Polski
Scaffolding on a Roll: A £207M UK Contract and Rising Construction Prices in Poland
This week highlights two sides of the same coin: on one hand, the massive scale of public procurement for scaffolding services in the UK, and on the other, accelerating growth in construction prices and wages in Poland. We look at what both stories mean for the scaffolding, formwork, and construction site equipment industry.
01 · Public Contracts
Eight Scaffolding Firms Win a £207 Million Framework Contract
The UK scaffolding market has just received a solid injection of stability. Eight companies have been selected for a four-year framework agreement organized by Efficiency East Midlands, with a total estimated value of as much as £207.24 million [1]. The contract covers the Midlands, England, and Wales, and its scope is broad — spanning scaffold erection and dismantling, periodic inspections, and structural design. The contracting bodies are public institutions: hospitals, schools, and social housing providers. The agreement takes effect from 21 September 2026.
This is a great example of just how large and predictable public procurement in the scaffolding sector can be when local authorities opt for multi-year framework agreements instead of one-off tenders. For Polish companies in the industry, it's an interesting point of reference — showing the scale a scaffolding services market can reach when public buyers commit to long-term infrastructure investment planning.
02 · Prices and Market
Construction Prices Rising at Their Fastest Pace in Two Years
Meanwhile, in Poland, the construction sector is facing a clear acceleration in costs. According to GUS (Statistics Poland) data for August 2026, construction and assembly production prices rose 6.2% year-on-year — the highest growth rate in over two years [2]. Specialist works are seeing the steepest increases, with growth reaching 7% y/y. Construction wages are also climbing, now averaging around PLN 9,162 gross per month. Interestingly, this is happening alongside an acceleration in the number of completed dwellings, which rose 4.5% y/y.
While the UK framework contract shows just how much money a well-organized public procurement market for scaffolding services can generate, the Polish GUS data serves as a reminder of the flip side — rising costs of carrying out investment projects. The increase in prices for specialist works and construction wages feeds directly into investors' budgets, which in turn affects spending on equipment rental, site logistics, and equipment — precisely the areas at the heart of our industry.
Summary
Summary
The scaffolding and construction site equipment market is developing along two tracks: on one hand, large, multi-year public contracts are stabilizing contractors' businesses; on the other, rising costs of labor and wages are forcing investors to plan their spending with ever greater precision. Both of these trends will be a hot topic of conversation at the upcoming edition of Plac Budowy Expo – Targi Rusztowań i Wyposażenia Placów Budowy. Stay tuned for more industry roundups, and be sure to visit the trade fair, where we'll discuss how to prepare your company for rising costs and growing competition for major contracts.
Invitation
Want to know how major scaffolding contracts and rising construction costs affect your business? Visit Plac Budowy Expo – Targi Rusztowań i Wyposażenia Placów Budowy and talk to equipment suppliers and market experts. It's the place where the industry exchanges knowledge on public procurement, pricing, and construction site logistics.
Plac Budowy Expo 2026