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News

Published: December 21, 2022

Reflecting on the past 12-months, they’ve not been particularly kind to us, the wider construction sector and UK business more generally.

I think we all head into a new year hoping that things will improve. However, we are frequently proved wrong and that is certainly the case over the past four or five years.

Throw in the latest challenges – the cost of living and energy crisis, the highest level of inflation in four decades driving a recession, supply chain chaos, the highest level of net migration on record and a war in Ukraine. It has not been a great year.

However, beyond these factors, which we as a trade association or industry sector can do very little to help resolve, I am proud of what we have achieved in 2022 – focussing our efforts on what we can change.

The Scaffolding Association was established in 2011 and opened for membership in 2013. Today, it is the largest representative organisation in the scaffolding and access industry – providing us with the ability and credibility to be able to drive forward an inclusive agenda for our near 600 members. The association is also the 85^th largest (by member count) trade association in the UK – impressive given that many have been around for several decades, some of the larger ones much longer.

2023 has seen the delivery of the first National Scaffolding Week which provided an inclusive platform for industry (not just SA) to showcase the diverse range of career options within our sector, inspire a new generation and highlight the achievements of organisations and individuals already working within the sector.

This year has also seen the association host the first Scaffolding Conference – which provided a unique platform to help and support members and industry on a wide range of topical issues including training, insurance, legal, skills and labour shortages, funding, health and wellbeing and business compliance.

However, the work I am most proud of, has for most part, been behind the scenes working tirelessly to address the sectors increasing challenges. We do this day in day out.

It includes engagement with government departments, ministers, parliamentarians, policy makers and industry stakeholders.

It’s also about maintaining, developing and improving our membership offering – to ensure the value that you can see, encourages you to continue to support the association for another year. 

I am proud of the work we are currently undertaking, our direction of travel and the progress we are making.

As 2022 comes to an end and 2023 begins, rest assured, the Scaffolding Association is working tirelessly to represent your interests and to deliver the value and relevance you expect from us as the leading trade organisation in this sector. 

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Robert Candy 

Chief Executive