Skill Scaffolding has completed a challenging project at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke, thanks to the world’s leading scaffolding system, Layher.Southampton-based Skill Scaffolding has recently completed a successful eleven-storey high-rise project at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke, thanks in part to the use of the Layher Allround System.
The project was commissioned by Arena Business Centres, a company that regenerates older buildings, giving them a new lease of life and converting them into modern serviced office spaces. The company manages everything in-house rather than employing a main contractor. It plans to turn the formerly abandoned building into 56,000 square feet of exceptional flexible office space.
According to James Wall, Business Development Manager at Skill Scaffolding, the scaffolding project began in June 2022 and presented two significant challenges. He said: “The first was managing the scaffold leg loads imposed on a floating concrete slab that had lower loading capabilities than what the scaffold leg loads would impose.In collaboration with Layher UK, we quickly devised a propping solution to support the slab from beneath, enabling forklifts to move freely and material storage above ground. We also propped the entire surrounding area to ensure safety and stability.”The second challenge was keeping one corner of the building free of scaffolding from the ground level to approximately the 2nd/3rd floor (8-10m from the ground) to allow for a new build extension planned for a large open reception/foyer area.”
Skill Scaffolding worked closely with Layher UK’s expert design team and the client’s engineers to devise a solution that worked for all parties.
Giant prefabricated steel “goalposts” were installed by the client across this corner section, from which Skill Scaffolding based out their scaffold. This kept the entire corner free for ground-level new build works while still allowing full facade access above for remediation works.
Throughout the project, Skill Scaffolding relied heavily on the Layher Allround System, which offered several benefits. The system was easy and quick to erect, which helped to speed up the project timeline. It also provided superior safety and ease of inspection, making it easier for Skill Scaffolding to identify and address issues quickly. Additionally, the system offered clear walkways on all boarded lifts, with no ledger bracing, and the use of Layher’s gap decks helped avoid gaps between the inside deck and the main deck.
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Skill Scaffolding had one gang of highly-skilled scaffolders on the job for most of the project’s lifespan, supported additionally by their cutting-edge KEWAZO Liftbot in parts.
The successful completion of the project is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of Skill Scaffolding, as well as the quality and effectiveness of the Layher Allround System. Overall, the project at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke is an excellent example of how the right combination of skills and equipment can lead to a successful and efficient construction project.
In conclusion, Skill Scaffolding’s successful project completion at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke highlights the importance of using the right equipment and collaborating effectively with clients and industry partners.
Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said, “The challenges faced during the project demonstrate Skill Scaffolding’s ability to think creatively and devise practical and effective solutions that meet the client’s needs while maintaining safety and stability”.
James Wall concludes, “The successful use of the Layher Allround System also underscores the importance of investing in quality equipment that can save time, improve safety, and increase efficiency on construction sites”.
Edinburgh-based City Access Scaffolding has launched a new Specialist Access Division to expand its range of services and support continued growth.City Access Scaffolding (CAS), a leading scaffolding firm based in Edinburgh, has unveiled its new Specialist Access Division as part of its strategic growth plan. The expansion aims to broaden the range of services offered and create a foundation for continued growth.Headed by divisional director David Ritchie, the Specialist Access Division will complement CAS’s existing services, allowing the firm to undertake additional projects and provide comprehensive solutions for all clients. Ritchie’s extensive experience in the sector will enable him to lead his team in delivering seamless service across all projects.Established in 2014, CAS has experienced consistent growth, earning a reputation for professionalism and reliability while winning several industry awards. The firm has secured significant contracts, including projects such as Edinburgh’s Gleneagles Townhouse, intricate work on Scottish Government headquarters at St Andrew’s House, and a Historic Environment Scotland contract to provide scaffolding services for sites across Scotland, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle.The new division will offer high-level maintenance, repairs, installations, and complete scaffold services. City Access is known for its strong commitment to training and developing apprentices. This dedication will continue in the new division, creating new opportunities for apprentices across Edinburgh and the Lothians.Performance Director Kirsty Allan expressed her excitement about the launch and the addition of Ritchie to the team. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome David to the team and to offer our clients these additional services. It’s become increasingly crucial as rope access allows our team to undertake inspections, surveys, installations and even repairs for projects where full scaffold services are optional and not possible. As we enter our tenth year in business with continued growth and expansion into our new headquarters, we’re really excited by the potential for our new division,” she said.David Ritchie, Specialist Access Director, shared his enthusiasm for joining City Access Scaffolding, praising the company’s focus on customer service and employee well-being. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, Ritchie is eager to take on this new challenge and contribute to the company’s diverse range of services.
Henry Annafi, Training Officer for the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), is spearheading a ground-breaking initiative to bring more workers into the scaffolding industry.NASC’s Returning Citizens campaign is a new drive from the scaffolding trade body to promote the industry as a viable career path for returning citizens – formerly referred to as ex-offenders.As part of the initiative, Henry has recently been touring various prisons throughout the UK, giving presentations to inmates about the scaffolding industry and providing them with a sense of what it’s like to work in this field through the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles.The campaign, which is part of a wider series of “unlocking construction” events, aims to introduce former prison inmates to scaffolding and the wider construction industry to help them find job placements with registered NASC member companies upon release. The NASC hopes the initiative will reduce recidivism rates and give former inmates a fresh start in life by providing them with a skill set and a means of employment.Henry has been on a whirlwind tour of various prisons, including HMP North Sea Camp near Boston, HMP Stocken in Oakham, HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP Belmarsh, HMP Nottingham, and HMP Sudbury. At each stop, he delivered interactive VR sessions to groups of inmates and was joined by NASC member companies and experts in mentoring, mental health, and training.One of the tour highlights was the visit to HMP Belmarsh, the highest security prison in the UK, where VR headsets were permitted onsite for only the second time in history. “The response from inmates has been overwhelmingly positive”, Henry said, with many queuing up to try out the VR and speak to NASC members about employment opportunities upon their release.VR headsets were permitted onsite for only the second time in history.The campaign has already successfully set up interviews and job placements for interested inmates with several NASC member companies. In order to make the programme as flexible as possible, NASC is working with a wide range of partners, including charities, prisons, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Work and Pensions and several training providers. NASC is looking to consider as many routes of entry into scaffolding as possible for those interested in a career, offering members subsidised training for returning citizens, training via Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL), plus the possibility of delivering onsite training for those due for release. CISRS Approved Provider Fulcrum Scaffold and Safety Training have already produced several courses in facilities across the North West and North Wales, ensuring that participants are leaving prison with their Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) new entrant (COTS) cards in hand, which is a great benefit to the employers who have signed them up. Henry’s work with the Returning Citizens campaign is an inspiring example of how the scaffolding industry can contribute to society by empowering marginalised groups and providing them with a means of livelihood. It also showcases the importance of training and mentoring in giving people a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society.
Teal Scaffold has recently expanded its management team with the appointment of Phil Coulton as its new PASMA and Stock Manager. The move reflects the company’s commitment to supporting and nurturing its own talent to ensure continuity as it continues to grow in the industry.Teal Scaffold is part of The Sovini Group, which provides quality construction, property, and facilities services to the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors.Phil has extensive knowledge and experience in complex PASMA scaffolding installations, having worked with several registered social housing providers first-hand. He is particularly proud of his work managing the internal PASMA work for Liverpool Lyceum, a neoclassical Grade II listed building showcasing priceless artefacts. Phil was responsible for ensuring that the historic artifacts were not damaged during the project.Expressing his excitement about his new role, Phil said, “I am delighted to be promoted to my new role within Teal Scaffold’s management team. I am looking forward to utilising my skills and first-hand experience to contribute to the company’s growth.”Dan McGregor, Head of Operations at Teal Scaffold, praised Phil’s appointment, saying, “Phil has been a true visionary and key contributor to Teal Scaffold’s success. His appointment marks an exhilarating time in Teal’s growth; allowing us to focus on our expansion whilst continuing to deliver excellence in all that we do.”Teal Scaffold’s approach focuses on individual project requirements, working collaboratively with clients from procurement to the final engineered solution, taking into account all project parameters.
Specialist scaffolding contractors, Millcroft, is celebrating 50 years in business. Scaffmag speaks to Managing Director, Billy Jones, about the history of its growth and the secrets behind the company’s success.
Millcroft was founded in 1972 by Roy Jones – Billy’s father, a time served bricklayer. Thanks to 50 years of dedication, passion and experience, the Greenwich-based specialist contractor has grown extensively. Passing on the reins to Roy’s two sons, Billy and Sam, the company now works on some of the most prestigious and complex scaffolding projects across London and the home counties, headed-up by Billy as Managing Director.
Grit and dedication
I started working for the business at the age of 14, labouring in the Millcroft yard during the school holidays. By the time I finished my A-Levels at 18, I was keen to start work properly for the business.
I trained as a scaffolder and completed my advanced scaffolding course; I also obtained a Gold CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor card. I knew I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work for a successful family company, so I felt I almost had more to prove. Scaffolding is hard work and you have to pull your weight; it’s not easy. But it’s hugely rewarding, especially when you can see the success of a project thanks to your skill and craftmanship.
I worked hard on site and enjoyed the variety of projects in different locations across London. One of my very first jobs was working on Shakespeare’s Globe, which is one I will always remember.
Success Drives Growth
I’ve worked in the business for 26-years now and our client portfolio today is extensive. We’ve delivered some really memorable projects in that time; our highlights include The Queen’s Chapel, the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College just down the road from us in Greenwich, and The Supreme Courts of Justice – that was pretty special.
One of Millcroft’s first areas of growth back in the 1980s was supporting the emergency response following the Iranian Embassy siege; as well as the St Mary Axe and Bishopgate bombings in the early 1990s. We were also called to work on the aftermath of the London 7/7 attacks in 2005. We’ve worked a lot on dangerous structures damaged by fire, extreme weather and explosions – and that comes from experience and clients’ trust in us.
One of our longest client relationships is with engineering company, Costain. We’ve worked with them for more than 40 years and have grown our portfolio of projects into a number of different sectors including utilities, power and rail.
HS2, for example, is the biggest rail project in Europe, and our experience and specialist knowledge in the sector has seen us successfully win and deliver a number of important contracts for the project. We’ve become a pivotal partner in long-term joint ventures at Euston station, on HS2 Central and at the Colne Valley Viaduct – a section of the route between Hillingdon and the M25.
Secret to Success
The quality of our work speaks for itself. We don’t profess to be the biggest specialist contractor there is, but we certainly are one of the best – or the best – out there if you ask me!
We are a family business but our entire team is part of that family. Our people, our operatives; they are the Millcroft business.
As many will testify in the construction sector, it can be extremely difficult to find good staff. So, we really look after our own. We help nurture and grow their skills and provide career progression opportunities to ensure we maintain a solid and motivated workforce. We have a very low staff turnover because we invest in our people, which compliments our own service and delivery to customers.
Developing people’s skills is an important part of our craft – especially as we’re experiencing an industry-wide quality labour shortage. We have a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-approved training centre on site, which is a huge asset and separates us from the competition. We receive lots of positive feedback from those who have undertaken courses there – clients as well as our own team.
Much of our work comes from our excellent reputation thanks to our experience, premium service delivery, attention to detail, dedication and passion. When we deliver something well, demand grows. It’s as simple as that.
A good sense of humour also goes a long way, and we’ve had a lot of fun over the years! We respect and look after one another, which is important, too.
A Changed Landscape
I think the most obvious of changes in our industry in the last 50 years would be the health and safety aspects to our job.
I remember when it became best practice for scaffolders to wear a harness on site. Before that, you had to rely on your cat-like balance to stay safe. You can’t even imagine that now, and the industry has undertaken a lot of really important work to ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of each working day. As a company, we are committed to each and every change and improvement to health and safety.
We’ve also invested significantly in our commitment to net zero – changing the way we operate and investing in a new electric and hybrid fleet so we are compliant to the clean air zone regulations in London. Sustainability is not a quick fix, but we are devoted to making the effort to creating a greener environment, and that starts with making tangible changes for a measurable impact.
The Next 50?
The construction industry has revolutionised in the last 50 years; with the emergence of technology, health and safety advances and huge investment to improve infrastructure. As a company, we’re often ahead of the game when it comes to making changes to adapt to our evolving landscape. But our core, traditional values remain the same. We are a local, family business who take care of each other and our customers, and we’re passionate about what we do. I was born about a three-minute walk away from our headquarters in Greenwich. This part of London, and this business, is in our blood.
www.millcroft.co.ukThis article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 18
Coventry Scaffolding has been widely praised for its commitment to health and safety after erecting an independent access scaffold to all four elevations of Aspects House, a multi-storey residential tower block in South London. The scaffolding will provide Brymor Group with access to remove defective cladding due to fire safety issues.Despite the contract taking a year to plan due to negotiations and several early challenges to overcome, the scaffolding work has gone without a hitch and run to schedule. The program is set to finish in January 2024 due to additional work which has come to light.The team at Coventry has been recognised for its commitment to health and safety in no less than six separate external safety audits, where the site received a 100% rating each time. Terry Rowe, Brymor’s Site Manager, congratulated the team for their continued hard work towards maintaining the highest standards.Perry Hanifan, Director of Coventry Scaffolding, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating: “As proud members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, we always endeavour to go above and beyond simply meeting the legal regulations, and this recognition goes to further demonstrate our company’s commitment to exceptional health and safety.”The successful completion of the scaffolding work and the high levels of health and safety achieved have been a significant milestone for the project. Removing the defective cladding will help ensure the safety of the residents in Aspects House, and achieving 100% in all safety audits is a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise.
Hydrajaws Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of pull testers for load testing fixings, has announced a new distributor in the UAE. Gulf Test Safety Consultancies, a UAE-based Quality, Health and Safety, and Environmental firm with an experienced team of QHSE professionals, has been appointed as an official Hydrajaws distributor from its two locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.As part of the partnership, Hydrajaws’ Training Manager, Neil Stone, recently led an online training program for the Gulf Test Safety Consultancies team, providing comprehensive training on the Hydrajaws offering. This included equipment maintenance, safe use of the Hydrajaws tester, and a detailed demonstration of the Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital Report System and App.Hydrajaws’ MD Stephen Hynes expressed his delight, saying, “We’re thrilled to have Gulf Test Safety Consultancies as one of our official partners. The training was a great success, and we’re excited to work with them to grow their business offering.”Managing Director of Gulf Test Safety Consultancies, Irshad A. Shaikh, commented, “We’re honored to be entrusted with the Hydrajaws brand in UAE. This partnership will further enhance our value to our clients and extend our product offering. We are committed to the distribution of Hydrajaws’ products while delivering local support and logistical services within the UAE.”Hydrajaws’ localised services will ensure customers benefit from a quicker turnaround, reduced shipping costs, and local knowledge. Moreover, they provide the necessary expertise and support to ensure their distributors successfully promote and sell Hydrajaws products and ancillary services.This partnership between Hydrajaws Ltd and Gulf Test Safety Consultancies is expected to create new opportunities for both parties while further strengthening their position in the market.
A strategic partnership between Layher UK and Seán Doyle ScaffoldingLimited (SDS) has proved to be a tower of success after the pair recently collaborated and provided a multi-levelled access package for a high-rise refurbishment project.
SDS, formerly known as Advanced Scaffolding Ltd, based in Alton, Hampshire, is a division of the Seán Doyle Group [SDG] from Ireland. The Group operates a diverse range of leading and dynamic businesses in varying sectors and owns one of the largest scaffold companies in Ireland, Laios Scaffolding.
Sean Doyle, Managing Director/owner of SDG said, “Following on from our success in Ireland, I am delighted to Partner with Layher in the UK, this will greatly enhance the rapid expansion of our business especially in the London Market as we are actively securing new contracts and recruiting additional workforce”.
In its latest major project under new ownership, SDS has made extensive use of the world-renowned Layher Allround system while carrying out a high-rise refurbishment project to Havant Towers, located in Havant, Hampshire.
Built-in 1968, these soaring 10-storey residential tower blocks have provided much-loved homes for many residents for decades; however, the passing of time has taken its toll on the fabric of the structures, and much-needed refurbishment was now required.
To facilitate the refurbishment scheme, main contractor EQUANS and its client Guinness Partnership Ltd called on the services of SDS to provide its workers with safe access to all external elevations of the towers. This was to allow for window renewal or replacement, balcony refurbishment, and vital brick and concrete repairs.
The array of skill and scaffolding services SDS offers existing and potential future clients is clear to see with their use of Layher’s flagship Allround scaffolding system on the Chichester House residential tower block.
Following a series of site surveys, detailed scaffolding designs and calculations provided by engineers from Layher Ltd, scaffolders from SDS set about erecting the modular scaffold system around the perimeter of Chichester House.
“Although our scaffolders are Layher trained, they were still quite new to the system at the start of the project; however, Layher was on hand every step of the way, which was great!” Shawn Richardson, SDS Operations Manager, said.
“Layher’s head scaffolding Instructor, Joe Thompson, attended the project for the first few days helping the lads base the scaffold out, while Clive Rowe Layher’s area sales manager was visiting every other day for the first few weeks, ensuring the project ran smoothly.”
SDS utilised Layher’s range of flexible components and various-sized bays to accommodate the multitude of balconies on each elevation of the tower. Furthermore, scaffolders effortlessly provided workers with a gapless platform around every part of the building to work from using a combination of Layher’s 390mm and 730mm console brackets and the long-established gap deck, which provides gap-free work platforms.
The safety of workers and the public was paramount on the job as the tower blocks continued to be lived in while the refurbishment work was carried out. Layher and SDS devised a plan to mitigate the risk by installing protection fans at strategic locations across the structure to protect the public and tenants entering or exiting the tower block. Additionally, Layher’s 750mm aluminium beams were utilised to form a bridge over the blocks bin storage area so tenants could still access their bins.
Over the course of eight weeks, SDS provided more than 120 linear meters of safe un-impeded modular access, allowing workers from EQUANS to reach all residents’ balconies and windows with ease.
Through their collaboration and the benefits of the Layher Allround system, Layher UK and SDS has demonstrated their expertise in scaffolding and their commitment to delivering safe and efficient access solutions for their clients. The success of this project is a testament to the strength of their strategic partnership and the quality of their work, and it bodes well for future collaborations between the two companies.
In conclusion, Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said, “After many years of successful collaboration with Laois Scaffolding & Sean Doyle in Ireland, we are excited about this new cooperation with SDS in the UK and look forward to making many more possibilities together”.
PERI, PDC Scaffolding and PSD have joined forces to deliver a complex recladding project in East London.Essex-based scaffolding contractor, PDC Scaffolding, has recently taken on its largest project to date using PERI’s scaffolding system, PERI UP Flex. Known as Payne Road, this geometrically complex recladding scheme is located in East London and required a scaffolding system that could adapt to the building’s irregular geometry as it increased in height.The solution was a wrap-around design consisting of 221 tonnes of PERI UP Flex scaffolding, providing perimeter access to all 16 storeys to facilitate cladding replacement. Working in collaboration with PERI’s design team, the project’s principal scaffolding designer, PSD Prime Scaffold and Structural Designs Ltd, was able to understand the system’s specifications and capabilities during the planning phase, making the installation process on-site smoother.According to Dion Penman, Scaffolding Project Delivery Manager at PERI, this project was particularly challenging due to the building’s awkward shape. He explains, “The scaffolding arrangement had to be designed to the absolute millimetre to make it work.” However, the PERI UP Flex system was ideal for this type of project because it lends itself to odd shapes, providing contractors unrestricted access around the scaffold to carry out the work.Paul Casey, Managing Director of PDC Scaffolding, highlighted the benefits of the PERI UP system’s flexible components, explaining how the different deck sizes allowed them to accommodate the building’s shape. Furthermore, components like PERI’s console brackets enabled the team to navigate safely around every part of the building, covering all the gaps.“The reason we’ve used the PERI UP system is because it’s the most versatile system out there,” he said. “The different deck sizes available in the range have been beneficial as we’ve been able to install a deck arrangement that accommodates the shape of the building. In addition to the decks, using components like the console brackets meant that we could get around every part of the building safely.”This scaffold marks PDC Scaffolding’s fourth project using the PERI UP system, and the company is investing £2m in the system following its Payne Road project. This continual investment plan will support the company’s recladding and refurbishment projects over the coming years.The collaboration between PDC Scaffolding, PERI, and PSD Prime Scaffold and Structural Designs Ltd has successfully delivered a complex recladding project using PERI UP Flex, demonstrating the system’s versatility and ability to adapt to challenging geometries.
Plettac Metrix system scaffolding from TRAD UK remains one of the most popular system designs in the industry. However, scaffolders must undergo recommended training courses before using the product, says TRAD.
Thankfully, training is readily available from numerous providers across the country.
“I have been training scaffolders on Plettac Metrix since it was introduced,” says David Abraham, MD at Fulcrum Scaffold Safety, which is based in Flintshire and trains scaffolders either in Fulcrum’s own facilities or on a customer site, as long as it meets training safety requirements.
“Our system training is around 30% classroom based and 70% practical, and is a two-day course for scaffolders who have a minimum of CISRS Part 1,” he adds. “Our courses are for a maximum of nine delegates, and scaffolders can either join an open course, or we can put on a dedicated course for any business that needs one. Additionally, Plettac Metrix system specific CISRS Part 1 and Part 2 courses are available, giving scaffolders in-depth training on TRAD’s system.”
Although many scaffolders will have been through Part 1 and Part 2 training to be CISRS certified, they must still do a system training course before they start using the product – and that course must be specific to the product type.
“Many scaffolding companies buy or hire system scaffold to help reduce time and cost on simpler projects,” says Rob Nicholls from Safety & Access Ltd, also a Plettac Metrix training provider. “We always have to put health and safety first – of the scaffolders, other people on site and the wider public. So it’s essential that the people working on a system like Metrix have the right training – system companies like TRAD caveat use of the product with a requirement for formal training, and that’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
As well as the two-day CISRS course, there’s also the opportunity for a five-day base course, which is ideally suited to labourers who may be working on system scaffolding. “We’re likely to see more use of system scaffolding, as companies look for safer, cost-effective ways to work,” says David Abraham. “So we’d expect to be running many more courses for Plettac Metrix and other systems in the future.”
Alan Slater, Head of Technical and Product Support at TRAD UK, agrees with the necessity of training, particularly for safety purposes. “Alongside all the other critical training that our partners offer, the CISRS Part 1 & 2 courses, their System Scaffold Product Training Scheme and the CISRS BASE Plettac Metrix System Course are all specifically designed to help scaffolders and labourers understand and use the system effectively and safely.”
Currently, Fulcrum Scaffold Safety has specific availability for Plettac Metrix training, including CISRS Part 1 Plettac Metrix course from 22nd May to 2nd June, and the CISRS Part 2 Plettac Metrix course from 20th November to 1st December. They also offer CISRS SSPTS Plettac Metrix courses on April 27th-28th, July 27th-28th, and October 12th-13th.
Additionally, W@H Safety Solutions, based in Newcastle, has specific availability for CISRS SSPTS Plattac Metrix courses on March 25th – 26th, April 29th – 30th and May 27th – 28th.
Safety & Access and TRAD UK’s other partners, such as Aspects Total Training in the Midlands, can be contacted directly for availability for customer on-site training, or at their respective facilities. Full details of TRAD UK’s network of training partners for the Plettac Metrix system can be found at https://traduk.co.uk/system/plettac-metrix-trad/
One of the tour highlights was the visit to HMP Belmarsh, the highest security prison in the UK, where VR headsets were permitted onsite for only the second time in history. “The response from inmates has been overwhelmingly positive”, Henry said, with many queuing up to try out the VR and speak to NASC members about employment opportunities upon their release.
NASC is looking to consider as many routes of entry into scaffolding as possible for those interested in a career, offering members subsidised training for returning citizens, training via Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL), plus the possibility of delivering onsite training for those due for release. CISRS Approved Provider Fulcrum Scaffold and Safety Training have already produced several courses in facilities across the North West and North Wales, ensuring that participants are leaving prison with their Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) new entrant (COTS) cards in hand, which is a great benefit to the employers who have signed them up.
Henry’s work with the Returning Citizens campaign is an inspiring example of how the scaffolding industry can contribute to society by empowering marginalised groups and providing them with a means of livelihood. It also showcases the importance of training and mentoring in giving people a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society. 
One of the tour highlights was the visit to HMP Belmarsh, the highest security prison in the UK, where VR headsets were permitted onsite for only the second time in history. “The response from inmates has been overwhelmingly positive”, Henry said, with many queuing up to try out the VR and speak to NASC members about employment opportunities upon their release.
NASC is looking to consider as many routes of entry into scaffolding as possible for those interested in a career, offering members subsidised training for returning citizens, training via Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL), plus the possibility of delivering onsite training for those due for release. CISRS Approved Provider Fulcrum Scaffold and Safety Training have already produced several courses in facilities across the North West and North Wales, ensuring that participants are leaving prison with their Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) new entrant (COTS) cards in hand, which is a great benefit to the employers who have signed them up.
Henry’s work with the Returning Citizens campaign is an inspiring example of how the scaffolding industry can contribute to society by empowering marginalised groups and providing them with a means of livelihood. It also showcases the importance of training and mentoring in giving people a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society. 
Secret to Success
The quality of our work speaks for itself. We don’t profess to be the biggest specialist contractor there is, but we certainly are one of the best – or the best – out there if you ask me!
We are a family business but our entire team is part of that family. Our people, our operatives; they are the Millcroft business.
As many will testify in the construction sector, it can be extremely difficult to find good staff. So, we really look after our own. We help nurture and grow their skills and provide career progression opportunities to ensure we maintain a solid and motivated workforce. We have a very low staff turnover because we invest in our people, which compliments our own service and delivery to customers.
Developing people’s skills is an important part of our craft – especially as we’re experiencing an industry-wide quality labour shortage. We have a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-approved training centre on site, which is a huge asset and separates us from the competition. We receive lots of positive feedback from those who have undertaken courses there – clients as well as our own team.
Secret to Success
The quality of our work speaks for itself. We don’t profess to be the biggest specialist contractor there is, but we certainly are one of the best – or the best – out there if you ask me!
We are a family business but our entire team is part of that family. Our people, our operatives; they are the Millcroft business.
As many will testify in the construction sector, it can be extremely difficult to find good staff. So, we really look after our own. We help nurture and grow their skills and provide career progression opportunities to ensure we maintain a solid and motivated workforce. We have a very low staff turnover because we invest in our people, which compliments our own service and delivery to customers.
Developing people’s skills is an important part of our craft – especially as we’re experiencing an industry-wide quality labour shortage. We have a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-approved training centre on site, which is a huge asset and separates us from the competition. We receive lots of positive feedback from those who have undertaken courses there – clients as well as our own team.
Much of our work comes from our excellent reputation thanks to our experience, premium service delivery, attention to detail, dedication and passion. When we deliver something well, demand grows. It’s as simple as that.
A good sense of humour also goes a long way, and we’ve had a lot of fun over the years! We respect and look after one another, which is important, too.
A Changed Landscape
I think the most obvious of changes in our industry in the last 50 years would be the health and safety aspects to our job.
I remember when it became best practice for scaffolders to wear a harness on site. Before that, you had to rely on your cat-like balance to stay safe. You can’t even imagine that now, and the industry has undertaken a lot of really important work to ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of each working day. As a company, we are committed to each and every change and improvement to health and safety.
We’ve also invested significantly in our commitment to net zero – changing the way we operate and investing in a new electric and hybrid fleet so we are compliant to the clean air zone regulations in London. Sustainability is not a quick fix, but we are devoted to making the effort to creating a greener environment, and that starts with making tangible changes for a measurable impact.
The Next 50?
The construction industry has revolutionised in the last 50 years; with the emergence of technology, health and safety advances and huge investment to improve infrastructure. As a company, we’re often ahead of the game when it comes to making changes to adapt to our evolving landscape. But our core, traditional values remain the same. We are a local, family business who take care of each other and our customers, and we’re passionate about what we do. I was born about a three-minute walk away from our headquarters in Greenwich. This part of London, and this business, is in our blood.
www.millcroft.co.uk
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 18 
Perry Hanifan, Director of Coventry Scaffolding, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating: “As proud members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, we always endeavour to go above and beyond simply meeting the legal regulations, and this recognition goes to further demonstrate our company’s commitment to exceptional health and safety.”
The successful completion of the scaffolding work and the high levels of health and safety achieved have been a significant milestone for the project.
Removing the defective cladding will help ensure the safety of the residents in Aspects House, and achieving 100% in all safety audits is a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise. 
Perry Hanifan, Director of Coventry Scaffolding, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating: “As proud members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, we always endeavour to go above and beyond simply meeting the legal regulations, and this recognition goes to further demonstrate our company’s commitment to exceptional health and safety.”
The successful completion of the scaffolding work and the high levels of health and safety achieved have been a significant milestone for the project.
Removing the defective cladding will help ensure the safety of the residents in Aspects House, and achieving 100% in all safety audits is a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise. 
The array of skill and scaffolding services SDS offers existing and potential future clients is clear to see with their use of Layher’s flagship Allround scaffolding system on the Chichester House residential tower block.
Following a series of site surveys, detailed scaffolding designs and calculations provided by engineers from Layher Ltd, scaffolders from SDS set about erecting the modular scaffold system around the perimeter of Chichester House.
“Although our scaffolders are Layher trained, they were still quite new to the system at the start of the project; however, Layher was on hand every step of the way, which was great!” Shawn Richardson, SDS Operations Manager, said.
“Layher’s head scaffolding Instructor, Joe Thompson, attended the project for the first few days helping the lads base the scaffold out, while Clive Rowe Layher’s area sales manager was visiting every other day for the first few weeks, ensuring the project ran smoothly.”
SDS utilised Layher’s range of flexible components and various-sized bays to accommodate the multitude of balconies on each elevation of the tower. Furthermore, scaffolders effortlessly provided workers with a gapless platform around every part of the building to work from using a combination of Layher’s 390mm and 730mm console brackets and the long-established gap deck, which provides gap-free work platforms.
Over the course of eight weeks, SDS provided more than 120 linear meters of safe un-impeded modular access, allowing workers from EQUANS to reach all residents’ balconies and windows with ease.
Through their collaboration and the benefits of the Layher Allround system, Layher UK and SDS has demonstrated their expertise in scaffolding and their commitment to delivering safe and efficient access solutions for their clients. The success of this project is a testament to the strength of their strategic partnership and the quality of their work, and it bodes well for future collaborations between the two companies.
In conclusion, Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said, “After many years of successful collaboration with Laois Scaffolding & Sean Doyle in Ireland, we are excited about this new cooperation with SDS in the UK and look forward to making many more possibilities together”. 
The array of skill and scaffolding services SDS offers existing and potential future clients is clear to see with their use of Layher’s flagship Allround scaffolding system on the Chichester House residential tower block.
Following a series of site surveys, detailed scaffolding designs and calculations provided by engineers from Layher Ltd, scaffolders from SDS set about erecting the modular scaffold system around the perimeter of Chichester House.
“Although our scaffolders are Layher trained, they were still quite new to the system at the start of the project; however, Layher was on hand every step of the way, which was great!” Shawn Richardson, SDS Operations Manager, said.
“Layher’s head scaffolding Instructor, Joe Thompson, attended the project for the first few days helping the lads base the scaffold out, while Clive Rowe Layher’s area sales manager was visiting every other day for the first few weeks, ensuring the project ran smoothly.”
SDS utilised Layher’s range of flexible components and various-sized bays to accommodate the multitude of balconies on each elevation of the tower. Furthermore, scaffolders effortlessly provided workers with a gapless platform around every part of the building to work from using a combination of Layher’s 390mm and 730mm console brackets and the long-established gap deck, which provides gap-free work platforms.
The safety of workers and the public was paramount on the job as the tower blocks continued to be lived in while the refurbishment work was carried out. Layher and SDS devised a plan to mitigate the risk by installing protection fans at strategic locations across the structure to protect the public and tenants entering or exiting the tower block. Additionally, Layher’s 750mm aluminium beams were utilised to form a bridge over the blocks bin storage area so tenants could still access their bins.
Over the course of eight weeks, SDS provided more than 120 linear meters of safe un-impeded modular access, allowing workers from EQUANS to reach all residents’ balconies and windows with ease.
Through their collaboration and the benefits of the Layher Allround system, Layher UK and SDS has demonstrated their expertise in scaffolding and their commitment to delivering safe and efficient access solutions for their clients. The success of this project is a testament to the strength of their strategic partnership and the quality of their work, and it bodes well for future collaborations between the two companies.
In conclusion, Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said, “After many years of successful collaboration with Laois Scaffolding & Sean Doyle in Ireland, we are excited about this new cooperation with SDS in the UK and look forward to making many more possibilities together”. 
“The reason we’ve used the PERI UP system is because it’s the most versatile system out there,” he said. “The different deck sizes available in the range have been beneficial as we’ve been able to install a deck arrangement that accommodates the shape of the building. In addition to the decks, using components like the console brackets meant that we could get around every part of the building safely.”
“The reason we’ve used the PERI UP system is because it’s the most versatile system out there,” he said. “The different deck sizes available in the range have been beneficial as we’ve been able to install a deck arrangement that accommodates the shape of the building. In addition to the decks, using components like the console brackets meant that we could get around every part of the building safely.”
This scaffold marks PDC Scaffolding’s fourth project using the PERI UP system, and the company is investing £2m in the system following its Payne Road project. This continual investment plan will support the company’s recladding and refurbishment projects over the coming years.
The collaboration between PDC Scaffolding, PERI, and PSD Prime Scaffold and Structural Designs Ltd has successfully delivered a complex recladding project using PERI UP Flex, demonstrating the system’s versatility and ability to adapt to challenging geometries. 
“Many scaffolding companies buy or hire system scaffold to help reduce time and cost on simpler projects,” says Rob Nicholls from Safety & Access Ltd, also a Plettac Metrix training provider. “We always have to put health and safety first – of the scaffolders, other people on site and the wider public. So it’s essential that the people working on a system like Metrix have the right training – system companies like TRAD caveat use of the product with a requirement for formal training, and that’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
As well as the two-day CISRS course, there’s also the opportunity for a five-day base course, which is ideally suited to labourers who may be working on system scaffolding. “We’re likely to see more use of system scaffolding, as companies look for safer, cost-effective ways to work,” says David Abraham. “So we’d expect to be running many more courses for Plettac Metrix and other systems in the future.”
Alan Slater, Head of Technical and Product Support at TRAD UK, agrees with the necessity of training, particularly for safety purposes. “Alongside all the other critical training that our partners offer, the CISRS Part 1 & 2 courses, their System Scaffold Product Training Scheme and the CISRS BASE Plettac Metrix System Course are all specifically designed to help scaffolders and labourers understand and use the system effectively and safely.”
Currently, Fulcrum Scaffold Safety has specific availability for Plettac Metrix training, including CISRS Part 1 Plettac Metrix course from 22nd May to 2nd June, and the CISRS Part 2 Plettac Metrix course from 20th November to 1st December. They also offer CISRS SSPTS Plettac Metrix courses on April 27th-28th, July 27th-28th, and October 12th-13th.
Additionally, W@H Safety Solutions, based in Newcastle, has specific availability for CISRS SSPTS Plattac Metrix courses on March 25th – 26th, April 29th – 30th and May 27th – 28th.
Safety & Access and TRAD UK’s other partners, such as Aspects Total Training in the Midlands, can be contacted directly for availability for customer on-site training, or at their respective facilities. Full details of TRAD UK’s network of training partners for the Plettac Metrix system can be found at https://traduk.co.uk/system/plettac-metrix-trad/ 
