The UK’s top accolades for the access and scaffolding industry — often dubbed the “Oscars of scaffolding” — are now open for entries, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has confirmed.
The Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025, a much-anticipated event in the industry calendar, recognises the best projects, products, services and individuals across the sector.
With nine categories this year, entries are being welcomed from companies and professionals who have demonstrated exceptional work in their field.
The categories for 2025 include:
- Project of the Year (Small, Medium, Large, and Major)
- Service of the Year
- Product of the Year (sponsored by Stepup Scaffold UK)
- Scaffold Design of the Year (sponsored by Worldwide Scaffold and Access)
- Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by CISRS)
- Lifetime Achievement Award
The deadline for submissions is 5 pm on 20 June 2025, with NASC stating that no extensions or exceptions will be granted. Entry details are available at nasc.org.uk/awards.
Returning to chair the judging panel for a second year is James MacFadden, CS&A Responsible Engineer at Sellafield. He praised the calibre of past entries and urged organisations to submit their standout work.
“For anyone in the scaffolding and access world, these are the awards that stand out,” said MacFadden. “They are recognised as a hallmark of quality and a seal of approval from your industry peers.”
“It is always nice to get a pat on the back, but when you have to beat the very best in your industry to get it, then it comes with added meaning.”
Reflecting on last year’s competition, MacFadden added, “It’s uplifting to read about so much excellent work and so many brilliant people at all stages of their careers — but it also makes selecting the winners much harder.”
The 2025 judging panel is currently being finalised. Previous judges included leading industry figures such as Caroline Gumble, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Building, and Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of the CITB.
A spokesperson for NASC emphasised the significance of the awards: “These awards are always an important moment in the year for the scaffolding and access industry. They celebrate the hard work and commitment of thousands of people delivering hundreds of projects across the sector.”
“But hard work alone isn’t enough. The judges are looking for inspirational thinking, innovation, and that extra ‘wow factor’.”
