Scaffolding Excellence Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Albie Cooper, Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd
Driven by a desire to support his young family, Albie Cooper was described by his Site Manager, Jack Murphy, as having one of the best attitudes he’s encountered in all his years in scaffolding. Judges praised Albie’s proactive and positive outlook, noting his ability to overcome challenges and seek additional opportunities. The award includes a £1,000 prize courtesy of CISRS.
Highly Commended: Harrison Mapley
Scaffold Design of the Year
Winner: SRK Scaffolding – Industrial Storage Tank
SRK Scaffolding’s design for accessing a 33-metre-high industrial storage tank required exceptional creativity and problem-solving to complete the project within a short timeframe. Judges were impressed by the out-of-the-box thinking and technical expertise demonstrated.
Product of the Year
Winner: PERI Ltd – PERI UP Cladding
PERI’s innovative cladding system protects scaffolders, contractors, and the public while offering unparalleled flexibility through removable individual panels. Judges commended the system’s unique design and wide-ranging practical applications.
Service of the Year
Winner: Costain/Skanska (SCS Railways) – Scaffold Request App This innovative app streamlined scaffold requests for the HS2 JV project, saving time and money while maintaining safety standards. Judges highlighted its tangible improvements in productivity and on-site results.Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Lee Rowswell
Recognised for over 30 years of service, Lee Rowswell has transformed GKR Scaffolding, taking it from a turnover of £800,000 to £36 million. His leadership has driven innovation, sustainability, and diversity within the industry, and he has played a pivotal role in NASC initiatives. Judges highlighted his collaborative spirit and his ability to inspire others while delivering landmark projects across London.
Project of the Year – Small
Winner: Shield Services Group – Cathedral Park, Bristol
Shield Services Group delivered a 50-metre temporary roof structure and a 15-metre birdcage inside a converted cathedral, excelling in technical execution, environmental consideration, safety, and social value. Judges praised the project for its thoughtful approach and its exemplary representation of the scaffolding industry.
Highly Commended: Ingleford Scaffolding
Project of the Year – Medium
Winner: Inner City Scaffolding Ltd – Parkside Court, Chelmsford
Inner City Scaffolding developed an innovative solution to safely access a live building for a recladding project. Judges described the work as a “fantastic piece of engineering” and called it the “scaffolder’s scaffold” for its precision and complexity.
Project of the Year – Large
Winner: Lyndon SGB – New Register House, Edinburgh
This project, valued between £1m and £2m, required Lyndon SGB to deliver a scaffold for the Grade-A listed New Register House while managing the challenges of Scottish winter weather, an open building, and stringent heritage restrictions. Judges praised the team’s coordination, collaboration, and expert management.
Project of the Year – Major
Winner: GKR Scaffolding Ltd – 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
GKR Scaffolding’s work at 25 Canada Square, valued at over £2m, stood out for its complexity and scale. The project involved a bespoke cantilevered scaffold system constructed within a skyscraper and required meticulous planning and collaboration. Judges commended its innovative design, social value, and execution in a high-profile location.
The NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024 celebrated the talent and innovation driving the scaffolding and access industry forward. With a global audience and record-breaking attendance, it highlighted the sector’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.
A standout feature of TG30 is its compliance sheets, modelled on the widely adopted TG20 sheets. These documents will allow contractors to evidence that their scaffolding meets the highest safety standards without requiring bespoke designs.
NASC CEO Clive Dickin reflected on the milestone: “The launch of TG30 at ScaffEx24 marks a turning point for the industry. With this guidance, we’re not just ensuring compliance — we’re creating a safer, more efficient future for scaffolding.”

Karl Mcleod from Skill Scaffolding commented on the project: “The Southampton Art Gallery project challenged us to deliver precision on a large scale. Working with Layher allowed us to design a structure that met the high standards required by a Grade II-listed building while providing the safety and accessibility needed for the gallery’s ongoing preservation.”
Skill Scaffolding, as the trusted installer, worked closely with Layher UK to develop a customised design that encompassed both external and internal scaffolding. By leveraging Layher’s adaptable scaffolding solutions, including 3D modelling support, the team was able to achieve a millimetre-precise fit for the gallery’s unique architecture.
With Morgan Sindall leading as the main contractor, Skill Scaffolding collaborated months in advance to establish clear communication channels, efficient workflows, and precise construction methods.
Cutting-edge techniques, such as 3D scanning and lidar technology, were used to ensure every element of the scaffold structure aligned perfectly with the gallery’s design.
The project demanded nothing short of excellence, and both Skill Scaffolding and Layher UK rose to the challenge, with Layher’s systems and Skill’s installation expertise producing a flawless and visually impressive result. This project highlights Skill Scaffolding’s dedication to quality and Layher UK’s innovation in scaffolding systems, exemplifying a model partnership.
Skill Scaffolding’s talented on-site team worked with unwavering precision, making this project a triumph in technical scaffolding and a source of pride for both companies.
This collaboration between Skill Scaffolding and Layher UK represents a remarkable blend of craftsmanship and innovation, bringing a true masterpiece of scaffolding to Southampton City Art Gallery.


