ScaffEx26: The Best Is Yet to Come

Since its relatively small-scale debut in Belfast in 2024, ScaffEx has grown at a remarkable pace. What began as an experiment has established itself as the must-attend event in the global scaffolding and access calendar and preparations for ScaffEx26 are already well underway.

This year's event takes place on 10–11 September 2026 in Manchester, bringing together an exhibition, conference and the Scaffolding Excellence Awards under one roof. And if the numbers are anything to go by, the industry is more than ready for it.

Richard Cree, NASC's Head of Business Development, reports that demand for stand space has already exceeded expectations. "Even with a much bigger exhibition hall up in size by over a third compared to last year, stand space is already selling out," he says. "There are very few large spaces left. The response has been excellent."

With the larger venue comes greater variety, and ScaffEx26 is not just for the industry's bigger names. Entry-level options are available for smaller businesses and those looking to get involved for the first time, making this the ideal opportunity to get a foot in the door and put your company in front of the whole industry. But with stand space selling fast across the board, those entry-level spots are among the first to go. If you've been thinking about it, now is the time to make the call.

Richard attributes much of this enthusiasm to the impact of ScaffEx25. "The feedback from last year was exceptional. We sent out a visitor feedback survey and, while we were expecting it to be positive, we were all surprised by just how much value visitors and exhibitors got from the event and how much business was conducted."

The numbers back that up. Of those who responded to the post-event survey:

• 89% rated their overall experience as excellent
• Quality of exhibitors, relevance of products and services, and networking opportunities were all rated 9 out of 10
• 77% achieved their objective of discovering new products
• 82% met their goal of connecting with suppliers
• 88% were able to network with industry peers
• 55% sourced materials for a specific upcoming project
• 49% made a purchase or placed an order at the show

That last figure is particularly impressive. Almost half of all attendees left having placed an order, a clear signal that ScaffEx is not simply a showcase, but a serious commercial opportunity.

Building on that success, ScaffEx26 will feature a larger exhibition hall with greater capacity for exhibitors from across the scaffolding and access sector. New suppliers are coming on board, while many familiar faces are returning; including principal sponsor Layher UK.

"It's great to know that Layher UK is back and looking to take what they deliver to new heights," says Richard Cree. "That's really what this is all about. As much as the ScaffEx team is planning some amazing new features, this is really about suppliers across the industry taking advantage of a wonderful opportunity to shine."

Popular elements from ScaffEx25 including the Demo Zone will return, alongside new features and fresh opportunities for delegates to try out products and services first-hand.

ScaffEx26 brings together three distinct strands:

The Expo offers delegates the chance to explore the latest innovations in scaffolding and access from the UK's leading suppliers and service providers, cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the future of the industry.

The Conference brings together thought leaders and industry experts for keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations covering education & training, workforce development, career pathways, technical and safety excellence and much more.

NASC are delighted to confirm that representatives from ALTRAD UK, Ireland & Nordics, Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd (ITP), Lee Marley Group, Lindum Group, National Federation of Builders and Video Arts Group will be joining the conference.

The Scaffolding Excellence Awards, held on the Friday evening, celebrates outstanding achievement across the sector and provides a memorable opportunity to network with peers and recognise the best the industry has to offer.

ScaffEx has quickly become what the scaffolding and access world has long needed: a single, high-quality event where the entire sector can come together to do business, share knowledge and celebrate success.

With stand space already limited, now is the time to secure your place whether as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate.

ScaffEx26 takes place on 10–11 September 2026 in Manchester.

For more information on exhibiting and all of NASCs current sponsorship and award submission opportunities, please contact the Business Development team at [email protected]

Register your interest in attending ScaffEx26 here.