Tag Archives: bgb scaffolding

News

Scaffolding company opens new US and Asia bases following significant growth and investment

A GLOBALLY RENOWNED scaffolding company opened a new US base and secured contracts on the country’s first two offshore windfarm sub-stations.

BGB Renewables and BGB New Energy Taiwan – part of the larger BGB Scaffolding Group based in Chester and Port of Mostyn, Flintshire – added Providence in Rhode Island and Taichung City in Taiwan to its growing list of international sites.

Now employing up to 100 staff, last year saw them start on the construction phase of the first two offshore substations in the USA, as well as completing the construction phase of the first large scale far shore offshore windfarm in Taiwan and the world’s largest operational single wind farm, Ørsted’s Hornsea 2, which helps to power more than 1.4 million homes in the UK.

They secured contracts and framework agreements which will enable the planned growth and development of the business for the foreseeable future.

Managing Director Ben Badham says a focus on developing apprentices in partnership with education providers is pivotal to them moving forward, giving young men and women in the region an opportunity to learn key skills while working on the international stage.

Having also trained scaffolders in America – upskilling local labour and supporting the economy – he is keen to continue giving back to communities while providing employment opportunities in Wales and eventually Taiwan and beyond.

As BGB’s partnership with multi-national renewable energy giant Ørsted goes from strength to strength, Ben says the firm’s position as a leader in the global green revolution will help the UK Government achieve its pledge for 30% of green electricity to be provided via offshore energy by 2030.

“Our growth, both in the UK and overseas is in line with government targets and reflects our commitment to training the next generation of multi-disciplined technicians – particularly for offshore renewable energy contracts – and upskilling local workers while improving infrastructure in the areas we are based in,” he added.

“America is a notable area of expansion for us, and we are delighted to be involved with the Vineyard and Ørsted’s South Fork commercial-scale offshore wind farms, the first two to be constructed there.”

A multi-disciplinary operation, Ben’s plans for the business to double in size has come to fruition over the last 18 months.

But paramount to him is not profits, it’s giving apprentices a platform to make their way in the sector.

“We have young lads who started out with us in North Wales now working in Taiwan and the US on major offshore energy schemes,” he said.

“That’s something we want to capitalise on, and we would like to see more females in the industry, so an academy-style further education qualification or training programme is something we are exploring.

“Business is busier than ever, and the world is heading towards cleaner energy as countries target net zero and work to lower their carbon footprints, so we are seeing an increase in the number of offshore wind farms across Europe and further afield.”

BGB Project Manager Charmaine Papasarafi added: “There are opportunities out there and we are committed to working with our partners to offer a range of high-quality, highly safe services that support the development of long-term infrastructure of the Clean Energy Industry in the US and Taiwan – where we are delighted to now be based – and worldwide.”

One of those to benefit from the culture of training and development at BGB was Jamie Hargrave, who, like Ben, hails from Rhyl.

Jamie has already spent five years with the organisation and believes “anything is possible” if you have the support behind you.

He said: “My time at BGB has been great, there are endless possibilities, and they really push you and help you to achieve your goals.

“I started on an apprenticeship scheme before moving on to Part 2 of a Scaffolding qualification, in addition to Global Wind Organisation (GWO) courses.

“For more than two years I’ve been based in Taiwan, an amazing experience which demonstrated that if you show commitment to your profession BGB will show their commitment to you and train and develop your skillset.

“I would definitely encourage others to look at opportunities with the company, because you won’t regret it.”

For information and support on offshore, marine, bridges or land-based projects, email info@bgbscaffolding.co.uk. Alternatively, visit the website www.bgbscaffolding.co.uk or call 01745 339755.

News

Welsh scaffolders open new HQ and expand overseas after pandemic business boom

BGB SCAFFOLDING has opened new headquarters and continued to expand after securing international deals during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The company – now based at the Port of Mostyn in Flintshire – signed high-profile contracts and framework agreements in the offshore and onshore sectors over the past 12 months.

Alongside these exciting opportunities, Managing Director Ben Badham revealed they have been awarded access work in Taiwan – on the Greater Changhua 1 and 2a Offshore Wind Farms – and for the world’s largest offshore windfarm Hornsea 2 off the Yorkshire coast.

Ben says the North Wales firm will play its part in the global Green Industrial Revolution, committing to initiatives in the UK and Europe.

And to meet demand in the booming Asia-Pacific region, they have launched BGB APAC (Asia-Pacific), reinforcing Ben’s long-term vision to forge new partnerships and support local supply chains, economies, and employment overseas.

“We are really excited to be playing a major role in helping to construct offshore windfarms, especially in light of plans by so many countries to increase and speed up the development of offshore wind energy by 2030,” said Ben.

“Taiwan is our first port of call, where we are looking to build new relationships and support their green energy development by finally meeting face to face with the suppliers, we’ve been in contact with over the past year.

“Long-term there will be a lot of growth within the area, and we aim to play a big part in that, but we also want to give back as much as we can.

“Eventually we would be looking to enter into joint ventures with companies and to help train their scaffolders using our experience and expertise – that’s the ultimate aim.”

Ben added: “It’s a statement of intent that we have a clear vision; to be able to go out there and deliver during such a challenging period globally is a benchmark for us and the industry.”

Other highlights in recent times included completion of jobs for LS Cable and System, one of the biggest cable manufacturers globally, a project for the National Grid, and beginning works on the 50MW Kincardine offshore wind farm.

Currently under construction in Scotland, that will be the world’s biggest floating offshore wind farm.

Ben was also delighted to see BGB Scaffolding gain ISO 9001/14001/45001 accreditations with the support of Fulcrum Scaffolding Safety and Training and The Scaffolding Association.

From painting, rope access and blasting to training and even a drone and underwater inspection division, they are very much a multi-disciplined operation and going forward will also focus on larger infrastructure schemes in alternative sectors including rail and construction.

However, safety continues to be their number one priority, and ensuring every one of their 40 direct employees has a career development pathway.

“We are growing and working to internationally recognised standards, and that is pivotal to our future success at home and overseas,” said Ben.

“This is a challenging time, but we are in a strong position and a lot of that is down to us looking further and wider at what opportunities are out there, strengthening and expanding our offering and making sure staff are well-trained and supported.

“Last year we unveiled plans to double in size and that’s the way we are heading; creating lasting relationships with the sector in the Asia-Pacific region will play a big part in that.”

He added: “I would like to thank each and every member of our team for their efforts in helping achieve what we have so far and look forward to creating a long-lasting future with them all at BGB.”

For information and support on offshore, marine, bridges or land-based projects, email info@bgbscaffolding.co.uk. Alternatively, visit the website www.bgbscaffolding.co.uk or call 01745 339755.