Specify November 2013

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

november 2013

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comment |03

The only way is up PAT BURNS Editor SIOBHAN KISSWARD Sales Manager HELEN WRIGHT Art Editor STUART GRAY Production Manager SUBSCRIPTIONS: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50) PUBLISHERS: James & Gladys Greer

Specify is published by Greer Publications, 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: (028) 9078 3200 Fax: (028) 9078 3210 Email: Sales carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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N

o one knows for sure if the worst is over but a number of reports recently released certainly show that the construction sector is finally coming out of the recession that first hit the construction sector in the final quarter of 2007, six years ago.

A report from the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has announced that the Northern Ireland construction market has finally exited recession for the first time in five-and-a-half years.

Local chartered surveyors contributing to the study reported a rise in workloads for the first time since the first quarter of 2008.

The final quarter of 2007 was the last time the survey’s workload balance (the percentage of respondents reporting rising workloads minus the percentage reporting falling workloads) was above the +10 recorded in the most recent quarter. Private Industrial was the only sub-sector of the Northern Ireland construction market to record a fall in workloads in Q3 2013.

However, despite the improvement, Northern Ireland continues to lag

behind the rest of the UK, according to the RICS. The overall workload balance for the UK was +38, with each other region individually recording a higher workload balance than Northern Ireland.

Improvements in the local housing market also gained momentum in September, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey. The survey reported its strongest reading for prices since July 2007, marking September the fourth successive month that it has pointed to rising prices.

A net balance of 60% of respondents to the survey said that prices were up in the three months to the end of September. No respondents said that prices had fallen in the period. This follows positive readings in the June, July and August surveys – the first time since the property price peak that there has been four months in a row of a price balance above zero.

These reports are based on hard facts but anecdotal evidence also backs up these figures. Many of the top companies featured in the Specify/CEF awards are also reporting

a definite improvement in business as are a number of architects and surveyors that Specify has spoken to. While the new A5 may not be going ahead, a number of smaller by-passes have been given the go ahead and a number of other major works for Northern Ireland’s infrastructure are also expected to be announced soon.

The overall winners in the Specify/CEF awards were H&J Martin for the superb refurbishment of the Guildhall in Derry, a fitting winner given that the maiden city is hosting the 2013 European City of Culture. Our congratulations go to H&J Martin on their award and to all the category winners from the construction industry’s biggest night of the year. We have comprehensive coverage from the dinner inside...

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

Editor

Pat Burns

NOVEMBER 2013

contents...

6

Digest

RICS launch their 2014 Awards

AH Cladding

18

Swiss Facades are in a class of their own with two new school refurbishments.

32 CEF News

News from the Construction Employers Federation.

38 Ballyrashane

We look at Martin & Hamilton’s new anaerobic plant for Ballyrashane.

41 CEF/Specify Awards

Our special feature on the Construction Excellence Awards night at the Culloden hotel.

50 Henry Brothers

Another award for Magherafelt builders Henry Brothers.

54 Donaghmore Construction Ltd

Donaghmore Construction talk to Specify about their award winning Rathlin Island development. digest

16|

A Volkswagen van that works as hard as your business

16 Donnellys

BUSINESS users are to benefit from huge savings as the Donnelly Group announces it is to slash prices across their award-winning range of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

From now until 31 December 2013, the all new Volkswagen Caddy is available from an incredible £155 per month, while the Volkswagen Transporter is ready to drive away from just £195 per month.

Hailed as having city-friendly dimensions with a car like feel, the Volkswagen Caddy is renowned for handling large loads, while the Transporter, which has been the mainstay of the Volkswagen van range since 1950, embodies versatility, reliability and space.

Paul McMulkin from Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres said: “When it comes to choosing a van for your business, the team at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres knows that you want a van that works as hard as you do.

“For years, business customers from across Northern Ireland have trusted Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres to provide them with affordable van and commercial vehicle solutions, new and used, so we would encourage business owners to visit us while this incredible offer lasts.”

To arrange a test drive at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres based at Dungannon, Eglinton or Enniskillen, visit the Group’s new look website: www.donnellygroup.co.uk/volkswagen-commercial/

The latest van news from Volkswagen and Fiat.

Huge savings and ready to be driven away at Donnelly Fiat Professional NORTHERN Ireland’s largest supplier of vans, the Donnelly Group, has launched a series of unrivalled offers on its Fiat Professional range.

All vehicles within the range, which have been designed and built to meet business requirements effectively and efficiently, are in stock and ready for the road at the Donnelly Group’s four Fiat showrooms located in Dungannon, Eglinton, Enniskillen and Mallusk.

Offers include the Fiat Doblo, the most awarded commercial vehicle range in Europe, including the Van Fleet World ‘Best Small Van’ in 2013, at just £146 per month on contract hire.

Michael McCullock from Donnelly Fiat professional said: “Fiat Professional is a leader in the commercial sector, with vans of all shapes and sizes to meet the needs of all businesses here in Northern Ireland.

“Companies, no matter what their industry, require vans that are reliable and robust and with Fiat Professional vehicles, renowned for their award winning capabilities, and design, these features come as standard!”

The Donnelly Group stocks the entire range of new Fiat commercial vehicles, such as the compact Fiorino van with the dimensions of a city car but the capacity of a van, to the Ducato, the high performance vehicle, generous in volume and capacity.

For more information on the range of Fiat Professional options available, visit the Group’s new look website: www.donnellygroup.co.uk/fiat-professional

24| Grant Thornton Perfect Audio Visual were involved in the Grant Thorton project and Tim Brown told Specify about the work his company had carried out.

‘A

t Perfect Audio Visual we take pride in delivering bespoke, high quality, audio visual and integrated control solutions for both the private and public sectors and high-end residential properties.

‘We provide our clients with a bespoke solution tailored specifically to their needs. A complete service including design, supply, installation and support.

‘Part of the Grant Thornton offices brief was to create a welcoming, relaxed, and interactive office environment, simple for the staff to operate without the constant need for the IT technicians help. The introduction of automated meeting spaces; lower a screen, dim the lights and turn on a projector or display with the simple touch of a button. TV’s throughout the building doubling as digital signage displays, up to date company information simply and easily controlled and displayed.

The Grant Thornton solution has already proven to increase staff productivity; greater creativity and employee retention. It’s no longer just about wall mounting TV’s, it’s about solutions designed for comfort, flexibility and ease of use.

Perfect AV specialise in creating systems for any business no matter how challenging.

Integrating with their existing business structure, PerfectAV solutions can bring control to your work environment. ‘

Grant Thornton |25

Uber-modern office refurbishment design makes a difference.

The difference is personal.

There is a perception that professional firms’ offices are boring, but the Grant Thornton offices in Belfast are anything but staid.

Grant Thornton people to work in, yet have unique meeting rooms where they could step away from their desks and feel they have been transported to a jungle when they are in the Jurassic Room, or a Spaceship when in the Star Wars room, or magically be in the Common Room at Hogwarts”.

“Office space does not have to be traditional and boring - it can be a fun place for people to work and relax during breaks, and recommend to their friends as a great place to work. Grant Thornton people can play a quick game of ping pong or table football during their breaks.

There are also video games consoles for those employees who prefer to let their thumbs do all the work.”

Gareth Neill, Partner at Grant Thornton stated: “It is really our people that make Grant Thornton the kind of company it is. We currently have around 250 employees in our Belfast Clarendon Dock offices, of which 80% are client facing. We hire people who are smart and determined and we favour ability and attitude over experience. It was important for us to invest in a creative environment, showing we care about our people, while inspiring them to grow with the business and

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24 Grant Thornton

Specify visits Grant Thornton’s uber-modern new themed offices.

We are delighted to have worked on the refurbishment of the Grant Thornton offices

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A

fter a year of design and transformation, the uber-modern style refurbishment of Grant Thornton’s three floor, Clarendon Dock office, inspired by Senior Designer Lisa Allen, has created one of the coolest working environments in Northern Ireland.

With Lisa Allen’s help, Grant Thornton have moved in a new direction, showcasing their unconventional approach to business and creating one of Grant Thornton’s trendiest offices. The Belfast Partners wanted a “creative” workspace in which their staff would feel excited to work and changed the office layout to make it more fun. The themed meeting rooms, Harry Potter, Star

“OFFICE SPACE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TRADITIONAL AND BORING - IT CAN BE A FUN PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO WORK AND RELAX DURING BREAKS, AND RECOMMEND TO THEIR FRIENDS AS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK.” Wars, Jurassic Park and Willy Wonka Emporium, will host training sessions and large group meetings. The firm said it hoped the fun, yet functional, office features, would inspire creativity and productivity among staff and attract more new graduates to join the company.

Senior Designer Lisa Allen, commented, “Inspiration for my designs for the Grant Thornton

office came from blockbuster movies - people are fascinated by movies and are in awe of what Universal and Disney can create, transporting people on a new discovery and away from day to day stresses of modern day life. Life along with work can be stressful and people can find it hard to gain a work life balance.

“My design aim was to create an open functional office design for

I Grant Thornton • www.grant-thornton.co.uk

www.grant-thornton.co.uk • Grant Thornton I

70 CES Liquid Screed

CES LIQUID SCREED set to revolutionise

70| CES Liquid Screed

CES LIQUID SCREED SET TO REVOLUTIONISE THE SCREED MARKET!

BEFORE

the screed market!

AFTER

O

ver the last few years liquid screed has developed into a more mainstream product as it replaces traditional sand:cement screeds. This has been driven by the use of calcium sulphate binders, allowing thinner screed layers onto underfloor heating pipes. As the heating pipes are closer to the floor surface the result is a much more responsive heating system.

It is a lot easier to see and understand the benefits of using calcium sulphate based screeds with an under floor heating system, but what about a floor without an U.F.H. system? With the ever increasing cost of heating a house everyone is looking for the best value heating system and the highest possible

level of insulation to reduce their energy costs over the lifetime of the house. Changing building regulations stipulating max ‘U’ values of 0.22 for finished floors mean you either use more costly foil back insulation or use thicker EPS insulation. However, when paired with standard sand:cement screed the floor will be deeper, resulting in reduced ceiling height.

To maintain the desired ceiling height the whole building height will have to be increased (not always possible in conservation areas).

This is not the case using CES Liquid Screed. As an un-bonded screed it can be laid at a thickness of only 40mm. The result is a 60mm saving in overall floor depth! That’s less block, brick, mortar, insulation,

CES Liquid Screed Target Value

0.22

P/Area Ratio Thermal Conductivity of Insulation* Insulation Depth

plaster, paint and labour! Not only do you reduce your floor depth by 60mm but, due to shallower laying depth, larger floor areas can be placed in one day. Drying time, in comparison to the sand:cement screed, will be reduced by more than half! This will allow the floor covering to be placed sooner, speeding up the overall build time (see table below).

Following laying of the CES Liquid Screed we sand the surface to provide the best possible surface for the floor covering and key for the tile adhesive. Another benefit of the sanding is that it will remove the surface seal, allowing faster drying times. The sanding of calcium sulphate based screeds has been a

Sand:Cement Screed 0.22

0.4

0.4

0.035W/mK

0.035W/mK

100mm

100mm

Screed Depth

40mm

Overall Floor Depth

140mm

200mm

Estimated Drying Time (normal conditions)

40 days

160 days

Estimated Cost per m2 including Insulation

£17

£16.50

* Quinn EPS 100 HD 100mm Insulation

100mm

grey area since the introduction of the product. Some manufacturers of calcium sulphate screeds say they don’t need sanded, while some tile adhesive manufacturers would prefer if they were! Up until now it was left in the hands of the customer and the tiling professional to determine what was right or wrong. At CES we have taken the stance that it is unfair to leave a job that may or may not be satisfactory for tiling. Therefore we decided that all our liquid screed floors would be sanded at no extra cost! After all the Contract flooring association (CFA) state “All substrates will require a degree of mechanical cleaning or preparation and a visual inspection or manual sweeping is not adequate under any circumstances.”

ADVANTAGES OF CES LIQUID SCREED s 2EDUCED BUILD HEIGHT s 2EDUCED DRYING TIMES s 2EDUCED HEALTH AND safety risk s 2EDUCED TILE ADHESIVE s )NCREASED STRENGTH s )NCREASED THERMAL properties The binder used in CES Liquid Screed has been tried and tested for over 19 years, with well over 1,000,000m2 already laid to date!

So why leave it to chance? CES will do it right from start to finish!

For more information contact our sales team on 028 9751 9494

Quality Service, Quality Product, Quality Finish Doran's Rock Quarry & Concrete Works 124 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7JQ

Tel: 0845 6043 300 or 028 9751 9494 Email: sales@cesquarryproducts.com

www.cesquarryproducts.com

41 CEF/Specify

Awards 2013

contents |05

Awards Night (Culloden Hotel)

61 Energy Crisis ahead?

Steven McVey looks at the controversial fracking proposal.

65 Hagan Homes

Social Development minister Nelson McCausland has published a new strategy which he says will ‘deliver decent, affordable and sustainable homes’ for people who live in Northern Ireland.

Page 41

The Winners in full...

This year’s winners revealed at the Awards NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

81 John Simpson

John Simpson finds both

laudable ambition and a naivety in Belfast City Council’s new Masterplan for the city.

digest

06|

RICS NI Awards 2014 launched Search for top building projects expands to reflect property and construction excellence The RICS’s annual search for Northern Ireland’s top building projects is expanding to reflect the full breadth of excellence across the local property and construction sectors.

The organisation’s 2014 awards will include four new categories for projects undertaken in the Tourism & Leisure, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Residential sectors.

In total there are now eight categories in the highly-regarded scheme, in addition to the top award of Project of the Year, which is chosen by judges from the various category winners: · Building Conservation · Commercial · Community Benefit · Design & Innovation · Infrastructure · Regeneration · Residential · Tourism & Leisure RICS Northern Ireland Awards Judging Chairman, Alistair Dunn, says that the awards will now be an even bigger and better showcase of inspirational recent developments in the local built environment.

“We are delighted to expand the RICS Northern Ireland Awards to provide enhanced recognition of the

excellent work being undertaken by property and construction professionals,” he says.

“There have been some fantastic local tourism, leisure, infrastructure, residential and commercial projects in recent years, and the expanded awards will provide the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the very best of these,” he adds.

RICS Northern Ireland Director Ben Collins says: “The RICS Awards are a unique opportunity for everyone working within the property and construction sectors to have their work highlighted on a local and international platform.

Last year we saw a record number of entries to the awards and, this year, we very much look forward to receiving submissions from an even wider group of exceptional projects.”

The awards are open to entries from all practitioners in the property and construction sectors, and the deadline for entries is 17th January, with Northern Ireland winners to be announced at an awards ceremony at the Culloden Hotel on Thursday May 8th 2014.

Some of the Northern Ireland winners will also go forward to the RICS Awards Grand Final,

Launching the RICS Northern Ireland Awards are Paul Kendrick, RICS, Alistair Dunn, Chairman of the Judges, and Ben Collins, Director of RICS, at last year’s Project of the Year, the Skainos Project in East Belfast.

where they will compete with other regional winners from across the UK and internationally, with winners announced at a gala event in London in October 2014.

Last year’s Northern Ireland Project of the Year was east Belfast community scheme The Skainos Project on the Lower Newtownards Road, which also won the top title in the Community Benefit category.

Titanic Belfast (Design and Innovation); Peace Bridge in DerryLondonderry (Regeneration) and First Derry & Claremont Presbyterian Church (Building Conservation) were the other category winners.

Further information about the awards is available at: www.rics.org/ awards or by calling the RICS NI office on 028 9032 2877.

Dungannon Brick Plant Reopened

Acheson & Glover Ltd (A&G), a leading manufacturer of premium quality concrete products

based in Co. Tyrone has recently re-opened its brick plant in Dungannon. The plant produces the company’s Heritage Brick, a unique range of facing brick for the professional developer.

A sign of an improving economy is the increased demand from house builders for facing brick.

As a result, many of them are experiencing long delays with brick orders. A&G is able to successfully meet this demand.

Stephen Acheson, Managing Director, A&G Ltd commented, ‘It’s

extremely pleasing for A&G and all our employees to experience such a positive shift in demand.

Heritage Brick is once again proving to be a popular option for developers. Many house builders are experiencing long lead times with their brick orders. At A&G we’ve the ability to react quickly and find ourselves in a strong position to provide the market with a much needed supply’ It’s also good news for A&G employees who are able to see a more positive future in an industry that has seen retraction throughout

the economic downturn.

Stephen stated, ‘We have a great pool of experienced employees who have proved over the years that they have the knowledge to create inspiring products. Heritage Brick is one of those products. This is a good news story for everyone.’

Heritage Brick has been specially designed to replicate the appeal of original ‘hand-made’ bricks. It is available in a range of colours and has the distinct advantage of having very little to no efflorescence.

digest

|07

Exclusive deal means cool opportunities for ni businesses NI Housing Market Gaining Momentum Improvements in the local housing market gained momentum in September, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey for Northern Ireland.

The survey reported its strongest reading for prices since July 2007, marking September the fourth successive month that it has pointed to rising prices.

A net balance of 60% of respondents to the survey said that prices were up in the three months to the end of September. No respondents said that prices had fallen in the period.

This follows positive readings in the June, July and August surveys – the first time since the property price peak that there has been four months in a row of a price balance above zero.

Northern Ireland’s experience in September was in keeping with the experience across the UK, where all regions reported positive data for prices – London (92%) and the South East (72%) leading the way.

RICS Northern Ireland housing spokesman, Tom McClelland, says that prices in Northern Ireland are rising from a low base and that they are still some 50% below peak, unlike other UK regions.

“On the whole, the summer was a positive one for the Northern Ireland housing market, and that trend continued into September.

The recovery from the price collapse that occurred post summer 2007 will be a long and slow one. There will also be bumps along the way. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that it is at least properly underway,” he continues.

Derek Wilson, Head of Lending Products at Ulster Bank, says: “Increased first time buyer activity is a key indicator of a growing confidence which we would expect to see extending to the wider market. The perception of better value in property prices generally, coupled with historically low mortgage rates, can only add to that confidence. We recently widened our mortgage range to offer greater customer choice. This includes our lowest ever fixed rate and a first time buyer exclusive. We welcome demand for our mortgages from all sectors of the market”.

Heat engineering specialists, BS Holdings (BSH) has announced an exclusive partnership with Birmingham based Absotherm Services (AS). The deal will see BSH act as the only Northern Ireland agent for two of AS’s cutting edge technologies the Yazaki absorption chilling plant and AS VICOT natural gas fired technology - both of which have the potential to help NI businesses operate more efficiently and save upwards of 40% on their energy bills.

In an industry leading move, BSH has combined its biofuel heating module system with the Yazaki absorption chilling plant to provide cooling from GHG (Green House Gas) neutral technology. This unique combination vastly reduces GHG emissions over traditional electric air conditioning cooling technologies and is helping local businesses to make significant savings on their heating and electricity overheads.

Local businesses can gain maximum benefit from this technology by applying for the governments Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which provides payments to a company for the next 20 years based on the amount of renewable heat generated.

Brian Hood, Managing Director at BSH explains, “By installing a system

of this kind and being part of the RHI scheme, a business can obtain heat and cooling almost cost free for upwards of 14 years as well as reducing the business GHG emissions for those same services by over 92% at the same time. The technology is tried and tested; companies such as Charles Hurst, part of the Lookers Group PLC are already taking advantage of it. Carbon trends and fuel costs are monitored continuously by the BSH online energy tracking service allowing managers instant access to their historical performance data anywhere in the world at any time.”

The AS VICOT natural gas fired technology is a gas fired system that permits businesses to once again divert away from electricity for heating and cooling and instead use natural gas. It again uses absorption chilling technology with heat being generated by natural gas combustion. Whilst not removing costs entirely, natural gas is 40% cheaper than electricity and gives the benefit of a 64% reduction in GHG emissions. The same advantages apply reducing reliance on the overstretched electricity networks and freeing up electric power for servers and digital equipment.

For further information on removing your energy costs contact BS Holdings on 028 9073 2233 or tweet @ bsholdings

digest

08|

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton announces government partnership with the Association for Project Management

Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton launching the partnership between the NI Government Departments and the Association for Project Management (APM) at Stormont recently. With him from left is Tom Taylor APM President and Leslie Warren APM NI Branch Chairman.

The Minister for Finance & Personnel Simon Hamilton has announced a new corporate partnership between the NI Departments and the UK’s leading professional body for project management, the Association for Project Management (APM).

With significant new investments

announced including social and affordable homes by 2015; major upgrades for road infrastructure as well as further multi-million investments in ICT, effective programme and project management will be at the heart of their successful delivery. The initiative emphasises the importance of continual investment in professional skills development and

knowledge transfer in the effective delivery of complex government programmes that have the power to transform society and release benefits to the wider NI economy as it begins to move to recovery.

Speaking at a special event held in Stormont recently to launch the new partnership Minister Hamilton said, “Successful delivery of our programmes and projects presents our departments and practitioners with multiple challenges. Funding and governance arrangements tend to be diverse and can involve a wide range of stakeholders. I believe that the new corporate partnership with APM will open the door to a new level of project management, with a key emphasis on professionalism and good practice. I have made it a priority to seek more efficient and innovative ways to deliver public sector services. I’m therefore particularly interested in how professional project management can support the wider agenda of

public sector reform. Good project management will undoubtedly have a key role to play here.”

Also speaking at the event, which was attended by over 60 senior civil servants including Heads of Government Departments and the committee members of APM here in Northern Ireland, APM President Tom Taylor predicted an increase in demand for the skills of the project professional across all sectors as public and private organisations continue to grapple with the challenges of delivering more value with less resources. “This new corporate partnership between one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers and APM takes us one step closer to our vision of a world where all projects succeed. We are looking forward to collaborating with the Northern Ireland Civil Service in the sharing of best practice and learning resources to enhance people skills and capability in the delivery of major programmes and projects.”

Energy Efficiency Trip to Germany with CITB A group of fifteen building professionals from Northern Ireland recently attended a two week training programme on energy efficient building and sustainability in Germany.

The innovative project was arranged by the Construction Industry Training Board NI and was funded by the European Commission’s Leonardo da Vinci programme.

Two of the participants were Robert Bleakney from Hillsborough and Adrian Blythe from Lisburn and both were impressed with the information they acquired on the trip.

Robert Bleakney who lives in Hillsborough is an architect in private practice in Moira commented - “The training was a marvellous opportunity and will enable me to apply the lessons learned in the design of new buildings and the extension or refurbishment of existing buildings.”

Adrian Blythe is a Chartered Building Surveyor and works for the NI Housing Executive also said, “The information gained on this training

programme will be applied to a current retrofit pilot project in Newry which I am currently project managing and hopefully other similar projects in the future.”

The project enabled the participants to further their knowledge of sustainable construction methods, renewable energy and environmental standards in Germany.

Germany is one of the world’s greenest economies using 20% less energy than neighbouring countries particularly through the use of low energy building and renewable technologies. In fact, the state of Baden-Wϋrttemburg produces approximately 45% of its energy needs through renewable methods.

The training programme was a comprehensive appraisal of current construction techniques used in Germany, including air-tightness,

passive house construction and sophisticated ventilation systems.

Whilst the Building Regulations (NI) 2012 substantially improves energy performance standards, they are still considerably less than the standards applied in Germany.

The group which comprised architects, building surveyors, engineers, building control officers and building contractors will be better equipped to transfer the skills learnt in both the private and public sectors

to design and maintain properties. In addition the knowledge gained will be beneficial in the retrofit of existing housing and other buildings in order to achieve a reduction in energy consumption.

The programme was provided

by Kompetenz Zentrum Holzbau & Ausbau, a centre of excellence in sustainable construction in Biberach an der Riß in Baden-Württemburg, southern Germany.

digest

|09

£20m Business Boost for Belfast

Titanic Quarter Lodges Planning Application for new 190,000 sq ft of Business Space

Titanic Quarter has lodged a full planning application for major new business space which includes office accommodation and supporting facilities. It is believed to be the largest new commercial development proposed for Belfast since the banking crisis began in 2007.

The 190,000 sq ft facility, located beside Belfast Metropolitan College’s Titanic Quarter Campus, will be marketed primarily at companies providing hi-tech support to the Financial Services industry.

Titanic Quarter is already home to a number of high-profile firms in the sector, such as Citi, and the new £20m building will complement plans to develop a 600,000 sq ft Financial Services Centre, a first for Northern Ireland. Pending the granting of planning permission, it’s anticipated that the building will open in autumn 2015, accommodating a further 2,000 workers in the area.

David Gavaghan, Titanic Quarter’s CEO, said: “As we see the first tangible signs that we are moving out of one of the

longest economic recessions in the last century, it is time to ensure that Belfast can continue to offer potential investors flexible, modern, high-end business accommodation.

“Titanic Quarter is confident that this new development will fill a clear gap in the market, enabling Belfast to meet the requirements of the global knowledge economy, as well as offering indigenous firms the opportunity to expand in a dynamic area which is already home to over 100 successful and innovative businesses.

“We are already working hard to market the building and the city as we continue to develop Titanic Quarter as one of the world’s most exciting waterfront locations.

“Belfast is establishing a strong reputation in financial services, with the Financial Times recently listing the city as the number one destination globally for financial technology R&D investments and among the top destination cities globally for financial services technology investments.”

Alastair Hamilton, CEO of Invest NI, said:

“During 2012/2013 Invest NI secured almost 2,800 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) jobs with Northern Ireland continuing to be one of the most successful regions in the UK for inward investment.

“Being able to select from a wide range of property solutions is a key factor for potential investors and I am pleased that Titanic Quarter is planning to enhance Belfast’s property mix.”

The CBI Northern Ireland Director, Nigel Smyth, added: “The announcement of this planning application by Titanic Quarter is strongly welcomed and we hope it can be processed promptly.

There is a strategic shortage of high quality office space in Belfast – which will impact on our ability to attract in new international investors and support the growth of indigenous companies.

“It is vitally important for the health of the city that we create the necessary infrastructure to support job growth. The Titanic Quarter has been a great success to date and offers exciting opportunities in the future.”

Foster and Hamilton visit Brookvent During a visit to local company Brookvent, Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster MLA met with the Business Secretary of State the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable to discuss access to finance challenges within Northern Ireland.

Based in Dunmurry, Brookvent was the first beneficiary of the Growth Loan Fund receiving £425,000 in September 2012. This enabled them to invest in new staff, support small scale R&D projects and to pursue the larger contracts which require more working capital funding. The Company has also targeted growth in export markets and has increased sales in a number of new markets, including Poland and China.

Whiterock Capital Partners is the appointed fund manager for the £50million Growth Loan Fund. The Fund was established with investment of £25million from both Invest Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation.

Before touring the company premises, the Ministers discussed a range of issues with the Business Secretary of State, including what banks and others are doing to encourage Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to invest and grow; the availability of other forms of finance, including the level of awareness amongst the business population; and the participation in Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) and Northern Ireland schemes for SMEs. Brookvent manufactures innovative ventilation systems, designed for the

Pictured (l to r) are Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton; Vince Cable Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; Declan Gormley, Managing Director, Brookvent and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

needs of the private residential and social housing.

The visit was arranged by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills as part of the Secretary of State’s visit to Northern Ireland.

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‘A class’ of its own for new Glen Dimplex Air Source Heat Pump

The Glen Dimplex team with Dick Strawbridge: l-r: Neil Collins, Neil Naughton, Neil Stewart, Dick Strawbridge, Martin Naughton, Jack Gault

Ian Steele, Willis Heating and Plumbing, John Willis, Willis Heating and Plumbing, Neil Naughton, Glen Dimplex

Michael Burke, HIS Solutions, Ken Kinkead, PTS, David Young, Glen Dimplex

Nicola Murphy, Action Renewables, Eimear O’Reilly Action Renewables, John Batch Invest Northern Ireland

CONTINUING its strategy of developing world-class renewable technologies, Glen Dimplex recently launched its next-generation renewable boiler replacement – the ‘A Class’ Air Source Heat Pump.

Following the April 2013 launch of the Quantum Energy System, in which the company invested £8.5million with support from Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, a further £4million has now been invested in the three-year Research & Development, and manufacturing of the A-Class. Developed in Dunleer, with manufacturing taking place in the Glen Dimplex plants in Newry and Portadown, it is hoped that the introduction of the ‘A Class’ will create an additional 55 jobs between the two factories over the next three years.

Launched by TV presenter and Sustainability Expert, Dick Strawbridge – who hails from Co. Antrim – and Deputy Chairman of the Glen Dimplex Group, Neil Naughton, the Dimplex ‘A Class’ Range has been designed to maximise year-round heating system efficiency.

“After three years development and testing, our ‘A Class’ Air Source Heat Pump has been proven to outperform all other leading heat pumps in the market,” comments Neil Naughton, “The Dimplex ‘A Class’ Range has been specifically engineered to deliver optimal performance at typical UK and Irish winter temperatures. It’s not the first Air Source Heat Pump but it’s now the most efficient Air Source Heat Pump available in the UK and Ireland.

The outstanding performance really sets it in a class of its own, and that’s why there’s huge potential for the ‘A Class’ and for our manufacturing plants in NI.” Underlining why the ‘A Class’ is such a superior product, Neil Collins, Managing Director of Glen Dimplex Northern Ireland explains: “The ‘A Class’ range of Air Source Heat Pumps is the first of its kind to be suitable for both retrofit applications and new build projects.

It has been designed specifically to maximise year round heating efficiency and therefore provides lower heating costs than other air source heat pumps on the market.

“Subject to consultation, Air Source

Heat Pumps will be included in the Northern Ireland ‘Renewable Heat Incentive’ from spring 2014. The ‘RHI’ rewards heat pump owners with grant support and a cash payment for every unit of renewable heat produced, further increasing the savings against oil and LPG heating systems and reducing energy bills.”

TV Presenter, Dick Strawbridge, attended the launch and delivered a keynote address to delegates on the importance of sustainability.

Commenting on the launch of this revolutionary new Air Source Heat Pump, he said: “Renewable technology is the way forward and in order to meet the Government’s 2020 targets, more homeowners must embrace sustainable technology. Products, such as the ‘A Class’, are helping to develop a ‘greener economy’ and Glen Dimplex is leading the way by pressing ahead and inventing new and ever-more efficient technologies.”

Commenting on the recent Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive consultation paper, Mr Strawbridge adds: “I was extremely pleased to hear that Air Source Heat Pump technology is the latest addition to the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive consultation paper.

Having this, and other renewable technologies, added to the RHI can only be a good thing, as it provides financial support for homeowners, therefore making sustainable technologies more attractive across the board.”

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive, Invest NI said: “Glen Dimplex has a strong history of innovation and manufacturing in Northern Ireland.

It’s continued investment in R&D and energy efficient products is what sets the company apart from the competition and has cemented its international reputation for excellence.”

With its latest ‘A Class’ product, Glen Dimplex believes that the performance of the product has the potential to transform the renewable heating sector in the UK, Ireland and export markets. Full production of the ‘A Class’ commenced in September and the company has already experienced high levels of customer enquiries for the new products.

The Glen Dimplex plant in Newry is set to manufacture a minimum of 2000 units of the ‘A Class’ in 2014.

Hays |11

Now is the time for action - Hays A recent study, the Hays Global Skills Index, has shown that an increasingly acute shortage of higher level skills available in the UK labour market is threatening to derail economic recovery. As the leading global professional recruiting group, Hays has been embedded in the construction sector in Northern Ireland for the last 20 years, operating across the private and public sectors. Mark Wade, Director of Hays in Northern Ireland, says now is the time for action.

What is your assessment of the current state of the construction sector?

Overall, we are seeing more optimism and the situation is much more stable than a few years ago. Statistically we have seen a 46% year-on-year increase in permanent and contract positons registered, which is another indicator that the sector is generally heading in the right direction. While civil engineering and infrastructure activity has held up well, private building is still faced with challenging times. Investment in healthcare and education looks set to give the sector more momentum going forward.

How have your clients secured their market position?

We have seen a trend towards commercial roles, such as estimating, bid management and business development, as companies position themselves for large-scale projects in GB. It is good to see local experience making a big impact across the water, which says a lot about the quality of local talent, but ultimately we would like to see contractors securing more work within the local economy.

How is the skills shortage affecting Northern Ireland?

Many skilled professionals have had to leave Northern Ireland to secure work internationally. Now the economy is starting to pick up too many local skilled jobs are going unfilled because the right skills are in increasingly short supply and this situation will only worsen. This has an impact on a company’s ability to grow and constrains the economic prospects at a time when we need to be encouraging a sustained recovery.

What action needs to be taken to manage this situation?

There is a lot of work to do in encouraging young people into the sector and maintaining a strong flow of skills into the industry. In the longer term, business and government need

to rebalance the education system to produce greater numbers of the skilled individuals that our industry needs.

Are any strategies already underway in Northern Ireland to assist this rebalancing?

Hays, alongside the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the University of Ulster, have already begun to promote the construction industry directly to school leavers.

The construction sector is a fantastically innovative environment with many diverse career paths, and from our experience, there are a lot of extremely rewarding opportunities for new entrants right at the moment.

How do you support contractors in finding the right talent?

Our focus is on offering companies the reassurance that the professionals we send to them are ready and suitable for the job. We have incredibly powerful tools such as a database that has been developed over 20 years and which is now integrated into the professional networking site Linkedin. Hays undertakes a range of innovative marketing and branding solutions to target the best talent UK wide.

For example, we design and manage bespoke websites to provide our client base with a unique platform to present their company, requirements and opportunities to a targeted audience. With 150 offices, our business and consultancy service offers full coverage to both employers and employees.

Do you feel that partnerships within the industry are worthwhile?

We are the only accredited recruitment partner to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). As members of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) we engage regularly with a range of

industry bodies to promote skills, learning and the understanding of the issues affecting business. This partnership approach within the industry enables us to work to deal with the issues affecting our clients and look ahead to emerging trends in the marketplace.

Looking ahead, what is the outlook for the future of construction in Northern Ireland?

Demand is up year-on-year and we expect the upturn to continue.

There will be more movement of good quality people as those who have accepted career stability look to improve their positions and

opportunities for progression should continue to rise going forward. The long-term objective for the sector generally, and for Hays in particular, is to attract talent back to Northern Ireland and to highlight the benefits of a career in the local construction sector.

For further information and access to the latest job opportunities visit HYPERLINK “http://www.hays.co,uk/ northernireland” www.hays.co,uk/ northernireland And to find out more about the Hays Global Skills Index log on to HYPERLINK “http://hays.co.uk/ global-skills-index/index.htm”http://hays. co.uk/global-skills-index/index.htm

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AD Group Complete Contract for Etihad Rail Network Magherafelt company AD Group has completed the contract to prepare contract documents for Etihad Rail Network in Lusail, Qatar.

The railway network will link Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Damian Walls, Managing Director of AD Group said, “AD Group were involved in preparation of contract documents for the Infrastructure buildings along Etihad Rail Network and we have completed a number of contracts in the United Arab Emirates including the Salalah Free Zone in Oman, the Oberoi Centre Development in Dubai, Primaru Infrastructure in Lusail, Qatar, the Doha West Sewage Treatment Works in Qatar. Closer to home, AD Group were also involved in the Ystrad Mynach Sports Complex in Wales.

“We cluster with other Northern Ireland firms to pool resources. This clustering enables SME’S to come together to share their expertise and help to keep trade local while increasing our slice of the export market,” said Damian.

Terex announces 260 new jobs in Omagh

Arlene Foster is pictured with Kieran Hegarty, President of Terex Materials Processing

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £21.7million investment

by US multinational Terex Corporation that is expected to create around 260 new skilled jobs in Co. Tyrone.

The NYSE listed company, operating in Northern Ireland as Terex GB Ltd, manufactures a range of mobile materials processing equipment under its Powerscreen® and Terex® Finlay brands at factories in Dungannon and Omagh, Tyrone.

The jobs at Terex GB will be created over the next four years with £2.6million of support from Invest Northern Ireland. The project includes

a capital investment of £19.2million in buildings and equipment and it will deliver at least £5.5million annually in additional wages and salaries through the creation of the new jobs. Invest NI’s support is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The Minister commented: “Terex GB is one of Northern Ireland’s top engineering companies and this decision to expand is a boost for Northern Ireland’s vibrant materials handling sector. It also acknowledges the value which the Terex Corporation places on the skilled and educated workforce available here.

“As well as providing skilled

employment opportunities in the local area there is also the potential that this investment will create further skilled jobs in the Terex manufacturing supply chain.”

In addition to the construction of new factory space and purchase of new equipment, Terex will continue to invest in R&D to support its growth plans and new business initiatives.

Kieran Hegarty, President of Terex Materials Processing, said: “This significant reinvestment in Northern Ireland marks an exciting chapter in Terex Corporation’s 13 year history in Co. Tyrone and will be a major step in our long term growth plans.

We expect our turnover to increase further over the coming years and we will need to expand our factory space and workforce to cope with projected demand.

“The assistance offered by Invest NI has been instrumental in our decision to expand here and this project will help to strengthen Northern Ireland’s position as a centre of excellence for mobile crushing and screening, from design through to manufacture and to global sales.

“Our talented and committed workforce has already made a valued contribution to our success to date, and we are confident the local workforce will continue to help drive our company’s growth in global markets.”

Planning for first-class housing at FOLD - Fold Group appoints Diana Fitzsimons as new Chairperson Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprise, FOLD Housing Association, has announced the appointment of Diana Fitzsimons to the role of Chairperson. Fitzsimons, with 30 years’ experience in planning, housing and urban regeneration, has taken the top role at the association, which provides housing, care and support to over 30,000 homes.

Since its establishment in 1976, FOLD has developed an innovative range of services, enabling people to choose to continue living in their own homes or to move to Fold accommodation. FOLD caters for a broad client base, ranging from older people to families and single people. FOLD also supports people with chronic illnesses and complex needs through its award winning dementia and day care schemes and the FOLD Brain Bus service.

Fitzsimons has played a significant role in housing, planning and development activity across Northern Ireland, working on major projects including Titanic Quarter, Sirocco, Odyssey, Giant’s Causeway and the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

Announcing Mrs Fitzsimon’s appointment, Chief Executive of FOLD, Mr. John

McLean said, “The experience Diana brings to the team will be invaluable to FOLD going forward. Her experience in housing and development will help us as we work to become the provider of choice for families and individuals in need of housing, care and support. I look forward to working with her.”

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Building a foundation for the future

Pictured at the launch are Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer, North Down Borough Council, Mandy McLaurin, North Down Borough Council and Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry. Mandy studied a Foundation degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events at South Eastern Regional College, Bangor and completed her work placement with North Down Borough Council.

Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, recently launched a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Foundation degrees and to promote this as an option to employers, employees and students. The Foundation degree route offers options for everyone including those who have the skills and expertise but perhaps no formal qualification.

Higher Education is pivotal in the development of a modern, sustainable, knowledge based economy and is not just for school leavers but increasingly, Higher Education has become popular with those already in the workplace.

My Department actively

encourages upskilling and reskilling and the Foundation degree route provides an opportunity to work and study at the same time. The Foundation degree particularly appeals to those already in employment who can fit the course in around their existing work, build their skills gain a qualification and improve their career prospects.

Skills are widely accepted as the key raw material required in a modern knowledge-based economy and are one of the main drivers in how we in Northern Ireland will achieve our long term economic goals. Skills help economies make the most of new opportunities in high value added activities. They encourage greater investment and innovation, they help businesses compete in

export markets, and ultimately they support economic growth and enhance productivity.

Foundation degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with on-the-job experience developing students’ skills and career prospects whilst benefitting employers and their business. Employers are fully involved in the design, development and delivery of the courses. This means Foundation degree students graduate with a very specialised set of skills that meet the specific needs of employers in a particular sector.

Foundation degrees help learners to improve their career prospects by equipping them with the academic knowledge and sector specific skills required to progress in the

workplace.

They can be completed on both a full and part-time basis, and not only is the Foundation degree a recognised Higher Education qualification but it offers a progression route to an Honours degree at University. It allows flexible study methods and offers a host of benefits that go beyond achieving a qualification. Those who have completed Foundation degrees have reported that they have a new found confidence in their ability, many have achieved promotions in their place of work and others believe that the qualification has opened up new and improved career prospects for the future.

The Foundation degree is ideal for those who have a desire to get ahead, achieve more and obtain a recognised qualification. It is this drive and determination that will shape our economy and with the support of employers there is a real opportunity to develop and motivate staff, increase skill levels in the workplace and reap the rewards of having a more qualified workforce.

My Department recently launched a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Foundation degrees and to promote this as an option to employers, employees and students.

The Foundation degree route offers options for everyone including those who have the skills and expertise but perhaps no formal qualification.

Whilst entry requirements will depend on the course and college they do not exclude those who lack formal qualifications. If you have the relevant experience, skills and aptitudes you may be considered through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). This is a process through which an individual’s learning achieved outside education or training systems is assessed and, as appropriate, recognised for academic purposes.

Foundation degrees are critical to a number of my Department’s strategies and I am committed to ensuring that Higher Education and Foundation degrees in particular, are available to those looking to improve their skills.

EMPLOYERS: HELP

BUILD A BETTER

FOUNDATION

FOR YOUR BUSINESS FOUNDATION DEGREES are higher education courses that combine academic and work-based learning. They are delivered in local colleges and are available in a wide range of subjects.

Employers are fully involved in the design, development and delivery of the courses. This means FOUNDATION DEGREE students graduate with a very specialised set of skills designed to meet the specific needs of employers in a particular sector.

To find out how FOUNDATION DEGREES can strengthen your workforce and business VISIT nidirect.gov.uk/foundation OR CALL 0300 200 7825* *Standard call charges apply

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A Volkswagen van that works as hard as your business Business users are to benefit from huge savings as the Donnelly Group announces it is to slash prices across their award-winning range of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

From now until 31 December 2013, the all new Volkswagen Caddy is available from an incredible £155 per month, while the Volkswagen Transporter is ready to drive away from just £195 per month.

Hailed as having city-friendly dimensions with a car like feel, the Volkswagen Caddy is renowned for handling large loads, while the Transporter, which has been the mainstay of the Volkswagen van range since 1950, embodies versatility, reliability and space.

Paul McMulkin from Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres said: “When it comes to choosing a van for your business, the team at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres knows that you want a van that works as hard as you do.

“For years, business customers from across Northern Ireland have trusted Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres to provide them with affordable van and commercial vehicle solutions, new and used, so we would encourage business owners to visit us while this incredible offer lasts.”

To arrange a test drive at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres based at Dungannon, Eglinton or Enniskillen, visit the Group’s new look website: www.donnellygroup.co.uk/volkswagen-commercial/

Huge savings and ready to be driven away at Donnelly Fiat Professional Northern Ireland’s largest supplier of vans, the Donnelly Group, has launched a series of unrivalled offers on its Fiat Professional range.

All vehicles within the range, which have been designed and built to meet business requirements effectively and efficiently, are in stock and ready for the road at the Donnelly Group’s four Fiat showrooms located in Dungannon, Eglinton, Enniskillen and Mallusk.

Offers include the Fiat Doblo, the most awarded commercial vehicle range in Europe, including the Van Fleet World ‘Best Small Van’ in 2013, at just £146 per month on contract hire.

Michael McCullock from Donnelly Fiat professional said: “Fiat Professional is a leader in the commercial sector, with vans of all shapes and sizes to meet the needs of all businesses here in Northern Ireland.

“Companies, no matter what their industry, require vans that are reliable and robust and with Fiat Professional vehicles, renowned for their award winning capabilities, and design, these features come as standard!”

The Donnelly Group stocks the entire range of new Fiat commercial vehicles, such as the compact Fiorino van with the dimensions of a city car but the capacity of a van, to the Ducato, the high performance vehicle, generous in volume and capacity.

For more information on the range of Fiat Professional options available, visit the Group’s new look website: www.donnellygroup.co.uk/fiat-professional

“We were looking for a quality cladding product in specific colours to integrate with the colours already established on the two school sites and also to provide visually dynamic facadès incorporating colour contrasts; we were impressed with the track record of the manufacturer of the Swisspearl cladding ranges and the colour choices available to suit these projects; Swiss Facades worked closely with the contractor to ensure delivery of materials was optimized to suit the manufacturing programme. We would hope to specify these products again the future.”

Andrew Nesbitt, Managing Director of Andrew Nesbitt Architects

Please download the latest brochure, www.swissfacades.com Programme Colours 2012

Contact Anne Hurl.

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

Swiss Facades... ‘First Class’ Cladding for Schools Transforming Exterior Facades

A

nne Hurl of Swiss Facades, has once again earned praise and recommendation from customers for the quality of her products, the efficiency and expertise of her company and the competence with which the project was completed.

The latest projects for Swiss Facades was the provision of modular accommodation for two primary schools, one in Lurgan and the other in Ballyward near Castlewellan, County Down. Western Building Systems were the main contractors and were quick to praise the team from Swiss Facades.

Ciaran O’Hagan Off-Site Contracts Manager of Western Building Systems (WBS) told Specify, “Western Building Systems recently completed two modular buildings with the assistance of Swiss Facades at St. Marys Primary School, Dechomet and St. Francis Primary School, Lurgan. With the expertise and knowledge of Swiss Facades’ Anne Hurl we were efficient in the ordering and application of the external panels. A specific cutting list was co-ordinated by Anne with WBS’ input that ultimately reduced wastage. A marked up drawing identifying each panels location and fixing point helped ease the onsite application.

“With different colours on the buildings and the smooth clean appearance of the building has been positively commented on by the design team and the schools. WBS would like to thanks Anne for her input and hope to work together in the near future.”

Andrew Nesbitt, Managing Director of Andrew Nesbitt Architects, the Lead Consultant and Architects for the new classrooms in Lurgan and the new Multi Purpose Hall at Dechomet advised; “We were looking for a quality cladding product in specific colours to integrate with the colours already established on the two school sites and also to provide visually dynamic facadès incorporating colour contrasts; we were impressed with the track record of the manufacturer of the Swisspearl cladding ranges and the colour choices available to suit these projects; Swiss Facades worked closely with the contractor to ensure delivery of materials was optimized to suit the manufacturing programme. We would hope to specify these products again the future.”

Swisspearl produce fibre cement composite panels in a state of the art factory in Switzerland in a wide array of colours. With a guaranteed 40 year life expectancy, Swiss Facades offer cladding solutions for both interior and exterior use, as well as over cladding, soffitts, fascia, in-fill panels, partitions and balconies. The range of sizes and thicknesses available will accommodate various applications, budgets and design possibilities.

Anne Hurl commented, “ We are delighted to have once again proven that Swiss Facades offer customers something special – not just a top quality product, but a service and back up that is second to none as well as a wide choice of colours and design capabilities. If anyone needs advice on how to renovate buildings of any age, Swiss Facades has the solution.”

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digest

Norman Emerson Group in the mix as Hollywood hero Thor returns to the big screen Norman Emerson Group’s distinctive red livery is a familiar sight on Ireland’s roads but the recognition factor is about to take on global significance with a little help from Marvel comic book hero, Thor the Mighty Avenger.

A Norman Emerson Foden truck mixer is appearing in the soon to be released Marvel Studios movie ‘Thor: The Dark World’ which goes on general release this month.

Starring Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Natalie Portman as his love interest, Jane, ’The Dark World’ is the much anticipated sequel to the first Marvel ‘Thor’ movie which proved to be a huge success back in 2011.

So how did the County Armagh-based company’s distinctive Foden truck mixer land a Hollywood role alongside the stars of the big screen?

Norman Emerson Group managing director, George Emerson, explains: “Back in October 2012, I was approached by the Asgard Production Company which was shooting a new film on location in England.

“The company had come across an old vehicle of ours which had been sold into England the previous year and they were seeking permission from us to use it in a new Marvel production.

“I signed the consent form and thought no more about it until April of this year when my daughter, Julie, announced that the official trailer for ‘Thor: The Dark World’ had gone on general release and that our truck mixer was featuring in it!”

The thought of a Norman Emerson truck having a cameo role in a Hollywood movie has created great excitement amongst company employees.

“My father, Norman started the family business in 1945 in rural Derryadd on the shores of Lough Neagh just outside Lurgan in County Armagh and never in his wildest imaginings would he have thought that one of our company vehicles

A web award for Marcon The team at Marcon have added yet another award to the trophy cabinet.

The company recently won the ‘Best Business Website' category at the Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business Excellence Awards.

(L-R) Mark McElroy, Director, Marcon Fit-Out (left) and Alan Stewart, Competing Business Development and Marketing Manager, Marcon Fit-Out (right) being presented with the Best Business Website Award by against the best Graham Lapsley, Head of Finance Centre, Danske Bank. websites in the borough, the judges unanimously voted for Marcon's innovative and informative website commenting, "The winning website brilliantly conveyed the company's passion for perfection and, in their own words, "no-nonsense approach". The combination of a clean modern design with an easy flow path for users, plus exceptional utilisation of social media resulted in a unanimous decision."

Mark McElroy, Director, Marcon said, "We have recently launched a new corporate identity and have put a lot of hard work into our website, which is in essence the shop window for our services. Our aim is to constantly innovate and remain at the cutting edge of digital media. We made the site as interactive as possible and a pleasurable experience for any user, be they existing or potential customers. Our website is an integral part of our sales and marketing strategy and we are delighted to have been recognised locally for our efforts.

My thanks go to everyone involved in creating this ‘award winning' site."

For a look at the site log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.marconfitout.com" "http://www.marconfitout.com/" www.marconfitout.com

Norman Emerson Group managing director, George Emerson (seated) along with Kenny Crooks, sales and marketing director, Colin Emerson, operations director and Julie Timlin, PA, catch up on Thor reading material ahead of the release of the new Hollywood movie, ‘Thor: The Dark World’ which features one of the County Armagh-based company’s Ready Mixed Concrete trucks.

with the name Norman Emerson & Sons emblazoned across it would end up in a Hollywood movie,” continued George. “It’s just amazing.”

“Of course I can just imagine the face of the employee – Portadown man Bethel Shortt – who drove this vehicle over its lifespan with us when he hears about this… That will be a picture in itself!”

NI construction market returns to growth after 66 months RICS Construction Market Survey reports first NI workload rise since Q1 2008 The Northern Ireland construction market has exited recession for the first time in five-and-a-half years, according to the latest RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Construction Market Survey (Q3 2013).

Local chartered surveyors contributing to the study reported a rise in workloads for the first time since the first quarter of 2008.

The final quarter of 2007 was the last time the survey’s workload balance (the percentage of respondents reporting rising workloads minus the percentage reporting falling workloads) was above the +10 recorded in the most recent quarter.

Private Industrial was the only sub-sector of the Northern Ireland construction market to record a fall in workloads in Q3 2013.

However, despite the improvement, Northern Ireland continues to lag behind the rest of the UK, according to the RICS. The overall workload balance for the UK was +38, with each other region individually recording a higher workload balance than Northern Ireland.

RICS Northern Ireland construction spokesman, Jim Sammon, says: “It is encouraging to see the workload balance turn positive following a long period in which the construction market in Northern Ireland has experienced a very significant downturn. The survey chimes with anecdotal evidence of more positivity in the sector.”

“However, we are talking about small improvements from a low base, and the key challenges for the sector locally remain. Finance is tight, private sector activity remains scarce, and public sector demand remains constrained. We would urge the NI Executive to encourage and nurture a recovery by increasing infrastructure spending through moving more money from current to capital spending. Infrastructure is a driver of growth and competitiveness. Its upkeep, development and maintenance is also essential to a well-functioning society,” Mr Sammon added.

When it comes to creating washroom systems for schools, we never kid around.

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Specify Ad_July12.indd 1

21/06/2012 12:12

24| Grant Thornton Perfect Audio Visual were involved in the Grant Thorton project and Tim Brown told Specify about the work his company had carried out.

‘A

t Perfect Audio Visual we take pride in delivering bespoke, high quality, audio visual and integrated control solutions for both the private and public sectors and high-end residential properties.

‘We provide our clients with a bespoke solution tailored specifically to their needs. A complete service including design, supply, installation and support.

‘Part of the Grant Thornton offices brief was to create a welcoming, relaxed, and interactive office environment, simple for the staff to operate without the constant need for the IT technicians help. The introduction of automated meeting spaces; lower a screen, dim the lights and turn on a projector or display with the simple touch of a button. TV’s throughout the building doubling as digital signage displays, up to date company information simply and easily controlled and displayed.

The Grant Thornton solution has already proven to increase staff productivity; greater creativity and employee retention. It’s no longer just about wall mounting TV’s, it’s about solutions designed for comfort, flexibility and ease of use.

Perfect AV specialise in creating systems for any business no matter how challenging.

Integrating with their existing business structure, PerfectAV solutions can bring control to your work environment. ‘

Uber-modern office refurbishment design makes a difference.

The difference is personal.

There is a perception that professional firms’ offices are boring, but the Grant Thornton offices in Belfast are anything but staid.

Lisa Allen , Senior Designer & Gareth Neill, Partner at Grant Thornton

A

fter a year of design and transformation, the uber-modern style refurbishment of Grant Thornton’s three floor, Clarendon Dock office, inspired by Senior Designer Lisa Allen, has created one of the coolest working environments in Northern Ireland.

With Lisa Allen’s help, Grant Thornton have moved in a new direction, showcasing their unconventional approach to business and creating one of Grant Thornton’s trendiest offices. The Belfast Partners wanted a “creative” workspace in which their staff would feel excited to work and changed the office layout to make it more fun. The themed meeting rooms, Harry Potter, Star

I Grant Thornton • www.grant-thornton.co.uk

“Office space does not have to be traditional and boring - it can be a fun place for people to work and relax during breaks, and recommend to their friends as a great place to work.”

Wars, Jurassic Park and Willy Wonka Emporium, will host training sessions and large group meetings. The firm said it hoped the fun, yet functional, office features, would inspire creativity and productivity among staff and attract more new graduates to join the company.

Senior Designer Lisa Allen, commented, “Inspiration for my designs for the Grant Thornton

office came from blockbuster movies - people are fascinated by movies and are in awe of what Universal and Disney can create, transporting people on a new discovery and away from day to day stresses of modern day life. Life along with work can be stressful and people can find it hard to gain a work life balance.

“My design aim was to create an open functional office design for

Grant Thornton |25 Grant Thornton people to work in, yet have unique meeting rooms where they could step away from their desks and feel they have been transported to a jungle when they are in the Jurassic Room, or a Spaceship when in the Star Wars room, or magically be in the Common Room at Hogwarts”.

“Office space does not have to be traditional and boring - it can be a fun place for people to work and relax during breaks, and recommend to their friends as a great place to work. Grant Thornton people can play a quick game of ping pong or table football during their breaks.

There are also video games consoles for those employees who prefer to let their thumbs do all the work.”

Gareth Neill, Partner at Grant Thornton stated: “It is really our people that make Grant Thornton the kind of company it is. We currently have around 250 employees in our Belfast Clarendon Dock offices, of which 80% are client facing. We hire people who are smart and determined and we favour ability and attitude over experience. It was important for us to invest in a creative environment, showing we care about our people, while inspiring them to grow with the business and

Asbestos Management Company (Ireland) Ltd

What We Do...

The Asbestos Management Company (Ireland) Ltd operate a growing range of services combined with an insistence on total professionalism and unrivalled customer service. Our core services are noted below but having forged strategic partnerships with other organisations within the industry we are ideally placed to facilitate most requirements.

We are delighted to have worked on the refurbishment of the Grant Thornton offices • Asbestos Management • Asbestos Surveys • Asbestos Awareness Training • Asbestos Encapsulation • Asbestos Disposal • Asbestos Removals • Asbestos Testing

Asbestos Management Co. (Ireland) Ltd Tel : 028 7032 1319 Email : jimb@asbestosmc.com

www.grant-thornton.co.uk • Grant Thornton I

26| Grant Thornton

most importantly recognizing the excellent work that they do.

“Everyone working for Grant Thornton is amazed at the office transformation and how Lisa has turned her stunning vision into reality.

Her challenge was to understand our people and we had the confidence that she would deliver a unique, enjoyable, dual-purpose workplace which can enhance your mood. The quality of Lisa’s work, attention to detail and design touches such as the library for our staff, the egg chairs in the Jurassic room, the Suit of Armour in the Harry Potter Room to name a few, has made the real difference to the office refurbishment.”

Following a recent internal survey, people working for the company confirmed the above comments, with 90% stating that following the refurbishment they would recommend Grant Thornton to family and friends as an excellent place to work. People were encouraged that the office was renovated with the emphasis on the working environment improvement and appreciated the Partners wanted to make it a fantastic place to work.

They felt the overall refurbishment was a huge improvement on what they had before, the workspace being brighter, stylish, spacious with a modern appearance and improved layout. People felt the reception was lovely and more welcoming for clients and their colleagues.

In the survey, all rooms were rated as being finished a very high standard exceeding all expectations.

However most people stated that their favourite rooms were the Harry Potter boardroom, the Skylounge and the Wonka Room as these rooms had more space permitting integration of teams. In particular the Skylounge has been a huge improvement and always needed, as previously there was no designated place to eat. The spacious Skylounge with practical booths and great facilities, along with the games rooms has enabled people to socialise and relax during lunch time.

The well planned layout and inspirational feel encourages more productive working, therefore making a difference both for the company and most importantly personally for the people working there.

I Grant Thornton • www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Lisa & Gareth with Mark Allen, Consultant at Grant Thornton

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HSS Hire- Safely Getting you to new Heights The HSS/Laois Hire Group is an award-winning tool and equipment hire company. It’s been serving big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957. With an established network of 24 hire branches and supercentres across Ireland. Today in their specialist division you can expect to find access, powered access, lifting equipment, surveying equipment, generator equipment, heating equipment and large plant through the Laois Hire Network to name just a few.

Access For safe height access it is essential to have a safe, stable and comfortable working platform as provided by the HSS/Laois Hire range of Access Towers, Powered Access, Podium and Platform steps. The HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group has one of the largest powered access fleets in Ireland ranging from specialist clean room environmental access through to 135ft(40m) power access.

They have a full range of alloy access towers including narrow width towers- ideal for stairways and alleys where space is limited as well as non- conductive towersideal for use in areas of chemical hazard and electrical risk. Their large

range of powered access equipment provides high- level access for indoor or outdoor maintenance and construction work. Boom lifts are highly manoeuvrable for work up to 12 metres. Scissor platforms provide a larger work platform with models for use on rough terrain.

The HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group supply many major projects throughout the Island of Ireland with their specialist highly trained staff who provide site calls to customers to advise on their specific customer requirements.

HSS Hire Services Group, has most recently earlier this year acquired UK Platforms, the powered access specialist, from the Haulotte Group.

The transaction will make HSS the second-largest provider in the powered access market in Britain and Ireland.

Michael Killeen Managing Director HSS Hire Ireland, Scotland and Laois Hire Group states ‘This specialist strategic acquisition complements our existing powered access fleet and operator training capabilities, enabling us to offer a wider range of equipment to customers and provide a more comprehensive service in the powered access hire sector.’

Training

HSS Training, the specialist training division of HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group, offers safety and technical training solutions that are both general and equipment-specific and work in close partnership with various industry associations including the Facilities Management Association (FMA), BIFM, IPAF, PASMA, the Ladder Association and City & Guilds.

When it comes to employees making the right equipment choice and knowing how to set up and use that equipment safely, it really is down to the training and advice that they receive. Tim Mc Callion HSS General Manager Northern Ireland & Isle of Man states ‘We believe that when it comes to working safely at height, risk is managed through a careful combination of both using the right equipment and having the appropriate training – as a result we don’t just offer equipment hire, we combine it with a full service training department too.’

Specialist Divisions

HSS Hire not only provides a specialist Access and Training Division, their expertise reaches into other areas such as specialised Complete Power Solutions. The HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group continually strives towards providing a specialist service to their customers. Michael Killeen states,

‘Following our recent rollout of ABird Generator Hire in Ireland, we now offer a complete power solution service. We provide a wide range of generators and power generation related items, which helps our customers to power their events and work sites effectively, efficiently and easily. We offer an efficient, 24hour, 365 days specialist back up and repair service with guaranteed expert technical back up available anywhere across our country wide network.’

The HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group has new capabilities in larger capacity and specialist generators which now provide power for all applications up to a massive 1250kva .

HSS Hire also carries a full range of heaters, dehumidifiers and lights to cover all of your requirements for the incoming winter months. HSS heaters range from commercial infra-red heaters to industrial gas and 3-Phase electric heaters, they also carry a full stock of indirect oil fired heaters able to heat a factory floor or large industrial buildings.

For more information on any of the specialist products or expert services provided by HSS Hire nationwide network visit their website www.hss.com or call NI: 08457 28 28 28 or ROI: 1800 22 33 66.

Perimeter 06| digestMesh

Ballcourts

High Security

Gates

Access Control

O’Neill Fencing complete a “Fencing Double at Lagan College” with Graham

O

Neill Fencing continue to go from strength to strength with the completion of another brilliantly executed fencing installation for main contractor Graham Construction.

O Neill Fencing were the successful bidders for this project despite much competition. They pride themselves on the quality of their work and their ability to meet deadlines with minimum fuss.

O`Neill Fencing, in conjuction with manufacturers Betafence and local stock centre Ridgeway, were able to offer a full Secured By Design solution to the site perimeter for both Lagan College & the recently completed Torbank School. All installation & materials are covered by a unique independently audited Bekassure 10 year Guarantee, not offered by other fencing suppliers to the Northern Ireland market.

Since work began back in May 2012, O`Neill Fencing have been working closely with Graham on the Lagan College project, installing approximately 1-kilometre of SBD (Secure by Design) Securifor 358 High Security fencing to the outer perimeter as well as a full compliment of pitch perimeter fencing, rebound spectator rail, timber kick-boards & team shelters to the newly–laid hockey pitch onsite.

12mtr high x 32.5mtr wide ball-stops were installed at goal ends on the grass sports pitch, and a total of 20 no gates of varying specifications were installed throughout

the entire site. Some had to conform to SBD requirements, whilst others possessed high resistance to impact in MUGA areas.

Ridgeway, as Irelands largest approved stock centre for Betafence, co-ordinated the supply & delivery of all fencing products required onsite and were key to ensuring tight installation dead lines were met.

Gary Hunter (Project Manager Ridgeway):”We are extremely proud of our association with GRAHAM at Lagan College. We supplied a diverse range of perimeter solutions to this project to a tight program in often difficult conditions, but the end result speaks for itself. The workmanship of O’Neill Fencing is again exemplary,and we look forward to future collaborations with both parties.”

On completion of the contract , Project DirectorPeter Reavey from Graham Construction commented):“ Graham Construction are very happy with how the O’Neill Fencing and Ridgeway relationship has developed at both Lagan College and Tor Bank Schools.”

Bekassure Qualification Statement This is the only insurance scheme of its kind offered to the NI market and is independently audited by an external body to give clients full peace of mind. It ensures the highest standards of workmanship are met by our PRONet Fencing Contractor, installing our ‘fit for purpose’ systems

Railings

Barriers

Accoustics

Gabions

Professional Stock Centre Nationwide Delivery www.ridgeway-online.com

Bespoke digest Fabrication |07

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Portview fit-out heads to New York for Oscar de la Renta A Belfast-based company has been awarded a contract to do the interior refit-out of international designer brand Oscar de la Renta's new concept store in New York.

Portview Fit-Out was nominated for the job following its successful fitout of the iconic brand's first concept store in London's Mayfair earlier this year.

Construction work at the Madison Avenue store in the heart of upmarket Manhattan is well underway

with American builders on site since March. The team at Portview has been co-ordinating this part of the build from Belfast with weekly conference calls.

Oscar de la Renta, which had an existing 150 sq m store in the designer shopping district, acquired an adjacent 170 sq m unit and will combine the two to more than double the sales area for the new high spec outlet.

Portview's Contracts Director, Sean McEvoy, explained: "The existing

An Education in Technology Innovation ‘Making the right investment in technology is just as important as the right building design’. This message resonated with key industry leaders at an education event recently hosted by learning technologies specialist, Promethean and its Northern Ireland partner, SOS. By exclusive invite only, the event gave delegates real insight into key technology innovations – focusing specifically on the integration of these solutions in purpose-built learning environments.

With a new round of funding about to be released, the country is set to benefit from a new build schools programme similar to that of the former Building Schools for the Future (BSF) in England.

Ali Hayward, Promethean Head of Business for the UK and Ireland, comments: “As part of the BSF programme, we supported the delivery of over 100 projects by providing strategic guidance on the

role technology has to play in creating effective learning environments – but equally importantly – why and how to specify solutions at design stage.”

Having been a Promethean partner since 2001, and the only Premier Partner in Northern Ireland, SOS works closely with the Promethean team on strategic projects. Nigel Johnston, SOS Project Manager, continues: “We’re in a unique position because we can take the proven BSF pedigree of Promethean and use this to benefit the new school building programme in Ireland. We know exactly what works and will be sharing this on a local level.”

To support stakeholders in the roll out of the school building programme, Promethean and SOS will be hosting a series of technology workshops, designed to provide practical advice on the correct specification and implementation of technologies, according to individual school strategy.

For further information on these visit www.sosgroup.co.uk.

Stuart Fraser, Head of Market Development, Scotland and NI, Nigel Johnston, Project Managers SOS and Al Hayward, Head of UK & Ireland, Promethean

store is being extended and we are co-ordinating that process from Northern Ireland because of our experience with the first new Oscar de la Renta store in London."

The award-winning Belfast firm won the job after completing a highquality fit-out of Oscar de la Renta's London store - the first in the world to showcase the latest design and specification concept.

The 300 sq metre Berkeley Sq store was designed by New Yorkbased Meyer Davis Studio.

Portview's experienced team, which works across the UK and Ireland for many of the world's top brands, had to overcome major logistical issues during the work in one of London's most exclusive areas.

Official opening of the GreenTEC Centre at Southern Regional College, Newry

The Permanent Secretary of the Department for Employment and Learning, Derek Baker, officially opened Southern Regional College’s GreenTEC Centre at their Greenbank Campus in Newry. The Permanent Secretary is pictured with David Taylor, Deputy Mayor of Newry & Mourne, Brian Doran, CEO, SRC and David Vint, Assistant Director, SRC.

The Permanent Secretary of the Department for Employment and Learning, Derek Baker, recently opened Southern Regional College’s GreenTEC Centre at their Greenbank Campus in Newry.

GreenTEC is a new centre of excellence for the construction industry. It will support business and industry by offering accredited training, seminars, business support in a wide range of green technology growth areas, including ecological building systems, renewable heat, energy efficiency and the design and installation of renewable technologies such as solar thermal, heat pumps and solar panels.

Mr Baker said: “GreenTEC is an innovative, state-of-the-art facility which will play a key role in providing leading edge technologies and expertise and will contribute in a meaningful way to the development of the global green economy.

“The Department has driven the transformation of the further education sector to become responsive to the needs of local employers during these economically challenging times. This centre is an excellent example of the fruits of that approach.”

The official opening also included talks focusing on ‘Insulating against future costs with a Holistic Approach to Low Carbon Retrofit’, ‘Are you ready for BIM Level 2 in 2016?’ and ‘Looking to a Green Future with Renewables’.

Maxwell Concrete Castlederg

“ We were able to diversify and create new products.”

Maxwell Concrete is an agricultural precast concrete producer. With over 50 years’ experience, the family-run business is one of the leading precast manufacturers in Northern Ireland.

Invest Northern Ireland’s technical support helped the Castlederg company diversify and expand its product line.

Co-owners, Kirstin and Jonathan Maxwell explain how Invest NI helped: “Invest NI’s technical advice and support really helped us get our product ideas to market quickly. We were able to design moulds that worked with our new process line and things really progressed from there. It opened up a whole world of possibilities – enabling us to be much more versatile,” says Kirstin.

Maxwell Concrete is one of the many local companies that have accessed the support available under Invest NI’s Boosting Business campaign and have taken positive action to succeed in these difficult times.

“We endeavour to produce innovative products that are better than anything else out there. Products with a better finish and better design. To help us achieve this, Invest NI’s support has been of vital importance,” adds Jonathan.

Why not join the 23,000 who have already looked to Boosting Business for advice under its five key themes: jobs, skills, exports, technology and research and development.

Find out how Invest NI can help you boost your business:

Call 0800 181 4422 Text BOOST to 78886 Visit boostingbusinessni.com 200840 INI BB Maxwell Concrete FP-Specify.indd 1

04/10/2013 12:21

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

School Building Programme Update On the 11 October 2013 the Department of Education provided the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) with an update on its major capital investment programme as announced in June 2012. The update provides details of each school project and its revised schedule for delivery.

To view the October 2013 Update to the School Building Programme visit the CEF website.

This information is only available to CEF Full and Associate members.

£18m EU funding for Peace Centre Development Withdrawn The body responsible for distributing EU funding in Northern Ireland has withdrawn its offer of £18m funding for the development of the Peace Centre at the Maze.

Responding to the announcement John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “The loss of funding for this flagship project is another major disappointment for the local construction industry and will have wider economic ramifications.”

“30,000 construction jobs have been lost since 2007 and, whilst there are signs that the recession is over, the industry needs Government to get projects on the ground and build confidence.

Every project that is stalled or scrapped is costing jobs and hindering economic recovery.”

“We have the delay on the A5, the delay on the Community Safety College at Desertcreat, the delays with the two stadiums in Belfast, the funding problems with the narrow water bridge and now this. The industry is immensely frustrated.”

“This frustration is added to by the fact that beyond the headline projects there are significant delays in the school building programme and there is serious concern that funding allocated to social house building and maintenance will be handed back.”

a cef ‘attend & share’ initiative wrap’s annual conference - vision 2020: the path to a circular economy The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has organised an ‘Attend and Share’ initiative for WRAP’s Annual Conference in London on 7 November 2013.

The conference will show the steps market-leading companies are already taking on the path to a circular economy. CEF wants to ensure that the NI construction industry benefits from this conference and is well informed on this important subject.

Two representatives from CEF member companies will attend the conference in London on 7 November 2013 and will then share their experiences and learning with other CEF members at a two hour feedback seminar in Belfast on 22 November 2013.

The cost of participating in the initiative is £48+VAT. Every person participating in the initiative will automatically be entitled to attend the feedback event in Belfast but will

also go into a draw to be one of the representatives to attend the conference in London. All expenses for the trip to London will be covered by CEF. The maximum number of participants is 20. (Individuals can opt not to be included in the draw).

Employers registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills NI will be eligible to claim grant of £30 for participating in this training initiative.

This is an ideal opportunity for organisations wanting to understand the challenges, opportunities and actions of adopting circular thinking models and realise the benefits of doing so.

If you are interested in participating in this initiative or have suggestions for future ‘Attend and Share’ initiatives please contact Kathryn Webb at kathrynw@cefni.co.uk or 028 9087 7143.

PRIVATE HOUSING OUTPUT SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY The latest statistics on local private housing output show some positive signs of recovery in the new build market. The Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin for the period January to March 2013 has been published by the Department for Social Development.

This Bulletin shows that the total annual number of new dwellings started in the private sector reached a peak of 13,999 in 2006-07. After this peak there was a downward trend to a low of 4,481 in 2011-12.

However, in 2012-13 the total annual number of starts increased by a modest 5% to 4,708.

With regard to completions, the number of new dwelling completions in Northern Ireland reached a peak of 16,628 in 2005-06 and from there they continuously declined to a low point of 5,676 in 2011-12. In 2012-13 however the annual total was 6,920. This represents a significant increase of 22% on last year’s total.

Commenting on these latest statistics CEF Managing Director, John Armstrong said, “While it is early days in terms of a full recovery in the private housing/new build sector and given that we are coming off a very low base in 201112, these latest figures are very welcome news. The market is still patchy but this information will help to put much needed confidence back into the new build sector and will encourage more enquires for new homes”.

PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED FOR MAJOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT AT CLARENDON DOCK At the start of October 2013 Belfast Harbour received planning approval for an 83,000 sq ft, Grade A office development, representing the first phase of a 20-acre, £250m mixed-use, office-led scheme known as City Quays.

The new five storey building, CQ1 (City Quays 1), will be located on a waterfront site near Belfast Harbour Office. CQ1 is the largest city-centre Grade A office development to be granted approval in Belfast since 2007.

Responding to the announcement of planning approval, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “At a time when numerous public sector projects are stalling it is reassuring to see this private sector development forging ahead. Not only has Belfast Harbour secured planning permission but, with building contractors due to be appointed very soon, this project will be on the

ground providing jobs for the construction sector in a matter of weeks.”

“This is a fine example of private sector investment which will help the recovery in the construction industry and, due to construction’s unique multiplier effect, help lift the wider Northern Irish economy.”

Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour’s CEO, said, “CQ1 is the cityward extension of Clarendon Dock which is already home to a number of significant occupants such as Intel, Capita and Grant Thornton. Belfast Harbour has been working closely with Invest NI to address the gap in Grade A office space in Belfast city centre and CQ1 will be available for a full range of commercial office uses.”

“This investment, funded entirely by Belfast Harbour, will meet the needs of emerging demand and we have already been exploring a number of strong leads in sectors such as IT and financial services.”

ALL PARTY GROUP ON CONSTRUCTION MEETS AT STORMONT The All Party Group on Construction met at Stormont in mid-September 2013 to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the industry but with a focus on housing matters.

Officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) addressed the Group and answered questions.

NIHE confirmed that its board has given approval for contractors to be appointed to the double glazing framework as soon as an injunction is lifted. The injunction was lifted a number of days later. NIHE also informed the group that its board was to meet again the following week to discuss the appointment of contractors to the planned maintenance framework.

CEF once again raised its serious concerns about

the procurement approach adopted by the Housing Executive for both of these frameworks. CEF also highlighted the underspend last year that occurred as a result of poor planning by NIHE. Again this year there is a serious risk that NIHE will struggle to spend its budgeted allocation.

Regarding prompt payment of main contractors, both DSD and NIHE agreed that current monitoring does not take account of the time it takes for payments to be approved but only the time it takes for approved invoices to be paid. CEF called for all Government Construction Clients to be required to monitor payment timescales in a more meaningful way.

DSD discussed a range of issues including the Housing Strategy; negotiated land, design and build schemes; the disparity of house price statistics

UPDATE ON PUBLIC POLICY ON PROJECT BANK ACCOUNTS In January 2013 the Finance Minister announced that all projects procured by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) over £1m and with a substantial element of subcontracting would make use of a Project Bank Account.

A Project Bank Account is a bank account which holds the money in trust for the supply chain. This helps to protect the money in the event of administration or receivership and accelerates payment to the supply chain. Suppliers, including the main contractor, are paid simultaneously, usually within five days of the client depositing funds into the Project Bank Account.

Since the Minister’s announcement in January CPD has included a Project Bank Account clause in all relevant prequalification and tender documents. The first project to make use of a Project Bank Account in Northern Ireland has now been awarded.

At a recent meeting, CPD informed the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) that a draft Procurement Guidance Note has been prepared which proposes that Project Bank Accounts should be used on projects over £1m procured by all Government Construction Clients, not just CPD. This Procurement Guidance Note would have to be approved by the Procurement Board in order to become policy.

Whilst restating our support for measures to ensure fair payment throughout the supply chain, CEF stressed to CPD that the use of Project Bank Accounts should not be rolled out across the public sector until they have been piloted with the CPD projects.

CEF reiterated this point at a meeting of the Construction Industry Forum on 11 September 2013. At that meeting CPD agreed that project bank accounts should be piloted and reviewed before any wider roll out is implemented through procurement policy.

EMPLOYMENT LAW REVIEW CONSULTATION

across the UK; and the Get Britain Building initiative.

CEF will be following up with the Department on all of the points raised at the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Patsy McGlone MLA and the other MLAs attending for parts of the meeting included Barry McElduff, Paul Frew, Joe Byrne, Sandra Overend and Daithí McKay.

AUTUMN LOCAL ASSOCIATION MEETINGS: A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY The dates and venues for the autumn round of CEF Local Association meetings have been set. These meetings provide CEF members with a valuable opportunity to shape the CEF’s agenda and get an update on the Federation’s work over the last 6 months. It is also an ideal opportunity to emphasise the economic importance of the construction industry to your local MLA’s and to network with other members.

The dates and venues for these meetings are as follows: Armagh & Down Local Associations Friday 8 November 2013 O’Hare & McGovern Carnbane House, Shepherds Way, Newry Fermanagh & Tyrone Local Associations Friday 15 November 2013 QMAC Construction 156 Pomeroy Road, Dungannon Antrim & Londonderry Local Associations Friday 22 November 2013 Henry Brothers 108-114 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt Belfast Local Association Friday 29 November 2013 CEF Headquarters 143 Malone Road, Belfast Each meeting will commence at 11.30am and will be followed by a buffet lunch at 1.00pm.

Members can attend any of the venues. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. To make a preliminary booking contact Michelle Rafferty on 028 9087 7143 or micheller@cefni.co.uk.

The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) is conducting a wide-ranging public consultation on possible changes to employment law in Northern Ireland.

The consultation is guided by better regulation principles, and seeks to identify opportunities to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on businesses, whilst protecting the rights of the employees.

Key issues under consideration include:

· Unfair dismissal qualifying period · Unfair dismissal – limits on compensatory awards · Consultation periods for collective redundancies · Compromise agreements and protected conversations · Amendments to Public Interest Disclosure Law The Federation will be responding to this consultation and has sought members’ views. The closing date for the consultation is Tuesday 5 November 2013.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

Revised Electricity Connection Charges for Housing Developments Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has advised the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) of a 2.7% increase in the Standard Connection Charge for electricity supplies to housing developments of 12 or more individually serviced dwellings.

The Standard Connection Charge increased from £853 to £876 per dwelling from 1 October 2013.

This increase was approved by the Regulator as part of the latest ‘Statement of Charges for Connection to the NIE Distribution System’ dated 1 October 2013.

CEF has complained to NIE about the lack of notice given to the industry and has asked that any future increases are communicated well in advance of the date of introduction.

Minimum Wage Increase The National Minimum Wage rates are increasing with effect from Tuesday 1 October 2013.

The new rates are as follows: • £6.31 per hour for workers aged 21 years old and over • £5.03 per hour for workers aged 18 to 20 years old • £3.72 per hour for workers above school leaving age but under 18 years old • £2.68 for apprentices under the age of 19 years old or aged 19 years old or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship Apprentice Minimum Wage Apprentices who are employed under the Working Rules Agreement should continue to be paid “Blue Book” rates unless these rates are below the new National Minimum Wage rate.

Where the National Minimum Wage rate is above Joint Council rates the National Minimum Wage rate should be applied.

CEF LAUNCHES SUPPORT FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S RESTORE INITIATIVE The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is calling on all of its member companies to consider donating any surplus building materials to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

The donated materials are sold by Habitat for Humanity to help fund the charity’s work of helping families in need to build their way out of poverty.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director, said, “Habitat for Humanity works with deprived communities throughout the world to help provide shelter and a place to call home for thousands of people every year. The ReStore initiative presents a unique opportunity for the local construction industry to help support this valuable work whilst at the same time reducing the volume of materials being sent to landfill.”

“Many construction companies have already engaged with the ReStore initiative but I would encourage all companies to keep it in mind when dealing with their excess building materials.”

Surplus materials can be dropped off at the Riverside Centre, Young Street, Lisburn from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday or ReStore can arrange regular or one-off collections from your sites.

Habitat for Humanity has produced a ReStore information leaflet which provides further detail on the initiative. You can also find out more about the work of Habitat for Humanity in Northern Ireland at www. habitatni.co.uk.

To get in touch with ReStore please contact Niall McConkey on 028 9263 5642 or niallm@habitatni.co.uk.

CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT FALLS IN SECOND QUARTER On 16 October 2013 the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin. The construction output statistics published in the Bulletin provide a general measure of change in real terms in the output of the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

The key findings were: • The total volume of construction output in Northern Ireland in the second quarter of 2013 decreased by 5.4% compared to Q1 2013 and was 5.1% lower compared to the same quarter in 2012.

• The value of construction output in real prices in Q2 2013 was estimated to be £452million, the lowest quarterly value reported in the current series. The level of output reported in Q2 2013 is in the region of 40% lower than the levels of output reported in the quarters before the downturn in 2007.

• In Q2 2013, Great Britain experienced positive growth with overall construction output increasing by 2.0% compared to the previous quarter.

Commenting on the figures, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “I think this set of figures is a bit of a reality check and they should come as no real surprise. Whilst there is an undoubted sense of hope and optimism in the construction sector about the year ahead, these figures for Q2 2013 simply reflect the fact that market conditions are still extremely difficult in Northern Ireland. We should not expect the road to recovery to be smooth.”

“Private house building is on the up as the property market recovers and confidence is returning in the private sector. However, the industry remains highly concerned about the performance of the public sector.”

“At a time when the UK government is boosting capital investment in public buildings and infrastructure, the Northern Ireland Executive has reconverted capital funding back to revenue funding. Project after project is stalling before a sod is even dug.”

“Announcements of good intentions are aplenty but where is the substance, where is work on the ground, where are the jobs and where is the economic stimulus that only construction can deliver?”

“The industry is tired of the positive spin that comes with each repackaging of funding that couldn’t be spent by one department being reallocated to another department, tired of hearing that there are no contingency plans, tired of excuses.”

“The lack of work locally has turned construction into a valuable export industry for Northern Ireland. Over 70% of the turnover or our top 20 construction companies is now generated outside of Northern Ireland but all of these companies, and their people, would prefer to have more work at home.”

REVISED PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT 15 - PLANNING & FLOOD RISK

REVIEW OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE UPDATE On 21 October 2013 Simon Hamilton, Finance Minister, announced the outcome of the 2013/14 October Monitoring Round and provided details of planned capital reallocations for 2014/15.

Almost £37m of capital and £43.5m of resource funding was reallocated in the October Monitoring Round to be spent in 2013/14. These reallocations include the following items that impact on the construction industry: • • • • • •

£15m to roads structural maintenance £5m to other road improvements £1.5m to the Magherafelt bypass project £1.7m to Londonderry port £5m to Co-ownership £1.1m to Heritage led development

The Department of the Environment has published a consultation for a revision to Planning Policy Statement 15 (PPS 15) ‘Planning and Flood Risk’ which is intended to reduce the risk of future flooding of new developments.

The revised PPS 15 includes proposed improvements to minimise and manage flood risk to people, property and the environment. The draft policy also includes proposals to address safety issues in reservoirs.

Under the new proposals developers will have to submit a flood risk assessment within identified flood risk areas and demonstrate how these risks can be managed through, for example, building flood proofed buildings.

New developments where the young or vulnerable are at risk from flooding such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes and nurseries will not be permitted. Similarly, storing hazardous substances that would pose a health risk in the instance of flooding would also be refused planning permission.

The consultation can be viewed at www.doeni.gov.uk If members wish to submit any comments on these new proposals they should email Nigel Lucas at nlucas@cefni.co.uk before 20 December 2013.

The consultation closes on 10 January 2014.

The Finance Minister also updated the Assembly on the latest position regarding Financial Transactions Capital funding. This is funding which must go to as loan and equity investment directly to private sector organisations. It presents an opportunity for the private sector to come forward with proposals to partner with Government to deliver public buildings and infrastructure. The minister announced the following new allocations: • £5m to DSD’s “Affordable Homes Loan Fund” • £3.7m to DSD’s “Empty Homes Loan Scheme” However there is almost £21m of Financial Transactions Capital funding for 2013/14 that remains unallocated. The Finance Minister is seeking to move some of this funding into 2014/15. There is currently £60m of this funding already allocated to 2014/15.

Planned Capital Reallocations for 2014/15 The 2014/15 capital reallocation is a result of delays in major projects such as the A5 road scheme. These reallocations include the following items that impact on the construction industry: • • • • •

£75m for the A8, A31 and A26 road schemes. £16m for the regional stadium construction programme £12m for new buildings at universities £3m for heritage led development £6m for the Lisanelly project

CEF will be undertaking a detailed analysis of the Minister’s announcement over the coming week and will inform members of follow up actions.

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

•

Tel: 028 9087 7143

•

Fax: 028 9087 7155

•

www.cefni.co.uk

36| CITB

Construction Employer Events helping to build on skills and training

C

ITB-ConstructionSkills NI is keen to help the local industry address the current downturn and focus on the way ahead. For the past few years we’ve held free information events for local construction employers providing the latest information on training advice and guidance on grants, other funded training initiatives and the services that are available to registered employers.

New event dates have been launched for the forthcoming year, supported by Health and Safety Works NI and cover key towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland. The events have been well received amongst the industry and in a recent

survey of 100 construction employers 66% were aware of the information events and 35% of those had attended. Nearly all of the attendees (91%) felt the events gave them the information they needed.

Barry Neilson Chief Executive CITBConstructionSkills NI said: “Times are tough and businesses need as much support as possible.

Through listening to employers we know that their main challenges are reducing their expenditure, increased competition for contracts and preparing for new environmental legislation.

We are working hard to identify solutions to help employers survive. These events are an informal way of providing relevant up to date information

to the industry and also listening to what employers have to say. Why not come along to an event near you to find out how we can help your construction company move forward.”

The employer events are designed to help local construction employers openly discuss issues, network with other employers and find out what support is available for training. Up to date and relevant Health and Safety information is also provided by Health and Safety Works NI to help support the construction employer in this area.

For further information on the events and other dates available, log onto www.citbcsni.org.uk or telephone our Training Support Team on 028 9082 5466.

‘Drop in’ Events

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI are also running a series of ‘Drop in’ events to provide free advice and guidance in the counties of Down, Derry/Londonderry and Tyrone. These informal events are devised to encourage busy construction employers to ‘drop in’ and find out more on the £1.1m grant scheme, training facilities, health and safety and getting the most out of CITB-ConstructionSkills NI and other organisations who will be in attendance. Each ‘drop in’ event runs from 10am–12.30pm and light refreshments will be available.

‘Drop in’ Event dates and venues

Thurs 17th Oct 2013, Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle; Thur 27th Feb 2014, Waterfoot Hotel, Derry/Londonderry; Wed 14th May 2014, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.

Business Improvement Seminars

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI runs a series of Business Improvement Seminars on an annual basis. These events are designed to provide construction businesses with an overview of business related topics. Our next business improvement seminar will be run in partnership with Federation of Master Builders on 6th December 2013 at Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen.

For more details keep an eye on our website www.citbcsni.org.uk and Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CITBConstructionSkillsNI

CITB |37

Dates for your Diary Events scheduled during 2013-2014 Town

Date

Venue

*Newry

Thurs 10 Oct 2013

Newry Enterprise Centre

*Enniskillen

Wed 23 Oct 2013

Fermanagh Enterprise Centre

*Dungannon

Thurs 7 Nov 2013

Dungannon Enterprise Centre

*Derry/Londonderry

Thurs 14 Nov 2013

Northwest Business Complex

*Ballymena

Wed 20 Nov 2013

Ballymena Business Centre

Lisburn

Tues 3 Dec 2013

Lisburn Enterprise Centre

Omagh

Tues 14 Jan 2014

Silverbirch Hotel

Bangor

Tues 21 Jan 2014

SIGNAL Centre of Business Excellence

Enniskillen

Tues 4 Feb 2014

Killyhevlin Hotel

Downpatrick

Tues 11 Feb 2014

St Patricks Visitor Centre

Strabane

Tues 11 Mar 2014

Strabane Enterprise Agency

Craigavon

Tues 8 April 2014

Craigavon Industrial Dev Org (CIDO)

Carrickfergus

Tues 20 May 2014

Carrick Enterprise Agency Ltd (CEAL)

Coleraine

Tues 10 June 2014

Causeway Enterprise Agency

Belfast

Tues 17 June 2014

Castlereagh Enterprises Ltd

* The above events highlighted in blue will be led by HSWNI and follow an alternative format as indicated below...

Giants Causeway photograph: Gordon McAvoy

38| Ballyrashane

Martin & Hamilton – the cream of the crop

Martin & Hamilton were the main contractors for the £3.5million project at Ballyrashane Co-operative. The job, which involved the construction of a new anaerobic digestion facility was competed on time despite enduring some terrible winter weather and saw the customers, Ballyrashane Co-operative heap praise on the company.

M

artin & Hamilton is a privately owned construction business and for the past 47 years has been involved in construction work for all industrial sectors. The company has always taken great pride in providing a quality service, working ethically with suppliers and customers.

Ballyrashane Co-operative is one of the oldest creameries in Ireland, and is of the very few remaining operational co-operatives owned by local farmers.

The creamery began as a single building where only butter was made. Today this original building still stands and is used for administration and training. From three employees in 1896, Ballyrashane now employ approximately over 150 employees

I Ballyrashane Project

(excluding part-time students and agency workers) and this number is rising. With headquarters situated in Ballyrashane, Coleraine and another Milk Depot at Enniskillen, this Co-operative achieves an annual turnover of approximately £80 million.

Ballyrashane, officially opened in September 2012, a £3.5m groundbreaking ‘green energy’ facility that uses organic dairy waste to generate electricity. Anaerobic Digestion has been widely used by dairies for energy generation and as an efficient method of waste disposal in Germany, Sweden, Austria and Denmark; and the technology is well proven and established. However, to date there has been little development of AD plants in Northern Ireland. From this development at Ballyrashane it will become clear that anaerobic digestion, as a practice, makes sense for the Northern Ireland dairy

industry. It will not only reduce any processors’ carbon footprint, but also dispose of the waste in a safe and appropriate manner.

Ballyrashane Chief Executive Nigel Kemps paid tribute to all of those involved in delivering the ambitious scheme. “On behalf of the Ballyrashane Co-op Board and members I’d like to pay tribute to Ian Campbell (Ballyrashane Creamery

Energy Team) and his teams who have ensured this demanding project has been delivered successfully in line with what were quite ambitious timelines. He was greatly supported

by Martin and Hamilton, the main contractors and Grant’s Electrical who had to work through some very difficult weather conditions during last autumn and winter but managed to deliver the project on time.”

Ballyrashane |39

“Super Seal Window Systems ltd were delighted to support Martin & Hamilton in the supply of U-PVC Windows and Doors for the Ballyrashane Project.”

Ballyrashane Project I

digest

40|

New Belfast Parker Store provides convenient access to enhanced products for industry

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has partnered with Ridgeway, by opening a new ParkerStore and further expanding its Irish network of stores. The new ParkerStore, within Ridgeway’s Sales & Service Centre, had its opening day on 16th October

and attracted a considerable number of business professionals interested to browse the wide range of Parker pneumatic, hydraulic, seals and filtration products on offer.

Introduced as an Industrial Retail concept, the ParkerStore serves as an environment for the immediate and direct sale of industrial products through an approved, service-based platform. Working with Parker's global distribution partners, Parker designed the concept to reach the walk-in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) marketplace.

Combining the trade counter and retail models, ParkerStores allow customers to order custom, while you- wait hydraulic hose assemblies while shopping for complementary products typically also required, such as couplings, filters, lubricants, oil, tooling and safety equipment.

Ridgeway was established in Belfast in 1969 is a well-recognised brand within the “local supply chain” to many construction and

engineering businesses in the Province. Proudly positioned within the Titanic Quarter, an inspiring legacy of Belfast’s maritime and industrial past, their new state of the art retail shop encompasses the Access & Safety Store as well as the Parker Store for a new type of “trade counter experience” for the local tradesmen and maintenance professionals.

The new Belfast store opened its doors giving customers the chance to attend Parker product presentations, browse the store’s extensive range of quality innovative products and also meet the ParkerStore team for informal technical advice. The launch was well attended and proved highly successful for the large number of engineers and buyers from trade and industry present.

Complimentary refreshments were provided throughout the day with the added attraction of a prize draw for an iPad scooped by lucky winner Jonathan Busby of Calor Gas. Stephen Kane, Managing Director

for Ridgeway, commented, “We see our partnership with Parker as an integral part of both our business strategies to optimise availability and service to customers in the area. Customers can now benefit from rapid off-the-shelf delivery of quality Parker components, enabling customers to reduce their stockholding and working capital and the potential to offer enhanced services, which will directly benefit our customers.”

Seamus Fenlon, Distribution Manager for Parker Ireland said "The ParkerStore programme offers all our distribution partners a proven business model that they can develop for use in their local areas. It offers real value both to the store operator and to their customers, bringing Parker technology and expertise within easy reach of everybody involved in the field of motion and control, regardless of the operation they run."

There is now an extensive network and Parker has more than 3300 ParkerStore operations world-wide"

Award Winning insurance broker to open in Coleraine Leading independent corporate insurance broker Willis & Company is to open an office in Coleraine offering a full range of insurance, risk management and consultancy services.

Managing Director Richard Willis comments “Whilst we have established many longstanding client relationships in the area over the last thirty five years, we believe our future strategic emphasis on overall business protection is best delivered through a local presence.

Our research highlights that our unique combination of Insurance, Wealth Management, Accident Investigation and Business Consultancy is a strong proposition that can only be enhanced by bringing it to the doorstep of companies in the Coleraine area. Personal insurance buyers are already well catered for so our target audience will be corporate and commercial ” Fresh from its recent success at the prestigious 2013 British Insurance Awards in London

where it was named Community Broker of the Year, Willis & Company is proud of its reputation for integrity and professionalism and as the first broker to be awarded Chartered Status, the industry’s gold standard, it is keen to build a regional operation

offering employment and career opportunities to local professionals.

Deputy Chairman Billy Bennington adds “The Willis & Company core values have always reflected our empathy with other owner managed businesses.

Confidence and trust need to

be earned through careful and repeated delivery of the right advice at competitive terms. At a time when many companies are centralising services, often to geographically remote locations, we are prepared to invest by extending our reach within Northern Ireland”.

Pictured at the announcement are left to right :- Deputy Chairman Billy Bennington, Managing Director Richard Willis, Claims & Accident Investigation Services Director Mark Willis and Wealth Management Director John Bedford.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

SPONSORS

Award glory for the Guildhall H

&J Martin were announced the overall winners of the 2013 CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards at a gala awards dinner recently. Guest of Honour, Finance Minister Simon Hamilton revealed H&J Martin as the winner of the Overall Award for the restoration of the Guildhall in Derry.

The iconic historic building, which also won the Restoration Award, emerged as the ultimate winner for 2013 against stiff competition from the other 13 category winners including the Skainos Project

by Farrans Construction and Torbank Special School by Graham Construction.

Congratulating the overall winners John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “I commend H&J Martin for their outstanding work in breathing new life into this culturally significant landmark building. This project exudes a wonderful richness in quality and detail with a seamless match between restored original construction and new insertions. This is a project of international quality.”

A packed Culloden Hotel hosted the prestigious ceremony which is now firmly established as the highlight of the construction calendar in Northern Ireland. The audience, which included guests from across the political, public and private sectors, was addressed by Simon Hamilton, the Minister for Finance and Personnel.

Mr Armstrong said: “The Minister’s presence at the Awards underlines the construction industry’s significant contribution to the Northern Irish economy. However, more than

anything else this competition highlights the positive impact that the construction industry has on communities across Northern Ireland.

“I congratulate all the shortlisted finalists and particularly the winners of each of the 13 categories. These companies are ambassadors for the construction industry both at home and now increasingly abroad. It is the quality of their work that makes them stand out from the crowd.”

The Skainos project, built by Farrans in East Belfast, emerged as winner of the Social/Community Construction Award from an illustrious group of finalists which included the Giants Causeway Visitors Centre by Gilbert-Ash. The Henry Group not only picked up the Commercial Construction Award for a new wing at HMP Maghaberry built by Henry Brothers but also won out in the Exporting Award category for its success achieved through Windell Ltd which specialises in commercial and blast enhanced glazing projects.

Donaghmore Construction won the Environmental Sustainability

Award – a category in which the standard of performance witnessed by judges is increasing rapidly each year – whilst Maurice Flynn won the Training Award and Adman Civil Projects won the Health & Safety Award.

The four infrastructure awards were dominated by the big players with Lagan Construction, Graham Construction and McLaughlin & Harvey coming out on top.

However, lesser well known Fireglass Direct Ireland picked up the Health Infrastructure Award for its specialist work on the Isolation and Critical Care Suites at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Graham Construction picked up their second award of the night, this time in the Private Housing category, for QUB’s Postgraduate Accommodation at the Elms Village and for the second time in the last three years T&A Kernoghan were presented with

the Social Housing Award, on this occasion as joint venture partners to Collen Construction, for the INBEV

Regeneration Project.

The penultimate award of the night, the Achieving Excellence in Partnering

Award, went to QMAC Construction and the whole team involved in the delivery of Ashleywood House

in Londonderry including Foyle Women’s Aid and Apex Housing Association.

And the winners are...

Overall winner H&J Martin

Guildhall Phase II, Londonderry

Social/Community Construction Award

Farrans Construction

Skainos, Belfast

Restoration Award

H&J Martin

Guildhall Phase II, Londonderry

Commercial Construction Award

Henry Bros (Magherafelt)

HMP Maghaberry

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Quality performance Exporting Award

Windell

Environmental Sustainability Award

Donaghmore Construction

Health & Safety Award

Adman Civil Projects

Training Award

Maurice Flynn & Sons

INFRASTRUCTURE Health Infrastructure Award

Fireglass Direct Ireland

Isolation & Critical Care Suites, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Utilities Infrastructure Award

Lagan Construction

A2 Bangor to Belfast Watermain Rehabilitation Scheme

Transport Infrastructure Award

McLaughlin & Harvey

Ballymoney Railway Station Footbridge

Education Infrastructure Award

Graham Construction

Torbank Special School, Dundonald

Social Housing Award

T&A Kernoghan / Collen Construction

INBEV Regeneration Project, Caffrey Hill, Belfast

Private Housing Award (6+ Units)

Graham Construction

Queen's University Belfast, Postgraduate Accommodation Elms Village Phase II

QMAC Construction

Ashleywood House, Londonderry

housing

Achieving excellence in partnering award

Celebrating in style...

The Culloden Hotel hosted the annual CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards. Now in it’s 14th year the awards were compered by journalist Wendy Austin.

Elsie Armstrong, John Armstrong of the CEF, Simon Hamilton MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel, and Rhona Quinn of QMAC Construction.

Gareth Sharvin, Vice Chairman of Down District Council with Marie Ward and Robert Colvin, Director of Craigavon Borough Council.

Joan McCoy of White Ink with Derek Love, Rodney Coulter and Sean Moore of Gilbert-Ash.

Peter Carson, Emma Gilmore and Andy Greer of TAL.

Jim Addey, Rachel Kelly and Raymond Nathan of JLT.

Rhona and Peter Quinn of QMAC Construction with Joelene Poole of the CEF.

Emma O'Connor, Laura Wilson and Leanne McMullan of Fireglass Direct Ireland.

David Sterling of Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment with Nigel Smyth of the CBI.

Marian Connolly and James Hicken of McAleer & Rushe.

James Greer, Sonia Armstrong, Siobhan Kissward of Specify Magazine with Michael Nugent.

Gladys Greer of Specify magazine, with Brenda Nugent, Paddy Connolly, Greg McCullough and Victor Hamilton of Graham’s Dromore.

Chris McGovern, Cunningham Contracts; Ciaran Byrne, T&A Kernoghan; Bernard Connell and Larry Loughnane of Collen Construction.

Alex Dalmeny, Geraldine Gordon, Geoff Martin and Neill Gillespie of H&J Martin.

David Magee of McLaughlin & Harvey and Ed Butler of Lockton.

David Moore of GES Group with David Hamilton of Martin & Hamilton.

Robert Colvin, Director of Craigavon Borough Council with Mike Spence of Health Estates.

Willis and Co.

Gareth Sharvin, Vice Chairman of Down District Council; Elsie Armstrong; John Armstrong of the CEF and Joe Byrne, MLA for West Tyrone.

CEF dinner m/c Wendy Austin of BBC’s Talkback with Ray Hutchinson of Gilbert-Ash.

Martin Todd and Terry Ahearn

Yvonne Wilson, Patricia O’Connor and Marian Farrell of Fireglass Direct Ireland.

Colin Smyth, Robert Weatherup and Gary Boyle of the University of Ulster.

Overall Award Winner: H&J Martin, Guildhall Phase II, Londonderry

Billy Martin, Chairman of H&J Martin and the H&J Martin team receive their award from Raymond Nathan of principal sponsor, JLT.

H

&J Martin’s completion of Phase II of the Guildhall project brought to a successful conclusion in this major restoration project which started as far back as 2010.

Completed on time and within budget and to the client’s full satisfaction, the £4m second phase of the works focused on the building’s interior allowing the Guildhall to become a centre piece of the 2013 European City of Culture celebrations.

The Phase II works has transformed the functions of the Guildhall making it a key arrival

and welcome hub for visitors to the City.

H&J Martin’s teams focused on ensuring that the new building services were seamlessly integrated within the historic fabric of the building, matching the original features with the new elements, including a wide range of new visitor experience technology was a major challenge.

Specialist joinery and carpentry was another area where traditional skills were required. In the main hall the roof required significant works to replace decayed timbers.

New wood had to be carefully

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Diathi McKay, MLA and William McKirgan, H&J Martin

stained and crafted to ensure that repairs blended into the original structure.

To provide disabled access the company had to integrate platform lists into the raised area in front of

the organ. It was essential that the frames and casings helped disguise the modern lift equipment so that these did not detract from the magnificent organ which was installed in 1914.

Social/Community Construction Award

Winner: Farrans Construction, Skainos, Belfast

F

arrans won the Social and Community construction award for Skainos’ project in East Belfast. Accommodation provides social and affordable housing, community facilities, retail and commercial space, a day nursery and café and a new church. There is also a large community area which includes an auditorium, office accommodation, café and kitchen, family centre, community hall for The East Belfast Mission, Age Concern and educational facilities for Belfast Metropolitan College.

The mix of clients alone makes the Skainos project unique and each stakeholder was part of the process.

At the start of the project there were sensitivities due to the presence of an existing graveyard on-site. During construction a service was held by the East Belfast mission for the re-burial of the remains excavated by archaeologists underneath the new Church.

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; John Wilson, Managing Director, Farrans Construction and Joe Byrne, MLA

Restoration Award

Winner: H&J Martin, Guildhall Phase II

T

he overall winners, H&J Martin also received the Restoration award for their work on the Guildhall.

A wide range of heritage craft skills were needed to ensure H&J Martin retained the original look and feel of this precious building. The team concentrated on using local companies helping to strengthen a sustainable heritage skills base in Northern Ireland. Local artists Naomi McBride and Ruth Bothwell supplied specialist decorations to the roof and organ whilst stained glass was restored by Calderwood, a company with over 40 years’ experience of working in the Guildhall.

During the works the H&J Martin team were carefully dismantling a section of wall and to their surprise they uncovered a time capsule put there by the original builders in 1887. The artefacts are now on display in the refurbished hall giving the restoration project a real link to the past history of the building.

Commenting on the completion of the works, Billy Martin MBE, Chairman of H&J Martin said, “We are proud to have been involved in this major project which was completed in time to contribute to the 2013 City of Culture celebrations. We are particularly proud that so much of the works

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Diathi McKay, MLA and William McKirgan, H&J Martin

could be carried out by local craftsmen and women, helping to demonstrate the strength of the construction industry in Northern Ireland. It was an added bonus to unearth the time capsule buried on the 22nd August 1887, which helped our team truly feel part of the continuing Guildhall story.”

Commercial Construction Award

Winner: Henry Bros (Magherafelt) HMP Maghaberry

M

agherafelt contractors Henry Brothers took the Commercial Construction award for new state of the art prison accomodation at HMP Maghaberry. This commercial project encompassed the design and construction of new state-of-the-art Next Generation custodial facilities.

The project commenced on site early 2011 and was completed in 18 months at a total value of £17m.

This new two storey 120 cell accommodation included a full size football pitch and one secure exercise area per wing, within a high security fully operational facility. The accommodation offers purpose-built educational facilities, indoor gyms and a family suite for delivery of a pioneering parenting skills programme.

The project utilised a prefabricated modular build incorporating the Henry Brothers precast concrete system which is manufactured off site and delivered

Henry Bros (Magherafelt) team

to site for rapid assembly.

This build method enabled a fast, efficient and controlled delivery programme with environmental, suitability, quality and Health & Safety benefits. The entire structure is clad with a traditional brickwork skin and completed with bespoke, inaccessible and secure aluminium standing seam roof.

Exporting Award Winner: Windell

W

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Patricia Smyth, Client Manager, Invest Northern Ireland and Rodney Hassan, Windell Ltd

Sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland

indell are a leading blast enhancement and commercial glazing specialist. Their core business is designing high security facades and glazing systems for a diverse range of clients from g0overnments to Infrastructure providers.

Their technical versatility has enabled Windell to push the boundaries in façade engineering with the development of the Superwall, which has achieved what previously was only considered possible by using reinforced concrete and steel – a curtain walling system that will remain intact following the roadside detonation of a Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) at 6 metres and offers unrivalled protection to high risk building elevations.

In 2010 Windell opened a mainland UK office, connected to excellent road, rail, sea and air transport links, offering dedicated project management to all our UK contracts and we have established a specialist export team focused on the management and delivery of all our global export projects.

The Magherafelt based building firm Henry Brothers picked up another award at the CEF/Specify dinner, the latest in a long list of achievements…

H

enry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd has added yet another award to its long list of previous success in the CEF/Specify Awards. The accolade was presented to Mr Ian Henry at the Gala Dinner and award ceremony for the construction of Her Majesty’s Prison Maghaberry in the Commercial Construction sector.

The Mid Ulster based construction company was formed in 1976 by Jim Henry (Group Chairman) and is still owned and run by the Henry family with an annual turnover of £60 million. The Company has grown from strength to strength delivering award winning projects across widely diverse sectors which include Custodial, Policing, Defence, Education, Housing and Commercial sectors.

The company has embraced innovation and for the past 10 years have been developing new methods of construction. Particular focus has been placed in off-site construction where buildings are manufactured in the factory at Magherafelt and transported and constructed on site.

These methods are being delivered in contracts across Northern Ireland and the UK and ensure that projects are delivered in the safest possible manner, to the highest standards of quality, increasing recyclable waste and thereby reducing waste to landfill.

These methods were utilised during the construction of the award winning HMP Maghaberry project where the main precast concrete elements of the building were fabricated in the company’s specialist manufacturing plant in Magherafelt.

The challenging requirements of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to produce a building with the highest levels of security were achieved through the Henry Brothers precast walling system. This system allowed for all cell walls to be manufactured off site and included installation of the first fix services in the factory.

The pre-fabricated panels are then transported to site for installation.

The presentation of the CEF award was the pinnacle of the project which saw the delivery of the latest and most modern custodial facility in the UK delivered in an eighteen month period. This is the only Prison Service custodial building to have had the honour of receiving a construction award and clearly demonstrates the level of dedication Henry Brothers bring to their projects.

The Company has expanded into the UK market, and is currently delivering contracts in England and Scotland. Recent projects include

the construction of an External Security Facility at the prestigious Scottish Parliament Building which sits at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and school projects in London.

More recently Henry Brothers have secured the Contract for the refurbishment of accommodation at RAF Lakenheath, occupied by the US Air Force and works at Rosyth in Scotland.

The Company is also utilising off site construction in the delivery of the highest standards of Educational facilities for two London Boroughs through the Henry Brothers Modular School System. This system delivers

an exceptionally high standard of school facilities in short programme durations and has received praise from clients, teachers and pupils.

The success of Henry Brothers contracts is owed to the strong relationships that are forged with clients and stakeholders delivering projects to their specific needs.

This latest award adds to a long list of achievements and the Henry Family are immensely proud of their workforce and these awards are dedicated to them in recognition of the quality of their work and their desire to adapt to changing construction methods.

“This is the only Prison Service custodial building to have had the honour of receiving a construction award and clearly demonstrates the level of dedication Henry Brothers bring to their projects.”

06| digest

Health & Safety Award

Winner: Adman Civil Projects Ltd

T

he Health and Safety award was presented to Omagh company, Adman.

They are a Specialist Civil Engineering Contractor to the Electrical Infrastructure & Renewable Energy (Wind) sectors, employing 32 full-time staff/up to 30 temp/sub-contractors. They fulfil the role of Principal Contractor for Wind Farm and substation projects from Civil Construction through to Turbine Erection & Commissioning.

Adman Civil Projects team

Sponsored by Willis Insurance

Adman Civil Projects limited was incorporated in 2007 with a focus on providing Civil Engineering Services to the Renewable Energy and Electrical Infrastructure Sectors.

From modest beginnings, the company has grown over the past 6 years to become the leading Civil Engineering company in this sector.

Directors Adrian McCrory and Martin Grimes have expressed their delight at receiving the Health & Safety Award. They highlighted “This award recognises our commitment to Health & Safety Excellence with our number one business objective being the Health & Safety of our employees and those affected by our works.”

“While we are obviously delighted to receive this recognition, we appreciate that we can never become complacent on H&S matters. We are confident that our staff, whose buy-in to our Safety Culture was a major factor in achieving this award, will continue to play their part in ensuring that adman is synonymous with excellence in Health & Safety”.

adman civil projects ltd. 4 Bankmore Way East, Doogary Omagh. County Tyrone. BT79 0NZ Phone: 0044 (0) 28 8224 2166 • Fax: 0044 (0) 28 8225 8056 Email: mail@adman-ltd.com

Environmental Sustainability Award Winner: Donaghmore Construction

I

n recent years Donaghmore Construction have worked hard to embrace a greener approach, an initiative fully supported and driven from director level with the culmination being ISO:14001 accreditation. This hard work has been well rewarded with the presentation of the CEF/Specify Environmental Sustainability award.

Company ethos dictates that no one person is responsible for implementing these procedures, rather it is a team effort in which everyone is expected to be eager participants.

Water usage is metered and recorded, materials on site are reused where possible and the company makes a concerted effort to use recycled materials where possible.

Education is a vital tool for achieving success, to many, environmental issues are low on their list of priorities. Through the use of tool box talks, Donaghmore Construction are educating their workforce and subcontractors on the impact they have on the environment.

The company’s greatest environmental challenge and achievement to date has been the construction of ten houses on Rathlin Island. Although working conditions were not always easy on the island, the team did their utmost to remain sympathetic to the environment. This natural beauty became the driver for ensuring the team focused on the job in hand, delivering a successful project but equally important was doing so with respect to the truly unique environment.

Donaghmore Construction team

Sponsored by Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA)

Training Award

Winner: Maurice Flynn & Sons

T

Maurice Flynn & Sons team

Sponsored by Department for Employment & Learning (DEL)

raining is an essential aspect of all businesses and the award for Training was presented to Maurice Flynn & Sons. MFS understand that training ensures their people are fulfilled, motivated and of course competent to fulfil their duties and responsibilities, to ensure legal compliance, to provide the highest standard of safety and workmanship, as demonstrated by the repeat award of the Grade ‘A’ Safe-T-Cert. MFS instil this through induction training, skills development programme, review processes and in liaison with the CITB/ CEF. All entrants to the Company and labour-only subcontractors complete minimum training: Induction (upon employment), CSR H&S Training, Site Induction, NVQs, Internal Training (Manual Handling, Asbestos Alert etc), External Training (First Aid etc), and Toolbox Talks (weekly).

All site managers have attended ‘Managing Safely in the Construction Industry’ and Directors attend ‘IOSH Safety for Senior Executives’ courses with both registered as Construction or Senior Managers, under the CSR Scheme to which we are accredited to deliver both CSR and CIEH training in-house to ensure our supply chain is competent and appropriately carded.

Donaghmore Construction Ltd goes from Strength to Strength Donaghmore Construction have picked up the CEF/Specify Excellence Award for environmental sustainability. This is testament to the success of a company that is gaining momentum in both the public and private sector.

D

onaghmore Construction Ltd were announced as winners of the CEF/Specify excellence awards: environmental sustainability at this year’s ceremony; Mark Currie Managing Director of the Company was “absolutely thrilled” with the Company’s success in this their first awards.

Donaghmore Construction Ltd was founded in 1972 by brothers Brian and Raymond Currie. In 2008 the company was taken over by Mark Currie and in 2010 Heather Burton joined Mark as a Director in the company. Originally the main area of operation was Housing Executive projects but over the years the company has adopted new strategies, diversified and now operates in both the public and private sector in a broad range of fields including Social Housing, Civil Engineering, Commercial, Healthcare, Education and Shop Fitting.

Director Heather Burton states

“with a client list that already includes the likes of international accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, Argos, Lidl, IDB and First Trust, we have much to be proud of. Our aim is to increase our client base in both the public and private sector so we can build on our success to date and achieve sustainable growth in the years ahead.”

In winning this award the company are grateful for the recognition they have received in this increasingly important area. Environmental Issues often play second fiddle to profitability, however in the company’s signature project on Rathlin Island this notion was turned firmly on its head.

Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off shore Island and lies six miles off Ballycastle. The only means of access is by ferry across a stretch of sea notorious for active tides and Atlantic swells; navigating these can prove challenging! Mark describes Rathlin as “Our greatest

environmental challenge to date” and given its designation as an Area of Special Scientific Interest this is no surprise.

From the outset it was quite apparent that environmental factors would heavily influence the success of the project. Simple tasks like getting material to the site were no longer simple, trailers needed loading at Ballycastle, put onto the ferry and off loaded again on Rathlin. Booking of the ferry was crucial, as rightly so the Islanders and their needs got priority and all this before the weather created havoc! Local knowledge proved vital to the success of Environmental objectives and through dialogue with local residents the team from Donaghmore Construction discovered the site was home to “Rathlin Limestone”; visible in the numerous dry stone walls across the Island. During excavation this was painstakingly removed and reused

to construct boundary and garden walls on site; through consultation with NIEA this stone was also made available to the Islanders. Without the support and guidance of both the people of Rathlin and the NIEA this project would have been more difficult; Donaghmore Construction would like to extend to them their thanks and appreciation.

Winning this award has topped a very successful year for the Company and the future looks extremely promising for the Dungannon based company. With several new projects in the pipeline the Company is looking ahead to sustaining the continual growth experienced in spite of the extremely harsh economic conditions of the last few years. Mark is cautiously optimistic stating “coming out of a recession can be as difficult as going into one, but I am confident that our team at Donaghmore Construction are more than able to rise to the challenge”.

Contact our team on:

02840 638 454 Pleased to be associated with Donaghmore Construction Ltd Congratulations on your award!

www.mournewindows.com 2, Newry Road, Hilltown, Newry BT34 5TG

MECHANICAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR

We are proud to be associated with Donaghmore Construction Ltd Michael McGinn Mechanical Ltd 12 Monaghan Road Armagh BT60 4DA Tel/Fax: 028 3752 3413 Email: info@michaelmcginnmechanical.com Web: www.michaelmcginnmechanical.com

06| digest

Fireglass Direct

Bespoke Glaziers are a glass act niches which were subsequently revolutionary in the health care sector.

The knowledge and experienced gained from developing their new products has shaped Fireglass Direct into an “infection control solution provider” to architects, contractors and commissioners undertaking work in the healthcare sector. As a result of their refocus they have gone through the rapids of recession into a niche market and now currently turn over £3.3 million and employ 38 staff.

Their innovative teams understand the demands of this sector; they also understand the physical practicalities of what can be built, and what can fulfil the design brief for success in acute settings. Client engagement and supply chain traceability and management at every stage, is vital to this success.

In partnership with the University of Ulster and Invest NI, they have developed an isolation and contamination control suite, out of glass, for use in critical care units of hospitals. In 2011 they secured their first order with the new Royal Victoria Hospital, which has just been completed. With the end user always in mind, this solution to infection control was completed to a very high standard with regard to design and finish, to ensure the patients’ stay in the unit was as comfortable as possible. The product allows the isolation suites to be easy cleaned, provide complete visibility and incorporate a dedicated air handling system to adjust the atmospheric pressure from plus to minus 50 pascals of positive and negative pressure depending on whether the unit has to contain an infection or prohibit an infection from entering the unit. This innovative product quickly became the market leader.

Fireglass discovered that infection control costs the health authority an

Managing Directors Thomas Farrell and Seamus O’Connor, with their dedicated Accounting and administration team.

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his year’s coveted CEF Health Infrastructure Award has been won by bespoke glazing contractor Fireglass Direct, for their patented work on the Isolation Suites at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. This is a huge accomplishment and a significant one, when you consider that all other awards were won by principal contractors. The distinguished judging panel were very complimentary with regard to the outstanding design and technical specification of this project and the superior quality of the build.

Fireglass Direct are based in Castledawson and have been conducting business in the glazing and building industries since the summer of 2004, specializing in the supply and installation of fire and safety glazing for architects’ and clients’ specifications.

All glass is cut, supplied and installed by highly skilled fitters, employing critical risk assessment for a safe and sustainable environment and reducing any concerns of their customers or any impact on the public during construction. They have achieved SafeT-Cert accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to this field and have an excellent safety record.

Since 2010 the directors have invested over £1 million in the company’s knowledge, capability, processes, equipment, and people, to help develop diversification

estimated £7 billion annually within Europe and anticipated that their patented technology would help tackle this financial burden and aid quicker patient recovery times. As well as having design and buildability in the forefront of their minds during the project, they also had a responsibility to complete the project on time and to previously agreed budgets. They are always aware, when completing health authority contracts, of their responsibility to the tax payer; acknowledging that the funding in this sector must be efficiently used.

Their success on this project has led to Fireglass Direct being involved in other multi million pound hospital contracts through the UK. As well as the Healthcare Sector, Fireglass Direct also provide bespoke glazing solutions for commercial and domestic properties throughout Ireland and the UK. No job is too big or too small to benefit from Fireglass

Direct’s dedicated touch; transforming kitchens, bathrooms, office interiors, schools, retail premises and bars with shop fronts, painted glass, balustrades, glazed screens, mirrors and shelving in toughened or fire rated glass.

The recognition gained through the winning of this recent CEF Infrastructure Award is just the next chapter in an incredible story of achievement over the last few years.

This cutting edge company, have also been successful in winning the 2012 Belfast Telegraph Excellence in Innovation Award, the 2012 UTV Business Eye Award for Small to medium Enterprise of the year and the 2012 Magherafelt District Council Award for Business Excellence and Economic Development.

We look forward with interest to observing the next chapter in the growth and development of this exciting yet family values led company.

Health Infrastructure Award

Winner: Fireglass Direct Ireland, Isolation & Critical Care Suites, Royal Victoria Hospital

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n partnership with the University of Ulster and Invest NI, FireGlass Direct have developed and now manufacture and install a patented isolation and contamination Control Suite in glass. The primary market for isolation suites in acute settings, is sterile environments such as the critical care unit of a hospital. In 2011 then secured their first order with the new Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast which has just been completed.

With the end user always in mind, this solution to Infection control was completed to a very high standard with regard to design and finish, to ensure the patients’ stay in the unit was as comfortable as possible. The product allows the isolation suites to be easily cleaned, provide complete patient visibility for nursing staff and incorporates a dedicated air handling system to adjust the atmospheric pressure from plus to minus 50 pascals of positive and negative pressure depending on whether the unit has to contain an infection or prohibit an infection from entering the unit.

The Royal Hospital

06| digest

Utilities Infrastructure Award

Winner: Lagan Construction, A2 Bangor to Belfast Watermain Rehabilitation Scheme

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Lagan Construction team

agan Construction Group, winner of the Utilities Infrastructure award is a major force in international construction and infrastructure schemes offering clients a single strong base of pooled talent and expertise in the domestic and overseas civil engineering and building markets. This experience led to the success in the Utilities Infrastructure award.

The A2 Belfast to Bangor Road Water Mains Replacement Scheme awarded

by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) was valued at ÂŁ2m. With a 20 week programme, this was the highest profile mains rehabilitation project ever undertaken by NIW. In an area of high customer expectations, it was vital that traffic disruption was kept to a minimum as there are up to 50,000 vehicles using this road each day.

Transport Infrastructure Award

Winner: McLaughlin & Harvey, Ballymoney Railway Station Footbridge

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cLaughlin & Harvey were awarded the Transport Infrastructure award for constructing this landmark foot and cycle bridge over the railway at Ballymoney Station in December 2011. The project took nine months to complete at a cost of ÂŁ1.3m.

The bridge structure is a cable stayed arch with a steel deck. The suspended approach ramps which connect into the brick cladded concrete abutments on either side were constructed from a combination of steel and precast concrete. Mini piled foundations were used to support the bridge and approach ramps within the park.

The white arch, standing at almost 20m in height, coupled with the slender deck design and stainless steel balustrade contribute to the visually striking appearance while the reclaimed brick and cobbling are in keeping with the existing Victorian station building.

McLaughlin & Harvey team

Sponsored by Roads Service

Education Infrastructure Award

Winner: Graham Construction, Torbank Special School, Dundonald

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raham Construction were responsible for the design and build of a new SEN school for primary and secondary school age children as well as the landscaping of communal play areas and sensory gardens to stimulate smell, touch and hearing. The success of this project resulted in the Education Infrastructure award.

Internal finishes use contrasting colours to assist pupils with visual impairment and acoustic sound reduction for pupils with hearing impairment.

Wayfinding signage is presented in Macaton symbols and Braille and careful consideration was given to access and egress strategy and controls within the building and at site periphery while each classroom has its own securely fenced play area.

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Paddy Connolly, Graham Construction and Philip Irwin, Director of Investment and Infrastructure, Department for Employment & Learning

Social Housing Award

Winner: T&A Kernoghan/Collen Construction, INBEV Regeneration Project, Caffrey Hill

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T&A Kernoghan team

Sponsored by PwC

he Caffrey Hill project has taken a former derelict historic site, which in its day played a major role within the community and has proudly brought it back to life, winning the Social Housing award in the process.

Through regeneration of this 10 acre site in West Belfast, which was formerly the Inbev Brewery, T&A worked closely with Clanmil and their Design Team to transform it into a vibrant integral part of the community incorporating 166 units, seven retail units and a play area.

Classed as the largest regeneration social housing scheme of its time this project provides Clanmil’s tenants with high quality lifetime homes. Through care, attention to detail and experienced craftsmanship this Code 4 sustainable homes scheme has created thermally efficient homes giving long term cost savings for tenants.

06| digest

Private Housing (6+ Units) Award

Winner: Graham Construction, Queens University, Belfast Postgraduate Accommodation Elms Village

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his £12m Graham Construction project involved the construction of post graduate student accommodation within the existing student village consisting of 260 beds and 120 apartments. It is located within the Malone Conservation area within the live university campus. The external staircase features an innovative trace heating system within the treads which reacts to air temperature to prevent ice or frost forming. This scheme was awarded the Private Housing award.

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Lindsey Borland, Grahams Construction and Carol Ramsey, Chair RTPI

Sponsored by Department of the Environment (DOE)

Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award

Winner: QMAC Construction, Ashleywood House, Londonderry

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MAC undertook the £860,000 restoration of an old stone stable block on behalf of Apex Housing Ltd to provide twelve self contained apartments. The raison d’etre of the scheme was to provide a bright, pleasant and secure environment for those estranged from abusive partners hence consideration of end user for a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Foyle Women’s Aid was closely involved throughout the scheme coupled with close client contact to ensure end user needs were fully realised. This necessitated the establishment of effective lines of communication between contractor and client bodies in achieving timeous and satisfactory resolution.

John Armstrong, Managing Director CEF; Stewart Heaney, Director CPD and Sean Mullen, QMAC Construction

energy |61

Are we heading for an energy crisis?

As the recent protests over “fracking” test wells in England have shown, tensions run high when it comes to new sources of energy. But have we reached a point in Northern Ireland where we can’t afford not to take the risk of developing them? Stephen McVey reports.

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s concerns over future supplies of energy grow, there is divided opinion on whether we need to get real about energy policy and accept the need for unpopular new power sources, or if by doing so we would do irreparable harm to our environment?

Proposals for fracking in Fermanagh, bigger on-shore wind farms and the outlandish prospect of recovering oil off Rathlin Island have all given local people the cause to protest. This has been offset by fears that the security of our electricity supply could be under threat as early as 2016.

There are three compounding factors giving rise to the security of supply risk:

• The delay in delivering a planned second North-South Interconnector, for which a planning application was initially submitted in December 2009.

• The requirement to comply with EU Emissions Directives from 2016, which is expected to result in the withdrawal of some generation capacity at Ballylumford and place restrictions on generation at the Kilroot plant.

• A fault on the Moyle Interconnector whose capacity has been halved and is unlikely to be permanently restored to full capacity using additional cables until 2017.( An interim reconfiguration of the Moyle may allow restoration to full capacity using the existing cables in advance of 2016.)

Garrett Blaney from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is involved in the All-Island Project’s Single Electrity Market (SEM). He says CER still has concerns over the security of supply tightening and puts a key part of the risk

Plans for fracing in Fermanagh have attracted protests

PHOTO BY PRESSEYE

down to delays in the North-South interconnector.

“This development was always envisaged from the initial stage of the SEM to be a key enabler to get full benefit from the market but there is some level of frustration from a regulation point of view that the interconnector is not yet in place or even started. We are keen to see that move forward as quickly as possible.

“I don’t want to be alarmist, but there is the possibility of blackouts.

It’s a question of risk and there does seem to be a measurable increase in risk beyond 2016 in Northern Ireland and obviously the North-South interconnector would mitigate that and alleviate those concerns,” he said.

The North-South Interconnector, which would run from Tyrone to Cavan, is a major infrastructure project being jointly undertaken

by Northern Ireland Electricity and EirGrid. The project is seen to be vital to ensure the effective operation of an efficient ‘all island’ electricity market, to support the realisation of strategic renewable energy targets and to exert downward pressure on electricity prices for customers in Northern Ireland.

In a recent Enterprise Committee meeting, DETI Minister Arlene Foster gave an update on the existing Moyle Interconnector, which connects to the rest of the UK, and the delays with the North-South Interconnector: “I have been very clear in saying that we need to have a North-South Interconnector because I don’t think people realise that it’s actually costing consumers money not to have it in place and therefore that needs to progress. Then of course we have difficulties with the Moyle

Interconnector as well. We really do consider it very important to have that connector restored to its full operating capacity as soon as possible. Currently it’s providing 250 mega watts transfer capacity so that’s about half of its capacity at present.

We need to get that operational again and back up to 500 mega watts.

Those are the two constraints if you like on the grid at present and they need to be sorted.”

Marian Cree, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council agrees that consumers will be the ones who have to pay for this continued planning delay.

“There are a number of key issues that will potentially have a significant impact on ‘security of supply’ which may ultimately have a considerable cost implication on NI energy pricing structures going forward.

62| energy “It will cost at least £60m to fix the Moyle Interconnector and the North-South Interconnector is currently estimated to cost £89m – but will the costs escalate over time and how much will the consumer have to pay for it? In the absence of the North South Interconnector and the capacity issue with Moyle Interconnector there may be a need to secure short term new generation capacity to keep the lights on in 2016.

It will be consumers who will have to pay for this,” she said.

IS FRACKING THE ANSWER? Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the controversial technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock.

Mike Young, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, has emphasised the economic potential of shale gas in Northern Ireland. He has referred to the exploratory activity of Australian company Tamboran, which holds a five-year Petroleum Licence to investigate fracking potential.

“We do not yet know exactly what the resources are, but Tamboran have made some estimates on the amount of gas that might be recoverable in Fermanagh, which is 1.8 trillion cubic feet of gas. Broadly speaking that’s equivalent to something in the same order of one year’s gas supply for the whole of the UK or about 50 year’s supply for Northern Ireland,” he said.

But James Orr, Director of Friends of the Earth NI believes fracking is simply distracting energy firms and the government from investing in renewable sources of energy and is concerned that a political agenda is encouraging a continued reliance on fossil fuels. Prime Minister David Cameron recently came out strongly in favour of fracking during the protests at a site in Sussex where energy firm Cuadrilla proposed to test for oil and gas deposits.

“David Cameron at the same time as making it easier to get fracking approved is making it much more difficult for communities to embrace wind power. Clearly there is an agenda there of the oil and gas industry and he’s being lobbied very seriously and that’s what Conservative parties do – they are representatives of the oil and gas industry. But I think the risks in Northern Ireland are far too serious, the implications are far too great here,” said Orr. “The evidence is that a regulator can’t regulate what is on top of the ground never mind what is a mile deep. So the question is can you

“I don’t want to be alarmist, but there is the possibility of blackouts. There’s a measurable increase in risk beyond 2016 in Northern Ireland.” have good fracking? Is there such a thing? I don’t think there is. Some of the many concerns include the greenhouse gases from fracking that are quite similar to the greenhouse gas emissions from a coal fired power station. There is also inevitable water contamination issues and Ireland is a very wet country, so if you frack Fermanagh you can pollute the Shannon, you could cause significant pollution,” he added.

Mike Young has explained the reasons behind the UK government’s support for shale gas exploration and suggested some urban myths and scaremongering has tarnished the fragile reputation of fracking.

“It is the media to some extent and the environmental activists who have latched on to the problems in the US and Canada that have been associated with hydraulic fracturing because it was a poorly regulated process in those instances. In the UK we have a much more centralised and informed regulatory process,” he said.

“The reported concerns about hydraulic fracturing have been examined in the UK by a joint committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

This is absolutely key because UK policy is very much at the moment based on this report, which came out in 2012. The report was compiled independently by the UK’s premier science and engineering bodies. They made a review and their conclusion was that high volume hydraulic fracking can be managed acceptably

Energy exploration company Providence Resources believes its prospects in the Rathlin Basin have the potential for 500 million barrels of oil.

given the right engineering protocols.

That is, if the standards are acceptable and in place and if they are regulated properly, this is a process that can be managed safely,” added Young.

Whilst speaking to the Enterprise committee, DETI minister Arlene Foster also argued that we should at least try to explore new energy sources.

“Often I’m asked questions in relation to fuel poverty and I’m asked questions about the cost of electricity and I do think it’s wrong that we don’t at least look at different sources of energy and whether that’s renewable energy, whether that’s oil and gas that may be conventional or unconventional means I think we have a duty to look at those because people are concerned about the price of their energy. It would be very foolish if we cut off anything that would bring down the cost of electricity and the cost of energy for our consumers,” the Minister said.

Mike Young accepts there are some valid concerns about fracking and has stressed that the amenity of local people is paramount. But he points to the superseding necessity to solve what could be a national energy crisis.

“I don’t want to be cynical about this but look at it this way – there may be thousands of people protesting in Northern Ireland, we are getting hundreds of letters about this; there have been questions in the assembly and coverage in the media and so on. Well there are 1.8 million people who need energy and it is the responsibility of government to make the right decisions on behalf of everybody in the country,” he said.

The central issue in regards to energy use is that we still need fossil fuels until renewable sources have been developed further and can replace them. However that’s not going to happen overnight.

James Orr accepts this but wants a long term investment in our future energy resources.

“I think we do need tough decisions but we also need to take decisions that are based on evidence, not decisions that are presented to us by the oil and gas industry. We are not saying stop using oil and gas now, that wouldn’t be appropriate, but to make this fantastic transition we

really need to scale up our ambition and scale up our investment in alternatives. So yes let’s make tough decisions but we’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons of each option and I think if you look at the evidence the only future is renewable,” he said.

Some of these tough decisions will be in the hands of the new Department for the Environment minister, Mark H Durkan. He has stood by renewable energy but accepts the complexities in any energy decisions that are made by the assembly.

This is a key public interest test.

The preservation of the environment and its protection from the effects of pollution are clearly matters of public interest. So too is sustainable economic growth and job creation.”

In addition to his initial response to David Cameron’s comments on fracking, the Environment Minister told Ulster Business.

“At present there is no planning application for hydraulic fracturing in Northern Ireland. If and when any application comes in, it will be for me to decide. I am on record as saying that there are important questions that need to be asked about fracking I am not going to make any decision until all the facts and scientific evidence are established and until there are satisfactory answers to these questions. Until they are I do not believe it is possible to conclude that we are ‘missing out’,” he said Mike Young concludes that alternative techniques and sources of energy are not as ‘ground-breaking’ as some may think.

“It’s worth saying that the whole business of petroleum exploration has been managed very successfully in the UK since the mid 1960s.

We are the world’s leader really in petroleum production in very difficult circumstances. Look at the North Sea on which UK prosperity is based for example.

“I also like to remind people about the oil and gas field called Wytch farm in Dorset, this is the largest, on-shore oil and gas field in Western Europe and has 100 oil wells that carry out horizontal drilling.

“It actually extends right underneath areas of outstanding natural beauty and is right next to a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an extraordinary achievement and most people are completely unaware of it,” he added.

Ignorance is not always blissful and the challenge for policy makers will be finding the best way to develop our short-term energy resources without blowing the chances for a renewable future.

Advert (240mm w x 330mm h)_Layout 1 21/10/2013 10:32 Page 1

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS 2013 CITB-ConstructionSkills NI formerly known as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

The Department for Employment and Learning (the Department) invites applications from individuals who wish to serve as a Board member of CITB-ConstructionSkills NI. CITB-ConstructionSkills NI aims to encourage the training of those employed, or intending to be employed, in the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

Through this appointment process, the Department intends to appoint six Board members for a period of three years.

The Department wishes to appoint one employer representative, three employee representatives and two educational representatives.

For the purposes of this appointments process an employee member will be defined as an individual who works at an influential level within a construction company, or a Trade Union, or is a staff association representative within (or works closely with) construction companies, in scope to CITB NI, in Northern Ireland. Employee members would not be considered to include individuals who are Directors, sole traders, Chief Executives or Principals. An employee must also have the support of their employer to take on this role.

An employer member will be defined as an individual who is a corporate officer and the embodiment of the organisation when acting in its business. They will be working at a senior level providing strategic direction and management for an organisation which employs staff, such as a construction company or trade employer organisation whose activities are within the construction sector and in scope to CITB NI. An educational member will be defined as a member of staff at a senior level in a Further Education College or University whose responsibilities include the development of skills within the construction industry.

A “construction company” or “the industry” is defined as construction companies within the CITB-ConstructionSkills NI footprint.

Successful candidates will be required to take up their appointment from March 2014. Board members will be expected to be available for approximately 15 days annually and meetings will mainly be held in the CITB-ConstructionSkills NI premises at Nutts Corner, Crumlin, Co. Antrim.

Members are currently remunerated at a daily rate of £74 for less than four hours work, or £144 for more than four hours.

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be able to explain how they meet the relevant definition to the post they are applying for i.e. employee, employer or educational member. They also need to refer to the size of the company/employer.

Essential Criteria Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have:

• good communication and influencing skills; • the ability to think strategically; • the ability to analyse information and make decisions; • The following criterion will be tested at interview stage only.

Knowledge of the current skills and training needs in the construction industry, with reference to your own experience and credibility, either as an employee, employer or educationalist involved with the industry.

Desirable Criteria If, following the assessment of the essential criteria, the applicant pool is too large, the following desirable criteria will be applied to reduce the number of candidates called to interview. Please note that these criteria are not essential and will not be tested at interview. However, information provided may be used to support your application if you are successful at interview and your name is presented to the Minister as a candidate suitable for selection. These criteria are: • experience and knowledge of at least one of the following - finance, audit or corporate governance processes and good practice, gained as either a senior manager or member of a Board, Committee or other governing body of an organisation; and • experience and knowledge of at least one of the following - Information Technology (IT) systems, communications or marketing.

Expressions of Interest Applications are welcome regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants. Candidate information packs are available in other formats such as Braille, large print and audio upon request. These can be obtained by: Writing to: Public Appointments Unit Department for Employment and Learning Room 511 Adelaide House 39/49 Adelaide Street BELFAST, BT2 8FD. E-mailing: Telephoning: Textphone:

pau@delni.gov.uk 028 9025 7839 028 9025 7410

It is hoped that interviews will be held week commencing 13 January 2014.

Closing Date: Application forms should be completed and returned to the above address by 5pm on 22 November 2013. Late applications will not be accepted.

Equality of Opportunity The Department for Employment and Learning is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all individuals.

64| product news Ecopro Midsheen – tough but friendly W: www.earthbornpaints.co.uk/trade

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arthborn has announced an important new addition to its Ecopro trade paint range. Ecopro Midsheen Emulsion offers outstanding performance and value yet has achieved the ultimate eco credential, the European Ecolabel.

Specially formulated for enhanced durability, Ecopro Midsheen offers greater resistance to marking, a real benefit for high traffic areas.

Ecopro Emulsion is water based, breathable and free from oils, acrylics and VOCs, which helps create a healthier, more comfortable living or working environment. Newly decorated rooms can be brought back into use quickly because it does not give off any harmful emissions or odours - a benefit for decorators’ health, too.

Made in the UK, it complies with the strict environmental standards of the Ecolabel, which cover every aspect of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal.

The VEKA UK Group launches extended colour range W: www.veka.com E: salesenquiry@veka.com

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he VEKA UK Group continues to enhance its offering with the unveiling of Variations; a new extended range of coloured foils for both VEKA and Halo customers, along with a simplified ordering policy.

The new foils offering is the latest in a long line of enhancements to the ranges. The new coloured foils range has been developed after listening to customer feedback and the result is a much broader range of colours, available in smaller pack sizes, with a clear and simple ordering policy.

The VEKA UK Group's new swatch books also include a wall chart, so that VEKA and Halo customers can see at a glance which profiles can be foiled on the various systems.

To request a FREE swatch, contact HYPERLINK "mailto:salesenquiry@ veka.com"salesenquiry@veka.com.

Specialist strain gauges for fiber composites provide added benefits

SCHUECO JANSEN EXPANDS RANGE WITH INTRODUCTION OF UNLATCHED FIRE DOORS

W: www.hbm.com E: info@uk.hbm.com

W: www.schueco.com/web/uk E: infobox@schueco.com

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BM is now selling four different specialist strain gauges that have been developed to meet the demanding requirements of measuring strain in fiber composites. Fiber composites have a great many industrial uses because they provide significant weight reduction with high strength. Specialist strain gauges are needed because the strain levels in fiber composites are often higher than found in equivalent conventional materials.

The four different strain gauges now on sale comprise two linear strain gauges – one with, and one without, strain relief – a strain gauge with three measuring grids and a strain gauge with a T-rosette.

The typical properties of these strain gauges are a measuring grid length of 6 mm and a resistance of 350 ohm; the temperature adaptation of these specialized strain gauges is normally close to 0 ppm/°C.

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eading UK steel systems specialist Schueco Jansen has significantly expanded its range of fire protection solutions with the introduction of two Unlatched Steel Fire Doors.

Compared to traditional timber fire doors, these superbly engineered steel framed doors offer the advantages of slim sightlines, fully glazed leaves and a high level of performance, making them ideal for public-access locations such as hospitals, hotels and schools.

The doors are available in two ranges, Jansen Economy 60 E30 and Janisol 2 EI30. They operate without lever handles and are equipped with a bi-metallic latch that reacts to the heat from a fire, causing a pin to expand and retain the leaf in place.

They can be colour-coated to match the decor of the building in which they are installed and both systems have been assessed to EN 1634, meaning that they comply with all existing statutory legislation.

Gaia takes control of the whole house

NEW WOOD PELLET BOILER RANGE FROM PONAST

W: www.gaia.co.uk T: 0845 434 9488

W: www.thermalearth.co.uk E: info@thermalearth.co.uk

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aia (formerly DEVI Electroheat) has revolutionised modern heating management with a state-of-the-art wireless control of electric and hydronic underfloor heating systems. The DEVIlink system is based on an innovative, centrally-placed colour touch screen panel which enables all room temperatures and electrical devices within the home to be easily controlled individually or together.

The system is aimed at multiple heating zone installations and is designed to deliver maximum heating comfort while reducing energy consumption. Simple and easy to install and commission, DEVIlink communicates wirelessly with individual room sensors and floor thermostats to give precise temperature control.

Gaia’s ‘hidden’ room sensor is designed especially for use with the DEVIlink unit. This unobtrusive sensor provides an accurate measurement of the indoor temperature and is mounted flush to the interior wall so can be painted over to match the wall colour, making it almost invisible.

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hermal Earth, one of the leading renewable heating companies in the UK, has just added the Ponast range of automatic wood pellet boilers to its range.

Fully MCS approved and engineered to a high specification in the Czech Republic, the Ponast wood pellet boilers come in a large number of models to suit all budgets, from an entry-level boiler to a state-of-the-art fully automatic range of modulating boilers with on-board heating system control.

They have a remarkable efficiency of between 90% and 92.2%, qualify for RHI and are also DEFRA approved for use in smoke controlled areas.

housing |65

House building kick start is now urgently needed After taking an analytical look at the recently published strategy for new housing in Northern Ireland, economist John Simpson finds many questions left unanswered.

S

ocial Development minister Nelson McCausland has published a new strategy which he says will ‘deliver decent, affordable and sustainable homes’ for people who live in Northern Ireland.

The rhetoric of his ambitions laid out in Facing the Future: Housing Strategy for 2012-17 is absolutely necessary. There is a seriously disrupted housing market and a worrying degree of uncertainty about the delivery of effective coherent policy changes. The housing strategy addresses some of the problem areas but leaves others vulnerable to uncertain market forces.

Perhaps significantly, the new strategy avoids a documented programme for the number of new

housing units that are needed.

The housing market has bottomed out. Average house prices have steadied and any price variations are now more likely to reflect variations in supply and demand in different parts of Northern Ireland rather than the distortions of the boom and slump of the past decade.

The most critical questions are

whether the response of the housing market, the response of housing developers and the response of the building industry can be influenced to allow housing to be a positive critical feature of the recovery of the local economy.

The housing market in the later months of 2013 is still a long way from what might be termed normal:

“By setting out a wide ranging and detailed multi-layered matrix of housing issues, the Minister has set an overambitious agenda.”

• The market is constrained by an inherited 69,000 houses where the owners or purchasers face negative equity.

• The assumptions of a decade ago about the availability of funds for house purchase have been changed: higher minimum deposits are expected by lenders, although interest rates are lower and expected to be more stable.

• The low levels of house building and the smaller number of housing moves in the last five years has created a potential pent-up demand which has yet to be assessed for its scale or likely impact.

In addition, the housing market will be affected by a number of decisions

housing |66

by Ministers, particularly Nelson McCausland as Minister for Social Development, on future policies on the provision of social housing (and its financing) and the restructuring of the Housing Executive.

Into this agenda of issues affected

by Government, there must also be added the impact of welfare reform, particularly as manifested in changed regulations on entitlement to housing benefit (or the scale and impact of subsidies on rental charges to tenants).

There is no easy way to guarantee that a more stable housing market will lead to the building of an adequate supply of new housing.

Understandably, the Minister would acknowledge that new housing will be provided from a range of organisations but, particularly, private sector developers and the providers of social housing. Government’s ability to influence private sector developers is constrained and indirect but not inconsiderable. The Government’s ability to influence the amount of new social housing is clear cut both in terms of the financial and institutional arrangements.

The Minister is vulnerable to criticism that his housing strategy is too passive about the likely response of the private sector and too complacent about the reform of the arrangements to increase the scale of social housing and also fails to inject a short-term increase in the amount of new social housing which would partly compensate for the current lack of activity in the private sector.

The Minister estimates from the Regional Development Strategy that Northern Ireland needs around 11,000 new housing units each year. Currently, the annual average is nearer to 7,000. Given the demographic trends in Northern Ireland, there is little dispute that there is a considerable shortfall.

Even with more ambitious plans for the social housing programme, over 70% of the possible 11,000 new housing units would be expected to come from the private sector.

This deficiency points to questions about restoring and strengthening the private sector response, or even temporarily, for 2-3 years, increasing the scale of social housing to support the recovery.

The motivation of private sector developers may need to be encouraged. Would there be a number of developers or builders ready and willing to build more houses in today’s market conditions?

The profit margins per housing unit have been squeezed but, nevertheless, many builders would be ready to

Nelson McCausland (left and above) recognises the need for new housing.

“There is no easy way to guarantee that a more stable housing market will lead to the building of an adequate supply of new housing.” compete for work. Would planning permission be facilitated? Any attempt to impose ‘brown field’ quotas could be frustrating. Also, any decision to introduce ‘developer contributions’ that tightened profit margins could be unwelcome.

With the transfer of planning decision making to the new local authorities in 2015, some reassurance on the scope for planning delays or changes needs to be on offer.

The Minister has greater scope to influence the scale of social housing provision in the immediate future.

The annual target, usually less than 2,000 units each year, and the role of the housing associations needs to be clearly stated.

The largest single issue in securing the programme for social housing rests with the future role of the Housing Executive, or its successor(s).

Because of the rules on public sector finance ordained by the Treasury, the Housing Executive currently is financed by borrowing from the Treasury. This borrowing then impacts on the recurrent financing of the Executive.

There are various plans that would

free the Executive from the financial restrictions of the link with the Treasury. Either the Housing Executive could be effectively transferred into a free standing not-for-profit institution which could borrow on the commercial markets or, on a phased basis, the housing stock owned by the Executive could be transferred to a number of housing associations which might borrow any capital needed.

Both mechanisms might call for a proportionate capital write-off by agreement with the NI Executive.

There is a compelling logical need to adopt and implement an expeditious reform programme for the Housing Executive.

Worryingly, the Minister’s action plan gives little detail on the transfer of properties from the NIHE. 500 of the worst NIHE stock are due to transfer to housing associations in 2013-14 and 2,000 in 2014-15.

Some of the remaining 86,000 might transfer in 2015-16. Even if the transfer to housing associations has Assembly support, the need for agreed transfer mechanisms, financial hand-over details, and specific governance arrangements, all point

to a complex piece of administration that will cause some delays. There is a danger that the social housing programme, far from being used to supplement local house building, may deliver a small programme.

Nelson McCausland has committed to a complex action plan for his housing strategy. Whilst the plan is comprehensive, the danger is that some of the key ‘building blocks’ are somewhat insecure in delivery.

The Minister would be advised first to focus on the big questions of securing enough housing at affordable rents. Some of his other priorities on private sector rents, the application of housing benefit rules, fitness standards, private sector repairs, social housing allocations policy, innovative funding mechanisms, and wider questions of urban regeneration and integrated housing policies would follow in a timely fashion.

By setting out a wide ranging and detailed multi-layered matrix of housing issues, the Minister has set an over-ambitious agenda. It is so wide ranging that the weakness is that delivery will lack sufficient coherence.

flooring

|67

In this edition of Specify we take a look at the latest developments in the flooring sector, including the latest liquid screeds, developments from the concrete industry and industrial and domestic floor coverings...

Concrete action on sustainable development

G

uy Thompson, head of sustainability, architecture and housing at MPA The Concrete Centre reports on a milestone year for the concrete industry, as they launch their 2020 sustainability performance targets and report on 2012 targets.

The UK concrete industry launched the Concrete Industry Sustainable Construction Strategy back in 2008, and now in 2013 the industry is publishing its sixth annual performance report, presenting performance data across a holistic set of indicators including materials, carbon, waste and material efficiency, biodiversity and water, and wellbeing.

Andy Spencer, Chair of the Sustainable Concrete Forum said, “We feel proud of our progress to date but are certainly not complacent about the challenges ahead, particularly in relation to CO2 reduction. Our 2020 commitments reflect our aspiration for continuous improvement both in our industry

performance and the extent of our reporting”.

Industry Performance

2012 data shows that the industry has met its performance targets in relation to environmental management, quality management, CO2 emissions, emissions to air and water, waste and waste materials as an alternative source of energy.

Progress on health and safety is on track for the 2014 target.

Carbon is the dominant metric for many in evaluating sustainability performance and the industry target is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacture of concrete and constituent materials e.g. cement and meet the targets set in sector Climate Change Agreements. Through investment in innovation and efficient production technologies, the industry has reduced the embodied carbon of concrete. The standardised or baseline mix shows a 23% reduction in CO2 from 1990. In addition The Concrete Centre continues to provide tools

and guidance to designers so that they can utilise the thermal mass properties of concrete to deliver operational energy efficiency and the associated carbon emissions savings in the use and reuse of our built environment.

Of increasing importance is the sourcing and chain of custody of the goods and products we use in our built environment. ‘Ethical consumerism’ may still be more common in our choice of food or clothing; however, the recent policy from the UK Contractors Group to source responsibly sourced materials demonstrates its relevance to our built environment. The concrete industry has taken a leadership position in this area and has adopted the BES 6001 framework for responsible sourcing. In 2012 89% of concrete produced in the UK was accredited to this standard and 99% of this concrete achieved a ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’ rating.

The sustainability spotlight is also now highlighting the significance of resource efficiency, including

materials and water. Efficiency is synonymous with cost savings and the manufacturing industries have a culture of innovation in this area.

The concrete industry has utilised by-products from other industries, recycled and secondary materials as replacements for virgin materials both in concrete production and as sources of energy. The sixth report shows that the industry has significantly increased its consumption of recovered materials and waste and reduced the amount of waste it landfilled. In 2012 the concrete industry consumed 62 times more waste than it sent to landfill.

Targets have not been reached in all areas, and although many show an improvement from the 2008 baseline, the industry has not met all its ambitions within the desired timescale. In these areas, such as additional cementitious materials, employment and skills, biodiversity plans and local community engagement the industry continues to work towards the targets now set for 2020 and beyond.

New Guide from Gerflor

Lino celebrates 150th

nternational vinyl and linoleum flooring specialist Gerflor is launching a new guide to its best-selling ranges to help architects, specifiers, end users and contractors pinpoint the right product for their project building needs.

Valid until the end of 2014, the 68-page product book is compact enough to be carried in bags and briefcases.

The product book is divided into categories showcasing prestigious brands, including: Tarasafe™ safety flooring; Mipolam homogeneous flooring; DLW Linoleum flooring; Taralay multi-layered flooring; Taraflex™ sports and community solutions; Luxury Vinyl tiles and planks and Speciality looselay tiles.

As well as technical specifications, pages include the most popular colours and QR links to more information about the full range of designs and colour-ways, NBS specifications, maintenance and installation instructions.

inoleum flooring is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, but Gerflor’s new DLW Linoleum ranges could have been created to meets the demands of the 21st century: It’s best-selling Marmorette and Colorette ranges are available in many vibrant colours – with complementary shades – for designers to create strong identities; it is made of natural, entirely recyclable, raw materials; and it is hygienic with anti-bacterial properties.

This hard-wearing, lowmaintenance design classic is available with a choice of surface treatments to protect against damage by moisture, stains, or abrasive dirt and reduce maintenance.

Acoustic versions are available and DLW Linoleum is the only brand to use cork: making its ranges warmer underfoot, lighter in weight and easier to handle.

I

L

flooring

68|

Concrete Industry lays the path for qualifications T he Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) is Northern Ireland’s top trade association for the quarrying industry. The organisation is a keen supporter of qualifications and have been working with CITBConstructionSkills NI helping to promote the ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce’ project.

The ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce’ project was launched last year in order to provide an opportunity for existing construction workers to gain a level 2 qualification for the first time. Nine assessment centres were awarded the contract to assess candidates in Northern Ireland in 37 occupations ranging from brick work to wall and floor tiling.

The project is a joint initiative between CITB-ConstructionSkills NI and the Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry and is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning.

QPANI and CITBConstructionSkills NI jointly launched the new NVQ Level 2 qualification in concrete laying. This qualification will raise standards and ensure they are incorporated into projects across the Province. Concrete information evenings have been held in local hotels to target those in the concrete

industry and in total 73 concrete layers have now achieved the qualification through the Qualifying the Existing Workforce Project with potential for more before registration closes on 28th February 2014.

Gordon Best, Regional Director of QPANI and member of the ‘Qualifying the Exisitng Workforce’ Delivery Group said, “The Qualifying the Existing Workforce project is an ideal way to help the industry get qualified. The NVQ Level 2 in placing of non-structural concrete is ideally placed within this project to help raise standards within the local concrete industry. The qualification has been well received within concrete companies and will help maintain the skills levels across this sector.”

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said, “The essence of the ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce’ project is to address the skills levels required for the industry now and in the future.

It is vital that employers and their staff continue to train through these challenging economic times and this is particularly important for the construction sector. QPANI have to be commended in their work to launch the new concrete qualification to help this sector get qualified to the appropriate standard.”

Lurgan based Norman Emerson Group attended one of the concrete

Specialist hospital flooring from Gerfloor

W

hen Circle Partnership wanted its new Reading hospital to look like a hotel it needed stylish flooring with the highest hygienic standards.

Unsurprisingly, after product testing, specifiers chose Gerflor’s Mipolam Symbioz™, which offers unparalleled stain resistance to blood and chemicals, including iodine; the best slip resistance in its field; astonishingly low maintenance; unique environmental credentials; and is available in 101 colour references.

The homogeneous vinyl has Gerflor’s new patented Evercare™ surface treatment, which with anti-bacterial and fungicidal treatments allows blood and chemical stains to be easily removed.

information evenings qualified 13 employees to NVQ Level 2 in Concrete Flooring as part of the Qualifying the Existing Workforce project Colin Emerson, Director (Operations) with Norman Emerson Group said, “In this industry it is all about being ahead of the game. The whole qualification process from start to finish was easy. The assessment centre McKinney Plant and Safety was cooperative and helpful in the overall assessement route. Qualifications are good for staff morale and company profile and most importantly in this economic climate it was free.”

Darren McMillan, Chairman of the QPANI Concrete Technical Committee added, “A lot of hard work has gone into developing this qualification over the last 18months.

We are pleased with the progress to date but much more needs to be done to get the widest possible uptake of this new and needed qualification. QPANI believe that achievement of the NVQ will have significant benefits for the whole of the construction industry.”

For the most up to date information on the ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce’ Project or to register your interest in joining the programme log on to www.citbcsni. org.uk and follow the links for Free NVQ’s or call CITB-ConstructionSkills NI on 028 9082 5466.

Topps Tiles launch mobile website

T

opps Tiles has launched a brand new mobile optimised website, offering trade professionals and DIY-enthusiasts easy access to the retailer’s impressive product range, expert advice and special offers, while on the go.

The mobile version of the site also gives trade customers the choice to browse, request brochures, purchase samples and full orders and find out where their nearest store is wherever they are all through their preferred platform.

The mobile website, m.toppstiles.co.uk, hosts a retail and trade version of the site, both boasting a fully transactional checkout, sample ordering service and store locator so traders and consumers can access Topps Tiles services while out and about. The newly launched site also places a range of useful ‘how to’ videos at a viewer’s fingertips; from expert advice for cutting tiles, to a step by step guide for creating the perfect wetroom.

The dedicated trade area offers exclusive discounts for Topps Tiles trade members as well as a store locator function offering directions to users based on your current GPS location, enabling trade professionals to locate their nearest store while on the job.

Trade professionals can sign up in-store or online for exclusive Topps Tiles trade membership, offering unlimited access to expert advice, competitive trade discounts and exclusive Topps Tiles deals, products and tools.

70| CES Liquid Screed

CES LIQUID SCREED set to revolutionise the screed market!

BEFORE

AFTER

O

ver the last few years liquid screed has developed into a more mainstream product as it replaces traditional sand:cement screeds. This has been driven by the use of calcium sulphate binders, allowing thinner screed layers onto underfloor heating pipes. As the heating pipes are closer to the floor surface the result is a much more responsive heating system.

It is a lot easier to see and understand the benefits of using calcium sulphate based screeds with an under floor heating system, but what about a floor without an U.F.H. system? With the ever increasing cost of heating a house everyone is looking for the best value heating system and the highest possible

level of insulation to reduce their energy costs over the lifetime of the house. Changing building regulations stipulating max ‘U’ values of 0.22 for finished floors mean you either use more costly foil back insulation or use thicker EPS insulation. However, when paired with standard sand:cement screed the floor will be deeper, resulting in reduced ceiling height.

To maintain the desired ceiling height the whole building height will have to be increased (not always possible in conservation areas).

This is not the case using CES Liquid Screed. As an un-bonded screed it can be laid at a thickness of only 40mm. The result is a 60mm saving in overall floor depth! That’s less block, brick, mortar, insulation,

plaster, paint and labour! Not only do you reduce your floor depth by 60mm but, due to shallower laying depth, larger floor areas can be placed in one day. Drying time, in comparison to the sand:cement screed, will be reduced by more than half! This will allow the floor covering to be placed sooner, speeding up the overall build time (see table below).

Following laying of the CES Liquid Screed we sand the surface to provide the best possible surface for the floor covering and key for the tile adhesive. Another benefit of the sanding is that it will remove the surface seal, allowing faster drying times. The sanding of calcium sulphate based screeds has been a

CES Liquid Screed

Sand:Cement Screed

Target Value

0.22

0.22

P/Area Ratio

0.4

0.4

0.035W/mK

0.035W/mK

Insulation Depth

100mm

100mm

Screed Depth

40mm

100mm

Overall Floor Depth

140mm

200mm

Estimated Drying Time (normal conditions)

40 days

160 days

Estimated Cost per m2 including Insulation

£17

£16.50

Thermal Conductivity of Insulation*

* Quinn EPS 100 HD 100mm Insulation

grey area since the introduction of the product. Some manufacturers of calcium sulphate screeds say they don’t need sanded, while some tile adhesive manufacturers would prefer if they were! Up until now it was left in the hands of the customer and the tiling professional to determine what was right or wrong. At CES we have taken the stance that it is unfair to leave a job that may or may not be satisfactory for tiling. Therefore we decided that all our liquid screed floors would be sanded at no extra cost! After all the Contract flooring association (CFA) state “All substrates will require a degree of mechanical cleaning or preparation and a visual inspection or manual sweeping is not adequate under any circumstances.”

AdvantageS of CES Liquid Screed • Reduced build height • Reduced drying times • Reduced health and safety risk • Reduced tile adhesive • Increased strength • Increased thermal properties The binder used in CES Liquid Screed has been tried and tested for over 19 years, with well over 1,000,000m2 already laid to date!

So why leave it to chance? CES will do it right from start to finish!

For more information contact our sales team on 028 9751 9494

Quality Service, Quality Product, Quality Finish Doran's Rock Quarry & Concrete Works 124 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7JQ

Tel: 0845 6043 300 or 028 9751 9494 Email: sales@cesquarryproducts.com

www.cesquarryproducts.com

72| directory

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

directory ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

AIR TIGHTNESS & VENTILATION

Automatic doors

Building information

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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

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Construct with Confidence We combine our extensive technical knowledge with a wide range of the finest brands in air & wind tightness, ventilation, drainage, fixings, roofing and other construction products.

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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

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directory |73 BuSINESS information

Cavity trays

CONCRETE

Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction

Manufacturers of preformed cavitrays, caviclosers, cavivents, caviweeps, dampcourses, arches, lintels, airbricks, membranes, barriers, flashings, ventilators; cavibricks. Radon and Methane protection systems.

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Cavity Trays Ltd is the only tray manufacturer awarded European Technical approval.

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

• 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 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

Demolition

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications.

e in t l ad Nex e D r e: fo u Iss

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

Dec/jan 2013/14 Features: •

•

Roofing and Cladding – an annual focus on roofing & cladding trends, materials and methods Timber in Construction – we take an in-depth look at constructing with timber, everything from timber frame construction to the practical and innovative use of timber both internally and externally, from wooden floors to doors, windows, staircases and specialist finishes

• Above ground Slurrey Stores • Below ground Slurrey Tanks • Cattle Slatt • Cattle Cubicles • Retaining wall systems • Rocket walls, Drinkers • SB jack • Pipes and super H pipes • Bridge beams • Tunnel segments • Box culverts.

Macrete Ireland Ltd. 50 Creagh Road, Toomebridge Co. Antrim BT41 3SE Tel: 028 796 504 71 Fax: 028 796 500 84 Email: info@macrete.com Web: www.macrete.com

We have a wealth of experience within the demolition industry, covering all areas of Northern Ireland. We have built up a proven track record and reputation for being highly competitive, efficient and for completing all works to the highest possible standards. All our employees are fully trained in line with current legislation and are continually assessed and certified in all aspects of their work.

McCusker Demolition 85 Iris Drive Belfast BT12 7BL Tel: 02890 233301 Mob: 07801544496 - 07935987675 Fax: 02890 201427 Email: info@mccuskerdemolition.com Web: www.mccuskerdemolition.com

FACADES Supplying Northern Ireland’s leading architects and builders

Swiss Facades Transforming Exterior Facades

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Major benefits over traditional sand: cement screed. Visit our website for more information.

Premium Swiss Quality Panel Systems for High End Architecture

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Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

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

74| directory GAS

Insurance Intermediaries

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast, BT3 9EE. Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: info@calorgas.ie Website: www.calorgas.ie Type of Business: Supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in both bulk and cylinder. Delivering an energy solution that is effective and economical. Full design service and technical advice and guidance. 24-hour emergency call out.

Fixings and fastenings

PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Commercial Catering, Water Heating, Space Heating, Air Handling, Alfresco Catering, Outdoor Heating Solutions, - Living Flame Fires, Tumble Drying.

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Tel: 028 9035 0000 Web: www.heyn.co.uk

Industrial Doors

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

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Mats and matting

Ireland’s largest Fixings and Power Tool distributors including: • • • •

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• • • •

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t N'

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Metal Finishing

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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.

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.

directory |75 PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

METAL MESH

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SPECIALIST PERMANENT RECRUITMENT The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco "Twil" Weldmesh EXPAMET Expanded Metal, FLOWFORGE Open Steel Flooring, Handrail Standards & Stair Treads, PERFORATED Metal Sheets, Comprehensive Stock Range,

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Partitions (Acoustic)

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

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: m.choice@dnet.co.uk

SAFETY

0800 1 970 970

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

• Merchandising • Auditors • Heavy Duty Installations • Quality Teams • Sales Blitzes • Contract Sales • POS Management • Mystery Shopping • Promotions/ Demonstrations • HR Consultancy • Payroll

Sales Placement Contract People Ltd. Unit A4, 17 Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 5040 Fax: 028 9073 9058 E-mail: info@spcpl.co.uk Web: www.spcpl.co.uk

REtaining walls

Hire Centres

FreePhone

• • • • • •

FIELD MARKETING SPECIALIST

Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

PAVING

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:

• Licensed Trade • FMCG • Marketing • Hospitality • Technical Sales • Construction • Advertising/Media • Pharmaceutical/Medical • IT • Telecoms • Foodservice • Retail

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

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Providing on-site safety for: • Construction • Maintenance • Engineering

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Lifeline Air Bags Mobile: 07748 786 076 Fax: 028 8772 9262 E-mail: malachymckee@me.com Web: www.lifelineairbags.co.uk

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

76| directory PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Safety

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

Washroom systems

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

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.

Pronet Safety Services Tel: 028 9337 3967 Fax: 028 9335 3518 Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

New Horizons 4A Steeple Road Antrim BT41 1AF t: 028 9448 8100 f: 028 9448 8101 e: info@trainingsolutionsni.co.uk w: www.trainingsolutionsni.com

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact:

Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Products: Protection Rails Handrails Wall Protection Door Protection Heavy Duty Protection Yeoman Shield provides a range of functional and attractive wall and door protection systems for new build and refurbishment projects.

TRAINING

Training Solutions (NI) Limited is one of Northern Ireland's leading training companies. We offer excellent training and development to both public and private sector organizations. The main areas of training include Construction, Health & Safety, Employee Skills and Management Development. We currently provide training for over 30 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies with high quality tuition and administration. Training Solutions (NI) Ltd is an accredited centre for NEBOSH, IOSH, CSR, City & Guilds, ILM, Driver CPC & SPA (Safe Pass Alliance) Courses and Qualifications.

Design that lasts

• Horizontal, Vertical, Inclined and Overhead Cable Systems • Mobile Anchors • Eyebolts • Demarcation • Annual systems Retest • Risk Assessment • Maintenance • Training

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

Professional & Impartial Services 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

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

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.

We have over 45 years of experience of wall and door protection combined with a wealth of knowledge and a wide product range which is held in stock for immediate distribution.

Contact us for further information or visit www.yeomanshield.com where you can view the complete Yeoman Shield brochure.

Contact our head office with regards to coverage for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Yeoman Shield c/o Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd Whitehall Estate Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 5JB Tel: +44 113 279 5854 Email: sallyann@yeomanshield.com

Exceptional service & support

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

14

: / ue 013 Iss 2 t an x Ne /j Dec

Features: • Roofing and Cladding – an annual focus on roofing & cladding trends, materials and methods • Timber in Construction – we take an in-depth look at constructing with timber, everything from timber frame construction to the practical and innovative use of timber both internally and externally, from wooden floors to doors, windows, staircases and specialist finishes

't ut N o DO iss m If you wish to advertise on the wallplanner please contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Wallplanner 2014

web directory |77

web directory The Internet is a big place, so make sure you get noticed with a listing on SPECIFY's Web Directory pages. Flag up your home page to the people who matter. To secure your listing, contact Siobhan on 028 9078 3218 or email siobhankissward@greerpublications.com www.larsenbuildingproducts.com

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgasni.com

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

y

78| web directory www.jncfence.com

www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, 11 Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. BT28 3RD Telephone: 028 9250 1000 • Fax: 028 9250 1100

www.ridgefence.com

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

web directory |79 www.mccuskerdemolition.com

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

80| web directory www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.ahcladding.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

If you want to advertise your Webpage here then call...

Siobhan on: 028 9078 3218

finance |81

City plans cannot ignore the push of market forces John Simpson finds both laudable ambition and a naivety in Belfast City Council’s new Masterplan for the city

B

elfast City Council has launched a citywide Masterplan for the development of the civic assets of the city in the years up to 2015 and beyond.

It offers a coherent and understandable description of how the Council would wish the City to develop and, in support, has listed a number of actions and projects for the City Council to implement.

The Masterplan includes a big expansion of the Waterfront Hall to be better able to cope with conferences and exhibitions.

In recent weeks other plans for strengthening the quality of life and living standards in Belfast has been under the microscope of a team of six experts seconded from IBM to test, validate and/or amend the current planning ambitions. The advice of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge team will be published during October and comes at an opportune moment. The advice of IBM on tackling deprivation and refreshing housing policies may be critically influential.

Belfast needs a regeneration strategy for the whole city region that takes account of, first, the existing deficiencies in the social and economic infrastructure and, second, anticipates what people (as citizens, consumers and employees) will ask for in the next 20 years.

Nostalgia can be, unfortunately, an attractive emotional force. Easy phrases such as ‘revitalise the high street’ and ‘reduce the congestion caused by large scale commuting’ stretch the credibility of officials who are asked to implement suitable planning policies. Nostalgia, without an understanding of the wider forces of change, is the motivation of King Canute.

Comprehensive city-wide planning is a laudable ambition. Its delivery is a complex matrix of interacting participants. A macro overview of the society of a large city-wide area must be consistent with the design for smaller subdivisions such as the city centre and each of the identified internal sub-regions and the functional responses to economic and social questions.

Perhaps the biggest intellectual hurdle in the appreciation of the value of comprehensive planning for large urban regions, such as Belfast, is to recognise the difference between an ambitious (and undeliverable) grand redesign for much of the urban infrastructure and a realistic appreciation of how incremental changes can and should be foreseen and facilitated.

The Belfast Masterplan is a constructive and welcome initiative.

However, the City Council would acknowledge that the delivery of a full multidisciplinary plan calls for the support of Stormont Departments on, for example, roads, public transport, housing, schools and health care. Overall planning policy will become a City responsibility when responsibility transfers on the

re-organisation of local government.

A parallel hurdle is that a comprehensive plan must articulate and prioritise the possible actions of each of the relevant major public agencies which have different decision making responsibilities and hierarchies.

The collective remit of the several and varied agencies should, ideally, be integrated by a ‘lead’ agency.

To the credit of Belfast City, the officials are working through a Delivery Forum. This is to be a guiding forum involving other agencies in the public and private sectors.

At one level, the current City Masterplan is more visionary than operational. On a different level, the statement on spatial objectives comes closer to a sequence of operational decisions. All of these variables depend first on developers being motivated to make investments and second on the planning authorities offering (or refusing) planning permission when appropriate.

The Masterplan sets out the ambitions for Belfast to be: • A learning city • An accessible and connected city • A low carbon city • A digital city, and • A neighbourhood city The more direct physical aspects of the Masterplan are outlined in the spatial priorities for parts of the city. In the City Centre, there is a further subdivision analysing possible priorities in the centre, cathedral quarter (including the site of the expanded University of Ulster campus), the east bank area, the west link and the area around Shaftesbury

“Belfast needs a regeneration strategy for the whole city region that takes account of, first, the existing deficiencies in the social and economic infrastructure and, second, anticipates what people (as citizens, consumers and employees) will ask for in the next 20 years.”

square. Beyond the city centre, there are suggestions for the Titanic and Harbour catchment to the north and the University catchment to the south.

The critical test for the Masterplan is not whether the conceptual ideas make sense, which without commitment to them being implemented, they do. The critical question is whether there is sufficient leverage or incentives to put in place the improved public sector infrastructure (social housing, schools, roads, bridges, traffic management, better car parking, road realignments and additional green space) and facilitate complementary private sector developments.

The IBM team is publishing their ideas on aspects of social policy, including welfare support and housing, which might be added to the Masterplan.

Shortly, there will be arrangements for the commercial interests in parts of the city to come together to develop their own ideas within Business Improvement Districts. These Districts will be a test of collective self-interest since schemes will be financed by an extra levy on businesses in the defined area.

The most high profile debate on one major aspect of the City Masterplan is the debate about the changing structure of the ‘high street’ in the city centre. The strong statement from the former Chairman of John Lewis that, for them, a city centre store is not feasible is a clear indication the changing commercial logic and appreciation of consumer interests.

Planning issues on retailing, customer access, space for (and standards) of new housing will all become a challenge to the City authorities when the Reform of Public Administration is finalised and most planning decisions become a decision of the devolved planning policies due to be passed to the City in the next two years.

For elected representatives and their city officials, there is now a major opportunity to adapt the city Masterplan and a major challenge in the search for updated planning policies. Has King Canute been washed away?

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 July 2013. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

This information is compiled specifically for Specify periodicals and is copyright.

Building Materials Prices

82 | 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 £13.00 £13.50 £12.50 £12.50 £14.50 £18.00 £18.00 £15.00

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine 20x8 £55.70 44x8 £86.40 Whitewood 32x12 £47.30 69x12 £74.60 32x19 £56.00 44x19 £67.00 32x32 £74.00 69x32 £125.00 69x44 £161.60 94x44 £211.00 69x69 £240.00

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

per 1,000 £355.00 £364.00 £312.00 £341.00 £305.00 £305.00 £295.00

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 £43.90 75x19 £65.60 125x19 £106.70 38x25 £39.90 75x25 £48.50 150x25 £95.90 50x38 £74.40 100x38 £112.90 150x38 £89.50 50x50 £89.50 100x50 £141.20 125x50 £159.80 100x75 £194.50 200x75 £449.00 150x100 £349.00

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £132.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £155.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

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

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 £328.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast

per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £24.00 Tinted mortar ref.

Y4 £42.00 Y15 £49.00 Y135 £42.00 Y91 £51.00 Y10 £48.00

6mm sanded £46.60

9mm sanded £48.30

12mm sanded £64.00

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 £420.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £410.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £360.00 2 4440x300x100 7Nmm £496.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £447.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £380.00 440x215x100 Tolite £785.00

6mm £58.10

9mm £69.80

12mm £87.30

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

£273.00 £329.00 £291.00 £6.70 £9.80 £12.15 £8.00 £9.20 £12.20 £25.50

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 £61.00 1:2:4 by volume £75.00 1:3:6 by volume £67.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £61.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £65.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £67.00

Fibre Cement Slates ex-yard per 1,000 £1460.00 £1580.00

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

£850.00 £850.00 £850.00 per tile £4.50 £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

£80.30 £60.50 £69.90 £80.80 £94.00

• Roofing and Cladding • Timber in Construction

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£197.30 £280.60 £218.70 £329.60 £449.00 £267.90 £403.20 £551.80

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 £635.00 £695.00

8 £635.00 £695.00

10 £635.00 £695.00

12 £635.00 £695.00

20 £635.00 £695.00

25 £635.00 £695.00

32 £635.00 £695.00

40 £635.00 £695.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references)

per sheet BS reference A 98 £28.00

A142 £28.00

A193 £32.00

A252 £36.00

A393 £60.00

B503 £60.00

B785 £75.00 Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

per tonne UC 152x152x23 £835.00 203x203x46 £1065.00 254x254x73 £1190.00 305x305x118 £1015.00 356x368x153 £1190.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

£1065.00 £1015.00 £1015.00 £1015.00 £1015.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

£36.50 £68.06 £94.24 £175.56 £109.56 £187.71 £232.65 £405.90 £209.24 £455.60 £697.47

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2.

6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £45.70 £48.80 £65.21

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

£78.10 £93.30 £108.80 £163.20 £95.80 £127.60 £172.00 £233.00 £324.10

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 £9.80 £21.70 £3.15 £7.00 £10.50 £23.70 £11.50 £23.70 £5.80 £15.40 £5.70 £13.60 £16.00 £30.40 £17.80 £31.00 £17.15 £28.80 £20.90 £54.80

December/January 2013/14

Innovation

A leading firm for Construction in Northern Ireland Chambers UK: A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2013 As one of the few law firms in the market to have a dedicated construction law practice with specialist team members based full time in Belfast and Dublin, Arthur Cox is uniquely placed to advise all parties involved in construction and engineering projects in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our Construction Group combines contentious and non-contentious experience and we understand the ever-changing commercial objectives and imperatives of our clients.

To find out more about our firm and how our Construction Group could assist your organisation, please contact: Alastair Todd, Partner +44 28 9026 2658 alastair.todd@arthurcox.com Adrian Kerr, Associate +44 28 9026 5899 adrian.kerr@arthurcox.com or visit our website: www.arthurcox.com

Specify - (Construction) Advert May 2013.indd 1

20/05/2013 15:50:51