Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000 for Caudwell Children after completing a gruelling ultra-marathon challenge from Birmingham to Northampton.
The event named “50 Miles for Poppy” was inspired by baby Poppy, daughter of MSS colleague Gary Rouse, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart condition requiring major surgery earlier this year.
Led by MSS Contracts Director Ben Ekins and Estimator Jordan Harrison, the pair completed the 50-mile run, cheered on by family, friends, and supporters as they crossed the finish line at a special family fun day at Northampton Town Football Club.
The challenge brought together staff, suppliers, and customers who donated money, raffle prizes, and time to support the cause, helping the company smash its fundraising target.
Gary, who has worked at MSS for several years, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement — thank you all very much. It’s been a tough year for me and my family, but we battle on every day. I must say a massive thank you to MSS, they’ve supported me all this year and helped me out more than I could have possibly imagined.”
He added that Poppy is now recovering well from her operation: “She’s a really special part of our family, and we all love her to the moon and back.”
After crossing the finish line, Ben said: “Now I’ve completed the ultra-marathon, I’m very tired, very sore and quite emotional. But it’s been a massive achievement, and I am very proud of what we’ve done.”
Jordan added, “The running was pretty hard. I feel emotional, but it’s all for a great cause, so I’m happy.”
Caudwell Children’s Marketing Operations Manager, Amy Helliwell, praised the company’s efforts:
“A huge thank you to Ben, Jordan, everybody at Midland Scaffolding Services and to everyone who donated. It’s incredible they ran 50 miles all in aid of Caudwell Children. Their passion and commitment show the real power of community in helping children and families thrive.”
In recognition of their efforts, Caudwell Children presented MSS with its Fundraising for Change award.
Amie Bailey, Commercial Director at MSS, said the team’s achievement reflected the company’s strong sense of community and teamwork: “It’s fantastic to receive the award from the charity in recognition of everyone’s efforts. We would like to thank all our customers and suppliers who donated prizes and helped us reach the £20,000 target. We couldn’t ask for better people to be surrounding us and Gary’s family.”
Funds raised will go towards supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families through Caudwell Children — including Poppy and the Rouse family.
Donations can still be made at 50 Miles for Poppy – fundraising for Caudwell Children.
The venue choice proved inspired. Manchester Central’s vast single-span hall kept everything flowing, while the city itself, built on industry, rebuilt through determination, felt like the perfect mirror for scaffolding’s own evolution.
Step outside and you’re minutes from hotels, restaurants, and pubs where the real business gets done.
Meanwhile, G-DECK demonstrated its trestle systems with full erections, which emphasised speed and compliance. Leach’s BIGBEN SuperHoard showed how recyclable PVC can eliminate timber waste and carpentry dependencies. ScaffCycle presented their vision of a circular economy made practical through digital marketplaces for used equipment.
But perhaps the most memorable moment came courtesy of Paul Corfield’s extraordinary collection of scaffolding memorabilia. Seeing decades of industry history displayed alongside cutting-edge technology created a powerful visual narrative. This sector knows where it came from and isn’t afraid to show where it’s heading.
The Training Pavilion mapped clear progression routes from Part 1 through to Advanced qualifications, with CISRS centres invited to showcase their work, although some well-known centres were absent. Watching experienced scaffolders discuss training approaches with newcomers considering the trade, the sector’s commitment to bringing people in and bringing them through was evident.
Other winners included Rhys Bennett of JMAC (Apprentice of the Year), Staht (Product of the Year), and Leach’s (Service of the Year)—each representing different aspects of an industry investing in its future.
Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of NASC and CISRS, summed up the evening’s spirit: “It’s a great opportunity for the industry to get together and celebrate the achievements of the brilliant people in the industry. The winning projects are remarkable examples of what this industry can and does achieve every day.”
The exhibitor list told its own story of sector confidence, from established names like Layher, PERI, and HAKI to innovative software providers like Avontus and SMART Scaffolder, from training bodies CISRS and CITB to charitable organisations like Lighthouse and RISE, every aspect of the scaffolding ecosystem was represented.
One young scaffolder captured the mood perfectly: “It’s inspiring to see the tech and training in one place.” An exhibitor told me they’d been “flat out since the doors opened.” These weren’t polite pleasantries; they reflected an event that delivered substance alongside spectacle.
Drax power station emerged as a pivotal moment. “At Drax power station, for example, we showed with our client that outages could be reduced significantly, saving clients huge amounts of time and money,” Pike recalls. This success opened doors to other complex industrial applications.
“At Grangemouth, with tanks and sphere scaffolding, we proved system could handle complex industrial challenges. Those landmark projects became springboards for wider industrial acceptance.”
Pike’s strategy extended beyond heavy industry to embrace a broader market. “From there, we worked closely and initially with London and south-east based independent scaffolding companies and forward-thinking housebuilding scaffold companies, demonstrating how system scaffolding dovetailed perfectly with systemised timber frame construction and high-rise buildings.”
The momentum continued with increasingly high-profile wins. The London Olympics in 2012 positioned Layher as synonymous with world-class temporary structures, while the scaffolding solution on the world’s most photographed building the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in 2018 showcased the adaptability and engineering capability of Layher’s system scaffolding in heritage applications.
“Since then, we’ve consistently proven that system scaffolding isn’t just about square boxes — with bespoke design, technical knowledge, and on-site support, it adapts to heritage, infrastructure, and construction challenges alike,” Pike emphasises.
The key throughout was Pike’s holistic approach to customer support. “We didn’t just sell them kit — we trained their people, supported them technically, and rolled up our sleeves alongside them. Once they saw the speed, safety, and commercial benefits for themselves, the system sold itself. In effect, as per our core values, Service, Support, Solutions & Supply.”
Increased competition has refined his strategic thinking rather than undermining it. “My style now is more about empowering people, creating a culture of resilience, and ensuring the right people are on the bus. Competition has sharpened us; it’s reinforced that price alone doesn’t win. Service, strategic partnerships, technical solutions, training, stock holding delivery and most importantly, trust are what set us apart.”
The company’s core message – Service, Support, Solutions & Supply – represents more than marketing rhetoric in Pike’s leadership philosophy. “Our 4 x S message is not just marketing; we actively deliver this continuously. And when challenges come, I still believe in rolling up my sleeves and leading from the front alongside my team.”
Reflecting on Transformation and Legacy
Pike’s assessment of the transformation journey reflects measured optimism about continued progress. “It shows that transformation is possible in even the most traditional sectors. When I started, system scaffolding was almost invisible in some areas of the UK. Today, it’s trusted on the country’s largest, most complex, and most iconic projects.”
This evolution mirrors broader construction industry trends toward systematised, technology-enabled methods. “That shift mirrors what’s happening across British construction: smarter, safer, systemised methods are becoming the norm. For me, Layher’s journey shows that innovation can take root if you stick with it, be resilient, back it with the right people, and prove the benefits on the ground.”
As he contemplates his legacy, Pike’s focus remains on sustainable transformation rather than personal achievement. “This is not easy to answer without sounding egotistical. However, I suppose from a system scaffolding perspective, I would like my legacy to be that we raised the bar.”
The transformation he envisions extends beyond market share to fundamental industry perception. “That in some small way we changed the way the UK thinks about system scaffolding — from a temporary necessity to a professional, innovative, critical part of the construction process.”
Pike continues, “That we built not just a successful business, but contributed to building an industry that values training, compliance, safety, service and support – that we care.”
Through NASC committee involvement, CISRS system scaffolding training development, and the NASC’s compliant product standards introduction, Pike has contributed to professional frameworks benefiting all market participants. “I’d like people to look back and say: Layher didn’t just grow the system market, it helped transform the industry and helped my company grow.”
The Road Ahead
As British construction faces ongoing challenges around productivity, safety, and skills, Pike’s 26-year mission to establish system scaffolding in the industry offers a roadmap for sustainable transformation.
The journey from revolutionary concept to essential technology demonstrates that even traditional sectors can embrace fundamental change when presented with compelling benefits and supported by persistent leadership.
The scaffolding industry Pike envisions for the next decade will continue to evolve be more efficient, and more attractive to new entrants – built on the foundation of systematic innovation he has championed throughout his career. His legacy lies not just in market transformation, but in proving that sustained vision and industry collaboration can bring about positive change.
Standing at ScaffEx, surrounded by the impressive display of system scaffolding technology, Pike represents more than a successful business leader.
He demonstrates the patient, persistent approach required to transform conventional thought, proof that with the right vision, dedication, teamwork and collaborative spirit, even the most traditional sectors can be changed for the better.
This article was originally published in 
Open Doors has become a flagship event for promoting construction careers to young people, parents, and career changers. Participating projects next year will range from housing developments to skyscrapers, with opportunities to see both on-site and off-site roles in action.
Construction firms can now sign up to host an event by visiting 
