Scafom-rux UK Announced as Key Sponsor for ScaffCon24

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Scafom-rux UK Announced as Key Sponsor for ScaffCon24

Scafom-rux UK Ltd, a global provider of system scaffolding solutions, has announced its role as the headline sponsor for ScaffCon24.

The event, organised by the Scaffolding Association and regarded as one of the UK’s premier scaffolding and access industry conferences, will occur on October 11th at The Belfry Hotel and Resort. This strategic partnership highlights Scafom-rux’s unwavering commitment to advancing safety, technological innovation, and best practices within the sector. The company’s involvement as the headline sponsor reinforces its dedication to the industry and aligns with its mission to drive positive change and foster collaboration among professionals.
“ScaffCon24 is a vital event for our industry”
Andrew Smith, Managing Director of Scafom-rux UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “ScaffCon24 is a vital event for our industry, and as the headline sponsor, we are delighted to contribute to its success. Our mission aligns perfectly with the conference’s focus on safety, innovation, and collaboration. We look forward to engaging with fellow professionals and showcasing our latest solutions.” ScaffCon24 is set to attract company owners, industry experts, and scaffolding professionals from across the UK. The conference will feature thought-provoking sessions led by some of the industry’s most influential leaders, providing delegates with valuable insights into critical topics such as the latest safety regulations, best practices for working at height, and the evolving landscape of temporary works design and fleet vehicle operations. In addition to sponsoring the event, Scafom-rux UK will exhibit, offering delegates a chance to explore its comprehensive range of scaffolding products, accessories, and rental options. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the company’s team of experts, who will be on hand to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the scaffolding industry. ScaffCon24 presents an invaluable opportunity for scaffolding professionals to expand their knowledge, network with peers, and discover the latest advancements shaping the industry’s future. As the scaffolding sector evolves, events like ScaffCon24 are crucial in ensuring that companies remain at the forefront of safety, efficiency, and technological progress. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the official ScaffCon24 website: www.scaffoldconference.co.uk.

JR Scaffold Supports Glasgow Hotel’s Student Housing Makeover

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JR Scaffold Supports Glasgow Hotel’s Student Housing Makeover

JR Scaffold Services, a leading division of The JR Group, has embarked on a landmark project to support the transformation of the former Lorne Hotel in Glasgow’s West End into high-end student accommodation.

This ambitious renovation, commissioned by the Parklane Group, marks the latter’s first major project in Scotland. Located at the corner of Derby Street and Sauchiehall Street, the Lorne Hotel is a notable landmark comprising two distinct buildings that have undergone several extensions and upgrades. The property includes a Grade A listed building at the rear, initially from the Edwardian and Victorian eras, alongside a more prominent modern extension constructed in the 1960s at the front. The renovation aims to convert the hotel into 147 luxurious studio apartments, maintaining the historical essence of the older structure while modernizing the newer section. Evan Horne, a JR Scaffold Services representative, highlighted the project’s complexity, given the diverse mix of building materials and architectural styles involved. “The Lorne Hotel has seen many facelifts and extensions over the years, so the fabric of the buildings is quite intricate. Our brief is to refurbish, repair, and regenerate this iconic property into luxury student accommodation, while also enhancing its thermal performance and integrating it seamlessly into the local urban landscape,” Horne explained. JR Scaffold Services’ role in the project is pivotal, providing the necessary scaffolding for the extensive internal renovations, the installation of a new external façade, and roofing works. The scaffolding will also support the construction of a new steel superstructure at the rear and the addition of a new level to the building. As the project progresses, the team will continually adapt and reconfigure the scaffolding to meet the redevelopment’s evolving needs. Work on the site commenced earlier this year, with a dedicated team of three full-time JR Scaffold Services employees expected to remain on-site until the project’s completion in early 2025. The JR Group, headquartered in Paisley, began as a scaffolding business and has since grown into one of Scotland’s largest building and construction firms, employing approximately 200 staff. With a solid reputation for delivering exceptional projects for leading UK housebuilders, social landlords, and private clients across Scotland and the North of England, this latest venture further cements JR Scaffold Services’ position as a key player in the region’s construction industry. “We are thrilled to be part of such a significant project,” said Horne. “Seeing this historic building in Glasgow’s West End brought back to life is something we’re all very excited about.”

3M Issues Urgent Recall for Ultra-Lok Lifelines

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3M Issues Urgent Recall for Ultra-Lok Lifelines

3M Fall Protection has issued an urgent stop use and remediation notice for select models of their 3M™ DBI-SALA® Ultra-Lok™ Self-Retracting Lifelines due to a potential issue with supplied raw materials.

Please Note: This safety alert does not apply to products sold in Europe under the CE mark. The affected products, produced between November 17, 2023, and June 14, 2024, may fail to lock up properly or may inadvertently switch to retrieval mode during a fall, posing a serious risk of injury or death.

Affected Products:

  • 3503882: Stainless Steel Cable, 50 ft (specific lots impacted)
  • 3503886: Galvanized Cable, 50 ft (all lots within date range)
  • 3503887: Stainless Steel Cable, 50 ft (all lots within date range)
  • 3503889: Stainless Steel Cable, 50 ft (specific lots impacted)
Additionally, associated tripod systems with model numbers 8301076, 8301077, 8301078, 8301090, and 8301091 are impacted if they include the specified self-retracting lifelines.

Immediate Actions for End Users:

Identify Affected Units: Check the model number, manufacture date, and lot number on the device label. Compare this information with the detailed list provided in the notice. Submit Repair Requests: If your unit is affected, submit a repair request using the provided QR code or visit the specified web link. 3M will cover repair and shipping costs. Await Instructions: Once your request is submitted, you will receive a repair authorisation number and return shipping instructions from 3M’s Block Repair Customer Service department.

Actions for Distributors:

  • Check Inventory: Verify if you have any of the impacted products in stock.
  • Submit Repair Requests: Use the provided QR code to submit a distributor stock repair request. Forward the notice to customers who may have purchased the affected products and assist them as needed.
3M emphasises the importance of following these instructions to prevent potential accidents. No incidents have been reported so far, but adherence to this notice is crucial for safety. For further information and to access the necessary forms, visit the provided QR code links or contact your 3M Fall Specialist. 3M remains committed to resolving this issue promptly and ensuring the safety of all users.

View and download the official safety notice here.

ScaffCon Shortlisted for Top Industry Award

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ScaffCon Shortlisted for Top Industry Award

The Scaffolding Association has announced that its annual Scaffolding Conference, ScaffCon, has been shortlisted for an accolade at the prestigious Memcom Excellence Awards.

The Memcom Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across a wide range of sectors, including professional bodies, trade associations, membership charities, trade unions, and the broader not-for-profit membership community. The awards encompass various categories that highlight excellence in strategy, leadership, engagement, publications, and individual and team accomplishments, aiming to honor innovation and superior performance in multiple areas. ScaffCon has been nominated in the “Best Event under £100K” category, competing against notable events organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Banker Institute, the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, the Railway Industry Association, and STEP.
“Being shortlisted for a Memcom Excellence Award is a fantastic achievement.”
Sally Smith, Head of Marketing and Events at the Scaffolding Association, expressed her excitement over the nomination: “Being shortlisted for a Memcom Excellence Award is a fantastic achievement. It underscores the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making ScaffCon a successful event. We are thrilled to have our efforts recognised!” The winners of the Memcom Excellence Awards will be revealed at an elegant ceremony on Thursday, September 26th. This event is set to gather influential figures from various industries, celebrating remarkable achievements and sharing best practices.

Building a Stable Scaffolding Business

Des Moore
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Building a Stable Scaffolding Business

Industry leader Des Moore explores how to build a stable business—something that scaffolding businesses need to consider at all times, but that becomes even more critical during volatile economic periods.

Des Moore calls on his many years of leadership experience and explains how to scale a scaffolding business with a view to sellingIn my previous articles for ScaffMag, I’ve talked about how to scale a business for sale. In short, the more stable and well-managed a business is, the more attractive it is to a buyer. But even if you have no intention of selling, you should still make it a priority to ensure your business is as strong and resilient as possible. Not only is this important for your long-term personal success, but your employees rely on you for their livelihoods, and your clients rely on you to support them with their projects. As a company owner or leader, it’s your primary responsibility to build a stable business. And it’s even more important when the economy is volatile, when there are pressures on the sector, and when an election is looming – all of which we are facing at the moment. In this article, I’m going to cover the business fundamentals that contribute to creating a strong business. These principles apply to companies of all sizes and in all stages of growth.

Know what your business is for

Every business should have a ‘Raison d’être’ – you may wonder what this is. It’s simply a statement that sets out your company’s reason for being. You should also have a vision of where you want the business to be in the next five years, and you should have a set of values that reflects your individual approach. This shows your clients that you have a clear purpose, and that your employees understand what that purpose is. It also gives you a clear target for where you want your business to go – and that forms the central part of your business strategy.

Manage the bigger details

A strong business has to be built on the details. This means having an up-to-date budget that supports your business strategy. It means ongoing cashflow management, and it means having an action plan that sets out how you are going to achieve your goals. You should also consider essential factors like timely agreements of variations to contracts, as this can have a significant detrimental impact on your working capital. Measure your progress against these strategies on a regular basis – at least once per month – so you can make any changes you need.

Make sure you have a mix of work

The broader your spread of work, the less reliant you are on one customer or one job. You’re also not committing all your resources and equipment in one place, so you are lowering your risk all round. By taking on a range of project sizes, for example, you can make sure you are keeping your cashflow healthy and not overcommitting the business to any one project.

Don’t rely on three or four primary customers

It’s important to build good relationships with your customers, and take on plenty of repeat work. But if you only have a small number of main customers, you are creating a huge potential risk for your business. What happens to your company if one or more of those companies fail, or you fall out with them? You will lose a significant proportion of your work overnight and this could put you in a very difficult position – particularly if there is a large amount owed to you. If you are in this position now, you should look for ways to balance these customers with other work, to give you a safety blanket sooner rather than later.

Accept a measured level of risk

Every business has risk. The question is, how much are you prepared to accept? If your aim is to build a stable business that can withstand market, economic or any other shocks, you need to accept a level of risk, but minimise it where possible. I’d say have at least 75% of your business insured. Be realistic and detailed about the risks facing your business, mitigate them wherever possible and review them regularly.

Work across multiple sectors

Every sector is subject to its own risk. So, to protect your business, it’s safest to spread your work across several sectors. For me, four sectors is optimal – you are able to understand your customers’ needs and develop expertise in each sector, but you are not overcommitted to any single one, and you will know the risk to your business of work disappearing from any one of those sectors. In particular, stand back and look at the types of contracts you have – are they progressive, where you are regularly supplying scaffolding so your cashflow is constant? Or are they static, where you get a payment when the scaffold is erected and then nothing for many months – or even years – until it’s time to take it down?

Manage your cashflow

When smaller or owner-managed businesses fail, it’s often because of poor cashflow management. It’s absolutely imperative to understand both how cash comes into your business and how it goes out. Generally, this is referred to as Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) –  the number of days it takes for payments to come in from clients – and Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) – the time it takes to pay your own suppliers. Simply put, if you don’t have a grip on this, you could end up with a mismatch that has a serious impact on your cash position, and your working capital will be squeezed.

Consider taking out bad debt insurance

We have all been in the position where a new customer – no matter how good your due diligence was – doesn’t pay their bill. Usually called a ‘trade credit’ insurance policy, this insurance helps to protect your business against non-payment. It can help to mitigate a common risk faced by the scaffolding industry. I’ve always had this – and so should you.

Don’t jump into an exceptional contract

Large, exceptional contracts are very tempting. You can see that they will bring in good income, and they may improve your market reputation or result in increase work with a new client. However, these exceptional projects come with their own complications. You will need to commit significant equipment and workforce to them, for example, so your overheads will increase. Large projects also tend to pay on much longer terms, which could affect your cash flow, and you could end up failing to serve your existing customers well because you have been distracted by a more ‘glamorous’ option. And, when these jobs are finished, they invariably leave a large hole that can take two or three years to fill – all while you are still carrying those overheads. I could cite several examples of this – but it would be unprofessional to name the individual companies concerned.

Regular project reviews

Project reviews help you to plan ahead, manage your workforce and learn lessons from challenges or failures. For example, reviewing work on an ongoing basis allows you to make any necessary changes to processes, work with your clients to resolve problems and show that you take a proactive approach.

Support clients’ financial wellbeing

I am a strong believer in helping clients to succeed. Your business is not just here to provide a hands-off service; it’s here to help your clients flourish – if they don’t, you won’t. So invest time in advising your clients on the best, and most cost-effective way to do things, not just at tender stage, but during the course of the project. This will help you build strong relationships and increase the likelihood of repeat business and referrals.

Involve your team

Employees should feel that they have some ownership and shared values of the company they work for. The more involved and engaged your team is, the more successful you will be. So be clear about vision and values, ask them to take part in key discussions and always be transparent with them, irrespective of the position they hold – from apprentices in the yard to directors in the boardroom. This doesn’t just mean ‘telling’ them things – it means explaining your decisions so that they can see your thinking. Be open, be clear and be honest, and if your people are still unclear, take the time to go through it again. I guarantee that this will pay significant dividends in the future.

Next steps to a stable business

The first thing to do is assess where your business is now. Look at your current clients by project value and sector. Think about the potential risks to your business and how you are mitigating them. Pay attention to your cashflow and working capital to get a clear idea of the financial stability of your business. And make sure you have a clear purpose and business strategy to give you the focus you need. Ask yourself this question: If there was a recession tomorrow, what would I do to protect my business and my workforce? Whatever the answer is, you should already be doing it today. I can help you with this initial assessment, showing you where your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities are, so that you can take the right steps to build a strong and stable business for the future. This article was originally published in Issue 22 of the ScaffMag magazine.

Scaffold Sheeting Manufacturer Appoints New MD

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Scaffold Sheeting Manufacturer Appoints New MD

Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, a prominent Yorkshire-based manufacturer of scaffold sheeting and protective textiles, has announced the appointment of Martin Green as its new Managing Director, marking a significant step in the company’s strategic growth plan.

Martin Green brings 24 years of experience in senior roles within the construction and related industries, having achieved success with both national and international manufacturers. In his new capacity, Green will lead ITP’s efforts to broaden its global market reach, managing a diverse product portfolio that includes sheeting for scaffolding and temporary fencing, acoustic barriers, debris netting, keder sheeting, protective breather membranes and vapour barriers for walls and roofing, and ground barriers for use on contaminated land.
“We are delighted to have Martin on board.”
Richard Menage, Chairman of ITP, expressed his excitement about Green’s addition to the team, stating, “We are delighted to have Martin on board. He has outstanding credentials as an innovative thinker across operations, sales and marketing, business management, and distribution in both domestic and international markets. He has the strategic agility to drive continued expansion in our core sectors, including construction, environmental protection, petrochemical, marine, and offshore.” Green shared his enthusiasm for joining ITP, noting, “I’m very excited to be joining a company which has been at the forefront of technical development and innovation over the past 35 years. ITP’s knowledge base is unrivalled, with senior management that has been hugely influential in advancing flame retardant technologies and advocating certain standards of testing and certification, particularly in relation to fire safety which has become more important than ever with the arrival of the Building Safety Regulator. The company has become a go-to resource for construction companies requiring fully compliant scaffold solutions and a trusted name for architects and contractors requiring fully compliant solutions for high-rise buildings.” Located in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, ITP supplies projects throughout the UK and operates a robust export business, distributing products worldwide. The company’s factory specialises in in-house manufacturing of materials, including surface coating, finishing, and large-format flexographic or digital printing. Over the years, ITP’s product range has expanded significantly to include hundreds of materials in various sizes, specifications, and applications.

Taziker Secures Major Scaffolding Contract with Heidelberg Materials UK

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Taziker Secures Major Scaffolding Contract with Heidelberg Materials UK

Taziker Industrial Services has announced the securing of a significant long-term contract with Heidelberg Materials UK, a prominent provider of low-carbon, heavy-building materials.

The partnership will see Taziker providing scaffolding services at Heidelberg’s Ketton and Padeswood cement plants. Heidelberg Materials UK specialises in the production of aggregates, concrete, asphalt, cement, and recycling, playing a crucial role in the UK’s construction sector. The newly formed alliance with Taziker is expected to enhance daily plant maintenance through comprehensive scaffolding services, including 24/7 emergency callouts and scheduled outage support. Neil Starkey, the Industrial Services Director at Taziker, was enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are delighted to share the exciting news of our contract award with Heidelberg Materials UK. This will play a vital part in achieving our overall strategy and demonstrates the strides Taziker has taken in the UK industrial market. Throughout discussions, it was clear that both of our company visions were aligned, and we are now looking forward to working collaboratively with Heidelberg Materials UK’s teams.” Taziker, a multi-disciplinary engineering contractor, specialises in critical UK infrastructure maintenance, refurbishment, and replacement works. The company’s operations span Structural Solutions, Surface Preparation and Protective Coatings, Structural Strengthening and Repairs, Access Solutions, and Industrial Services. With over 350 employees and eight regional locations, including a Support Services office in Lancashire, Taziker is well-positioned to deliver on this new contract. This new agreement follows a series of significant achievements for Taziker. In 2022, the company’s Industrial Services division secured a place on a long-term, multi-million-pound framework for scaffolding services with National Grid, covering multiple UK locations. Additionally, in 2024, Taziker won the prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to health and safety excellence.

Record-Breaking Attendance at ‘Scaff Open’ Event 2024

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Record-Breaking Attendance at ‘Scaff Open’ Event 2024

The SCP Group celebrated a significant milestone at its annual Best Scaffolding Golfer of the Year Championship, fondly known as ‘The Scaff Open’, held at The Astbury Golf Resort.

This year’s event attracted a record number of participants, with over 100 scaffolding industry professionals gathering for a day of competitive golf and camaraderie. The highlight of the event was the 18-hole Stableford competition, where industry experts vied for the coveted title of SCP Group’s Best Scaffolding Golfer of the Year and the prestigious claret jug. The challenging course at The Astbury Golf Resort provided the perfect backdrop for the day’s events, with scaffolders showcasing their skills and passion for the sport. In a remarkable show of support for the construction industry, the SCP Group partnered with The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity for this year’s ‘Scaff Open’. The partnership aimed to raise awareness about the support services available to scaffolding professionals and underline SCP Group’s commitment to making a positive impact within the sector. As part of this collaboration, the SCP Group made a generous donation to the charity, reflecting their dedication to the wellbeing of construction workers. Following the intense competition on the greens, participants enjoyed a networking session, a BBQ, and an awards ceremony. The relaxed post-tournament activities allowed scaffolders to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their achievements in a friendly and supportive environment. The SCP Group expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the scaffolders who attended and contributed to the event’s success. Special thanks were extended to the team at The Astbury Golf Resort for their exceptional hospitality and support, which ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved. Overall, the 2024’ Scaff Open’ was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of community and support within the scaffolding industry. The SCP Group looks forward to continuing this tradition and furthering its efforts to make a difference in the construction sector.

New Planning Rules Spur Scaffolding Demand as Housing Targets Soar

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New Planning Rules Spur Scaffolding Demand as Housing Targets Soar

In a bold move set to invigorate the scaffolding and construction sectors, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has reinstated mandatory house-building targets for planning authorities across England.

This significant policy shift aims to fulfil Labour’s ambitious election manifesto promise of constructing 1.5 million new homes in England by the next general election. The announcement heralds a potential boom period for the scaffolding industry, poised to play a critical role in meeting these targets.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner
Rayner’s new rules reverse last year’s decision to dilute housing targets, mandating councils to meet specific construction goals. Emphasising both professional responsibility and moral obligation, she has communicated directly with council leaders and chief executives, underscoring the importance of this initiative. To ensure compliance, Rayner has not hesitated to threaten government intervention should councils fail to develop adequate plans. The focus on brownfield land and introducing the ‘grey belt’—areas on the edge of settlements and roads, including old petrol stations and car parks—are expected to streamline the approval process for new developments. This prioritisation could lead to an unprecedented surge in construction activity, thereby increasing the demand for scaffolding and related services. Achieving the target of 1.5 million homes by 2029 will require an almost twofold increase in the current annual output of 158,200 housing units in England. Rayner has set an even higher goal of 370,000 units per year, a figure that underscores the monumental scale of this undertaking. Industry leaders have responded positively to the announcement, with thirty-three major house-building companies, represented by the Home Builders Federation, expressing support for the government’s reforms. Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, remarked that the new planning system is a significant step towards overcoming long-standing barriers to housing delivery. He emphasised the importance of a reformed planning system in addressing land availability and affordability pressures. Small and medium-sized house-building companies, while generally supportive, have voiced the need for more comprehensive reforms. Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), highlighted the necessity of removing barriers to construction and ensuring that policies not only facilitate planning approvals but also enable ground-breaking work. Rico Wojtulewicz, NFB’s head of policy and market insight, stressed the importance of strategic planning and the need to focus on the planning process’s commercial impacts. He also called for greater attention to the role of SMEs, which are pivotal in training apprentices and building social housing. Wojtulewicz emphasised the need for policies that support biodiversity net gain without hindering affordable housing projects. The government’s strategic planning reforms, coupled with increased planning fees and expanded criteria for nationally significant infrastructure projects, aim to streamline the construction process. A consultation paper on these proposals is currently open for feedback until September 24, 2024. The positive response from industry heavyweights, including Land Securities and the British Property Federation, underscores the widespread support for these measures. Mark Allan, chief executive of Land Securities, praised the focus on brownfield land and mixed-use developments, while Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, lauded the package as a catalyst for addressing the housing crisis and stimulating economic growth. As the scaffolding industry prepares to meet the increased demand, the reinstatement of housing targets promises to usher in a period of robust growth. With the government and industry aligned on the path forward, the scaffolding sector is set to play a pivotal role in building the homes that will shape the future of England’s housing landscape.

TRAD UK Increases Charity Target After Fundraising Success

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TRAD UK Increases Charity Target After Fundraising Success
TRAD’s target for ‘Team Thomas’ raised to £12,000 after raising over £4,000 in just 3 months. TRAD UK has raised its fundraising target for the year to £12,000 after the first three months of its ‘Team Thomas’ campaign saw the company raise more than £4,000. The company is raising money for Duchenne UK – a charity that supports families dealing with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – like TRAD’s Stockport employees, Liam and Danielle Ackers, whose son Thomas was diagnosed with Duchenne aged just two. The Ackers family has been leading a wide range of fundraising activities across the whole of TRAD, including a recent ‘Duchenne Dash’ where staff members covered the distance between London and Paris by taking on various activities including cycling, running and walking. Liam is planning to run the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2024, and Danielle has pledged to climb Snowden as part of future fundraising and the team are not stopping there.
“We’re truly grateful for the amazing amount of money raised so far,”
TRAD is bringing back its popular charity Golf Day, which started in memory of John Paterson and is now a firm favourite in the calendar. And several staff members are planning a sponsored skydive later in the year, alongside ongoing fundraising events across all the company’s depots. “We’re truly grateful for the amazing amount of money raised so far,” says Danielle. “The research this is funding gives Thomas, our family and all other people coping with Duchenne so much hope – we’re looking forward to smashing this new target too!” “Raising money for charity is an important part of our culture at TRAD UK,” says MD Colin Dobson. “Everyone has really pulled together to support Liam, Danielle and Thomas, and it’s great to see such team spirit evident across the business. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings for our support of Duchenne UK.” Click to support TRAD’s fundraising efforts.
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