ScaffEx26 conference programme: practical ideas and honest conversations
With just over four weeks to go until ScaffEx26, the Conference programme is now complete and promises two days packed with practical advice, real-world experience and honest discussion about the issues shaping the future of the scaffolding and access sector.
Taking place on 10-11 September at Manchester Central, and hosted by journalist Sophie Long, the Conference has been built around one simple objective: giving every delegate ideas they can put into practice immediately, whether they are working on site, managing contracts or running a business.
The programme opens with ‘Thriving in Uncertainty – Insights from Across the Supply Chain’, a Question Time-style debate bringing together voices from across construction and industry to tackle the commercial realities of the sector. Richard Beresford of the National Federation of Builders, Danny Dwyer of PHD Access, Chris Abbey from Altrad UK and Rob Wright of Lindum Group will discuss everything from fair payment and contract terms to workforce pressures and stronger relationships between contractors and clients. Rather than avoiding difficult subjects, the session is designed to encourage open discussion about what needs to change across the supply chain.
Business growth is another major theme. ‘What Nobody Tells You About Starting Your Own Scaffolding Firm’ brings together people who have built successful businesses themselves. James Brierley of Rose System Scaffolding, Lee Marley, and KAS Scaffolding directors Shane Wood and Adam Millgate, will share honest accounts of the realities behind starting, growing and scaling a scaffolding company, covering everything from financial pressures to company culture and what they wish they had known earlier.
Recruitment and retention remain high on every contractor’s agenda, and ‘The Talent Crisis – Why You Need a Blend of Youth and Experience’ looks at how businesses can attract and develop the next generation while making the most of experienced people already in the industry.
Danny Clarke of CITB, Donna Mulvihill of Altrad UK, Clive Dickin of NASC and CISRS, Ashley Smith of R.A.S Scaffolding and Dan Wilson of MAR Scaffolding will examine what’s working in practice, including widening recruitment into groups often overlooked by the industry.
Day Two shifts the focus firmly onto safety and innovation. ‘Hiding in Plain Sight – The Hidden Risks of Getting It Wrong’ explores hazards that are often underestimated, including fire, dust exposure and contamination. Former HSE inspector Matt Greenly and Alice Thomson of 4-Rail Services will explain why these less visible risks deserve far more attention and how better monitoring and planning can reduce them.
One of the Conference’s most anticipated discussions is ‘Would You Trust a Scaffolder Trained on a Computer?’ The session examines how blended learning, immersive technology and digital training are changing the way scaffolders develop their skills. With contributions from Martin Addison of Video Arts Group, Joanne Walker of the CWIC Scaffolding Academy and other industry leaders, delegates will hear how technology is complementing, rather than replacing, practical experience and helping prepare the workforce for the future.
Technical excellence also runs throughout the programme. Two project showcase sessions will give delegates behind the-scenes access to award-winning schemes, including the Manchester Town Hall restoration, 25 Canada Square at Canary Wharf and other projects that demonstrate innovative thinking, smart technology and collaborative working. Rather than simply celebrating success, the presentations will focus on lessons learned that can be applied to future contracts.
Scaffex26 concludes with the Scaffolding Excellence Awards on the evening of 11 September, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dara Ó Briain, providing an opportunity for the industry to celebrate outstanding achievement after two days focused on learning, collaboration and raising standards.
Registration for the ScaffEx26 conference and exhibition remains free, making it the most accessible opportunity this year to hear directly from the people shaping the future of the scaffolding and access industry.
