HILLINGTON-based Scaffolding & Access Supplies’ adoption of 3D modelling and estimation technology is continuing to pay off, with the family business the recent recipient of an award for an innovative Dundee museum project.
Founded in 2017 by Kenneth Norris, the firm started out selling light access solutions before expanding into a wide range of scaffolding products and eventually into installing structures. The company’s reputation for tackling complex and highly technical projects has taken it as far afield as Poland and Lithuania.
Scaffolding & Access Supplies first introduced SMART Estimator to its operations in 2024. The software allows for detailed 3D models and drawings to be generated quickly, enabling for conceptual plans to be presented to clients. Precise material lists can also be created, alongside transport weights and calculated material and labour costs, which helps to provide accurate quotes.
“It gives the client confidence,” Jordan Norris, son of founder Kenneth and general manager at Scaffolding & Access Supplies, told Project Scotland. “The visual aspect of the CAD design really lets the client understand what the design and layout of the scaffolding is going to be. They can then pose questions back to us based on having that visual concept in front of them.”
The project at Dundee’s A-listed Verdant Works Museum secured SMART Scaffolder’s April Project of the Month accolade, with the awarding body dubbing it ‘not your everyday scaffolding project’ and praising the firm’s safety, stability, and efficiency throughout the works.
Scaffolding & Access Supplies designed, supplied, and installed the scaffold that provided access to the 19th century museum building – which remained open to the public throughout – to install solar panels on the roof.
“It’s a historic building, so there were additional considerations from that perspective,” MD Kenneth Norris added. “We had to qualify where the tie positions of the scaffolding was going to be; we had a fragile roof to consider, and we had to identify where legs were going to be placed in relation to a series of sky lights. We also had the top-level cantilever from the main access scaffolding inward across another set of skylights on the upper roof.”
The original design would have seen the loading bay in the museum’s courtyard, but following dialogue with the client, it was decided to move this to the car park – with staircase access to the scaffolding instead placed in the courtyard.
Scaffolding was delivered in phases, due to the limited access to the site amidst narrow streets and limited storage space. Materials were offloaded externally and brought to work areas with a pallet truck. SMART Estimator helped ensure accurate calculations of what was needed and when.
“We’re providing a solution rather than just a price for a scaffold,” Kenneth explained. “We’re trying to get closer to the client so that we can all be on the same page in terms of what the concept is going to be.”
The investment in SMART Estimator was made as part of an ongoing drive to upskill its own in-house team, as well as a desire to provide clients with better value for money and meet rigorous health and safety demands.
Particular appreciation for the technology is seen in the firm’s commercial operations. Many of the firm’s long-term clients have utilised Scaffolding & Access Supplies on commercial solar projects, ranging from car showrooms to historic buildings, and other large projects.
SMART Estimator allows the firm to detail the scaffold’s impact on customer areas as well as any potential disruption to parking areas, which has proven to be appreciated by name retail clients.
The remainder of 2026 will see a range of commercial and public sector jobs for Scaffolding & Access Supplies, as well as increasing focus on its drive to develop those already within the business.
