A scaffolder recovering in hospital is warning others to get checked out after Doctors find brain tumour.
The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Scaffolder fighting brain tumour warns others to have a health check
Generation Supply UNI Roof for Middle Temple Project
Generation was approached by their client UPR Services to supply scaffolding tubes, fittings and boards, along with the Generation UNI Roof, to help complete a project on one of the prestigious grade I listed Middle Temple buildings. The Middle Temple’s buildings are ancient Inns of Court located in the heart of London; today they are designated conservation areas creating a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the City. Generation was honoured to be have been approached to work on the beautiful grade I architectural structures.
Generation supplied 120,000ft of tube, 24,000 fittings and 3,000 scaffold boards as well as the famous Generation UNI Roof. It was fundamental for Generation to provide quality products and high levels of protection whatever the weather. Generation’s large and reliable delivery fleet ensured that the correct stock was delivered when and where it was needed.
The nature of this project demanded a safe, quick and easy temporary roof system that could be erected and dismantled with minimum impact to the grade I listed building. From start to finish the project took a total of 8 weeks to complete. The use of the Generation UNI Roof made for a seamless project that was achieved in record time; demonstrating once again why the Generation UNI roof is the best solution in temporary roofing on the market.
Brian Skelton, Managing director of UPR Services stated ‘the time to erect the temporary roof was approximately 50% quicker compared to previous temporary roofing suppliers’.
To be able to work on the Middle Temples estate it is compulsory for companies to meet certain criteria. Companies require a proven track record of consistently producing work to a high standard as well as being fully compliant with all H&S legislation amongst much more testing criteria. We are proud that Generation meet these high expectations and helped to make this project achievable.
To find out how the Generation UNI Roof can help your business generate profits, talk to Generation today!
Wind Farm Success for JECS Offshore Scaffolding Services
From strength to strength, JECS triples its turnover year on year.
JECS Offshore Services supply Scaffolding Services Solely to the European Offshore Wind Industry – Exclusively. Since the companies formation in 2014 by mother of four children Latasha Whiting, the firms founder and current Managing Director, the business has managed to triple its turnover each year to a staggering $1.6m turnover in its third year whilst only trading for 4 months of their first financial year.
Even more surprising is the fact that every single client of JECS Offshore to date is so large that every one of their clients is listed on a Major Stock Exchange somewhere in the world.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding Ltd has over the past 3 years been supplying Scaffolding Access Services solely to the Developers and Contractors involved in the construction of Offshore Wind Farms across 5 European Countries. The firm were Finalists of CN Specialist Awards for Access & Scaffolding Contractor of 2017 and are in the final again for 2018, SKY TV are also currently filming their operations for a documentary regarding British Business to be aired next year.
JECS say that the reputation that the business has gained within the European Offshore Wind Industry has obviously built up momentum due to the companies amazing success. The company currently has European Framework Agreements with Corporations such as E-ON, ENGIE & EIFFAGE and has now grown to have locations in the UK, Germany as well as Spain.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding LTD Managing Director, Latasha Whiting said: “We have been extremely successful as a business which took the massive risk of throwing all our eggs in one basket, so to speak. We decided to place 100% of our focus and attention into this particular Industry offering a service which was indeed a niche market, and it paid off! We offered a service that our competition couldn’t, Believing that Scaffolding or Access requirements were often overlooked by contractors who were more focused on their task of fitting a cable worth $5m, we offered our services 24/7, with immediate response at any hour, our assumptions were correct and the calls kept coming and with our ability and motivation to mobilize immediately our company grew along with our reputation.
Considering that we started with a extremely small fund of $5k, I am extremely pleased with our success to date and try and share our success as much as possible. JECS Offshore contribute as much as possible to local charities that are close to our hearts and sponsor a few local youth sports teams, we also invest heavily in the training of individuals who are having trouble seeking employment but who we believe will be an asset to our company for the future.”
JECS also added that already have plans in place to extend on its range of services offered to the Industry that they have focused so much on. Project of The Year Awarded To Interlink Scaffolding
Interlink Scaffolding Ltd wins the NASC Project of the Year 2017.
A set of intricately designed tube and fitting access scaffolds erected by Interlink Scaffolding Ltd (ISL) has won this years NASC Project of the Year 2017. The scaffolds played a vital role in the construction of the New Wear Crossing at Sunderland for Victor Buyck Steel Construction NV. ISL was awarded the highly desired accolade at the glitzy NASC ball and dinner held on Friday 24 November at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, London. Altrad Group founder and president Dr Mohed Altrad was in attendance and presented the award.
The Project
ISL told ScaffMag that they impressed the New Wear Crossing project team with the quality of tube and fitting scaffolds erected for welding of the bridge deck, ISL were invited to tender for the main scaffold package for installation of the A frame pylon and cables. Preliminary scaffold designs were submitted with the tender, giving the project team a visual representation of what would be erected to ensure that the scaffolds would meet their access requirements. Following a period of value engineering in relation to programming of scaffold quantities and hire periods, Victor Buyck awarded the contract to ISL in late 2016.
ISL then commenced work to turn the preliminary designs into working drawings. Significant time had already been taken at tender stage to ensure the basic designs could withstand all required loadings, so this was completed quickly with connection points and dimensions detailed to avoid clashes with the permanent works.
The primary scaffolds to be erected on the bridge pylon were formed of cantilevered beams attached to the pylon steelwork using custom manufactured shear tie fixings. Secondary hung access scaffolds counterbalanced by tube kentledge were required at bridge deck level.
The pylon was manufactured by Victor Buyck at their factory in Belgium before being moved to Ghent ready for shipping across the North Sea on a barge. Following liaison with the project team an opportunity was identified to erect temporary supports for the pylon lifting equipment, which would avoid disruption at a later stage upon arrival in Sunderland. ISL duly reacted at short notice to send scaffolders and materials to Ghent in the week prior to the Christmas break.
In the meantime, ISL trial erected a pylon scaffold in their yard. By erecting the scaffold at 90 degrees to its final orientation, with the pylon horizontal and only 2m above the barge deck, work could be carried out quicker and safer than working 90m up the pylon once raised into its final vertical position. This trial proved to be of great benefit when the barge arrived in Sunderland in early 2017, with the scaffolders already used to working sideways.
Following removal of the lifting equipment used to raise the pylon to its vertical position, the final scaffolds including the top 90m level platform were erected in the Spring and Summer of 2017.
Following successful installation of the cables, the scaffolds will be dismantled during the Autumn of 2017, using a range of methods including a crane basket and ultra-high reach MEWP for increased safety, with materials lowered using an electric winch. NASC Scaffolding Apprentice of the Year Awards 2017 Announced at AGM
NASC Director of Training announces winners of the NASC Apprentice of the Year 2017.
At a packed AGM held at the Intercontinental Hotel, London on Friday 24 November 2017. Dave Mosley NASC Director of Training and CISRS Manager announced the winners in the NASC Apprentice of the Year Awards 2017. This years NASC Apprentice Awards which was co-sponsored by CISRS and the CITB was tough according to the trade body. The judge of the competition, Paul Gaze of the CITB, said after reducing the submissions to a shortlist of 8, he found it too difficult to recognise the achievements of only 2 apprentices and suggested an additional ‘highly commended’ category. Three apprentices stood out when Paul reviewed the shortlisted submissions. All three had showed the desire to succeed and had overcome various challenges on their respective CISRS programmes.
Wood Wins Two-Year Decommissioning Contract
Wood has secured a two-year industrial services framework agreement following on from its recent acquisition of Amec Foster Wheeler.
The contract has been awarded by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), for work on its nuclear decommissioning site in Thurso, Scotland. The company will cover the delivery of electrical installation, control and instrumentation, testing, commissioning and maintenance support. It also carries two options for a one-year extension and builds on the existing presence of Wood at Dounreay, now into it’s third year. Wood say their expertise has been instrumental in the design and construction of a new effluent treatment plant and the design, safety case and environmental assessment of a new higher activity waste store. They will also continue to offer valuable support at what is the most complex nuclear site closure project in Europe. “We will leverage our strong industrial services capability to support DSRL at one of the most complex nuclear closure sites in Europe,” said Robin Watson, Wood’s chief executive. “Our knowledge of providing industrial services to the energy, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries combined with our experience in working with stringent safety systems will ensure we deliver assurance in the installation and validation of electrical and control equipment on-site.” The firm is a global leader in the delivery of project, engineering and technical services to energy and industrial markets. They operate in more than 60 countries, employing around 55,000 people, with revenues of more than $11 billion. At the company’s core is the delivery of comprehensive services to support its customers across the complete lifecycle of their assets, from concept to decommissioning, across a range of energy, process and utility markets.This recent move serves only to increase their outstanding reputation even further within the industry. DSRL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cavendish Dounreay Partnership Ltd, a consortium of Cavendish Nuclear, CH2M and AECOM. It is funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to deliver the site closure programme.New President Elected at NASC AGM
Trad Group CEO becomes the new president of the NASC.
Over 160 NASC members, guests, confederation staff and members of the construction press that included ScaffMag, saw Des Moore become the new president of the NASC. The ceremony took place at a packed AGM held at the impressive Intercontinental London Park Lane Hotel on Friday 24 November 2017.
Des Moore takes the reins of the NASC presidency from the now ex-president Alan Lilley of the Hull based firm Commercial Scaffolding Ltd. In the new presidents welcoming speech Des thanked Alan for his two years of exceptional service, and also noted his contribution to growing the SME membership and mentoring smaller organisations to achieve compliance with the NASC criteria.
During his speech the new president set out his four key objectives he wishes to fulfil within his two year term.
Increase the pre-requisite for NASC membership by main contractors, developers, and national and local government agencies in tender documents.
Des discussed the importance of growing the NASC membership, as this would increase the positive influence which the confederation had over the industry, and assist with promoting and achieving core aims, the most important of which was a safer industry. Under this objective he also added that he intended to run a specific and targeted marketing campaign during his two year term as NASC president with a view to promoting the use of NASC members only for all projects, large and small.
Strike the right balance between the needs of both large and small companies.
Under this objective Des aims to meet the needs of both small and larger member companies, he noted that the voice of smaller companies should be heard and their contribution recognised, but also highlighted the importance of larger members to NASC membership should never be under-estimated.
Des stressed the importance of the NASC to the industry, he said the NASC was a true industry trade body with a rigorous audit process, and high standards for entry and retention of membership. He also aims to encourage and mentor more women into senior positions both in the NASC and across the industry in general.
Create mentoring and training schemes for all categories of staff, old and young. Academically gifted and those not so lucky.
The new president discussed this objective, outlining his own personal journey within the industry and noting that his lack of personal qualifications had not prevented him from progressing to the role of CEO of the TRAD Group of companies. He urged all at the AGM to encourage staff and operatives who had few or no academic qualifications to remain in the industry and pass on their knowledge and experience, and provide mentors to help them progress into support functions and management roles within their companies.
Des stressed the importance of encouraging more young people to enter the industry and represent their companies on NASC committees, noting that greater diversity brought with it new ideas, knowledge and fresh perspectives. This was vitally important given the current CITB re-structuring exercise and the recent decision to outsource all training courses by the latter part of next year.
Encourage and mentor more women into senior positions both in the NASC and across the industry in general.
In conclusion the new president commented on his objective to encourage more women to pursue careers in the scaffolding sector, and particularly to participate on the various NASC standing committees. He noted that at TRAD women had been encouraged and mentored and had gone on to excel in senior positions such as surveying and estimating, supervision and contracts management, and were now represented at board level.
Special Guest
Also speaking at the NASC AGM was special guest, Baroness Karren Brady CBE, the CEO of West Ham Football Club and star of the BBC hit show The Apprentice.
Karren outlined her own journey in the male-dominated world of football, stressing the importance of having a strong work ethic and determination. She discussed the challenges faced by organisations looking to attract skilled young people into their businesses and retain them.
PERI donate PERI UP to help complete the Stairway to Heaven Memorial
Disaster struck in 1943, during the Second World War, when a member of the public stumbled on the stairs in panic, causing those rushing behind to also stumble and fall. In total, 173 people were crushed to death as a result of many others forcing their way down the stairs to find shelter inside the station. The Stairway to Heaven Memorial is being built to remember the victims of the Bethnal Green tube disaster and is nearing completion.
Plans for the inverted stairway have been approved for some time but due to unforeseen challenges, construction was unable to commence. The final phase is now taking place, 11 years after the project was first initiated by Harry Paticas, of Arboreal Architecture.
PERI’s involvement is now visible on site as the installation of the stairway is underway. PERI UP shoring and access were loaned on free hire to facilitate the installation of the 5 tonne teak timber staircase, which will slide onto the concrete plinth already in place. The stairway will serve an important purpose as it features the surnames of all those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The design of PERI’s scaffolding solution has been carefully considered to ensure it’s adaptable, freestanding and fully encapsulated to protect the public. Furthermore, it has been designed to provide access to all sides of the timber staircase, enabling additional work on the staircase to resume as planned. Scaffolding will remain on site for 5 weeks to further support the cladding process, marking the long-awaited end of the project.
Sandra Scotting, the Secretary of the Trust said, “I know that all those involved in the disaster, the survivors, rescuers and victims’ relatives, will be delighted and will also have a much better experience at the official unveiling. With the money saved, thanks to PERI’s donation, we will be able to provide seating and hot drinks for these visitors near the Memorial, which will be a big help for elderly participants or those with mobility problems.”
The charity anticipate that the project will be finished just in time for Christmas this year. Leading Scaffold Boards Provider Completes Merger
A leading scaffold boards provider has acquired the entire scaffold boards operation from Marley Eternit, formerly John Brash and Co Ltd.
The merger was recently completed to the delight of everyone associated with Caspian Access and Plant Hire Ltd. They currently have branches in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe. Neil Garrison Managing Director, said: “This investment will reinforce and further develop our core value of supplying the very best quality timber scaffold boards, ensuring full complicity to BS2482:2009. We share the same values as Marley Eternit in customer service, innovation and integrity, and will continue to strive for nothing but excellence in all aspects of our operation. This acquisition will complement our ever-growing scaffolding equipment hire and sales business, providing comprehensive scaffolding packages throughout the UK and overseas. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Marley Eternit for their valued support and assistance during this transfer.” The move is set to strengthen the company’s position as the UK’s leading provider in the scaffold boards market. Their new state of the art manufacturing facility complete with new production line, will open in Scunthorpe early next year. Its design will enable both improved capacity and efficiency. Caspian has an outstanding reputation within the industry, and has been supplying scaffolding access equipment for than 20 years. Steady expansion here in Britain has helped the firm become one of the most competitive equipment providers, not only of scaffolding but also of a wide range of tools and accessories for the building industry as a whole. Mr Garrison added: “We already supply scaffolding and access equipment to companies in the Far East, the Middle East and Europe. Now we’re looking to expand that. We’ve built our international reputation on good, fast service and we’re proud of that fact. And with emerging nations seeking to develop their industrial base we are also involved with major projects across Eastern Europe. “We are dedicated to working closely with Marley Eternit to ensure continuity of supply to all their customers and to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible for all involved. For our existing customers it is very much business as usual.”SGB Wins Major Scaffold Contract Worth £13M
SGB Scaffolding is back on the scene after the announcement of a huge £13 million four-year deal with Countryside.
The once legendary industry giant SGB has today revealed details to ScaffMag on this significant new deal. The scaffold contract sees SGB appointed as the sole scaffolding provider to Countryside’s North West division. SGB which is part of the Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services group will now provide scaffolding services to Countryside.
SGB say the negotiations were led by SGB’s Business Development Manager, Jason Milner. “We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering Countryside on these schemes,” he said. “We currently have 23 live sites in progress with more set to follow, and this will make a great contribution to our planned growth strategy over the next 4 years.”
The Countryside work will be focussed on SGB’s Manchester depot, where General Manager Alan Arthur added: “We have proved to Countryside the we have the size, strength and capabilities that few other scaffolding providers, if any, can match, but which are essential to fulfil a major contract such as this.”
SGB has told us they already have a well-established relationship with Countryside. In 2014 the company was chosen from a list of five scaffolding suppliers to be Countryside’s sole provider, under a two-year deal, which saw the volume of business grow to an annual order value of £3.5m
“This new deal is a result of all the hard work and commitment from the team in Manchester, with particular praise going to our site teams led by Operations Manager John Woodcock,” adds Jason Milner. “John and his teams have delivered some 3,400 units of scaffolding over the last five years, successfully meeting challenging build programs in a very fast-paced environment.”
SGB is now working with Countryside to extend the contract model to other areas of the UK. It has already secured contracts covering two new sites developed by Countryside’s Midlands office, with more set to follow.