. These values allow the company to bring together expertise in a number of areas to deliver a unique approach to customer service.
Perry Todd and Joe Thompson
Service and Support in Action
We spoke to Layher staff members Perry and Joe to find out exactly how they support their customers. Both have great industry experience – Joe has worked for Layher for 27 years, starting as a forklift truck driver and moving into training as his career progressed. He now delivers training and after-sales specialist support to Layher customers, and he has broad experience across the business in sales, training, and support functions.
Perry grew up in South Africa, after his Dad, who worked for SGB, got a contract out there. Perry ran his own scaffolding business in South Africa and used Layher Allround as part of his work. He also ran a training centre just outside Johannesburg offering training across a range of scaffolding systems. Layher approached Perry and asked him to put together some training for South African customers, so he already had an excellent working knowledge of the product when he and his wife decided to move back to the UK a couple of years ago. Now working for Layher full-time, Perry offers on-site support and training to customers.
“We offer a range of training courses,” says Joe. “Our main training offer is the System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) course, which we offer to anyone with a minimum of CISRS Part 1 qualification. There’s a basics course for non-scaffolders, and one-day product-specific courses to help people get acquainted with the Allround product and understand how to use it most efficiently. Our other courses include specialist training for bridge trusses, stair towers and temporary roofing, as well as product familiarisation for our customers’ sales teams so that they can pitch to their own customers confidently. Finally, we offer Scaffold Inspection courses, which help to put our customers fully in control of their projects from start to finish.”
Dedicated on-site Support
Whether it’s your first build with Layer Allround, or you’ve been a customer for years and you have a complex project to manage, with additional labour on site, Layher’s dedicated on-site support is available to customers at no additional cost.
“I’ve worked with our customers on some very complex projects since I joined Layher,” says Perry. “For example, I supported a customer on a project inside the Humanities building at Oxford University. This was a suspended scaffold, so no scaffolding on the floor at all. And I’m currently working on a large bridge project – in all these cases, I study the design to make sure it’s the most efficient and safest design, and then I’ll go to the site to work with the team to make sure they are confident, and that any new people on site understand the system and what they are building with it.”
Joe has also recently given on-site training at Hinckley Point. “A lot of our practical training is done at whichever of our four depots is closest to the customer,” he says. “But we also do a lot of training on site, where that’s more appropriate. We cover the whole country to support our customers in the best way.”“On-site training is a great way to reinforce any original training courses,” says Joe. “While initial training is fresh in the mind for a couple of days, it could be several weeks until scaffolders are actually on a job, and then some of the elements of the training might have faded from their memory. So working with them on site allows them to refresh that training and see exactly how it all works in practice.”
Designing Services to Work for the Customer
One of the best things about Layher’s approach is that it’s completely flexible to the customer’s needs. “On some occasions, where a customer is investing heavily in Layher Allround, we will build training and support into the initial package,” says Joe. “For most customers, though, it’s a case of designing the training and support to deliver what they need, when they need it.”
That means that the company might offer SSPTS training at the start of a relationship, and then again when new scaffolders are recruited, or when the customer takes on a larger job and needs more labour.
“Of course, we train on the essential product range, but it may be that a customer is using a new product that has just come on board, or that they haven’t used before. We’ll put together dedicated training for that – at our facilities or on-site – to make sure they are confident from the very beginning.”
Supporting Clear Commercial Thinking
This practical training is built on by the commercial training which Des Moore runs for Layher customers. Courses include the commercial benefits of choosing system scaffolding, and how to make the most of system scaffolding once you have chosen the Layher option. Des is also very open to creating bespoke courses for Layher clients that support them in particular areas – such as strategic planning or running a successful system scaffolding business.
“From my point of view, with more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, I know that this approach makes a big difference to scaffolding contractors,” says Moore. “It’s easy to sell something and leave the customer to get on with it, but the success of a business like Layher is inextricably linked to the success of its customers – so why wouldn’t you invest in helping them to get the very most from your products?”
Des has already run several of these courses for Layher’s existing customers, and delivered information to prospects so that they can make informed commercial decisions about choosing to use system scaffolding in the first place, and then selecting which supplier to use.
“What I like about working with Layher, is that there’s so much product expertise in the business,” says Moore. “From the sales team to the after-sales support, there’s a real focus on practical experience – I have it myself, having used Layher Allround for a long time during my career. Having access to all that expertise and experience is a real positive for customers, because they know we have the ability and desire to support them at every point in their Layher journey.”
In a landmark move for the global scaffolding industry, the UK’s National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening international cooperation and raising safety standards across the sector.The strategic agreement, signed in both London and Brisbane, is seen as a significant step forward in aligning standards, training, and best practices between the two countries — and potentially, further afield.The MoU outlines a commitment to share expertise, improve training, and support the development of safer, more efficient scaffolding and access systems. It builds on each organisation’s existing networks and expertise with a clear goal: to foster a globally recognised standard of excellence within the industry.Clive Dickin, Chief Executive of NASC, described the agreement as a “major milestone”.“This is another major milestone in the establishment of a global access and scaffolding sector working to uniformly high standards of safety and compliance,” he said. “We want all scaffolders, regardless of where they work in the world, to benefit from the same protections and standards.”He also urged those commissioning scaffolding services to prioritise contractors who align with these high standards, helping to embed safety into procurement processes globally.Robert Thiess, National Chair and Managing Director of the SAA, echoed the enthusiasm.“We’re absolutely thrilled about this agreement,” he said. “It’s a big step towards better and safer standards of scaffolding around the world. We look forward to working closely with NASC to make this vision a reality.”
Four Pillars of Partnership
The new partnership will focus on four key areas:
Training and Education: Exchanging best practices from the UK and Australia to elevate workforce development.
Equipment Testing: Sharing knowledge on scaffold and access equipment testing to improve user safety.
Operational Efficiency: Collaborating on methods to deliver access solutions more efficiently while reducing risks.
Standards Recognition: Working towards mutual recognition of membership and educational standards.
A Global Network of Expertise
Founded over 80 years ago, NASC represents over 800 members in the UK and offers training, consultancy, and support services. SAA, meanwhile, plays a key role in shaping access and scaffolding standards across Australia and has strong ties within the Australasian construction sector.The new agreement also complements existing international partnerships. Both NASC and SAA have a similar MoU in place with Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ), forming a growing alliance of industry bodies committed to improving safety and raising the bar worldwide.As the scaffolding industry continues to evolve in an increasingly connected world, both organisations say they are confident this partnership will lead to “high-impact advancements” in safety, innovation and international cooperation.
Layher, the global scaffolding innovator, is preparing to make a statement at Bauma 2025—not only with cutting-edge products and services but also with a striking new visual identity that reflects its forward-thinking approach.Under the guiding theme “Your More. The Possibilities from Us,” Layher’s showcase will highlight a raft of innovations focused on safety, digitalisation, and sustainability—designed to support customers in tackling the challenges of modern construction.
A New Look for a New Era
In a move that symbolises its evolution, Layher unveiled a refreshed corporate image, including a newly developed typeface inspired by its scaffolding systems. Designed to reflect the increasing digitalisation of the construction world, the new font draws on the structural clarity of scaffolding bays and levels, stacking letters in a way that visually mirrors the grid of modular scaffolding.“Our new typeface is derived from the Layher logo and symbolises the human actor within a structuring framework,” the company said. “It’s a constructive element, open to change and innovation—just like the scaffolding system itself.”Layher’s new logo for a new eraThis modern design will be reflected across Layher’s digital platforms, printed materials, and its redesigned website, which has been optimised for easier access to product information, services, and customer-focused solutions.
Greener Construction with CO?-Reduced Decks
One of the headline innovations on display in Munich will be Layher’s new CO?-reduced Steel Deck LW, offering a 40% lower carbon footprint while retaining the trusted performance of its predecessor. Certified by TÜV, the low-emission deck helps customers meet sustainability targets and gain a competitive edge—especially in public tenders and funding applications where carbon credentials matter.
Next-Level Safety with SoloTower and SafetyPlus
Layher’s SoloTowerLayher’s SoloTower mobile scaffold has also been re-engineered for greater safety and compliance. Now featuring the Safety Structure P2 SAFETYPLUS, the updated rolling tower can be assembled and dismantled by a single user without compromising on safety. The system ensures that side protection is in place before ascending to the next level, fully aligning with DIN EN 1004 standards and current European safety legislation.
Smarter Sites with SIM and SIM2Field
The integration of digital solutions continues with the Layher SIM process, now featuring the new SIM2Field tool that brings 3D planning closer to real-world application. This innovation improves cost control, transparency, and scheduling for scaffolding operations—essential in an industry where precision and timing are key.Layher will also present new additions to its modular scaffolding range, including:
The Allround Bridging System for heavy-duty spans up to 30 metres.
The Allround FW System for spans up to 20 metres with minimal components.
The lightweight Aluminium TwixBeam and high-strength FlexBeam,now available in an O-version compatible with mobile weather protection roofs.
These systems are designed for a wide array of applications, from footbridges and façade scaffolds to intricate industrial builds and historical renovations.Xtra-Slim steel planksAlso debuting at Bauma is the Xtra-Slim steel plank—just 20mm thick and ideal for tight corners and complex layouts. Combined with a new 3-metre steel plank option, Layher continues to deliver practical on-site innovations that improve both safety and speed of assembly.With Bauma 2025 runningfrom 7–13 April, Layher invites construction professionals to experience its vision for a more digital, sustainable, and efficient scaffolding industry.“Your success is our objective,” the company says in its latest newsletter. “That’s why we’re offering more: more innovation, more support, more possibilities.”
Austrian formwork and scaffolding giant Doka is preparing to make a bold statement at Bauma 2025 in Munich, with more than 40 product innovations to revolutionise construction site productivity and support a more sustainable construction future.Visitors to the world-renowned construction trade fair will find Doka’s sprawling outdoor stand (FN.420 – FN.423) transformed into a high-tech showcase, where automation, robotics, digital tools, and climate-conscious construction materials take centre stage.Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka, said:“We cannot build the future with yesterday’s methods. The construction industry is facing enormous challenges – above all, it must overcome its productivity stagnation. Through consistent digitalisation and new technologies, we aim to create real value for our customers.”Among the headline announcements is the re-engineered DokaXbot Lift – an automated lifting assistant for formwork installation. First unveiled as a prototype in 2022, the upgraded version now offers intuitive ground-level controls, automatic fine-tuning, and the ability to compensate for uneven flooring. Capable of positioning formwork up to 5.7 metres high, the DokaXbot Lift enhances safety and efficiency on high-rise builds and will feature in live demonstrations throughout the show.Another key innovation making its global debut is Doka LeanForm, an assembly method that enables complete wall formwork units to be safely pre-assembled at ground level. Once complete, units are lifted into place via crane – reducing risk, saving time, and improving site ergonomics.Doka’s commitment to greener building practices is also clear, with the introduction of an intelligent heated formwork prototype. The technology supports the curing of low-carbon, CO?-reduced concrete by applying targeted heating to accelerate strength development – addressing a key challenge in the transition to more climate-friendly materials. Embedded digital sensors provide real-time monitoring, offering contractors valuable data on concrete performance.“CO?-reduced concrete is a key driver of change,” Mr Hauser added. “With our heated formwork, we are showing that formwork can be a powerful tool in the decarbonisation of construction sites. It’s more than just support – it’s an enabler.”Also on display will be Doka’s new FormDrive system – a mobile, automated control unit that lifts and manoeuvres climbing systems and wall formwork, reducing manual effort and increasing on-site safety.Visitors can also explore the next generation of slab and wall formwork, including the DokaXdek, Xlife, and heavy-duty shoring systems like DokaXshore and UniKit.
Scaffolding solutions
In partnership with AT-PAC, Doka will spotlight a range of new scaffolding solutions, targeting both the construction and industrial sectors. These include advancements in façade scaffolding, access systems, and shoring applications. A dedicated scaffolding zone will feature a towering 30-metre Ringlock scaffold structure with an integrated viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the Bauma grounds.Bauma 2025 takes place from April 7–13 in Munich and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe.
Hong Kong is set to scale back its iconic use of bamboo scaffolding as officials take steps to improve safety standards on building sites.In a policy shift announced this week, the Development Bureau said steel scaffolding would replace bamboo on at least half of all new public construction contracts. The move follows a string of fatal incidents – with 23 workers killed in bamboo scaffold-related accidents since 2018.Bamboo scaffolding has long been a hallmark of Hong Kong’s urban landscape, wrapped around skyscrapers and neon shopfronts alike. Lightweight, flexible, and relatively inexpensive, it has been used for everything from small-scale renovations to the construction of major high-rises.The practice, with roots stretching back centuries across Asia, is unique for its speed and efficiency. Bamboo poles – fastened with nylon straps instead of nuts and bolts – can be quickly erected even in the city’s narrowest streets. Generations of skilled scaffolders have passed down the technique, which is as much a craft as a trade.Scaffolders erecting bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong / Stock photoBut authorities say the material’s limitations are now too risky to ignore. Bamboo is highly flammable, can deteriorate over time, and varies in strength – making it increasingly unsuitable for modern, high-risk worksites.“Bamboo has intrinsic flaws that raise serious concerns,” said Terence Lam, a spokesperson for the Development Bureau. “We need to prioritise worker safety.”Currently, around 80% of scaffolds across the city are still made from bamboo, according to industry estimates. While steel scaffolding is more expensive – often two to three times the cost – it is widely seen as more robust, reliable, and better aligned with international safety standards.The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims welcomed the change, calling on private developers to follow the government’s lead.“Lives are being lost. Even if metal costs more, it pays off in long-term safety,” the group said. “This shift has been a long time coming.”Some, however, see the move as the end of a cultural era. For many residents, bamboo scaffolds are a visual signature of the city – a striking contrast of tradition against modern glass and steel.“It’s part of Hong Kong’s identity,” said one veteran scaffolder in Sham Shui Po. “But we can’t keep holding on if it puts people in danger. The world is changing.”
Developed in collaboration with Canada-based Optimal Access Solution Ltd, the IXI Truss Beam will make its debut as a modular, lightweight truss system for constructing wide-span platforms and temporary structures.
With a load-optimised design and components weighing just 18.5 kg/m², the IXI beam is compatible with both multidirectional scaffolding and traditional tube-and-coupler systems, allowing for complex hybrid structures on demanding sites.
Aluminium Fly 105 Bracket
A significant advancement in cantilevered scaffolding, the new Aluminium Fly 105 Bracket builds upon Pilosio’s trusted steel model. The bracket’s lightweight construction enables faster installation, while its reversible design supports both tube and U-profile board connections.
Its Z-shaped frame incorporates a sliding walkway on the lower level, providing a cantilevered platform for bracket installation without interrupting pedestrian or road access—ideal for maintenance on bridges, cornices, and facades.
P75 Lightweight Aluminium Formwork
Pilosio will debut its P75 vertical frame formwork system, designed to redefine handling efficiency and site productivity. Engineered from high-performance aluminium alloy, the panels weigh just 21.00 kg/m² while withstanding concrete pressures of up to 60 kN/m².
Available in 3.00 m and 1.5 m heights, the system is compatible with Pilosio’s established P300 steel system, making it suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, especially where crane access is limited. Three facing options—phenolic plywood, wood/PVC composite, and Alkus PVC—offer long-term durability and suitability for fair-faced concrete finishes.
Quick Stripping Corner System
Designed to streamline formwork removal in confined pours such as elevator shafts and stairwells, Pilosio will introduce its Quick Stripping Corner. Compatible with both P75 and P300 systems, this solution supports manual, crane-assisted, and hydraulic stripping operations. Available in heights of 1.50 m and 3.00 m, the corners can be stacked for pours up to 9 metres in height.
PILOSIO UP Vertical Access Range
In partnership with Salerno Ponteggi, Pilosio will present the new PILOSIO UP range of construction hoists, transport platforms, and self-erecting work platforms. Ranging from the compact PT900 to the high-capacity PT4000 Twin, the hoists are built for efficiency, modularity, and ease of installation, addressing the diverse access needs of industrial, infrastructure, and high-rise projects.
Returning to Bauma is the FlyDeck, Pilosio’s flagship suspended platform system designed for work beneath bridges, viaducts, and overhead structures. This edition highlights its integration with the X Force Hoist motors, enabling rapid lifting and retrieval of the platform in response to sudden environmental events—critical for safety and preservation, as proven during a recent flood intervention in Italy.
Dynamo
Also on display will be the Dynamo, a ballast-operated mobile scaffold base tailored for infrastructure maintenance. Designed to support cantilevered and curved scaffold structures within tunnels and over viaducts, Dynamo provides a flexible alternative to conventional MEWPs, minimising disruption to road traffic.
MP Multidirectional Scaffolding and Stairs
Pilosio will also spotlight its robust MP Multidirectional System, constructed from hot-dip galvanised steel and known for its strength, adaptability, and modularity. The system supports a wide array of scaffold and stair configurations, including public access stair towers, which will be featured at the stand with aluminium handrails.
Immersive Virtual Reality Experience
In addition to physical demonstrations, Pilosio will offer an immersive virtual reality simulation, allowing visitors to experience the assembly and functionality of its systems—including the FlyDeck—at heights of up to 80 metres. This interactive component aims to provide construction professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the operational safety and usability of Pilosio’s latest offerings.
Bauma 2025 takes place in Munich from 7 to 13 April. Pilosio is exhibiting at Stand B3-103 
Joe has also recently given on-site training at Hinckley Point. “A lot of our practical training is done at whichever of our four depots is closest to the customer,” he says. “But we also do a lot of training on site, where that’s more appropriate. We cover the whole country to support our customers in the best way.”
“On-site training is a great way to reinforce any original training courses,” says Joe. “While initial training is fresh in the mind for a couple of days, it could be several weeks until scaffolders are actually on a job, and then some of the elements of the training might have faded from their memory. So working with them on site allows them to refresh that training and see exactly how it all works in practice.”
“From my point of view, with more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, I know that this approach makes a big difference to scaffolding contractors,” says Moore. “It’s easy to sell something and leave the customer to get on with it, but the success of a business like Layher is inextricably linked to the success of its customers – so why wouldn’t you invest in helping them to get the very most from your products?”
Des has already run several of these courses for Layher’s existing customers, and delivered information to prospects so that they can make informed commercial decisions about choosing to use system scaffolding in the first place, and then selecting which supplier to use.
“What I like about working with Layher, is that there’s so much product expertise in the business,” says Moore. “From the sales team to the after-sales support, there’s a real focus on practical experience – I have it myself, having used Layher Allround for a long time during my career. Having access to all that expertise and experience is a real positive for customers, because they know we have the ability and desire to support them at every point in their Layher journey.” 
Another key innovation making its global debut is Doka LeanForm, an assembly method that enables complete wall formwork units to be safely pre-assembled at ground level. Once complete, units are lifted into place via crane – reducing risk, saving time, and improving site ergonomics.
Doka’s commitment to greener building practices is also clear, with the introduction of an intelligent heated formwork prototype. The technology supports the curing of low-carbon, CO?-reduced concrete by applying targeted heating to accelerate strength development – addressing a key challenge in the transition to more climate-friendly materials. Embedded digital sensors provide real-time monitoring, offering contractors valuable data on concrete performance.
“CO?-reduced concrete is a key driver of change,” Mr Hauser added. “With our heated formwork, we are showing that formwork can be a powerful tool in the decarbonisation of construction sites. It’s more than just support – it’s an enabler.”
Also on display will be Doka’s new FormDrive system – a mobile, automated control unit that lifts and manoeuvres climbing systems and wall formwork, reducing manual effort and increasing on-site safety.
Visitors can also explore the next generation of slab and wall formwork, including the DokaXdek, Xlife, and heavy-duty shoring systems like DokaXshore and UniKit.
