The International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA) has been officially launched, bringing together leading trade bodies from the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada. The inaugural meeting took place at ScaffEx25 in Manchester last week.

For the first time, the global scaffolding and access sector has a single international voice. The new association has identified five key areas of collective action to transform the industry:

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• Improving the Image of Scaffolding: Repositioning the industry as a professional and essential trade.

• Developing Global Talent: Creating pathways to attract and retain the next generation of professionals.

• Driving Innovation: Sharing best practices and advancing technology.

• Strengthening Compliance: Raising standards of safety and professionalism worldwide.

• Standardising Training: Establishing consistent, high-quality training to support global workforce mobility.

Wayne Connolly, President of NASC, said the formation of IASA marks a "turning point" for the industry. He added that the association will work to "champion our sector, elevate standards, and secure its rightful recognition as critical to the success of projects everywhere."