How To Start A Scaffolding Business

 

Starting a scaffolding business can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. Let us guide you through the critical steps, so you can build a thriving scaffolding business that stands tall in the industry! 

1. Overview
2. Qualifications
3. Pros and Cons
4. How much can I earn? And startup costs
5. Business structure and registering your company
6. Create your business plan
7. Marketing and Branding
8. Register your business
9. Red tape

 

Got a head for dizzy heights? Have no problems working in all weather conditions? 

Have knowledge of public safety and security and can follow technical drawings and plans? Starting your own scaffolding business could just be for you! 
Scaffolders are always in demand, whether they are erecting concert stages around the world, access towers for skyscraping office buildings, or working platforms for a local painting and decorating business.

 

• Potential Annual Revenue: £50,000+
• Startup Cost: £5,000-£10,000
• Time To Revenue: 2-3+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:     %
• Best for: Hard working, outdoorsy, self-motivated, problem solving entrepreneurs with a good head for heights.
  

 

Currently contributing a staggering £2.86 billion to the UK economy, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) predicts that in order to keep up with demand, at least 200 newly qualified scaffolders need to be hired annually.
 

In the UK, there are over 6,000 scaffolding businesses that employ over 34,000 scaffolding workers and one thing is certain, there is a growing need for more. 

 

 

Qualified construction workers, particularly professional scaffolders are at a premium right now and will continue to be. This imbalance between the supply and demand of construction workers have been ascribed to a variety of issues, including economic and political uncertainties.

Adding to this is an ageing workforce and skilled employees departing the field quicker than they can be attracted, it is the perfect time to start your own scaffolding business and fill the sector’s loss. 

Maybe you´re already a qualified scaffolder and have decided to branch out on your own or you have finished an apprenticeship and gained some experience or want to see how you could start your own business once you’ve  finished a course and got experience, we are here to help take the next steps on your upwards journey. 

 

From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your creative talent into a successful scaffolding business. 

 

Before you start scaling new heights, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

6 Great Reasons to Start a Scaffolding Business

• Because scaffolding is a crucial component of many construction projects, there is a great need for qualified scaffolders, which bodes well for job security. 
• Scaffolders have a high earning potential since they are frequently compensated well, especially those with experience and credentials. 
• Your income is only limited to the size of your team and the amount of scaffolding you own. 
• Many construction projects have long durations, and scaffolding is often required throughout the process. This can provide a consistent source of income since clients may need to rent scaffolding for an extended period or for multiple projects.
• As your scaffolding business grows, you can explore expansion opportunities such as renting out additional equipment or offering related services like safety training or scaffold inspections.
• Scaffolding services are needed by a wide range of clients, including residential, commercial, industrial, and government entities. By diversifying your client base, you can reduce reliance on any single sector and minimise the impact of economic fluctuations.

 

4 Common Challenges when Starting a Scaffolding Business

• Starting a scaffolding business requires a significant upfront investment. You need to purchase or lease scaffolding equipment, as well as invest in safety gear, transportation, insurance, and licences.
• Scaffolding work involves high risks, and safety must be a priority. Ensuring the safety of your employees and clients requires ongoing training, regular inspections, and compliance with industry regulations.
• The construction industry is often subject to seasonal fluctuations. Depending on where you live, there may be times when building activity is quiet, resulting in less need for scaffolding services. During such times, it is critical to carefully prepare and manage your funds.
• Competitive Market: The scaffolding sector can be competitive, especially in densely populated urban areas. Existing other companies may have built ties with contractors, which can make it difficult for a new company to succeed in the market.

Differentiating your services and building a strong reputation can help overcome this challenge.

 

How To Get Into The Business

Only a fully qualified experienced scaffolder is likely to set up a business but if you think this is the career for you, you will need training. 

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a scaffolder, there are several paths you could take to help you pursue this career. Doing a City and Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations college course & an apprenticeship is a great way to get into the industry. 

 

Once qualified in order to work on a construction site you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card to demonstrate your competence.

It is very important when starting any business to decide on the scale of the business you are aiming for.

What type of projects do you want to undertake? Small house renovations or do you want to work on much larger commercial projects? Are you looking to employ workers? Can you cope with numerous projects at one time? Will you be managing your bookings/stock level/admin?

Get your name out there early by interacting with local contractors, builders, and engineers about their scaffolding requirements so you can deliver an optimal service and maybe be the preferred choice over their present scaffolding supplier.

 

The all-important question – How much can I earn running my own scaffolding business?

Do your research. Find out what other local scaffolding businesses are charging in your area for the same services you offer. 

Exploit your speciality if you have one! Do you have the latest, lightest equipment for indoor use?  You can make a name for yourself by concentrating on a specialist area. This will be more efficient for both you and your customers as they will get expertise, speed and reliability and you will be able to work more productivity in this area.

The British weather can play havoc with your business takings, so make sure you can still cover your monthly outgoings if jobs are a wash out for weeks on end. Use these days to contact potential clients, do your paperwork and some online marketing. 

A newly trained scaffolder can earn £19-25,000 whilst a highly experienced professional can earn £50,000+. This is obviously depending on hours worked and location. 

 

How much does it cost to start a scaffolding business?

Depending on what level you intend to set out on your start up costs can vary quite a lot. 

Will you be doing more domestic work than commercial? Will you need smaller lightweight scaffolding? Depending on which area you go into will determine the type of start-up equipment you´ll require. 

You will need transport, look at the second hand market and a set of good quality tools, in the long run these will be more cost effective. You are looking at a minimum of £5,000 for basic start-up scaffolding, tools and transport. Consider renting larger items of scaffolding if you aren’t sure if you will use them on a regular basis, you can invest in the more expensive items in the future. Consider where you will store your scaffolding, this too can be expensive.

Your customer database could be varied, from residential properties to large private buildings such as restaurants, churches, care homes and hotels.

Also contact your local council for any work contracts in your town. 

It’s very common to work with other professionals in the scaffolding industry. Do you have links already to plasterers, painters/decorators and builders? How about contacting local estate agents! These are important mutually beneficial relationships.

 

 

How I’d set this business up.

So do you think this sounds like the business for you?

Anyone who sets up a new company should have a business plan. Ask yourself  “What is my ultimate goal and how am I going to achieve it?” Think organised, efficient and productive. 

A strong plan is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business.

So, here’s how I’d make sure you scale those heights of success. 

 

Choice of business structure

As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company.

I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.

This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.

Have you thought of a memorable company name yet? Use our FREE Company Name Checker Tool and find your business name. You’ll be searching through a huge database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names.

 

If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice, we can walk you through this in a clear and concise way you will understand. 

 

 

Business plan

Start by formulating a business plan. This will help to focus on delivering a clear message to your potential customers.

There are different types of business plans. (But you can use my 1 page business plan here) It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up this business.

 

How to market a start up scaffolding business.

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most buyers/potential clients for this service are going to find a scaffolding business using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.

Google knows that when someone is looking for a scaffolding service, they want to see results close to where they are located.

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.

 

 

If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a scaffolding business.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this , I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

 

So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is picking up that client and you’re missing out!

 

So how do you dominate Google search results for this business?

You have to optimise for the Google maps listing.
How do you do that? 

 

Follow these 10 simple steps to marketing a scaffolding business:

1. Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
2. Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.
3. Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business.
4. Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real customers on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into buyers!
5. Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to buy your service now. They show the client what they want to see
6. Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.
7. Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.
8. AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.
9. PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.
10. MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 
Most scaffolding businesses DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing  strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

 

Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your potential customers a “one click method” to message you straight from your websites – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

Still confused? We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Always ask for references and reviews on your website. This is so important for new customers looking for a reliable company. 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy client will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

 

 

Here are 8 great tips to help you market your scaffolding business effectively:

Promoting your business is crucial to attract new customers and grow your business. 

 

• Do your research:

Running a scaffolding business can be competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. Examine your competition’s website and online presence to get as much information as possible about them. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers. Be reliable. 

You must consider who your customers will be and where they will be coming from. Domestic clients, commercial or other trade specialists might be included. 

Can you offer bespoke and unique scaffolding design? Do you relish in the challenge of designing unconventional scaffolding for any type of project? Whether it’s one-of-a-kind scaffolding towers, access scaffolding, or completely customised scaffolding for a new construction, a niche business angle will greatly improve your chances of success. 

 

• Create a great company and domain name for your website

Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential customers. 

Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other companies. Our Company Name Search tool can help you out. Try it now!

 

 

We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers.

So instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

 

You will then have to register a domain name for your website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running.
Then use domain checker and let´s get you onto the world wide web!!  

 

 

• SEO

Search engine optimization is the art of getting your scaffolding website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business. 

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

 

• Create a website

The site must also give lots more information about the services you offer, the area you cover and if relevant, any fixed rates you offer. They are also essential for contact purposes, bookings and enquiries. 

Here you can introduce yourself and give your experience and any relevant qualifications you have. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. 

 

And don’t forget to add all reviews and comments to your website – I can’t stress highly enough how important reviews are. 

We all rely on those Google reviews and recommendations when we need a service, product or trade, so make sure they are clearly visible on your site. 

Unsure where to start with a website? Just ask us. We can help you create a website that will attract new customers and boost your local marketability .

 

• Word of mouth is a powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated! 

A lot of your business will come from clients recommendations whether they are from DIY domestic clients who needed your services for exterior house painting, local event organisers for a concert stage in the park or the local council with an issue with an unsafe bridge! Make sure these reviews are on your website and monitored frequently.

 

• Design an eye-catching logo

Your logo is an important aspect of your brand identity, so it’s essential to design a logo that represents you and your business and can be used everywhere, including your workwear, van/lorry, business cards and leaflets. 

If you belong to a trade, being a member of a trade association is always an excellent way to show your professionalism. Make sure this is shown on ALL your marketing materials. The Scaffolding Association and the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation are both raising standards of safety and quality and offering advice and guidance in the trade.

 

• Use Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your scaffolding business. 

Shout out loud what makes your business unique! Whether it´s installing scaffolding for listed buildings or one-of-a-kind scaffolding towers! 

Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there. 

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your property scaffolding business and connect with potential customers. 

You can also create social media pages for your business and post regular updates, photos, and promotions to attract more customers. 

Running competitions on social media is a great way to create more business. Remember to make it simple and quick to enter.   

Decide what is the objective you´d like to achieve. 

If you want to – 

• Increase exposure = like and share your post to enter
• Gain followers = Follow and share to enter. Or, follow and tag a friend to enter.
• Collect email addresses = Click this link and enter your email.

Prizes can vary from vouchers at a local home interior store to half a day’s labour. Remember to contact/email all that entered, if feasible, and offer a discount for new work. Use what interaction you have generated to gain new clients and business!

There are many free social media contest/giveaway tools available to help you. 

 Create relationships with other businesses, maybe a gardening, painting or a building business would be mutually beneficial if you don’t cover those areas.

 

• Use apps

There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and receiving payment.  

Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly. 

We can easily help you decide what is relevant to you and your business

 

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your scaffolding business.

 

Other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading successfully.

As well as registering your company and preparing your business plan, you’ll need to….

Open a bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income, and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.

How about a  contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. 

You will need Insurance

There are lots of companies offering their services so have a good look around and take their advice. 

Public liability insurance is crucial to protect yourself and your customers, providing cover against injury or accidental damage to their property. 

If you employ someone Employers’ liability insurance is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you, 

Then there is insurance for your equipment and tools, protecting you from theft, damage and loss. 

Make sure your insurance company knows your vehicle is a works vehicle. And make sure your eye-catching logo and your contact details are prominently displayed!  

Some of your work may require a highway or pavement licence for scaffolding that is not on private land, these are available from the local council in the area you are working in. Price wise, they vary on the size of the scaffolding structure and the time period. Always apply for your licence well in advance of the work start date and make sure all licence requirements are met before you start. 

Do your homework and contact your local council and government websites for more details on other required licences.

 

Conclusion

Starting your own scaffolding business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay fit and active and meet new people. With property development continuing to grow, it is full of opportunities, you can keep it as a small enterprise or expand with time. 

You do need to have knowledge and experience, as running a scaffolding business is a specialist business. It can be a very technical job with high health and safety risks so adequate training is required for all employees involved in the business.

The scaffolding industry has seen many advancements in technology, such as lightweight and modular scaffolding systems, improved safety features and digital tools for project management and inventory control. Make sure you stay up to date with these new technologies as they can enhance your efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Continually educate yourself and your employees. 

It’s important to note that like any business, running a scaffolding company also comes with its challenges, such as managing costs, competition, and seasonal fluctuations. However, with passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, the rewards can far outweigh the difficulties, making it a highly rewarding endeavour.

 

So, before you take a notebook and pencil and start drafting your business plan, learn more by getting in touch.  Let’s get this business started!