Budget Misses the Mark: NASC Calls for a Blueprint That Truly Builds Britain

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Budget Misses the Mark: NASC Calls for a Blueprint That Truly Builds Britain

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has voiced concerns over the latest Budget, questioning the government’s commitment to “get Britain building.”

While the Chancellor’s proposals include significant initiatives aimed at boosting housing and infrastructure, NASC CEO Clive Dickin believes they fall short in providing the necessary support for employment and innovation – areas he sees as essential to economic growth. Expressing his disappointment, Dickin argued that the Budget sends an unfocused message, with decisions that risk undermining the government’s own goals for economic growth. “This Budget misses a crucial opportunity to support businesses,” he stated. “Without a clear commitment to fostering business-led growth, this approach could hinder both economic resilience and fiscal health in the long term.”
NASC CEO, Clive Dickin

Rising Costs Challenge Employers

Increased National Living Wage (NLW) rates and employer National Insurance contributions are among the Budget’s measures that Dickin says could place undue strain on employers. The 6.7% NLW increase, significantly above inflation, is expected to raise salary expectations across sectors, putting pressure on employers looking to expand or maintain their workforce. “Today’s announcement is excessive,” Dickin observed. “It could discourage companies from hiring junior staff and drive inflation even higher.” The heightened Employers’ National Insurance contributions, including a reduction in thresholds, add to these burdens. Dickin warns this change may make it difficult for employers to recruit or retain staff, further straining the sector at a time when skilled workers are in high demand. “The increase in NI thresholds could stifle recruitment efforts and dampen the ability to reward existing employees,” he explained. “This isn’t aligned with the government’s stated growth mission.”

Small Businesses Face New Financial Strains

Changes to Business Rates and Capital Gains Tax in the Budget are also expected to impact the scaffolding sector. Removing the “cliff edge” for small firms was a welcome adjustment. Still, alterations to the Small Business Multiplier and Small Business Rates Relief suggest that many small enterprises may face higher costs. With Capital Gains Tax thresholds also modified, Dickin warns these changes could discourage much-needed investment in the industry, especially in a sector grappling with talent shortages.

NASC’s Call for Business-Focused Reforms

In response to the Budget, NASC has urged the government to consider alternative approaches that better support businesses and promote sustained economic growth. “The Chancellor’s intention to ‘get Britain building’ must be backed by policies that genuinely empower businesses,” Dickin said. “While there are some benefits for SMEs, such as minor increases to the Employment Allowance, these are overshadowed by the overall cost increases.” Dickin is calling on the government to work more closely with industry leaders to create a growth strategy that values business as a fundamental driver of the UK’s prosperity. “Employment and innovation are the cornerstones of a resilient economy,” he noted, stressing that only by fostering these areas can the UK effectively support its construction and scaffolding industries. As the government rolls out its initiatives to “get Britain building,” NASC’s message is clear: a robust economic recovery hinges on policies that enable businesses to thrive, recruit talent, and invest in future innovation.

SEP Culant and JMAC Team Up to Transform UK Work-at-Height Services

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SEP Culant and JMAC Team Up to Transform UK Work-at-Height Services
SEP Culant and JMAC Group have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing work-at-height and access support services across multiple industries in the UK. The collaboration brings together SEP Culant’s rope access expertise and JMAC Group’s expansive height access solutions, combining to offer a comprehensive service for sectors ranging from rail and industrial construction to pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and oil and gas. SEP Culant has built a reputation in the rail industry, particularly for its IRATA-accredited rope access services, while JMAC Group has led the provision of multidisciplinary height access solutions across complex sectors. The partnership reflects the increased demand for all-in-one support services, a trend both companies have observed over their past 18 months of joint project work, including the large-scale SeAH project at Teesside’s Freeport. “As more clients turn to us, it’s clear that a one-stop-shop service is needed to support their requirements,” said Luis McCarthy, Managing Director of JMAC Group. “Both firms are relied upon for agile support in our respective sectors.” The collaboration draws on the skills of over 250 full-time employees; each cross-trained across several specialisms to provide seamless service on diverse projects. This adaptable team structure, noted SEP Culant’s Managing Director, Andrew Oliver, enables the partnership to mobilise talent as needed: “Most of our team members are trained across specialisms, which means we can deploy individuals as needed rather than telling clients we don’t have enough staff.” A true test of their combined expertise came with the ongoing SeAH development, a £500 million mega-project at Teesside’s Freeport set to become the world’s largest offshore monopile factory. The project’s vast scale and complexity presented challenges for prior contractors, but SEP Culant and JMAC’s collaborative approach quickly turned the tide.   Standing at 40 meters high, the SeAH building required a staggering 162,000 square meters of safety netting, setting a European record in construction. “We were called in to devise and implement a reliable strategy,” Andrew shared. “Within one week, our teams were on-site, transforming the project timeline with our cohesive approach.” Since taking over, they’ve maintained a flexible workforce of between 8 to 15 team members on-site, adjusting as needed based on project demands. “We pride ourselves on our agility and our ability to adapt to any client’s evolving needs,” Luis added. Beyond SeAH, SEP Culant and JMAC’s partnership has already proven successful across several projects, including the significant scaffold construction at Darlington Train Station’s historic clock tower. Their combined size and expertise, they say, place them in a “blue ocean” space, where they offer a unique blend of personalised service and large-scale resources without the red tape of larger competitors. “We provide the personal attention of a small company with the resources of a large one,” Luis explained. Their joint service offerings now span:
  • Safety netting services
  • NASC-certified scaffolding
  • IRATA-accredited rope access
  • FASET certified platform decking
  • RISQS accreditation
“Together, we provide a dependable height access solution with safety as the highest priority,” Andrew added. “We have the necessary certifications and experience to back it up, giving our clients peace of mind.”

HAKI Safety Expands Reach with Strategic Acquisition

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HAKI Safety Expands Reach with Strategic Acquisition
In a move to strengthen its foothold in the work zone safety sector, HAKI Safety has successfully acquired Semmco Group, a prominent UK-based manufacturer specialising in safe access platforms for aircraft and train maintenance. This acquisition broadens HAKI’s product portfolio and extends its reach into new sectors and geographic markets, positioning the company for significant growth within the aviation and rail industries. Semmco Group, headquartered in Woking, Surrey, has been at the forefront of providing maintenance access solutions for over 30 years, designing platforms, steps, and docking systems tailored for aircraft, helicopters, and trains. With a global footprint that includes a manufacturing and sales operation in Arlington, Texas, and a sales office in Dubai serving the Middle East and Asian markets, Semmco has built a robust reputation among international aviation and rail operators. The company has shown steady growth, reporting a turnover of approximately SEK 100 million (GBP 7 million) over the past year.
“The acquisition of Semmco aligns with our strategy to expand geographically”
Sverker Lindberg, President and CEO of HAKI Safety, shared insights into the strategic acquisition: “We continue the Group’s growth journey with a focus on products and solutions that create safe working conditions in complex environments. The acquisition of Semmco aligns with our strategy to expand geographically and within sectors with complex needs. This acquisition allows HAKI Safety to expand into the aviation and rail sectors, which is very exciting.” For HAKI, Semmco’s established market presence and customer-oriented approach are a natural fit. Like HAKI, Semmco collaborates closely with its clients from the design phase through to delivery and beyond, fostering long-term relationships. The integration is expected to generate opportunities for shared production and sales capabilities, further bolstering both companies’ operations. Semmco’s founder, Stuart McOnie, who has led the company since its inception in 1993, expressed confidence in HAKI’s stewardship: “I started Semmco over 31 years ago with the ambition of building a reputable and successful business. We took our time to find the right partner with the same focus on manufacturing excellence and business integrity. I believe that HAKI Safety is the right business to take Semmco forward to continued success.” The acquisition includes a purchase price of up to £8.5 million, combining a fixed sum of £5.6 million and a performance-based additional price of up to £2.9 million, contingent on Semmco’s performance in 2025. HAKI expects no material integration costs, and the acquisition is anticipated to have a positive impact on the Group’s 2024 results.

Positioned for Growth

With strong growth forecasts for the aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, and increasing demand for rail transport amid global green initiatives, HAKI’s acquisition of Semmco is timely. By combining HAKI’s established reputation in scaffolding and access solutions with Semmco’s expertise in aviation and rail access, the company is well-positioned to serve a growing need for safe and efficient maintenance solutions across multiple industries.

TRAD UK Celebrates Over 1 Million Work Hours Without a Lost Time Injury

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TRAD UK Celebrates Over 1 Million Work Hours Without a Lost Time Injury
TRAD UK, one of the UK’s leading scaffolding and safety systems suppliers, has achieved a remarkable milestone—over one million work hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) across its six depots and site operations.  This achievement, reached in August 2024, highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to the health and safety of its nearly 200 employees in an industry where risks are always present. Alan Slater, TRAD UK’s Head of Technical & Product Support, and Nick Smith, HSEQ Manager & Fleet Controller, are quick to credit this success to an improvement in the company’s already high standards in safety culture over the last five years. “This isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about a whole new mindset,” said Alan. “We’ve made safety everyone’s business, from the top down.” Nick Smith added that a big part of the change came from making sure the right resources were in place. “You can’t expect to improve safety without putting the proper support behind it,” he explained. “We’ve invested in more people dedicated to health and safety and made sure our depot managers have the tools and training to take charge of safety at their sites.”
“This isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about a whole new mindset,”
One key initiative that helped drive this achievement is TRAD UK’s Personal Engagement Programme. The program focuses on regular, meaningful interactions between senior management and employees across the company, helping to create a sense of ownership regarding safety. Additionally, TRAD UK have introduced clear, visual safety standards that give workers easy-to-follow guidelines on maintaining safe environments on site. TRAD UK also implemented a near-miss reporting system, allowing workers to anonymously flag potential hazards by simply scanning a QR code. This system has been a game-changer in encouraging an open dialogue about safety and enabling the company to fix issues before they escalate. The company’s milestone is particularly impressive given the challenging nature of TRAD UK’s work—especially in sectors like construction, where there are daily inherent high risks present, which need to be managed correctly, or safety standards can easily slip. “We’ve worked hard to change the safety culture here,” Alan explained. “We want our teams to feel empowered to stop work if something doesn’t feel safe, and we’ve made sure they know they won’t be penalised for doing so.” TRAD UK has rolled out banners across its depots to celebrate this achievement, with a formal event having taken place in Birmingham to mark the occasion officially.  However, Alan and Nick are clear that this is just one step in an ongoing journey. “This is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Nick, “but it’s not the end. We’re always looking for ways to improve—whether that’s further engagement, communication or more training and development, helping us to address new challenges and existing risks more effectively as they arise.” Coln Dobson, TRAD UK’s Managing Director added, “I am extremely proud of this achievement, and express many thanks to all of the TRAD UK Team, without their dedication and hard work this milestone would not have been possible.”

Coventry Scaffolding Supports Historic Restoration Work at Hampton Court Palace

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Coventry Scaffolding Supports Historic Restoration Work at Hampton Court Palace
Coventry Scaffolding, a leading London-based scaffolding contractor and Royal Warrant Holder, recently played a pivotal role in supporting restoration efforts at the iconic Hampton Court Palace.  Commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, Coventry Scaffolding designed, supplied, and erected a 10-metre bespoke scaffold, enabling conservation experts to access and restore the Chapel Royal’s intricate 18th-century Baroque interiors for the first time in over 20 years. The Chapel Royal, a remarkable blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture, boasts over 500 years of history. Among its many treasures is an 18th-century altarpiece installed during renovations led by Sir Christopher Wren and commissioned by Queen Anne.  The intricate scaffold design was crucial to safeguarding the chapel’s delicate interiors while providing close access for conservators, curators, surveyors, and engineers. The structure included large platforms connected by staircases, allowing the restoration team to assess and document the historical details without impacting the architectural integrity. Perry Hanifan, Director of Coventry Scaffolding, highlighted the unique challenges of working within historically significant environments: “Working on complex heritage buildings is one of our areas of expertise. Over our 75-year history, we’ve worked on some of the best-known historic buildings and monuments in and around London, so our team knows the care and precision required when erecting scaffolding in sensitive environments.” The chapel’s status as an active place of worship meant the work schedule had to minimise disruption to services, while public access remained available from the Royal Pew, allowing visitors a unique view of the ongoing conservation work.  Hanifan expressed pride in the project, stating, “It’s incredibly rewarding knowing our work has enabled Historic Royal Palaces to help preserve this building for future generations.” Founded in 1950, Coventry Scaffolding has become renowned for its work on some of the UK’s most esteemed landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Houses of Parliament.  In 2005, the company became the first scaffolding firm to receive the Royal Warrant, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in preserving the nation’s heritage.

SafeWork NSW Targets Scaffold Safety in Major Crackdown

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SafeWork NSW Targets Scaffold Safety in Major Crackdown
SafeWork NSW inspectors have kicked off a full-scale inspection blitz on scaffold safety at construction sites across New South Wales, Australia, as part of the new “Scaff Safe 2024” campaign. With Newcastle leading the charge, inspectors are doubling down on dangerous practices, with a zero-tolerance stance that’s already led to a significant rise in on-the-spot fines since 2021. Falls from heights remain the deadliest hazard on NSW building sites, and unsafe scaffolding setups are a big part of the problem. The recent push has already helped halve the number of falls since 2021, but with over 5,200 injuries recorded in the last two years, it’s clear the risks remain high. Injuries range from muscle and ligament damage to severe joint trauma, adding weight to the need for safer scaffolding practices. The top scaffold safety issues SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting include:
  • Workers falling from incomplete or poorly assembled scaffolds or those that have been tampered with by unlicensed trades like bricklayers or painters;
  • People standing on scaffold rails or using makeshift platforms to reach higher, leading to preventable falls;
  • Scaffold collapses due to incorrect setup, overloading, or old, rusted parts;
  • Equipment or debris falling and hitting those below;
  • Scaffolds being struck by vehicles or cranes on-site; and
  • Injuries sustained by scaffolders during unsafe setup or dismantling.
Inspectors are meeting with site supervisors and contractors, ensuring each project has a scaffold safety plan from the ground up.
“Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk.”
The campaign’s strict stance means that, from now on, contractors who skip on scaffold safety can expect penalties on the spot – with fines up to $900 for individuals and $4,500 for companies. Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said, “It’s essential that all scaffolds are built right, with the biggest risks being falls, collapses, and falls of components. Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk. We want all workers going home safe to their families.” Newcastle’s State Member Tim Crakanthorp echoed the urgency, “There’s a reason scaffold safety is front and center. Falls from heights are among the most frequent, and serious, injuries we see. We’re proud to help keep workers safe.” To support safer practices, SafeWork NSW has made additional resources available for contractors and scaffolders, covering essential do’s and don’ts of scaffold setup and maintenance. For more details, you can check SafeWork NSW’s site here.

HAKI Reports Organic Growth and Stronger Margins

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HAKI Reports Organic Growth and Stronger Margins
HAKI Safety AB, a Swedish scaffolding and safety solutions firm, has posted positive results for the third quarter of 2024, showing organic growth and improved profitability. The company’s net sales rose by 1 per cent to SEK 253 million (£18.6 million), with a 13 per cent boost from organic sales. However, divestments and exchange rate fluctuations partially offset this, which negatively impacted overall revenue. Operating profit for the quarter climbed to SEK 25 million (£1.8 million), an increase from SEK 18 million last year. Adjusted EBITA also more than doubled, reaching SEK 18 million (£1.3 million). Net profit after tax stood at SEK 16 million (£1.2 million), up from SEK 10 million in the same period of 2023. Sverker Lindberg, President and CEO of HAKI Safety, described the performance as a result of operational efficiencies, despite headwinds from divestments and a volatile market. “Our focus on organic growth has paid off, and we’re encouraged by our improved margins,” he said.

Year-to-date performance subdued

Despite the strong quarterly results, HAKI’s performance from January to September saw net sales fall 17 per cent to SEK 758 million (£55.8 million). The company attributed this to divestments and an 8 per cent organic decline. However, gross margins improved to 35.7 per cent from 33.5 per cent last year, reflecting efforts to tighten operational controls. The company’s equity/assets ratio remained solid at 48 per cent, while net debt was reduced to SEK 312 million (£23 million) from SEK 333 million in 2023. HAKI also confirmed a second dividend payment of SEK 0.45 (£0.03) per share, set for November 2024. The firm, which specialises in scaffolding systems and workplace safety products, is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Small Cap and remains a key player in ensuring safe working environments across industries.

Apollo Cradles Warns of Further Issues with Knock-off X-Beams

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Apollo Cradles Warns of Further Issues with Knock-off X-Beams
Apollo Cradles Limited has issued a fresh warning to the scaffolding industry regarding the continued presence of counterfeit X-Beams circulating in the market. In a recent LinkedIn post, Mark Holmes, Manager of Apollo Scaffold Services, shared a letter highlighting the dangers that arise when companies purchase and use imitation X-Beams. According to Apollo, the offending X-Beams were purchased from a company that either manufactured or imported copies of their patented product. Apollo holds the intellectual property rights for X-Beams and remains the only authorised producer and distributor, whether through direct sales or their official dealer network. Holmes expressed deep concern about the ongoing problem, reminding the industry of the serious risks posed by these knock-off beams, which have previously been found to fail critical safety standards. “If you suspect you have any copy X-Beams,” Holmes urges, “please contact us immediately.” Apollo’s latest correspondence is part of a broader effort to enforce their intellectual property rights and ensure that any counterfeit products are removed from the market. The company has been issuing cease-and-desist letters to offending suppliers and manufacturers, warning of potential legal action if the situation is not resolved. The consequences of using these substandard X-Beams could be catastrophic, both in terms of safety and liability for businesses. Structural testing has already revealed significant flaws in counterfeit beams, raising concerns about their ability to hold up under real-world conditions on job sites. As Holmes pointed out, it’s a question of legality and safety. The industry must remain vigilant to prevent these dangerous products from entering scaffolding systems across the country. Apollo has provided contact details for those who suspect they may have purchased these imitation beams and is actively encouraging companies to come forward with information about the suppliers involved. Contact Information:

PERI Delivers Hands-On Training to Laing O’Rourke’s Temporary Works Teams

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PERI Delivers Hands-On Training to Laing O’Rourke’s Temporary Works Teams
In a move aimed at boosting on-site safety and practical knowledge, PERI recently hosted a hands-on training workshop for Laing O’Rourke’s engineers and temporary works designers. This marked the first time the formwork and scaffolding specialist delivered its product awareness training to Laing O’Rourke, one of the UK’s leading construction companies. The one-day workshop, held at PERI’s training facility in Brentwood, was designed to help participants get a deeper understanding of the formwork and scaffolding systems they work with on a daily basis. Combining theory with practical exercises, the session focused on making sure attendees could confidently handle, assemble, and inspect key systems used in temporary works.

A Focus on Practical Learning

Led by PERI’s Field Services Manager and a team of experienced scaffolding instructors, the workshop covered several key areas:
  • Participants assembled two types of PERI system scaffolds: a birdcage scaffold and a stair tower
  • They inspected a tube and fitting structure to learn how to identify potential issues
  • They installed the SKYDECK system, gaining valuable hands-on experience with decking
  • A full walkaround of PERI’s products helped them understand how different solutions are used in real-world applications
  • The group also learned how to reference drawings correctly, spot deviations, and ensure safe practices
The session catered to engineers and temporary works designers at different stages of their careers, reinforcing the importance of continuous development across all levels. The practical experience was especially useful for those who are responsible for checking temporary works on-site, ensuring everything is safe before crucial activities like concrete pours.

Bridging the Gap Between the Office and the Site

Terry Hall, PERI UK’s Field Services Manager, emphasized the importance of hands-on training. “A lot of engineers only have classroom-based learning or experience with 3D drawings. It’s critical for them to see and handle the actual materials and equipment they’ll come across on projects. This training helps bridge that gap,” he explained. The benefits were clear for Laing O’Rourke’s team. Anu Adeyemi, a Graduate Engineer at Laing O’Rourke, said, “My role involves carrying out temporary works checks, and this workshop really helped simplify the terms and system components you come across on-site. Everything was broken down in a way that makes it much easier to understand.” Terry Hall added, “When you see real-life issues on-site—like deviations from drawings or improper practices—you gain a much better understanding of how to ensure safety and quality. That’s why this practical experience is so valuable.” This session marks a significant step in what’s likely to be an ongoing collaboration between PERI and Laing O’Rourke, with both companies committed to raising the bar on site safety and efficiency through tailored training initiatives. For more information about PERI’s training programmes, visit PERI UK.

Hong Kong Tightens Bamboo Scaffolding Safety Rules

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Hong Kong Tightens Bamboo Scaffolding Safety Rules
Hong Kong, one of the few places in the world still using bamboo scaffolding on modern construction sites, is stepping up safety standards. A new set of regulations designed to improve worker safety will take effect on October 19th, marking a significant shift in how the traditional craft is managed on construction projects. The updated Code of Practice (CoP) for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety introduces stricter guidelines for how bamboo scaffolds are built, maintained, and inspected. Key changes include tougher requirements for bracings and putlogs, more detailed supervision procedures, and mandatory certifications for workers handling the scaffolding. The Labour Department in Hong Kong is taking a no-nonsense approach to enforcing these new rules. Violators face immediate penalties, from project shutdowns to legal action. For months, the construction industry has been preparing for the shift, with a six-month grace period granted to help companies get up to speed. During this time, the Labour Department rolled out extensive training and public awareness campaigns to ensure that everyone in the industry is ready for the new regulations.

A Unique Tradition Under the Spotlight

Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong, where it’s still used on everything from high-rise towers to residential buildings. This ancient technique, admired for its strength, flexibility, and eco-friendly properties, has been part of the city’s skyline for generations. Despite its traditional roots, it remains a crucial part of Hong Kong’s modern construction industry. While many other regions have moved to steel scaffolding, Hong Kong continues to embrace bamboo—blending old-world craftsmanship with modern engineering. However, the risks involved in working with bamboo, especially at great heights, have driven the need for these updated safety standards.
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