Agenda - day one

📆 Wednesday 17 September 2025

🌍 SEC Centre

📍 Meeting Academy

08:30 – Registration opens

Stop by our registration desk to pick up your name badge, then head into the breakout area to meet the PASMA team and enjoy coffee, speciality teas and water from our hydration station. There are plenty of seats and plug sockets if you find yourself having to send a few emails before we get started.

MEZZANINE 

09:30 – Annual members’ meeting

All PASMA members are warmly invited to attend our annual members’ meeting. Learn about PASMA’s activities over the past 12 months, hear from our committee chairs, meet our newest council and committee members, and ask your burning questions. Plus, see Steve Booker (Kentec) hand the role of PASMA chairman over to Charles Wright (Lakeside Industries).

M1 

10:00 - choose between training knowledge exchange and hire industry forum

Training member or instructor? 

Stay where you are! It’s time for the training knowledge exchange.

Hosted by Chris Smith (PASMA)

10:00 – Life as a freelance instructor

With Craig Gorton (Core Safety Training)

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a freelance instructor? Craig shares the highs, the challenges and the day-to-day reality of going solo. He’ll talk about how he got started, what makes freelance life different from being employed, and the important role freelancers play in the PASMA community. Expect honest insights, memorable moments and a few ideas for how instructors and training centres can work together even better.

M1 

10:15 – How I keep my CPD topped up 

With Richard Chapman (RSC Training)

CPD isn’t just a tick-box exercise – it’s how Richard keeps things fresh, relevant and rewarding as a PASMA instructor. In this session, he’ll share how he approaches professional development in a way that actually fits into real life, including the tools, events and habits he relies on to keep learning. If you’re not sure where to start with your own CPD, or want to swap ideas with a fellow instructor, this one’s for you.

M1 

10:30 – Mentoring the next generation of PASMA instructors 

With Greg Ball (One Call Training)

Mentoring is a vital part of how PASMA ensures new instructors are ready to deliver safe, high-quality training. Greg will explain what mentoring looks like, why it matters and how experienced instructors can support those just starting out. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or thinking about becoming a lead instructor yourself, this session lifts the lid on how we prepare new instructors for the classroom – and for the challenges ahead.

M1 

10:45 – Training is a service, not a commodity 

With Steve Booker (Kentec)

For Steve, delivering PASMA training isn’t about churning out certificates – it’s about providing a valuable, human-centred service. He’ll explain what that means in practice, why it matters for your business and your delegates, and how a service-first mindset can set you apart. Expect thoughtful insights, honest stories and a call to raise the bar.

M1 

 Part of the hire industry? 

Head over to M2-4 for the hire industry forum (manufacturers are encouraged to join this conversation).

Host TBC

10:00 – Where to find sales opportunities in PASMA guidance

With Andy Davie (AREA Access)

PASMA’s pavement licence guidance isn’t just about compliance, it’s a roadmap to smarter sales. Andy shows how understanding the rules positions you as a trusted advisor and opens up new opportunities. From recommending the right equipment to upselling safety packages, he’ll share practical tips for turning guidance into growth. If your customers work near pedestrians, this talk will help you ask the right questions and offer the right solutions.

M2-4

10:20 – The secret to a successful audit

With George Lopez (PASMA)

Audits don’t have to be daunting. George explains how PASMA audits are designed to support, not catch out, hire centres. He’ll share what auditors look for, common pitfalls to avoid and examples of great practice. You’ll also hear how to prepare, what to do with your audit report and how a successful audit can benefit your business. It’s a practical, reassuring guide to getting the most out of the process.

M2-4

10:40 – Give better advice to your customers with the PASMA knowledge academy

With Marcus Gunning (ET Hire) and Karen O’Neill (PASMA)

Want your team to give better advice at the hire desk? Marcus and Karen introduce the PASMA knowledge academy – a new training resource designed to boost confidence and support safe working at height. They’ll explain what’s included, how to enrol and the real-world benefits for your business and your customers. Expect practical tips, feedback from early adopters and maybe even a demo of the difference it can make.

M2-4

11:00 – Morning break

Coffee, speciality teas, water and snacks (mini pastries, muffins, flapjacks and fresh fruits) are served on the mezzanine. Come and say hello to the PASMA team, plus meet our exhibitors from the Test & Research Centre and the No Falls Foundation.

MEZZANINE

11:30 - the training knowledge exchange and hire industry forum continue

Training knowledge exchange 

11:30 – When delegates have lost their fear of heights 

With Richard Mands (Richard Mands Safety & Training Solutions)

What happens when working at height becomes too familiar? Richard explores the risks of complacency and how instructors can help delegates maintain a healthy respect for heights. Drawing on personal experience and real-life examples, he’ll explain how to strike the right balance – keeping people alert without making them afraid. It’s a thought-provoking look at human behaviour, risk and the instructor’s role in keeping safety front of mind.

M1

11:50 – Setting up a new training centre in Glasgow: my first year 

With Tony Warren (Highreach Training)

Tony shares the story of launching a PASMA training centre in Glasgow, offering a relatable look at the challenges and triumphs of his first year. From finding premises to navigating audits and building a customer base, his experience will resonate with anyone working in training. Along the way, he’ll reflect on the local demand for PASMA training, the shift from employee to business owner and what he’s learned about running a successful centre.

M1

12:10 – Getting 10,000 delegates to use TowerSure 

With Darren Verschuren (HSS)

Rolling out TowerSure across a national training operation is no small feat. Darren shares how HSS has got thousands of delegates on board, what worked (and what didn’t), and how PASMA supported the process. He’ll offer practical tips, resources and lessons learned – plus a look at what’s next. If you’re still getting to grips with TowerSure or want to improve how you use and promote it, this talk is packed with useful insights.

M1

Hire industry forum 

11:30 – What PASMA’s compatibility protocol means for rental businesses

With Jason Carlton (PASMA)

Jason breaks down PASMA’s compatibility protocol in plain English, explaining what it is, why it matters and how it affects rental businesses. He’ll cover recent updates, how it supports free and fair competition, and what manufacturers must do to prove compatibility. With insights from Speedy, UTS and others, this talk is a must for anyone responsible for hiring out towers and ensuring components work safely together.

M2-4

12:00 – Hiring towers: a client’s perspective

With Sam Miller (Mace)

What do clients really expect when they hire towers? Sam shares how towers are used on Mace sites, what they look for in a supplier, and the challenges they face. From expert advice to sustainability and safety, he’ll highlight what matters most – and where things sometimes go wrong. It’s a valuable opportunity for manufacturers and hire centres to hear directly from a client and explore how to work together more effectively.

M2-4

12:30 – Lunch

Lunch is served on the mezzanine. Come and say hello to the PASMA team, plus meet our exhibitors from the Test & Research Centre and the No Falls Foundation.

MEZZANINE

 Manufacturer spotlight

After lunch, all members will come back together again to shine the spotlight on our manufacturers.

Hosted by Steve Booker (PASMA chairman)

 

13:30 – How to design a tower

With Chris Bowman (Euro Towers)

Chris takes us inside the design process for mobile access towers, showing how customer needs, safety standards and engineering principles all come together. From initial sketches to final instruction manuals, he’ll explain the decisions that shape every tower. Expect insights into legislation, standards and calculations. Whether you’re in hire or training, this is a rare chance to see how towers are designed with safety and usability in mind.

M1

14:00 – Manufacturing a tower: from raw material to completed product

With Dave Elson (Werner)

Ever wondered what goes into making a mobile access tower? Dave walks us through the full manufacturing journey – from sourcing materials to final quality checks. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production line, meet the people involved and learn how planning and logistics keep everything running smoothly. It’s a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and coordination that go into every tower you hire, sell or train on.

M1

14:30 – Certification: how towers are proven safe, stable and compliant

With Charlie Wright (Lakeside Industries)

Charlie lifts the lid on tower certification, showing what happens behind the scenes to prove towers are safe and compliant. He’ll explain the in-house testing process, how certification works from start to finish, and why ongoing surveillance matters. If you’ve ever wondered what gives a tower its stamp of approval – or how to spot one that’s missing it – this talk will give you the answers.

M1

15:00 – Afternoon break

Coffee, speciality teas, water and snacks (brownies, cakes and cookies) are served on the mezzanine. Come and say hello to the PASMA team, plus meet our exhibitors from the Test & Research Centre and the No Falls Foundation.

MEZZANINE

15:30 – TBC

TBC

M1

16:00 – Q&A 

An open forum for members to pose their questions to our speakers or the PASMA team.

M1

16:30 – Closing speech

With Steve Booker (PASMA chairman)

A short closing speech.

M1

Agenda - day one (continued)

📆 Wednesday 17 September 2025

🌍 Radisson RED Glasgow

📍 Red Sky Bar

19:30 – PASMA members’ mixer

As the sun goes down, we’ll see you in the rooftop bar for a relaxed evening of pizza, drinks and stunning views over the River Clyde. The night begins with a civic reception, kindly hosted by the Lord Provost and Glasgow City Council. 

After that, our chairman Steve Booker takes the reins for an informal night of good conversation and great company. No table plan, no dress code – just good times.

RED SKY BAR

Agenda - day two

📆 Thursday 18 September 2025

🌍 Radisson RED Glasgow and Highreach Training

Booked onto the CPD session?

Here’s your itinerary: 

09:00 – Bus leaves Radisson RED

Bus departs from the main entrance of the Radisson RED. 

09:30 – CPD session begins

CPD session takes place at Highreach Training.

13:00 – Networking lunch back at the Radisson RED

We’ll return in time for lunch.
 

HIGHREACH TRAINING

And for everyone else… 

Here’s what’s happening back at the Radisson RED:

09:30 – Hirer/dealer committee meeting

Chaired by Martin Doran (Astley Hire)

The committee discuss current projects, share feedback and help shape the future of tower hire.

STUDIO 1

09:30 – Hire & assembly committee meeting

Chaired by Ian Hartrick (ET Hire)

The committee discuss current projects, share feedback and help shape the future of hire & assembly.

STUDIO 2

09:30 – Training committee meeting

Chaired by Gillian Rutter (Skyward Access Training)

The committee discuss current projects, share feedback and help shape the future of PASMA training.

STUDIO 9

11:00 – Morning break

TBC

OUI BAR

12:00 – Workshop: transforming training with extended reality

Hosted by Simulanis, an award-winning XR technology company

Discover how AR, VR, MR and XR technologies can enhance training by creating immersive, risk-free learning environments. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll experience a virtual reality course that simulates work-at-height scenarios, helping learners build skills and confidence without the danger of a fall.

STUDIO 1

11:30 – Technical committee meeting

Chaired by Charles Wright (Lakeside Industries)

The committee discuss current projects, share feedback and help shape the future of tower manufacturing.

STUDIO 2

11:30 – Workshop: TowerSure for hire & assembly members

Hosted by Maarten de Vries and Sarah Nunn (PASMA)

Are you a hire & assembly member? Have you heard that TowerSure can streamline the way you plan towers, but don’t know where to start? This workshop is for you. Learn how it works, hear about the newest features and get your questions answered. Hosted by Maarten de Vries and Sarah Nunn (PASMA).

STUDIO 9

13:00 – Networking lunch

Lunch is served.

OUI BAR

14:00 – Workshop: transforming training with extended reality

Hosted by Simulanis, an award-winning XR technology company

Discover how AR, VR, MR and XR technologies can enhance training by creating immersive, risk-free learning environments. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll experience a virtual reality course that simulates work-at-height scenarios, helping learners build skills and confidence without the danger of a fall.

STUDIO 1

14:00 – Council meeting

Chaired by Charles Wright (Lakeside Industries)

Council members discuss current projects, share feedback and help shape the future of PASMA.

STUDIO 9

15:30 – Event ends

See you next time!