In a significant development for scaffolding training, the inaugural CISRS OSTS Level 4 course has been completed successfully at Simian International’s centre in Abu Dhabi. Led by experienced UK instructor Gary Brown, the intensive 10-day program marked a milestone in advancing scaffolding education outside the UK.The comprehensive curriculum of the course mirrored its UK counterpart, covering vital theoretical aspects such as risk assessment, method statements, reading complex drawings, rescue procedures, and familiarisation with industry standards, including SG4 and TG20. Practical training included the erection and dismantling of various scaffold structures like the dead shore, pedestrian staircase, ramp, and temporary roofs.Most notably, participants, predominantly seasoned scaffolders from Seaweld Engineering in the offshore sector, travelled from Ghana to partake in this historic event. The course also facilitated the upgrading of two registered OSTS instructors, Abid Gul and Alliver Revilla, to the highest OSTS Level 4, underscoring the commitment to professional development within the industry.Gary Brown, expressing his appreciation for Simian International’s efforts, remarked, “Congratulations and respect to Ian and all the team at Simian International for the hard work and preparation it has taken to run the first OSTS Level 4 in the UAE.” Brown commended the dedication of the scaffolders, highlighting their eagerness to learn and adapt throughout the rigorous training.Simian International hosted a UK-approved instructor to conduct a CISRS CPD 2-day refresher course for CISRS UK cardholders in the Gulf regions. The initiative received positive feedback from delegates, with John Gallagher of Qatar Energy emphasising the convenience and time-saving benefits of completing the advanced CPD refresher locally.Echoing similar sentiments, Brian Fitzgerald underscored the significance of bringing such training opportunities to regions outside the UK, citing substantial time and cost savings. The success of these endeavours has prompted CISRS to explore the possibility of extending UK CPD courses to other regions where demand necessitates.The successful completion of the CISRS OSTS Level 4 and UK CPD courses in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward in advancing global scaffolding education and professional development opportunities.
3B Training has announced a strategic collaboration with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to offer Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) accredited courses in London. The partnership aims to bring high-quality, industry-relevant training closer to professionals in the construction sector, right in the heart of the UK’s capital.Expanding Educational Horizons in Construction3B Training, well known for its comprehensive health and safety training programs, is expanding its footprint with this initiative, setting up a new training venue within the prestigious CIOB office in London. The move is a part of 3B Training’s growth plan and underscores its commitment to enhancing the skills and competencies of individuals and organisations within the construction industry.The courses offered through this collaboration cover a broad spectrum of essential topics, including SSSTS, SMSTS, Health and Safety Awareness, and Temporary Works Supervisor and Coordinator roles. All are fully accredited by CITB.Mathew Bewley, Managing Director of 3B Training, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, highlighting the strategic location of the new venue in London to make professional development more accessible and convenient for industry professionals. “Working with the CIOB and their Academy Director, Adrian Montague, represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide unparalleled training courses to the construction sector,” Bewley stated.Echoing this sentiment, Adrian Montague, CIOB Academy Director, reflected on the genesis of this partnership. “After meeting Mathew and his team, we quickly realised that by combining our efforts, we could significantly benefit the industry. Our organisations offer complementary services, and this collaboration is just the beginning of a fruitful relationship aimed at advancing the construction sector’s knowledge and skills,” Montague remarked.For those interested in taking their construction career to the next level, information about the CITB-accredited courses, including dates and pricing, is available at 3btraining.com.
Deeside-based Palmers Scaffolding, the UK’s oldest scaffolding contractor, has made headlines by becoming the first recipient of debt finance from the British Business Bank’s new £130 million Investment Fund for Wales. The historic company secured £500,000 from the fund’s debt finance element, managed by FW Capital, a subsidiary of the Development Bank of Wales.This significant investment marks a milestone for Palmers Scaffolding, which was founded in 1888 by Edwin Palmer and has been a key player in the scaffolding industry for over a century. The company, incorporated in 1912, boasts a workforce of over 226 employees and consistently ranks among the top 10 scaffolding contractors in the UK.Palmers Scaffolding has experienced steady growth in recent years, with turnover increasing from £12 million in 2020 to £23 million in 2023. With a forecasted turnover of £31 million for the current year, the company is poised for further expansion.Michael Carr, Chief Executive of Palmers, expressed gratitude for the support from the Investment Fund for Wales and FW Capital, highlighting the importance of working capital for large infrastructure projects like Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station. The loan will be utilised for cash flow funding and capital expenditure requirements as the company expands its footprint in the Northwest.Mark Sterritt, Director of Nations and Regions Investment Funds at the British Business Bank highlighted the fund’s commitment to supporting smaller businesses with growth ambitions, such as Palmers Scaffolding. Sterritt noted the bank’s openness to discussions with growth businesses across Wales and its dedication to investing in various expansion strategies.Rhodri Evans of FW Capital commended Palmers Scaffolding as a strong Welsh brand with nationwide recognition in the construction sector. Evans expressed confidence in the company’s leadership and expertise, affirming that the investment is in safe hands.“This investment represents not only a vote of confidence in Palmers Scaffolding but also in the resilience and potential of Welsh businesses,” said Evans. “Palmers’ ability to secure this funding demonstrates their commitment to growth and innovation, and we are proud to support them on their journey.”
In a significant blow to the scaffolding industry, both London-based BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd and Bristol’s Scaffteq West Ltd have fallen into administration. These companies, collectively employing over 100 people, were part of the Saferise Scaffolding Group, an umbrella brand that had acquired high-performing scaffolding firms across the United Kingdom.The news came to light through an internal memo obtained by Scaffmag, which was circulated among staff on Sunday at BCM by the Managing Director, Adele McLay. In the memo, McLay expressed deep sadness at the turn of events, attributing the companies’ financial difficulties to the withdrawal of support from their finance company.The memo revealed that despite anticipated substantial new projects on the horizon and recent investments, the finance company’s decision to pull out has left BCM and Scaffteq West in a precarious position. McLay underscored the disappointment felt by the entire team, especially given the recent strides made in expanding their operational capacity with a new yard.The memo further outlined the immediate impact on employees, instructing them not to report to sites, yards, or the office on Monday, February 19th. McLay also informed employees that the administrators would decide on the fate of existing projects and would reach out to key managers at client sites.One of the most distressing aspects of the memo was McLay’s acknowledgement of the uncertainty surrounding employees’ salaries, with the possibility that they may not receive payment on the scheduled date of February 23rd. This, McLay noted, was beyond her control and was now in the hands of the administrators.
Employees in uncertainty
In a conversation with Scaffmag, an employee at BCM, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the impact of the administration, stating, “We have around 60 staff at BCM so will affect a lot of people. We should know more tomorrow once I receive the call from the administrator.”Expressing her personal devastation at the turn of events, McLay highlighted the collective effort that had been invested in establishing BCM as a respected player in the industry. She thanked the team for their hard work and commitment, noting recent positive feedback from clients as a testament to their dedication.McLay concluded the memo by offering personal conversations to any employee seeking to discuss the news further, emphasising her commitment to providing updates as soon as they become available.Scaffmag has contacted Safe Rise Scaffolding and BCM for further comment; we await their reply and will update the story.
In an exciting development for the scaffolding and access sector, Scaffmag, the leading digital magazine and news platform dedicated to the global scaffolding community is thrilled to announce its official media partnership with ScaffEx24, the upcoming premier scaffolding and access event of the year.
Scheduled for November 29, 2024, at the Belfast International Conference Centre, ScaffEx24 is set to be a landmark event, offering an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to network, share knowledge, and explore the latest innovations and trends.
This partnership underscores Scaffmag’s commitment to providing the scaffolding community with access to vital industry news, insights, and events.
A New Era for Industry Collaboration
As ScaffEx24’s official media partner, Scaffmag will play a crucial role in highlighting the event’s key moments, from ground-breaking presentations to insightful panel discussions.
Our coverage will span across our digital magazine, social media channels, and website, ensuring our readers have front-row access to the innovations and discussions shaping the future of the scaffolding and access sector.
ScaffEx24 promises to be more than just an event. It aims to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation within the industry, featuring an array of distinguished speakers, exhibitors, and workshops focused on the most pressing topics facing the sector today, including safety, training, business development, and the latest technological advancements.
Reflecting on the partnership, a ScaffEx spokesperson, Jamie McGuire, Head of Business Development from National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) said, “We are delighted to partner with Scaffmag for ScaffEx24. Their commitment to excellence in reporting and their deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics make them the perfect media partner for our event. Scaffmag is our key partner sharing the exciting developments such as our exhibitors, Layher, At-Pac, George Roberts Smart Scaffolder and Pilosio to name but a few; plus the amazing speakers that will be giving insight on training, safety, business development and the future of the sector. Let’s not forget the awesome dinner and awards which will then follow.
Adding a personal perspective, Scaffmag’s Editor & Founder, Daniel Norton, remarked, “We are incredibly proud to be the official media partner for ScaffEx24. This event represents a significant opportunity for the scaffolding and access industry to come together, learn from each other, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage, insights, and analysis that our readers have come to expect from Scaffmag.”
Inclusivity at the Forefront
In line with NASC’s commitment to inclusivity, ScaffEx24 is open to all scaffolding and access professionals, free of charge, making it one of the most accessible events of its kind.
This initiative ensures that the event will serve as a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, facilitating networking opportunities, and promoting the growth and development of the industry.
Stay Updated with Scaffmag
As the event approaches, stay tuned to Scaffmag for exclusive interviews, sneak peeks, and detailed coverage of ScaffEx24. We will bring you closer to the action, providing insights into the latest industry trends, innovative products, and services showcased at the event, and highlighting the key takeaways from the conference’s panel discussions and keynote speeches.
We invite all scaffolding and access professionals to join us in this exciting journey towards ScaffEx24. Together, we can look forward to an event that not only addresses the current needs of our industry but also paves the way for future innovations and collaborations.
For the latest updates on ScaffEx24, including speaker announcements, exhibition details, and more, follow Scaffmag across our digital platforms.
CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) marked a triumphant National Apprentice Week as they embarked on a dynamic campaign to champion scaffolding careers across the UK. From engaging with apprentices at training providers to participating in career talks and open events, CISRS left no stone unturned in promoting the benefits of a career in scaffolding.The week-long initiative kicked off on Monday, February 5th, with CISRS Managing Director Dave Mosley visiting 3t Training North Shields. There, he had the pleasure of interacting with apprentices and their instructor, Rob King, who were on the verge of completing their training programs and would soon qualify as CISRS scaffolders.The momentum continued on Tuesday, February 6th, with CISRS Compliance Manager Tony Barry joining apprentices at Simian Scaffolding Training Centre in Warrington for the first of a series of career talks. Former Simian-trained advanced scaffolder turned Health & Safety consultant Dallas Cooper shared insights into his journey in the industry, emphasising the abundant progression opportunities available.Tony Barry’s itinerary then took him to Total People in Manchester, where he engaged with more apprentices and instructors, underlining the flourishing apprentice provision in the North West region.Meanwhile, Dave Mosley appeared on the same day at “Job Fest,” held at the SIMIAN/LASC training centre in Leytonstone, London. This event attracted over 200 prospective apprentices from local schools, offering them the chance to explore various trades, with scaffolding proving a popular choice.
1 of 7
Wednesday, February 7th, witnessed Tony Barry concluding his visit to the North West region by meeting with trainees at Training 2000 in Blackburn, where he commended the enthusiasm of the region’s aspiring scaffolders. In the South East, CISRS Administration and Finance Manager Laura Weekes visited the National Construction College South in Kent, reinforcing the abundance of talent emerging through the apprenticeship route.The week peaked on Thursday, February 8th, as Dave Mosley returned to the North East at NETA Training on Teesside for another successful careers open event, attracting a sizable crowd eager to explore apprenticeship opportunities.Closing out National Apprentice Week on Friday, February 9th, Tony Barry visited Construction College Midlands in Birmingham, where he met with instructors and apprentices, witnessing their passion for the trade firsthand.Reflecting on the week’s achievements, Dave Mosley thanked CISRS training providers for hosting these impactful events, affirming the organisation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scaffolding professionals. “The CISRS staff had a great time getting out and about during National Apprentice Week – meeting the current crop of apprentices and hopefully some of our future workforce, Mosley said.“The apprentices were very positive about their career opportunities and wanted to explore all the possibilities it can offer, such as becoming an advanced scaffolder, scaffolding supervisor, estimators, designers, and the thrill of working on very large projects such as Hinkley Power Station, offshore or overseas, setting up their own company etc. The options are plentiful. “We would like to say a big thank you to the CISRS training providers for hosting these superb events and we hope are already looking forward to more promotion of apprentices and apprenticeships next year.”
ScaffPlan, the Australian startup renowned for its software solutions transforming the scaffolding industry, has clinched a coveted spot in Cemex Ventures‘ annual compilation of the most promising Construction Technology startups worldwide. This prestigious recognition underscores ScaffPlan’s pivotal role in the Contech sector and signifies its emergence as a key player in the global startup landscape.The inclusion of ScaffPlan in this esteemed list signifies not only the company’s innovative prowess but also its representation of Australian and regional innovation on a global scale. With a diverse array of geographies, technologies, and startup maturity levels represented, the list serves as a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the construction technology sector.For ScaffPlan, this accolade marks a significant milestone in its journey of redefining the scaffolding industry through technological innovation, it said in a press release. Expressing his pride in ScaffPlan’s achievement, the company’s founder, Simon Boyes, remarked, “To be listed as one of the two Australian companies on Cemex Ventures’ Top 50 Contech Startups 2024 is a source of immense pride for us. This acknowledgment validates our achievements and underscores the impact of innovation within the construction sector. It inspires us to drive positive change and actively contribute to advancing progress and technology in the scaffolding industry.”ScaffPlan’s innovative solutions have helped revolutionise the scaffolding industry, enabling construction companies to complete projects faster, safer, and more efficiently than ever before. As the construction industry continues to evolve, ScaffPlan remains at the forefront, leading the way with its cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking approach.As ScaffPlan and other Contech startups continue to develop innovative solutions that transform the construction industry, the sector is poised to become more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly.
The iconic spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reclaim its prominence on the city skyline as the scaffolding surrounding it begins to be dismantled, marking a significant milestone in the restoration efforts following the catastrophic fire of 2019.According to the authority entrusted with the monumental task of restoring Notre-Dame, Etablissement Public, dismantling the scaffolding began on Tuesday. The ambitious project aims to unveil the entirety of the spire, making it fully visible to the public by the time the Olympic Summer Games take place in Paris on July 26.“The dismantling of the scaffolding has started and will continue over the coming months,” stated Etablissement Public in communication with local media.The scaffolding, reaching an impressive height of 100 meters (330 feet), comprised a staggering 600 tonnes of scaffolding, encompassing approximately 70,000 components. This intricate structure, akin to a metal labyrinth, posed significant challenges to restoration efforts, underscoring the technical complexity of the project.One of the contentious aspects of the restoration has been the use of lead to cover the spire. Despite debates surrounding its potential toxicity, lead has been chosen as the material for its historical accuracy and durability.In a symbolic gesture heralding progress in the restoration journey, December witnessed the reinstatement of the cathedral’s great cross, accompanied by the instalment of a new golden rooster atop the spire. The previous rooster was among the casualties of the devastating fire that engulfed the cathedral on April 15, 2019.Initially, President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to unveil the fully restored Notre Dame before the commencement of the Olympic Games. However, due to unforeseen challenges encountered during the restoration process, the timeline has been revised, with completion now anticipated by December of this year.Despite after three years, authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the inferno, though indications point towards an accidental origin.
In a bid to root out widespread fraud within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), the government has announced stringent measures set to take effect from April 2024. This crackdown aims to close a £300 million loophole exploited by organised crime gangs, marking a pivotal moment for the construction industry.The “gross payment status” provision under CIS is at the core of the issue, allowing subcontractors to bypass tax deductions at source. While this facilitates cash flow for legitimate businesses, it has also created fertile ground for criminal activity. Gangs have exploited this system by submitting fake invoices and channelling money through intricate subcontractor chains, resulting in millions in unpaid VAT and CIS deductions.To combat this rampant fraud, the government has mandated VAT compliance for obtaining or retaining gross payment status. This significant change requires subcontractors to demonstrate adherence to VAT regulations, effectively tightening the noose around fraudsters and making it increasingly challenging for them to operate under the radar.Reactions to the move have been mixed within the industry. While the Federation of Master Builders welcomes the crackdown on fraud, some contractors express concerns over heightened paperwork and potential delays. Nonetheless, the government remains steadfast, emphasising that curbing criminal activity is imperative for safeguarding legitimate businesses and ensuring a level playing field.Exchequer Secretary Gareth Davies asserts, “This measure is predicted to raise around £300m over the next five years.”Tracey Wright, head of tax at law firm Osborne Clarke, highlights the significance of the shift, stating, “It brings in the right to remove gross payment status if there are VAT-compliance failures or fraud.” She suggests that incorporating VAT into the compliance test will likely make it easier to catch those seeking to defraud the system.”The CIS has faced scrutiny in the past, with critics accusing it of being a tool for employers to evade National Insurance contributions. However, the government maintains that CIS remains an essential tax collection tool in the construction sector, and the latest changes are crucial to plugging a significant loophole.The full impact of these new regulations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the days of easy pickings for CIS fraudsters are numbered. With increased scrutiny and stricter compliance requirements on the horizon, the construction industry is poised to become a less hospitable environment for criminal activity.
Last week, the organisers of ScaffChamp made a significant announcement during their visit to the UK, revealing Mark Parkin as their new ScaffChamp Ambassador.
The exciting revelation was shared at Layher UK’s headquarters in Letchworth, where members of the ScaffChamp team gathered for the special occasion. Scaffmag had the opportunity to catch up with the team and speak with Mark Parkin about his new role and aspirations for the competition.
Upon congratulating Mark on his appointment as a ScaffChamp Ambassador, he expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this pivotal role and the personal significance it holds for him. “I am delighted to become a ScaffChamp Ambassador. Having discussed this many years ago with Viktor, I feel very proud to be playing a part in bringing ScaffChamp’s together.”
“Playing the ambassador role is another personal achievement for me.”
Mark Parkin, a prominent figure in the scaffolding industry, shared his motivations for getting involved with ScaffChamp and becoming an ambassador for the competition. “I love the scaffolding industry and all that it has to offer. I have had personal highs and lows, but this game is special. It draws you in, and the more I feel I can give, the more I want to get involved in exciting projects like ScaffChamp’s. Playing the ambassador role is another personal achievement for me.”
On the Search for Referees
Mark Parkin
Looking ahead to ScaffChamp 2024, Mark outlined his priorities and objectives as he works to assemble a team of referees for the competition. “The priority and objective are to bring some experienced scaffolders/inspectors to participate as referees in this event. It’s growing year on year. Currently, we have 18 teams, so it’s time to attract quality and respected people to strengthen the team from around the globe.”
Mark also highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities for participants in ScaffChamp and shared his vision for contributing to their experience as an ambassador. “This is a great platform to watch, listen, and learn. There is a huge opportunity to create a safer system of work. The networking is fantastic, and I love to see teams talking, sharing ideas, and loving the experience. I want to encourage more teams from around the world to come and engage in discussions about the scaffolding industry. It’s a brotherhood.”
Offering advice to teams and individuals considering participating in ScaffChamp for the first time, Mark emphasised the importance of enjoying the experience while prioritising safety and professionalism. “My advice is simple: please don’t overthink it. You’re trained in what you do. Play to win always, however, enjoy the experience. It’s supposed to be fun and engaging. Build and dismantle safely, make it exciting, lead the way, showcase yourself, be respectful.”
As excitement builds for ScaffChamp 2024, Mark expresses his anticipation for the event and hopes for its success. “I am really excited to catch up with my colleagues and friends in the industry from around the world to compete for the title. The championships are attracting more teams, visitors, and sponsorships. The buzz of ScaffChamp is getting more traction year on year. It is going to be epic.”
With Mark Parkin at the helm as ScaffChamp Ambassador, the future looks bright for this prestigious international scaffolding championship. Stay tuned for more updates and developments as ScaffChamp 2024 approaches.
Now in its 4th year, ScaffChamp is set to be held on 24 – 25 May 2024 and takes place each year in Vilnius, Lithuania.
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