NEWS
SCAFFOLDING company plans to double in size and continue making its name in the European offshore windfarm industry G
rowth. That’s the vision of Ben Badham, Managing Director of record-breaking North Wales firm, BGB Scaffolding. Previously a roofer and tower crane operator, Ben later became a trainee scaffolder and was named in the top three Apprentices of the Year at CITB National Construction College in Birmingham, before deciding to set up on his own in 2007. It was just Ben, a labourer and a van, with a shipping container for storage, yet he grew and grew the organisation through word of mouth and by building a solid reputation for quality and safety. His enthusiasm and knowledge also played a major part in their initial success, and a passionate approach to all projects. Twelve years on and based in Kinmel Bay, BGB Scaffolding employs 26 people, 18 of which are GWO (Global Wind Organisation) and HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) qualified. The business has also become an international player having signed major contracts with Orsted (the global leader in offshore wind) to supply and erect scaffolding on the world’s two largest windfarms – Walney Extension off Barrow-in-Furness, and Hornsea One off the east coast of Yorkshire. This has secured their place among the UK’s major players, and they look
set to grow even further after opening a new office and yard space on Grimsby Docks in Humberside – the world hub for green energy – along with associates Offshore Painting Services. The 38-year-old, originally from Rhyl, says BGB Scaffolding is on an upward trajectory and expects that to continue, but never at the expense of the health and safety of his employees, in what he admits can be a challenging job. “I think how seriously we take safety is vital as it is important to know we have done everything within our power to ensure colleagues arrive to work and get home safe each and every day, ensuring that we are working to our industry best practices and also that we as a company are fully aware of our duties under the Construction
Design and Management Regulations (2015),” said Ben. “Within the company we continue to professionally develop our work force and safety is paramount to all of this; some of the training courses completed by our team includes NEBOSH in Construction, IOSH Managing Safely and Site Management Safety Training Scheme, to name just a few. “This has enabled us to enhance our safety culture within the workforce and ensures our clients are supported by a professional contractor.” He added: “I was only 25 when I started the company but from day one the ethos was the same, to always develop and learn and to stay ahead of the curve. “As with any trade within construction, scaffolding can be a very
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ScaffMag.com
