Two days in September showed not only where the scaffolding was going, but how far it had already come

TThe doors opened at Manchester Central on Thursday morning, and within minutes, you could feel it. This wasn’t just another trade show. ScaffEx25 had that unmistakable energy of an industry hitting its stride, confident, collaborative, and ready to show the world what modern scaffolding looks like.

The event was 15 times larger than last year’s Belfast event, and it wasn’t just a matter of size. It was about maturity. Where Belfast proved the concept, Manchester delivered the substance. The scaffolding and access sector had found its voice, and was speaking with unprecedented unity.

Society finds its stage

While walking the grounds over two days, the most striking element was not a single product or advertisement; The atmosphere was… Not only were contractors, suppliers, trainers and designers present; They were collaborating in real time. Conversations started at the catwalks and continued over coffee, dinner and late night drinks all over Manchester.

“There was a real buzz.” One Northwest contractor told me on Friday. “It’s not often you get everyone together like that.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the event. After years of fragmented gatherings and regional meetings, the industry has finally created its own dedicated arena.

The choice of location proved inspiring. The vast, single-winged Manchester Central Hall kept everything flowing, while the city itself, built by industry, rebuilt by design, seemed a perfect mirror of scaffolding’s sophistication.

Step outside and you’ll be minutes from hotels, restaurants and bars where the real business gets done.

Innovation has become a reality

The demo zone delivered on its promise of showcasing real innovation rather than static displays. According to the organizers, all slots were snapped up within hours of becoming available, and the quality of the demos showed why.

Layher’s SIM2FIELD system brought augmented reality to scaffold planning, overlaying 3D models on real-world environments with full material lists and weights visible on tablets. Staht’s digital draw testing turns traditional draw tests into real-time data that managers can act on immediately. These were not conceptual pieces; They have been working on solutions that address day-to-day operational challenges.

Meanwhile, G-DECK showcased its fully installed outrigger systems, which focused on speed and compliance. Leach’s BIGBEN SuperHoard showed how recyclable PVC can eliminate waste wood and carpentry. ScaffCycle presented their vision of a circular economy made practical through digital marketplaces for used equipment.

But perhaps the most memorable moment came courtesy of Paul Corfield’s exceptional collection of scaffolding memorabilia. Seeing decades of industry history displayed alongside cutting-edge technology created a powerful visual narrative. This sector knows where it comes from and is not afraid to show where it is headed.

Training takes center stage

The decision to place the CIRS Training Pavilion and Career Center at the heart of the exhibition rather than keeping them in side rooms changed the dynamic of the event.

Training providers compared methodologies while employers discussed what actually works on site. The message was clear: skills development is not just a sidebar, it is the foundation on which everything else is built.

The Career Center offered visitors VR headsets for safe experiences “at altitude” along with NASC’s legendary talent packages. For an industry grappling with hiring challenges, putting these career development tools in a prominent place rather than hiding them away was essential and long overdue.

The training wing has drawn up clear pathways for progression from Part 1 to advanced qualifications, with CISRS centers invited to showcase their work, although some well-known centers are absent. Seeing experienced scaffolders discussing training methods with newcomers considering the trade, the sector’s commitment to bringing in and qualifying people was clear.

Global ambitions

The launch of the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA) on day one was a truly historic moment. Bringing together leading trade associations from the UK, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia, USA and Canada, IASA represents the first time the global scaffolding industry has united under one banner.

Wayne Connolly, President of IASA, captured the importance: “For the first time, the world’s leading scaffolding and access associations are working together with a unified purpose: to support our sector, raise standards and secure its recognition as critical to the success of projects everywhere.”

BBC Breakfast choosing to broadcast live from the auditorium has highlighted how effective this message can be across. The conference sessions were hosted by ITV News Presenter Nina Hussain and BBC News Presenter Sophie Long, demonstrating the level of media attention the event now requires. The national media focus on skills, economic impact and the role of scaffolding in construction delivery indicates momentum extending beyond the sector itself.

Excellence recognized

The Scaffolding Excellence Awards on Friday evening provided a fitting conclusion to an exceptional week. With TV presenters Alex Jones and Claire Balding hosting, and joined by Lee Francis, Mike Tindall and Shaun Ryder, the party looked truly festive and not just festive.

The night was owned by Allen & Foxworthy, whose work on the roof restoration of Blenheim Palace won Design of the Year and Project of the Year – Major. The jury described the program as “the project of a lifetime” and praised its “innovation, creativity and problem-solving in a job that requires real outside-the-box thinking.”

Rob West of Benchmark Scaffolding received a widely acclaimed lifetime achievement award. His recognition for raising industry standards and promoting a culture of safety and mentoring across the trade, rail, infrastructure and heritage sectors reflects a real influence in shaping industry thinking.

Other winners included JMAC’s Rhys Bennett (Apprentice of the Year), Staht’s (Product of the Year) and Leach’s (Service of the Year) – each representing different aspects of an industry investing in its future.

Clive Deakin, Group CEO of NASC and CISRS, summed up the spirit of the evening: “It’s a great opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the achievements of great people in the industry. The winning projects are great examples of what this industry can achieve every day.”

What Manchester proved

ScaffEx25 has demonstrated something that many sectors struggle to achieve: true collaboration between competitors, purposeful investment in training and careers, and clear leadership on standards and innovation. The Black Hat Lounge provided an invitation-only networking space for industry leaders, while the main exhibition floor remained accessible to anyone wishing to learn, network or contribute.

The list of exhibitors told its own story of industry trust, from well-known names such as Layher, PERI and HAKI to innovative software providers such as Avontus and SMART Scaffolder, and from training bodies CISRS and CITB to charitable organizations such as Lighthouse and RISE, with every aspect of the scaffolding ecosystem represented.

One young scaffold expressed the mood perfectly: “It’s inspiring to see technology and training in one place.” One model told me they were “Since the doors opened.” These were not polite compliments. They reflected an event that provided material alongside the spectacle.

Looking forward

ScaffEx25 featured impressive attendance numbers or square footage for display. It showcased an industry that has found its confidence while remaining consistent in practical problem solving. From global collaboration initiatives to virtual reality training experiences, from digital workflow management to heritage restoration expertise, the solutions on offer addressed real operational challenges.

Having covered this sector for years, Manchester felt different. This wasn’t just another date on the calendar. It was confirmation that ScaffEx had become the dedicated theater our trade had needed for years. The route from Belfast to Manchester suggests that next year’s event will be something special.

Yes, there is room for development, but the foundation is now solid. ScaffEx25 has built momentum. The scaffolding industry and arrival left Manchester with more than just business cards and brochures. They leave with practical solutions, global connections, clearer career paths and renewed confidence in the direction the sector is headed.

Not a bad result for two days in September. The future of scaffolding looks increasingly bright and uniform.

This article was originally published on Issue 27 of Scaf Mag.