ScaffEx26: two days that showed scaffolding at its best

While the number of visitors and exhibitors across two packed days at Manchester Central made ScaffEx26 the biggest and busiest ScaffEx to date, the event also showed that scaffolding and access is an industry with plenty to talk about and plenty to look forward to.

ScaffEx26 brought the scaffolding and access industry together at Manchester Central on 10 and 11 September for two days of new products, practical demonstrations, big conversations and, above all, face-to-face connections.

From the moment the doors opened, the exhibition floor was busy. Contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and industry partners came from across the sector and further afield to see what was new, catch up with existing contacts and make new ones.

With 70 exhibitors and a wider range of products, services and expertise represented than ever before, there was plenty to see. Full-scale scaffold displays sat alongside new technology, software, safety solutions, tools and equipment, while product launches and live demonstrations gave visitors the chance to get closer to the ideas shaping the industry.

More than an exhibition

ScaffEx has grown quickly since its first event in Belfast in 2024, but its purpose remains focused on giving the scaffolding and access industry a place to come together. That was particularly evident this year.

Alongside the exhibition, the Conference, Demo Zone and Skills and Safety Zone created a packed programme across both days. Sessions tackled subjects ranging from running a successful scaffolding business and attracting the next generation to technical innovation, the latest in temporary roofs, effective supervision, rescue planning and some of the industry's most challenging projects.

The aim was not simply to talk about the issues, but to share experiences and ideas that people could take back into their own businesses. And the conversations continued away from the stages too. Across the exhibition floor, ScaffEx26 provided an opportunity to compare products, speak directly to suppliers, meet customers and colleagues and make connections that would otherwise require months of meetings and travel.

Changing perceptions

Events like ScaffEx also have a wider role to play. Scaffolding is too often still seen through an outdated lens. But spend any time at ScaffEx and a different picture emerges. It is a technically skilled, safety-focused and increasingly innovative industry that’s embracing new technology, developing its workforce and finding better ways to work. The scale and energy of ScaffEx26 demonstrated that clearly.

Everyone who exhibited, spoke, demonstrated a product, asked a question, shared an idea or simply came through the doors played a part in that. Collectively, the industry is helping to change perceptions of scaffolding and access and showcase the expertise, professionalism and innovation behind it.

And the winners are...

There was some friendly competition running alongside the serious business of the show.

Lesley Sharp finished at the top of the ScaffPal Leaderboard, outscanning the competition across the event and winning a £500 Amazon voucher.

Sami Turki won the first visitor registration competition and receives a £500 voucher to spend in the George Roberts web store, while Robert Neville won the registration competition supported by Leach's and takes home a DeWalt tool kit.

Congratulations to all three.

Thank you for making ScaffEx26 happen

ScaffEx only works because the industry gets behind it, and the response to this year's event was exceptional.

A huge thank you goes to every visitor, exhibitor, sponsor, speaker and contributor, as well as the teams working behind the scenes and at Manchester Central. Close to 3,000 people joined us across the event, making ScaffEx26 our biggest and busiest show yet.

There is more to come. We will be sharing further ScaffEx26 content, including opportunities to catch up on Conference and Demo Zone sessions you may have missed, as well as photography and highlights from the Scaffolding Excellence Awards.

In the meantime, we would like to hear what visitors thought of the event. Please complete our short ScaffEx26 visitor survey. Your feedback makes a genuine difference and will help us make the next ScaffEx even better.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SCAFFEX26 VISITOR SURVEY

Thank you for being part of ScaffEx26. See you next time.