ScaffEx26: Everything you need to know about this year’s conference on Safety, Skills and Success
ScaffEx26 is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet and at the heart of it is a conference programme that has been built around the real issues the industry is dealing with right now.
Taking place on 10 and 11 September at Manchester Central, the conference will be hosted once again by journalist Sophie Long and has been designed with one clear goal: to give every delegate something practical to take back to site or the office. Conference producer Tracy Paul puts it simply: “the sessions are built around the issues scaffolders and business owners are dealing with every day, whether that is winning work, managing cash flow, recruiting and retaining labour, improving safety or adapting to new technology”.
The programme opens with a Question Time-style discussion tackling some of the biggest and most difficult questions facing contractors, clients and suppliers. The panel brings together Richard Beresford from the National Federation of Builders, PHD Access Managing Director Danny Dwyer, Altrad UK Senior Vice President HSE Chris Abbey and Rob Wright, Director of Group Health, Safety and Environment at Lindum Group. Topics will include fair payment, contract terms, workforce pressures and how scaffolding firms can build stronger relationships with clients.
For anyone thinking about starting their own business, or who has done it and wants to hear others talk honestly about the experience, there is a session called ‘What Nobody Tells You About Starting Your Own Scaffolding Firm’. James Brierley of Rose System Scaffolding will give what he describes as an honest and practical look at the pressures, pitfalls and opportunities involved in launching a scaffolding business. Lee Marley will speak about scaling a company and the lessons learned along the way. KAS Scaffolding directors Shane Wood and Adam Millgate will offer perspectives on coping with rapid growth.
Workforce development gets its own dedicated session with The Talent Crisis and Why You Need a Blend of Youth and Experience, bringing together:
- Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, CITB.
- Donna Mulvihill, Head of Learning & Development, Altrad UK, Ireland & Nordics.
- Clive Dickin, Group CEO, NASC & CISRS.
- Ashley Smith, Managing Director, R.A.S Scaffolding.
- Dan Wilson, Managing Director, MAR Scaffolding.
The focus will be on what is working to bring people into the industry, including widening recruitment beyond traditional routes. with R.A.S Scaffolding's Ashley Smith discussing engagement with ex-offenders, veterans and people at risk of gang involvement. There will also be a session on how blended learning, immersive technology and digital delivery are transforming how scaffolders develop their skills with Martin Addison, CEO of Video Arts Group and Joanne Walker, Scaffolding Academy Manager at CWIC Wales.
On safety, a session called Hiding in Plain Sight tackles the risks of fire, dust exposure and contamination; hazards that are too often overlooked because they are less visible than the more obvious dangers of working at height. Former HSE inspector Matt Greenly will warn delegates not to underestimate dust exposure, while Alice Thomson from 4-Rail Services will explain how noise and dust monitoring works in practice.
Throughout both days, in-depth sessions will explore award-winning projects including the Manchester Town Hall scheme delivered by BrandSafway and 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf by GKR Scaffolding, with a firm emphasis on practical lessons and transferable ideas that can improve future projects and help companies win more prestigious work.
The Scaffolding Excellence Awards gala evening on 11 September, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dara Ó Briain, rounds off the two days. And with entries for the awards closing on 4 June, there is still time to put your company forward.
Registration for ScaffEx26 is free and open now.
