The scaffolding and access community came together in spectacular fashion at the NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024, held at the ICC Belfast on Friday night.
The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and innovation within the industry, showcasing the best of scaffolding expertise and dedication.
The glittering evening followed the successful ScaffEx24, featuring a glamorous gala organised by the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
Over 700 distinguished guests, including international industry leaders from Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Switzerland, joined the festivities, which included a luxurious drinks reception, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment.
The NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards, a highlight in the industry’s calendar, honoured exceptional contributions across a range of categories.
Winners and runners-up were announced during a dazzling ceremony hosted by special guests, including TV stars James Nesbitt, Mike Tindall, and Denise van Outen, who paid tribute to the dedication and innovation of the industry’s finest.
Scaffolding Excellence Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Albie Cooper, Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd
Driven by a desire to support his young family, Albie Cooper was described by his Site Manager, Jack Murphy, as having one of the best attitudes he’s encountered in all his years in scaffolding. Judges praised Albie’s proactive and positive outlook, noting his ability to overcome challenges and seek additional opportunities. The award includes a £1,000 prize courtesy of CISRS.
Highly Commended: Harrison Mapley
Scaffold Design of the Year
Winner: SRK Scaffolding – Industrial Storage Tank
SRK Scaffolding’s design for accessing a 33-metre-high industrial storage tank required exceptional creativity and problem-solving to complete the project within a short timeframe. Judges were impressed by the out-of-the-box thinking and technical expertise demonstrated.
Product of the Year
Winner: PERI Ltd – PERI UP Cladding
PERI’s innovative cladding system protects scaffolders, contractors, and the public while offering unparalleled flexibility through removable individual panels. Judges commended the system’s unique design and wide-ranging practical applications.
Service of the Year
Winner: Costain/Skanska (SCS Railways) – Scaffold Request App
This innovative app streamlined scaffold requests for the HS2 JV project, saving time and money while maintaining safety standards. Judges highlighted its tangible improvements in productivity and on-site results.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Lee Rowswell
Recognised for over 30 years of service, Lee Rowswell has transformed GKR Scaffolding, taking it from a turnover of £800,000 to £36 million. His leadership has driven innovation, sustainability, and diversity within the industry, and he has played a pivotal role in NASC initiatives. Judges highlighted his collaborative spirit and his ability to inspire others while delivering landmark projects across London.
Project of the Year – Small
Winner: Shield Services Group – Cathedral Park, Bristol
Shield Services Group delivered a 50-metre temporary roof structure and a 15-metre birdcage inside a converted cathedral, excelling in technical execution, environmental consideration, safety, and social value. Judges praised the project for its thoughtful approach and its exemplary representation of the scaffolding industry.
Highly Commended: Ingleford Scaffolding
Project of the Year – Medium
Winner: Inner City Scaffolding Ltd – Parkside Court, Chelmsford
Inner City Scaffolding developed an innovative solution to safely access a live building for a recladding project. Judges described the work as a “fantastic piece of engineering” and called it the “scaffolder’s scaffold” for its precision and complexity.
Project of the Year – Large
Winner: Lyndon SGB – New Register House, Edinburgh
This project, valued between £1m and £2m, required Lyndon SGB to deliver a scaffold for the Grade-A listed New Register House while managing the challenges of Scottish winter weather, an open building, and stringent heritage restrictions. Judges praised the team’s coordination, collaboration, and expert management.
Project of the Year – Major
Winner: GKR Scaffolding Ltd – 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
GKR Scaffolding’s work at 25 Canada Square, valued at over £2m, stood out for its complexity and scale. The project involved a bespoke cantilevered scaffold system constructed within a skyscraper and required meticulous planning and collaboration. Judges commended its innovative design, social value, and execution in a high-profile location.
The NASC Annual Ball & Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2024 celebrated the talent and innovation driving the scaffolding and access industry forward. With a global audience and record-breaking attendance, it highlighted the sector’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.
