April May 2016 by Helen Wright

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE SPECIFY is the official publication for the Construction Employers Federation

APRIL/MAY 2016

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PAT BURNS Editor

Private Housing improving; Infrastructure activity flat

SIOBHAN McGUINNESS Sales Manager HELEN WRIGHT Art Editor STUART GRAY Production Manager SUBSCRIPTIONS: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50) PUBLISHERS: James & Gladys Greer

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orthern Ireland’s construction sector continues to significantly lag the rest of the UK, according to the latest RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey, with the absence of a pick-up in infrastructure activity the key source of concern. Northern Ireland trailed all other UK regions in the first quarter of the year in terms of overall workloads (+13 percent against a UK average of +28 percent), as well as a range of other key indicators, such as expectations for workloads, employment, and profit margins. Private house building was the one relative bright spot for the Northern Ireland construction sector, according to the latest survey, with a net balance of +26 percent of surveyors reporting a higher level of activity in this area during the quarter. In contrast, a net balance of 0 percent of Northern Ireland respondents reported growth in infrastructure workloads – making Northern Ireland the only region of the UK not to report growth in infrastructure activity.

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RICS Construction Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Jim Sammon, says: “On the positive side, the latest survey points to overall growth in activity. But unfortunately it is relatively weak growth and it is coming off a very low base. The main concern is the ongoing lack of infrastructure activity, with no growth in infrastructure workloads reported for the tenth consecutive quarter. The reality is that Northern Ireland simply cannot achieve the kind of economic growth that we want without investing significantly in our infrastructure. So we need to see a step-change in Northern Ireland’s approach to infrastructure investment.” Michael McCord, Construction Partner, Tughans Solicitors, commented on the number of Northern Ireland companies now working outside the province: “Overall, local construction businesses remain heavily dependent on work outside of Northern Ireland, according to the survey. With construction activity in GB still relatively strong, those companies working outside the region will have some cause for optimism regarding the outlook. We also see

ongoing evidence of increasing house-building activity locally. However, it is the lack of a pick-up in infrastructure workloads that will cause construction firms most concern. It is vitally important that all efforts are made to invest in and improve our infrastructure to support the development of the local economy.” All local respondents to the survey said that they are doing at least some of their work outside of Northern Ireland; 20 percent saying that at least 50 percent of their work is outside Northern Ireland, and one in ten saying that between 75 and 100 percent of their work is outside of Northern Ireland. In terms of the 12-month outlook, sentiment amongst Northern Ireland surveyors in relation to workloads remained broadly unchanged from the last quarter. Employment expectations however softened, and expectations for profit margins remained weak. With the local elections coming up shortly followed by the EU Referendum in June, it could be later this year before Northern Ireland sees a major improvement in infrastructure spending.

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APRIL/MAY 2016

contents... 6 DIGEST

MJM announce a major redevelopment at Shackleton Barracks in Derry city and a new luxury train contract at Mivan.

9 DIGEST

Construction industry professionals mark a major milestone at Stormont.

12 RICS AWARDS

Thirty-two projects from Northern Ireland are in the running for the top spot in the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors awards.

14 DIGEST:

A £29million redevelopment at Belfast’s Waterfront has just been completed.

19 HEALTH & SAFETY: Be safe with Andy Access and Hugh Hazard!

26 COMPANY PROFILE:

The team from HSS are going HIRE than ever!

DIGEST:

Photos from the Chartered Institute of Building annual branch dinner.

DIGEST:

The Finance Minister visits the QMAC site at the Heritage Centre in Enniskillen.

36 TBC:

What TBC Conversions can do for your business.

42 CITB:

The Leaders in Construction members attend their first workshop on ‘Leading Change for Growth.’.

58 INTERVIEW:

Specify talks to Bill Gowdy, Director of Engineering Procurement at NI Water.

20| Industry Training Services

Industry Training Services Celebrates Grand Opening of New Centre

County Armagh Health and Safety Training company, which specialises in training for Construction, Telecoms, Gas, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors, has relocated to a larger, purpose built training centre. Due to further growth during 2015, a move to a new facility was necessary for the company.

Industry Training Services which was set up 15 years ago has opened a new 10 acre training facility at Derryneskan Road, Portadown. Brendan Crealey, Managing Director of Industry Training Services said: “We are delighted with our new larger purpose built centre which caters to the needs of our clients. Our new centre offers a spacious layout with better facilities and it’s in a great location, just off the M1 Motorway. “ The company, set up in 2000 as a Traffic Management and Street Works training centre now offers a vast amount of different courses from Supervisory and Management to Plant Training, Confined Spaces and First Aid training, see their courses at www.industrytrainingservices.com. The new facility encompasses: • 2000 sqft reception/office space • 4 spacious training rooms with capacity for 80 candidates • 6000 sqft indoor training facility • Covered Street Works training facility

• Confined Spaces training facility • Large plant and machinery training area • Scaffolding and working at heights training area • Real life work environment for first aid training • Canteen facility They celebrated their grand opening in January, guests had a tour of the new training facilities, got the chance to speak to their exhibitors from Northern Ireland Safety Group, ARCO, NPORS and CSR, experienced a hands-on first aid demonstration, as well as attempt a digger challenge. Well done to Jack Salt and Laura Gilmore both from Haffey’s Sports Grounds the winners of the Digger Challenge who won Rushmere shopping centre vouchers. Brendan said” We were thrilled to have such a great opportunity to interact with our clients and look forward to providing continued innovative training & development solutions”. Some of their clients include Lagan Construction Services, Farrans, McNicholas Construction, John Graham Construction, British Telecom and Magellan Aerospace. They offer awarding body accreditations including IOSH, CPCS, CSR, Street Works, LANTRA and NPORS they also recently gained a new accreditation to deliver CABWI Confined Space 6150 Awards. Before any organisation can deliver CABWI qualifications they have to meet exacting standards which are confirmed by the awarding bodies external verifier. Brendan said “The team at ITS have many years experience successfully delivering qualifications to a wide range of customers and we are extremely pleased that we were able to demonstrate to CABWI that robust systems are in place at ITS to provide quality accredited training”. Industry Training Services welcome anyone interested in their services to contact them to discuss your needs, a tour for anyone interested in seeing their fantastic new facilities can also be arranged.

Industry Training Services Page 20-21

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Latchways urges industry to take fall protection to the next level

8 GBS Roofing

Barry Mairs, MD, GBS Roofing

Page 22-23

14 BASSETTS

Alan Wright, MD of Bassetts

40 FLEET FINANCIAL

calorgas.ie

Specify talks to Damian Campbell, Sales Manager, Fleet Financial

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MJM unveils plan forofjobs Harvey Group Group acquires Solmatix as part 5 year growth plan in UK and Ireland. and investment at Shackleton site NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists Specialist fit-out company Newtownabbey-based MJM Group has company, agreed a deal M&E services toHarvey buy theGroup, formerhas military base acquired atNorthern BallykellyIreland in Co Londonderry renewable asenergy part ofspecialists, a major investment Solmatix plan that will take the company Renewables in a move the into new markets. companies say will transform MJMrenewable Group plansenergy to create over the sector 100 in the short termand on the in jobs Northern Ireland act as aacre springboard further 621.5 site and willfor provide a expansion into the multirange of facilities benefitting the local million pound UK and Ireland community. renewable energy markets. Owned by Brian McConville The acquisition,inforNewry, an MJM and headquartered sum, will bring to 110 hasundisclosed become renowned for the the number of people employed refurbishment of cruise liners, ferries, directly Harvey Group in yachts andbyallthe kinds of high end public Northern Ireland and Great Britain. and private buildings. The company of £30 million plansWith to usea turnover the new site to extend Harvey Group itsand offerover into80thestaff, private jet market. has overQuinn, 30 years’ experience Jarlath MJM’s Group Chief in the design, installation and Executive said: maintenance of building services “We will endeavour to develop the within every conceivable kind of building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahAnne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

site company by establishing a number of the has grown to achieve a new business on the turnover of £6ventures million, with 30 site staff such as a facility refurbish and operating from itstoNutt’s Corner fit out private jets as well as having premises. a specialist fabrication business on As a result of the deal, Solmatix the continue Shackelton and therefore will to site operate as an creating significant employment in autonomous and independent the local area. company within Harvey Group “Other business venturesdirector under Brian Harvey, managing of Harvey Group, said by there was serious consideration us are athe perfect fit between creation of one ofthe thetwo largest organisations. solar panel plants in Europe with have beenofplanning to the“We development a 60MW grow Solar our Farmrenewables at a cost ofinvolvement £60m. for“In some time, MJM eitherGroup organically addition could or through the acquisition of an also continue to facilitate the established player. worked use of the site by Having film crews with Solmatix Renewables on and would accommodate other abusiness numberproposals of contracts, fromwe’d interested always impressed with parties been to help further develop their engineering rigour the site to help achieve and its full professionalism. In fact, there seemed potential.” to Brian be a natural synergy McConville the between Group our two companies in terms of what we do and how we do it. I approached Richard Bell about a year ago to float the idea of our companies coming together, but only if there was a good fit. After careful consideration we both agreed that this would indeed be mutually

Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group).

as great news for Solmatix, its beneficial. From my perspective, customers, suppliers and staff. having Solmatix as part of Harvey MJM Group Chief Executive Jarlath Quinn, Group Chairman Brian McConville and Group many plans respects, it’s100 a case Group gives us a level ofMcConville expertiseannounce the “In Executive Assistant Naoimh company’s to create jobs on thewould site of the former Shackleton military of ‘business as usual’. However, in that have taken us years to base at Ballykelly. real terms, being part of this larger acquire otherwise. Chairman our Ballykelly there least 1,000 organisation willwill givebeusataccess to “Harveyadded: Group“We and believe Solmatix proposal clearly stated our initial jobs on this site once it isfinancial fully enhanced technical skills, share similar values, by which I mean plancommitment was to createtoa professionalism, 100 jobs on developedand as the opportunities resources purchasing power.that our site however it is my vision that at it will present are enormous. ” Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to the very highest standards, and the importance we place on treating our customers, our suppliers and our staff with courtesy and consideration.” Richard Bell, the founder and managing director of Solmatix Renewables described the acquisition

to greater growth and investment within our operations, as well as more jobs and job security. It’s a win-win relationship that’s good for our whole organisation, as well as the economy of Northern Ireland. “

world’s most famous trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman. It purchased the 10 carriages and locomotive for the Grand Hibernian fromcontract Irish Railwith last Randox, year. one of this Mivan, which is owned by Brian Northern Ireland’s most dynamic McConville, who also owns and exciting businesses on aMJM local Group, waslevel. chosen to transform and global Through the quality theour carriages intothe 20 dedication stylish en-suite of work and and cabins, two dining cars and an professionalism of our team TAL has observation carover at itsthe world-class steadily grown last 34 years production facilityaward in Antrim. The and this contract reinforces interior design carriagesinwill the strength of of ourthe expertise the reflect Dublin’s Georgian Architecture, healthcare sector. ” with taken from the Irish Theinspiration project will be delivered landscape. to BIM level 2 in partnership A the teamdesign of 40team craftsmen with Ostickfrom and Mivan will undertake 35,000 Williams Architects, Rainey & hours Best, of workConsulting, to prepareDelap the train for its Doran & Waller inaugural journey fromand Dublin on the Consulting Engineers Charles 9th of August, 2016. Hutchison Consulting. Belmond said that building the Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing

company’s 7th luxury train to exacting standards required cutting edge technology mixed with traditional skills. “We chose to work with Mivan notatonly for their extensive“The Director Randox commented: experience but haveScience also shared development of they Randox our passion vision fortoBelmond Park is core and to our plans create Grand Hibernian fromtothe outset. It innovative diagnostics, improve is very important to Belmond that manufacturing efficiency to export we work with local experts and high-value healthcare capabilities to craftsmen to create truly authentic world markets. This astate-of-the-art train that will reflects the spirit of the premises become a centre of countries through which it will travel,” cutting-edge research, development said diagnostic Gary Franklin, Managingcovering Director and manufacture, of Belmondsuch Trains Cruises. conditions as & cancer, stroke and Brian McConville acquired Mivan a heart disease. We will also provide in early 2014 and with support from significant boost to the local economy Invest NI over the past two years through new job creation. We very the business has grown its workforce much look forward to working with to 110 Over £1m has been TAL on people. this initial contract to deliver invested in the business since we the the high quality infrastructure new team require. ” took ownership of Mivan.

A first for Northern Ireland as Mivan secures luxury train contract

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park production of Randox’s pioneering medical diagnostic products and will also include associated administrative functions. The works are the first phase of a major capital expenditure project by Randox to develop the former Massereene Army Barracks into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a futuristic R&D and manufacturing Neil Ward, CEO and Brian McConville, owner of Mivan WItH a reputation for The award-winning, on boardfacility. Belmond Grand Hibernian as work begins on fit out of Ireland’s first luxury sleeper excellence in constructing highthe £2.5m international biotechnology firm, train. quality projects, tAL Limited unveiled its plans for an innovative has been awarded a significant Antrim construction and launch thisacre year,site offering 4 hub on later the 43 earlier2,this contract (£3.1m) global fit out firm Mivanby has been and 6 night itineraries from Dublin year. medical company awardeddiagnostics the £2.5m contract through some the of the most scenic Welcoming announcement, Randox. to fit out Ireland’s first luxury parts of Hughes, the Republic of Ireland Damien Director of TALand This initial contract is for the sleeper train. Northern Ireland. “We are Limited commented: construction of a new facility for Belmond Grand Hibernian will Belmond of the delighted to operates have beensome awarded

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20/08/2014 16:45

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CDE Global size of north america office New Rooftopdoubles Solar PV Systems are set to save Newry company almost £1 million applications in a variety of sectors; construction, recruits.” recycling, mining, specialist industrial sands and Joel Prince, general manager of CDE Global environmental. The regional office network has in North Carolina, said: “At this point there are a presence in Kolkata (India), Sao Paulo (Brazil) eight of us working in the office made up of2,130 investment in them. helping to offset more than One of Northern Ireland’s and of Cary (North America).The company has opted for business development design tonnes executives of CO2 in and theirsenior lifespan. a 100% leading suppliers building Brendan McGurgan, managing director of engineers. We really value a blend of technical and Ann Morgan, CEO of Murdock fully-funded scheme which means materials, tools and DIY CDE Global, said: “The size of the market across commercial talent and we have been fortunate Builders’ Merchants said: “We are that in return for a 25-year lease on products is set to make cost all sectors makes North the America a continent find that by working with Virginia Tech, local always looking for ways toaimprove roof space, Kingspan ESBtodesigns, savings of almost £1 million, where there is a significant opportunity for the university. and innovate at Murdock’s. It installs and maintains the systems. thanks to the installation of company to target and, while it is competitive, “It was important that we continued the ethos made complete sense for us to take The electricity generated by them is new, solar electricity systems at The CDE Global team based in North Carolina we believe that our people, withtoour of the CDE headquarters in Cookstown ourfullyadvantage of the KingspaninESB thenalong supplied Murdock Builders’ five of its outlets. chain and efficientatnature of than office North funded Carolina,option so of on thesolar eightPV of and us make Merchants lower rates the ingrid. Kingspan ESB supply has installed a the energy CDE Global, which has its headquarters our products, apart. Achieving currently in the immediate office four savings are from forNorthern the business. new PV systems, totalling total of 898 rooftop solar PV will set CDEThe in Cookstown, recently announced that significantat growth in market233kW, share inwill thegenerate US and more than Ireland from delighted America. The local “We’re to be using 4 and four are panelsitfor Murdock’s its outlets has doubled its presence in North America, Canada will form a major part of our global growth community also shares many similarities new technology which iswith helping us million kilowatt hours (kWh) of green in Newry, Warrenpoint, Banbridge, with the creation of four new jobs. Newtownardsstrategy to 2020 and we look forwardduring to realising Northern so it was natural fit for our base operate in aamore environmentally electricity their 25 year lifetimesIreland and Derry. The company says this investment is a its full potential in the coming years. to be here. ” friendly way our new PV and over that time, Murdock’s will make Murdock’s will make savings from Pictured left to rightofare: Gerry Conway, demonstration their commitment to the “There are several reasons why we chose Cary Mr Prince added: “There is a strong tradition panels will produce more than cost-savings of £943,000. the first day the rooftop PV systems Financial Director, Murdock Builders' significantAnn opportunities within this key market and as the location for this office. First and foremost it of machine export from Northern Ireland to in Merchants; Morgan, CEO Murdock 185,000kWh of green energy As well as having financial benefits, ‘go live’, even though the company Builders' Merchants; Kevin McCarthy, forms part of theandcompany’s growth strategy for is halfway along the north coast, which positions North America and there is a respect for the their first year. ” the systems are cleaner and greener Business Development Manager, Kingspan ESB. has not had to make any financial 2020 which will see the team target a significant us in the best time zone to engage with the North craftsmanship. There is a lot of skill in Northern increase in sales in North America. American market. It is also situated close to the Ireland and our customers will be aware of that. The recruits will be joining the office in Cary, Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, one of It is important to remember that every machine North Carolina, which is responsible for sales, the largest research parks in the world. Almost all we sell in North America will help to support job engineering and after sales care for customers in Fortune 500 companies have a presence in this creation back in Northern Ireland.” the US and Canada. area. The infrastructure is good, with an airport CDE Global currently employs 140 people CDE Global designs and manufactures materials close to the new office, and we are also in the in Cookstown with a sister company, CDEnviro washing and classification of some great engineering for newsense employing Gilbert -Ash hasequipment with basement wasvicinity with aschools very modern of style. a further used 28 to people. bring important historic constructed and completed construction Our work has demonstrated how buildings up to modern standards connected to the refurbished and on two major projects in practices and technologies can be in a sustainable way." structurally altered houses. Pictured at the Institution of Engineering London worth a combined On Savoy Place, Gilbert-Ash has and Technology's building in Savoy Place total of more than £44m. also completed the headquarters in London where Gilbert-Ash is currently carrying out a £20 million refurbishment The Fetal Medicine Research of the Institution of Engineering is ray Hutchinson, Managing Director Institute is a 5,255m² centre of Gilbert-Ash, and Gerry Hughes, &Technology (IET), a professional Construction Director of Gilbert-Ash of excellence occupied by the society for 150,000 members in 127 AwArD-winning construction managers, planners and estimators. finished Phase 1 of the major Fetal Medicine Foundation of countries, in a project worth £22m. and fit-out contractor GilbertRay Hutchinson, Managing refurbishment of another landmark Harley Street and King’s College This project included an extensive Ash has announced that it has Director of Gilbert-Ash, said: “I site, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Hospital. Led by Professor refurbishment to preserve Savoy created 40 new jobs in the first am very proud that the company The Everyman Theatre in Kypros Nicolaides, the world’s Place's important heritage and saw a half of 2015. has increased its workforce so Liverpool, which was constructed leading pregnancy expert and number of improvements being made The substantial increase in staff significantly at this time. We took the by Gilbert-Ash, won the most fetal medicine specialist, the Fetal to provide a modern home for the numbers has been driven by a series strategic decision to target projects prestigious award in the architecture Medicine Foundation aims to IET. With its opulent interiors and of high profile contract wins across that would allow us to make use of industry last year, the Stirling Prize, improve the health of pregnant commanding views, the refurbishment the UK including the £13 million our expertise and experience and beatingofthe Shard, the Library Institute Engineering & Technology women and their babies through created over 90,000ft² of event space, contract to refurbish and extend this activity is helping us to sustain of Birmingham and the London pioneering research and training. making it one of London’s most the National Army Museum and our plans for continual growth. By Aquatics Centre. The new building rehouses the technologically advanced conferencing the £20m refurbishment of the specifically targeting bespoke projects Mr Hutchinson added: “It is in world leading Harris Birthright facilities. world-renowned Bartlett School of in niche areas, we have won a London where Gilbert-Ash has Centre, caring for more than The IET building was built in 1889 Architecture at University College number of high profile, multi-million enjoyed the most success recently 10,000 patients each year, in a and still retains a number of period London. pound contracts and we anticipate and the expansion of our office high quality hospital and research features. This consistent success with large further wins in the coming year.” reflects this. Work is progressing at a and Commonwealth office building environment. Ray Hutchinson, managing director contracts has also seen Gilbert-Ash Gilbert-Ash has recently rapid pace on a £20m refurbishment on King Charles Street in Whitehall. The project, valued at £22m, of Gilbert-Ash, said: “Both of these expand its base in London, with completed the 5G Innovation Centre of the Institution of Engineering and We have formed strong relationships involved the partial demolition projects have been particularly the company moving to larger new at the University of Surrey, which is Technology building in Savoy Place with our partners on all of our and refurbishment of existing exciting to work on, not least premises in the centre of the city. the first facility of its kind worldwide in London, with the building due recent projects and this has helped terrace houses on the site, while because of the clients involved but The jobs are across all dedicated to the Research and for handover in October 2015. We to create new opportunities through retaining the front façade. Behind also because of the way they have construction disciplines including Development of 5G technologies. In have also recently secured a £1m repeat business as we move forward the houses the new three storey brought together traditional features site managers, site engineers, design Liverpool the company has recently contract to work on the Foreign with our plans for expansion.” medical centre with two storey

Gilbert-Ash completes Two major London projects worth £44m

Gilbert-ash creates 40 new jobs following high profile contract wins

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£500,000 Pumped into Clabby Road, Women’stec builds on success with loan Fivemiletown

Kingspan’s new technology breakthrough set to lower building lifetime costs and enhance environmental NI Water has commenced Manager said: work on a new wastewater “The new Pumping Station is good performance Pumping Station at Clabby news for customers in the local area, Road, Fivemiletown. The project will involve replacing the existing Pumping Station to increase capacity and allow for future development in the area. It is anticipated that work will be completed by Summer 2016. The work will involve the construction of a new underground Wastewater Pumping Station on the same site as the existing station, along with the replacement of a small section of sewage pumping main and associated improvements. Peter Ferguson, NI Water Project

it will reduce the likelihood of out of sewer flooding and bring about environmental benefits in the area, improving water quality in the local watercourse.” Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen added: “I welcome this £500,000 investment, which when complete will improve the sewerage infrastructure and wastewater services for customers. The scheme will also ensure that NI Water continues to meet Northern Ireland Environment Agency standards.”

Lynn Carvill, Chief executive of WoMen’sTeC is pictured with Harry McDaid, Chief executive of UCiT and Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director at gilbert-ash.

(l to r) phil smith, Managing Director UK & ireland, Kingspan insulated panels and gilbert McCarthy, Managing Director, Kingspan insulated panels.

WoMen will be trained in construction and iCT skills to help find employment thanks to a Belfast-based charity. WoMen’sTeC has received a loan from the Ulster Kingspan insulated panels has launched ipn-QuadCore, a Community investment Trust (UCiT) to help deliver this new insulated panel core that delivers the best thermal, fire and training. environmental performance of any closed-cell material. invented UCIT provides affordable loans to community and social enterprise with a bespoke technology process that creates a unique microcell businesses throughout Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. As Holywood-based specialist structure, ipn-QuadCore is set to bring about a fundamental a registered charity, all profits generated are retained and recycled for the roofing contractor GBS Roofing, has shift in building performance, resulting in lower lifetime costs and benefit secured a contract in excess of £1mof its clients. enhanced environmental credentials. WOMEN’STEC began 21 years ago and is the largest provider of withbreakthrough the Odysseyin at in “This is our most significant insulated panel technology a Queen’s Quay training for womenThe in non-traditional skills inhas Ireland. The charity enables Belfast.Insulated Panels. decade,” said Gilbert McCarthy, Managing Director, Kingspan McAvoy Group become the only offsite employment in non-traditional sectors, promoting Established in 2012, GBS Roofingwomen has to return to “The property market demands high performance, energy-efficient buildings modular company to be represented within a diverse workforcenew andindustry-wide reducing the skills shortage ingroup the construction enjoyed rapid year-on-year growth aacross that deliver low risk, high net yield and reduced environmental impact. The leadership aimed at and ICT industries.helping Currentlysuppliers they employ five the staff challenges and engage with business large-scale commercial meet facing the unprecedented performance of IPN-QuadCore helpsitstocore deliver these of superior numerous tutors. industry over the next five years. activities, repair andself-employed construction buildings, making the strongest business case yet for sustainability. ” and maintenance services Executive of WOMEN’STEC “The smaller bespoke roofing design Lynn workCarvill, Chief The company has confirmed itexplained: has joined thecharity IPN-QuadCore delivers a 20% thermal improvement overscale, standard was set up to support women in areas of high deprivation, giving them for a wide range of clients. leadership group of the newly established Offsite polyurethane insulated panel core insulation. It has a lambda value of just the skills and confidence to get back into employment in decent paid jobs. This latest contract with the Odyssey will Management School alongside industry heavyweights, 0.018w/mK, the best in the industry, and achieves U-values as low as 0.08w/ “Our last programme ended in March and has yielded fantastic results. see the firm renew large roof areas of the Skanska, Laing O’Rourke, Costain, Carillion, United m2K. More than 400 women obtained qualifications, 80 went on to further Pavilion, The SSE Arena and W5 Interactive Utilities and Siemens and leading knowledge based IPN-QuadCore enhances the environmental credentials of buildings 43 wentorganisations into employment, 42 went into voluntary work and Discovery Centre, as well as carry education, out including BRE, Build Offsite, Excelin and in two ways. Firstly, the technology helps to achieve higher ratings in 13 became self-employed. extensive associated repair works. GBS Total Flow. building assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED, with the “The loan from UCIT onlyOBE, allowed us to Chairperson finish our current Roofing will complete works by December Orlanot Corr Executive of McAvoy aforementioned AECOM study showing that an IPN-QuadCore building programme develop our new one. We willtobethe working with 2016, using products supplied by Sika Ireland but helped said: “McAvoy has been committed development achieves six more BREEAM Ene01 credits than a typical retail or distribution Clanmil Housing residents and have engaged with construction companies throughout. of the Offsite industry for more than four decades and warehouse. Barry Mairs, MD, GBS Roofing such as Gilbert-Ashour to involvement help deliver awith whole level of training to Barry Mairs, Managing Director, GBS the new Offsite Management School Each IPN-QuadCore panel is backed by the industry’s first said: 40 year women. Roofing “Theguarantee opportunity to work on” provides us with an opportunity to shape the future of which both structural and thermal This ensures a will further enhance She continued: “There are exciting times ahead for WOMEN’STEC, the covers Odyssey, a key Belfast landmark andperformance. globally renowned arena that facility, our sector. building will perform ‘as-built’ over the life of the property, reducing costly creating and developing partnerships with thethe private sector. Our of goal our rapidly growing client portfolio and enable GBS Roofing to fully demonstrate its high-quality, “The School represents coming together a envelope maintenance and repair costs as time passes. The long guarantee is to keep reachingnumber into communities women develop the specialist roofing capability. of Partnersand to helping give a common and consistent can be offered because unique closed-cell structure resists by GBS Roofing skills to find employment. Belfast but want “This is just one ofIPN-QuadCore’s a number of major contracts secured or completed messageWe to currently our supplywork chainacross that we all need to to moisture ingress, which maintains the structural integrity of Ulster the core, and cuts Belfast campus eventually work beyond that. ” in recent months, including Omagh Hospital, phase 1 of University’s transform the way we think about construction. Our Speaking of UCIT’s backing for said: “UCIT have beento thedevelopment risk of additional weight, a leading cause of structuralRoad. failure in and moisture the new NI Hospice on Belfast’s Somerton involvement in the the project, School isshe evidence of our desire our work. Our case workerwith Sinead “Over the next 12 months we plan to expand our highly experienced and talentedextremely team andsupportive inferior products. seeofchange by providing suppliers helpwas to very start the professional and helped us through a difficult time. speak highly further maximise growing market opportunities. IPN-QuadCore is being introduced to cold-store” insulated panels process of thinking differently andI can’t transforming the way enough of UCIT and thework. amazing support they’ve given us.” they ” immediately, with a wider rollout commencing later this year.

GBS Roofing secures major £1m Odyssey contract

McAvoy Group becomes only offsite modular company to sit on leadership of new UK construction body

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Construction industry professionals New Architectural practice opens its doors in Derry Ulster mark major milestone at Stormont

University student recognised in uk-wide project safety awards

Two former colleagues with designs The pair’s new venture is already off to on shaping Derry’s future have set up a flying start, with Gradon Architecture The Chairman of the a new architectural practice in the designing the RoCo hair and beauty salon umbrella body representing city. Architect Sean Furey, 47, and on the prominent Derry waterfront after 18 different professional architectural technician Liam Nelis, fire destroyed the salon’s original premises organisations within the 35, have teamed up with long-time and the business was forced to relocate. construction industry in friend and experienced architect With the salon owners passionate about Northern Ireland (the Graham McDarby to launch Gradon upcycling, Liam and Sean worked to create Construction Industry Architecture in Northern Ireland. a unique, eye-catching environment using NI Professionals Council, Graham and his wife Donna founded predominantly recycled and sustainable CIGNI PC) said that the Gradon Architecture in Gateshead, in the materials. sector was now facing a North East of England, in the depths of Liam said: “Sean and I have long dreamed skills shortage of young the recession in 2009. Based on the core of opening a practice in Derry. It’s a city on construction professionals values of delivering architecture with care the up and we’re really excited to have the as a result of the mass and efficiency, the business has since gone opportunity to work with Graham to launch exodus of graduates during from strength to strength, expanding intoMajor Milestone: Gradon Architecture in Northern Ireland. First Minister Arlene Foster and Finance Minister Mervyn Storey celebrate the the recession to seek of theeven Construction NI Professionals Council at Stormont with, left, Mongolia and winning multiple industry 100th meeting What’s better Industry is that Group we have been the Council’s Chairman Kevin McShane and, right, CIGNI Chairman Stephen Kane employment elsewhere. awards. able to hit the ground running. Kevin was speaking LiamMcShane and Sean, who have a total of 35 “We are committed to developing at years’ the 100th meeting of experience in thethe trade between them, sustainable architecture, so the RoCo salon Professionals Council which was will be heading up Gradon Architecture’s was a fantastic project to start off with. We marked by a special event expansion into NorthernatIreland, backed by have created a unique environment using Parliament the widerBuildings team in Stormont the UK and Mongolia. upcycled and sustainable materials that is not recently in the of the Firstteam in the Having thepresence support of only great to look at but also tailored to the Minister Foster, Finance UK andArlene Mongolia means that Liam and Sean needs of the business, its staff and customers. Minster Storey and Patsyresources and can callMeryn on a wealth of extra Projects already secured for Gradon McGlone, of the All specialistChairman architectural expertise, including Architecture include a number of bespoke Liam Nelis, Sean Furey and Graham McDarby of Gradon Architecture at Party Group on Construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM), should private residential projects and a large-scale the opening of RoCo salon Ulster University PCrequire Chairman aCIGNI project it. Kevin retail complex. Architecture Student McShane explained that as the James O’Neill has come sector most severely impacted by third in the whole of the the economic downturn, it was UK in a Student Designer now facing a local shortage of competition for his young skilled professionals entering conceptual AS rainfall particularly intensity and frequency specially designed captive seal is held securely Manufactured in the UK at Brettdesign Martin’swork own on the industry, in the a Harley Davidson Centre continues to rise each year, it is vital within the fitting whilst the clip locks the seal firmly quality assured BS EN ISO 9001:2008 factories, fields of engineering and IT. He in Belfast. Also pictured are leftWhen Stewartfitting Heaney, CPD; Kevin the McShane, Professionals Patsy 170 system that rainwater drainage systems have in from place. the gutter, CLIPCIGNI provides theCouncil, Deepstyle is a robust, hardsaid “the Council was stepping up McGlone Chairman of All Party Working Group on Construction; and Des Armstrong CPD. open to all the capacity to protect a building and its just enough flex to allow the gutter to locate wearing solution. TestedThe to Awards EN 1462are Load Class its collaboration with education schools of Architecture across contents. The new Deepstyle 170 high within the fitting, whilst a reassuring click locks the H to withstand heavy duty snow loading, the providers to help deliver the theisUK are organised performance system from Brett gutter securely into position compressing the seal next generationrainwater of professionals, high gloss PVC system alsoand proven to retain its by the UK Association for Martin & Drainage” combines for superior sealing. includingPlumbing through apprenticeships. stunning aesthetic with UV protection providing Project Safety (APS) to raise increased drainage capacity Deepstyle 170 integrates seamlessly with Brett “With every £1 invested in with design long term colour stability – backed by a 10 year students’ awareness of design flexibility provide reliable, Martin’s 110mm Industrial Downpipe System to constructiontogenerating £2.84 in effective and colour warranty. risk management. James was efficient large complete the company’s high capacity offering. economic drainage activity ourfor sector is acommercial, With a reputation for quality and reliability commended for the buildability industrial, agricultural and residential roofs. Comprising 110mm plain ended or single socket valuable contributor to economic developed over more than 50 years in the of his design and regard to Specifically developed with a super-sized 170mm downpipe options, with high quality PVCu fittings, recovery. We welcome the industry, Deepstyle 170 is the latest addition to Health and Safety regulations profile to accommodate the increased volumes of including bends, branches, access pipes and clips, opportunities presented in the Brett Martin’s rainwater portfolio which includes particularly the safety of rainwater on large roof areas with a capacity of the system retains the adaptability essential in flagship projects & developments 106mm Prostyle, 112mm Roundstyle, 114mm contractors’ employees. He is 11.54 litres per second, the new Deepstyle 170 planning an industrial rainwater scheme. announced by the Executive to Squarestyle, 115mm pictured Deepstyle andreceiving 160mm his prize here system requires fewer discharge points reducing “Combining an efficient installation with stimulate the sector such as the High Capacity in addition to the innovative and from Kevin McShane, Chairman the downpipes to provide both exceptional reliability and increased capacity, firstnumber regionalofmother and children’s highly acclaimed Cascade range of cast iron effect of the Construction Industry material and installation savings. Designed with the Deepstyle 170 perfectly complements our existing hospital as well as building the guttering and downpipe profiles. Brett Martin’s Group NI Professionals Council, installer in mind, the system also features new and range of rainwater systems, ” said Hayley Lowry, A6 road and the Newbuildings on-going investment on in the latest manufacturing behalf of its member APS, innovative factory fitted CLIP & SEAL technology Brett Martin Marketing Manager. “With continued to Strabane section of the A5 technology, innovation and product development and in the presence of Finance on all fittings to ease installation and provide investment in product research and development, road, investment in Belfast Rapid At the 100th meeting of the Construction Industry Group (CIGNI) Professionals Council are L-R ensures andStorey. below Minister,above Mervyn exceptional long-term sealing reliability. council committee Colin McCarthy Kevin of McShane with Mervyn Storey Finance that the company’s ourmembers range satisfies every and variety roof drainage Transport and Belfast Transport Minister; First Minister Arlene Foster; and Council members Harry Johnston, Stephen Kane & drainage John ground products remain at the forefront A ”unique addition to Deepstyle 170, theCole CLIP from the smallest domestic property to much Hub. of the industry. & SEAL fully integrates with the fitting so that the larger agricultural and commercial buildings.”

Brett Martin launches new Deepstyle 170

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20/08/2014 16:45

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digest

CDE creates 110 new jobs as part of a £6.8 Million investment

Pictured at CDE’s headquarters are Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster, Brendan McGurgan, CDE’s Managing Director, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Materials washing specialist CDE has announced that it will create 110 new jobs over the next six years as part of a £6.8million investment into the business. The jobs, which are all high value and paying above the Northern Ireland average wage, will be across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, business development, purchasing, finance, customer care, project management and project delivery. CDE designs and manufactures materials washing and classification equipment with applications in a variety of sectors: sand and aggregates, construction waste recycling, mining, specialist industrial sands and environmental. Its regional office network has a presence in Kolkata (India), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Cary (North America). The CDE equipment range is delivering significant efficiencies across

five sectors in eight regions. Brendan McGurgan, CDE’s managing director, said: “This is an important investment for CDE as we look to progress our longer term growth strategy by focusing on new business, particularly in the USA and Europe. The CDE vision is to be the number one wet processing equipment company in every country in the world and expanding our facilities and workforce in Cookstown underpins this ambition. “We are looking for individuals who are passionate, determined and ambitious. As we’re in the early stages of development in a number of export markets there will be fantastic opportunities for fast-tracked career development for new starts as well as great chances to travel. In this year alone we have sold equipment as far afield as the U.S. and Canada, Brazil, Australia, India, Iceland and Sweden to name a few.” CDE currently employs 201 people

with 172 based at its headquarters in Cookstown. The company has been co-creating with customers for over 20 years to deliver collaborative, imaginative and unique processing systems. CDE was formed in 1992 by current chairman Tony Convery and his wife, Rosemary. A Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Tony had worked previously in the design and development of equipment for the sand and aggregates industry specialising in the production of high specification aggregates. Having now established a considerable R&D department within CDE, Tony still continues to be a lead contributor in all new product developments. In addition, Tony’s drive to expand the company’s export market has seen it install new products right across the world. Tony, together with the CDE team designed the world’s largest sand washing system which was

commissioned in 2008. Earlier this year CDE announced that it had increased its product assembly space by 32% to allow for the production of 60 additional machines every year. The expansion followed an upturn in the global construction materials industry. Commenting on the most recent investment announcement Mr McGurgan added: “Invest NI’s support of £1.3 million, along with the availability of skills, were key factors in securing this investment in Cookstown. We are delighted with our growth here to date and remain committed to achieving our future goals. We already have the largest campus dedicated to the wet processing of minerals in the world and our expansion plans will necessitate a further development of this infrastructure. We look forward to consolidating our number one position in our well-established export markets.”

LATCHWAYS CONSTANT FORCE® POST Controls load in the event of a fall World’s first top-fixed solution Compatible with all major roofing products

LATCHWAYS TRANSFASTENER™ Breakthrough device offers continuous travel along cable systems without the need to detach Unique starwheel design allows unit to pass over cable supports and corners Fall restraint and fall arrest systems

LATCHWAYS WALKSAFE® Provides a non-slip walkway without impacting structural integrity Designed for use on all major roofing systems Manufactured from recycled PVCu

IS YOUR FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPLIANT?

LEADING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 2001. With the recently harmonised EN 795:2012 standard and supporting CEN/TS 16415:2013, it is important that your fall protection system is compliant. Since 2001, Latchways has been meeting and exceeding these requirements with the Latchways Constant Force® post. When you choose Latchways, you choose peace of mind, knowing our products have been tested to exceed all major international standards and engineered to keep your workers safe.

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32 projects in running for top NI building awards The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Northern Ireland has announced the shortlisted buildings and structures in the running for the RICS NI Awards 2016, which includes the new £5m Lagan Weir Footbridge in Belfast. The Footbridge is shortlisted in the Infrastructure category, and is among five other projects in the Design through Innovation category. It connects Donegall Quay and Queen’s Quay and was officially opened in June 2015, replacing the old footbridge thus giving greater foot and bicycle access to the city. The investment made by the Department for Social Development enabled surveyors and architects from AECOM to work alongside Graham Construction to develop the first stage of the ‘Queen’s Quay Masterplan’ from the Department. The RICS NI Awards are made up of a total of eight categories showcasing a wide variety of building projects spanning a performing arts centre, a hotel and spa, residential projects and a veterinary hospital, alongside many others throughout the categories: Building Conservation Commercial Community Benefit Design through Innovation Infrastructure Regeneration Residential Tourism & Leisure The winners of each category will also be in contention to win the top prize, Project of the Year. The shortlist includes schemes, projects and public spaces from across all six counties; In County Antrim, the refurbishment of Seaview Hall in Glenarm is shortlisted in the Regeneration category alongside seven others; while in County Down, Hamilton Road Baptist Church in Bangor has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit category with four others. In County Fermanagh, the RNLI Lifeboat Station is one of five shortlisted in the Community Benefit category and no less than five residential projects are shortlisted from County Derry/Londonderry in the Residential category alongside three others. Finally, in County Tyrone Sion Stables in Sion Mills helps make up the Building Conservation category alongside seven others, including the restoration of Acton House in Poyntzpass, County Armagh. The awards also recognise the buildings that have driven tourism numbers throughout the country, including the Galgorm Resort & Spa and refurbishment of its Great Hall in Ballymena, alongside Schomberg House, The Museum of Orange Heritage in Belfast which are all shortlisted for the Tourism & Leisure award. RICS NI Awards Judging Chairman, Alistair Dunn commented: “The variety of projects that make up this year’s shortlist demonstrates how important the built environment is to Northern Ireland. From hotels and structures that support the development of our tourist industry, to residential areas that provide housing for communities, and projects that drive economic development, this shortlist has it all. “Each project is a worthy winner and I look forward to recognising them all, and indeed the Project of the Year, at the gala ceremony in May.” The RICS NI Awards 2016 will take place on Friday 6 May at La Mon Hotel & Country Club, hosted by Property Developer and TV presenter, Gary McCausland. Northern Ireland winners will also be considered for the overall RICS Awards that will be announced at a gala event in London in October. Further information about the awards is available at www.rics.org/awards.

The Lagan Weir footbridge

Killynure Green Carryduff

The Lagan Weir footbridge at night

digest

The Perfectly Proportioned Winners The four strong team of Acropolis Now stormed through to victory in the inaugural Perfectly Proportioned Quiz of Architecture and Other Things. The social event, organised by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) in partnership with Winners of the Perfectly Proportioned Quiz of Architecture at Queen’s Architecture and Other Things, Acropolis Now, made up of Jane Larmour, Pat Wheeler, Deirdre Greaney and University Belfast, was a Saul Golden. great success as a packed Black Box enjoyed the entertaining and challenging questions laid on by quiz-master Alan Jones. Speaking at the event Martin Hare, RSUA President said, “It is wonderful to see so many students and recently qualified architects here tonight along with academics and those of us who have been architects for more years than we might think. Thanks to Alan who has clearly put a lot of work into this. It really paid off. What a fantastic night out and I’m delighted that the event has raised £300 to support the work of the Simon Community in tackling homelessness.” Ciarán Fox, RSUA Director said, “After the success of this quiz we are already turning our minds to next year and making this an annual event not to be missed. We want to get an even bigger turnout, raise more money for charity, get more companies sponsoring prizes and we’re open to suggestions on interesting or unusual venues. It’s all aimed at creating a really enjoyable event to bring together a broad range of people who love architecture.” If any organisation wishes to support the quiz in 2017 please contact Ciarán Fox at ciaran@rsua.org.uk

More Schueco Sliding Door Systems meet Pas 24 Security standards As part of an ongoing programme of security testing to PAS 24, leading sustainable building envelope specialist Schueco UK reports an increase in the number of its sliding door systems that meet this police-approved standard. Newly qualifying systems include Schueco ASS 70.HI lift/slide double track, bi-parting and triple track doors, as well as the slide-only versions. Schueco ASS 70 FD and ASS 80 FD.HI sliding/folding doors (depending on design) have also been successfully tested. With the recently introduced Building Regulation AD Q and the continuing demand for improved security, this announcement will be welcome news for both specifiers and fabricators looking to deliver ultimate peace-of-mind to clients. While in general Schueco tests systems to the EN 1627 security standard – which covers primarily manual attack methods – this regime is supplemented in the UK by testing to PAS 24, which is the police-preferred alternative. The PAS 24 tests take the form of manual attacks with a prescribed range of tools, together with numerous mechanical bi-directional loadings to replicate attacks on the locking points, hinges etc. Additionally, approved locking cylinders must have features such as anti-bump and anti-drill. PAS 24 also includes hard and soft body impact tests to prove the strength and integrity of the aluminium frames, jointing methods and hardware, and it mandates the use of at least one sheet of P1A glass, or better, in glazed doors. For more information on the full range of compliant Schueco systems, go to mkinfobox@schueco.com

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£29million upgrade for Belfast Waterfront completed

£29.5 million has been invested to transform Belfast Waterfront into a worldclass conference facility and establish Belfast as a leading destination for business tourism The project has been financed by Belfast City Council (£11 million), as part of their Investment Programme for the city, the European Regional Development Fund (£13.3 million), under the European

Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland (£5.24 million) The new look Waterfront now provides the city with a world-class, high-tech venue on a par with other cities around the world. The main contractor was McLaughlin and Harvey, with local input from Todds Architects, Brett Martin, WH Stephens, RPS Group, McAdam Design and Mott McDonald. Investment in Belfast Waterfront

is a central part of the council’s plans to develop the city as a great place to live, work, visit and invest, attract more jobs, events and investment, and raise Belfast’s profile internationally. It also continues the city’s regeneration journey following the original decision to invest in the Laganside area in the early 1990s. Existing facilities have doubled in size, creating Belfast’s biggest conference and exhibition facility - at 7,000m2, it will cater for up

to 5,000 delegates across a wide range of conferences, meetings and exhibition uses Belfast Waterfront (and the Ulster Hall) is now run by a council-owned company - Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd This arm’s length arrangement will provide the greater commercial flexibility needed to meet the venue’s ambitious targets, grow the business further and get the best return for Belfast ratepayers.

Bassetts plan further growth in 2016

Alan Wright, MD of Bassetts

Bathroom, heating and tile company, Bassetts, has announced major growth milestones, including new store openings, showroom expansions and reinvestment in the company following a period of significant growth. According to Managing Director Alan Wright, the expansion reflects the company’s continued strong performance in the bathroom, heating and tiling sector and optimism for 2016. Following a period of substantial development, Bassetts recently announced the opening of its 14th store in Belfast’s Boucher Road retail village and completed state-of-the-art expansions in two of its North-West branches. Locally-founded in 1982, the company, which is now part of the Saint-Gobain Group, has strengthened its operations significantly, almost tripling in size over the last ten years. Despite operating in a challenging market, Bassetts continues to buck the trend in the sector and perform strongly against a backdrop of national DIY store closures throughout Northern Ireland. Managing Director of Bassetts, Alan Wright, commented, “Despite the difficulties that many national retailers may be facing in the home improvement market, our bathroom, plumbing and heating business has gone from strength to strength. We believe this is down to our increasing investment into the company, as well as our unique approach and personalised service to both our trade and retail customers.”

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Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Scheme in Castle Archdale Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen was on site recently to see a £464,000 Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) at Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh. The Castle Archdale site is the second ICW to be constructed by NI Water and represents an eco-friendly fully sustainable approach to wastewater treatment in the area. ICWs are designed, built and operated through human technology and are based on processes that occur naturally within indigenous wetlands providing an environment where the interaction of the wetland and the plants themselves clean the wastewater. The investment has seen the construction of a series of shallow treatment ponds which when planted will treat wastewater from the Castle Archdale area. Michelle McIlveen said: “Progress on this sustainable project is very impressive. This scheme is an excellent example of how the challenge of dealing with wastewater can be met using an innovative engineering approach which provides added benefits for, and complements, the local indigenous ecosystem. “The ICW solution has been developed on natural treatment processes. This is the second occasion that this method has been used in Northern Ireland and it is an important and significant step towards the development of

Belfast’s Grade A office space reaches £20 per sq ft One of Belfast’s prime Grade A office buildings has become the first in Northern Ireland to reach a rental level of £20 per sq ft, it was revealed recently. The building at 9 Lanyon Place has been occupied by US insurance firm Allstate since its completion in the year 2000. The new lease terms, negotiated by Causeway Asset Management on behalf of the landlord Kilmona Holdings will Patrick Kearney, Managing Director, see Allstate remain as tenants Kilmona Holdings Limited until at least 2018. Speaking from the MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes, France where Kilmona is a main sponsor of the Belfast pavilion, Patrick Kearney, managing director of Kilmona Holdings commented: “This is a very important breakthrough in the Belfast office market and reflects a number of factors including the rising level of high quality inward and indigenous investment in the city and the rapidly improving quality of our Grade A office space. Allstate will be moving to its own city centre base in a few years’ time but we have no fears about re-letting this building then and indeed we are in the process of a submitting a planning application which will almost double its size. We also have a further 400,000 sq ft of proposed Grade A office space for Belfast city centre in planning at the moment reflecting a £200m plus investment in the city and also reflecting our very positive view of the future prospects for Belfast.”

Barney McEldowney (BSG), John Griffin NI Water, Dermott McCurdy NI Water, Michelle McIlveen, Cathal O’Neill (BSG) and Paul McCarley (Doran Consulting)

more environmentally-friendly solutions to wastewater treatment throughout Northern Ireland.”

Acheson & Glover secures £60k education contract in ROI A unique product innovation has seen Acheson & Glover (AG) awarded a specialist education contract in the Republic of Ireland, valued at Stephen Acheson, MD at Acheson & Glover £60,000. The campus project in Stephenstown, Balbriggan, consists of two-schools; a new 1000 pupil post-primary and a 24 classroom primary school, and is in partnership with architects, Kennedy Fitzgerald and contractors, Ganson Building and Civils. Part of an overall Government commitment to build new schools in areas that have had vastly increased residential volumes, AG was awarded the contract as a result of its unique masonry block, specifically designed to help control reverberation time. The Alphacrete Acoustic Block meets the acoustic standards of the Department of Education’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) and enables architects to fully comply with regulations; its primary effect being a reduction on reverberation in sports halls thereby significantly reducing sound energy. Stephen Acheson, Managing Director at AG, said: “At AG, we constantly strive to innovate and maintain our reputation as a key solutions provider to architects, designers and specifiers throughout the UK and Ireland; allowing them to realise their project visions. “This contract is important to us for two reasons – not only does it cement our foothold in one of our primary markets, the Republic of Ireland, it also reaffirms our expertise in delivering on education specialist projects through the creation of unique and ingenious products.”

18| Health & Safety

Work cancers focus as IOSH Northern Ireland marks 50th anniversary

body which represents occupational safety and health professionals in Northern Ireland is marking its 50th anniversary by raising awareness of work-related cancers and agricultural safety. The Northern Ireland Branch of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) wants its milestone year to help businesses take steps to prevent people being killed, injured or suffering ill health as a result of their work. Twenty-three workers died in Northern Ireland in 2014/15, including nine people who were employed in the agriculture and five

in construction. Richard McIvor, Chair of IOSH Northern Ireland Branch, said that while inroads have been made over the last five decades to improve workplace safety and health across all industries in Northern Ireland, there remains work to do. He said: “Our shared objective is a world where work is safe and healthy for every working person, every day. “We want to empower organisations so they prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of their workforce. Doing so is not only good for employees, but it is also good for business as it strengthens reputations, resilience and even results.” IOSH is currently raising awareness of the causes of occupational cancer through its No Time to Lose

campaign. It tackles five of the most common factors associated with work-related cancer registrations and deaths in the UK – asbestos, diesel engine exhaust fumes, silica dust, solar radiation and shift work. Silica dust exposure in particular is an ongoing issue for workers in Northern Ireland, said Richard, especially for those working in construction, rail, highways and quarrying. Richard said: “Around 900 people get lung cancer after breathing in silica dust at work in Britain each year. A further 800 people die annually from lung cancer caused by silica dust exposure in the workplace. “Research by IOSH and the Construction Dust Partnership has found that there is generally poor

awareness among construction workers of the risks that breathing in dust at work can pose to their health. Through No Time to Lose, we are showing employers and employees simple steps to start tackling this issue.” In the last year IOSH Northern Ireland Branch has collaborated with HSENI and the HSA, BuildHealth NI and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG) to promote workplace safety and health issues. Members have also joined forces with colleagues in IOSH’s Ireland Branch to promote farm safety and health. Further details about IOSH and its No Time to Lose campaign can be found at www.iosh.co.uk and www.notimetolose.org.uk.

Solid Fuel Installation training centre opens in Lisburn

Pictured (L-R) at the launch is Nicola Curry (North West Regional College), David Knipe (Training Manager OFTEC), Michael Farnon (MD Micon Distribution Ltd), David Blevings (OFTEC, Ireland Manager), Christine Murphy, (Marketing Manager Micon Distribution Ltd).

FTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) recently announced the first OFTEC approved training centre in Northern Ireland to offer training and assessment for OFTEC’s Solid Fuel Installation, Servicing and Commissioning (Dry) certification now opened at Micon in Lisburn. Micon Distribution is a distributor to the fireplace and stove industry

throughout the UK & Ireland and is offering the new course to technicians to provide greater support for retailers and installers within the industry. In conjunction with North West Regional College, the specialist course aims to provide candidates with the knowledge and understanding to install dry stoves which meet the requirements of building regulations and standards. Managing Director, Michael Farnan said on the company’s expansion, “The next step for

us was to ensure we had the support in place for our retailers and installers within the industry. Becoming an OFTEC Approved Training Centre enables us to provide recognised training and assessment of installers”. David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager said, “With trendy solid fuel stoves in vogue at the moment, it is important that technicians are fully qualified to correctly install and properly maintain these appliances, and to comply with regional building regulations and manufacturer’s installation instructions.” Registering with OFTEC and becoming a ‘Competent Person’ means a technician can demonstrate their competence to consumers. This certification allows consumers to have peace of mind as the technician has been trained, assessed and inspected in the field and is deemed competent to work on their heating system. Additionally, technicians have

full insurance and are part of a trade association with a proper complaints procedure in place, should something go wrong. The technician also has access to free technical advice seven days a week, the support of local inspectors on the ground and the use of control documentation for the benefit of consumers. Micon will initially offer installers the OFT15-108(D) - Installation, commissioning and servicing of solid fuel burning appliances (dry space heating) and propose to offer the OFT15-108(W) – Installation, commissioning and servicing of solid fuel burning appliances (dry space heating and hot water heating) later this year. Under each scope of registration technicians can install, commission and service solid fuel fired stoves, room heaters and associated equipment and systems in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, industry practices and standards, and legislative requirements.

Working at Height |19

Be safe with Andy and Hugh

he latest safety campaign from IPAF featuring the characters Andy Access and Hugh Hazard drums home basics on the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in a simple and direct way. Simple posters form the basis of this campaign. Each poster illustrates a specific safety message on how to use MEWPs correctly. New posters will be released every few months. “Andy Access is the good guy,” says Chris Wraith, IPAF technical & safety executive, who has been behind the project to bring the campaign to life. “Andy knows that MEWPs are one of the safest ways to perform temporary work at height, but he also recognises that they can pose significant and unnecessary risks when used by untrained people or used incorrectly and inappropriately. Andy serves as the guardian of MEWP safety and he conveys key messages ranging from the use of harnesses and the need to assess ground conditions, to avoiding the potential risks of entrapment and electrocution. “Hugh Hazard is the antagonist,” explains Wraith further. “He is not inherently bad; he does his job as best as he can, but often succumbs to time and resource pressures. Hugh is susceptible to cutting corners, such as not performing a risk assessment before starting the job, or tampering with safety devices to get a quick fix for the immediate problem instead of looking for the safer, proper solution. Hugh shows ‘how not to do it’ while Andy highlights the errors and reinforces good practice.” The situations highlighted in the posters were all based on findings from IPAF’s accident reporting project (www.ipaf.org/accident). They are aimed at addressing the most common causes of MEWPrelated fatalities around the world, as well as the most common causes of non-fatal MEWP-related incidents reported by UK-based rental companies.

Join Andy Access and Hugh Hazard on their journey through MEWP safety. Free poster artwork can be downloaded at

www.ipaf.org/andyaccess

20| Industry Training Services

Industry Training Services Celebrates Grand Opening of New Centre

22| Health & Safety

Latchways urges industry to take fall protection to the next level

ven in 2016, falls from height remain one of the most common causes of injury and fatality at work, accounting for nearly 30% of injuries to workers. It is a stark reality that in an age where working at height is commonplace, fall protection measures still need to be much more effective.

According to Latchways, a three pronged approach to fall protection is required, namely, engineering innovation, compliance & regulations and representative test methods. Jonathan Seymour, Head of Sales (UK and Ireland) tells us more. The fall protection industry has come a long way. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all seen images from the 1920s and 30s

showing workers sitting on beams high above the cityscape below. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine life before the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970, a time when fall protection in the workplace was totally unregulated, and employers had little responsibility to safeguard their workers. Of course that old view is gone - when we think of fall protection today, the ultimate goal is to ensure people who work at height are kept safe; we all have responsibility - from health and safety managers to construction workers, facilities managers to specifiers, and even business owners. At Latchways we believe the fall protection industry can only be successful if we all continue to take great strides forward. Great products and solutions are obviously important, but there is much more to making

sure people go home safely at the end of their working day. So what are the fundamentals of best practice in fall protection?

A true engineering approach Engineering prowess is of great importance. To develop the best fall protection solutions, a true understanding of the engineering behind them is crucial. Consideration of the application - what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for, how and where it will be used is a must, along with how the user will interact with the system. And of course aesthetics play a role; an anchor device may be small, but it sits on top of a structure and is always visible. At Latchways, we like to focus on engineering innovation - we invest in research and new product development that brings the latest

and most advanced engineering trends from around the world into the fall protection industry.

Industry standards and guidance There are two key benchmarks that are important. EN 795 standards govern the testing of anchor devices, and should be considered as an absolute minimum. EN 795 came into play in 1996, and has recently been updated to EN 795:2012 - with the support of technical standard CEN/TS 16415, it sets out more robust requirements and introduced testing for multiple users for example. EN 795:2012 is becoming more widely recognised and embraced across Europe, and has recently been published in the

Health & Safety |23

Constant Force Technology

eveloped in 2001 Constant Force TechnologyTM is the original and patented fall protection solution at the very heart of Latchways. It is defined as: “the mechanism used to provide a consistent method of absorbing mechanical energy and controlling tension within the system to a pre-determined constant force”. A horizontal coil ensures sudden fall energy is dissipated throughout the system, thus ensuring the integrity of the roof. The design criteria and high standards imposed ensure a future-proof investment for any user. To learn more go to: http://www.latchways.com/constant-force-technology

Official Journal of the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Directive. As well as this, the introduction of ‘The Magenta Book’ - ACR[M]: Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems - in 2009 provided additional guidance to EN standards, recommending the testing of anchor devices on representative roofs. The Magenta Book was developed as a result of limitations in EN 795:1996 and is purely about testing EN 795 rated products on a representative substrate. An imminent update to The Magenta Book will recognise the 2012 changes to EN 795 (and CEN TS/16415), in line with improved test methods and a focus on multi-user solutions. All fall protection equipment should be tested to at least meet, if not exceed, the very latest testing requirements and guidance. There are a number of considerations to bear in mind when it comes to ensuring the highest standards of manufacture - from the purpose and use of any given product, to ensuring standardised test methods and demonstrating repeatability - it’s all about achieving the most efficient and safest outcomes.

Representative testing So let’s bring it all to life. How does a fall protection system actually perform on the structure for which it is intended? Once you have invested in the product, it needs to be tested in real world situations to guarantee performance. For us at Latchways that comprises: • Intended purpose: Understanding the intended purpose and the structure a device will be tested on is the first step, as this will determine the test methods required. • Representative roof test: Extensive testing on complete and

representative roofing systems (the actual structure on which it will be used) then gives a full picture of how systems operate in real life. This should take into account the supporting structure - purlins, decks, spacer systems, insulation, waterproof covering etc). • Dynamic drop test: Conducting a drop test again gives insight into real life scenarios. We recommend using a 300kg mass through a distance of 1.5m - typically there is more than one user on any given roof, and so the drop test should ensure systems can cope with this weight. • Multi-directional testing: It’s impossible to predict the direction of a fall, and so testing needs to encompass all possibilities - in line with, across and at 45 degrees to the seam, profile or deck. • Re-testing: Once a system has passed its initial testing, repeat testing is also important to ensure compatibility with the latest roofing manufacturer developments. We have been encouraging representative testing across the industry since 2001 when we launched our top fix cable system using Constant ForceTM technology. Even then, we exceeded the standards introduced 11 years later as part of the EN 795:2012 update. Our ethos has always been to put testing at the core of everything we do and to keep ahead of the game - it gives our customers great peace of mind.

A final message Latchways urges those responsible for specifying fall protection solutions to be specific in their choices. As an industry we must put engineering at the heart of how we do business, we must embrace the very best of standards and we must employ more specific test methods. As an industry we can then ensure the best possible outcomes.

Case study: Tata Steel

o reflect changing building regulations, Latchways periodically re-tests roofing structures to ensure that products perform to the very highest standards as part of the overall system. Recently, Latchways completed a re-test for Constant ForceTM post installed on a Tata Steel Trisomet insulated roof panel - the panel thickness representing the latest thermal requirements for an industrial building. The stringent multi user (300kg) dynamic and static testing used the original test method established by Latchways in the 2000’s, which still exceeds the industry standards today. The results proved, yet again, that the combination of a Constant ForceTM post, in conjunction with the Trisomet insulated panel, provides the very highest level of protection to both the end users and complete roofing system. As such, Latchways is proud to have been selected by TATA Steel as a Platinum® Plus supply chain partner for its roofing and cladding fall protection offerings. Jonathan Arnold, Envelope Product Development Manager, at Tata Steel commented: “We have partnered with Latchways for over 15 years, and the reasons are simple. It is a company that puts engineering at the heart of its business, meaning the team really gets to grips with our needs and understands how products need to perform. They have a real focus in not only meeting standards themselves, but encouraging the industry to do the same. And the test methods give us great peace of mind.” Latchways operates a thorough test method process, and runs its own accredited on-site test rig at Latchways HQ in Devizes, UK. This means its customers benefit from a continuous testing cycle. Ongoing, continual testing that produces fall protection solutions.

24| HSENI

Asbestos:

Hidden killer – hidden costs The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is warning that recent prosecutions relating to asbestos management failings show that workers are still being put at risk by the release of asbestos fibres, and putting businesses in jeopardy.

uildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Anyone who works on the fabric of these buildings, such as maintenance workers, tradesmen, for example electricians, plumbers, joiners or people installing cables could potentially disturb asbestos and are most at risk of exposure. You should aim to prevent exposure to asbestos to reduce the risk of related health problems in later life.

It is important to remember: • asbestos exposure can cause severe and fatal diseases • work should only be carried out on asbestos if absolutely necessary • asbestos work should be strictly controlled and comply with the legislation • poorly controlled work will produce very high fibre levels • the law requires that work with high risk forms of asbestoscontaining materials (ACM) must be strictly controlled and only carried out by licensed contractors In 2014, 63 asbestos-related deaths were registered in

Northern Ireland with asbestosis and/ or mesothelioma recorded on the death certificate as either a primary or secondary cause of death.

and face a potentially large and unexpected bill.

Asbestos surveys

The prosecution of an England-based company earlier this year clearly highlights that not doing things right can multiply your costs. This company were contracted by a health board to survey underground ducts and to project manage work at a hospital in Northern Ireland. HSENl’s investigation revealed that the planning for the removal of asbestos and other construction works in the underground ducts was poor. The information used to inform the principal contractor about areas that either contained asbestos or were free from asbestos was based upon an inadequate management survey carried out by the company. At sentencing earlier this year the company was fined £30,000, plus costs of more than £1,000. Last year, the prosecution of a Cookstown company found that there was no asbestos management plan for their building prior to the installation of a new alarm system. As a result, information on the location, type and condition of ACMs was not available to sub-contractors who worked on the site. The company was fined £6,000 plus costs of almost £1,000. In another case earlier this year, a Ballymena company was fined £30,000 plus costs of £2,500 for failing to provide information on the location of asbestos-containing materials to two engineers before work had started. While an asbestos management survey had been carried out 10 years earlier, this had not been used to develop an adequate asbestos management plan before the recent work began. In addition, the asbestos register had not been updated to take account of asbestos

All commercial buildings in existence before 2000 must have an asbestos management survey to identify suspected asbestos-containing materials which could be damaged or disturbed while in normal use, or during simple maintenance work. Where extensive maintenance or refurbishment work is planned, there will not be enough information in the management survey alone and a localised refurbishment survey will also be required. Information from these surveys should be used to create an asbestos management plan which should be shared with anyone who is going to work on the fabric of the building. Surveys need to be done properly, as a poor survey could potentially result in workers being exposed to asbestos fibres. Regrettably, recent investigations by HSENI, and subsequent prosecutions, show that some clients, main contractors, sub-contractors and surveyors do not always take the necessary steps to protect workers from exposure to asbestos fibres.

Getting it wrong costs much more Getting it wrong when working on buildings where asbestos might be present can be costly. Apart from the potential health risks and worry for those who may have been exposed, there are clean-up costs which can quickly run to tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds, prosecution defence costs and fines, plus raised insurance premiums. By cutting corners and poor planning, you and your company could damage your reputation

HSENI recent prosecutions

HSENI |25 insulation board (AIB) which had been discovered back in 2007 in the work area. Last year, the prosecution of another Ballymena company found that during the installation of two overhead cranes in a workshop, asbestos insulation board was removed in an uncontrolled manner by two of their employees. In addition, for several days the contaminated area continued to be accessed by other employees and sub-contractors. There was neither a proper survey nor an asbestos management plan available and as a result of its failings the company was fined £6,000 plus costs of more than £500. In another recent case a Lisburn company was fined £1,000 plus costs of £800 for health and safety failings during work to install a new fire alarm system at premises in Cookstown. The HSENl investigation found that not only was there no asbestos management plan for the premises, but the company failed to request a copy of such a plan prior

to starting work. They accepted the verbal confirmation from the building owner that there were no asbestoscontaining materials in the building, but this assumption was incorrect. The company wrongly went ahead with the alarm installation without knowledge of the location, type and condition of ACMs within the building. As a direct result, two employees unknowingly cut cores through an asbestos insulation board ceiling, likely exposing them to asbestos fibres.

Get it right at planning stage Before starting work, ideally at the tendering stage, ask for a copy of the asbestos management plan for the building. If one does not exist or if you have any concerns over the accuracy or content of the plan, work should not start. Remember: • don’t assume – ask to see the documents • working without knowing where asbestos materials are located, could be a recipe for disaster

• a survey costs money, but not having one can cost lives

When to get more information

Management surveys should contain enough information for routine and simple maintenance work. Where more extensive maintenance or repair work is involved, there may not be enough information in the management survey and a localised refurbishment survey will be needed. Refurbishment surveys will be required in areas where the management survey has not been intrusive. Contractors should not start work until they have received a copy of the asbestos survey/s and have used the information contained in it to ensure that there are no asbestos-containing materials in the areas in which they intend to work - if you don’t know where they are, don’t start working.

Safe maintenance health check When you need more information

to help get things right, remember these simple tips: • before you start work on a commercial building built before 2000, always ask to see the asbestos survey and asbestos management plan – no matter how small the job is • when undertaking larger jobs or on simple jobs if the management survey hasn’t enough detail, get a refurbishment survey • train workers in asbestos awareness • check asbestos essentials for information about your task • if you don’t know either presume that there is asbestos and take the correct precautions or don’t start working. There are a number of regulations, which cover work with all types of asbestos-containing material that place responsibilities on ‘duty holders’, employers and the self employed. More information is available on the HSENI website: www.hseni.gov.uk/ asbestos For advice on working safely with asbestos please visit: www.hse.gov.uk/ asbestos/protect

26| HSS Hire

HSS are aiming hire than ever!

Pearse McGuinness, Branch Manager of the new Connswater Belfast Branch pictured with Caoimhain Munster

Stephen Martin, Branch Manager for new Portadown Branch with Sean Kelly, Area Sales Manager

HSS Hire/Laois Hire are aiming higher than ever with new branches in Northern Ireland and in the Republic as well as a new specialist division and additions to its fleet of equipment the award winning plant and tool hire company has never been in better shape.

he hire company has been working flat out and is currently focused on a programme of expansion with two new branches recently opened at Connswater in Belfast and in Portadown. In the Republic of Ireland a further four branches are due to open this year in Limerick, Cork,Waterford and the Dublin docklands. “Adding to the HSS Hire and Laois Hire Group’s established network of 25 hire branches and super centres across Ireland and Northern Ireland, the increased footprint will result in a number of new jobs,” confirmed Michael Killeen, MD for HSS Hire Ireland, Scotland and the Laois Hire group. The group currently has twelve HSS branches in Northern Ireland and seven in the south as well as six Laois Hire branches there. “The new branches offer local customers easy access to a wide range of tools and equipment as well as offering hire-related services,” added Michael. “They are part of a blueprint we

are implementing that is designed to provide an ever more customercentric hire experience, supporting our revolutionary operating network which is driving best in class service and availability in the market. We¹re committed to offering our customers more safety, more availability, more value and more support in order to ensure an unrivalled hire experience. The new branches will help us deliver the highest quality service to our customers,” continued Michael.

New Branches The new Portadown branch in County Armagh is situated on a spacious site at the busy Castle Street junction and since opening a couple of months ago it has already built up a solid customer base. Branch manager Stephen Martin, who is well experienced in the industry, especially in territory development, is delighted with the progress made. “We have already won some good local contracts and there is great potential to grow and firmly establish the business in this part of the country,” he says. “We are looking forward to a long and successful future here.”

The new Belfast Connswater Branch

The branch carries a wide range of machinery and equipment, including dumpers, rollers, powered access products, tools and accessories, with a high level of availability. The new Belfast branch, which opened recently at the Connswater Retail Park off the Newtownards Road, is the third HSS Hire branch in the city, the others being at Kennedy Way and on the Shore Road. “HSS Hire operated a depot in this area

some years ago,” explains branch manager Pearse McGuinness. “It was their first in Northern Ireland, and customers say they are delighted that we are back in this particular locality.” McGuinness has been with HSS Hire for around 20 years, having been employed in a number of other Northern Ireland depots, so he has built up a wealth of experience, not just with the product portfolio, but with established customers. “Having

HSS Hire |27 a good working relationship with customers is just as important as product knowledge,” says Pearse. “Ours is a people business and we pride ourselves in providing a professional, efficient and friendly service that is second to none.” South of the border, a new HSS Hire branch is to be opened on a centrally located 1.5 acre site at Fortwilliam, Tivoli, in Cork. It will offer ease of access, more choice and larger equipment. The new branch will also incorporate training rooms offering a range of industry recognised technical and safety courses. For now, HSS Hire will also retain its established branch at Kinsale Road in Cork as the company’s market share in the region continues to grow. At least three new positions will be created at the Tivoli branch, with the prospect of more staff being added as the business there builds its customer base.

Delivery Fleet As with all HSS Hire branches, the new facilities in the north and south are supported by an extensive fleet of liveried vehicles and underpinned by an industry-leading operating and distribution system. The company continually invests in its distribution network which is organised into Distribution Centres and local format branches. Through the network, branches are restocked daily with equipment for customer pick-up. Customers also benefit from the expert workshop and refurbishment capabilities which are a feature of the HSS Hire network operations. Together, the HSS/Laois Hire Group serve a large and diverse customer base from large blue-chips to small local trades and individual customers; more than 90% of its business activity is business-tobusiness. “We have a customercentric approach and focus on delivering the very best service based around the things they tell us matter most safety, value, availability and support. Whatever they¹re doing, we help all of our customers get the job done safely, efficiently and cost-effectively,” says Killeen. “We recognise that customers needs and the challenges they face are continuously evolving, so we work hard to remain at the forefront of industry thinking and we are active members of industry organisations which stand for, and promote, best practice.”

Specialist divisions Although, tool and equipment hire are still at the heart of what HSS

Hire do – and plant hire is central to what Laois Hire offers the group also now has a range of specialist service divisions and equipment solutions that add real value for customers. With a large fleet of the largest diesel generators from 20kVA to 2000kVa all supported by the latest telemetry, HSS Power, for example, can supply, fit, service and manage all of a customer’s power requirements – and it also offers a 24-hour, 365 day specialist back-up and repair service. The Group’s new specialist division is Reintec, a fully outsourced cleaning equipment solution for contract cleaners which offers an innovative way to maintain and manage their fleets, supported by an exclusive range of high performance cleaning equipment. “Our mantra is save time, save money, and guarantee compliance. We do this through our unique hire model, where all machines from a small vacuum, right up to a ride on scrubber dryer, or sweeper, can be hired from us long term, or short term. All our machines have a 24 hour exchange guarantee, if they fail whilst on hire. When we hire a machine on long term, all battery machines get exchanged every six months, and all mains machines get exchanged every 12 months, this guarantees compliance,” says Richard Curry, general manager of Reintec/Tech Serve in Ireland. The group’s specialist training division HSS Training – offering a range of industry recognised technical and safety courses at centres throughout Ireland, and for customers who decide to buy rather than hire, all of its equipment is also available to purchase through HSS Sales, as is a comprehensive range of product accessories and consumables from all branches. The company also has a Powered Access division that offers specialist support for a wide range of the latest powered access equipment from scissor lifts and telehandlers to propelled booms, suitable for all working at height applications. HSS Hire recently made a significant investment in a large number of JLG machines. Keith O’Rouke, regional manager for HSS Powered Access Division, commented that: “JLG is a renowned powered access brand. Its product mix complements our existing powered access fleet. The JLG brand offers HSS Powered Access the options of four wheel drive, Skyguard, generators, and oscillating axles. Overall, we find our JLGs to be quality engineered kit.”

HSS Team in the busy Dublin Greenogue Branch

Keith O’Rourke, Regional Manager for HSS Powered Access pictured with a new JLG machine

Michael Killeen (centre), MD for HSS Hire Ireland, Scotland, and the Laois Hire Group pictured with (from left to right) Andrew Somerville, Key Accounts Manager, Declan Dennehy, Regional Sales Director; Adrian McBride, General Manager of HSS Power Division; Nicky Hearne, Financial Controller for HSS and Laois Hire and Dan Doyle, Regional Manager

New Reintec Division

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief... FEDERATION ENGAGES WITH THE ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY In mid-January, and with our manifesto for May’s Northern Ireland Assembly election having been published in December, we began an extensive programme of political engagement with representatives of Northern Ireland’s main political parties. This commenced at the Federation’s office through a members roundtable with Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt MLA. A range of topics were discussed during the roundtable – with a specific focus on skills, housing, infrastructure and the need for the next Northern Ireland Executive to take a more strategic and outcomesfocused approach to devolved government.

FIRST LOCAL COUNCIL LAUNCHES LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN TIMETABLE In late January, the Construction Employers Federation attended the launch of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Local Development Plan timetable. This is the first timetable launched by any of the new councils since planning powers were devolved in April 2015. The next key milestone is the publication of a Preferred Options Paper in the summer which will be consulted upon before the publication of the draft Plan Strategy in Q1 2017. The timetable indicates that the Local Plan will be adopted by the Council in early 2019. CEF will host an event for developers so they can share their views on land use within the borough with officials from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. More details will follow shortly. For further information please contact Jonathan Caughey on 028 9087 7413 or by email JCaughey@cefni.co.uk

FEDERATION HOLDS SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

riday 15th April saw the Federation hold a very successful Annual Dinner and Dance at the Culloden Hotel in Holywood. Nearly 300 guests attended the prestigious event which saw the first address of our new President, David Henry of Henry Brothers, who focused on both his hopes for the coming two years as well as the steps the next Northern Ireland Executive needs to take to unlock the potential of the local construction industry. David also paid tribute to the outgoing President, Rhona Quinn (L-R) David McWilliams (guest speaker), David Henry (Federation President of QMAC Construction, and thanked and Managing Director of Henry Brothers) and John Armstrong (Managing her for her efforts and commitment Director of the Construction Employers Federation). during her term of office. We were delighted to then welcome renowned economist and author David McWilliams to the stage as our guest speaker. David’s unique and witty style held his audience captive for over half an hour and we look forward to welcoming him again in the future! The evening concluded with guests dancing the night away to the sounds of The Goodfella’s band and we were delighted that they could, once again, provide such an uplifting and enjoyable close to what was a memorable night. Our thanks again go to our sponsor for the evening, Investec, as well as the Federation’s four Patrons – Danske Bank, Carson McDowell, JP Corry and JLT. Without their support, the evening would not have been possible and we look forward to continuing these existing partnerships into the future. Sincerest thanks also to all the members and guests that attended and supported the event and, if you have any feedback, please share with Karen Shane via karens@cefni.co.uk or on 028 9087 7143.

LAUNCH OF HOUSING SUPPLY FORUM REPORT

ocial Development Minister, Maurice Morrow MLA, has published an independent report by a Forum established to identify ways of increasing housing supply, particularly in the private sector. The Final Report from the Housing Supply Forum, chaired by John Armstrong of the Construction Employers Federation, makes a number of recommendations that will now be considered by the minister and his ministerial colleagues. Publishing the report, minister Morrow said: “The Final Report of the Housing Supply Forum will have a role to play in highlighting housing supply issues in Northern Ireland. Their recommendations are a welcome contribution to the debate on how to increase housing supply.” The Housing Supply Forum was established as part of Facing

the Future – A Housing Strategy for Northern Ireland to tap into the expertise that exists across the broader housing sector and Government in order to propose workable solutions to improve housing supply. The Minister continued: “I am grateful to John Armstrong and all the Forum members for their time and commitment in developing this report. The forum has a vast breadth of knowledge and expertise and it was a unique opportunity to look collectively at the issue. “Addressing the issues around housing supply in Northern Ireland will take a concerted effort by all the key players. My department will now take time to consider the Forum’s recommendations. I have also shared the report with ministerial colleagues who have relevant areas of responsibility, for their consideration

– they too will wish to reflect on the recommendations. “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the industry and others in the housing sector, to achieve the vision set out in my department’s Housing Strategy to meet housing need through ensuring access to decent, affordable, sustainable homes across all tenures.” Chairman of the forum, John Armstrong commented: “In Northern Ireland we are currently not building enough houses. Failure to address this deficit will have serious social and economic consequences. We hope that the recommendations of our report, if adopted, will help to rectify this shortfall.” The full report is available here: https://www.dsdni.gov.uk/sites/default/ files/publications/dsd/2016-housingsupply-forum-report.pdf

FURTHER DETAILS EMERGE ON THE NORTHERN IRELAND EXECUTIVE BUDGET

rior to Christmas, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed a one-year budget for the 2016/17 financial year. An Assembly statement by the Finance Minister in January shed more light on the capital expenditure breakdown of this: Total capital expenditure over the years to 2020/21 detailed as: • 2016/17 – Conventional Capital – £1.009bn. Financial Transactions Capital – £113.6m • 2017/18 – Conventional Capital – £1.036bn. Financial Transactions Capital – £100.7m • 2018/19 – Conventional Capital – £1.073bn. Financial Transactions Capital – £76.4m • 2019/20 – Conventional Capital – £1.126bn. Financial Transactions Capital – £66.1m • 2020/21 – Conventional Capital – £1.184bn. Financial Transactions Capital – £54m Budget detail for the years after 2016/17 will only be settled after May’s Assembly election. In terms of department by department breakdown for the 2016/17 financial year, there is still a lot of detail left to be finalised but the statement does indicate: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs • Progress the work necessary to relocate the department’s headquarters to Ballykelly by December 2017 (£10.4m). Department for Communities • £159.7m budget in total. • This will include £9.8m for regional and sub-regional stadia.

• And £96.5m of Conventional Capital as well as £11m of Financial Transactions Capital towards Housing. Department for the Economy • £60.1m of Conventional Capital and £30.8m of Financial Transactions Capital in total. • Of this, some £25.6m Conventional Capital and £11.2m of Financial Transactions Capital will go towards Higher Education. Department of Education • Significant capital budget increase on last year – £193.7m available in total. • Although exact detail is lacking, the Department says this will ‘enable the major works and School Enhancement Programmes to be accelerated’. A further five major works and 12 SEP projects are expected to be released for construction. • ‘Significant’ inroads are also expected to be made into the backlog of minor works applications. Department of Finance • A capital budget of £33.6m will allow them to ‘invest in refurbishment work to facilitate lease consolidation and provide modern, open plan office space’. Department of Health • A total capital budget of £232.6m is available. • This will enable the completion of the new North West Regional Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin and two new primary and community care facilities at Banbridge and Ballymena. • Redevelopment of the Ulster and Altnaglevin Hospital sites will also continue as well as the new build

local hospital in Omagh and the new paediatric facilities at Craigavon and Daisy Hill. Work will also commence on the new Regional Children’s Hospital at the Royal. • The £10m of Financial Transactions Capital will allow further investment in GP infrastructure Department for Infrastructure • They will have a total capital budget of £384.1m over the coming financial year – this will allow the Department to take forward work on key schemes including: The A5 and A6; Belfast Rapid Transit and; The Belfast Transport Hub. • In total, Roads will receive £150m of Resource expenditure and £138m of Capital. • Rivers will get £16m and £8.6m respectively • Transport – £83m and £88m

• Water and Sewerage – £100m and £146.7m Department of Justice • Total capital funding of £58m has been allocated. • £3.9m of this will go towards the Community Safety College at Desertcreat. • £10m will go to the PSNI with a further £17m to the Prison Service. The Executive Office (formerly OFMDFM) • A conventional budget of £5m has been allocated – this will be used to complete four buildings at Ebrington, including Grade A office space as well as other Urban Village projects. • The Northern Ireland Assembly will have £2m for capital in the coming financial year while the Public Prosecution Service will have £1.5m.

DANSKE BANK GIVES ITS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2016

s part of their Patronage of the Construction Employers Federation, we were delighted to welcome Danske Bank in late January to the Federation’s office to give their Economic Outlook for 2016. Led by Chief Economic Angela McGowan, the Bank laid out the economic growth prospects for Northern Ireland and beyond – as well as delving into construction specific issues such as public sector budgets, housing and planning.

For a copy of the presentation please email davidf@cefni.co.uk. Further CEF/Danske Bank events will be held over the coming weeks and months – please do watch this space for more information.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief... NEW eTENDERSNI USERS GROUP TO BE ESTABLISHED In response to the industry raising a significant number of concerns and issues with the new eTendersNI system, it has been agreed with the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to set up an eTendersNI Users Group. The Users Group will be an opportunity for the industry to raise its concerns directly with CPD as a means to seek out resolutions to on-going issues where feasible. It is hoped that, through establishing the Users Group, greater understanding can be put in place of the issues experienced – both from the industry’s perspective and from that of CPD and other government clients. The first meeting of the Group will be established shortly – and further details will be communicated to members as soon as possible.

MISUSE OF Z CLAUSES RAISED WITH DSD John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation has met with Andrew Hamilton, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Social Development, to raise the industry’s concerns about the misuse of Z clauses in relation to social housing contracts. DSD has granted Housing Associations a derogation from the standardised list of Z clauses agreed by the Construction Industry Forum Northern Ireland (CIFNI) in February 2015. The standardised list of Z clauses was agreed to ensure the appropriate allocation of risk. CEF has forwarded a number of example clauses to DSD highlighting unfair transfer of risk to contractors particularly in relation to ground conditions and expressed concern that the current situation poses a serious risk of businesses failure due to this risk transfer.

NEW HR ADVICE AND CONSULTANCY ADVICE LAUNCHED

ne of the key benefits of membership of the Construction Employers Federation is the breadth of our membership services offering. While our existing offer continues to be well received and utilised within the industry, it is vital that we continually seek to develop and enhance our services to members – and we are therefore delighted to announce our new partnership with Forde May Consulting. As our new HR advice and consultancy partner, Forde May Consulting will offer a wide range of exclusive CEF membership benefits including: • A HR Hotline – 028 9043 2683 and/or cefhrhotline@fordemayconsulting.com – for members with up to 20 minutes of free consultation or guidance around general HR issues • Preferential rates for members who wish to engage the services of Forde May Consulting – 10% discount on agreed recruitment fees and daily rates • Standard contracts of employment • Regular HR related articles for the CEF website and our Weekly News Update • A series of seminars directly related to key HR issues within the industry today For further information, please contact David Fry on 028 9087 7143 or davidf@cefni.co.uk.

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE INTRODUCED FROM 1 APRIL

he government’s National Living Wage (NLW) has been introduced from 1 April 2016 for all working people aged 25 and over, and will be set at £7.20 per hour. The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) for those under 25 will continue to apply. The industry wage rates set by the Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) are currently in excess of the National Living Wage rate in all applicable categories with the exception of any apprentices aged 25 or over. Any operative that falls into this category should be paid the National Living Wage rate of £7.20 per hour. The current NMW for apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year is £3.30 per hour. The industry wage rates exceed this rate. All other apprentices are entitled to the NMW for their age. If the National Minimum Wage rate is higher than the industry wage rate the National Minimum Wage rate applies.

FEDERATION ANNOUNCES JP CORRY AS their LATEST PATRON

he CEF has announced JP Corry as its latest patron of the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

The CEF Patronage Scheme will see organisations from a range of sectors come together to support the local construction industry by providing specialist expertise and guidance to CEF members across Northern Ireland. JP Corry Managing Director Ciaran McConnell commented: “It’s a great pleasure to develop our partnership with the CEF and become a patron. We have been working alongside the CEF for many years CEF team, headed by Managing Director John Armstrong, meeting with the senior management of JP Corry, headed by Managing Director Ciaran McConnell. and we look forward to working closely with its current and future members in the coming year to offer our support wherever we can.” CEF Managing Director John Armstrong welcomed JP Corry’s support for the scheme, saying: “The construction industry in Northern Ireland is starting to emerge from what have been some of the toughest times it has ever faced, but there remain challenges ahead. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that the industry can call upon support and expert advice from advisors like JP Corry who really understand the sector.”

Carson McDOWELL HELPING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NAVIGATE LEGAL CHALLENGES

(L-R) John Armstrong (Managing Director of the CEF), Stuart Murphy (Partner, Carson McDowell) and David Fry (CEF).

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has announced that Belfast law firm Carson McDowell has become the official legal patron of the construction industry in Northern Ireland. Carson McDowell said it had signed up to the CEF Patronage Scheme, which is seeing organisations from a range of sectors come together to support the local construction industry by providing specialist expertise and guidance to CEF members across Northern Ireland. Stuart Murphy, Construction Partner at Carson McDowell said: “As a firm that works extensively with the construction sector in Northern Ireland, Carson McDowell felt it was important to continue to show our support for the industry by becoming legal patron of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) NI. “There are a number of big issues facing the sector as it returns to health. The local industry is recovering at a slower pace than in Great Britain and a large proportion of firms here are dependent on projects from across the

water because of a dearth of work in Northern Ireland since the recession. That in turn has created a skills gap after many experienced people left the industry. “But there are also some big challenges around the corner from changes to legislation which construction companies must be ready for if they don’t want to be hit by additional costs. For example, firms will have to prepare for new Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations likely to come in to force later this year that revise the rules relating to the health and safety of construction projects. “This month also sees new Building Information Modelling (BIM) requirements to be introduced for public sector projects, which is likely to create an increased IT requirement to meet the digital modelling specifications for construction projects. “Whether it is health & safety, planning, procurement, environmental concerns, complex contracts or employment issues, the legal aspects of construction are numerous and varied. Carson McDowell will continue to work with local construction firms of all sizes to ensure they are able to compete both at home and abroad.” CEF Managing Director John Armstrong welcomed Carson McDowell’s support for the scheme, saying: “For many years the CEF has partnered with Carson McDowell to deliver expert legal advice and support to construction companies across Northern Ireland. We are absolutely delighted that, as our latest Patron, Carson McDowell has agreed to continue and indeed further develop our links. “As the local construction industry continues to emerge from what have been some of the toughest times it has ever faced, it is crucial that the industry can call upon support and expert advice from advisors like Carson McDowell who truly understand the sector. “As we look forward to the formation of the next Northern Ireland Executive post May’s election, It is essential to have an effective organisation like CEF to be ‘the voice of the construction industry’ and I am very confident that our voice will only be made stronger by Carson McDowell and our other industry patrons.”

FIRST TURLEY ASSOCIATES EVENT A SUCCESS

n partnership with Turley Associates, our planning consultancy partners, we in mid-March held the first in a series of events focusing on the transfer of planning powers to local councils – one year on. The first event focused in on the impact of Developer Contributions after, in late October of 2015, Belfast City Council gave planning permission to Allstate’s six-storey river front office on condition of entering a Section 76 legal agreement. This ensured £100k funding for a community garden, play equipment and other community benefits. Section 76 Planning Agreements allow planning authorities to enter into financial and legal agreements with developers, and according to Belfast City Council can be used “to make acceptable a scheme that would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms.” A guidance paper has been endorsed by the Council regarding contributions made under Section 76 agreements, and DSD has published an economic appraisal of developer contributions for affordable housing. This week’s event focused on how Developer Contributions comply with the intention of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and the policy of SPPS. The event also asked whether other councils will now follow suit. The presentations from the event are available from davidf@cefni.co.uk.

The Construction Employers Federation is responsible for supplying the editorial content of the CEF News section. The Federation does not purport to have any editorial input to the remainder of Specify magazine.

143 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SU

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Tel: 028 9087 7143

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Fax: 028 9087 7155

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www.cefni.co.uk

32| CIOB

CIOB in Ireland Annual Branch Dinner

he Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) - the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership – recently held its annual Ireland Branch dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Belfast. The event attracted members, guests and dignitaries from throughout the UK and Ireland. In his address, David Little, Chair of CIOB in Ireland, highlighted the renewed optimism the industry is experiencing, particularly in the residential sector, and also highlighted how the growing skills shortage is creating a challenge for the industry. Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Regional Development spoke about how the government at Stormont is working to make key infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland a reality. She also praised the ongoing work of the CIOB in helping to improve and develop standards throughout the construction industry. For further details on the CIOB please visit www.ciob.org.

Left to right… Maurice Johnston Chair of CITB NI and Charles O’Neill Immediate Past Chair CIH NI. Front Left to Right....Martin Hare President of RSUA, Dr. Alan Skates Chair of ICE NI, Andy Tough Chair of RICS NI, Rhona Quinn President of CEF NI, David Little Chair of CIOB in Ireland, Michelle McIlveen MLA Minister for Regional Development, Mark Gilmore Chair of CIOB in Ireland’s Northern Centre and Allan McMullen CIOB Past-President.

David Little, Chair of CIOB in Ireland, addressing the guests.

Maria O’Loan from Tughans along with Martin Lawther from Gilbert Ash.

Guests enjoying a selfie.

David Little, Chair of CIOB in Ireland along with Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Regional Development presenting Brenda Regan with the joint Best Overall Performance Award for outstanding results in the CMP programme in 2015 in Ireland.

Drinks reception.

Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Regional Development, addressing the guests.

David Little, Chair of CIOB in Ireland along with Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Regional Development presenting Justin Keane with the joint Best Overall Performance Award for outstanding results in the CMP programme in 2015 in Ireland.

David Little, Chair of CIOB in Ireland along with Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Regional Development presenting Dr. Martina Murphy from Ulster University with the CIOB International Innovation & Research Award.

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digest

34|

Finance Minister visits Heritage Visitor Centre in Enniskillen [L-R]: Rhona Quinn, chairperson QMAC Construction and Mervyn Storey, finance minister.

Finance Minister Mervyn Storey recently paid a visit to the site of the new £3.6m visitors centre at Enniskillen Castle, which is currently under construction. The building project involves the development of an external space for hosting various events and activities throughout the year as well as refurbishment of part of the Castle courtyard. Tyronebased construction firm QMAC Construction Ltd are the assigned contractors. This state of the art facility will enable Fermanagh County Museum to offer a wider access to various collections. Many of these collections have great significance on an international level, as well as being important locally and are key to tourism in the Fermanagh area. The Minister met with Rhona Quinn, Chairperson of QMAC and President of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) NI. Ms Quinn commented: “We were delighted to be able to

host the Finance Minister, Mervyn Storey, on the site of the project at Enniskillen Castle. It was an opportunity for us to demonstrate the significant work that is being undertaken to enhance the offering to visitors. QMAC specialises in heritage and restoration construction across Northern Ireland and we are particularly pleased to be working on a site of such historical significance. “This high-value project is a prime example of how the construction industry in Northern Ireland continues to contribute to and support the tourism and culture sectors here. Enniskillen Castle has a particularly rich heritage and any work that is undertaken to enhance this should be of the highest quality. The development of this visitor centre will help to reinforce Fermanagh as a tourism destination and will see a boost for the local economy as a result.” The construction work taking place to build the visitor centre at Enniskillen Castle is due to complete this year.

36| TBC

What TBC Conversions can do for your business TBC Conversions is one of the leading vehicle conversion and adaption companies, operating throughout the island of Ireland. Based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone (just of JCT 15 on the M1), the company has been converting vehicles since 2005 for individuals, companies and public bodies, and has established significant relationships with leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles. In July 2014 the company moved to a new 30,000 square ft manufacturing facility, giving the company increased capacity, resulting in scalability and an increased technical workforce. At the same time the company re-branded, separating the old “TBC” into 3 distinct businesses under the TBC Conversions umbrella: - TBC Specialist Conversions, - TBC Motability Conversions - TBC Taxi and Bus Conversions “We had out grown the previous facility and needed to move to a bigger facility to cope with demand,” said David Donnell, MD at TBC Conversions. “We have grown from an 8-man business to a team of almost 40, and we anticipate further growth within the next 24 months, so the new facility is ideal for what we do.” Donnell believes that the rebranding was more than a cosmetic exercise which has benefited the business on a number of levels. “We have changed our corporate identity and are continually reviewing our marketing activities as part of our sales strategy, but as the business grows, having 3 distinct business units helps us stay closer to our customers and continue to deliver the value and quality we have become known for.”

TBC Specialist Conversions, as the name suggests, deals with those specialist and bespoke

conversions including ply-lining, seats, vehicle glazing, shelving systems, tow bars, roof racks and bespoke crew van solutions – ideal for plumbing, joiner and electrical contracting companies of all sizes. The company additionally has major contracts with the frontline services including power companies, fire authorities and water services.

TBC Mobility Conversions, specialises in the conversion and adaption of wheelchair accessible vehicles and works closely with individual customers, large fleet companies including Motability and public bodies throughout the UK – with all vehicles complying to Whole Vehicle European Type Approval, the highest standard of safety. TBC Taxi and Bus Conversions works closely with taxi and bus companies across the UK and Ireland as well as rural transport, education boards and charities and patient transfer organisations.

“We have dedicated teams – in sales and production – who work in these 3 distinct areas and so now our customers get experts dedicated to their individual needs,” said David Donnell. “We have forged excellent relationships with Motability and are accredited by VW Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes, Citroen, Vauxhall and most recently with Ford.” “Our business has focused on keeping the customer central to everything we do and we have established a value proposition where everything we do is designed and manufactured with “Intelligence”, “Empathy” and “Care”.

For more information please contact 028 8772 2247 visit, www.tbc-conversions.co.uk

38| motoring

Vauxhall Vans BiTurbo Vivaro is a bright spark for JD Electrical

he van is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for the building trade, with reliability, economy, space and value for money being prerequisites. Vauxhall recently updated its Vivaro range of vans and one of the first customers for the new range was Lisburn based electrician Jonathan Dunn of JD Electrical. Jonathan, who previously drove Transit vans, is delighted with his new LCV. “Cosmetically, the Vivaro is much more impressive to look at,” Jonathan told Specify, “and it is much more economical than the Transit was. I thought the 1.6 diesel biturbo diesel engine might not have enough power and torque when the van is fully loaded, but the new engine is very impressive. Matched to the six speed gearbox, the van has all the performance you need and great fuel economy as well. I went for the long wheelbase version, the amount of space in it is amazing, yet it is still very easy to park or manoeuvre with good all round visibility. I am really pleased and impressed with it and the quality of service from Charles Hurst Vauxhall in Lisburn.” Jonathan’s LWB Vivaro was fitted out with racking and shelving at VanLine which means he can carry all his equipment safely secured in the back. Jonathan picked the new 1.6 BiTurbo CDTi (140PS) which produces torque

of 320Nm, providing enough power for demanding tasks. Fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 49.6mpg while it delivers emissions of 149g/km CO2. The new engines in the Vivaro range come with Start/Stop and thanks to Vauxhall’s BlueInjection SCR system, it complies with the Euro 6 emission standard. The Vivaro is available with new features such as Keyless Open and Start, a tablet holder and an improved IntelliLink infotainment system Navi 50 which also has DAB as standard. Vauxhall’s Vivaro, which is built in Luton, was also recently named overall winner at the Business Van Awards 2016. Martyn Collins, editor for Business vans stated “Which van is great to drive, affordable to run, plus has a well-equipped interior that can double as an office? That’ll be the Vauxhall Vivaro.” He added “When combined with the practical load area with the clever FlexCargo load-through bulkhead, it’s not difficult to see why the Vauxhall is our top van.” The Vivaro has also been presented with Best Large Trades Van and Best Green Van. “Vauxhall’s development of the latest 1.6-litre, (120PS) Bi-Turbo diesel version of the Vivaro is class-leading,” added Collins. “47.9 mpg consumption figure and theoretical 800 mile range, wrapped in one of the most attractive and easy to drive vans on the market.”

40| Fleet Financial

Fleet Financial drives innovation with new online resource New Fleet Navigator tool helps to improve day-to-day operations and efficiency for companies.

Damian Campbell, Sales Manager, Fleet Financial, is behind a major drive to ensure its customers have round-the-clock support after launching an innovative new tool, Fleet Navigator, which is aimed at busy fleet managers and SMEs.

orthern Ireland’s award-winning contract hire and vehicle management company, Fleet Financial, has launched an innovative new online management solution called Fleet Navigator, showcasing its growth and leadership in the sector. The new, bespoke web-based product is designed to provide their customers with additional easy-toaccess online support whenever they need it. Boasting a fresh design, it is easy to navigate and can be accessed from any mobile or desk-based device. The unique system complements Fleet Financial’s unrivalled customer service credentials and designated account management support and can be used to help make day-to-day vehicle management operations more effective and efficient. Fleet Financial Sales Manager, Damian Campbell, said: “Managing company vehicles can be a challenging

task. In an increasingly competitive business environment which is constantly evolving and with new rules, legislation and changing work practices to take into account, we found that our own customers could benefit from an online resource which is designed to deliver support on a 24-hour basis. “Our customers already benefit from the dedicated one-to-one customer service arrangements provided by Fleet Financial but we hope that the new Fleet Navigator tool will be a welcome addition. It is already helping to revolutionise and improve fleet performance and drive greater efficiency among many of our users. Fleet Navigator allows users to access resources including alerts and notifications for tax, servicing, MOT and licensing, secure storage and easy access to digital documentation such as contract information, driving licences, handbooks, p11d information, MOT reports and up to date reporting on maintenance and servicing. Users can also make direct

bookings for windscreen repairs, servicing and short term vehicle hire, as well as carry our free driving licence checks for a UK mainland issued driving licence. The launch of Fleet Navigator supports Fleet Financial’s continued success in Northern Ireland, its commitment to customers and to the development of new and innovative products which provide real solutions. “With a dedicated account management and business support team, we listen to our customers all the time. We gauge them for feedback and we ask them how we can help them further. They told us that online support, which they could access on-the-go, was important. Also, after reviewing products already available in the marketplace, we decided that a bespoke product, designed and developed internally, was a greater proposition to our customers. Fleet Navigator now enables us to help companies use their experience and knowledge to improve their own performance.

“This year, as we celebrate our 20th successful year in business in Northern Ireland, this new online tool marks the latest in a serious of innovations which Fleet Financial has delivered in its mission to transform the sector and further supports our belief that ‘Extra Comes as Standard,” added Damian. The secure site works on any smartphone, tablet or PC and provides Fleet Financial customers with the tools they need to better access the virtual resources for company vehicles. Damian said: “With a firm focus on customer experience, feedback and interaction, Fleet Navigator will remove much of the administrative weight for companies managing vehicles – so they can focus on what really matters. Driving efficiency, promoting growth and growing strongly.” For more information on Fleet Financial, phone Damian Campbell on 028 9084 9777, email damiancampbell@fleetfinancial.co.uk or visit www.fleetfinancial.co.uk.

42| CITB

CITB NI celebrating success with construction professionals and students at annual CIOB Awards

Pictured are Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, Martin Cushnahan QTAS, joint winners Brenda Regan and Justin Keane, Mark Gilmore CIOB and Roger Gillespie Training LMS.

ITB NI hosted another successful Chartered Institute of Building Lecture and Awards evening at Nutts Corner Training Centre recently acknowledging local students in their professional exams in 2015.

The presentation focused on the development, design and build of The Welcome-Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast and focused on all aspects of the project from design to completion presented by O’Hare & Govern. Certificates were awarded to

21 candidates who successfully passed their CIOB examinations last year through QTAS and Training LMS training organisations. Justin Keane and Brenda Regan were presented with the joint Best Overall Performance Award for their outstanding results in the CMP programme in 2015 in Ireland.

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI presented the students with their certificates said: “It is important that the construction industry acknowledges its very best individuals, not just for them or their employers but also to illustrate that construction is a good career option for our young people who are starting on their career paths. As both an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council CITB NI are proud to host these awards and we congratulate all those who have worked incredibly hard to achieve CIOB status. The construction industry has weathered the financial storm and 2015 was finally the year that our local industry seen some real growth after a long period of contraction. Growth is gradual in our sector but development of local projects and housing will help all help to develop the local industry for now and the future.” Anyone interested in supervisory or management level qualifications through CIOB can contact Mandy Coleman mcoleman@ciob.org.uk

CITB NI Award Top GCSE students at building awards

he students who gained the highest grades in GCSE Construction and Built Environment in 2015 were recognised by CITB NI at the annual Chartered Institute of Building Awards held at Nutts Corner last night. The GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment has been developed by CCEA to give students a realistic understanding and experience of construction that will enable them to develop an authentic working relationship with the real world-of-work. First and second place were awarded to Jonathan Loughridge, Ballymena Academy and Emmett Hamill, St Patricks’s Grammar, Armagh. Third place was awarded to Conor McAvoy, Abbey CBS Grammar School, Newry. The students were invited to the annual Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards hosted by CITB NI which awarded those professionals who gained CIOB status throughout the year and included a presentation on the Welcome-Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast. On presenting the awards, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB NI, said: “Congratulations to all the students who excelled in GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment. We are delighted you chose to study a topic that reflects todays modern construction industry. This is a growing topic of choice with 545 pupils sitting the exam in 2015 and 33 schools now offering the subject at GCSE level. We provide help and guidance on the topic via our textbook and we hope that by studying and excelling at this level you may possibly consider a career in a dynamic industry with lots of opportunities to choose from.” “Whilst the construction industry has been hit hard by the economic downturn, there are modest levels of growth on the horizon. Construction

Pictured are Tom Heaney CCEA, Conor McAvoy Abbey CBS Grammar, Newry (3rd place), Johnathan Loughridge Ballymena Academy (1st place) Emmett Hamill, St Patricks Grammar, Armagh and Barry Neilson Chief Executive CITB NI.

has built our homes, hospitals, schools, roads and these buildings and landmarks will be here long after they have been constructed. It is a rewarding industry that young people should still consider entering. There are opportunities to develop your managerial skills, start your own business, work internationally or become a master craftsman. There are good prospects for career enhancement and there is good earning potential.”

Hamilton Architects |43

Ambitious 5 year Growth Plan for Hamilton Architects Ulster rugby legend Paddy Wallace with the top team from the Hamilton Architects Derry~Londonderry office, from left, Partner Seamus McCloskey and Directors Simon Doyle and George Brolly.

amilton Architects, one of Northern Ireland’s leading architectural practices with offices in Belfast and Derry, have announced a strong start to 2016 by winning £30m of contracts in the education sector. The company, which has been in business over 40 years, have also announced the launch of new London offices at an investment of £750k and the clinching of their first contract in the city, for Ealing Council. The good news comes at the start of an ambitious 5-year growth plan for the business, which aims to boost turnover by 50% and increase staff by 27 to a total of 65 staff by the end of 2020. The news was announced by Partners Paul Millar, Mark Haslett and Seamus McCloskey, during an event attended by around 100 sectoral stakeholders and rugby legend Paddy Wallace at Hamilton’s offices in the Linen Conservation Area of Belfast. “We are delighted to be going into a new year on an extremely positive note,” said Paul Millar. “These wins coincide with the initiation of a plan aimed at driving a strong growth surge which will see our business expand across the UK and into Europe over the next several years. “Our first contract in London, to design social housing for Ealing Council, is a modest but significant one which has already led to further opportunities. Our new offices, in Old Broad Street, will officially open in the Spring and will give us a permanent presence in the city. “In Northern Ireland, we are

very pleased to have secured new contracts in the primary, secondary and higher education sectors, underlining our success in delivering exciting and innovative learning environments.” The education contracts are for South West College, for a new campus on part of the former Erne Hospital site; a new primary school and nursery unit at Gaelscoil na gCrann Primary School in Omagh; and a new 600 pupil secondary school for St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen. Hamilton recently completed the £12m SPACE building for SERC in Bangor, an innovative design project which combines the Schools of Performing Arts and Technical Innovation with the aim of enhancing the future potential of the knowledge economy through provision of state-of-the-art facilities. Paul added: “We are very lucky to have some of the most talented young architects on the island of Ireland in our practice. However, looking ahead, as the economy continues to recover we foresee shortages developing in the skillsets we need to operate successfully as a business and a sector. “Northern Ireland needs to support and invest in its young people if we are to nurture the talent and ambition that will ensure our place as a significant player in the knowledge economy of these islands and beyond. We want to play our part in that.” The Hamilton Award for Most Promising Young Designer, comprising a £1,000 bursary and internship opportunity, was

Eamon O’Hare (left) of O’Hare & McGovern, joined Eleanor McEvoy of Budget Energy and Seamus McCloskey, Partner, at the Hamilton Architects event.

Some of the VIP guests who attended the Hamilton Architect event in Belfast, where the company announced £30m contract wins in the education sector, along with the upcoming launch of a new London office.

Professor Peter Walker of the Belfast School of Architecture, Ulster University, accepted the Hamilton Award for Most Promising Young Designer from Partner Seamus McCloskey.

Ulster rugby legend Paddy Wallace was the VIP guest speaker at the Hamilton Architects event. He is pictured with Partners, from left, Mark Haslett, Paul Millar and Seamus McCloskey.

accepted by Professor Peter Walker, Head of the Belfast School of Architecture, on behalf of Ulster University and will be awarded to a student in June. Hamilton, which has earned a reputation as a creative and innovative award-winning practice, offer a multi-disciplinary service to

clients in the sport, education, health, conservation, commercial, tourism and residential sectors. Projects delivered by the company include Kingspan Stadium, Dundalk Race Course, Riddel Hall, Crumlin Road Gaol, Ulster Museum, Mersey Ferry Terminal and greyhound stadiums in Cork and Dundalk.

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44|

Construction Industry urged to enter 2016 Grant Thornton Runway Run After the phenomenal success of 2015’s inaugural Grant Thornton Runway Run in Northern Ireland, the business advisory firm has announced the return of the event for 2016. 500 runners from businesses across Northern Ireland are invited to take to the runway of George Best Belfast City Airport for a 5k team race at 11pm on Thursday 23rd June. The race, which is organised by Athletics NI, is open to all businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland

who are invited to enter a team of four in one or more of three categories – male, female and mixed. Prizes will be awarded in each category with team members’ finishing times combined to determine the winner. Grant Thornton has selected The Mary Peters Trust as its charity partner for the 2016 Runway Run. To register for the 2016 Grant Thornton Runway Run and to view full terms and conditions please visit www.athleticsni.org/Events

The race will be started by Dame Mary Peters herself (centre) who is pictured with Grant Thornton (NI) LLP Managing Partner Richard Gillan (second from left) and Partners (L-R) Louise Kelly, Peter Legge and Neal Taylor.

Larne A8 photo in the picture for UK award An aerial photograph of a major road intersection near Larne has been selected as one of the top ten images in a UK-wide photography competition launched by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to celebrate iconic and important infrastructure schemes. Colin Jones, Mapping & Charting Officer at Land & Property Services (LPS), submitted the impressive image of the A8 junction at Ballynure - part of the principal route connecting Belfast and Larne, one of the busiest routes in Northern Ireland and extending over 26 km from Glengormley to Larne via Ballynure. The photograph was taken in August 2015 during a project to update LPS’s mapping. The judging panel of industry and photography experts - chaired by Ann Bentley, Global Chair of Rider Levett Bucknall - said the chosen top ten images are testament to the breadth and depth of some of the UK’s most essential infrastructure schemes – from historical through to modern day. RICS judges commended the photograph of the A8 Junction, Ballynure, Larne for giving the public an opportunity to view this beautiful area from an angle they wouldn’t normally see it. Interestingly – and somewhat humorously - the Judges also commented that the outline of the roads bear a striking resemblance to the cartoon character, Sid from Ice-Age! Anyone aged 18 and over could enter RICS’ Infrastructure Photography competition by submitting original photographs of any man-made physical infrastructure structure, such as roads, bridges, railways, power stations and wind farms.

VIP visit for Windell Ltd Mayor Of London, Boris Johnson and Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers visited Henry Group company, Windell Ltd during their trip to Northern Ireland to see first-hand the expertise in the specialist blast and ballistic glazing systems that are manufactured at the company’s base in Magherafelt. Windell have recently undertaken prestigious projects in and around central London, including, BBC House, Emirates Cable Cars, Palace of Westminster, Kings Cross and Farringdon rail stations, discreetly providing the highest level of security to the building occupants. Windell are currently supplying and installing

the full window package at Curtis Green (New Scotland Yard). During the visit Mr Johnson and Ms Villiers were shown around the company’s manufacturing facilities and chatted to the workforce. The visit was particularly memorable as the company is currently celebrating its’ 30th year in business. Ian Henry, Managing Director of Windell said “It is a great privilege to have guests such as Boris Johnson and Theresa Villiers visiting Windell at our Magherafelt production facility to see our state of the art manufacturing process. We as a company are immensely proud of our people and products and the continued success of our company competing in both

Pictured (l-r) are Ian Henry (Windell); Theresa Villiers (Secretary of State for NI) and Boris Johnson (Mayor of London).

the UK and world marketplace. Our continued growth will secure

employment at our Northern Ireland production facility.”

CITB|45

Growing tomorrow’s leaders in construction

group of enthusiastic future leaders from the Northern Ireland construction industry attended the first workshop of the CITB NI ‘Leader in Construction’ programme, delivered by Parity Professionals, in March 2016. This programme is designed to equip the participants with the skills they need to progress their own careers and to drive their company forward. The inaugural workshop, entitled ‘Leading Change for Growth’ was sponsored by Farrans Construction Ltd. and held at CITB NI’s Nutts Corner Training Centre. This workshop was designed to help the future leaders appreciate their role in leading positive organisational change. The workshop provided insight into proven models for planning and introducing change, relating and applying these to planning change within their own organisations. Welcoming the participants to the programme, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive of CITB NI, said, ‘You are the future of the construction industry in Northern Ireland. CITB NI has invested heavily in the ‘Leader in Construction’ programme and we expect a lot from you. We expect you to take the knowledge and skills you gain through this programme and bring them back to your organisations and supply chains. We

expect you to apply these skills and set an example for others. In doing so, we hope to not only improve the skills and competencies of those companies directly engaged with the ‘Leader in Construction’ programme, but to improve the industry as a whole. We are delighted to see a mix of participants from different backgrounds and different sectors within the industry, and different sizes of companies. By sharing your own experiences you will learn from each other and hopefully form lasting connections, developing your networks and expanding your horizons.’ All the participants have completed a 360° degree assessment and this provided an opportunity for them, their line managers, their peers and their subordinates, to evaluate their competencies against those of a leader. The future leaders will be given the chance to develop and improve these competencies through on-going coaching throughout the duration of the programme. The coaching element of the programme will allow participants to consolidate the learning from the workshops and ensure it is applied within the workplace. A second workshop will focus on Strategic Planning and Market Assessment. Participants will learn how to plan and implement strategy within an organisation, whilst remaining open to previously unidentified opportunities.

product news SCHUECO’S ADS HD DOOR RANGE OFFERS UNBEATABLE QUALITY AND CHOICE

he uniquely wide choice offered by the Schueco ADS HD range of thermally insulated aluminium doors means that whatever the project, there will be a door that fulfills both the aesthetic and performance specification perfectly. These stylish, superior quality doors can accommodate single, double and triple glazing up to 55 mm thick, giving them excellent thermal efficiency together with real flexibility in use. The Schueco ADS HD range is available in single and double leaf configurations, inward or outward opening, and rebated frames with depths of 65, 70 or 75 mm. A wide choice of frame, leaf, mid-rail and bottom rail profiles mean that whatever the requirement, there is a Schueco ADS HD door system to suit. In terms of reliability and durability, a Schueco ADS HD door has been tested up to EN 12400 Class 8 (1 million cycles), while possible security options include ratings from PAS 24 to higher level EN 1627 RC3.

E: mkinfobox@schueco.co.uk

46| R&D Tax Credits

Why it pays to think again about R&D Tax credits Specify asks why some construction companies are losing out on R&D tax credits payouts

hy aren’t companies in the construction sector claiming their fair share of Research and Development tax relief? Recent figures from HMRC show that more than 13,010 SMEs and 2,920 large companies across the UK are already claiming £1.4bn in tax relief from HMRC. Each year it is estimated that a potential £2bn can be claimed by UK companies but some £600m of that went unclaimed in the last financial year. Introduced by the UK Government in 2000, the R&D tax relief scheme is designed to encourage innovation and global competitiveness by allowing companies to reclaim some of the money invested in qualifying research and development. This money can then be used for everything from fuelling future growth to easing cashflow. It has been described as having your cake and eating it! Many construction companies have made significant gains following successful applications to HMRC, but many more could realise returns, which can often be game-changing for smaller innovative concerns.

Recent figures from Jumpstart, the UK’s leading R&D tax credit specialist show that they have so far recovered some £940k for clients in the construction sector, though their most successful construction sector application for R&D tax credits resulted in a refund of £434k over four claim years.

Sounds appealing, so why do so few construction companies make claims?

By far the biggest reason is the belief that they are not eligible because they do not carry out R&D however, this is in fact a wrong assumption. R&D can be found in a huge range of innovative engineering and materials companies which support the construction industry in the UK, including manufacturers of concrete, damp proof coursing, tanking, steelwork, render systems, insulation systems, cladding panels, glazing, fixings, glues and paints and more.

But you have to know where to look.

All of these products have to meet

specific technical performance requirements and also comply with constantly changing legislation. Other areas of possible eligibility are in the construction and trialling of prototype homes that are more energy efficient and produce less CO2, especially to meet ever-stricter standards. Other activities that make companies eligible for R&D tax credits include increasing the durability and/or the lifespan of materials that protect the exterior of a building, enhancing the stability of products, for example, to reduce sun bleaching, improving the energy efficiency of systems used within a building, and developing alternative production or construction techniques to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Developing more effective techniques for removing contaminants from land, or finding ways to remove new combinations of waste chemicals, as well as new construction techniques to create buildings that are more resistant to earthquakes, storms, and other acts of nature, are all activities which meet

the eligibility criteria for R&D tax credits.

Too much hassle? Many companies are aware of their eligibility for the scheme but can’t face the hassle of putting a claim together themselves. Who can blame them? Wading through HMRC’s 500 pages of complex definitions and criteria is time consuming and difficult enough, compounded by putting the claim together and the risk of getting it wrong and under or over claiming. Others will have recognised their eligibility but found that the returns fell below their expectations. This is because, although accountants are important in the R&D tax relief process, they are not R&D tax relief specialists and therefore often concentrate too much on the financial side of the claim, forgetting about the technology that lies at the heart of a successful and robust claim. However you decide to proceed, whether going it alone or with the helping hand of a specialist, be sure to give R&D tax relief a second thought. You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain.

ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

Automatic doors

Building information

CONCRETE

Professional & Impartial Services Tree inspections (ground & aerial) Tree Surveys Tree Hazard Identification Mortgage Reports Vegetation Management Schedules Legal Dispute/ Expert Witness Services High Hedge Legislation advice Planning Consultations Woodland Management Plans Tree Planting & Landscape Design All consultancy work is conducted by fully qualified and experienced personnel and is covered by £1m professional indemnity insurance.

Northstone (NI) Ltd, Company No. 4078, Registered Office: 99 Kingsway, Dunmurry Belfast BT17 9NU Correspondence Address: Northstone (NI) Limited Materials Division Shinny Road, Coleraine BT51 4PS Tel: 028 7032 1100

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd. 69 Upper Mealough Road Carryduff, BT8 8LR TEL: 028 9081 4488, Fax: 028 9081 4333 Email: info@treemaintenance.com Website: www.treemaintenance.com

Cavity trays

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Manufacturers of preformed cavitrays, caviclosers, cavivents, caviweeps, dampcourses, arches, lintels, airbricks, membranes, barriers, flashings, ventilators; cavibricks. Radon and Methane protection systems. Wide range of preformed systems from the largest and longest established specialist. Products with Agrement certificates to British Standards. LABC Product Type Approval. Free design and advisory service. For high performance products with warranty. Cavity Trays Ltd is the only tray manufacturer awarded European Technical approval.

Quality Access Equipment & Bespoke Access Solutions • Ladders • Stepladders • Scaffold Towers • Platforms & Podiums • Engineering & Fabrication • Inspections • Training Clow Group Ltd. 2/24 Limestone Road Belfast BT15 3AJ Tel: +44 (0)2890 749 748 Fax: +44 (0)2890 749 758 Email: enquiries@clowgroup.co.uk Web: www.clowgroup.co.uk

CONCRETE

to advertise Contact... Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Walkway Systems Scaffold Tower Systems Edge Protection System Fall Arrest & Personal Protection Equipment Promoting ‘Safe Working Platforms’ Ridgeway 103 Airport Road Belfast, BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

CES Liquid Screed • Reduced build height • Reduced drying times • Reduced health and safety risk • Reduced tile adhesive • Increased strength • Increased thermal properties

CES Liquid Screed Doran's Rock Quarry & Concrete Works, 124 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7JQ Email: sales@cesquarryproducts.com Web: www.cesquarryproducts.com

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications. New range to suppress sound transmission with up to fours hours fire integrity rating Level threshold isolation dpc's and compatible vertical closers now available. Immediate distribution from stock Cavity Trays Limited Contact: Stephen Leyland Ltd, Castings House, Quarry Heights, North Road, Newtownards BT23 7SZ Tel: 028 9182 2522 Fax: 028 9182 2558 Cavity Trays Ltd New Administration Centre, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8Hu Tel: 01935 474769 Fax: 01935 428223 E-mail: enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

Concrete

FIRE & SECURITY

“Northern Ireland’s Leading FamilyOwned Fire & Security Specialists” Diamond Systems have been providing innovative fire and security solutions for a range of clients, throughout Northern Ireland for over 27 years, from commercial and industrial premises to public sector and residential.

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited

• Fire Detection & Alarm • Fire Suppression Systems • Integration • Intruder Detection & Alarm • CCTV • Access Control • Remote Monitoring • Emergency Communications Systems

Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast, BT3 9EE. Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: info@calorgas.ie Website: www.calorgas.ie

design

INSTALLATION

FACADES Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction

Swiss Facades Transforming Exterior Facades

• Asset BEBO Bridge Arches • Redi-Rock Wall Systems • Box Culverts • Bridge Parapets • Manhole Rings & Slabs • Heads & Sills, Copings and Edgings • Above Ground Post-Tensioned Tanks

Premium Swiss Quality Panel Systems for High End Architecture

COMMISSIONING

MAINTENANCE

Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd Unit 1a Harbour Court, 5 Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9HB Tel: 028 9020 7207 Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk www.diamondsystems.co.uk

GAS

Moore Concrete Products Caherty House, 41 Woodside Road, Ballymena BT42 2QH Tel: 028 2565 2566 Fax: 028 2565 8480 Email: info@moore-concrete.com Web: www.moore-concrete.com

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl. Tel: +44 (0)7554 056930 Office Tel: +44 (0)28 79632026 Email us info@swissfacades.com www.swissfacades.com

PAVING Supplying Northern Ireland's leading architect and builders Acheson & Glover has been in business for more than 50 years. As well as in-depth experience we offer the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from manhole covers to decorative walling and paving. Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

RTU Ltd

Cloughfern Avenue, Newtownabbey, BT37 0UZ T: +44 (0)28 9085 1441 E: info@rtu.co.uk

www.rtu.co.uk

• • • • • •

SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALLS ACOUSTIC BLOCKS THERMAL BLOCKS PERMEABLE PAVING PRESTRESSED FLOORING BESPOKE (contact us to discuss your needs)

Acheson & Glover Ltd. 64 Old Moy Road Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT71 6PU Tel: 028 8778 4208 Fax: 028 8778 4805 Email: solutions@acheson-glover.com Web: www.acheson-glover.com

GAS

Flogas goes far beyond simply managing and supplying bulk and cylinder LP Gas requirements. Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only opens the door to a versatile, highly efficient energy source with affordable installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy solutions specific to client applications. Our experience covers a comprehensive range of markets including domestic (both single dwelling and metered estates), catering, commercial, industrial, agricultural and automotive. CPD Learning CPD sessions are now available from Flogas to assist architects, planning consultants and other specifiers in updating their core learning and knowledge. For more information visit www.flogasni.com/cpd. Flogas Airport Road West Belfast Harbour Estate BELFAST BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

Calor is a leading supplier of cleaner, efficient LPG energy solutions in Northern Ireland with specialist knowledge covering all sectors Including Industrial, Commercial, Hospitality, Agriculture, and Domestic. We offer our customers: • Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out Calor Accredited CPD programme available. Content includes LPG Product Knowledge, Gas Regulations and Standards. Courses are FREE of charge and available by arrangement with one of our Calor Business Development Engineers. Contact cpd@calorgas.ie

Industrial Doors

Metal Finishing

OFFICE FURNITURE

PAVING

Specializing in Contemporary Office Furniture

Industrial Doors & Loading Bay Equipment Automatic Gates, Traffic Barriers, Turnstiles, Electric Overhead Cranes, Hoists, Lifting Gear Britannia Electrical Services Unit 4, McKinney Industrial Estate, Hydepark, Mallusk BT36 4PX Tel: 028 9083 8030 Fax: 028 9083 8058 Email: bes.doors@btconnect.com Website: www.besdoors.co.uk

Insurance Intermediaries

METAL MESH

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms

"Modern office furniture including desking, seating, storage as well breakout & canteen furniture with a contemporary twist."

PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

Willis & Company provide a wide range of Insurance products to protect your business as well as Health & Safety and Risk Management Services. • Employers & Public Liability Insurance • Contractors "All Risks" Insurance • Motor Fleet Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Property & Business Interruption Insurance • Latent Defects Insurance • Bonds Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

on 028 9032 9042 Email: info@willisinsurance.co.uk Web: www.willisinsurance.co.uk

Mats and matting

N. Ireland distributors and stockists for Coral mats and matting. Nuway entrance matting systems, threshold matting and tiles, rubber, plastic, coir and anti-fatigue matting, Gradus stairnosings, safety flooring, Flexi tiles, Studded rubber and Jaymart products. Matrex Mats and Matting 24B Portadown Road, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 8QX Tel: 028 3832 8857 Fax: 028 3832 1058 Mobile: 07831 141305 E-mail: matrex@btconnect.com Web: www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

service

"Twil" Weldmesh EXPAMET Expanded Metal, FLOWFORGE Open Steel Flooring, Handrail Standards & Stair Treads, PERFORATED Metal Sheets, Comprehensive Stock Range, Ridgeway 103 Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

Partitions (Acoustic)

We at Masters Choice Ltd have been manufacturing acoustic partitions and joinery products for over 20 years. All products offered by Masters Choice are manufactured at our workshop by experienced and dedicated tradesmen to the highest quality and standard. As we manufacture all products ourselves which allows us to offer a full range of services including Design. We manufacture and install all products to our Clients specific requirements. We also offer an after sales care package on all products provided.

Master's Choice Ltd Silverbridge, Newry N. Ireland, BT35 9LJ Tel: (028) 30861032 Fax: (028) 30861693 E-mail: shona@masterschoice.co.uk

Our furniture is designed for customers seeking high quality products at competitive prices. For more information on our ranges contact us today on: 028 9581 0189 www.oplanofficefurniture.co.uk

support

range

• Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts 24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: plastics@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

PUMPING PAVING

Hire Centres

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD Are one of the foremost pump distributors in Ireland, holding agencies for some of the worlds leading pump manufacturers. We offer a complete design / supply / install service with the technical expertise and product range to support everything from domestic / commercial packaged pump stations to bespoke systems for municipal applications. Our specialities include: • Hot / cold water boosting • Rainwater harvesting • Food and pharmaceutical • Sewage and storm pumping systems • Leachate systems Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

REcruitment

Safety

Unit 2, 1 Edgewater Road, Belfast Harbour, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: +44 28 9077 0999 E: glenn.mccormick@salesplacement.com Web: www.salesplacement.com

REtaining walls

Retain provides a design supply & installation service for a range of earth retention systems. All of the systems are class leaders. This ensures clients confidence that the most suitable system is used in each given application. • Greenface • Andacrib • Modular Block • Gabions • Installation • Permacrib

Products and Services The following sections provide an overview of what we can provide, please contact us if you have a particular problem or application that isn’t featured on our site.

Providing on-site safety for: • Construction • Maintenance • Engineering Lifeline Air Bags Mobile: 07748 786 076 Fax: 028 8772 9262 E-mail: malachymckee@me.com Web: www.lifelineairbags.co.uk

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Gyproc is the market leader in plaster, plasterboard and drylining systems, manufacturing in Ireland since 1936, with a long history of providing innovative, costeffective and reliable products that meet the demands of the construction industry. Looking to the future Gyproc is determined to remain at the forefront, as market leader, continuing to provide innovative, sustainable design solutions for the buildings of the future.

Gyproc, Ireland Unit 4, Kilcarbery Business Park, Nangor Rd, Dublin 22, Ireland Direct Line 01-6298400 www.gyproc.ie Email: enquiries@gyproc.ie

• Horizontal, Vertical, Inclined and Overhead Cable Systems • Mobile Anchors • Eyebolts • Demarcation • Annual systems Retest • Risk Assessment • Maintenance • Training Pronet Safety Services Tel: 028 9337 3967 Fax: 028 9335 3518 Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Professional & Impartial Services

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd.

• HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING • WINDOW TRIMS

Unit 2 Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, 26 Stockmans Way, Belfast, BT9 7ET TEL: 02890381990 www.wilplas.com E-mail Sales@wilplas.com

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380 Cookstown 028 86764422 Newry 028 30252499

Outstanding quality & performance

Exceptional service & support

Petal Email: info@petal.co.uk w: www.petal.co.uk

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

Products: Protection Rails Handrails Wall Protection Door Protection Heavy Duty Protection

Head Office:

• FASCIA & SOFFITS

Extensive range of washroom systems

TREE CARE SERVICES

• RAINWATER SYSTEMS

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Design that lasts

National Housebuilding Council (NHBC) Northern Ireland Holyrood Court, 59 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6SA Tel: 028 9068 3131 Fax: 028 9068 3258

Crown lifting / Raising / Crown Reduction Selective / Formative Pruning Deadwooding / Crown Cleaning Storm Damage Rectification (24hr) Removal of dead, diseased and dangerous trees Sectional removal with the aid of mobile crane Stump Grinding, Root Removal and Root Pruning Conifer Maintenance High Hedge Legislation advice Young Tree Maintenance Shrub Pruning / Grounds Maintenance Woodland Management Tree Planting Composted Woodchip and Firewood Sales Fully equipped, insured and qualified Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

Retain Solutions Ltd 56 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AS Tel: 028 9031 3881 Email: retain@retain.co.uk www.retain.co.uk

Washroom systems

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES

All Ireland Sales and Marketing Recruitment Specialists • Advertising/Media • Building & Construction • Chemicals • FMCG/Foodservice • IT • Marketing • Retail • Telecoms • Technical/ Construction

Safety

69 Upper Mealough Road Carryduff, BT8 8LR TEL: 028 9081 4488, Fax: 028 9081 4333 Email: info@treemaintenance.com Website: www.treemaintenance.com

Yeoman Shield provides a range of functional and attractive wall and door protection systems for new build and refurbishment projects. Our wide range of rails, wall sheet, corner and door protection systems are designed to prevent expensive and unsightly damage to the internal fabric of commercial and public buildings. New for 2016 as part of celebrating 50 years in the trade Yeoman Shield are launching a new range of Guardian Handrails to complement their wall & door protection products. Information on all Yeoman Shield products can be found at www.yeomanshield.com or call the sales office to request a brochure.

Yeoman Shield c/o Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd Whitehall Estate Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 5JB Tel: +44 113 279 5854 Email: sallyann@yeomanshield.com

NEXT ISSUE...

JUNE/JULY 2016

digest

|51

Infrastructure and housing key to NI economic prospects

Pictured at the event in The Mac were Richard Kirk, ICE, Jennifer Mawhinney, RTPI, Ben Collins, RICS, and Ciaran Fox, RSUA.

A lack of investment in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and an undersupply of housing have the potential to significantly undermine the potential benefits of a lower rate of corporation tax, influential organisations across the built environment warned recently. The RICS, ICE, RSUA, RTPI, and ACE are urging political parties to commit to policies that will ensure Northern Ireland remains competitive and attractive to inward investment, including upgrading water and sewage infrastructure and enhancing regeneration powers. The organisations represent thousands of Northern Ireland members in areas including construction, property, planning, housing and infrastructure. They jointly hosted a debate today at The MAC, Belfast, involving politicians from the main political parties. Party candidates had the

opportunity to highlight their policy positions across a range of areas, including construction, infrastructure, planning, and housing, and received questions from members of the audience. Ben Collins, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Director for Northern Ireland, said: “Infrastructure investment and housing supply are crucial areas for the Northern Ireland economy. Without adequate, affordable housing and modern, functioning infrastructure, the ability to attract inward investment will be severely hampered. Northern Ireland’s infrastructure is aging and in need of significant upgrading. To enable the necessary investment to happen, we are calling for, amongst other things, an introduction of domestic water charging and case-specific use of Public Private Partnerships. We are also calling for the establishment of an independent infrastructure commission to give strategic direction regarding the delivery of major infrastructure

projects across Northern Ireland.” Richard Kirk, ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) Director for Northern Ireland, commented: “We must prioritise infrastructure to make Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and do business, but we need more civil engineers to make it happen. ICE has recently established an apprenticeship with the Government and employers to give our young people the opportunity to get involved with flagship infrastructure projects both at home and overseas – an opportunity to build our quality of life.” Ciarán Fox, Director of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), said, “The quality of our built environment has a major impact on our health, our happiness and our economic development. What we build now will be with us for the next 20, 40 or maybe even 100 years so it is vitally important that we invest accordingly and get it right. However, in any year, new buildings only account for a small fraction of

our total built environment so we must not lose focus on enhancing our existing stock. With existing buildings estimated to account for approximately 40% of a country’s energy consumption we are calling for all our political parties to set out clearly how they intend to help people cut their energy bills by improving the energy performance of their properties.” Jennifer Mawhinney, RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Chairperson for the Northern Ireland Branch, also commented: “This hustings event offered members from across the construction industry a unique opportunity to have their views heard and raise pressing issues of policy around infrastructure and housing to political representatives from across the main parties. The timing of the event in advance of the elections is the perfect opportunity to have an informed debate on matters which affect our everyday lives and work as planners”.

web directory www.wilplas.com

to advertise Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218 Contact... siobhankissward@greerpublications.com www.diamondsystems.co.uk

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgas.ie

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

www.jncfence.com

web directory |53 www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

www.ridgefence.com

Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, 11 Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. BT28 3RD Telephone: 028 9250 1000 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 028 9250 1100

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

www.oplanofficefurniture.co.uk

54| web directory www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.tinnelly.com

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

web directory |55 www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

www.yeomanshield.com

V B Evans & Company are pleased to have been chosen to undertake responsibility for the bi-monthly collation of this data and sponsor its publication. With over 65 years of experience in business the firm provides a wide range of quality assured professional quantity surveying and other consultancy services to Northern Ireland clients who seek value for money and appropriate contract advice for their building design or refurbishment proposals. The Specify Prices published here are representative of the market price of each building material, having been assessed from a variety of local sources which in the present competitive economic climate prefer not to be named. Readers are advised to verify individual prices with a local merchant for their particular needs since our prices are necessarily averaged for guidance purposes. We hope that these pages may be of assistance to readers but would welcome any constructive suggestions for amendment to include information which would be appropriate to your needs. Material prices at April 2016. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply. This information is compiled specifically for Specify periodicals and is copyright.

Building Materials Prices

56 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

Full loads delivered Central Belfast 50mm Crusher run 100mm Crusher run Fine Blinding Coarse Blinding 6mm Stone 10mm Stone Building Sand Washed Sand

per tonne £15.00 £15.50 £14.50 £14.50 £16.50 £20.00 £20.00 £17.00

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine 20x8 £61.00 44x8 £94.00 Whitewood 32x12 £51.00 69x12 £80.50 32x19 £61.00 44x19 £73.00 32x32 £79.50 69x32 £136.50 69x44 £175.00 94x44 £226.00 69x69 £258.00

Facings Blanchardstown Antique Fergustie Country Mixture Richmond Mixture Irish Dacharne Devenish Ardagh Gold Textured Lismore Slate Textured

per 1,000 £372.00 £377.00 £337.00 £362.00 £337.00 £337.00 £327.00

NB Clay brick prices are not included because of the enormous variation in types, quality and prices from various sources.

CARCASSING TIMBER Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, not exceeding 5.7 metres. per 100m 50x19 £46.50 75x19 £69.00 125x19 £112.00 38x25 £42.00 75x25 £51.00 150x25 £99.50 50x38 £78.00 100x38 £118.00 150x38 £93.50 50x50 £93.50 100x50 £148.00 125x50 £168.50 100x75 £205.00 200x75 £460.00 150x100 £380.00

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £139.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £164.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

3 Pilot's View, Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 7000 Fax: 028 9045 7040 Web: www.vbevans.com

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE-RESISTING BOARD Prices are exclusive of delivery. Terms for SUPALUX non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

per tonne £355.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £26.00 Tinted mortar ref. Y4 £45.00 Y15 £52.00 Y135 £44.00 Y91 £54.00 Y10 £55.00

6mm sanded £50.00

9mm sanded £52.30

12mm sanded £70.00

MASTERBOARD Class O asbestos-free multi-purpose building board sanded finish. Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

Bagged cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area

Chartered Surveyors

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £423.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £433.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £433.00 2 440x300x100 7Nmm £513.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £533.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £405.00 440x215x100 Tolite 800.00

6mm £62.50

9mm £75.00

12mm £96.50

PLASTERING MATERIALS Per tonne, ex-works (delivery by arrangement) Lightweight aggregate pre-mixed gypsum plaster to BS 1191, Part 2. Metal lathing undercoat Bonding Finish Gypsum plasterboard to BS 1230 per sheet (2400 mm x 1200 mm) 9.5mm thick plasterboard 9.5mm thick foil-backed plasterboard per bundle (6 Nr 1219mm x 406mm) 9.5mm thick plasterlath 9.5mm thick foil-back plasterboard per 100 lin. feet Galvanised standard angle bead Galvanised plasterstop (10mm) Galvanised external renderstop

£301.00 £358.00 £320.00 £10.00 £14.00 £16.00 £10.80 £10.00 £13.00 £26.50

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £65.00 1:2:4 by volume £79.00 1:3:6 by volume £71.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £66.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £70.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £73.00

Fibre Cement Slates ex-yard per 1,000 £1500.00 £1600.00

Concrete tiles delivered Central Belfast Interlocking flat tile Double roll tile Single roll tile Half round ridge tile - 457mm long Angular ridge tile - 457mm long

£860.00 £860.00 £800.00 per tile £4.80 £5.40

SAWN REDWOOD Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths. 100x50 150x50 100x63 150x63 200x63 100x75 150x75 200x75

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. 114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

T + G Whitewood TG + V Whitewood TG + V Whitewood TG + V Redwood TG + Open V Redwood

£94.00 £69.00 £80.50 £98.50 £108.00

• Recruitment, Training & Development • Energy, Waste & the Environment

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£224.00 £318.00 £243.00 £379.60 £519.00 £304.00 £457.00 £683.00

Mild Steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449. High yield steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449/4461. One size, bent and labelled, per tonne, delivered to Central Belfast Diameter/mm Mild Steel High Yield 6 £686.00 £755.00 8 £686.00 £755.00 10 £686.00 £755.00 12 £686.00 £755.00 20 £686.00 £755.00 25 £686.00 £755.00 32 £686.00 £755.00 40 £686.00 £755.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references) per sheet BS reference A 98 £31.50 A142 £31.50 A193 £35.50 A252 £40.00 A393 £68.00 B503 £68.00 B785 £81.00 Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T per tonne UC 152x152x23 £895.00 203x203x46 £1183.00 254x254x73 £1265.00 305x305x118 £1130.00 356x368x153 £1300.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

£1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths. 50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

£40.00 £74.00 £102.50 £191.50 £120.00 £204.00 £260.00 £440.00 £227.50 £492.00 £753.90

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2. 6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £49.50 £51.50 £69.00

UPVC DRAIN PIPES AND FITTINGS SOFTWOOD SHELVING Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes 119x12 144x12 169x12 219x12 119x19 144x19 194x19 244x19 269x19

£79.60 £94.80 £110.30 £164.30 £97.30 £129.10 £173.50 £234.50 £325.60

Pipes and fittings to BS 4600. List price ex-yard. Large quantities will attract considerable discounts. Plain sewer, per 6m Pipe coupler, ea Single oblique branch, ea Single swept branch, ea 45˚ short radius, ea 87½˚ short radius bend, ea 45˚ long radius bend, ea 90˚ long radius bend, ea Straight channel 45˚ curved channel, ea

110mm 160mm £10.50 £23.00 £3.50 £7.50 £11.00 £25.00 £12.00 £25.00 £6.20 £17.00 £6.20 £15.50 £17.00 £32.00 £19.00 £32.00 £18.50 £31.00 £23.00 £58.00

JUNE/JULY 2016

58| interview

Specify talks to Bill Gowdy, Director of Engineering Procurement at NI Water...

Civil Engineering: Poetry in Motion... support from Stormont? The local assembly in Stormont has had many challenges to overcome and have made great efforts to help the construction, bearing in mind that every £1 invested in construction yields about £2.84 into the wider community. Long term guaranteed funding for infrastructure provision would undoubtedly make a huge difference to the confidence of the construction market, not only for employment but also in the generation of capital savings. Within our business, I would like to see NI Water having some more financial flexibility to enable us to really drive efficiencies and get the best value for our service to our customers.

Q: Did you plan to get involved in the construction industry? When I was studying for my ‘A’ levels in mathematics, physics and chemistry, I considered a number of a number of career opportunities, but civil engineering and construction always stood out as the most attractive to me. I hoped it would give me the balance between academic education and the practical application, and, of course, a wide variety of work in interesting places. So it was an easy transition to go on to study civil engineering at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Q: How did you start off? During my student days I was as a labourer with H&J Martin, the Belfast building company, now part of Lagan Construction. H&J Martin were very good employers and I learned a lot about construction and the demand on costs and time. After graduation, I spent some time in the USA following which I started my career in the water industry.

Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far? The highlights spilt into two categories – my work in NI Water and my involvement with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). In NI Water, the highlight is undoubtedly the successful completion of the Belfast storm water tunnel. This was a massive undertaking and the first major tunnelling work in Northern Ireland. The geology of Belfast and the challenges we had to overcome were unprecedented and caused many problems. However, there was a great team involved including consultants and contractors who, despite the problems, delivered a very successful project. The other highlight is my work with the ICE which has also been very rewarding from being chair of the local branch to council member representing Northern Ireland and being a professional reviewer.

Q: What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given? My grandfather was a bit of a philosopher and he gave me one very useful piece of advice. He reminded

me that I could not know everything, so he advised me to make sure I had good people around me and to listen to their experience and advice.

Q: What would you say to any students who are considering a career in construction? Grasp the opportunity with both hands! The opportunities in construction at present are enormous both here in Northern Ireland and across the world. There is a huge amount of work to be done to improve the infrastructure across the whole of the British Isles, work in sustainability and climate change, roads and water provision in many developing countries, tunnels, bridges, and dams all over the world. The prospects of very successful careers in civil engineering have never been as good. Civil engineering will give students unparalleled opportunities to make a difference to society.

Q: Do you think the construction sector needs more

Q: What needs to be done to help the NI construction sector? There are a number of actions that would help the construction sector:• faster decision making on matters such as planning and funding provision; • a determination to deliver a project and to overcome obstacles; • as I said above, guaranteed long term funding for construction so that the whole supply chain can plan their workloads, work forces, and build capacity and skills; and • recognition that payments must flow through the whole of the supply chain within good time scales.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself... Bearing in mind my colleagues may read this article, I have to be careful! However, I have always believed that a scientific and engineering education and career can co-exist with an arts and literature interest. So, my ‘surprise’ is that I write short stories and poetry. I am well short of the Man Booker prize, but at least I enjoy writing as a pastime.