ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

Daniel Norton
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ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun, with participants from 18 countries arriving in Vilnius for the start of the two-day event.

Friday marked the opening of the competition, with a schedule focused on registration, introductions, and team briefings ahead of the main contest on Saturday.

Held annually, ScaffChamp brings together elite scaffolding teams from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas to compete in speed, safety, and technical precision. The 2025 edition is once again hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania. 

Warm welcome

The day began with team registration and an official welcome from event organisers. Attendees were introduced to the competition format and given a first look at the structure they will be assembling during the contest.

Representatives from countries including Germany, Ireland, Chile, Mongolia, and the UK were present, with several teams returning from previous years.

Contests and briefings

Following the opening ceremony, teams and guests took part in a series of informal activities and scaffold-themed challenges. The afternoon included a technical briefing where participants were walked through the judging criteria, safety protocols, and task requirements.

A team presentation and draw later confirmed the running order for Saturday’s main event.

There was a strong sense of anticipation among competitors throughout the day. Several teams expressed confidence in their preparations and praised the professionalism of the event setup.

The UK’s AK Scaffolding were among those sounding confident ahead of tomorrow’s challenge.

“We haven’t come here just to take part — we’re here to win,” one team member told ScaffMag.

The team drew attention for their focused attitude and sharp engagement during the briefings. 

Meanwhile, Team USA (Trekker Group) also arrived with determination and momentum. The team told ScaffMag they had been training intensively in the weeks leading up to the event, including full builds in over 100°F heat in Florida.

“We’ve put in the hours. Conditions back home were brutal — but we’re ready,” said one of their team leaders. Many on the ground have already tipped the USA as one to watch.

Structure revealed by ScaffPlan

A highlight of the afternoon was the big reveal of the competition structure, designed by ScaffPlan, the event’s official design technology partner.

This year’s structure has been described by organisers as one of the most challenging yet, demanding precise teamwork and time efficiency. The model was unveiled during the technical briefing, with each team given digital and printed schematics to review.

Ben Beaumont, Director at ScaffPlan, was on hand to answer questions and walk participants through key design details, safety requirements, and judging focus points.

“It’s a complex structure that will push the best teams to demonstrate their full range of skill,” said one of the referees.

Team Order – ScaffChamp 2025

Round 1:

  • AlpAccess – Romania

  • Consolvo AS – Norway

  • RNDV Industries – Lithuania

  • Bilfinger – Germany

  • PDV Inženjering – Serbia

  • Hotrema – Lithuania

  • Tisch – Germany

  • FTF Servicios – Chile

  • Echafaudage Service – France

  • Stabil Épít? – Hungary

Round 2:

  • Globalita – Lithuania

  • Kaefer Sweden – Sweden

  • Teknopont SRL – Italy

  • Trekker Group – United States

  • Team Mongolia (NBIK) – Mongolia

  • Kukla Scaffolding – Slovakia

  • N-Projects – Poland

  • AK Scaffolding – United Kingdom

  • Cumiskey Scaffolding – Ireland

  • Team Türkiye – Turkey

Looking ahead

The full competition begins at 11:40 EET tomorrow (Saturday, 7 June) and will be livestreamed globally.

ScaffMag will continue to provide live coverage from Vilnius, including real-time updates, results, and behind-the-scenes content via its dedicated live blog.

ScaffChamp Buildup: How to Watch the Action Live Around the World

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ScaffChamp Buildup: How to Watch the Action Live Around the World
ScaffChamp 2025, powered by Layher, is almost here, and fans across the globe can tune in live on Saturday, 7 June. ScaffMag will not only be hosting the livestream on our homepage, but we’ll also be reporting live from the event, bringing you behind-the-scenes coverage, interviews, and key moments as they happen. The broadcast kicks off at 11:40 EET (Vilnius time), giving viewers front-row access to one of the most exciting and competitive events in the scaffolding industry. Wherever you are, here’s when to watch:
  • Los Angeles – 01:40
  • New York – 04:40
  • Dallas – 04:40
  • Lima – 03:30
  • Santiago – 04:40
  • São Paulo – 05:40
  • London / Dublin – 09:40
  • Warsaw / Berlin / Paris / Madrid / Rome – 10:40
  • Oslo / Stockholm / Copenhagen – 10:40
  • Istanbul / Athens / Bucharest – 11:40
  • Vilnius / Riga / Tallinn / Helsinki – 11:40
  • Cape Town – 11:40
  • Dubai – 12:40
  • Ulaanbaatar – 16:40
  • Tokyo – 17:40
  • Sydney – 18:40
Watch it live on ScaffMag.com or via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8gLNolBDME Stay tuned to ScaffMag for exclusive coverage from the ground, bringing you all the action, insight, and standout moments from ScaffChamp 2025.

CISRS Scaffolding Training Returns to Yorkshire with New Wakefield Centre

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CISRS Scaffolding Training Returns to Yorkshire with New Wakefield Centre
After years without a dedicated local provider, Yorkshire has regained full access to CISRS-certified scaffolding training thanks to a new facility opened by Aecor International Training in Wakefield. The centre marks Aecor’s first major move into the UK training market after operating scaffold training programmes in the Middle East and Asia. Already an established international provider, Aecor’s new Wakefield site now delivers the full suite of Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) courses – from the one-day COTS (Operative Training Scheme) to advanced Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications. The opening has been welcomed by industry leaders and the local scaffolding sector as a much-needed boost for workforce development across the North of England. Trevor Donohue, CISRS Auditor, said: “I am delighted to confirm that a new scaffold training centre has received CISRS accreditation in Wakefield, Yorkshire. The Aecor International Training Centre provides excellent training facilities for a wide range of CISRS-approved training courses, which cater for Tube and Fitting Scaffold and System Scaffolding courses. The centre provides a great addition to the CISRS scheme, and its location will become a significant asset to the Yorkshire scaffolding sector and the wider construction industry throughout the North of England.” Aecor’s team of instructors bring over 30 years of experience to their teaching. The courses not only cover the technical aspects of scaffolding but also focus on current health and safety regulations and compliance, aligning with the latest industry best practices. Successful trainees will be eligible for the appropriate CISRS cards – essential for working on UK construction sites. The Wakefield Centre now serves as a regional hub for scaffolders seeking certification without the need to travel further afield. The return of accredited CISRS courses to the area has been seen as a positive step forward in meeting industry demand and improving access to training. Aecor International already operates training facilities in Nepal, the UAE, and Qatar. The move into the UK market, the company says, reflects its ongoing mission to support scaffolding excellence and raise standards globally. More details and upcoming course dates can be found at: www.aecorintl.co.uk

Star-Studded Line-Up Announced for 2025 Scaffolding Excellence Awards

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Star-Studded Line-Up Announced for 2025 Scaffolding Excellence Awards

The NASC has announced that its prestigious Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025 will be hosted by a trio of household names, Clare Balding, Alex Jones, and Leigh Francis at a glittering ceremony in Manchester this September.

Taking place during Scaffex25, the awards evening is widely regarded as the highlight of the scaffolding and access industry calendar, offering a rare moment to celebrate standout achievements, innovation, and excellence across the UK sector.

This year’s ceremony brings together a formidable hosting team:

  • Clare Balding – an award-winning broadcaster and author, renowned for her Olympic coverage, documentaries, and campaigning work. She was awarded a CBE in 2022 for services to sport and charity.

  • Alex Jones – one of the UK’s best-loved presenters, known as the face of BBC’s The One Show. She has fronted a wide range of factual and lifestyle programmes and is a passionate advocate for family, wellbeing and community causes.

  • Leigh Francis – comedian, actor and writer, best known for his character Keith Lemon. While Keith may be on “permanent holiday,” Francis is expected to bring plenty of humour and energy to the evening in his own right.

More celebrity special guests are expected to be confirmed in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.

Clive Dickin, NASC Chief Executive, said: “It’s always such a great night. A chance for the industry to get together and have fun. One member recently said he’d rather be in Manchester for this one night than go on a week’s holiday in Greece.

He may be right, this is shaping up to be one of our best events yet.”

Celebrating the Best in Scaffolding

The awards are open to NASC members and span nine categories, covering a broad cross-section of the industry’s people, products, and projects. They include:

  • Apprentice of the Year

  • Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Best Product or Service of the Year

  • Project Awards – recognising small, medium, large and major projects, as well as best scaffold design

The project categories aim to reflect the vast range and complexity of modern scaffolding work, from tightly managed urban builds to major infrastructure schemes, while the product and service award highlights the role of innovation in advancing safety, productivity, and quality on-site.

James McFadden, Chair of the independent judging panel and CS&A Responsible Engineer at Sellafield, said: “For anyone in the scaffolding and access world, these are the awards that matter. They’re recognised as a seal of approval from industry peers. To collect one of these awards in September, you will have to beat some very impressive entries.”

Winners will be chosen by a panel of independent experts and announced live during the gala dinner in front of hundreds of industry leaders.

Entries Now Open

Submissions are now open at nasc.org.uk/awards and close later this summer. Those looking to attend the ceremony or reserve a table can book via nasc.org.uk/product-category/scaffex-2025.

Registration Opens for ScaffEx25 at Manchester Central

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Registration Opens for ScaffEx25 at Manchester Central
ScaffEx25, the UK’s leading scaffolding and access industry exhibition and conference, will return on 11–12 September at Manchester Central, and registration is now open. Following a successful debut in Belfast last year, this year’s edition promises to be larger in scale, with more exhibitors, networking opportunities, and industry insights. Crucially, the event remains free to attend. Organised by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), ScaffEx25 is designed to bring together key players from across the sector, including contractors, suppliers, buyers, and industry leaders, under one roof. Clive Dickin, CEO of NASC, said: “We are very proud of the scale of this year’s show. It is the ideal opportunity to meet anyone you need to meet from the scaffolding and access world, all gathered under one roof for two days. Regardless of whether you are a contractor, a supplier, or a buyer, the people you need to meet will be with us in Manchester.”

Two-Day Conference to Explore the Future of Scaffolding

Running alongside the exhibition is a dedicated two-day conference focusing on the “Future of Scaffolding.”
ITV News presenter Nina Hossain
Nina Hossain
Hosted by experienced television journalists Sophie Long and Nina Hossain, the conference will feature high-profile speakers from across the sector who will tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. ScaffEx25 is expected to attract a broad audience from across the UK and beyond, reinforcing its reputation as the must-attend event for anyone involved in scaffolding and access. Get your free tickets now at: https://nasc.org.uk/product-category/scaffex-2025/

NASC Expands into Scotland with New Edinburgh Office and Key Appointment

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NASC Expands into Scotland with New Edinburgh Office and Key Appointment
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has opened a new office in Edinburgh and appointed a dedicated Business Development Manager to strengthen its presence across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Lloyd McKenzie takes up the newly created role, bringing with him decades of experience as a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder, scaffolding manager, and technical authority. His appointment marks a significant step in NASC’s efforts to support scaffolding businesses and grow its membership in the region. Clive Dickin, Chief Executive of NASC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lloyd to the team. We’re committed to growing and developing our presence in Scotland, which remains a vital region for us and scaffolding in the UK. “This is also why we have opened an office in Edinburgh. The arrival of Lloyd is a further boost to our plans for the north and for Scotland and Northern Ireland. He brings experience from his time working as a scaffolder, as well as a deep knowledge of the sector in Scotland, which is unique among UK regions. We look forward to tapping into his experience in sectors like energy, offshore, and renewables.” The creation of a new Scottish base follows increased demand from scaffolding companies for localised support and representation. NASC hopes the move will help build closer relationships with firms across Scotland and Northern Ireland and promote industry standards. Speaking about his new role, Lloyd McKenzie said: “This is such a great opportunity for me to give something back to an industry that I am passionate about. I am, first and foremost, a scaffolder, and that won’t ever change. “NASC is an important part of the UK and global scaffolding and access sector, and I look forward to helping to develop NASC across Scotland and in Northern Ireland. The message today is that NASC North is open, and we are ready to support the industry.” The Edinburgh office is now open and will act as a regional hub for NASC activity in the north.

ScaffPlan Returns to ScaffChamp 2025 with Innovation in Tow

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ScaffPlan Returns to ScaffChamp 2025 with Innovation in Tow
ScaffPlan has confirmed its return to ScaffChamp 2025 as a key sponsor, marking its third consecutive year backing the international scaffolding skills competition. The event, now powered by Layher, will take place on 6–7 June in Lithuania and is set to feature 20 elite teams from around the world in a two-day contest of speed, precision, and technical skill. Widely regarded as the leading global stage for scaffolding excellence, ScaffChamp has grown into more than just a competition. It has become a gathering point for industry professionals, suppliers, and innovators, promoting best practices, safety, and a renewed focus on technical proficiency. “ScaffChamp is the heart of global scaffolding culture, and we’re thrilled to be part of it again,” said Ben Beaumont, Director of ScaffPlan. “There’s nothing quite like the energy, the camaraderie, and the sheer skill on display. We’re proud to support the industry’s best and to show what the future of scaffolding looks like – smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before.” This year, ScaffPlan will use the event as a platform to unveil major developments in its product offering. Attendees will get an early look at “BOSS”, a new CRM platform explicitly tailored for scaffolding firms. Designed to streamline client management, job tracking, and operations, the tool is expected to play a significant role in digitalising day-to-day scaffolding workflows. In addition, the company will showcase the upcoming ScaffPlan Version 2025—its most significant software update to date, promising new features that aim to improve design accuracy, team collaboration, and project efficiency. With its mix of competition, innovation, and community, ScaffChamp 2025 is again shaping up as a highlight in the scaffolding calendar.

PERI Staff Support Local Foodbank with Generous Donations

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PERI Staff Support Local Foodbank with Generous Donations
Employees at PERI UK’s head office in Rugby have come together to support their local community by collecting and donating food and essential supplies to the Rugby Foodbank. In recent weeks, staff at the construction systems provider have filled collection baskets with items, including pasta, tinned goods, tea bags, and toiletries. Earlier this week, the team handed over the donations to the food bank, which is part of a nationwide network tackling hunger and poverty across the UK. The initiative forms part of PERI’s broader commitment to giving back in 2025, with foodbank support chosen by staff as a key priority during recent internal feedback sessions. Tracy Armstrong, Head of Marketing at PERI UK, said: “In addition to fundraising events for specific charities, one of the most common suggestions from our employees was to support local communities by establishing foodbank collection points. We’re proud to now have donation stations at all five of our UK offices. The work being done by Rugby Foodbank is truly inspiring, and we’re privileged to support their efforts in helping those in need.” PERI says more community-driven efforts are planned throughout the year, including employee-led charity hikes and further local initiatives aimed at widening the company’s social impact.

BSIF Urges Workers to Share Life-Saving PPE Stories

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BSIF Urges Workers to Share Life-Saving PPE Stories
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is calling on workers across the UK to share their personal experiences of how Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has protected them from serious injury or death. The appeal forms part of the BSIF’s newly launched PPE Saves campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the critical role PPE plays in workplace safety. Used across a wide range of industries, PPE safeguards the body’s most vulnerable areas – including the head, eyes, face, lungs, hands, and feet – and acts as a vital last line of defence when hazards cannot be fully eliminated. To support the campaign, BSIF is encouraging workers, employers, and safety professionals to share real-life stories of how PPE has made a difference. The Federation hopes these accounts will highlight the life-saving potential of protective equipment, promote stronger safety cultures, and encourage wider PPE compliance. Those wishing to participate can use the hashtag #PPEsaves on social media or email their stories directly to [email protected]. BSIF says that by sharing these experiences, workers can help prevent future incidents and potentially save lives. More details about the campaign can be found at www.bsif.co.uk.

STA Issues Open Letter Urging Pause to CISRS Reforms

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STA Issues Open Letter Urging Pause to CISRS Reforms
The Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) has issued a detailed open letter to the industry, calling for an immediate pause to planned changes to the CISRS training scheme and raising concerns over governance, consultation, and transparency. Scaffmag has seen the 11-page letter, which was shared with us and posted on social media. In it, the STA says it is not a breakaway group and does not intend to replace CISRS, but instead represents a not-for-profit network of existing CISRS-approved training providers. While the STA claims to represent multiple centres across the UK, the identities of its member training providers still remain undisclosed. The Alliance claims recent reforms and proposed changes have been implemented without meaningful consultation and warns of a “top-down directive” approach by NASC and CISRS leadership. Key concerns raised in the letter include:
  • Reduced training centre specifications set to take effect from 1 June
  • Poor communication with providers
  • Governance changes that the STA says undermine balanced oversight
  • Delays in card processing and customer service
  • A lack of transparency around decision-making and survey results
The STA is now urging NASC and CISRS to pause reforms, re-establish proper industry dialogue, and clarify the governance and ownership of the CISRS scheme.
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