The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Rilmac Scaffolding Highly Commended at Business Awards
Lincolnshire based Rilmac Scaffolding have been Highly Commended in the Fastest Growing Business category at the annual Midlands Family Business Awards.
The announcement was made during the gala awards ceremony at the Derby Velodrome on Thursday 9th November. The Rilmac Group (comprising of Insulation, Asbestos Services, Fabrication and Scaffolding divisions) were also shortlisted to be a finalist in the prestigious Family Business of the Year Award.
Paul Walker, Group Chairman and, second generation family member said, “there is a lot of hard work in putting together applications, creating suitable presentations, and preparing for the challenging interviews. Whilst only a smaller team was responsible for the award entry, it is the effort and dedication of everyone at Rilmac Scaffolding that has been rewarded with the Highly Commended recognition.”
Steve Baxter, Group MD, added. “This is a team endeavor and every employee at Rilmac Scaffolding has played a part in achieving this success. Thank you to everyone for their positive involvement. It is wonderful to see everyone’s hard work recognised in this way.”
“As a Lincolnshire based business it was great to see how many fellow companies from the county had also been shortlisted this year. The event further outlined how successful and buoyant the Family Business community is across the Midlands. Every entry was of a very high standard and there were some fantastic business success stories told.”
The Awards were expertly managed by The Wilson Group and included shortlisted finalists from as far afield as Worcester and Skegness. CN Specialist 2018 Finalists Revealed
The Construction News Specialist Awards has announced it’s 2018 finalists.
Now in it’s fourteenth year, the Construction News Specialist Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements of the very best specialist contractors in the UK.
Topping the list is the Access & Scaffolding Specialist Category that has been shortlisted to just eight companies.
- Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding
- Controlled Scaffolding
- GKR Scaffolding
- JECS Offshore Scaffolding
- PHD Modular Access Services
- Premier Technical Services Group
- QFS Scaffolding
- WellMax Scaffolding
AIS Training Becomes Fully Accredited CISRS Scaffolding Centre
AIS training has become fully accredited by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme.
This means Scaffolders across North East England can get all the training they need in one place. Despite a national scaffolding skills shortage, there are currently no other scaffolding training centres across Tyneside, Wearside, Durham and Northumberland, and only a handful of centres across the North of England. Now, everything is set to change as the final piece in the scaffolding course portfolio of AIS is put firmly in place.Delivering A World Class Course Package
The highly reputed trainer with a world class facility based in North Shields, but with branches in both Aberdeen and Grimsby, can now deliver a full package of courses. These range from basic level courses to apprenticeships, NVQs and advanced level scaffolding and inspection programmes. AIS has invested £1million into its scaffolding training provision in the past year, to create the very best in scaffolding tuition. Paul Attrill, head of training and education at AIS Training, said: “We are delighted to receive this approval from CISRS. “Recent reports show the construction sector is suffering huge skills shortages with scaffolding cited as a key area. Our scaffolding centre is tackling these shortages by providing high quality, industry approved training from basic through to the highest levels. We’ve delivered hundreds of commercial courses for businesses across the region and have also successfully trained 39 scaffolding apprentices with another 78 on our books. Scaffolding really is a phenomenal success story for AIS Training.”Meeting The Demands Of Modern Construction
In an age where safety and efficiency is of paramount importance, there’s little doubt quality specialist training can meet the demands of modern construction. AIS Training’s reputation as a leading provider of scaffolding training across the North of England is growing rapidly. This can clearly be seen in the number of scaffolding companies approaching the company. From our state-of-the-art industrial training facilities throughout the UK, their courses are endorsed by the world’s leading trade associations including IRATA, OPITO, SPRAT, MCA, IOSH, ECITB, CompEx, GWO and RenewableUK. CISRS Accreditation Auditor, Trevor Donoghue said: “AIS Training has developed a fantastic facility for scaffolding skills here in the North East. The centre is now accredited to deliver the full suite of CISRS scaffolding courses from basic through to advanced qualifications and inspections. This is a fantastic asset for local companies, where they can get all the training they need to keep their teams safe and competent.”The AIS Winning Initiative
Those working in the scaffolding and access platform industries can look forward to gaining the best possible experience thanks to the AIS initiative. They deliver world-class specialist training for the offshore oil and gas, wind energy and industrial sectors to thousands of delegates each year.Generation UNI Roof makes history with Kew Gardens
Generation UK demonstrate why Generation UNI Roof is the Market leader in Temporary Roofing.
Generation UK were tasked to provide all access and Temporary Roof equipment for a project to bring the amazing Royal Botanic Kew Gardens Glasshouse back to its former glory! Kew Gardens Temperate House opened in 1862 and to date is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world.
To bring this incredible Grade I listed building back to its wonder it took over 4 years. The bulk of the project comprised of the removal and replacement of all of the original glass panes, as well as repair and maintenance of the steel frame. Working over such a long time frame meant that our client would be working all year round, whatever the weather. The Generation UNI Roof meant that work could continue all year and kept the project to its time-scales come rain or shine.
The equipment formed three different structures. The most technically challenging being the 8000m2 all season Temporary Roof system; the UNI Roof spanned 50m over the central glasshouse. The roofing showcased its compatibility, versatility, weather protection and safe and quick erection; showing how the Generation UNI Roof is so much more than just a Temporary Roofing structure. The customer knew that such a large and important job needed the help of the company that supply’s the market leader in Temporary Roofing; The Generation UNI Roof.
Generation Frimley worked closely with their client to provide over 700 tons of equipment, this was delivered directly to the site of Kew gardens using Generations large and reliable fleet.
Interested in finding out more about the Generation UNI Roof? 10K Fine After Scaffolder Fell Three Meters
A Scaffolding company has been fined after a worker fell three metres and lost consciousness.
Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard how, in February 2016, a scaffolder of HI-Pro Scaffolding Ltd was dismantling a temporary roof scaffold when he fell about three metres through the temporary roof, onto the fixed roof below. The scaffolder was knocked unconscious, spent two days in hospital and suffered a broken thumb which required metal pins to be fitted. In total, he was off work for two months. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that Hi-Pro Scaffolding Ltd had not planned the work properly. There was a lack of communication and the employee was not trained or experienced in this type of scaffold. The company also failed to provide suitable personal protective equipment to prevent a fall. HI-Pro Scaffolding Ltd of Old Ford House, Old Ford Lane, Stonely, Kimbolton, has been fined £10,000 for breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and been ordered to pay costs of £3621.00. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector John Berezansky said: “This case highlights the importance of following industry guidance to plan the safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding”.The New Industrial Revolution Is Here With Industry 4.0
A range of exciting collective technologies known as Industry 4.0 is set to launch the new industrial revolution.
This fourth industrial age however, could see more than 600,000 existing construction jobs automated by 2040, freeing up individuals for essential re-training, according to a report released from international consultancy and construction company, Mace. It’s all part of intensive research exploring how the construction industry will need to change in order to meet future 21st century challenges. Their findings also cited the need for a major re-skilling of the workforce, in order to meet the demands of this new technology. They also warn the industry will lose out on potential productivity benefits worth £25bn, if it fails to train a new generation of hi-tech savvy workers.The Important Figures
It’s a fact output per worker has remained flat in construction in the past decade. Contrast this to a 30 per cent improvement in the service sector, and a booming 50 per cent increase in manufacturing.Transforming Technology
The transformational technology making up Industry 4.0 is already available, and some businesses are already seeing the productivity benefits of using cloud computing and robotics. We can add to this, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles to help form a clear picture of where things are going. The whole way in which buildings are constructed will change, with quality of life, safety, industrial output, and the environment all being improved over time.
A Leadership View
Mark Reynolds, Mace’s Chief Executive, and skills lead on the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Everyone now acknowledges the current skills shortages need to be addressed. “Our latest report high-lights the opportunities the digital revolution can offer, how we can dramatically close the future skills gap and how we can meet the £25bn ‘productivity challenge’. “The recommendations we have laid out will go some way towards addressing these issues. The industry, our training bodies and government need to work together to take full advantage of everything that Industry 4.0 can offer.”Recommendations For The Industry
Mace offered three invaluable recommendations including the introduction of the latest 3D printing technologies and virtual reality tools. Industrial training programmes, school construction clubs and various other courses could play a huge role in this. Making such tools attractive to students and industry recruits would pay dividends in the long run. Secondly, by commissioning large-scale sector-wide research and working with Government bodies like the ONS and CITB, the construction industry will be able to ensure its skills profile is changing to meet actual need. Thirdly, we need to completely revolutionise our traditional education programmes. Mace believes as they are, current apprenticeship and training reforms will not go far enough to prepare the workforce for Industry 4.0. An updating of the curriculum to reflect the modern methods of construction and off-site assembly is essential to this end.Important Conclusions
It’s clear the industry must work not just with the government, but also with training and education providers to radically transform how workers are trained. This should also include those not just entering the industry, but individuals seeking a new career. For the whole area of construction Industry 4.0 is a fresh chance to catch up with our competitors and deliver transformational growth in productivity. For more information or to download a full copy of the report click hereNASC Announces Special Guest Speakers for AGM
Baroness Karren Brady & Dr Mohed Altrad added to speaker lineup at NASC AGM & Ball.
The trade association for the scaffolding industry the NASC, has announced two special guest speakers at the Annual General Meeting and Ball this year. Baroness Karren Brady, CBE is a well-known business woman, and now TV personality and columnist. Having built her career in the male dominated world of football, Karren is a champion for women in business, skills and diversity. Her appearance at the AGM hints at the NASC’s key objectives under the new President, Des Moore’s tenure. Like the wider construction industry, the scaffolding sector has a poor record in attracting women into both on an off site roles, and also faces challenges in attracting and retaining skilled young people. The evening event will also feature Dr Mohed Altrad, the Syrian-born French entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of the Altrad Group. Dr Altrad has faced many of the challenges and opportunities that the business owners in the NASC community frequently contend with. As a successful entrepreneur who has made a considerable investment in UK construction businesses, his appearance reflects the NASC’s commitment to helping its members of all sizes grow their businesses. The awards will be presented across both the AGM and Ball. Baroness Brady, who is currently appearing in the BBC One Series The Apprentice, will present the NASC’s Apprentice of the Year Award. While Dr Altrad will present the new Project of the Year Award.
TRAD Southern completes Leon House project in record timing
TRAD Southern have successfully and safely erected 14,500m2 of system scaffolding on a conversion project at Leon House in Croydon. The work was completed in a record 54 days, beating the estimated programme by 16 days!
The combination of TRAD Southern and system scaffolding once again proves to be a successful partnership, building confidence with our repeat business customers and clearly displaying our professionalism and expertise within the scaffold industry.
Leon House is a 22-storey office building which was built in the 1960s, and is now being transformed into 256 residential apartments. Award-winning construction company Bouygues is overseeing the ambitious project at 233 High Street. The exterior conversion involves cleaning the entire building, replacing the existing windows and removing all existing balconies. The ground floor will be given over to commercial space, and residents will have access to a new rooftop garden.
The new 1.30m Altrix HD Beams were an integral part of TRAD Southern’s design, as they enabled huge and impressive spans to be bridged with ease. TRAD Southern’s Divisional Director Craig Hayes commented, “The beams are bigger and structurally stronger than other modular beams, meaning less are required, which saves on time and cost effectiveness for our clients.” The underground car park and local businesses were also able to remain open throughout the scaffold erection, and disruption to the local area was kept to a minimum allowing trade to continue as usual.
TRAD Southern are part of the TRAD Group of Companies. The TRAD Group have a nationwide coverage of system scaffold – they currently hold over 19,000 tonnes in addition to 66,000 tonnes of traditional Tube, Fitting and Boards – ensuring that they have the capability to build many large, complex projects. No other UK scaffolding group has TRAD’s capacity and level of equipment.
Wood Group wins multi million dollar refinery contract
Wood has been awarded a new multi-million dollar contract by Total, supporting their Lindsey Oil Refinery located in North Killinghome, Lincolnshire, UK. The five-year contract is to provide onshore maintenance services and includes the option to be extended up to two years.
Robin Watson, chief executive of Wood said: “We are strategically focused on leveraging our proven offshore track record of strong service, to broaden our downstream footprint in the UK; and this contract win achieves this.
“It was secured by the clear demonstration of our commitment to safety through efficient delivery of our innovative range of services to the oil and gas industry.
“Our extensive capabilities in offshore maintenance gained from over two decades of working with Total, position us uniquely to maximise the productivity while maintaining the integrity of this significant asset.”
The new contract will commence on 1 January 2018.
It builds on Wood’s support of Total’s assets across the globe, including their UK offshore portfolio. In 2015, the company secured a five-year contract to deliver engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning services to four of Total’s offshore assets and two onshore facilities in the UK continental shelf; the Alywn, Dunbar, Elgin and Franklin platforms, St Fergus Gas Terminal and Shetland Gas Plant (SGP).