How CELF Sparked Change
Industrial Site Services (ISS) began in 1991 when Scott and Shani Forsyth set out to provide safe, reliable access solutions for New Zealand’s heavy industry. Now led by their son Bruce and his wife Nicky, the company has grown into a trusted name in scaffolding, rigging, rope access, and engineering for major industrial projects nationwide.
At its heart, ISS is a family story, built on resilience, leadership, and care. Bruce has carried forward the strong foundations his parents laid, while Nicky has helped shape ISS into a people-focused, innovative business that values its team as much as its work.
Turning Self-Belief into Action and Lasting Change
When Nicky joined ISS over 17 years ago, her role was largely behind the scenes, delivering expertise in HR, IT and communications. She often worked alone, feeling she could contribute more but unsure how. Fast forward to today: Nicky runs ISS’s main office, oversees the entire financial portfolio, leads a team, and works closely with operations. It’s been, in her words, “a hell of a journey.”
The CELF Effect
Nicky credits the Community and Enterprise Leadershp Foundation (CELF) Leadership Programme as a turning point.
A lot changed for Nicky over this time including greater confidence, connections, and collaboration.
“When I left the course, I felt like I hadn’t learnt a thing… turns out I did,” she laughs.
The learnings took time to settle and then they became the foundation for bold moves, including stepping up to lead ISS’s core functions.
CELF gave Nicky:
Confidence to put her hand up for a bigger role, knowing she had support from those closest to her.
Connections with a network of peers and facilitators who continue to support her.
Collaboration skills that transformed how she engages with her team and the wider business.
Her CELF folder still sits on her desk as a quick reference for leadership challenges.
“Never underestimate the value of good notes,” she says. “They need to make sense in two years’ time.”
Under Nicky’s guidance, ISS has pioneered inclusive employment practices. Partnering with ConneXu and Vertical Horizonz, the company developed a tailored qualification for differently abled workers, which was an industry first. This initiative reflects the Forsyth philosophy that success isn’t just measured in projects completed, but in lives impacted.
Nicky’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion has extended beyond ISS. She shared the company’s story at the “Thriving People, Thriving Industry Summit”, inspiring others to see inclusion as a driver of innovation.
The Forsyths’ dedication to the community runs deep. While Bruce continues to lead ISS’s technical excellence, Nicky focuses on governance and education, having served on the Board of Trustees at Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist School for over 13 years and continues to support today.
Nicky's participation CELF's Leadership Programme, led ISS to sponsoring a community leader, Karen Scott on the programme. This sponsorship exemplifies their belief that "It’s leadership that lifts others - whether in industry or in life" and their commitment to positive social impact through leadership.
The Forsyth Legacy
ISS is more than scaffolding and steel. It’s a story of family, resilience, innovation and leadership that evolves with the times. Bruce continues to build the foundation and together, they prove that when you combine operational excellence with empathy and vision, you can also help build stronger, more robust communities.
