TWO new keynote speakers have been announced for ScaffEx24: James Butcher, executive director of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), and David Abraham, founder of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd.
Set to take place on November 29 in Belfast, ScaffEx24 is a free-to-attend event for industry professionals looking to gain insights, discover new innovations, and connect with thought leaders shaping the future of the scaffolding and construction sectors.
As executive director of strategy & operations at the National Federation of Builders (NFB), James Butcher is responsible for driving the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring its members thrive. James focuses on enhancing business performance and fostering ‘optimal’ conditions for contractors, helping them choose the best supply-side partners, reduce risk, and improve efficiency.
He contributed his expertise to several committees, including the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), the CITB Levy Strategy Committee, and chairing the CITB’s Sector Skills Plan for Heritage. He will speak in the ‘Meet the Buyer’ section at ScaffEx24, where he will share insights on how contractors can navigate the procurement process, manage relationships, and deliver better value and outcomes.
David Abraham, meanwhile, is a founding member of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, with over 40 years of experience in the scaffolding industry. Having started as a trainee scaffolder in 1983, Dave has held numerous roles, including site manager, health and safety consultant, CISRS instructor, and assessor.
His dedication to improving training standards has led to the creation of several programmes, including one aimed at providing opportunities for ex-offenders. His work was recognised by the NASC in 2023, when Fulcrum was awarded the Auxiliary Award for its training efforts. David will speak in the training section of the conference, discussing the critical importance of safety and skills development in the scaffolding industry.
