Construction leader appointed as new Build UK chair
Scaffolders urged to check skin for melanoma signs
‘It turned my world upside down’
Dan Haywood, chief executive of Prime Horizon, said his own melanoma diagnosis had been unexpected. “I never imagined melanoma would happen to me, but it did, and it turned my world upside down,” he said. “Skin cancer doesn’t care who you are or how strong you think you are. “If this campaign helps even one colleague spot melanoma early and get treated, it will be worth it. We all need to know what melanoma is, how to spot it, and take five minutes a month to check our skin. It could save your life.”Fourth most common cancer in men
Melanoma is now the fourth most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 22,000 cases diagnosed each year, according to the Melanoma Fund. Michelle Baker, the charity’s chief executive, said early detection was crucial. “Caught early, most cases can be treated successfully,” she said. “This campaign reaches those most at risk in a direct and practical way, making it impossible to ignore the signs. “If skin could talk, it would be telling us to pay attention, and our campaign gives people the tools to listen. Education, early detection and action save lives.” The campaign materials are available free of charge throughout October and November at melanoma-fund.co.uk/ifskincouldtalk.ScaffChamp 2026 dates confirmed as registration prepares to open
Global reach
In a bid to expand the competition’s international appeal, organisers have reserved three places specifically for teams from Asia, Africa, and Australia or New Zealand. The reserved spots will remain available until January 2026, with organisers acknowledging the logistical challenges of bringing teams from these regions to Lithuania. “Chile has already shown that nothing is impossible,” organisers said, referencing the South American nation’s participation in previous editions. If no teams from the designated regions apply by the January deadline, the three reserved places will be opened to all competitors without regional restrictions.Supporting the next generation
As recently reported, one place has been dedicated to a joint team of Scottish and Northern Irish apprentices, forming part of an initiative to encourage young people into the scaffolding profession. The scheme aims to promote interest and motivation among the next generation of scaffolders, providing apprentices with the opportunity to compete on an international stage.Registration details
In a departure from previous years, registration is set to open tomorrow (1 October) through an application form on the ScaffChamp website, making 15 spots immediately available to teams worldwide. The decision to open registration four months earlier than usual – normally held in January – reflects the organisers’ ambition to attract a more diverse international field and allow teams adequate time to prepare. Since its launch in 2019, the championship has become a premier event in the scaffolding industry, showcasing technical skill, safety practices and teamwork among international competitors. Further details about the competition format and requirements are expected to be released when registration opens.AK Scaffolding to represent UK at Las Vegas scaffold competition
AK Scaffolding will represent the UK at the 2026 Scaffold Builders’ Competition, taking place at the World of Concrete Expo in Las Vegas.
The event, organised by the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) and sponsored by Layher, is recognised as one of the scaffolding industry’s leading contests. It challenges teams to build and dismantle complex scaffold structures within strict time limits, while being judged on safety, accuracy, and teamwork.
AK Scaffolding, led by Aaron King, earned international attention after competing at ScaffChamp in Lithuania earlier this year. The company will now step onto one of the industry’s biggest global stages in the United States.
Mr King said: “We’re delighted to be heading to Las Vegas to compete on such a huge platform. We’re proud to be a force for good — all the work we do with prisoners and ex-offenders, paying for their training courses and giving them that second chance, sets us apart. We’re the only scaffolding specialised labour-only company doing this, and we want to show what’s possible when you invest in people.”
Paige DeVosha, Operations Administrator at the SAIA, added: “The SBC brings together some of the world’s best scaffold builders to showcase their skill, safety, and innovation. We wish AK Scaffolding the very best as they represent the UK.”
The 2025 edition of the competition saw Scaffold Resource, Inc. of the US take the top prize, with Leading Edge Scaffold finishing second and Bechtel Equipment Operations in third. That event featured 18 teams, including international entries from the UK.
The World of Concrete Expo attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and is among the largest construction trade shows in the world. Alongside the competition, the 2026 event will also feature training sessions, equipment demonstrations and industry awards.
Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade
- Tradespeople’s top three: Scaffolders, Roofers, Stonemasons
- Public’s top three: Roofers, Stonemasons, Scaffolders
Company fined after worker dies in six-foot scaffold fall
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that WH Metals Limited and its director failed to prevent the risk of falls from height during the installation of signs. The scaffolding tower being used lacked edge protection—a basic safety measure that investigators say would likely have prevented the tragedy.
The company’s director was present on site when the incident occurred, adding to the severity of the safety failures identified by HSE inspectors.
Mr Mughal’s son, Asad Iftikar, paid tribute to his father following the court hearing: “My father was like a roof to the family, and since his death, I and my siblings have felt alone. He always supported us in everything we did; he would help us make all the important decisions in our lives.”
WH Metals Limited, based in Preston, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company received a £45,000 fine and was ordered to pay £4,826.21 in costs plus a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Director Waqas Hanif pleaded guilty to breaching the same Act and received a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £4,846.21 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
HSE Inspector David Hobbs emphasised the preventable nature of the tragedy: “Work at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death. In this case, a fall of six feet was enough to cause death, highlighting the dangers.
“This incident highlights the importance of suitable control measures, such as edge protection, to minimise the risk of serious personal injury.”
The case serves as a stark reminder that even relatively low-level work at height can prove fatal without proper safety measures. HSE guidance clearly states that tower scaffolds should be fitted with suitable guardrails around platforms—a well-established control measure that has been standard practice in the industry for decades. ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester
Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025
Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is included in the prestigious competition for the first time
Scaffolding has been included in WorldSkills Ireland for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the construction trade at the prestigious vocational skills competition held at Dublin’s RDS last week.
The historic inclusion represents a major step forward in recognising scaffolding as a skilled profession worthy of international competition status, bringing Ireland in line with global efforts to promote construction trades among young people.
Global platform for skills
WorldSkills, founded in 1950, is a global organisation promoting vocational and technological education across 85 member countries on all continents. The competition has evolved into the world’s largest vocational education and skills excellence event, often described as the “Olympics of Skills.”
The Irish iteration attracts around 20,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools nationwide during its three-day programme, making it a crucial recruitment ground for Ireland’s construction industry at a time when skilled trades workers are in high demand.
Teams from three leading access companies—PHD Access Ltd, Celtic Working Platforms Ltd, and JLD Access Limited—took up the challenge to demonstrate the full spectrum of scaffolding expertise required in modern construction.
The competition format required participants to demonstrate not just physical building skills, but also the critical planning and safety management that underpins professional scaffolding work. Teams had to produce comprehensive risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), detailed material lists, and deliver toolbox talks before beginning construction.
The structures themselves presented a complex technical challenge, incorporating an independent scaffold system, integrated staircase access, specialised beam work and a functional seating area, all of which had to meet strict safety standards and be erected within tight time constraints.
Industry collaboration
The successful debut was made possible through extensive collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners. Scaffold manufacturer Layher played a crucial role, supplying not only the materials but also technical drawings and engineering expertise essential for the competition structures.
This partnership model reflects the broader approach to skills development in Ireland, where industry leaders work closely with training providers to ensure apprenticeships meet real-world demands.
John Kelly, Manager of the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas, acknowledged the tight timeline but praised the collaborative effort that made the event possible.
“We were absolutely thrilled to be offered the chance to include scaffolding at WorldSkills Ireland for the first time. We didn’t have a very long lead-in period prior to the event, however, our staff, the employers, the teams and Layher all pulled together to provide an excellent showcase to promote a career in scaffolding,” Kelly said.
The competition received high-level political support, with Minister James Lawless of Fianna Fáil launching WorldSkills Ireland 2025. As Minister of Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Lawless emphasised the event’s role in addressing Ireland’s skills needs.
“This event offers a valuable, hands-on opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to engage directly with employers and education providers from across the country. It showcases apprenticeships and traineeships in action and highlights clear pathways to internationally recognised qualifications and highly sought-after skills,” the Minister said.
The political endorsement reflects the growing recognition by the government of the construction industry’s importance to Ireland’s economic development, particularly as the country faces ongoing challenges in housing and infrastructure.
Expert validation
The competition’s credibility was enhanced by the presence of Dave Mosley, an international scaffolding competency and safety consultant who served as Chief Examiner.
Mosley has been instrumental in developing Ireland’s scaffolding apprenticeship programme, serving as both subject matter expert during development and External Authenticator since its launch.
His assessment of the participants was overwhelmingly positive, noting not just their technical competence but also their professional approach to health and safety—crucial factors in an industry where lives depend on proper procedures.
“It’s very pleasing to see scaffolding being considered a relevant and viable career option for young people in Ireland, which is now taking its rightful place at the WorldSkills event,” Mosley said.
“The knowledge, competence and work ethic displayed by all the teams highlighted that the introduction of the apprenticeship in Ireland has proven to be very positive. They took the event seriously, worked safely, were polite, easy-going and showed a good sense of humour, which was handy, considering the weather at times.”
Building for the future
The success of this inaugural scaffolding competition has already sparked ambitious plans for expansion. Mount Lucas is planning a significantly enhanced scaffolding element for WorldSkills 2026, with the ultimate goal of preparing Irish competitors for the international stage.
The international WorldSkills competition, set to take place in Japan in 2027, represents the pinnacle of vocational skills competition. Ireland’s participation in scaffolding would mark another milestone in the country’s commitment to excellence in construction trades.
“We will be looking to build on our success this year to provide a bigger and better scaffolding experience for all at future WorldSkills events,” Kelly confirmed, signalling the long-term commitment to developing this aspect of the competition.
Scaffolding work pipeline shrinks as construction starts drop 22%
- Fewer enquiries – With 22% fewer projects starting, scaffolding contractors can expect significantly reduced enquiry levels through Q4 and into 2026
- Price pressure – Competition for remaining work will intensify, likely forcing day rates down
- Delayed payments – Main contractors under financial pressure may extend payment terms beyond the standard 30 days
- Equipment utilisation drops – Lower demand means scaffolding gear sitting idle, hitting rental companies particularly hard
Housing Sector Hit Hardest
The residential sector downturn is especially concerning for scaffolding contractors, as housing work – from new builds to refurbishments – typically provides steady, predictable income. With housing project starts down 10% and main contract awards falling 44%, many scaffolding firms that focus on residential work are looking at a significant revenue gap.
“Residential scaffolding is our bread and butter,” explains one Midlands-based scaffolding contractor. “When house builders pull back, we feel it immediately. Projects that were supposed to start in October are now pushed to spring, if they happen at all.”
The Regional Picture
While the overall picture is grim, the data shows stark regional differences that scaffolding contractors need to understand:- Wales – Bucking the trend with 25% of total project approvals worth £3bn, mainly driven by infrastructure work
- North-West – Seeing a massive 423% increase in project values to £2.7bn compared to 2024
- Other regions – Struggling with significant project cancellations and delays For scaffolding contractors with national coverage, this suggests a potential shift of resources toward Wales and the North-West.
Some Bright Spots Amid the Gloom
While the overall picture is concerning, the full data reveals some opportunities for scaffolding contractors willing to adapt:- Offices surging – Office project starts jumped 125% compared to last year, offering opportunities for scaffolding contractors specialising in commercial work
- Hotels and leisure up 23% – This sector’s growth could benefit scaffolding firms with hospitality project experience
- Community projects strong – A 30% increase in community and amenity project starts, largely driven by prison and emergency services buildings
- Civil engineering boom – Planning approvals in civils jumped 171%, though much of this work requires specialist scaffolding capabilities
Regional Opportunities
The regional breakdown shows where scaffolding contractors might find work:- Wales dominates – 25% of all approvals worth £3bn, suggesting strong opportunities for scaffolding contractors operating in Wales
- North-West surge – 22% of approvals totalling £2.7bn, representing a massive 423% increase on 2024 levels
Bottom Line
This isn’t just another monthly dip – the 22% decline in project starts represents a fundamental shift in market conditions that will directly impact scaffolding demand through the remainder of 2025 and likely into 2026. However, opportunities exist for contractors who can pivot to growing sectors and regions where work is still flowing.AT-PAC accelerates European expansion with strategic German launch
Scaffolding specialist establishes key operations in Germany as part of continental European growth strategy
AT-PAC, part of umdasch Industrial Solutions, is ramping up its European operations with Germany taking centre stage in the company’s expansion plans.
The scaffolding specialist has established a strategic base in Windhagen near Bonn, bringing experienced personnel and technical expertise to support German scaffolding contractors, asset owners, and EPCs in the industrial sector.
Making a Statement at bauma 2024
The company made an unmistakable impression at this year’s bauma trade fair in Munich, where visitors couldn’t miss AT-PAC’s towering 30-meter scaffolding demonstration.
This full-scale debut marked the company’s serious commitment to the German market, following successful operations in the USA, Canada, Australia, Latin America, and the UK.
AT-PAC’s comprehensive offering serves scaffolding companies across multiple sectors, from industrial applications to conventional façade work, interior projects, and specialised applications.
The company provides end-to-end project support encompassing technical documentation, consulting, engineering, and reliable delivery – all underpinned by an unwavering focus on user safety.
Strong Market Position
Leading AT-PAC Germany’s operations is Matthias Neurohr, a seasoned industry veteran who highlights the company’s competitive advantages. “What sets us apart is our strong delivery capabilities combined with high-quality user documentation,” Neurohr explains. “A major draw for many customers is that our complete product portfolio carries DIBT approval and is available for both purchase and rental.”
The company plans to further enhance its service offering, with multiple training sessions scheduled to begin in winter 2025, designed to help users work more safely, efficiently, and effectively.
Innovation and Growth Plans
AT-PAC’s German launch represents just the opening phase of broader ambitions.
“Our goal is to establish widespread operations across Germany, providing flexible and efficient scaffolding solutions to our customers nationwide,” says Neurohr. “We’re simultaneously developing our next generation of product innovations.”
Some of these innovations were already on display at bauma, including the MPBS aluminium Multi-Purpose Beam System and Public Access Stairs. These developments signal AT-PAC’s intention to establish itself as a leading name in innovative scaffolding solutions throughout Germany.
The company’s European expansion through Germany positions AT-PAC to leverage the country’s central location and strong industrial base as a springboard for further continental growth, bringing its proven international expertise to new markets while maintaining its commitment to safety and innovation.
