This month has marked an impressive milestone for one of the scaffolding industry’s most respected figures — Sean Pike is celebrating 26 years with Layher UK.
As Managing Director, Sean has played a pivotal role in shaping Layher’s reputation as a trusted, client-focused solutions provider. Over more than two decades, he has helped build and lead a team known for its service, support, and commitment to excellence, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers across the UK.
Reflecting on his journey, Sean said, “It’s hard to put into words what 26 years really means, but I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with some of the most committed, talented, and driven people in the industry.”
Sean paid tribute to colleagues past and present, and extended thanks to Layher’s clients for their continued trust and collaboration.
From all of us here — congratulations, Sean. Here’s to the next chapter.
Global engineering giant Bechtel has been appointed as the delivery partner for three major new terminals at King Salman International Airport (KSIA), a flagship project thatis set to transform air travel in Saudi Arabia.The agreement with KSIA Development Company was signed during a high-profile visit to the Kingdom, attended by US President Donald Trump.Located near Riyadh, KSIA is projected to become the world’s largest airport upon completion. Bechtel said the expanded facility will feature six parallel runways and is expected to accommodate up to 185 million passengers annually by 2050.Darren Mort, president of Bechtel’s infrastructure division, described the project as a defining moment for the capital. “This development will reshape Riyadh and support the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global aviation and logistics hub,” he said.Under the agreement, Bechtel will oversee the construction of a new terminal for commercial flights, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers, and a dedicated private aviation terminal complete with hangars. The new facilities will eventually replace the current infrastructure at King Khalid International Airport.Bechtel brings decades of experience to the project, having completed around 300 major developments across Saudi Arabia. Most recently, the company played a key role in the construction of the Riyadh Metro, which opened last year.The airport project forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and boost tourism, positioning Riyadh as one of the world’s top ten city economies by the end of the decade.
A new standard governing the testing and rating of scaffold boards has been formally approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which is expected to enhance safety and consistency across the scaffolding, shoring, and formwork sectors in the United States.The ANSI/SAIA A11.6-2025 standard, developed by the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA), will take effect from 1 May 2026. It outlines detailed methods for evaluating the performance of manufactured scaffold boards and decking products used in a wide range of temporary works applications.The update marks the latest addition to a growing framework of standards maintained by the ASC A11 Committee, which oversees American National Standards for the design, manufacture, and testing of scaffold and access-related equipment.Global Relevance in Scaffold SafetyThough ANSI standards are U.S.-based, their influence is often felt internationally, especially among manufacturers exporting to North America or adopting best practices. The new board rating standard is seen by many as part of a broader global push toward harmonised safety benchmarks in access systems.Those interested in viewing or purchasing the full A11.6-2025 standard can do so via the SAIA’s online store.Call for VolunteersAlongside the announcement, SAIA is inviting stakeholders to join its ASC A11 Committee, with a particular need for members from the C-2 Users and C-3 General Interest categories.The C-2 Users category includes end-users, distributors, and regulatory bodies, while the C-3 General Interest category is aimed at academics, safety professionals, government representatives, and other non-commercial participants.Committee members play a key role in drafting and maintaining technical standards including: A11.1 – Testing and Rating Scaffold Assemblies and Components A11.2 – Shoring Equipment A11.3 – Portable Rigging Devices for Suspended Scaffolds A11.4 – Multiple Point Suspended Platforms A11.5 – Concrete Formwork and Accessories A11.6 – Scaffold Planks and Decks A11.7 – Permanent EquipmentInterested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information on how to contribute.
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has issued a strong response following criticism from a newly formed industry group, the Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA), labelling it an “unrecognised and unverified entity.”The STA, which has only recently emerged onto the scaffolding scene, issued a statement raising concerns over proposed reforms to the CISRS training framework. In response, CISRS and its owner, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), say they are disappointed by the public commentary, especially as the proposals are still under development and not yet subject to formal consultation.Wayne Connolly, Chair of CISRS, said the changes are being driven by clear demand from employers and scaffolders themselves, not commercial interests.Wayne Connolly, Chair of CISRS“The changes that have been announced for CISRS and that are in development have been demanded by employers and cardholders, while some commercially interested training providers have resisted modernisation,” said Connolly.“CISRS and NASC will continue to work directly with accredited centres and recognised industry stakeholders professionally and will not entertain discussions with groups whose composition and intentions are unclear.”The STA claims to represent a collective of access professionals and training providers concerned about the direction of scaffolding training in the UK. However, little is known about the group’s membership or governance.In defending the planned updates to its long-established training scheme, CISRS emphasised that reforms would improve access and quality across the board. As reported yesterday, proposals include increasing training capacity for 16–17-year-olds, boosting the amount of practical learning time, and introducing tougher quality assurance procedures.“A key improvement will be the mandatory recording and monitoring of learner outcomes, including failure rates – a move long resisted by some centres but essential for transparency and continual improvement,” Connolly added.He said that CISRS’s commitment remains with the workforce and employers who depend on its standards, noting the organisation’s longstanding collaboration with Unite the Union.“We believe change must be guided by those who use and rely on CISRS qualifications and not by commercial training providers with vested interests.”CISRS and NASC say they remain open to “constructive, informed, and transparent” dialogue as they continue modernising the scheme to meet the future needs of the scaffolding and access industry.ScaffMag has reached out to the STA for further comment.
A new trade body has been launched to support and strengthen scaffolding training across the UK, as tensions mount over proposed changes to the long-established CISRS scheme.The newly formed Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) brings together a collective of experienced scaffolding professionals and training providers. Its creation comes at a time of uncertainty in the sector, with some training centres voicing concerns over reforms announced yesterday to the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), which has served as the industry standard for six decades.The alliance said it aims to “maintain and improve upon existing scaffolding and safety standards” while ensuring scaffolding training remains consistent, accessible, and high-quality for both learners and employers.A spokesperson for the STA, speaking to the Construction Enquirer, described the move as “a fantastic opportunity” to unite voices from across the scaffolding training sector. They said the alliance will focus on “sustainable, effective training practices, in a safe environment” that meet the evolving needs of the UK’s access industry.While the STA said it would embrace digital tools where appropriate, it emphasised that hands-on skills will remain at the heart of its training programmes — including the safe use and erection of both traditional tube and fitting scaffolds and modern system scaffolds.“Scaffolding is a high-risk sector,” the spokesperson added. “We need to be assured that operatives who pass through our training centres are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and competently — especially when working at height or undertaking manual handling tasks.”The STA also expressed a desire to collaborate with a broad range of industry organisations, including the NASC, ASITO, the Scaffolding Association, HSE, Build UK, CSCS, CITB and Unite.“We look forward to engaging with industry employer representatives and the wider construction community,” the alliance said. “Our goal is to encourage healthy debate and contribute to the continued growth and success of the scaffolding sector — something we are all deeply passionate about.”Scaffmag has reached out to CISRS and NASC for comment.
In a move set to reshape the future of scaffolding training, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has exclusively confirmed to ScaffMag the launch of a sweeping reform programme aimed at modernising its framework, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and improving access for young people entering the sector.
Set to be announced today, the reforms follow an in-depth governance review and an independent industry perception survey, and mark the beginning of what CISRS Chair Wayne Connolly describes as a “progressive programme of change”.
“The scaffolding sector needs a training system that is robust, inclusive and capable of delivering the skilled workforce of tomorrow,” Mr Connolly told ScaffMag. “We are focused on building a modern, responsive training network that meets real-world needs while maintaining the high standards of safety and competence the sector demands.”
The changes will see the introduction of a new Quality Committee reporting directly to the CISRS Board. This body will be responsible for overseeing training standards, course content, and centre performance, and will include employer and educational representatives, chaired by an independent specialist.
According to CISRS, one of the key drivers for reform was the need to improve customer satisfaction levels across training centres, which were highlighted in recent survey data. Future Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will now incorporate satisfaction metrics for centres and individual trainers.
From 1 June 2025, a revised Centre Specification will also come into effect, designed to make it easier for providers to deliver flexible, high-quality learning. It includes a reduction in minimum height requirements for training areas — a move expected to boost training capacity in cities like London and in rural parts of the UK.
The changes will also encourage enclosed, all-weather learning environments, set clearer expectations for customer service, and — for the first time — mandate installing CCTV systems across all CISRS-approved centres to enhance safety, security, and training oversight.
In addition, CISRS is entering a new digital era. Training records will be digitised, and data collection across courses will be enhanced to track learner outcomes, including those who face challenges or fail, so that content can be better tailored and improved.
As part of the initial phase of change, an 18-month moratorium will be placed on the approval of new Open-Air Craft Centres across mainland UK, giving existing centres time to adapt to the new standards.
CISRS, which operates as a not-for-profit owned by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), believes the reforms will position the scheme at the forefront of vocational training nationally and internationally.
Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of NASC and CISRS, told ScaffMag:
NASC & CISRS CEO, Clive Dickin“The skills and talent shortage have been widely reported for many years within the scaffolding and access sector. The announcement today by the CISRS chair is the start of a sustained programme that will increase quality, accessibility, and capacity within the scaffolding and access education and training system. The UK sector has a negligible 16-17 education systems and an exceptionally low capacity for apprentice programmes given the current workforce requirements. With these changes, we are also planning further course content, digitisation, train the trainer programmes and changes to the overseas programme, which is becoming larger than the UK operation. We also must acknowledge that scaffolding is not just within the construction sector, the industrial, events, utilities, oil, gas and transport sectors to name but a few all must be served with a more rounded global proposition that aligns with the UK model.”
The organisation says more details and support for training providers will be announced in the months ahead as it begins implementing what it calls a “future-ready training system”.
NASC & CISRS has also confirmed it will be speaking at great length on the new reforms, on a well-known industry podcast that will be published in the near future.
Specialist scaffolding works are playing a crucial role in the restoration of Edinburgh’s historic Jenners department store, as the iconic A-listed building undergoes a major redevelopment.Brand Access Solutions is delivering a comprehensive programme of internal and external scaffold systems to support the transformation of the landmark Princes Street site, which GRAHAM Construction is leading.The former retail institution, first opened in 1895 and expanded several times throughout the 20th century, closed in 2020 after 125 years of trading.Work is now underway to sensitively restore its original architectural features, while creating a new mixed-use space incorporating a boutique hotel, restaurants, bars and retail areas across ten floors and 17,500 square metres.Brand’s temporary access structures, which began in July 2023 and is expected to continue through to June 2027, are designed in-house to meet the complex needs of the heritage project. The works include various scaffolding forms, such as gantries, propping, sheeting drop cantilevers, banner frames, birdcages and bespoke internal systems—some reaching as high as 36 metres with 18 lifts in place.A team of 25 scaffolders are currently deployed on site.Stuart Dougall, Regional Manager at Brand Access Solutions, said: “Working on an A-listed building in Scotland, which is of historical architectural importance is an absolute privilege and plays to our strengths. We have a long and envied reputation for heritage building work, including our recent NASC Project of the Year at New Register House, just around the corner from Jenners.”He added: “This is a superb project to be part of and credit goes to the Edinburgh operations team, headed up by Scott Tillbrook. We’ve already received high praise from the client and main contractor, and we hope further recognition will follow as the restoration progresses.”The redevelopment aims to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most beloved buildings, blending its rich history with modern use, while preserving its ornate façade and interiors for future generations.
A West Midlands testing specialist has marked its fifth year in business by setting an ambitious £1 million sales target, as interest in its digital pull-testing tools increases across the scaffolding and access sector.Staht, based in Lye near Dudley, manufactures equipment for load testing anchor fixings, safety eye bolts, and lifting points — all commonly used in scaffolding and fall protection systems. The firm expects sales growth to accelerate in 2026, driven by rising safety standards and increased demand for digital reporting on construction sites.The company’s tools — particularly its flagship T60, which tests loads up to six tonnes — are now used in more than 15 countries, including Australia, the US, and Europe.Founder Rob Hirst, who previously worked for 3M, started the business during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.“We started in my kitchen with a basic idea for a better pull tester,” he told Scaffmag. “Five years on, we’re exporting globally, and our digital systems are being adopted across multiple sectors — including scaffolding.”Staht’s testing kits are designed to capture and log key inspection data, including GPS location, photos, and real-time results. All data is stored via the firm’s Staht® Connect mobile app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.The technology aims to streamline compliance checks, particularly where detailed inspection records are required for site safety documentation or third-party verification.To meet increased demand, the company has recently expanded its operations at Hayes Lane Trading Estate in Lye, adding new warehouse and workshop space along with a training facility for clients.Staht has also received support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), a government-funded service aimed at helping small businesses scale up. Through BGWM, the firm secured capital funding for a 3D printer, allowing it to bring product prototyping in-house.BGWM adviser Steve Dunn said Staht was an example of a small manufacturer responding to the construction sector’s evolving needs.“Rob and the team are designing and building equipment in the Black Country that’s being used around the world. It’s a good case of innovation meeting market demand — especially in areas like scaffolding where inspection regimes are tightening.”Staht currently employs six people and is continuing to develop new tools aimed at the access and safety market. Its most recent product, the T25, offers Bluetooth connectivity and a full-colour screen in a more compact format.
Stork, a recent acquisition by industrial services giant Altrad, has secured a significant five-year contract with Ithaca Energy UK Limited to deliver inspection services across the energy firm’s UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) operations.The agreement, which began on 1 March 2025, includes options for two further one-year extensions and will cover the inspection of topside pressure systems, structural components, tanks, heat exchangers and marine assets across a broad range of Ithaca’s offshore infrastructure.Describing the contract as a “landmark win”, Steve Hunt, Regional Director for Stork, said: “This is a landmark contract win for Stork, positioning us as a full integrity partner in the UKCS. We look forward to working closely with Ithaca Energy to add value to their operations.”The new agreement is expected to create around 25 additional jobs within Stork’s asset integrity team, reflecting growing demand for inspection and integrity services across the offshore energy sector.Paudie Somers, Altrad’s CEO for the UK, Ireland, Nordics and Poland, welcomed the announcement, adding: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract from Ithaca Energy, wherein we will deliver our full range of inspection services, efficiently under one contract.”The deal reinforces Altrad’s growing presence in the North Sea energy market and follows a series of strategic moves to enhance its service offering through acquisitions and talent development.
Scaffmag can exclusively reveal that Lancashire-based AK Scaffolding Ltd has claimed the last coveted spot in ScaffChamp 2025, the international scaffolding championship set to take place next month.
The announcement marks a significant moment for the competition, as AK Scaffolding becomes the final team to join the elite global lineup competing in what is widely regarded as the world’s premier scaffold assembly showdown.
Sources close to the event organisers have confirmed that AK Scaffolding Ltd has officially accepted the invitation to represent the UK on the global stage. Their participation ensures Britain will once again have a presence in the high-pressure, time-critical event that tests speed, accuracy, and safety in scaffold erection and dismantling.
ScaffChamp, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, will feature teams from across Europe and beyond, all vying for top honours in front of an international audience. The competition is as much a celebration of craft and teamwork as it is a battle of skill and efficiency.
With the lineup now complete, anticipation for ScaffChamp 2025 has reached new heights.
More details, including team profiles and competition format, will follow soon.
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The newly formed Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) brings together a collective of experienced scaffolding professionals and training providers. Its creation comes at a time of uncertainty in the sector, with some training centres voicing concerns over reforms announced yesterday to the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), which has served as the industry standard for six decades.
The alliance said it aims to “maintain and improve upon existing scaffolding and safety standards” while ensuring scaffolding training remains consistent, accessible, and high-quality for both learners and employers.
A spokesperson for the STA, speaking to the Construction Enquirer, described the move as “a fantastic opportunity” to unite voices from across the scaffolding training sector. They said the alliance will focus on “sustainable, effective training practices, in a safe environment” that meet the evolving needs of the UK’s access industry.
While the STA said it would embrace digital tools where appropriate, it emphasised that hands-on skills will remain at the heart of its training programmes — including the safe use and erection of both traditional tube and fitting scaffolds and modern system scaffolds.
“Scaffolding is a high-risk sector,” the spokesperson added. “We need to be assured that operatives who pass through our training centres are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and competently — especially when working at height or undertaking manual handling tasks.”
The STA also expressed a desire to collaborate with a broad range of industry organisations, including the NASC, ASITO, the Scaffolding Association, HSE, Build UK, CSCS, CITB and Unite.
“We look forward to engaging with industry employer representatives and the wider construction community,” the alliance said. “Our goal is to encourage healthy debate and contribute to the continued growth and success of the scaffolding sector — something we are all deeply passionate about.”
Scaffmag has reached out to CISRS and NASC for comment. 
The newly formed Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) brings together a collective of experienced scaffolding professionals and training providers. Its creation comes at a time of uncertainty in the sector, with some training centres voicing concerns over reforms announced yesterday to the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), which has served as the industry standard for six decades.
The alliance said it aims to “maintain and improve upon existing scaffolding and safety standards” while ensuring scaffolding training remains consistent, accessible, and high-quality for both learners and employers.
A spokesperson for the STA, speaking to the Construction Enquirer, described the move as “a fantastic opportunity” to unite voices from across the scaffolding training sector. They said the alliance will focus on “sustainable, effective training practices, in a safe environment” that meet the evolving needs of the UK’s access industry.
While the STA said it would embrace digital tools where appropriate, it emphasised that hands-on skills will remain at the heart of its training programmes — including the safe use and erection of both traditional tube and fitting scaffolds and modern system scaffolds.
“Scaffolding is a high-risk sector,” the spokesperson added. “We need to be assured that operatives who pass through our training centres are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and competently — especially when working at height or undertaking manual handling tasks.”
The STA also expressed a desire to collaborate with a broad range of industry organisations, including the NASC, ASITO, the Scaffolding Association, HSE, Build UK, CSCS, CITB and Unite.
“We look forward to engaging with industry employer representatives and the wider construction community,” the alliance said. “Our goal is to encourage healthy debate and contribute to the continued growth and success of the scaffolding sector — something we are all deeply passionate about.”
Scaffmag has reached out to CISRS and NASC for comment. 
He added: “This is a superb project to be part of and credit goes to the Edinburgh operations team, headed up by Scott Tillbrook. We’ve already received high praise from the client and main contractor, and we hope further recognition will follow as the restoration progresses.”
The redevelopment aims to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most beloved buildings, blending its rich history with modern use, while preserving its ornate façade and interiors for future generations. 
He added: “This is a superb project to be part of and credit goes to the Edinburgh operations team, headed up by Scott Tillbrook. We’ve already received high praise from the client and main contractor, and we hope further recognition will follow as the restoration progresses.”
The redevelopment aims to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most beloved buildings, blending its rich history with modern use, while preserving its ornate façade and interiors for future generations. 
The technology aims to streamline compliance checks, particularly where detailed inspection records are required for site safety documentation or third-party verification.
To meet increased demand, the company has recently expanded its operations at Hayes Lane Trading Estate in Lye, adding new warehouse and workshop space along with a training facility for clients.
Staht has also received support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), a government-funded service aimed at helping small businesses scale up. Through BGWM, the firm secured capital funding for a 3D printer, allowing it to bring product prototyping in-house.
BGWM adviser Steve Dunn said Staht was an example of a small manufacturer responding to the construction sector’s evolving needs.
“Rob and the team are designing and building equipment in the Black Country that’s being used around the world. It’s a good case of innovation meeting market demand — especially in areas like scaffolding where inspection regimes are tightening.”
Staht currently employs six people and is continuing to develop new tools aimed at the access and safety market. Its most recent product, the T25, offers Bluetooth connectivity and a full-colour screen in a more compact format. 
