We are constantly told that the UK demolition industry is suffering from a skills shortage; that we need to find another 50,000 people each year for the next decade to meet workload demands; that we need to attract more young people into the sector. So why is the industry giving the run-around to willing workers?
People
A tale of two pities
Goodbye to Paul Johnson
It has been announced that the funeral of Bradley Demolition’s Paul Johnson will be held at Charnock Richard Crematorium on Friday 7 October at 2.30 pm followed by a reception at Shaw Hill Golf Club in Whittle-le-Woods. Those who are unable to attend the service are welcome to join the reception from 4 pm. I…Read moreRead more
RIP Paul Johnson
“The demolition industry has lost one of its true stars”. That was a comment from one of the closest industry friends of Bradley Demolition’s Paul Johnson who sadly passed away this weekend. Johnson was the founder of Bradley Demolition and had been the chairman of the North West region of the National Federation of Demolition…Read moreRead more
Demolition man jailed for sex offences
A man who molested and raped an underage teenage girl after her school friend had been in contact with him through a website was jailed on 1 September. James McAllister, who is employed by NFDC member company Daltons Demolitions, left his victim in pain after an initial encounter when she said he knew she was…Read moreRead more
Demolition man narrowly avoids jail
A demolition man drove into oncoming traffic on one of Liverpool’s busiest roads and rammed a police van during a 30-minute chase with officers. Despite this, and despite a previous conviction for five offences of criminal damage, using violence to secure entry to a premises and assault in 2015, he was handed a 14-month prison…Read moreRead more
End of an era….
The exodus from the National Federation of Demolition Contractors continues with the shock announcement that former president and honorary life vice president David Darsey has resigned. In this exclusive video, we look back at some professional and personal highlights of one of the most influential figures to hold office in the NFDC. You can also…Read moreRead more
David Darsey departs
The exodus from the National Federation of Demolition Contractors continues with the shock announcement that former president David Darsey has resigned. Darsey, an honorary life vice president of the NFDC, follows David Keane, Holly Price and Paul Johnson through the NFDC exit. But his resignation is perhaps the most significant and far-reaching of the recent…Read moreRead more
Sinclair crowned to the sound of bagpipes
Last week’s San Diego Convention was the first time the US’ National Demolition Association had gathered since the pandemic and it was an incredible success that carried with it more than a whiff of heather, haggis and Scots whisky. The success of the event owed much to the efforts of Convention Chairman, Scott Laird, a…Read moreRead more
Sinclair to collect another accolade…
Demolition veteran David Sinclair has been selected by the National Demolition Association Awards Committee for the 2022 NDA Lifetime Achievement Award. Sinclair is a third generation member of a family that has been involved in the demolition industry since 1917. His son William carries on the family tradition with his international demolition company Safedem Limited…Read moreRead more
Demolition man shot dead…
News is reaching us – somewhat belatedly – that former UK demolition man Robert Williamson has been shot and killed. Williamson had previously worked with E. Rankin Ltd and Matthews Group (Sussex) but it is understood that he left both companies in less than amicable circumstances. According to local newspaper reports, Williamson sustained a fatal…Read moreRead more
