The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation has published a detailed obituary for its President and Chair, Wayne Connolly, alongside confirmation of funeral arrangements following his death in December 2025.
Born in Manchester in 1970, Mr Connolly was a prominent figure within the scaffolding and access sector both in the UK and internationally. He was widely regarded as a quiet but highly effective leader who helped shape the modern direction of the industry.
A leader who lived his values
The NASC obituary describes Mr Connolly as funny, honest, plain-speaking and always open to opportunity, qualities that shaped both his business career and his leadership within the industry. He spoke frequently about the importance of creating opportunities for others, a principle that underpinned his work across multiple organisations.
One of his final public appearances took place at Manchester Central on the eve of ScaffEx25. While teams of scaffolders prepared exhibition stands, Mr Connolly arrived in full dinner suit to record an opening address for the Scaffolding Excellence Awards. He later joined a Bond-themed promotional film, an episode the NASC said captured his humour, self-awareness and willingness to support others.
From entrepreneur to industry statesman
A natural entrepreneur, Mr Connolly first built a successful car maintenance business before founding Connolly Scaffolding, which has grown into a well-established and progressive contractor. The company recently expanded into new headquarters.
Within the NASC, Mr Connolly served as Regional Chair and Chair of the Membership Standards Committee before joining the board in 2022. In 2024, he was appointed President and Chair of both NASC and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme.
During his tenure, he was a central figure in the confederation’s modernisation programme, including the launch and expansion of ScaffEx. He also oversaw significant changes to NASC governance and, as Chair of CISRS, drove improvements and modernisation in scaffolder training and education.
The obituary describes Mr Connolly as a leader who did not need to raise his voice to be heard, but who instinctively understood how and when to deliver the right message. When he saw an opportunity to improve something, the organisation said, he acted on it and delivered results.
Funeral arrangements
Wayne Connolly is remembered by his fiancée, Nicola, three children and three stepchildren.
His funeral will take place at 1.30 pm on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at St Peter’s Church, The Village, Prestbury, Macclesfield SK10 4DG. All are welcome to attend, with a private service for family members to follow.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be accessible via live stream, with details to be shared by the NASC ahead of the funeral.
