Alex Mercer

Alex Mercer covers construction, infrastructure and scaffolding projects for ScaffMag, focusing on the developments driving demand and the access solutions behind them.
Construction

NHBC new home registrations fall 13% in third quarter

NHBC recorded 26,231 new home registrations in Q3 2026, down 13% year on year, signalling further pressure on the residential construction pipeline.
Health & Safety

Falls from height account for 15 of 23 deaths in Irish construction review

A new HSA review finds 19 of 23 construction-related fatalities in Ireland occurred on sites with one to four workers, with falls the leading cause.
Trade Associations

New CAS rules let scaffold firms opt out of Building Safety section

Build UK's Common Assessment Standard changes on 1 November will let eligible scaffolding contractors opt out of Building Safety questions, while retaining competence checks and adding new policy requirements.
Health & Safety

Two taken to hospital after Streatham scaffolding collapse

Two people were rescued before firefighters arrived after scaffolding collapsed on Streatham High Road on 25 October. Both were taken to hospital.
UK

Storm Boelo brings weekend wind warnings to northern UK

Storm Boelo brings wind warnings for 24–25 October across northern UK, as the Met Office brings forward Storm Austen’s amber warning.
Health & Safety

Two workers hospitalised after partial collapse at Banbury construction site

Two workers were taken to hospital after a partial collapse at a Banbury construction site on 21 October. HSE says it is making enquiries, according to Construction Enquirer.
Business

HAKI scaffolding earnings fall as UK demand stays weak

HAKI Safety reports lower Q3 scaffolding earnings as UK demand stays soft, delayed orders affect sales and Combisafe integration weighs on the group.
Business

Construction retention ban heads for final Lords stage on Tuesday

The Commercial Payments Bill reaches its final House of Lords stage on 20 October, advancing plans to ban construction retentions.