Benchmark Scaffolding is delighted to announce that our Managing Director and co-founder, Rob West, has been awarded the NASC Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – one of the industry’s highest honours.
This award recognises individuals whose dedication, leadership, and vision have transformed the scaffolding sector. With over 40 years of service, Rob’s contribution to safety, workforce development, innovation, and professionalism has left a lasting mark on our industry.
Rob’s journey began at just 17, when he trained at Bircham Newton Civil Engineering College. By 18, he was managing projects for SGB, and by 25 he had become Depot Manager. In 1995, with a clear mission to raise standards in scaffolding, Rob co-founded Benchmark Scaffolding. From a small London office above a chemist, he has grown the business into a national company employing 300 staff and delivering more than £400m of projects over the past 30 years.
Rob has always believed in putting people first. His leadership philosophy is rooted in fairness, accountability, and growth. He launched the Beckton Training Centre in 2010 to upskill workers for the London Olympics and Westfield projects, created Benchmark Hoists, and ensured the company became an early adopter of the London Living Wage.
Through apprenticeships, NVQ pathways, and mentoring, Rob has built a culture of opportunity. His impact can be seen in success stories across the business from individual careers to industry recognition. Benchmark Scaffolding has celebrated awards including NASC Apprentice of the Year 2024 and the NASC Health & Safety Award in 2021, alongside wider recognition for technical excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
Rob has been a consistent advocate for safety long before it became industry standard. From pioneering site-specific risk assessments and behavioural safety initiatives to adopting digital audits and real-time reporting, his leadership has ensured Benchmark Scaffolding maintains low accident rates and award-winning practices.
Rob’s influence extends far beyond Benchmark Scaffolding. He has contributed to NASC committees, the Deloitte Construction Market Survey, and the Bank of England’s Decision Makers Panel. He has promoted collaboration across clients, competitors, and industry bodies ensuring to always share knowledge openly to raise standards sector-wide.
Respected for his integrity, humility, and fairness, Rob is known for being just as comfortable on site with scaffolders as he is in the boardroom. He remains hands-on, approachable, and committed to personally solving challenges when needed.
On behalf of everyone at Benchmark Scaffolding, we congratulate Rob on this well-deserved honour. His Lifetime Achievement Award reflects not only his remarkable career, but also his unwavering belief that safety, integrity, and people come first.
