ScaffEx24

Conference

Belfast International Conference Centre

Friday 29th November 2024

ScaffEx24, sponsored by Layher, the scaffolding system
ScaffEx24 Speakers

ScaffEx24’s Conference will allow delegates to debate, engage, and learn from an intoxicating and energising group of professional industry leaders.

Suzannah Nicol, CEO of Build UK, wearing a blouse with a red poppy pin and smiling.

Suzannah Nichol

Suzannah Nichol, CEO of Build UK, is among the distinguished speakers lined up to share insights and expertise at Scaffex24. With an illustrious career dedicated to transforming the construction industry, Nichol brings invaluable perspectives on what senior clients expect from scaffolding contractors, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration. She will give insight into the Common Assessment Standard and the direction leaders of the construction sector are taking.

Wayne Connolly

Managing Director of Connolly Scaffolding, Wayne Connolly is renowned for his pioneering approach to scaffolding solutions and is one of the North’s largest and most respected scaffolding contractors. Wayne’s expertise promises to inspire attendees and elevate industry standards, just as he takes the role of NASC President.

Julio Black

Julio Black is the Head of Product & Marketing at AT-PAC, a globally recognized leader in the scaffolding and access sector. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Julio has been instrumental in driving AT-PAC’s innovative strategies and product development. His expertise spans across market analysis, product lifecycle management, and brand positioning, making him a pivotal figure in advancing the scaffolding industry. At ScaffEx24, Julio will share his insights on the latest innovations shaping the future of scaffolding.

Lee Rowswell

Lee Rowswell is the Group Director of GKR Scaffolding, a prominent scaffolding company known for its commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability. Under Lee’s leadership, GKR has achieved significant growth and recognition within the industry. Lee has a wealth of experience in business development and operational excellence. At ScaffEx24, Lee will speak on the vast opportunities that scaffolding provides, highlighting the sector’s potential for growth and career development.

Barry Neilson

Barry Neilson OBE serves as the Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board for Northern Ireland (CITB NI). With a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing skills and training within the construction industry, Barry has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions. His leadership at CITB NI has been pivotal in driving initiatives that equip the workforce with essential skills. Barry will address the critical topic of scaffolding and access skills, emphasizing the importance of training and education in the industry.

Tim Balcon

Tim Balcon is the Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). With over 30 years of experience in strategic leadership and industry development, Tim has been instrumental in advancing vocational training within the construction sector. His tenure at CITB has seen significant strides in equipping the workforce with essential skills and preparing the industry for future challenges. Tim will present on the future of skills development, offering actionable insights and engaging in a Q&A session to further discuss the evolving landscape of construction training.

Dr Yasuo Toyosawa

Dr Yasuo Toyosawa is the President of the Scaffolding & Construction Equipment Association of Japan (SCEA). A distinguished figure in the scaffolding industry, Dr. Toyosawa brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience. His career is marked by a deep commitment to innovation and the advancement of construction technologies. As an avid supporter of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), Dr Toyosawa will deliver a keynote address on emerging technologies and innovations, providing a global perspective on the latest advancements in scaffolding and construction equipment.

James M. Butcher

James M. Butcher is an Executive Director of the National Federation of Builders, responsible for strategy and operations, running day-to-day operations, strategy and overall business performance. James’ role is to realise the organisation’s vision to help NFB members build prosperous businesses and create optimal conditions for the construction industry – including ensuring that contractors pick the very best supply side partners, reducing risk, improving efficiency and delivering better value and outcomes for all involved.

James is a member of the UK’s Construction Leadership Council (CLC), sits on the CITB Levy Strategy Committee and is currently chairing CITB’s Sector Skills Plan for Heritage. He also manages industrial affairs for the NFB, as well as its key relationships with other sector organisations such as the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC), the HSE’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) and the Contractors Legal Group (CLG).

James is a public affairs professional by trade, having spent over 10 years working in policy, public affairs and public relations – from one of the UK’s biggest political parties to Parliament, from agency to in-house and previously serving as a councillor for ten years.

David Abraham

David is one of the founders of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd and has 40 years of experience in the scaffolding industry. He started as a Trainee Scaffolder in 1983 and became an Advanced Scaffolder cardholder in 1992. David has held numerous positions in the scaffolding industry, including Advanced Charge-hand, Site Supervisor, Site Manager, Multi-Disciplinary Manager, Cost Engineer, Health and Safety Consultant, CISRS Instructor, Assessor, and Internal Quality Assurance.

David’s experience includes writing courses for the HSE; in his previous employment, he was their preferred trainer. Dave has also sat on several committees, including the CISRS steering group, which involved writing training courses and programs for CISRS, CITB’s Product Development Group for the diploma qualification in Scaffolding, and the City and Guilds Qualification Development Group.

David and his team at Fulcrum designed a training program for HMP establishments, with the main aim of this project being to find employment for ex-offenders on release. This project has been running for nearly three years with excellent outcomes, and a number of those who attended the course are now fully trained scaffolders. In 2023, NASC recognised this work by awarding the Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Auxiliary Award. 

Keynote Speaker

David Meade

Renowned motivational business speaker David Meade will share invaluable insights into the future of the industry, sparking inspiration among attendees.

Keynote Speaker

David Meade

David collaborates with businesses to create high energy and impactful sessions and creates high-energy and impactful sessions matching your company values and ethos, providing participants with key takeaways and learnings.

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