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.

Liverpool Scaffolder’s Sports Nutrition Brand Set for £400m City Float

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Liverpool Scaffolder’s Sports Nutrition Brand Set for £400m City Float
A protein powder company founded by a scaffolder from Liverpool is set to make waves on the London stock market, aiming for a staggering £400 million valuation. Thomas Ryder, the founder of Applied Nutrition, established the sports health brand after starting his career as a scaffolder on a Liverpool council estate. Now, his company is gearing up for a significant listing in London, a move seen as a major vote of confidence in the brand and its future growth. Applied Nutrition, based in Knowsley, Liverpool, will offer shares priced between 136p and 160p each, placing the firm’s potential worth between £340 million and £400 million. As part of the listing, four prominent North West entrepreneurs will invest £25 million in shares, with Mohsin Issa, co-owner of supermarket giant Asda, as one of the cornerstone investors. Ryder, 40, holds a 53.5% stake in the company, valued at up to £214 million. Despite his impressive entrepreneurial journey, Ryder’s beginnings were humble. Raised by his grandparents on a council house in Kirkby, he left school at 16 to pursue work in scaffolding. Now a father of four, Ryder’s story is one of determination and business acumen, with his company positioned to become a major player in the sports nutrition market. The company has also attracted significant backing from major figures in business. Earlier this year, Andy Bell, founder of broker AJ Bell, joined Applied Nutrition as chairman, further solidifying the brand’s credibility. Ryder’s venture has also garnered interest from former JD Sports boss Peter Cowgill, showcasing the strong appeal of the business among heavyweight investors. Applied Nutrition’s rise to prominence from its industrial park headquarters in Knowsley to the London Stock Exchange is an inspiring example of how ambition, grit, and vision can lead to extraordinary success.

M R Scaffolding Services Ltd Marks 50 Years in Business

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M R Scaffolding Services Ltd Marks 50 Years in Business
M R Scaffolding Services Ltd, a prominent scaffolding contractor in London and South-East England, is marking its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating five decades of service and growth in the industry.  Founded in 1974 by brothers John and Michael Trayfoot, the company has grown from a small, family-run business to one of the region’s leading providers of commercial scaffolding solutions. Still family-owned, the business is now led by the second generation, with John Trayfoot Jr and Matthew Trayfoot at the helm. They are supported by a strong leadership team, including Operations Director Lee Southam and Non-Executive Director Des Moore, both of whom have played a key role in ensuring the company maintains its reputation for high-quality work and a steadfast commitment to safety.

Landmark Projects and High-Profile Achievements

Reflecting on the company’s journey, M R Scaffolding has been involved in several landmark projects over the years. Among its portfolio of high-profile work are projects such as the George Washington Bridge in New York, a significant undertaking that showcased the firm’s capacity to handle complex international projects.  Closer to home, their work on the iconic HMS Belfast and Claridge’s Hotel, featured in the BBC documentary The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild, underlines their precision and expertise. Their role in major construction efforts, like the Portsoken Street development, one of the largest design and build projects in Europe, and their collaboration with global companies such as GSK, further highlights their range and reliability. In addition to its impressive project history, M R Scaffolding has garnered industry recognition for its health and safety performance. The company has won several accolades, including the City of London Considerate Contractor Scheme Gold Award in 2017 and 2020, and the NASC Runner Up Health & Safety Award in 2022.  In 2018, they were also named Health & Safety Subcontractor of the Year by Willmott Dixon. These awards reflect M R Scaffolding’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all its operations. In its 50th year, M R Scaffolding is celebrating another set of achievements, having recently secured ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 accreditations, underlining the company’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and occupational health and safety. Additionally, the firm achieved carbon-neutral status for its scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023, a significant step in its efforts to minimise its environmental impact. As well as focusing on its business goals, M R Scaffolding continues to play an active role in its local community. Its annual Golf Day raises money for Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon, where Managing Director John Trayfoot serves as a Board Trustee. The company is also a supporter of initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, including the DIVERT scheme, the Bounce Back Project, and the Returning Citizens programme, which helps former offenders reintegrate into society through work placements.

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, M R Scaffolding is investing in the latest technology to improve both safety and efficiency across its projects. The company is adopting the Layher System Scaffold, a cutting-edge scaffolding system that is expected to provide enhanced safety features and cost-effective solutions for clients. As M R Scaffolding celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains committed to upholding its core values of professionalism, reliability, and quality. With a strong team and a forward-thinking approach, the Trayfoot family and their leadership team are poised to continue their legacy of excellence for many years to come. Here’s to the next 50 years of success for M R Scaffolding Services Ltd.
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