Cornish Innovator ScaffFloat Shortlisted for Prestigious Bridge Awards

ScaffFloat, a rising star in the scaffolding industry, has been shortlisted for the coveted “Bridge Maintenance Contractor” award at the upcoming National Bridge Awards. 

The Cornish firm joins industry heavyweights Network Rail and Balfour Beatty in contention for the prestigious accolade. “This recognition underscores ScaffFloat’s rapid ascent and the growing respect we command within the construction sector,” remarks Toby Budd, Managing Director of ScaffFloat.  “Our innovative system and proven track record are gaining attention. I extend my gratitude to our exceptional team for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to customer safety.” Based in Bissom near Penryn, ScaffFloat has transformed water-based civil engineering projects with its groundbreaking floating platform constructed from standard scaffolding components.  The system has been widely applied in major infrastructure initiatives nationwide, including the recent replacement of 300-ton rail bridge spans in North Wales. Traditional suspended scaffolding poses unique logistical challenges in water-based environments, particularly in remote locations. ScaffFloat’s solution streamlines installation and significantly enhances safety, often delivering cost savings for clients. The system also minimises disruption to bridge traffic and navigable waterways. With approximately 15,000 water-based structures across the UK requiring ongoing maintenance, ScaffFloat’s innovation has the potential to redefine industry standards. The Bridge Awards ceremony will take place this July in London. An esteemed panel of judges comprising engineers, consultants, and key industry stakeholders from both the public and private sectors will determine the winner.

Scaffolding Conference Gets Swanky with Dinner Dance Added at Prestigious Venue

The Scaffolding Association’s annual Scaffolding Conference (#scaffcon24) is gearing up for its third year with an exciting expansion. 

The 2024 event will now include an evening dinner dance complete with a live band and DJin addition to its popular industry-focused program. This year’s conference finds a new home at the world-famous Belfry Hotel and Resort on Friday, 11th October 2024. The Scaffolding Conference continues its tradition of providing a unique forum for leading experts and professionals in the scaffolding and access industry.  Keynote speakers and discussion panels will delve into key scaffolding topics, offering practical insights to those working within the construction sector. “We’re thrilled to expand ScaffCon24 following last year’s positive reception,” said Robert Candy, CEO of The Scaffolding Association.  “We want to empower those in the sector to stay ahead in this ever-changing industry. Delegates at The Belfry will benefit from a carefully curated range of speakers and panellists offering insights to drive productivity, growth, and success for scaffolding businesses. The dinner dance adds a fantastic social element to the event.” Early bird savings are available for a limited time, with combined Conference and Dinner Dance tickets priced at £250 plus VAT.  To book or learn more, visit the event website at scaffoldconference.co.uk and follow #scaffcon24 on social media.  Additionally, the organisers have secured exclusive discounts on accommodations, golf, and spa treatments for attendees looking to extend their stay and experience the Belfry’s exceptional facilities.

Afix Group Drives Sustainability in Scaffolding with XCarb® Steel

Staalprofiel, an Afix Group company, is actively transforming scaffolding solutions through a commitment to sustainability.  As part of its alignment with the EU Green Deal, Staalprofiel has adopted XCarb® recycled and renewably produced Magnelis® steel from ArcelorMittal for its steel decks. Afix Group recognises the construction industry’s need for eco-conscious materials. “XCarb® aligns with our goal of providing sustainable products without sacrificing performance,” stated Gerrie Roos, owner of Staalprofiel. This partnership with ArcelorMittal, a pioneer in sustainable steel production, reinforces Afix Group’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint significantly in the coming years. “Our focus on sustainability is a core element of our business model,” said Stephan Hillaert, CEO of Afix Group. “We are leading the industry by example, offering eco-friendly scaffolding solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment.” Afix Group’s initiative highlights the growing importance of sustainability within the scaffolding sector, serving as a benchmark for other companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Leach’s Steps Up as Major ScaffChamp 24 Partner

The highly anticipated ScaffChamp 24 international scaffolding competition is getting a major boost, with Leach’s proudly stepping in as a main partner. 

This exciting collaboration promises to elevate the upcoming event to new heights of professionalism and style. UK based leach’s, a renowned name for providing scaffolding and height safety solutions, will be playing a pivotal role in ScaffChamp 24. As a global sourcing partner for organisations in over 80 countries, Leach’s has come on board as a main partner for ScaffChamp to boost the awareness of this incredible event. Leach’s will be holding product demonstrations and showcasing cutting-edge safety equipment throughout the 2-day event. Grant Harris, Global Sales Manager at Leach’s said: “ScaffChamp shows off the very best in our industry and it made sense for Leach’s to partner with and support this exciting, unique event. It is important that Scaffolder’s get the recognition and credit they deserve and we fully believe that ScaffChamp is fantastic at doing just that.  We can’t wait to see who will come out on top as champions and we are already looking forward to future ScaffChamp events!” As a main sponsor, Leach’s commitment to ScaffChamp 24 underscores their dedication to promoting the advancement of the scaffolding profession. They join a growing list of industry leaders who recognize the importance of this thrilling event for fostering camaraderie and raising the bar of excellence. A spokesperson for ScaffChamp said: “We are pleased that the vision of ScaffChamp aligns perfectly with Leach’s commitment to scaffolder safety. The event prioritizes demonstrating the importance of adhering to safety instructions. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to enhancing safety at every level.” ScaffChamp 24 will take place on May 24th and 25th, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania. Get ready for thrilling competitions, world-class scaffolding demonstrations, and an unmatched opportunity for the global scaffolding community to connect. Click here for ScaffChamp24 Tickets.

Actavo Achieves 20 Years of RoSPA Gold Award Recognition

Actavo has cemented its reputation for health and safety excellence, securing three prestigious awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). 

The company’s dedication to safety is reflected in its achievement of the RoSPA Order of Distinction Award for Actavo Industrial Solutions UK (twenty consecutive years of Gold Awards), the RoSPA President’s Award for Actavo Network & In-Home (thirteen consecutive Gold Awards), and the RoSPA Fleet Safety Gold Medal for Actavo Network & In-Home (eight consecutive Gold Awards for fleet safety excellence with its Irish fleet of over 600 vehicles). Actavo, a leader in scaffolding infrastructure and electricity pylon tower painting services, maintains a strong safety culture throughout its operations. Colm Doherty, Executive Chair at Actavo, commented, “Safety is our number one company value, and reaching this 20-year milestone acknowledges our culture and long-term track record of excellence in keeping our staff and the public safe.” The RoSPA Awards are an internationally recognised symbol of health and safety achievement. Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, states, “We congratulate Actavo on winning three prestigious RoSPA Awards and showing an unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients, and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”

ScaffPlan Announced as Official Software Partner of ScaffChamp 24

ScaffChamp organisers are excited to announce ScaffPlan as the official software partner for the second consecutive year of the international scaffolding championship. The partnership highlights ScaffPlan’s commitment to innovation within the industry, as they will provide cutting-edge 3D design technology for this year’s competition. ScaffChamp, organised by the Baltic Scaffolders Association, is a prestigious event that showcases the skills and expertise of scaffolders from around the globe. Scheduled for May 24-25, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the event is expected to attract hundreds of enthusiasts to the venue and thousands of online viewers worldwide. Event organisers will use ScaffPlan’s industry-leading 3D design software to create complex scaffold designs that will challenge the competing teams. This will ensure precision and safety and push the boundaries of creative scaffold construction for the competition. ScaffPlan’s MD Simon Boyes said: “ScaffPlan empowers us to design truly ambitious and intricate scaffolds for ScaffChamp 24. We’re excited to see how teams rise to the challenge using this powerful technology,” “The scaffold design chosen by ScaffChamp for their 2024 event is the most complex in the event’s history. Thus, the ability to explore and interact with the 3D model in real time is essential. This will ensure that all components are correctly connected in their respective locations, preventing any time penalties during assembly.” ScaffChamp’s partnership with ScaffPlan highlights the growing role of technology within the scaffolding industry. “It’s incredibly valuable to have such a strong partner as ScaffPlan on board for the second year running,” a spokesperson from ScaffChamp said. “The 3D models of the designs provided for this ScaffChamp will clarify the assembly process for the teams, leaving no room for uncertainty. It’s remarkable how software and meticulous design can illustrate each step of the assembly process so clearly – this plays an important role in increasing safety. This collaboration is a testament to how technology can revolutionise industry practices, making complex tasks more manageable and safer.” ScaffChamp 24 promises to be an exciting showcase of scaffolding excellence. Tickets for the event are still available from the ScaffChamp website.

Fast Fix Scaffolding and Layher’s Historic Venture at London Temple

In an ambitious restoration effort, the London Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Newchapel, Surrey, known as the Manor House, is witnessing a historic transformation. 

Entrusted with the monumental task is Fast Fix Scaffolding, in partnership with Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd as the main contractor, embarking on a 35-week journey to renew the building’s roof and vertical tiling. At the heart of this project’s success is the strategic use of the Layher Allround System, facilitated by Fast Fix Scaffolding’s expertise, underscoring the vital role of innovative system scaffolding in historic preservation.

The Challenge

With its intricate design and historical significance, the Manor House presented unique challenges. The requirement was twofold: to execute a comprehensive roofing restoration and ensure the building remained operational throughout the process. The scaffolding setup was critical, designed to provide access to the roof and vertical tiling while protecting the building from weather damage during the works. Sean Elliott, Managing Director of Fast Fix Scaffolding, highlighted the complexities, “The size of the clear span for the temporary roof was a significant challenge. Yet, the Layher Keder Roof XL System, supported by Layher UK’s engineering expertise, offered a seamless solution.”

The Layher Solution

For the project, Fast Fix Scaffolding chose Layher’s world-famous Allround Modular Scaffold system and its Keder Rolling Roof for their reliability and flexibility. The system’s ease of installation and capacity to span large areas without compromising structural integrity influenced this choice. Elliott added, “The entire scaffold, with its protective sheeting and the temporary roof, was a testament to the Layher System’s capability to adapt to the demanding needs of historic restoration.”

Execution and Innovation

Throughout the scaffold build, Fast Fix Scaffolding’s innovative thinking was evident. The Manor House’s constrained access and operational requirements led to the strategic use of smaller scaffold components. Due to the limited access, with height and width restrictions, smaller scaffold components were employed on the project to ensure these could be unloaded and distributed through a limited archway entrance by a small telescopic forklift to eliminate manual handling as far as was reasonably practicable. This approach, coupled with Layher UK’s design expertise, ensured a seamless installation process. “The collaboration between Fast Fix Scaffolding, Clarke Roofing, and Layher was instrumental in navigating the project’s challenges, from logistical constraints to ensuring safety and public access,” Elliott noted.

Outcome and Reflections

As the broader project continues, the scaffold and temporary roofing stand as a testament to the effectiveness of the Layher Allround Scaffolding System. The complex tiling and maintenance work continues under the protection and accessibility provided by the scaffold, ensuring the Manor House’s legacy for years to come. Elliott reflected on the project, “This project reaffirmed the importance of pre-planning and collaboration. The Layher System, particularly the Keder Roofing XL System, was instrumental in our ability to deliver a high-quality solution efficiently.”

Conclusion

The restoration of the Manor House at the London Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is more than a construction project; it’s a preservation of history. Through the innovative use of the Layher System, Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd and Fast Fix Scaffolding have demonstrated how modern technology can be harmoniously integrated with historic preservation, setting a benchmark for future restoration projects. The success of this project lies not only in preserving a building but also in advancing scaffolding solutions for complex architectural endeavours.

Build UK CEO and Industry Leaders Headline ScaffEx24 Speaker Lineup

ScaffEx24, the scaffolding sector’s groundbreaking new conference, exhibition, and awards ball, has revealed to Scaffmag its initial lineup of powerful speakers. 

The event promises to bring together industry leaders and innovators, focusing on opportunities, client relationships, innovation, and training in the scaffolding world. Suzannah Nichol, the influential CEO of Build UK, will headline the speaker series. Nichol, a driving force behind transforming the construction industry, will address what major clients seek in their scaffolding partners. She’ll delve into the Common Assessment Standard and share perspectives on the future direction of the construction sector as a whole. Wayne Connolly, Managing Director of the acclaimed Connolly Scaffolding and incoming President of the NASC, is poised to bring his experience with cutting-edge scaffolding approaches to the conference. Connolly’s insights are sure to inspire those striving for excellence in the field. Adding motivational and behavioural elements to the event, David Meade, renowned speaker on human potential, and David Mosley, Managing Director of CISRS, are set to bring thought-provoking discussions and dynamic energy to the event.  All speakers will engage in question-and-answer sessions, fostering open dialogue and paving the way for a more future-focused industry. “ScaffEx24 aims to reshape the scaffolding industry, and this speaker lineup truly reflects that vision,” said Marie Kaffour, Events Manager of ScaffEx24. We’re spotlighting opportunity, ‘Meet the Buyer’ strategies, innovation, and training – the essential pillars that will drive the scaffolding sector forward.” More speakers will be unveiled monthly as the event approaches. ScaffEx24 strongly encourages industry professionals at all levels to stay informed and stay ahead in the industry by visiting the Scaffex24 website, following social media, and keeping an eye on media partner ScaffMag for the latest announcements. Registration for this free-to-attend conference and expo is now open. Don’t miss this pivotal event in Belfast on November 29th, 2024.

Elevating Excellence: Layher UK’s Strategic Shifts for Growth

In an exclusive interview, Sean Pike, Managing Director at Layher UK, offers an insightful glimpse into the company’s visionary strategies for the year ahead and beyond following some significant management shifts.

Layher UK, the system scaffolding powerhouse, remains a beacon of quality, innovation and growth in the ever-evolving scaffolding and access solutions sector. With its headquarters based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, backed up by a network of regional depots, the company has recently undergone notable management transitions and welcomed fresh talent into its fold. These developments signal an exciting path forward for Layher UK as it charts its course through 2024 and beyond. Scaffmag’s Editor sat down with Sean Pike, Managing Director at Layher UK, to delve deeper into the company’s strategies for growth and adaptation in the coming year. DN: Layher UK has recently undergone some fundamental management changes and new appointments and hinted that 2024 will be a year of growth for the company. Can you provide some insights into the rationale behind these changes and how they fit into the company’s overall growth strategy? SP“Great leaders surround themselves with great people, and we are committed to building a team that can deliver our growth strategy. We have ambitious plans to double the current turnover within the next five years and realise that we cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result.  When you ask for growth, we must remember not to be surprised when it challenges you, and as a leadership team, ‘WE’ will very much be focused on being agile in our turbulent and ever-changing industry. Being at the forefront of innovation whilst providing trusted services is a balance we pride ourselves on delivering. Our primary focus will always be on providing the turnkey service our customers greatly rely on.”
“Great leaders surround themselves with great people
  DN: Katherine Fox joined Layher UK as Operations Director in 2022. Could you share the impact she has had on the company’s operations and what her role will be in driving growth in 2024?  SP: “As an experienced change leader, Katherine has been perfectly positioned to drive our growth strategy’s key elements.  Over the past 18 months, she has focused on aligning our depots to operate as one Layher UK, removing aspects of solo working and identifying opportunities to improve service and meet our customer’s needs.  “For instance, the development of our rental hub in West Brom has been a concept that Katherine has worked with the team to implement. Katherine is passionate about making sure Layher is accessible to all, and our Allround Rent To Try option is growing and evolving. She is currently leading the transition into a new Microsoft business operating system, improving every aspect of our sales processes, finance, warehouse functionality & CRM operation.
Katherine Fox, Layher UK’s Operations Director
Her relentless pace and motivation to achieve business goals have positively impacted the speed at which decisions are now made and new processes are implemented. Her passion for people means she naturally leads with compassion and has built trust throughout the team by championing collaboration and empowerment.” “You will only sometimes see Katherine customer-facing, as she will be focusing on supporting all our teams to deliver the best possible service for our customers.” DN: Due to her promotion last year, Anita Singh now holds the position of Technical Director. Under her leadership, what specific initiatives or innovations can we expect, and how do they relate to Layher UK’s growth plans? SP: “By nature of her expertise, Anita is a detail-focused leader who always seeks to do things right. Having gained valuable insights working closely with our customers over many years at Layher, she is now ideally placed to develop and grow a team of talented engineers. She has listened to what needs to be improved within our service and is leading the most extensive change programme Layher’s technical team has seen in 25 years.”  Anita is passionate about CPD and supporting our experienced team through continuous improvement and chartership. Her team is the only technical team that designs Layher, and only Layher projects 24/7. She is also setting up initiatives to ensure Layher UK is at the forefront of new design innovations, such as introducing 3D scanning as standard. 
Anita Singh, Layher UK’s Technical Director
She will work closely with our design and innovation team at our global head office in Germany to deliver this continuous improvement. Anita is leading the implementation of the new commercial process for technical design, working through sprints of critical process development before launching in September 2024.” DN: Des Moore was announced as Layher UK’s new Brand Ambassador in January. Could you tell us more about his role and how it aligns with Layher’s brand recognition and expansion goals? SP: “Des Moore has a long history with Layher Allround and was one of our biggest customers at Trad for many years. We are delighted to be working with Des, who, with his years as an industry leader, will give insight into specific areas. These include the scaffolding contractor’s unique requirements, the system’s benefits versus tube and fitting, and his familiar history with the contracting hire business to support the development of our rental hub. 
System scaffolding and access solutions giant Layher UK Ltd has appointed Des Moore as their dedicated Brand Ambassador
Sean Pike, Layher UK Managing Director & Des Moore.
“Des will be completing regular workshops with our key sales team to share his commercial experience and meeting customers to share his significant first-hand knowledge and benefits of using the Layher system. His volumes align with our own and support our leadership strategy to increase market share, raise brand awareness and make Layher accessible to all scaffolding companies. I think we all know the value Des can add to any business in our industry and we are lucky to work with him as our brand ambassador.” DN: Scaffmag understands that Ben Beaumont, Director of the Temporary Works Forum and MD of Elevation 81, is working with Layher UK in an advisory role for the Technical Design Department. How might his expertise contribute to Layher’s growth? SP: “As a team of 10 strong design engineers, we pride ourselves on the knowledge and service we deliver to our customers. As our customers grow and take on more challenges, we have listened to them and realised that we need to change the way our technical department functions in order to meet the needs of our customers.” “We have been discussing for many months how to implement a new commercial process to meet those required demands. Ben is ideally placed to support Layher through this growth period, working with the leadership team to develop our strategy and break down the key elements of a new commercial process and how it would be implemented successfully. Working alongside Ben helps provide clarity of goal, identify challenges we will have to work through and how to support our valued team to flourish during this process.” His industry expertise and years of business leadership have helped springboard our strategy implementation.” DN: Are there any specific market trends or opportunities that Layher UK plans to leverage to drive growth and remain competitive in the coming year? SP: “The markets we operate in have had a turbulent 2023, but we, of course, now begin to see, since December, a re-emergence aided by falling inflation and a steadier interest rate, plus it’s an election year, and we will seek to capitalise on the effects to specific markets that the politicians will inevitably promise.  We are ready to support and deliver to the market our strategic and humble promise of the best possible customer service and support, as well as total reliability of supply, geared towards helping our customers to grow.” DN: How does Layher UK plan to maintain a competitive edge in the scaffolding industry, and what strategies are in place to differentiate the company from competitors? “We are aware of how other system manufacturers operate in the market, and there are many look-alike versions of Layher Allround available. However, at Layher we concentrate our efforts on ensuring we deliver the consistency of quality, service, solutions, support and depth of supply.  We will remain focused on what we do best: ensuring our vision, values and purpose are part of everything we do. Our main objective will always be to help our customers grow their businesses through our strategic partnership. Their success is our success.” DN: Could you provide some insight into any new product developments or expansions that Layher UK has in the pipeline for the year ahead? SP: “Our product development and innovation team at our head office in Germany are continuously working on new solutions parts. We have recently worked with one of our Scottish customers to develop a specific solution and given our findings to Germany to include in the development… Watch this space!” Layher UK discusses strategic leadership changes, growth plans, and industry trends in an exclusive interview. Learn how the scaffolding leader aims to adapt and innovate in 2024 and beyond.

Pioneering Progress

As Layher UK looks ahead to 2024 and beyond, it’s evident that the company is not just embracing change but actively driving it. With a leadership team committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity, Layher UK is poised to navigate the complexities of a dynamic industry landscape. From strategic management transitions to investments in talent and technology, every move underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence. As they embark on this growth journey, Layher UK remains steadfast in its mission to provide unparalleled service, reliability, and customer support, cementing its position as a true leader in the system scaffolding and access solutions sector. The future holds boundless opportunities, and Layher UK stands ready to seize them with determination and vision. This article was originally published in Issue 21 of the ScaffMag magazine.

TRAD UK Renames Glasgow Depot in Honour of Beloved Former Managing Director

In a moving tribute, TRAD UK has renamed its Glasgow depot office as Paterson House. The renaming honours the memory of John Paterson, the company’s highly respected former Managing Director, who sadly passed away in 2021.

A plaque commemorating the renaming was unveiled by John Paterson’s wife, Jane Paterson, along with his longtime colleague and friend, Davy Walls. The plaque was donated by Hayden Smith, TRAD’s former owner and Chairman, who was a close friend of John Paterson. Hayden made a special trip from London to witness the unveiling. The event was also attended by other friends, colleagues, and TRAD UK’s current Managing Director, Colin Dobson. John Paterson was deeply admired within TRAD and the wider scaffolding industry. His dedication and warmth are sorely missed, and he remains a source of inspiration for those who knew him, particularly the team in Glasgow. Renaming the depot is a poignant tribute, as it was here, in this very place, that John Paterson began his journey with TRAD Hire & Sales. He opened the Glasgow depot in January 2000 as Sales Manager and subsequently became the company’s Managing Director in 2014, leaving an indelible mark on the site. Natalee Wilkie, Operations Manager at the Glasgow depot, was present at the unveiling. Natalee worked alongside John Paterson from the depot’s inception, serving initially as his administrative assistant. “John was always there for me, a true mentor,” she said. “This feels like the perfect way to honour his legacy.”