Specify April/May 2015

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

APRIL/may 2015

Quality Service and Experience - the foundation of our success

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PAT BURNS Editor SIOBHAN KISSWARD Sales Manager

Infrastructure is the issue...

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

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orthern Ireland’s construction sector saw an overall increase in activity in the first quarter of 2015 but there was a substantial fall in the amount of public sector work being done, according to the latest RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey.

Northern Ireland was the only UK region where surveyors reported a decline in infrastructure workloads, citing public spending cuts as the key reason.

Overall, whilst the headline workloads balance for Northern Ireland in Q1 slowed and was lagging other UK regions, it was still positive at +8. The net balance for infrastructure workloads fell to -33, the lowest reading since Q2 2012.

While the construction industry may be showing signs of a recovery, both government spending on infrastructure and the general skills shortage in Northern Ireland remain a worrying issue, while so many of the province’s biggest construction

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companies are finding most of their work is now situated across the water.

The RICS is of a similar opinion with NI RICS Director Ben Collins commenting, “The latest RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey points to a small uplift in overall construction workloads amongst Northern Ireland surveyors in the first quarter of this year, driven by work in the private sector, including private house building and private commercial activity. When it comes to public sector work, though, surveyors are reporting a worrying decline.”

“We understand that public money is finite and becoming more scarce. But we would encourage the politicians to recognise the paramount importance of investing in infrastructure and to prioritise funding capital expenditure where possible. As we have said before, there are alternative methods of finance that should be considered.

Research supports Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for instance as

an additional viable solution,” Mr Collins adds.

Michael McCord, Construction Partner, Tughans Solicitors, also says: “The latest official figures from the Department of Finance and Personnel confirm that construction output rose in the final quarter of 2014, and figures from RICS and Tughans point to rising activity amongst Northern Ireland construction firms in the first quarter of 2015. However, within the figures, it is concerning that surveyors are reporting falling infrastructure workloads. It continues to be the case that a sizeable amount of the work that local construction businesses are doing is in the English and Scottish markets. What we really want to see is the local construction sector experiencing sustained growth within Northern Ireland itself as well, and infrastructure activity is a very important element of this.”

Once the election furore has died down, hopefully our politicians will realise the importance of spending on infrastructure...

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April/may 2015

contents...

6 DIGEST

H&J Martin joins the Lagan Group of companies.

14 ROCKIN COLOUR

An innovative new product from CES Quarry Products.

21 DIGEST

NI Construction has a world class reputation says Stephen Kane, the new Chairman of CIGNI.

30 ENERGY

The Energy Institute’s Northern Ireland branch recently visited Kingspan Environmental’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Portadown.

34 PROPERTY

Belfast would still be able to compete with other foreign direct investment destinations even if rents on Grade A office space went up by 20 per cent, according to commercial property agents Lambert Smith Hampton.

41 DIGEST

Combilift announce 200 new jobs and €40 million investment.

49 ECONOMY

The construction industry is vitally important to the NI economy says Finance Minister Simon Hamilton.

51 COMCO PLASTICS

Plastics specialists COMCO celebrate their 30th anniversary

82 INTERVIEW

Better to be brave and achieve 95% than to be afraid and achieve little says Colm Lavery who has just been appointed Director of Project Management and Cost Management Services at Turner and Townsend’s Belfast office

18| AMK

AMK |19

AMK - Top Quality

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stablished in 1980

by Alan Kelly AMK Hardware has been supplying door and window manufacturers throughout Ireland and the UK for over 3 decades. As distributors of quality hardware and components from leading manufacturers such as Winkhaus, Hoppe, Karcher Design and Exitex, AMK Hardware’s ethos is to offer their customer product solutions which enhance the windows and doors which their customers produce.

With many of the products sold

by AMK Hardware sourced from European manufacturers, the focus

of their offering is on quality. An extensive range of products from manufacturers such as Winkhaus , Hautau, Hoppe and OH Panels, to name just a few, gives AMK Hardware the assortment of products to

meet the varying demands of their customer base.

Located in Lurgan, Co Armagh to service the Irish market and Nottingham to service the UK mainland, AMK Hardware is ideally situated to distribute products throughout their target market. An internal and external sales team of nine are regularly trained on the vast range of products which AMK Hardware has to offer in order to ensure that their customers are receiving the best and most up to date information.

The breadth of the product range offered encompasses most types of windows and doors from traditional sliding sash windows to the latest in biometric door controls which

14 Robert Street, Lurgan, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 8BE

can be integrated into the face of the door. With a highly experienced team supporting their customer base in the timber, aluminium, uPVC and composite door fabrication sectors AMK Hardware are always keen to discuss how hardware can have such an impact on both the functionality and the aesthetics of the finished window or door.

Over the past few years specific development has been made on door orientated products, in order to fulfil the requirements of their customers discerning clients. Gregory Kelly General Manager comments “Recently the focus on doors has concentrated on thermal efficiency and the design of the door, we have reacted to this demand by

introducing a range of thermally efficient external door blanks which have a central u-value of less than 0.7w/m2k on a 58mm door and the Winkhaus Heritage lock which offers traditional styling with all the benefits of an automatic multipoint lock, both of these products have received a fantastic response from our customer base” Extending the door range further is a selection of bi-folding and lift and slide hardware, as consumers aim to increase the levels of natural light emitted into their homes. Brio hardware manufactured in Australia offer an simple yet effective solution for bifolding doors that are easy to manufacture and can help create the wow factor in any home. As

a solution for the more traditional sliding door AMK Hardware offer the latest hardware from German manufacturers Hautau which brings together quality, ease of use

and thermal efficiency with the Thermotop threshold.

As timber window and door manufacturers have had to improve

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their products to compete with the alternatives in the market AMK Hardware has been introducing product solutions which not only improve factory efficiencies but also help improve the product and reduce possible future remedial costs, an interchangeable family of multipoint locks with varying capabilities from Winkhaus, the thermally efficient OH Industries timber composite door range and the Q-Wood selection of extruded woodfibre and pvc mouldings which are designed not to twist or warp from Quantum profiles are just some of the solutions which AMK Hardware have available.

WHAT IS THE BUSINESS PLAN FOR AMK FOR

E: info@amkhardware.com

18 AMK TOP QUALITY CLEARLY...

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contents |05

NLC:

The new multi million pound state-of-the-art leisure centre in Newry is opened

21 STEPHEN KANE

Specify talks to Stephen Kane - New Chairman of CIGNI

49 SIMON HAMILTON

Specify talks to Simon Hamilton, Finance Minister

82 COLM LAVERY Page 20

Specify talks to Colm Lavery at Turner and Townsend’s Belfast office

digest

06|

Gilbert-Ash wins £20 million project to refurbish world-renowned architecture school

Gilbert-Ash has been appointed to carry out the £20 million refurbishment of the world-renowned Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London (UCL).

The project, which commenced in December 2014, will double the amount of teaching and research

space available at Wates House while retaining the building’s existing structure. It forms part of UCL’s wider programme to modernise its campus to provide the most comprehensive built environment education and research facility in the country.

Wates House was initially designed to house 380 students and less than 90 staff when it opened 40 years ago. The Bartlett School of Architecture now accommodates over 2,300 students and staff across eight buildings. This project is seen as an important opportunity to demonstrate how the retrofit of the 1970’s building stock can produce world-class architecture.

The contract is the latest high profile project for Gilbert-Ash in England. Last year it rebuilt the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool which won the prestigious Stirling Prize.

The appointment of Gilbert-Ash marks a continuation of the successful

relationship with Hawkins\Brown who were also the architects on the Polish Embassy in London and Drake’s Tie Company also in London.

Central to the design philosophy is opening up the façade of the building to reveal the activity within. This will be achieved by placing formal and informal exhibition spaces at ground floor level, inserting a new staircase to open up the building’s circulation and re-orientating the entrance to

give strategic views of London. The Bartlett refurbishment will include demolishing one floor of the building and adding another two, to give eight storeys in total. The entire floor-plate of the existing building will also be increased. The building façade will be stripped back and a full new façade will be created using hand-cut brick.

The project is due to complete in August 2016.

New offices and jobs boost for QMAC QMAC Construction has created 12 new jobs and says it anticipates the creation of further posts in the next two years as part of an ongoing investment programme.

Based in Donaghmore, QMAC Construction has also invested in a secondary facility in Belfast and has appointed a new managing director to oversee the firm’s growth strategy in the coming years.

Established in 1982 by husband and wife team, Peter and Rhona Quinn, QMAC Construction currently employs 47 people and works across a wide range of sectors in Northern Ireland - including commercial, heritage, sports and leisure, social housing, health and education.

Rhona Quinn, Chairperson of QMAC and current President

Eddie O'Neill

of the Construction Employers Federation [CEF] in Northern Ireland, explained: “QMAC has maintained a steady workload over the last few years despite the severe challenges of the recession and, in 2014, we took the decision to invest in the long-term growth of the company.

“We appointed a new managing director, Eddie O’Neill, to oversee the delivery of our new strategic plan and, with almost 40 years’ experience in the construction

industry in Northern Ireland, the company is already reaping the benefits of his unrivalled knowledge, guidance and expertise.”

Eddie commented: “Our strategic plan is centred around setting ourselves apart from our competitors, opening up new markets and increasing our market share in Northern Ireland. Our philosophy is underpinned by the company’s commitment to quality in absolutely everything that we do.

“In recent months we have invested in expanding the strength and breadth of expertise across the company and have created 12 new jobs. We have recently been successful in winning several significant contracts and would anticipate creating further jobs in the coming months.”

Rhona commented: “It has been very encouraging to note that a number of these new roles have been

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filled by highly-skilled professionals who have returned to Northern Ireland having worked on major international projects such as the Shard in London and the world’s tallest building, The Kingdom Tower in the Middle East. This presents a vote of confidence in both QMAC Construction and the wider construction industry in Northern Ireland.”

Rhona Quinn

The right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform an organisation, we’re experts at matching both in construction management.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

|07

5000 Pipes Milestone Reached For £14m Project NI Water has announced that 5000 pipes have been laid on the £14 million Castor Bay-Belfast Water Pipeline – an essential package of work, which will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure for our customers.

5000 pipes is a major milestone for the project, with a total of 6000 pipes involved in the scheme overall.

The pipeline, which got underway in January 2014, is progressing well and is on schedule to deliver key improvements to the water supply infrastructure in the area. Two new water pumping stations at Sprucefield and St Andrews (Temple) are at an advanced stage of construction as part of the programme of works, as well as the upgrading of five local reservoirs.

This major pipeline involves laying

a new 29km water pipeline from Castor Bay Water Treatment Works in Craigavon to south Lisburn, where the pipeline will link into an existing trunk main to transport the water supply on to Belfast. This major scheme will provide a vital source of water coming into Belfast, which will be especially important during future winters and in supplementing increased demand in the area.

Seamus Devlin Ireland Regional Director at Lagan Construction Group commented, “We at Lagan Construction Group are pleased with the progress made to date on this vital pipeline. Pipelaying has been progressing well, and many major milestones and crossings have been successfully completed, such as the River Lagan, Lagan Canal and the railway crossing on the Moyrusk Road in Moira here today.

“A landmark of 189,000 working

The project team mark the 5000 pipes milestone on site at the Moyrusk Road, Moira.

(L-R) Seamus Devlin-Ireland Regional Director Lagan Construction Group, Sara Venning NI Water Chief Executive and Paul Davison of NI Water pictured on site near Moira to mark the laying of the 5000th pipe on NI Water’s £14m Castor Bay to Belfast Water Pipeline – an essential package of work, which will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure for NI Water’s customers.

hours has also been reached on the project and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout

this programme of work. Further updates will be available and signage will be in place as the scheme progresses.”

H&J Martin joins Lagan Group L-R Derek Martin Deputy Chairman of the new H&J Martin Board, Junior Minister Jonathan Bell and Colin Loughran Chief Executive of Lagan Construction Group

One of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious building firms H&J Martin has joined the Lagan Construction Group of companies.

Whilst H&J Martin will continue to trade under their existing

brand name, the entity will come under the structures of the Lagan Construction Group of companies.

Having finalised the deal, Lagan Construction Group will employ over 900 people with a turnover in excess of £300 million making them one of the largest construction and civil

engineering groups on the island of Ireland.

Colin Loughran, Chief Executive of Lagan Construction Group, said: “I am pleased to announce that H&J Martin will now form part of the Lagan Construction Group. As two family owned and run businesses there are many similarities and synergies between Lagan Construction Group and H& J Martin. This will enable Lagan Construction Group to offer new integrated services to clients in both the domestic and international marketplace”.

Derek Martin, Managing Director of H&J Martin said: “We are excited by this opportunity and are looking forward to working with our new colleagues, within the Lagan Construction Group of companies”.

Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster welcomed the move saying: “The construction industry makes an important contribution to the economy here in Northern Ireland.

In an increasingly competitive market place, having two large well known construction employers secure the future of over 900 jobs by combining their respective talents is a positive move. This will only help enhance their ability to win and compete for large construction projects both home and abroad.”

The deal was supported by Danske Bank. Chris Martin, Corporate Banking Manager at Danske Bank said: “We have been working with both Lagan Construction Group and H&J Martin for many years and are pleased to provide the finance for this significant deal. It is good news for the construction sector and will have a positive impact on NI’s economy. It also reinforces Danske Bank’s commitment to supporting businesses achieve their growth ambitions. Lagan Construction Group has a strong management team with a clear strategy, and this new deal will provide a platform for further sustainable growth.”

digest

08|

Investing in Northern Ireland event held at Parliament Square

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, at RICS HQ in Parliament Square London with RICS NI Director Ben Collins, left, and RICS NI Chairman, Paul Kendrick, right.

Northern Ireland’s credentials as a prime location for inward investment were put forward at a prestigious event

in London today recently.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ headquarters in Parliament Square, Westminster was the setting

for a gathering of senior property professionals from here and London on the subject.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers addressed the reception, along with John Healy, Director at Citi in Belfast, and Declan Flynn MRICS, managing director of commercial property agency Lisney NI. They outlined the benefits of investing in Northern Ireland, including the cost advantages of locating in Belfast where office rents are very competitive.

Also speaking at the reception was RICS UK & Ireland Chair, Fiona Grant.

RICS Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collins, says: “RICS is a global body with members in senior

positions in the property sector around the world, so we are using our network to help communicate the benefits of investing in Northern Ireland to a range of influential people”.

“Senior RICS members from Northern Ireland involved with commercial property had the opportunity to meet with potential investors and site locators based in London and the South East.

“Not only is Northern Ireland competitive in terms of operating costs, it also has an excellent skills base, excellent universities and the potential for corporation tax rates to be lowered. This is the message that we will be putting across to those attending the reception,” he adds.

Politicians Urged to help create enabling environment for property and construction Northern Ireland politicians have a key role to play in enabling the local property and construction sectors to drive economic growth and build better communities, RICS urged recently.

Speaking at an RICS election hustings event, RICS Northern Ireland Director Ben Collins says that housing, infrastructure, and planning are amongst the key areas local politicians can influence for the better.

The event, which featured senior representatives from each of the five main political parties, took place at The Mac arts centre in Belfast, and took a Question Time-style format.

Part of a series called Property in Politics, it challenged the political parties to debate key issues on land, property and construction ahead of the May 2015 general election and in light of the NI Assembly election in 2016.

The event was chaired by Denis Rooney CBE, a former chairman of RICS Northern Ireland. The panel featured: Sammy Wilson MP from the

Cllr Tim Attwood (SDLP), Sammy Wilson MP (DUP), Dennis Rooney CBE (Chairman), Cllr Paula Bradshaw (Alliance), Danny Kinahan MLA (UUP) at the event in the Mac, Belfast.

DUP; Danny Kinahan from the UUP; Tim Attwood from the SDLP; and Paula Bradshaw from the Alliance Party.

Sinn Fein were invited to participate but a representative was not available.

RICS Northern Ireland Director Ben Collins commented: “We are at a critical time for the property and construction sectors as we emerge

from the impact of the property crash. Property prices are recovering and the construction sector is getting back on its feet, but there are issues needing addressed. These include skills shortages in the construction sector and an infrastructure deficit, both of which have the potential to harm the economic recovery. We also face

housing shortages in some areas, our businesses have to deal with amongst the highest energy costs in Europe, and there is an imperative to attract inward investment to help rebalance the economy. These are some of the issues that our politicians have the potential to influence through good policy.”

digest

|09

Atlas Celebrate their 100th with a Very Lucky Mascott

Gilbert-Ash wins £13million contract to refurbish National Army Museum Gilbert-Ash has been awarded the £13 million contract to refurbish and extend the National Army Museum, Chelsea as part of the Museum’s Building For The Future project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The award-winning construction and fit-out contractor is due to commence work shortly at the Museum site which was first opened in 1970 and now receives well in excess of a quarter of a million visitors annually.

“We are honoured to be working on such a prestigious project” said Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of GilbertAsh. “A complete reconfiguration of the Museum site will help develop a more welcoming, accessible and flexible environment to meet the needs of today’s Museum visitors.”

Gilbert-Ash is working closely with interdisciplinary designers at BDP on the project following a previous collaboration on the £165million Victoria Square development in Belfast.

To date, work has begun to strip out the existing interior in preparation for the re-fit and the new-build portion of the project.

The refurbishment will open up and extend the existing building, making it much more accessible and improving the flow of visitors around the exhibits. Additional exhibition space will allow the display of many previously unseen items. Work will include a new two storey extension and the changes will provide dedicated education facilities for the first time.

Specialist teaching space, lunchroom and an adapted group’s entrance will be developed with the aim of improving the experience of the 200-plus learning groups who visit the Museum every year and attracting new groups in the future. Significant investment will be also made in the Museum’s Collection storage facilities. Archive space will be environmentally controlled to make sure that the collections are properly preserved.

Gilbert-Ash aims for practical completion in Q1 2016 for the base build and Q3 2016 for the exhibition fit out.

Manus Savage (left), Atlas Communications Programme Manager, with 100th Superconnected Customer Sam Gaw, IT Manager at Mascott Construction

One of Northern Ireland’s leading building companies, Mascott Construction, has become the 100th customer to benefit from super-connected broadband fitted by Atlas Communications.

Atlas is a registered supplier under the Belfast City Council super-connected cities scheme, which gives businesses with inadequate broadband speed vouchers worth up to £3,000 to install high speed broadband connections.

Mascott’s IT Manager Sam Gaw said the company, based at Heron Road in Belfast, had been suffering from the area’s very slow broadband speed.

“Trying to get 8, 9 or 10 people connected at the same time led to bottlenecks, while downloading and uploading tenders took forever,” he said.

“There is no facility to lay fibre optic cable in the estate, but Atlas came to the rescue with wireless broadband. As the work was covered by the Superconnected voucher, we only had to pay for the VAT, which was refundable.”

Construction underway for Mencap’s new Children and Families Centre To celebrate the start of construction at Mencap’s future Children and Families Centre, Mencap in Northern Ireland’s Acting Director Paschal McKeown joined Gary Clements, a Mencap Young Ambassador and graduate of Segal House nursery, and Mark Hanna, Contracts Manager, Mascott Construction, to lay the ceremonial first brick.

The centre, located at the site of the former Newtownbreda Primary

School in Belfast, will be the new home of the relocated Segal House, a nursery for 2 to 4-year-olds with a learning disability, autism and developmental delay. The building will also provide support for families of children who attend Segal House.

Mark Hanna, Contracts Manager, Mascott Construction, added: “Mascott Construction is honoured to build Mencap’s new Children and Families Centre. We take great pride in all of our projects, but this job has been particularly

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special as we know it will be of great benefit to the children and young people supported

by Mencap as well as providing valuable support to their families.

We look forward to completing the project and unveiling it to the public in 2016.”

To donate to Mencap’s Big Step Forward Appeal, visit www. mencapbigstepforward.org, or contact Mencap by phone at 02890 691351 or email fundraising.ni@mencap.org.uk.

The right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform an organisation, we’re experts at matching both in construction management.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

10|

Mapei’s Mapetherm system provides ecosolution at Berwick

An External Wall Insulation and protection system – The Mapetherm System, has been installed throughout an eco-funded refurbishment project in Berwick-upon-Tweed, on the Scottish Borders.

The 175-house refurbishment,

by Berwick Housing Association, occupies multiple sites across the

Borders and includes Cruden and Blackburn-style ‘system-type’ nontraditional housing. During a two-month time frame over the winter period, the Mapetherm System was installed on all external walls by Lime Technology Ltd, the total application amounting to 25, 000m² throughout the mix of social and private dwellings.

The system provided a fast, cost effective method of improving the existing thermal performance of the properties, whilst enabling the occupants to remain in their own homes at all times. The Mapetherm System not only offers protective benefits to the structure, but gives the whole estate a fresh, modern, low maintenance decorative finish

coat. Meeting the demands of a steady supply of materials around a residential estate was made possible through UK manufacturing by Mapei, facilitating the demanding fast-track requirements and intense programme time frame.

The complete Mapei system included Mapetherm EPS+ expanded polystyrene insulation panels, which were bonded to the external walls using Mapei Mapetherm ARI GG one-component cementitious mortar.

The polystyrene panels then received a leveling coat of Mapetherm AR1 GG which was reinforced with Mapei Mapetherm Net alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh, prior to the application of a water-repellent silicone base coat primer. All surfaces received a protective and decorative coating of Mapei Silancolor Tonachino textured silicone finish, to the client’s individual specification.

For more information on Mapei wall protection systems, please visit www.mapei.co.uk, email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970.

Mapei introduces new Ultratop Loft for floors, walls and more!

M

apei UK has launched Ultratop Loft F and Ultratop Loft W, a highly decorative cementitious product that can be used on walls, floors, staircases and ramps to complement its existing Ultratop range of products.

Ultratop Loft F and Ultratop Loft W are one-component, trowellable, cementitious products available in two different aggregate sizes; either coarse (Ultratop Loft F) or fine (Ultratop Loft W) offering two different appearances depending on the ultimate finish required.

Both products are ideal for creating aesthetically pleasing and original floors and walls, with a classic trowelled or mottled effect.

The product can be used in both new build or refurbishment projects and helps to produce a variety of contemporary stylish walls and floors, ideal for creating a distinctive designer appeal.

Ultratop Loft should be applied as a system, installed over Eco Prim Grip on vertical surfaces and Primer SN and 0.5mm Quartz on horizontal surfaces, and sealed using either Mapefloor Finish 53 W/L, 54 W/S, 58 W or 630, depending on the type of finish required.

Each product is supplied in 20kg bags and is mixed with water to achieve the paste-like consistency required for application. The product is ideal for professional users, to be trowel applied onto a number of different floor and wall substrates to provide a finished system that is around 2mm thick.

Ultratop Loft is available in two

colours, Standard and White.

However, if required, Ultratop Color Paste (a special coloring agent for Ultratop Loft) can be added to create an extensive colour pallet that can perfectly fit in with any desired colour scheme.

With its excellent resistance to abrasion and rapid drying time, Ultratop Loft is suitable for both commercial and residential areas subject to intense pedestrian traffic which can include shops, restaurants, reception areas, private homes, cafes, hotels and showrooms.

Founded in 1937, Mapei is the world-leading manufacturer of adhesives and chemical building products - and a specialist in the production of adhesives and preparation products for the installation of wall and floor coverings. Its extensive product range includes products for the preparation of all types of substrates used in construction: Surface membranes, levelling compounds, primers, waterproofing, ready mixed mortars, special products for the repair of concrete, admixtures for mortar and concrete, adhesives for floor and wall coverings including, ceramic tiles, natural stone, resilient flooring and wood.

Other products from the extensive Mapei range include grouts and flexible sealants, mortars and binders for the restoration of period buildings, resin flooring, soundproofing systems, protective finishes for exterior walls and special hydraulic binders for screeds.

For more information on any Mapei products please visit www.mapei.co.uk email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970.

12| RTU

The Lynn Building, Belfast installs ULTRAFLO Hemihydrate Liquid Floor Screed

R

TU’s Ultraflo hemihydrate liquid screed proved its effectiveness and many advantages during the restoration of a Grade B listed building at Queens University, Belfast.

Working in conjunction with the main contractor, Woodvale Construction, and architect, Consarc Conservation, RTU was able to meet the specific needs of the project.

The refurbishment work carried on the Grade B listed building offered a series of challenges, not least restricted access on an already busy campus site. With this in mind, RTU carefully coordinated the pour of 830sqm of Ultraflo to be completed

fabric of this ornate building but would also allow the underfloor heating system to work effectively and Ultraflo met both these specific requirements.”

The quick drying characteristics of Ultraflo also proved another advantage, with the underfloor heating fully operational just seven days after it was poured. This enables floor coverings to be laid within four weeks.

This work at the Lynn Building is another example of why RTU and the Ultraflo range continues to be so successful, as Sam McIlroy from RTU explained.

“To help deliver the requirements for this project we initially met with the design team and then followed this up on site by working closely with the contractor to coordinate the pour at a time that suited them,” said Sam. “This proves that we provide both a great service and a great product.

Contractors want as few delays as possible, so drying times for floor screeds can be an issue. But with Ultraflo you can achieve a level surface that is able to take light traffic after only 24 hours.”

While this level of service is vitally important – particularly with the time constraints faced by contractors – it means little if you don’t have a product to match. However, RTU has found the perfect balance between both.

This company has an established reputation for consistently producing and delivering top quality products and services and that is reflected through Ultraflo hemihydrate liquid screed. in just one day.

“Logistically, this was a difficult site, so we were impressed by the flexibility offered by RTU and the speed in which the company operated,” explained William Hetherington, Site Manager for Woodvale Construction. “They did everything that was asked of them and we were delighted with the final finish.”

Consarc Construction was also involved in the project and was equally delighted.

Roisin Donnelly of Consarc Conservation commented on how the Ultraflo range met the needs of the project.

“We required a thin screed that would not interfere with the original

Ultraflo is a hemihydrate calcium sulphate based screed – a method that was initially developed in Germany and which has been used successfully throughout Europe for over 25 years.

An environmentally friendly product, manufactured from a by-product of flu gas desulphurisation, Ultraflo has been awarded many prestigious environmental awards. This is just one of the many benefits of this product.

As Ultraflo is not a cement-based product, it is not subject to shrinkage cracking and curling - issues more commonly associated with traditional screeds. Ultraflo screed is liquid in nature, flows to give a self-smoothing finish, and is virtually self-levelling. It is pump applied and only requires minimal tamping to achieve a level surface that is able to take light traffic after only 24 hours. Unlike anhydrite screeds, Ultraflo hemihydrate screed is not subject to formation of any surface layers or laitance.

Ultraflo can be installed at minimum depth of 30mm and 50mm with underfloor heating.

Sam concluded, “Ultraflo screed is suitable for most floating floor applications, such as residential, commercial, industrial, health and education, so these many benefits can be delivered across a range of applications. As it is inorganic and bacteria resistant it is also the perfect solution for buildings where infection control is paramount, such as hospitals, schools or pharmaceutical factories.

“This can all be delivered with a service to match.”

14| CES Quarry Products

RockinColour R

ockinColour is a coloured rock innovation by CES Quarry Products.

With over 60 years experience working and experimenting with rock, the creative team at CES have developed an exciting range of coloured rock unlike anything else available in Ireland.

A truly multipurpose product, the uses of RockinColour are endless. From decorative landscaping and surface finishing to product development it can be used to bring a serious amount of colour and texture to any project.

RockinColour is available in 5 introductory colours: Plum Red, Midnight Black, Chestnut Brown, Oak Gold, and Azure Blue. With a variety of sizes, from sand and small fragments to 20mm and bigger rocks, the options are limitless.

Since the rock is quarried and coloured on site in Northern Ireland RockinColour can create any size you want – for that perfectly bespoke look and finish.

And because the company has full control of the manufacturing process they can ensure their Rockin product is consistent. That means long-lasting vibrant colour and exceptional quality, competitively priced.

RockinColour may be a cutting edge business. But, like their parent company CES, they are focused on the total customer experience.

Through constant innovation, excellent service and creating quality products that last, RockinColour have the right stuff to give your design schemes all the attitude and edge they’ll need to rock.

“A truly multipurpose product, the uses of RockinColour are endless.”

www.cesquarryproducts.com www.rockincolour.com

CES Quarry Products Manufacturers of Quarry Stone and Concrete Products T: 028 9751 9494 E: sales@cesquarryproducts.com www.cesquarryproducts.com

Concrete Block & Brick

Ready-Mix & Mini-Mix Concrete

Decorative Gravel

Supply & Lay Screed Services

16| TBC

What TBC Conversions can do for your business TBC Conversions is one of the leading vehicle conversion and adaption companies, operating throughout the island of Ireland.

Based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone (just of JCT 15 on the M1), the company has been converting vehicles since 2005 for individuals, companies and public bodies, and has established significant relationships with leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles.

In July 2014 the company moved to a new 30,000 square ft manufacturing facility, giving the company increased capacity, resulting in scalability and an increased technical workforce.

At the same time the company re-branded, separating the old “TBC” into 3 distinct businesses under the TBC Conversions umbrella: - TBC Specialist Conversions, - TBC Motability Conversions - TBC Taxi and Bus Conversions “We had out grown the previous facility and needed to move to a bigger facility to cope with demand,” said David Donnell, MD at TBC Conversions.

“We have grown from an 8-man business to a team of almost 40, and we anticipate further growth within the next 24 months, so the new facility is ideal for what we do.”

Donnell believes that the rebranding was more than a cosmetic exercise which has benefited the business on a number of levels.

“We have changed our corporate identity and are continually reviewing our marketing activities as part of our sales strategy, but as the business grows, having 3 distinct business units helps us stay closer to our customers and continue to deliver the value and quality we have become known for.”

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

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

TBC Mobility Conversions, specialises in the conversion and adaption of wheelchair accessible vehicles and works closely with individual customers, large fleet companies including Motability and public bodies throughout the UK – with all vehicles complying to Whole Vehicle European Type Approval, the highest standard of safety.

TBC Taxi and Bus Conversions works closely with taxi and bus companies across the UK and Ireland as well as rural transport, education boards and charities and patient transfer organisations.

“We have dedicated teams – in sales and production – who work in these 3 distinct areas and so now our customers get experts dedicated to their individual needs,” said David Donnell.

“We have forged excellent relationships with Motability and are accredited by VW Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes, Citroen, Vauxhall and most recently with Ford.”

“Our business has focused on keeping the customer central to everything we do and we have established a value proposition where everything we do is designed and manufactured with “Intelligence”, “Empathy” and “Care”.

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

18| AMK

AMK - Top Quality

E

stablished in 1980

by Alan Kelly AMK Hardware has been supplying door and window manufacturers throughout Ireland and the UK for over 3 decades. As distributors of quality hardware and components from leading manufacturers such as Winkhaus, Hoppe, Karcher Design and Exitex, AMK Hardware’s ethos is to offer their customer product solutions which enhance the windows and doors which their customers produce.

With many of the products sold

by AMK Hardware sourced from European manufacturers, the focus

of their offering is on quality. An extensive range of products from manufacturers such as Winkhaus , Hautau, Hoppe and OH Panels, to name just a few, gives AMK Hardware the assortment of products to

meet the varying demands of their customer base.

Located in Lurgan, Co Armagh to service the Irish market and Nottingham to service the UK mainland, AMK Hardware is ideally situated to distribute products throughout their target market. An internal and external sales team of nine are regularly trained on the vast range of products which AMK Hardware has to offer in order to ensure that their customers are receiving the best and most up to date information.

The breadth of the product range offered encompasses most types of windows and doors from traditional sliding sash windows to the latest in biometric door controls which

14 Robert Street, Lurgan, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 8BE

can be integrated into the face of the door. With a highly experienced team supporting their customer base in the timber, aluminium, uPVC and composite door fabrication sectors AMK Hardware are always keen to discuss how hardware can have such an impact on both the functionality and the aesthetics of the finished window or door.

AMK |19

Over the past few years specific development has been made on door orientated products, in order to fulfil the requirements of their customers discerning clients. Gregory Kelly General Manager comments “Recently the focus on doors has concentrated on thermal efficiency and the design of the door, we have reacted to this demand by

introducing a range of thermally efficient external door blanks which have a central u-value of less than 0.7w/m2k on a 58mm door and the Winkhaus Heritage lock which offers traditional styling with all the benefits of an automatic multipoint lock, both of these products have received a fantastic response from our customer base�

Extending the door range further is a selection of bi-folding and lift and slide hardware, as consumers aim to increase the levels of natural light emitted into their homes. Brio hardware manufactured in Australia offer an simple yet effective solution for bifolding doors that are easy to manufacture and can help create the wow factor in any home. As

a solution for the more traditional sliding door AMK Hardware offer the latest hardware from German manufacturers Hautau which brings together quality, ease of use

and thermal efficiency with the Thermotop threshold.

As timber window and door manufacturers have had to improve

T: +44 (0)28 3832 3693 F: +44 (0)28 3832 1800

their products to compete with the alternatives in the market AMK Hardware has been introducing product solutions which not only improve factory efficiencies but also help improve the product and reduce possible future remedial costs, an interchangeable family of multipoint locks with varying capabilities from Winkhaus, the thermally efficient OH Industries timber composite door range and the Q-Wood selection of extruded woodfibre and pvc mouldings which are designed not to twist or warp from Quantum profiles are just some of the solutions which AMK Hardware have available.

E: info@amkhardware.com

20| AMK

What is the business plan for AMK for 2015/16?

AMK are continuously listening to the demands of their customers and as distributors of leading brands are at the forefront of product introduction.

Our future in the market remains deeply entrenched in the timber sector and as we continue to work with our suppliers developing products we see continual growth.

Product awareness amongst our customers and their clients is the key to our future with an in house marketing department our focus will be on the development. Of literature which not only helps us promote our products but also helps our customers promote theirs.

What is AMK’s opinion on the reduction of Corporation tax in NI? Will it help the construction industry?

We believe that the reduction of the Corporation tax in Northern Ireland will help to speed the recovery and growth of the construction industry and hope it will bring in more foreign investments in Northern Ireland.

The reducing of the corporation tax will hopefully create more jobs and we strongly support anything that will aid in decreasing the unemployment rates in Northern Ireland.

T: +44 (0)28 3832 3693 F: +44 (0)28 3832 1800

E: info@amkhardware.com

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‘NI Construction has a world class reputation’ – Stephen Kane, new Chairman of CIGNI

The Construction Industry Group of Northern Ireland (CIGNI) have appointed a new Chairman. Stephen Kane, Managing Director of Ridgeway and representing the Hire Association Europe, takes over from Derek Martin, MD of H&J Martin and the past President of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF). Stephen will now serve two years as Chair of CIGNI and is looking forward to the challenge.

At his inauguration Stephen said he was honoured and somewhat humbled to be elected and thanked the CIGNI Board for their vote of confidence. He added, “The CIGs role is to promote the importance of having a strong united voice focusing on the key strategic issues that unite all representative organisations within the construction industry. The sincere quality of Professionals, Contractors, Specialist Engineering Contractors and Suppliers represented throughout Northern Ireland is staggering and quite a force to be reckoned with.

I am very proud of what we, as an industry, have achieved to date and really excited by the challenges that lie ahead in the next few years.

“Since its formation in 1998, CIG in Northern Ireland has come a long way and I would pay tribute to the outgoing chairman, past chairs, board and previous council members for their commitment and efforts during this time.

While there have been many ups and downs in that period, CIGNI still offers the most effective platform for working with Government and local Government through CIFNI, our MLAs at Stormont through the All Party Working Group and importantly networking and partnership among the CIG construction family.

“This has been said repeatedly recently I know but, during the past five plus years, we have witnessed the most intense recession that most business people have ever experienced. While there are some green shoots, the economic recovery in Northern Ireland, and in particular within construction, is still very fragile.

“During this time CIGNI, and our individual groupings, have worked tirelessly to ensure better regulation, efficient and transparent procurement, zero harm for those working in the industry, a competent and qualified workforce, prompt and fair payment

practices and most importantly a delivery pipeline of construction projects that are relevant, achievable and current. This will be an ongoing process for CIGNI and core to our role, however we should look to promote the positives from the industry within our working groups as well as highlight the issues that we can all do better in.

“The tremendous current opportunity and reward for the “triple crown result” that rests with our politicians over next few days is enormous long term political stability, resolution to the current financial and budgetary difficulties and the devolution of corporation tax varying powers. We all need to play our part to encourage this result and highlight that failure to reach agreement is not an option anymore and will not be tolerated by the indigenous business community. Political leaders must now lead as our votes will count in due course.

“It’s important to mention that also during recent times, some of our larger members and their supply chains have shown tremendous resilience by broadening their portfolio to new markets across the water and further afield,

simultaneously striving to continuously improve quality, delivery and innovative methods of construction.

This has earned the ‘NI Construction Industry’ a world class reputation with major clients to demonstrate capability. Someday, in hopefully the not too distant future we will have an opportunity to practice this experience back in Northern Ireland within a rebalanced economy, not reliant on 75 % government funding, more focused governance, a new corporation tax regime, a more dynamic built environment with vision and positivity in its culture, not forgetting improved skilled and higher paid jobs within the “full” supply chain to attract the next generations into a thriving, exciting and sustainable construction industry.

“Also we must not be complacent on the reality, that most of our supply chain companies in NI are SMEs with key skills to “get the job done right” whom are relied upon and somewhat taken for granted in the industry locally. However, the recession, home market limitation, capital reduction, lowest price and slowest to pay mentality, has caused business owners making decisions to mothball, merge, liquidate, or not reinvest in these skills to attract the next generation.

These companies play a key role in the indigenous economic landscape here in construction that keep it very competitive, we must try and find ways to reinvigorate these vital elements of the “resource rich” local supply chain and not browbeat the small and vulnerable targets for short term gain.

“Going forward, all of us within CIGNI must unite and intensify our efforts to improve the operating environment for all those within the construction industry. Our focus needs to be at high level areas that affect us all namely SKILLS & PIPELINE to ensure we see the work and have the resources to plan and deliver it.

“We must shout even louder than we have in the past highlighting the important and essential contribution and multiplier that our industry makes to the NI economy and the role we can and will play in ensuring sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits we can achieve for every citizen,” Stephen concluded.

22| Newry Leisure Centre

Newry Leisure Centre

making

Waves!

The development of the new multi-million pound Newry Leisure Centre (NLC) was recently completed and the state-of-the-art leisure complex in the heart of Newry City includes three swimming pools...

Newry Leisure Centre |23

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hase one of the new Leisure Centre offers a wide range of supervised swimming activities and water features which includes: • An 8 lane Main Swimming Pool • Teaching Pool • Leisure Pool with separate toddler area and exciting water features • An exciting spiral FLUME slide • An exclusive Health Suite including: Spa Pool, Steam Room, Sauna, Experience Shower and Heated loungers • Viewing gallery with Olympic standard seating

Councillor Daire Hughes said as Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, “I am delighted to have witnessed the development of the new Newry Swimming Pool. This fantastic development will provide our rate payers with a state of the art facility which will be the envy of other Council areas throughout Ireland. I look forward to the opening of the new pool and to many years of enjoyment this new facility will provide. I am delighted that an additional 14 jobs have been created with the development of the new Leisure Centre”.

Mr Eddy Curtis, Chief Executive of

Newry and Mourne District Council added, “We wanted to create a modern, high spec interior that will stand the test of time and promote both accessibility and functionality, whilst also providing value for money for our ratepayers and customers.”

A two–phase design concept, specific for this project, was developed due to site and budget constraints. NLC is the first two–phase leisure centre of this scale and complexity in Northern Ireland.

The project was designed to meet exemplary sustainability and low carbon principles and achieves the goals set out in the Newry 2020 Low Carbon City targets...

www.newryandmourne.gov.uk

08| title

Instant Walkways by Ridgeway

• A Service and Support package extends worldwide and every Spandeck walkway is guaranteed for a full ten years giving you unbeatable product quality.

Why Choose Instant Spandeck Walkway Systems • It's a standard OFF THE SHELF access product yet provides an instant solution to bespoke walkway and platform challenges • Made from aluminium, it's lightweight, incredibly strong, and highly durable which means it lasts longer non-corrosive, little or no maintenance required.

Product Overview For over 46 years Ridgeway’s name has been synonymous with the INSTANT alloy systems brand in Ireland. With innovative design that promotes flexible and economical working, Ridgeway and Instant offer a complete design, supply and install service for this exciting product. Instant Spandeck, is a lightweight aluminium walkway, bridging and staging system in ONE versatile unit. It has a unique reversible design which allows it to be used individually as a walkway or side by side as staging. Spandeck can be inverted and used in multiple combinations to provide decks spanning from 3.7metres or 12 feet up to 9.1metres or 30 feet and working platform areas of virtually unlimited dimensions. Completely modular and available ‘off the shelf’ as a prefabricated unit, the Spandeck walkway system provides a simple, cost-effective and safe solution for even the most bespoke access requirements. Spandeck can also be used in conjunction with all types of scaffold towers including [with] steel and Façade scaffold systems to provide a stable, non-slip staging and bridging platform. Spandeck is today used primarily to provide both permanent and temporary walkway and platform access solutions.

• Instant walkway is up to 30% less expensive than bespoke walkway solutions, eliminating site fabrication requirements.

Thereby, reducing labour and engineering costs, resulting in large project savings.

T. 028 9045 4599

F. 028 9045 4596

E. info@ridgeway-online.com

• Return on investment low capital investment, fast payback, high profitability, no warranty issues, longer lifespan.

W. www.ridgeway-online.com

title |09 professional design

supply

warranty

installation network

For more information please contact :

Endless Applications • Roof & Gutter access / Edge protection in stadiums, studios, industrial plants, listed buildings, hospitals • Permanent high level access installation in TV studios, factory roofs, shopping centres, atriums, theatres and hospitals • Bridging and suspended walkway platforms in swimming pools, sport stadiums

• Can be combined with multiple Instant Alloy towers and walk through frames so that large working areas can be achieved by contractors

• Maintenance walkways in pharmaceutical, food processing plants, sport arenas, retail outlets, waster water treatment plants

Market & User Types It’s versatility to be a walkway, bridging and staging from one single unit has attracted Architects, Roofing Contractors, Facilities/Maintenance Managers, Specifiers, Quantity Surveyors, Operations Managers, Project Engineers, and Contract Managers to the product for providing both permanent and temporary walkway solutions. Whatever the application Spandeck walkways are designed specifically to give you higher performance than traditional sitefabricated products. For the professional access provider, whether selling or renting, Instant Spandeck can provide excellent utilisation and an extremely high return on investment.

30| energy

Understanding Sustainable Construction at City Quays C ITB NI’s Sustainable Construction Interest Group met for their first site visit at the Harbour Commissioners office to hear first-hand about the sustainability design specifics of City Quays 1.

The Sustainable Construction Interest Group is made up of local construction workers who participated in the ‘Building Skills for Sustainable Construction’ programme and spent two weeks in Germany learning about sustainable construction techniques e.g. air tightness, energy efficiency and thermal bridging.

City Quays 1 office is the first completed building within the 20 acre water-fronting regeneration scheme developed to high environmental standards with an emphasis on reducing tenants’ operating costs. All the buildings have been orientated to maximise daylight penetration, therefore minimising the need for artificial lighting in the workspaces. It

will also provide open plan, flexible floors designed to meet the needs of dynamic modern enterprises.

Speaking on the energy efficiency of City Quays 1, Tim Boyle, Belfast Harbour said, “We have sought to use the most up to date technologies available to us, such as a variable refrigerant flow system paired with high coefficient of performance heat pumps for heating and cooling. This arrangement is complimented by high performance solar control glazing which reduces solar heat gain while maintaining high levels of natural light. We have also utilised demand controlled ventilation, and daylight and presence controlled LED lighting.

A roof-mounted photovoltaic array will also provide energy for direct use within the common areas of the building”.

“Along with the building’s integral sustainability systems, occupiers of City Quays 1 will sign up to a Green Lease which ensures all parties work together to use the building as efficiently as possible and maintain the

BREEAM Excellent accreditation. City Quays 2, a 124,000 sq ft Grade A office is due for completion in 2016 and will create 600 much-needed direct and indirect construction jobs. The project marks a major regeneration of the area, which will also see the building of retail units, such as cafes and restaurants, 120 flats, and a 200-bedroom hotel.”

Heron Bros Ltd was awarded the contract to build City Quays 1 which was funded entirely by Belfast Harbour. Heron Bros Ltd are keen to

share with the group the overall journey of constructing the high profile project incorporating design requirements, skills needs and lessons learned.

Shauna Young, Heron Bros Ltd who attended the ‘Building Skills for Sustainable Construction training in Germany said, “As a result of my training, Heron Bros Ltd now has in-house knowledge and expertise to liaise directly with various stakeholders including design teams and BREEAM assessors regarding specific project requirements.”

Energy Institute visits the UK’s largest plant for Solar Thermal Technology Kingspan Environmental welcomes NI businesses to Portadown plant

A

group of delegates from the Energy Institute’s Northern Ireland branch recently visited Kingspan Environmental’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant on Portadown’s Gilford Road, where they were informed how they can benefit from existing grants for commercial businesses.

Eamon Clarke from Kingspan Solar, a part of Kingspan Environmental, informed business leaders from across Northern Ireland about the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for businesses, which entitles commercial proprieties to 20 years of quarterly payments for installing Solar Thermal technology.

“As one of the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly renewable energy solutions available, the business case for solar thermal makes sense,” explains Eamon Clarke, Technical Sales Manager with Kingspan Solar.

Eamon continues: “However, with the added bonus of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), businesses in the commercial, agricultural and industrial sectors that use a high volume of hot water could be saving thousands of pounds per annum on their hot water requirements.”

Well-placed to advise on the non-domestic RHI, one of Kingspan Environmental’s leading ranges is Kingspan Solar, which houses the marketleading Thermomax and Varisol products in its portfolio. Designed and manufactured in Northern Ireland, specifically for a northern European climate, both Thermomax and Varisol solar evacuated tubes are 30% more efficient than competing products. It’s this superior efficiency that has led to the installation of more than 14 million Thermomax evacuated tubes worldwide.

32| energy

Downpatrick Railway ‘Engineers’ Green Technology Solar PV system reduces electricity bills by 60% Michael Burke, MD of Saliis Renewables with John Wilson, Chairman, Downpatrick Railway.

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S ONE of County Down’s most unique tourist attractions, Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit society, the Railway is staffed entirely by volunteers, who give up their time and energy to help ensure the smooth running and maintenance of the heritage railway.

Last year, the management committee of Downpatrick & County Down Railway decided that it was time to investigate eco technologies in a bid to educate visitors and curb rising energy costs.

After researching a variety of technologies and renewables companies in Northern Ireland, the management committee commissioned SALIIS – one of Northern Ireland’s leading renewables specialists – to recommend a solar PV system that would be suitable for the Railway’s requirements.

Dave McGookin, an Energy Advisor with SALIIS explains:

“At SALIIS, we provide both domestic and commercial customers with solar PV solutions. Firstly, we assess the property to ensure it’s suitable for solar PV. We check that the roof is south-facing, that it’s large enough to accommodate a solar system and also that there are no obstructions.

“At Downpatrick and Co. Down Railway, the roof at the rear of the building was perfect for solar technology. Once we had established this, we discussed the ‘funded’ and ‘paid for’ options with the Railway Chairman.”

SALIIS is one of the few companies in Northern Ireland that can offer ‘funded’ solar PV systems. In fact, the company is now the largest installer of free systems in NI, and has installed over 40,000 roof-top panels.

The ‘funded’ scheme is funded by an investment company, who in return for a free solar PV system and 20 years’ maintenance, receive the Government’s ROC* payments and any payback from electricity that is not used. NIROC (Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation Certificates) payments are guaranteed for 20 years

and are paid out by the Government based on a number of different calculations, the main one being how much kWh the system generates per year.

Dave continues: “As the Railway is a not-for-profit organisation, the Management Committee were thrilled that we could offer an 80 panel system, installation and ongoing maintenance absolutely free of charge. This saved the Railway thousands of pounds in initial outlay, however still ensured that they would benefit from reduced energy bills, as free electricity would be generated by the rays of the sun.”

Since October 2013, Downpatrick & County Down Railway has been generating approximately 60% of its electricity via the free PV scheme.

Commenting on its 80 solar PV panel system, John Wilson, Downpatrick & County Down Railway Chairman said: “We all have a responsibility to help lower our carbon footprints and at the Railway, we decided to investigate how renewable technologies could work within the Downpatrick & County Down Railway setting. We

investigated a number of green technologies before settling on Solar PV to help to lower our energy usage.

“After much consideration, we decided to commission a funded PV scheme from SALIIS. This option was extremely attractive to us for two reasons. Firstly, we wanted to curb our rising utility bills and secondly, rather than having to invest approximately £25,000 outright in a Solar PV system, the scheme offered an immediate Solar PV solution, that was free. We’re already winning by noticing substantial savings on our electricity bills through clean and reliable renewable energy.”

SALIIS specialises in providing homeowners and commercial properties with ‘funded’ and ‘paid for’ Solar PV panel installations and maintenance. Focused on helping more householders and businesses save money on their electricity bills, SALIIS delivers expert advice on the best Solar PV solution for customers, dependent on their requirements and circumstances.

34|

digest

Rise in office rents would encourage further development Belfast would still be able to compete with other foreign direct investment destinations even if rents on Grade A office space went up by 20 per cent, according to commercial property agents Lambert Smith Hampton.

There is currently a shortage of the Grade A space needed to accommodate the growing number of international companies setting up in Belfast, but no new office space is being developed other than Belfast Harbour's City Quays project.

Lambert Smith Hampton believes rents on prime office space will need to rise by 20 per cent to make new build developments viable for private property developers and allow them to secure funding from banks.

The comments were made as Lambert Smith Hampton released its annual UK Office Market report, which showed prime rents in Belfast went up 12 per cent in 2014, the largest increase outside the South East of England.

The report showed that prime headline rents increased in 26 of the 38 office markets during 2014, a clear sign of the rising confidence among occupiers alongside falling supply of existing Grade A space.

In Belfast, rental rates of £15 per square foot were achieved in some properties and this figure is expected to rise further by the end of 2015.

However, this is well below the headline rates in other cities which compete with Belfast for foreign direct investment. The report said, for example, that prime, Grade A office rents are expected to reach £35 per sq ft in Manchester, £31.50 per sq ft in Edinburgh, £30 per sq ft in Bristol and £27 per sq ft in Leeds.

Stuart Draffin, Director and Head of Agency at Lambert Smith Hampton in Belfast, said: “This report provides encouragement that the market is improving, with prime rents up 12% in Belfast last year, one of the strongest regional increases outside of the South-East of England. We have already seen rents of £15 per square foot in some properties and would expect this to rise during the year.

“Office rental growth will eventually encourage new development and this in turn will drive other parts of the market as the residual value of potential development sites increases to allow redevelopment of old or

secondary uses.

“However, despite a healthy demand for Grade A office space and a limited supply of that space, the most recent lease terms secured still don’t yet justify new build activity. Banks are definitely keen to discuss proposals again but it is understandable they are nervous about speculatively supporting a new build scheme that would require rental terms previously not seen before in Belfast to make it viable. If City Quays was not available developers would be in a stronger position to negotiate terms on design and build proposals.”

Belfast has been named as the UK’s second most successful city, after London, when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment in a number of recent surveys.

It was also ranked as the most businessfriendly city of its size by the FT’s fDi Intelligence Division.

Mr Draffin said that foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland will continue to be crucial to the ongoing development of the economy and the commercial property market, and thinks most big national and international companies would not blink at a small increase in office rental costs.

He added: “To secure these occupiers the market does need a good supply of Grade A office accommodation. If rents rise it is much more likely this supply will be made available and it is another tool to aid inward investment, not a deterrent. If rents rise say 20 per cent and all other things remain equal, Northern Ireland will continue to compare favourably to competing destinations.”

Stuart Draffin, Director and Head of Agency at Lambert Smith Hampton in Belfast.

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|35

Six per cent growth in NI construction The Department of Finance and Personnel’s Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) recently published the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin which shows the latest estimates of construction output in Northern Ireland for the last quarter of 2014. Construction of new houses accounts for the sharpest increase, 8.9% while infrastructure building is up by 3.6%. New work accounted for a 6% growth.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA welcomed signs of growth in the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the signs of growth the Minister said: “The construction industry is vitally

important to the economy in Northern Ireland, employing nearly 60,000 people. The figures published today are very encouraging, with a notable increase in new work here signalling an important step in the recovery of the local building trade. New work accounted for a 6% growth which can be seen across Northern Ireland with new building work underway in the housing and commercial sector.

“Northern Ireland is showing positive signs of growth in the construction sector, with an overall increase of 3.9% on the last three months of 2014, which is the highest level of growth reported for almost two years.”

Simon Hamilton concluded: “Public sector investment is a substantial part of total construction investment. This

investment shows the Executive’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure projects that will improve public services, support the construction sector and boost the Northern Ireland economy.”

The NISRA statistical bulletin provides users with the latest estimates of construction output carried out in Northern Ireland for Q4 2014. It excludes work carried out by Northern Ireland Construction firms in other parts of the UK or elsewhere. Output is defined as the amount charged by construction firms to customers for value of work excluding VAT. The total volume of construction output in Northern Ireland in the final quarter of 2014 increased by 3.9% compared to Q3 2014 and was 7.0% higher compared to the same quarter in 2013. The volume of construction output in Q4 2014

was the highest level of output reported for almost two years.

Most of the increase in the overall output was accounted for by an increase in New Work.

Over the quarter, the volume of New Work increased by 6.0%. In contrast, Repair & Maintenance fell slightly by 0.7%.

There was a sharp increase of 8.5% in Housing Output which was accompanied by a 3.6% rise in Infrastructure Output. Other Work Output decreased by 2.8%.

In Q4 2014, overall construction output in GB decreased by 2.1% on the previous quarter.

In Q4 2014, the level of construction output in Northern Ireland was at 89.7% of the average output reported in 2011. In Great Britain, overall construction output in Q4 2014 was at 99.5% of the average output reported in 2011.

Subway Support Super Skilled Apprentices Skillbuild NI, organised and co-ordinated by CITB NI, is held annually with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills.

The sponsorship arrangement will see Subway branding and presence at the annual SkillBuild NI National Finals with both a financial contribution to assist the running of the event and the provision of fresh food for the competitors.

Commenting on the sponsorship deal David Cooper, Director, Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) said “This is fantastic news. To have Subway as a sponsor of the largest regional construction vocation competition in the UK brings a whole different perspective to the brand of SkillBuild NI. We are absolutely delighted that Subway decided to support the competition and we believe the partnership can be recognised as a natural development into promoting healthy eating to the wider audience who attend SkillBuild NI plus its exposure to the construction industry and the Northern Ireland Training Network with its 90,000 students.

Pictured are David Cooper, CITB NI, Philip Kernohan a Cabinet Making Competitor, NRC, and Damian Havlin, Subway launching the Subway and Skillbuild sponsorship deal.

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Public investment needed for sustained growth: Hays

By Mark Wade, Director at Hays in Northern Ireland

Public sector construction needs a radical boost in order to retain local workforce, according to Mark Wade, Director at Hays in Northern Ireland... sector alone cannot drive its growth. The Northern Ireland Executive has to make difficult decisions regarding the distribution of available, albeit reduced, pots of money. However, it is essential to voice the concerns of employers and job seekers in the construction sector and highlight that a broadbased economic recovery will only happen with the urgent injection of public sector investment into the construction industry and new major capital infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on retaining homegrown talent.

In the short to medium term, local construction businesses Construction growth is one of the key indicators of a nation’s economic health. The findings of the recent RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey - at first glance – offer some encouraging news.

The workloads balance for Northern Ireland in the first quarter of 2015 stood in positive territory.

This appears reassuring but the survey goes on to show that growth in the local private construction market has been hampered by a significant fall in infrastructure workloads.

Although private sector output is improving, it is worrying that the increase in local firms’ business activity has been mostly driven by contracts won in England and Scotland. In the absence of public sector construction works (schools, hospitals, roads etc), the concern is that skills shortages will deepen as workforce seeps across to mainland UK. Although the residential property market’s steady progress points to a welcome normalisation of our construction economy, the private

are likely to continue to seek new contracts outside of Northern Ireland whilst availing of opportunities within the recovering housing market. But only decisive action at local government level can protect our construction industry from the dangers of a co-dependent relationship with external markets, which include the loss of a valued, locally-educated workforce.

Unlocking new thinking around the development of political strategies to boost growth within the Northern Ireland construction economy could be especially beneficial in terms of increasing

local firms’ activity and as a result creating jobs locally. For instance, RICS Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collins, has suggested that local government agencies should consider alternative methods of finance such as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

In the longer term, the Executive should work to ensure our local construction industry can actively play its part in promoting an overall economic recovery in Northern Ireland – and so reduce the gap between the local and other UK markets.

For further information visit hays. co.uk/northernireland

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Gerflor sponsor RIAI Awards 2015 International flooring specialist Gerflor are proud to be sponsoring and supporting the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland (RIAI) awards programme 2015.

The RIAI seeks to provide architects with the professional training, education and research support required to consolidate the role of the RIAI. The annual awards are there to promote the best of the best and the categories include everything from; Commercial/Retail projects through to Education, Health Leisure, Housing, Public Buildings and Sustainability.

The annual awards are therefore very prestigious and the competition for shortlisting is extremely fierce.

Sponsoring these awards for Gerflor is synonymous with their commitment to quality and innovation.

The programme will see a call for entries, with the RIAI assessment panel sitting in May of this year in order to create a shortlist. This is followed by a public choice vote campaign launched on the RIAI and Gerflor websites, with the final awards announced in June.

The Public Choice winner will be announced on RTE Morning Ireland and all the award winners will be announced and presented with an award at a ceremony in the Wood Quay Venue, which is an exciting development in the heart of Dublin city centre.

New Schueco guide will assist in obtaining breeam certification With sustainability becoming increasingly important in the design and construction of new buildings, Schueco has produced a Guide and comprehensive set of documents to assist architects in the selection of Schueco aluminium windows, doors and façades best suited for BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) projects.

BREEAM has over 200,000 buildings currently certified with another 700,000 registered, making it the world’s most widely used standard for best practice in sustainable design. As well as explaining the fundamental aspects of BREEAM and the scoring system, the Guide demonstrates the influence Schueco products can have on the various BREEAM categories where credits are scored – the main ones being Management, Health and Wellbeing, Energy, Materials and Waste.

The BREEAM concept is concerned with the whole life of a building from responsible disposal of materials from brown-field sites, through to final recycling at the end of the building’s life. Schueco describes this holistic approach, which covers the entire life-cycle of a building, as ‘360o sustainability’.

In addition, Schueco is able to offer specific project-related information such as EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) as part of supporting documentation. This provides data, for example, for GWP, ODP, energy use and water consumption for the specific products being manufactured.

Taken from Schueco’s powerful software system SchüCal 2014 - which creates manufacturing data - ‘U’ values and Declarations of Performance documents can also be produced at the touch of a button. So for every BREEAM project, Schueco UK can assist in selecting the optimum products for the desired outcome. For more information, please email mkinfobox@schueco.com

AD Group on TfL Shortlist Mid-Ulster based AD Group has been shortlisted for SWIP’s Stake:Aspire Programme. SWIP is a subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL) who deliver all projects from fitting out shops and repairing bridges, to refurbishing tube stations.

TfL have a massive redevelopment and modernisation programme including projects at Kings Cross, Blackfriars and Paddington and have already modernised 66 stations and provided 47 new trains on District, Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines.

Rebuilding and modernising many more of their stations is the next phase.

AD Group have already amassed considerable experience through their involvement in the Etihad Rail Network where they assisted on the huge infrastructure development including civils and many of the ancillary accommodation buildings connected therewith. Damian Walls, MD of AD Group told Specify that, “This experience in transport related projects is why SWIP and TfL were interested in giving us an opportunity of tendering the work.”

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Metal Technology products showcase Fire Service in Omagh A wide range of Metal Technology products has been installed at The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's (NIFRS) new Community Fire Station and District Headquarters in Omagh.

The station was designed by HLM Architects and represents the first of a series of innovative stations. It is equipped with an incident command room that will be used during major incidents or as a multi-agency facility where a co-ordinated response is required. The station will also be used for multi-agency resilience planning and emergency training exercises and has a dedicated transport and engineering workshop that is utilised by all 20 fire stations in Western Area Command.

Integral to the design brief, Metal Technology’s System 17 Latitude curtain walling system delivered a strong aesthetic appeal to the expansive all-glass façade that combines structural integrity with weather performance and thermal enhancement. Interior comfort and environment management is enhanced by Metal Technology’s System 22 Brise Soleil and System 23 louvres.

The glass facade is further complemented by System 4-35 Hi casement windows, System 10 commercial doors and System 5-20DHi + high performance doors, offering a combination of security and performance whilst meeting the design requirements of the building.

Education experts build on record Irish performance in UK market Western Build, known throughout the country for dozens of successful construction projects in education and health, have commenced another significant project in England as part of expansion plans.

Since 2011 Western Build have completed over 14 major school construction projects with a total contract value in excess of £65M and have become a major player in the sector.

As part of ambitious expansion plans to grow

the company which was established over 30 years ago, Western Build recently commenced a contract to deliver a new standalone Post 16 Centre building at Garth Hill College in Bracknell, Berkshire. The new extension at Garth Hill will free up existing sixth form space in the main school building for conversion into classrooms to meet the increase in Year 7 to 11 pupils from 270 to 312. The new build design, construction, fit-out, associated services and external works will all be completed by Western. Notable features

include a large atrium space with walkways and bridges, with a range of external claddings including curtain walling, glazed brick and rain screen cladding.

Declan McCloskey, Director at Western Build commented “The Gareth Hill project marks a significant step forward in our expansion plans.

Western Build are very clear on our strategy to not be the biggest but be the best, our track record is very solid and testimonials provide a glowing reference to our approach.”

KCC Architectural announced as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies KCC Architectural has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards programme. KCC, which demonstrated superior business performance for the second year running was recognised at an Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin recently. The awards, held in association with Barclays Bank Ireland, were attended by over 800 from the Irish business community. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD, gave a keynote address at the awards gala.

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, in association with Barclays Bank Ireland, recognises indigenous Irish companies across Ireland which are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

The Best Managed Companies Awards Programme was created to recognise the overall success of a company, including management strength, ability to innovate, strategic initiatives and financial performance.

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Time for construction contractors to get creative with their community The annual Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition run by the Considerate Constructors Scheme has returned for its third year, encouraging contractors to engage with their local communities by asking them to design and decorate hoardings, turning them into works of art.

The popular competition, fronted by industry mascot Ivor Goodsite, is now open for entries and available to any site, company or supplier registered with the Scheme.

The competition provides an opportunity for people of all ages to showcase their passion for art and design with the added bonus of

the decorated hoardings becoming a much-loved feature in their respective towns.

Construction sites, companies and suppliers who are interested in getting involved have until the 1st May to complete an entry form.

Contractors should then organise an event with a school, children’s club or other local groups to design and decorate their hoarding based around a chosen theme.

Last year, the five winning sites chose themes that resonated with their community which included ‘Environment’, ‘Welsh Wildlife’, ‘Football’, ‘Fields and Wildlife of Broadclyst’ and ‘Animals, Princesses, Heroes and Skips’.

Armagh company launches Pallet Safe A new product aimed at protecting goods in transit which could improve the materials handling and construction sector has been launched by a Northern Ireland-based engineering firm.

A27 Engineering Equipment and materials being loaded onto a van using the new Pallet Safe system from A27 Engineering. from County Armagh has designed an innovative and easy way to stack pallets in transport containers and in final destination locations such as warehouses and stores which can save both time and money.

Known as Pallet Safe, the fully patented system, which has been designed by company managing director, David Wright, provides a solid frame around pallets, optimising the packing process whilst providing a safer solution to the transportation and storage of goods.

“We are very excited about the launch of this new product which we feel will allow us to significantly grow our engineering business both at home and in markets outside of the Province,” said David. “The system is very versatile which makes it suitable for use in a number of different industry sectors ranging from agri-food to construction.”

Manufactured from steel, each unit simply clips together and can be assembled in under two minutes. The top loading deck is comprised of aluminium which allows for easy handling.

“We have made considerable investment in developing this new product and our objective now is to target the opportunities which we feel exist in numerous sectors of industry, not just locally but at an international level,” continued David. “Whilst it’s early days we will be hoping to add to our workforce in the not too distance future and we are fully geared up to meet the anticipated demand for the product.”

Brett Martin checks in the light at Heathrow t2a Brett Martin Trilite GRP rooflights on Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2A

Natural light has played a key role in the design of Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2A which forms part of the £2.5 billion Terminal 2 development. For a terminal expected to accommodate 20 million passengers a year, a light and appealing interior environment was essential which led to the specification of rooflights from the UK and Ireland’s leading rooflight manufacturer, Brett Martin.

The specification for the Kalzip aluminium roof included Brett Martin GRP Trilite rooflights to add light into this stunning passenger terminal and reduce the need for natural lighting.

The iconic wave form roof features 10 raised ‘eyebrow’ sections and includes almost 1,500 metres of Brett Martin Trilite rooflights on the downslopes of the most westerly wave sections which cover the West Passenger Forecourt. Each rooflight measures 24 metres long, with six installed in each of the first nine sections whilst the tenth section has 8 Trilite rooflights, all of which were assembled on site. The design also included a handrail and walkway system around the rooflights to allow for maintenance and cleaning.

GRP allows a more even spread of daylight, illuminating the terminal while eliminating the risk of hot spots and solar glare which could disturb the public. Comprising a liner panel and outer weather sheet, along with an option to include an intermediate sheet to form a triple skin, the built up profiled rooflight is ideal for pitched or gently sloping roofs such as the wave form shaped roof at Terminal 2A.

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Familiarise Yourself With the New CDM Regulations 2015 David Stevenson, Construction Centre of Excellence Leader at Willis Insurance and Risk Management

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nyone working in the construction industry should be familiar with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations Northern Ireland 2007 (CDM)—they place legal duties on almost everyone involved in construction work.

By assigning responsibility and establishing guidelines for safe work, the CDM Regulations help improve on-site health and safety, ensure your employees are competent, and support your risk management strategies.

But the CDM Regulations are about to change— the HSE believes the new CDM Regulations will simplify the existing regulations, reduce paperwork, and improve health and safety standards on smaller construction sites.

Neglecting to familiarise yourself with the changes could be disastrous—non-compliance increases your employees’ chances of suffering an accident, threatens the integrity of your finished structure, generates fines, and could even lead to prosecution. Some of the relevant

changes in the new CDM Regulations going into effect include the following: Replacing the CDM co-ordinator role – Under CDM 2007 the co-ordinator was responsible for facilitating communication between dutyholders and liaising with the HSE, and were only required for certain types of projects. To simplify things, the HSE is replacing the co-ordinator role with the principal designer, meaning that an existing member of the design team will be responsible for coordinating the crucial pre-construction phase.

Granting the client more responsibility – Clients (people

who are having construction or building work carried out) will be responsible for notifying the HSE if on-site construction work will exceed 30 working days and have more than 20 employees working simultaneously or if the project will exceed 50 working days. For the first time domestic clients (people who have construction work carried out on their own home) have responsibilities under the new CDM Regulations.

Requiring written Construction Phase Plans – Clients must now ensure that their Contractors provide a written Construction Phase Plan before any work commences—this applies to smaller and domestic

projects which were previously exempt from the CDM Regulations.

As a leader in the field of Health and Safety in Ireland, North and South, Willis Insurance and Risk Management’s Consulting division can provide you with the assistance to pre-empt accidents via effective Health & Safety training courses.

We also help clients by carrying out an inspection of the workplace with the employer to advise where improvements need to be made.

For more detailed guidance on the CDM Regulations 2015 and how to comply, contact David Stevenson at Willis Insurance and Risk Management on 028 9032 9042 or email davids@willisinsurance.co.uk

For further information contact David Stevenson, Construction Centre of Excellence Leader on:

Tel: 028 9089 1974 Email: davids@willisinsurance.co.uk Web: www.willisinsurance.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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Combilift announce 200 new jobs and €40million investment An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD recently announced the creation of 200 new jobs over the next five years by Combilift as part of a €40 million investment by the company over the next two years in building a new, state-of-theart, greenfield manufacturing site. The majority of the 200 jobs to be created in the next five years will be for skilled technicians and design engineers. A further 200 jobs will be created during the two year construction period of the new facility.

This investment programme has been supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland and will position Combilift to double its current €150 million turnover over the next five years. The company currently employs over 300 people between its current facilities in Monaghan town and in Clontibret.

Combilift has recently purchased 40 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Monaghan by-pass with plans to invest €40 million in building a purpose-built, 40,000 square meter, greenfield global HQ and manufacturing facility with a devoted Research & Development building and adjoining back office facilities. Combilift is best known for its wide range of multi-directional forklifts, AisleMaster articulated forklifts and other innovative material handling solutions such as the Combilift Straddle Carrier, designed to handle large containers and oversized loads. The company was set up by Managing Director Martin Mc Vicar and Technical Director Robert Moffett in 1998 and thanks to the continued 7% investment of turnover in R&D they export innovative products to over 75 countries.

Managing Director Martin McVicar addresses the officials.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny announces the 200 new jobs at Combilift.

Minister Heather Humphrys , Taoiseach Enda Kenny and MD Martin McVicar on the manufacturing line.

Martin McVicar, Enda Kenny and Robert Moffett.

Caoimhghin O’Caolain TD, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Heather Humphrys TD, Richard Bruton TD, Tom Kelly, Enterprise Ireland, Robert Moffett, Director and Martin McVicar MD.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

NVIR-O-CERT Continuous Improvement Event

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he Construction Employer’s Federation (CEF) held its first annual NVIR-O-CERT Continuous Improvement event on 26 February 2015 at the Ramada Plaza in Belfast.

Aimed at construction companies that have an interest in improving their business by enhancing their own environmental performance and that of their supply chain, there was a range of interesting speakers providing insights and perspectives to help companies achieve their business goals.

The keynote speaker was Terry A’hearn, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) who discussed current environmental regulation and what firms can expect in the future. Other speakers included Martin Baxter, Executive Director of Policy at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment; Ashley Hurst, Lead Auditor for NVIR-O-CERT; Eamonn Keaveney, Project Officer, STEM; and environmental consultant, Richard Robinson.

Picking up an Environmental Improvement Award was Owen McMackin of McMackin Contracts, who spoke of the benefits his company has already reaped from their recent NVIR-O-CERT certification.

NVIR-O-CERT is a scheme that provides a route for smaller construction companies to achieve environmental accreditation whilst helping larger companies to distinguish themselves as environmental leaders. The scheme aims

to keep paperwork to a minimum and instead focuses on good environmental performance in practice and improving business performance.

More information about NVIR-O-CERT can be found on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

From left to right: Terry A’Hearn (Chief Executive NIEA), Owen McMackin, McMackin Contracts, John Armstrong (CEF Managing Director)

NVIR-O-CERT Officially Recognised by CPD

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VIR-O-CERT, the constructionspecific environmental management system, has been officially recognised by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) as meeting the requirements for public procurement in Northern Ireland.

From 1 April 2016, all construction works contracts procured by a Government Construction Clients will include a requirement that all main contractors seeking to tender shall have and maintain an environmental management system (EMS) certified by a third party.

CPD in conjunction with the Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPEs) will approve and accept third party accreditation of an EMS provided that • it is based on a recognised standard e.g. ISO 14001, BS8555 or equivalent; it is construction focused incorporating site inspections; and • the third party certification body is accredited or recognised. NVIR-OCERT meets these criteria so main contractors who do not currently operate a recognised environmental management system are encouraged to start the process of getting NVIR-O-CERT now to ensure certification before next April.

NVIR-O-CERT has been developed by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and is supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the leading environmental professional body, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). The key characteristics of the scheme are as follows: • Construction specific • Low cost • Focused on what you do on site, rather than on paperwork • Creating standardised Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for environmental Performance in construction • Designed to benefit companies of all sizes but with a particular focus on SMEs • Proportionate to the size and risk profile of a company • Based on continuous improvement • Promoting the environmental knowledge and skills of staff To find out more about NVIR-O-CERT and to apply to register with the scheme visit the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk For more information on environmental management systems requirements in construction procurement, visit the Central Procurement Directorate website www.dfpni.gov.uk/cpd

Celebrations at CEF’s 70th Anniversary Dinner and Dance The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) 70th Anniversary Dinner and Dance, held on Friday 24 April at Titanic Belfast, has been heralded as a resounding success. Around 350 guests enjoyed an evening of 1940s themed celebrations which was rounded off with a string of hits from one of Northern Ireland’s leading swing bands which kept the dance floor full to the end of the night.

The event was kindly sponsored by Carson McDowell, Crescent Specialist Recruitment, ASM Chartered Accountants and Investec.

From left to right John Armstrong (CEF Managing Director), Rhona Quinn (CEF President), Danny Kennedy (Minister for Regional Development)

Cautious response to increased construction output figures

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he latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin was published in April by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The bulletin provides the official estimates of construction output in Northern Ireland for Q4 2014. Work carried out by construction firms outside Northern Ireland is not included.

The bulletin shows that the total volume of construction in the fourth quarter of 2014 increased by 3.9% compared to Q3 2014. Construction output has increased by 7% year on year (Q4 2014 compared to Q4 2013). Despite the latest improvement, the recent levels of construction output remain well below the historical levels with current levels approximately half that of those reported before the downturn in 2007.

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “The increase in construction output in the final quarter of 2014 is positive news for the local industry. Overall, 2014 marks the first year since 2007 in which output has not significantly declined year on year. It is too early to say for certain, but we firmly hope that this means we have reached the bottom.”

“It is encouraging to see the increase in new housing output however it must be remembered that this is coming from an exceptionally low base. Five and a half thousand new homes were completed last year. Government figures suggest we need to be delivering over thirteen thousand per annum to meet need. Northern Ireland is facing a major problem in housing supply.”

“The big challenge for the year ahead is to get the recovery started as construction work on the ground in Northern Ireland remains at historically low levels. Whilst private housing and commercial output are expected to increase, the greatest threat to a recovery in 2015 is the reduction of over twenty per cent in capital spending on public building and infrastructure projects.”

Spring 2015 Local Association Round Up

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he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) completed its round of spring local association meetings in April. The meetings were designed to give members an update on the Federation’s work but more importantly to help set the direction of the Federation’s work over the coming year. Members were provided with the opportunity to discuss the issues that are affecting their business and to hear from others in the sector. The spring meetings also facilitated nominations to the Federation’s Council and the four standing Committees.

There were a wide range of important issues raised by members including: • Engagement with each new Local Council on planning and their role as client, including procurement.

• Engagement with members regarding the current review of social clauses and wider review of sustainability clauses later in the year.

• Keeping members up to date with developments regarding Financial Transactions Capital and the Northern Ireland Investment Fund.

CPD launch new online tender system

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new online tender system for public sector contracts is being launched by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD). By using eTendersNI contractors will only have to answer core questions once, by completing a supplier profile certificate online, which will

be retained by eTendersNI. Contractors can also be kept up to date on new tender opportunities, relevant to them, by registering for e-mail alerts. eSourcingNI will continue to run in parallel with the new system until all government departments complete the changeover to eTendersNI. Contractors should therefore

check both systems in the interim and register separately with the new system. Registration can be completed on the eTendersNI home page www.etendersni.gov.uk CEF plans to host an eTendersNI roadshow in the coming months.

Further information is available on the Department of Finance and Personnel website www.dfpni.gov.uk/cpd.

News in Brief...

CEF responds to CDM Consultation Following consultation with members the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has finalised its response to the HSENI consultation on proposals for the replacement of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007.

The main proposed changes to the legislation were to: • make the Regulations easier to understand; • replace the CDM co-ordinator role with the principal designer; • replace the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) with targeted guidance; • replace explicit competence requirements with a specific requirement for appropriate skills, knowledge, training and experience; • align notification requirements with the Directive and apply the Regulations to domestic clients in a proportionate way.

Historically the regulations in Northern Ireland have mirrored the regulations in Great Britain. However following a consultation period updated regulations, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, came into force in GB on 6 April 2015.

HSE(NI) have indicated they have received a varied response and plan to meet with respondents to the consultation in the near future to reach a consensus view.

The full response can be found on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

CEF would like to acknowledge the input of the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG) into the response.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

Managing Shared Parental Leave

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he Work and Families Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 came into force at the start of April and will give effect to the Shared Parental Leave Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) is a new legal entitlement for eligible parents of babies due, or children placed for adoption, on or after, 5 April 2014. SPL enables parents to share the caring responsibilities for their child in its first year and take time off work in a more flexible way. The new rules also provide for Shared Parental Pay (ShPP).

CEF’s legal partner, Carson McDowell, has prepared a guidance note to help Federation members meet their duties in relation to shared parental leave and pay.

The note also explains how to best manage these new rights for employees.

For the full guidance note visit the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

CEF Urges Minister to Act Now on Holiday Pay Changes The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment & Learning, on 22 April 2015 to urge the Minister to introduce legislation to limit retrospective holiday pay claims to a maximum of two years as an urgent and absolute priority. In GB legislation is being introduced in the summer.

A ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal in November 2014 called into question the standard practice by employers in the UK of calculating holiday pay in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996.

The Tribunal’s ruling stated that holiday pay should be calculated on the basis of “normal remuneration” and that this should be given a wider definition than just basic pay.

It also raised the possibility of claims for retrospective holiday pay.

The CEF, in association with our legal partner Carson McDowell LLP, issued a series of briefing notes, outlining the changes to the calculation of holiday pay and the CEF’s view on which payments in the Working Rules Agreement “Blue Book” should be counted for EU holiday pay purposes and which should not.

The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) met in late April to discuss changes required to the Blue Book and a Promulgation Notice will be issued in the coming weeks.

The briefing notes are available on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

BIM Level 2 by April 2016

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he Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) has confirmed that from 1 April 2016 larger construction projects procured by Northern Ireland Government Construction Clients will be delivered to BIM Level 2.

The official notification is available on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is currently piloting a detailed BIM training programme for members entitled “BIM - From Theory to Practice”. The intensive programme consists of five full day workshops and an assessment.

The programme starts on 5 June 2015 and ends on 3 July 2015.

The first workshop will be held at the offices of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), Belfast, and the remaining four workshops will take place at the Newry Campus of the Southern Regional College. The Programme Director is Colin Smyth and the Lead Tutor is Peter Monaghan.

Places on the pilot programme will be limited to ten and each company may only send one representative. Places will be allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis.

For further details contact Kathryn Webb at KathrynW@cefni.co.uk or 028 9087 7143.

Proposed Changes to Regulation of Housing Associations

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n March 2015 the Department for Social Development published a consultation paper entitled ‘Proposals for a New Regulatory Framework for Social Housing Providers in Northern Ireland’. The proposals set out the framework that will be used to regulate housing activities and services provided by social landlords. The proposed changes to regulation in this area may be of interest to contractors and builders interested in the delivery of new build social housing and the repair/maintenance of social housing.

The full consultation paper can be found on the Department of Social Development website www.dsdni.gov.uk The closing date for the consultation period is Wednesday 10 June 2015. CEF will be submitting a response and is calling on members to provide input. Please send all comments to Jonathan Caughey (JCaughey@cefni.co.uk) by Friday 29 May 2015.

Training and Events Programme May - June 2015 Month

Date

Duration

May

Health and Safety (CSR courses) Essential Health and Safety for Senior Executives

21 May

½ day

NEC3 Compensation Events Masterclass

12 May

1 day

Essential Health and Safety for Managers Refresher

22 May

½ day

A Practical Guide to JCT Design & Build 2011

13 May

1 day

Essential Health and Safety for Managers

2 days

An Estimators Introduction to the NEC3

20 May

1 day

5 & 12 June

Effective Risk Assessments and Method Statements

26 May

½ day

Essential Health and Safety for Senior Executives

18 June

½ day

Essential Health and Safety for Managers Refresher

26 June

½ day

June Spill Kit Training

2 June

2 hrs

A Practical Guide to JCT Minor Works 2011

3 June

1 day

Practical Steps to Manage Risk and Reduce Insurance Costs

9 June

2 hrs

NEC3 A Users Guide

24 June

1 day

Level 4 Facilities Management Training Programme

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ollowing the success of the initial programme, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is again working in collaboration with MOL, one of the UK’s leading providers of professional learning programmes, to bring the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Level 4 Facilities Management Training Programme to Northern Ireland.

This programme presents a unique opportunity for local companies to gain a competitive advantage in the market by being able to demonstrate the FM sectorspecific skills of its staff.

For further details contact Kathryn Webb at KathrynW@cefni.co.uk or 028 9087 7143.

Please visit our Events Calendar at www.cefni.co.uk for further information on forthcoming courses/seminars We would be pleased to discuss any other management or professional training requirements you might have.

For further information phone 028 9087 7141 or e-mail cfs@cefni.co.uk

Guide to the New Public Contracts Regulations 2015

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he Public Contracts Regulations 2015 came into force on 26 February 2015 and will apply to public procurements advertised from that date onward. The Regulations introduce a number of changes which contractors should be aware of. It should be noted that utilities e.g. NI Water, are not covered by these regulations.

To view the new Public Contracts Regulations Guide visit the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

Limitations on the use of Z Clauses become policy

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From left to right: Brian Taylor (H & J Martin), Colin Gordon (Managing Director, MOL Learn), John Armstrong (Managing Director, CEF)

he Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) issued a Procurement Guidance Note on 13 February 2015 which restricts the use of NEC3 Z Clauses on public sector contracts. This policy should substantially reduce the degree of risk transfer in contracts procured by Government Construction Clients.

Significant progress has been made as a result of long running engagement with CPD. CEF has however formally written to CPD to highlight concerns that remain and it has been agreed that the Guidance should be reviewed in August 2015 to measure its effectiveness and consider further revisions.

The Procurement Guidance Note on the Standardisation of NEC3 Z Clauses is available on the Central Procurement Directorate website www.dfpni.gov.uk/cpd.

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

143 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SU

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Tel: 028 9087 7143

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Fax: 028 9087 7155

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www.cefni.co.uk

finance |49

In the last edition of Specify, we asked some of the top people in construction in Northern Ireland what they thought would help the industry... Finance Minister Simon Hamilton gives his reply...

“Construction Industry vitally important to the NI economy”

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he construction industry is vitally important to the economy in Northern Ireland, employing nearly 60,000 people. I recognise the fundamental need to invest in our infrastructure and while I am acutely aware of the difficulties the industry has faced over the last number of years, it is encouraging that public sector investment now represents 51% of total construction investment. This represents an 11% increase from 2007 levels.

Northern Ireland departments delivered gross capital spend of £1.3bn in 2013-14 and are on course to deliver gross capital spend of £1.5bn in this financial year - a huge sum in any context, but especially in the current climate.

The construction industry will see the benefits of recently allocated funding for capital projects. In the remainder of this financial year, the Executive made capital allocations of some £27.2 million for construction related projects, including: £7 million to the Department for Social Development to invest in social housing; £6.4 million to my Department to advance the Asset Management Strategy; £5.4 million to the Department of Education towards the purchase of a school site and updated schools’ IT equipment; £3.0 million to the Department for Regional Development for roads structural maintenance.

Northern Ireland departments now have final capital budget allocations for 2015-16. My ministerial colleagues have their own priorities and the capital position, while founded on specific projects and programmes, will be provided as a capital envelope within which ministers can allocate as they see fit. However, it is worth highlighting a few of the major projects that

will be funded. In Health, these projects include: the new Regional Children’s Hospital; the Maternity new build and the Critical Care block at the Royal Victoria Hospital; Phase B of the Ulster Hospital; Omagh Local Hospital Phase 1; and Altnagelvin Phase 5.

Other projects include major road schemes such as the A2 Greenisland; A8 Belfast to Larne; A26 Glarryford; and the A31 Magherafelt Bypass. These projects have all received funding alongside the Belfast Rapid Transit Scheme.

Significant funding has also been provided to the Department of Education for various school schemes and the Department for Social Development received allocations for both new build social housing and co-ownership.

This range of construction projects show the Executive’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure projects that will improve public services, support the construction sector and boost the Northern Ireland economy.

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digest

Glasstastic Service from Apeer Orders for Apeer’s bespoke glass artwork service are booming The company, which has its own in-house glass studio and employs a team of 13 decorative glass technicians, says the improving economy along with growing awareness of the service have resulted in a surge of orders.

Apeer is also one of the very few UK-based door manufacturers – if not the only one – that hand crafts its standard glazing designs to order and offers a completely bespoke glass design service.

Already ahead of the field in terms of an almost unlimited colour offer and leading edge construction, Apeer’s reputation for decorative glass panels provides retailers with yet another point of difference for their customers.

Says Lisa McClean, head of the in-house studio for Apeer: “Our bespoke work is becoming increasingly popular with people who really want to give their homes an individual look. They do that in all sorts of ways – from pictures of their pets or a favourite landmark to one we did recently with the couple’s

names on it.

“We’re even fairly flexible about small changes to our standard designs – something we are able to do because each one is made to order.

“It means homeowners can create their own truly unique entrance system – something we are not aware that anyone else offers.

“Obviously every piece of work we do is very time consuming and bespoke designs can add extra time onto the process, so we cost these according to the complexity of the design.”

Reinforcing its position as a luxury end producer, Apeer’s glass studio is part of the company’s start-to-finish manufacturing facility at Ballymena in Northern Ireland.

Bespoke designs for glass panels, sidelights and windows are individually drawn up in consultation with the homeowner but its standard glass designs are all featured on the company’s ‘Doorbuilder’ software system which is available to all Apeer stockists.

For more information about Apeer visit www.apeer.co.uk.

Lidl Announces Expansion plans at Connswater Complex Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park has received a major boost following the announcement that grocery retailer Lidl has plans for a multi-million pound expansion at its store in east Belfast. The investment would create up to 15 new jobs for the local area if planning is approved.

Lidl will relocate within the retail park to a newly refurbished store, which is set to be ultramodern in design, and increase the store size significantly to occupy 23,000 sq. ft. on a 25 year lease.

It will be modelled on the recent openings in Lisburn’s Bentrim Road and Belfast’s High Street.

Since arriving in Northern Ireland in 1999 Lidl has opened 38 stores across the country.

Lidl’s expansion is one of several notable deals to have taken place recently at Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park. Halfords has confirmed that it will occupy unit 10 with a 9,500 sq. ft. store on a ten year lease, while Carpetright has signed a lease on unit 2 which is 3,098 sq. ft.

Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at Lambert Smith Hampton who acted on behalf of the landlord on the transaction, said: “The recent activity at Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, most notably the significant plans for expansion and job creation by Lidl, demonstrates that it is a successful edge of city retail location. We anticipate that further investment will come forward as a direct result of these good news stories.”

Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, and Gerry Monaghan, manager of Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, join Paul Gibson, sales operations executive for Lidl NI, to announce that grocery retailer Lidl has plans for a multi-million pound expansion at its store in Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park.

product news |63 HOT NEWS FROM APEER

ADDITION TO SCHUECO RANGE OF PASSIVE HOUSE CERTIFIED SYSTEMS

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ew World Developments, the parent company of Apeer, has launched a new and upgraded version of its 30-minute composite fire door.

Isolate2 features even greater thermal efficiency with improved u-values, double instead of single glazed units and an improved finish for a better looking door Isolate2 is a 44mm thick door leaf made up of two GRP skins with an engineered timber core set into a 70mm hardwood frame which is tested to BS EN 942. It is completely maintenance free and features multipoint, high security locking mechanisms and discreet flush fit 2D hinges.

It is also suitable for meeting the legal requirement for a fire door in homes with an internal garage access door.

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ewly available from leading sustainable building envelope specialist, Schueco UK Limited, is the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ window, one of a growing number of Schueco window, door and façade systems to have received full Passive House Certification.

The window’s outstanding thermal performance – it delivers a U value of 0.8 W/m2K with 0.7 W/m2K triple glazing – is the result of advanced insulation technology and enables it to make a positive contribution to the overall energy efficiency of a building.

In addition to its attractive appearance, Schueco AvanTec concealed fittings impart an impressive degree of security, helping the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ system to deliver either RC 2 or RC 3 levels of burglar resistance to EN 1627.

Two other windows in the AWS 90 window range, the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ Green and the Schueco AWS 90 BS.SI+, have thermal insulation to Passive House levels.

PARTY ON WITH KNAUF INSULATION

Hunter Douglas facades represent a rich heritage and tradition of innovation

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nauf Insulation’s Supafil Party Wall Insulation has been awarded with a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate. This is the first BBA certificate for an existing party wall solution. Supafil Party Wall Insulation has been specifically designed as a full fill insulation solution for separating party cavity walls, in new and existing buildings.

Knauf Insulation’s Supafil Party Wall insulation is a proven solution to eliminate heat loss (known as party wall thermal bypass) in uninsulated party wall cavities in new and existing homes.

It also has good sound absorption characteristics, which helps to ensure that when a party wall is upgraded it complies with the requirements of Approved Document Part E of the Building Regulations - designed to protect occupants from noise in adjoining rooms or buildings.

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global leader in architectural building products such as window coverings, wall cladding and ceiling systems, Hunter Douglas also has a rich tradition of manufacturing high quality ventilated façade systems.

From Multiple Panel to Quadroclad, Hunter Douglas facades offer an unparalleled degree of design freedom through the availability of shapes, joint options, materials, finishes and colours.

Quadroclad consists of honeycomb core panels with facings in coated or anodized aluminium, zinc and stainless steel. MPF, or Multiple Panel Format, offers a plank style, single skin panel in the same range of metals as Quadroclad. It is a versatile panel with widths from 150mm to 600mm x 6metre maximum length.

Häfele UK has launched new 3 in 1 Hot Tap

Saniflo publishes new Professional Range Solutions diagram

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he 3 in 1 Hot Tap provides a jet flow stream of cold and hot water with a separate channel for piping hot water (98°C) delivery all from one tap. Innovative design means there is no surge during draw off and no spluttering. Piping hot water is delivered instantly, compared to unvented systems in which 10-20ml of cold water remains in the tap body.

Its compact tank fits comfortably under most kitchen sink units and takes just 15 minutes to provide up to 5 litres of piping hot water.

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ith a growing trend for multi functional commercial buildings creating a demand for clever plumbing solutions, the experts at Saniflo have designed a new graphic illustrating how the Saniflo professional range meets the need for robust products in demanding situations.

The diagram shows drainage solutions for a four storey commercial building with gym, offices, a café, WC facilities and showers and suggests a combination of Saniflo pumps and macerators to be used to guarantee heavy, continuous use anywhere a water supply can reach.

digest

64|

New business pumps through Laois Hire with Selwood agency win 'A strong brand partnership between family-run companies’ have a commitment to quality brands and so adding Selwood to their portfolio makes sense, and it also opens up new market channels both in Ireland and internationally.

“We are seeing quarries gear-up which has been swiftly followed by construction gearing up. This is reflected in the growth in our pumps division and there can be no doubt we are seeing signs of rapid construction growth, lacking for the past seven years in Ireland, and so it’s fair to say our partnership with Laois Hire is timely.”

Pictured at the announcement of Laois Hire’s new Selwood agency win for Ireland are Adrian Burke, Senior Pump Plant Fitter, Laois Hire; Keith McCann, Manager Laois Hire, Ireland Pump Division; Paul Mann, Director Client Services, Selwood and Michael Killeen, Managing Director Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland

Laois Hire has won the agency for Selwood pumps in Ireland and has already placed a significant six-figure order. That order reflects what Paul Mann, Client Director of Selwood describes as, “the revival of the Irish construction sector – both public and private.”

Laois Hire has already grown Selwood’s Irish business base and this is set to continue with highprofile contract wins most notably large-scale road building projects such as the M17/M18 Tuam to Gort motorway in Galway, the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway as well cleaning rivers and canals with Waterways Ireland.

Founded in 1946, Selwood is now a £50m turnover company employing 420 staff throughout its nationwide network of branches and is one of the largest privately owned companies serving the water, environmental and construction industries. Selwood has designed and manufactured mobile site pumps since 1953 and is now acknowledged as one of the UK leaders in this field with 75% of units being exported through a worldwide distributor network.

Laois Hire, headed up by Michael Killeen, is one of Ireland’s largest and most well known hire companies.

From humble beginnings in 1992 to now employing 250 people on the island of Ireland, the company has a

remarkable back-story and an even brighter future. Laois Hire joined the international HSS Hire group in 2005 experiencing vast expansion under the leadership of Killeen who took over as Managing Director for business operations in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. More recently, Laois Hire assisted Enva Ireland Ltd in pumping crude oil from a million-litre holding tank on a project along a 3km pipeline out to an awaiting ship, using a Selwood high head pump which has the capacity to pump 200 tons of crude oil per hour.

Michael Killeen says, “The pumping job was a complete success with Enva Ireland Ltd completing the project within the tight timeframe given and peace of mind with the reliability and level of safety that the Selwood pumps offer.”

Selwood say they chose Laois Hire as their Irish partner because it has a remarkable track record, holds a dominant position in the hire sector, but also because of how well the business is run.

Paul Mann says, “It’s no secret that Selwood is proud to work with family-owned companies. That’s our own story too and having researched the hire market in Ireland for three years, there was no competition.

Laois Hire is focused, sharp, innovative and progressive. Michael Killeen leads from the front and has internationalised his business very successfully over three decades. They

Opening up the European market Selwood is planning a Europe-wide move, working with new distributors, within the European Union including Laois Hire. Selwood recently acquired a minority share of their French distributor’s company, “and this will aid our expansion plans into mainland Europe,” says Paul Mann.

Pumping new business Laois Hire’s way Laois Hire Managing Director, Michael Killeen says, his sales teams are selling brands to customers that instinctively recognise quality and Selwood will add greatly to their hire portfolio.

“Already the reaction is very positive.

Not only do they want and ask for Selwood, they know that in Laois Hire we have the network established to support them at hire and right along to parts and servicing. Put simply, we’ve built our business on trust and we choose brands that our customers trust and which we can deliver.”

Michael Killeen is an astute assessor of business. “Researching Selwood was part of our positioning too, we had to be sure they would be the right fit and they are. We have already won major contracts on the back of the Selwood agency with our engineering clients. This has also led to 10 new high-end and specialised jobs being created and we expect hiring to continue in the short to medium-term.

“We find that Selwood are a great company to work with, they are professional, friendly, they have supported us 100% and we are extremely happy with the progress to date, The mobile pump units we have purchased take time to come on stream. But our first batch has arrived, the next batch is on its way

and next batch is currently being manufactured,” says Killeen.

Cleaner, quieter and more efficient pumps Laois Hire customers are also benefitting from the Selwood Agency win. Michael Killeen says it’s about “clean, quieter and more efficient mobile pump units – all features being demanded by our customers that working on largescale projects.”

• Eco-friendly, reducing the project’s carbon footprint; • Fuel efficient, saving money, requiring less maintenance and less down-time; • Super silent, health & safety – no noise pollution for people working and living in the immediate area, plus a team working on the site; • Visually attractive, creating a good impression, enhancing the contractor’s brand.

Eco Conscious Selwood puts a very strong emphasis on health and safety and environmentally sensitive practices. They in fact have an entire division dedicated to it. They have won and maintain the ISO 9001, ISO 1401 and ISO 1801 quality, environmental and safety standards.

They are also an Achilles link-up approved company, which is the standard set by the quarry and railway industries. Selwood as a company design and manufacture their own static and mobile pump units and are the leading pump hirer and manufacturer within the UK. Paul Mann says that, “having our own design team means we can build bespoke units for customer specific requirements, keep up with European legislation and prioritise noise and carbon emission within our pump builds at the research and development design stage, before putting units into full production.

He also says the future is bright in Ireland. “Construction companies are moving forward at a rapid rate.

The public water sector has moved forward, with an initial outlay of €2bn to restructure water and sewerage infrastructure throughout Ireland.”

“The Government are beginning to loosen the purse strings,” says Michael Killeen, “and the private construction sector is tuning up. We are delighted to see that business is growing in all directions.”

Acheson and Glover |65

New Magnum stone® product is ‘big’ news for A&G

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eading concrete products’ manufacturer, Acheson & Glover (A&G) has launched a groundbreaking premium large format paving unit.

Appropriately called MAGNUM STONE® the new large format range which has been designed by RINN in Germany and is manufactured in A&G’s state-of-the-art facilities in the UK will come in a range of sizes, surfaces and colours.

According to Brian Mulgrew from Acheson & Glover MAGNUM STONE® has many features that will appeal especially to the Specifier market.

“This is a major new product for Acheson & Glover and offers a wide range of finishes, colours and sizes as well as depths of up to 180mm. The impressive depth delivers significant strength and makes it particularly suitable for high profile commercial and public realm schemes including those requiring heavy vehicular access. It also has low environmental

impact due to its raw materials being sustainably sourced.”

MAGNUM STONE® comes in a standard 1000x400mm sizes with 120mm depth but can be produced a variety of bespoke formats dependent on client specifications.

The product which is machine-laid can cover up to 180sqm in a single day.

Brian Mulgrew continues: “As well as being a highly durable option we believe MAGNUM STONE® is characterised by its strong aesthetic values that set it apart as a highly desirable premium product.”

Acheson & Glover (A&G) offers the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland.

Established more than 50 years ago the group is renowned for its innovation and emphasis on finding solutions. The group operates under two trading divisions: A&G Limited which produces and sells walling, paving and flag products for the commercial and domestic markets and A&G Precast which produces and sells a range of market-leading structural precast products.

The Group is headquartered at Fivemiletown, County Tyrone and employs around 400 people.

The Group’s overall product range includes paving, facing bricks, masonry, retaining walls, civils’ products, structural precast and hollow-core flooring.

For more information or to download a datasheet on MAGNUM STONE® log on to www.achesonglover.com/magnum.

66| CITB

CITB NI supporting training standards in the local construction industry

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s an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council our vision is to have a construction industry were skills and competence are at the core of every business plan and a training culture where skills are at the heart of each construction company, no matter how large or small, and to continue to improve the productivity of the NI construction industry.

CITB NI is supporting qualifications and standards for the local construction industry in order improve performance. According to one of our recent research surveys 58% of all employers in NI had funded or arranged training in the industry within the past 12months.

SPECIALIST SECTORS The construction industry benefits from working together, particularly in this current economic climate. These links ensure that employers can keep up to date with developments within the industry on a UK wide basis and beyond and is critical for the industry to be a success, win contracts and have long-term benefits.

CITB NI work closely with employers within specialist sectors supporting them completing training programmes and gaining nationally recognised qualifications for their staff.

Sectors supported have been Piling for both Piling Rig Operator and Operative, Demolition – Location of Underground Services, High Reach machines and attachments, Core Diamond Drilling and Sawing, Insulation Installers, Concrete Layers, Scaffolders, Plant Hire, Horizontal Directional Drilling and Temporary

Works. This support is ongoing and we are keen to hear from any construction specialist sectors if a current or future training and/or qualification need exists.

Employers involved in a number of these programmes said that they wanted to develop their companies and gain recognised qualifications that would enable them to gain future business both locally and further afield, and added that the future will be difficult for all companies and it may be the case that only those that have a fully qualified workforce will gain the contracts in future.

North West Company qualify 10 in specialist skills Peter McCormack & Sons Ltd, ‘Specialists in ground-breaking trenchless solutions throughout the UK & Ireland’. Its Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operators have been servicing the utility industry since the early 1990’s.

The company founded by Peter McCormack over 48 years ago and now run by his son Greg, has become one of the UK & Ireland’s largest installers of trenchless underground services.

Being keenly focused on the role new technology plays in utility installation, the company continues to expand and implement its range of HDD equipment. They strive to deliver the most efficient, cost effective solution to all its

clients’ HDD needs with the help of a dedicated and experienced workforce.

Priding themselves as a forward thinking company who are dedicated to delivering a high level of service the company approached CITB NI with a clear objective to achieve nationally recognised qualifications for its drilling workforce.

CITB NI appointed an accredited assessment centre from Great Britain to provide assessments and qualify 10 candidates to NVQ Level 2 standard in Directional Drilling.

Caroline McCormack from the company explains; “We wanted to develop the company further and gain recognised qualifications that would enable us to secure business on a local and national level. The economic downturn has made the future difficult for all companies and only those that have a fully qualified workforce will be in a more competitive position to win contracts and retain clients. We believe that having a qualified workforce is vital to achieve further success in the future.”

Working with CITB NI, the company has embraced training and development in their specialist area and supports the national standard qualification for Directional Drilling CITB NI encourages firms to continue training and qualifying their employees. This will ensure a safe, professional and qualified workforce is established now and for the future.

CITB |67 Have your say

National Occupational Standards (NOS) CITB NI has actively encouraged local employers to attend National Working Group meetings to discuss National Occupation Standards.

We are glad to report that some Northern Ireland employers are attending meetings in London on behalf of the NI construction industry, but others within the industry need to consider getting involved.

As with previous years we are providing information on the NOS reviews scheduled for 2015, subject to confirmation. CITB NI is seeking expressions of interest from local representatives that would consider attending local meetings or national working group meetings in the following occupational areas.

Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services • Construction Operations • Highways Maintenance • Roadbuilding Piling Operations • Piling Rig Operator • Piling Operative.

Interior Systems • Dry-Lining • Ceiling Fixing Refractory Installations Tunnelling Operations

National Working Groups Consider feedback from practitioners, experts and regional working groups and awarding organisations about changes to current industry practice, existing qualification structures and

assessment strategy, ensuring that any different conditions within the UK are clearly identified.

The main purpose of the National Working Groups is to review the National Occupational Standards (NOS) which are the basis of all the NVQ and QCF qualifications in the construction industry. By attending local meetings and attending the National Working Groups employers are ensuring that the voice of the Northern Ireland construction industry is heard and that we can contribute meaningfully to the review process.

About National Occupational Standards (NOS) ConstructionSkills is responsible for the development of national occupational standards for the construction industry.

National Occupational Standards (NOS) define the competences which apply to job roles or occupations in the form of statements of performance, knowledge and the evidence required to confirm competence.

They can be used to: • Describe good practice in particular areas of work • Set out a statement of competence which bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to do the work • Provide managers with a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control • Offer a framework for training and development • Form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and other vocationally related qualifications.

We are looking to consult and listen to employers and stakeholders about changes to current industry practice to ensure that National Occupational Standards (NOS) and existing qualification structures meet the industries needs. To participate, current practitioners should be experienced in the field being covered and be able to provide the level of detail required to ensure that the Standards (NOS) reflects current industry practice.

Representation from training providers and industry bodies are invited to put their name forward as your continued support is valued and essential.

To encourage Northern Ireland employer and stakeholder involvement in National Occupational Standards (NOS) revisions, CITB NI will organise practitioner group meetings in Northern Ireland as required.

Interested?

If you would be interested in representing your employer or training provider on any future events please forward your details so they can be retained on a select list where we can update you on future occupational reviews.

You can have your say in a number of ways.: • By attending a National Working Group meeting in London • By attending a local Practitioner Group meeting Or go to our website at www.citbni.org.uk click on standards and the NOS ‘Have Your Say’ link.

NI Construction Employer attends National Working Group meetings

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ITB NI has actively encouraged local employers to attend National Working Group meetings to discuss National Occupation Standards (NOS).

CITB NI is delighted to report that David McConaghie from Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd has again been asked to join the National Working Group for the review of the Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services NOS suite meetings in London. David was originally a member of this review group in 2011and will again attend on behalf of the NI construction industry in 2015.

National Working Groups consider feedback from practitioners, experts and regional working groups and awarding organisations about changes to current industry practice, existing qualification structures and assessment strategy, ensuring that any different conditions in the four home nations of the UK are clearly identified.

David McConaghie said that the main purpose of the NWG is to review the National Occupational Standards which are the basis of all the NVQ and QCF qualifications in the construction industry. These NOS are read through in detail and any members of the committee can comment as they see fit. In the committee we are ensuring that the voice of the Northern Ireland employers is heard and that we can contribute meaningfully to the review process.

For further information on standards and qualifications log on to www.citbni.org.uk/Standards-and-Qualifications.aspx and keep up to date on our discussions on Facebook www.facebook.com/CITBNorthernIreland. and Twitter@CITBNI

68| business & economy

Nominating Adjudicators: A Cautionary Tale

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he recent decision of Eurocom Ltd v Siemens PLC [2014] EWHC 3710 (TCC) has set alarm bells ringing across the construction sector on the importance of the process of appointing an adjudicator.

In particular, a lesson learned from this case might be that the concept of ‘conflict of interest’ should perhaps feature more prominently in the minds of all parties during the adjudicator nomination process.

Siemens engaged Eurocom under a subcontract in April 2011 to install communications systems at Charing Cross and Embankment Tube stations in London. Several disputes arose between the parties relating to delay to the commencement of work, variations, prolongation and disruption. In August 2012 Eurocom initiated adjudication proceedings against Siemens and Mr Matthew Molloy was appointed as the adjudicator by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (“RICS”).

Mr Molloy issued his decision in September 2012 concluding that no money was payable to Eurocom.

In November 2013, Eurocom, represented by Knowles, served a second notice of adjudication on Siemens. Knowles applied to RICS to appoint an adjudicator. Within the application form, Knowles was asked ‘Are there any Adjudicators who would have a conflict of interest in this case?’ Knowles listed 13 individuals as having a conflict of interest, including Mr Molloy, on the basis that he had acted previously, and anyone connected with Fenwick Elliot solicitors, who had previously advised the referring party. RICS did not send Siemens a copy of the application form at the time it was submitted. In fact, RICS did not copy the application form to Siemens until January 2014, at which point Siemens

Alastair Todd Head of Property, Northern Ireland +44 28 9026 2658 alastair.todd@arthurcox.com or visit our website: www.arthurcox.com

requested Eurocom’s explanation regarding the alleged conflict of interest.

On the basis of the application form submitted by Knowles, RICS appointed Anthony Bingham as the adjudicator who ultimately awarded to Eurocom a sum in excess of £1.6 million. In July 2014, Eurocom commenced enforcement proceedings against Siemens.

Siemens resisted the enforcement proceedings on the grounds that the nomination process for the appointment of Mr Anthony Bingham had been flawed. Indeed, they argued that Knowles had listed those who they did not want to be appointed as adjudicators and not because a true conflict of interest existed.

The issue for the Technology and Construction Court was whether the appointment of the adjudicator was invalid because of the information set out in the application form made

by Knowles on behalf of Eurocom.

Other issues raised included an allegation that the second adjudicator decided the same dispute as Mr Molloy and that there were breaches of natural justice resulting from the manner in which the adjudication was conducted. Eurocom wanted a stay of enforcement of any sums awarded by way of summary judgment.

Justice Ramsey held in favour of Siemens and dismissed Eurocom’s application for summary judgment.

He held that the plain and ordinary meaning of the words Knowles used in the adjudicator application form was that it was advising RICS that the people named should not be appointed because they have a conflict of interest. Justice Ramsey held that this was, in fact, a false statement in relation to several individuals on the list including Mr Molloy. He concluded that there was a ‘strong prima facie case’ that Eurocom’s representative ‘had … recklessly answered the question’. This, in turn, meant that

the adjudicator’s appointment was invalid and thus he did not have jurisdiction to decide the dispute.

On the allegation that there was a breach of natural justice, Justice Ramsey held that there was no breach on the basis that RICS did not follow its own policy requiring it to send the application form to Siemens when it had been submitted.

He concluded that the role of an adjudication nominating body is limited to the proper exercise of its discretion to make a nomination, and that it is not required to consult with the other party or to achieve a balance between the parties. Thus, RICS had no role to play in invalidating Mr Bingham’s appointment by failing to send the application form to Siemens.

This decision may have opened the floodgates for challenges on the basis of adjudication application forms. It acts as a cautionary tale that application forms to nominating bodies must be filled in correctly otherwise the adjudicator may not have the right to decide the dispute and this may have substantial cost ramifications. Whilst this case concluded that there was no conflict of interest in respect of Mr Molloy because he had acted previously, the RICS has published guidance on what constitutes a conflict and has set out that the overriding principle is that ‘every dispute resolver should be, and be seen to be, impartial at the time of accepting an appointment and remain so during the entire

Adrian Kerr Associate, Planning, Construction and Engineering, Northern Ireland +44 28 9026 5899 adrian.kerr@arthurcox.com

Adrian Kerr

proceedings until the final decision has been given.’ This means that in instances where an adjudicator has acted previously, the parties must consider whether that adjudicator would be impartial in deciding another dispute. If not, this must be noted on the application form as a conflict otherwise the adjudicator’s appointment may be deemed invalid.

The Northern Ireland construction market is small and this case also perhaps reminds us all that a failure to appoint an impartial adjudicator due to a failure to identify conflicts of interest might result in an adjudicator’s decision being held to be unenforceable. For example, if the solicitors of a referring party regularly uses the services of an adjudicator as expert witness in other cases, can that individual be said to be impartial? This remains to be seen.

Adrian Kerr is an Associate in the Planning, Construction and Engineering Group at Arthur Cox.

health & safety |69

Working at height still one of the biggest dangers – HSE NI

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he Construction Industry is a major employer in Northern Ireland but unfortunately is has a poor accident record with 46 workers killed in accidents over the last 10 years according to HSE NI. This figure is serious and action must be taken by everyone involved in the Industry. Management influence is essential but the workers can have a major impact on health and safety standards on site. This will require a change of behaviour. Workers should insist on proper health and safety. For example refuse to work at heights unless proper edge protection has been provided. This change of attitude can be a driver for good.

Work safe and smart at height Smart PAL Cards have the potential to make machine access and use safer and more secure. More details at www.ipaf.org/smartpal

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PAF’s award-winning Smart PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is increasingly being used together with access control telematics by companies such as AFI, Genie, HSS and Nationwide to manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

The Smart PAL Card improves safety by controlling access to MEWPs and thus eliminating unauthorised use. The Smart PAL Card contains a data chip that can be read by card reader devices fitted to machines. Card reader devices can in turn be set up to accept certain data which will allow the machine to be operated. They can be programmed so that a machine will only start if the cardholder (operator) is trained in the relevant machine category.

The data stored on the card, such as the operator name, number and categories trained in, is also printed on it, which means that the Smart PAL Card can still be used as a standard version. It is not compulsory to fit card readers on machines and the PAL Card is a recognised qualification on many job sites. Smartcard technology simply

brings more options and opens up possibilities.

The Smart PAL Card creates a unique relationship between the operator and the MEWP. Depending on the hardware and software system being used together with the Smart PAL Card, the information contained on the system around this operator/MEWP relationship can be used to identify whether or not the operator has previous training and experience on a particular make, model or type of machine and therefore whether training and familiarisation is required prior to use. Managers and supervisors can ensure that if the operator’s licence has expired and not been renewed, the Smart PAL Card will not unlock the MEWP. Companies incur heavy costs due to unauthorised use of equipment.

A majority of breakdowns occur when machines are operated by inexperienced personnel. Operators come with different skill levels; some are qualified, but others are not.

Smartcard technology helps protect both end-users and the platforms that they are operate. PAL Cards can help managers keep their MEWP operations smart, and help keep operators and equipment safe.

70| diamond systems

Addressing False Fire Alarms in Northern Ireland Diamond Systems, a local independently owned fire and security company based in Belfast’s Harbour Estate, is leading the way in Northern Ireland with effective solutions designed to help eliminate false fire alarms

CPD Training at Diamond Systems Diamond Systems has always endeavoured to stay at the forefront of the Northern Ireland fire and security industry with a dedication to offering fully compliant solutions through continual innovation and forward thinking. To facilitate other industry professionals and end users alike in their understanding of fire and security requirements, Diamond offer a series of free CPD training seminars throughout the year across a vast range of topics. Seminars focus on recent legislation changes, implications to system design, the role of the responsible person, as well as new product launches and demonstrations. Last year alone Diamond delivered over 350 hours CPD training and aim to do no less in 2015. This year’s schedule will include six seminars on fire and security, which are hosted in partnership with global names including Siemens, Axis and UTC. All sessions are professionally accredited and can be used towards yearly CPD requirements.

To find out more about our upcoming seminars please email rachel@diamondsystems.co.uk

Pictured above, Derrick Hall, Head of Fire Products (UK) at Siemens, giving a live demonstration of the Cerberus Pro ASA detectors, to local industry professionals during Diamond’s most recent CPD seminar on legislative changes to fire regulations.

F

alse alarms are generally an unwelcome occurrence, causing disruption to business, a drain on government resources, and ultimately a tangible cost to all parties involved: costs to the company, costs to public reputation and costs to the fire and rescue service itself. Major concerns are often a result of lost production due to evacuation, risk of fines/prosecution and loss of confidence in the alarm equipment.

According to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service there were 7835 false alarm calls recorded due to fire alarm equipment in 2013/2014 alone. Given that 98% of those calls were mobilized and the estimated average cost of a mobilization is £3,000, there was in excess of £20 million spent by the Northern Ireland economy that year which could have been avoided.

False alarms due to equipment can, in most cases, be attributed to two main issues: a lack of regular maintenance; or failure to update older technologies. In both cases the cost of prevention is often much less than the costs incurred by repeated false alarms.

Steve Snoddon, MD of Diamond Systems explains, “Having your fire alarm system regularly maintained is not only a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises owners, but it also leads to fewer instances of false activations, which for the average business can cause down time of between 30 and 60 minutes per event.”

The costs affect people and businesses across all sectors, however, there are some who face greater challenges than others, particularly those who are have a duty of care to others e.g. hotels, residential complexes or healthcare facilities. Hospitals and care homes in particular, face a much more severe situation should patients need to be evacuated.

Estimates suggest that in some situations it could take up to 10 minutes to evacuate a single patient, so even one false alarm could result in a number of life threatening circumstances, and undue discomfort for patients.

So why are hospitals across the nation,

including Northern Ireland, still some of the most frequent culprits of false alarm calls due to faulty equipment? Why is so much money wasted each year due to common causes such as system faults, steam, dust and even cooking fumes?

Raising Legislative Awareness To tackle the problem of underperforming fire alarms in Northern Ireland, Diamond believe there must firstly be an increased awareness of changes in fire safety regulations to ensure new and existing systems are fully compliant. The responsibility rests with designers, specifiers and those in council building control departments who sign off on new systems, as well as property owners as the Responsible Person.

Fire codes of practice are continually the subject of review based on a series of past incidents, often where fatalities have resulted in an otherwise preventable circumstance. Recent adaptations to the code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of non-domestic premises – BS 5839, were issued in March 2013 following the findings of an investigation into a care home fire where 14 residents died due to a fire which started in an electrical cupboard, but spread throughout the entire home.

The amendments included important changes to the design, testing and certification of products installed, focusing on residential care homes and premises, which sleep more than 10 people. Some key changes included: • Mandatory addressable systems in premises where assistance to evacuate is needed; • Automatic transmission of fire alarms to an alarm receiving centre; • Up to date zone plans adjacent to all control indicating equipment; • Visual alarm devices to comply with EN 54-23; • Monthly tests to emergency voice messages;

diamond systems |71 • Restrictions on ceiling height limits for automatic detection.

Legislative bodies including the FIA & BAFE are useful resources for keeping track of recent changes, making much of the information more accessible in a practical format, applicable to daily usage. However, Continual Professional Development (CPD) seminars delivered by accredited companies such as Diamond Systems are another very useful way to stay up to date on any changes.

(To find out more about the free fire and security CPD seminars that Diamond offers, or to arrange a visit from one of our Sales Team, email rachel@diamondsystems.co.uk).

The Solution is Simple In other parts of the UK, failure to comply has resulted in charges being introduced for repeat offenders to compensate for the time and cash wasted on unnecessary call-outs.

Last year in London alone, the cost of false alarms reached six figures in fines, with the top 10 offenders paying a grand total of £177,000.

Diamond Systems, in partnership with global manufacturer Siemens, offer a simple solution to false alarms through the Cerberus Pro intelligent product range and are leading the way in trying to eradicate this widespread problem in Northern Ireland.

“With the introduction of fines for false activations, Diamond’s direct access to the Siemens range of

products and support, means cost effective solutions for our customers that meet requirements and enhance system performance,” explains Steve.

The Cerberus Pro product range has been specifically designed with the purpose of reducing false alarms. The range includes a variety of control panels, fire detectors, peripheral devices and accessories designed to offer building managers, safety officers and system designer’s excellent reliability and protection against false alarms.

As a recognized Siemens Solution Partner, Diamond Systems are currently the only company in Northern Ireland who are fully trained in the application, engineering and commissioning of the Cerberus Pro fire detection system.

False Alarm Guarantee The most unique feature of Cerberus Pro is that it can virtually eliminate false alarms, even in the most complex environments.

This is primarily due to the ASA (Advanced Signal Analysis) optical detectors which have up to 9 application-specific parameter settings, allowing them to work as effectively in clean environments as they do in harsh and moderate environments.

In fact, Diamond are so confident in the product range that they offer a false alarm guarantee for their Cerberus customers.

“Diamond Systems have the solution to reducing false fire alarms in Northern Ireland. This is a major

step forward in reducing the financial burden of false fire activations on the local economy,” says Steve.

Say ‘Yes’ to Fire Alarm Maintenance As well as selecting a quality product range, maintenance of your fire alarm system by a competent third party accredited company is a further means of ensuring your fire alarm system is both functional and compliant.

“Fire alarm maintenance is an essential part of protecting your employees or building occupants. But to be effective, it must be carried out by a competent company who understand the legislative changes affecting your system’s compliance” explains Steve.

Each year, Diamond Systems maintains over 2,000 systems across

the province. Through diligent maintenance routines, software updates, and quality installation of replacement or additional parts, Diamond have protected thousands of people and property throughout their 27 years of trading.

Diamond Systems have always led the way in terms of quality accreditations and new technologies and are happy to continue offering customers fully compliant products and solutions at a competitive price.

If you would like to find out more about a tailored solution to fit your needs and reduce false alarms or to get a free quote please email info@ diamondsystems.co.uk.

Cerberus Pro: The Specifics As a leading global manufacturer, Cerberus Pro by Siemens meets all relevant BS and EN standards and codes of practice, fully complying with even the most stringent of requirements and offering the highest degree of safety features.

ASA technology

BACnet True Open Protocol

The unique ASA technology in Cerberus Pro means reliable detection and protection against false alarms, even in the most complex and demanding environments. With advanced signal analysis and a number of different parameter sets, it is possible to programme detectors to specific environmental conditions, making them immune to deceptive phenomena such as dust, steam or gas.

Cerberus Pro uses a native BACnet connection to provide true open protocol integration with other systems including BMS, Security, Plant and lighting control systems. The outcome is ease of connection and integration, in refurbishment and upgrade projects as well as new builds, to provide a truly intelligent solution.

Degrade Mode Cerberus Pro has redundancy built into every device and panel, including full degrade mode of operation where the system will still continue to detect fires, operate the sounders and outputs and importantly alert the fire brigade even in the event of a main panel or software failure. Every device also incorporates “turbo” isolation and ensures that not a single device is lost, even if a short circuit occurs, including no noticeable loss of operation to any of the devices even in alarm condition.

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

directory ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

Automatic doors

Building information

CONCRETE

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

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

Automatic’s & Access Control Swing Door Operators Sliding Door Operators Curved Sliding Bi-Folding Sliding Revolving Doors Under floor Swing Drive Operators Electronic Locking Systems Intercoms CCTV Access Control

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

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

Door Hardware

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Door furniture Locks & Cylinders Door Closing Devices Hinges & Pivots Panic Exit Hardware Anti-Ligature Range Anti-Bacterial

Service & Maintenance 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

Maintenance agreements Emergency callouts Repairing parts Replacing parts

bELFAST Unit 20-21a, Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham, Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE. Tel: 028 904 69914 Fax: 028 904 69915 www.kccarchitectural.com salesbelfast@ kccarchitectural.com

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

to advertise Contact...

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

GAS

Cavity trays

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.

Wide range of preformed systems from the largest and longest established specialist. Products with Agrement certificates to British Standards. LABC Product Type Approval. Free design and advisory service. For high performance products with warranty.

Cavity Trays Ltd is the only tray manufacturer awarded European Technical approval.

• 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

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

Tel: 028 2565 2566 Fax: 028 2565 8480 Email: info@moore-concrete.com Web: www.moore-concrete.com

FACADES

Swiss Facades

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications.

Transforming Exterior Facades

New range to suppress sound transmission with up to fours hours fire integrity rating

Premium Swiss Quality Panel Systems for High End Architecture

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

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

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

• Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out

Flogas goes far beyond simply managing and supplying bulk and cylinder LP Gas requirements.

Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only opens the door to a versatile, highly efficient energy source with affordable installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy solutions specific to client applications.

Our experience covers a comprehensive range of markets including domestic (both single dwelling and metered estates), catering, commercial, industrial, agricultural and automotive.

Calor Accredited CPD programme available.

Content includes LPG Product Knowledge, Gas Regulations and Standards. Courses are FREE of charge and available by arrangement with one of our Calor Business Development Engineers. Contact cpd@calorgas.ie

Demolition

Concrete 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

Calor is a leading supplier of cleaner, efficient LPG energy solutions in Northern Ireland with specialist knowledge covering all sectors Including Industrial, Commercial, Hospitality, Agriculture, and Domestic.

We offer our customers:

CPD Learning CPD sessions are now available from Flogas to assist architects, planning consultants and other specifiers in updating their core learning and knowledge. For more information visit www.flogasni.com/cpd.

Flogas Airport Road West Belfast Harbour Estate BELFAST BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

Industrial Doors

Metal Finishing

PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

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:

Industrial Doors & Loading Bay Equipment Automatic Gates, Traffic Barriers, Turnstiles, Electric Overhead Cranes, Hoists, Lifting Gear

• • • • • •

Britannia Electrical Services Unit 4, McKinney Industrial Estate, Hydepark, Mallusk BT36 4PX

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

Tel: 028 9083 8030 Fax: 028 9083 8058 Email: bes.doors@btconnect.com Website: www.besdoors.co.uk

Insurance Intermediaries

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms

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

Mats and matting

N. Ireland distributors and stockists for Coral mats and matting. Nuway entrance matting systems, threshold matting and tiles, rubber, plastic, coir and anti-fatigue matting, Gradus stairnosings, safety flooring, Flexi tiles, Studded rubber and Jaymart products.

Matrex Mats and Matting 24B Portadown Road, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 8QX Tel: 028 3832 8857 Fax: 028 3832 1058 Mobile: 07831 141305 E-mail: matrex@btconnect.com Web: www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: sales@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD

Willis & Company provide a wide range of Insurance products to protect your business as well as Health & Safety and Risk Management Services.

Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

• Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts

PUMPING

METAL MESH

• Employers & Public Liability Insurance • Contractors "All Risks" Insurance • Motor Fleet Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Property & Business Interruption Insurance • Latent Defects Insurance • Bonds

The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco

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

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

Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

Hire Centres

Partitions (Acoustic)

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

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

SAFETY

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970

't ut o s DONs mi If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

NEXT ISSUE...

June/july 2015

REcruitment

All Ireland Sales and Marketing Recruitment Specialists • Building & Construction • Chemicals • Telecoms • Technical/ Construction • Advertising/Media • IT • Retail • FMCG/Foodservice • Marketing Unit 2, 1 Edgewater Road, Belfast Harbour, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: +44 28 9077 0999 E: glenn.mccormick@salesplacement.com Web: www.salesplacement.com

REtaining walls

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

• Greenface • Andacrib • Modular Block • Gabions • Installation • Permacrib

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Gyproc is the market leader in plaster, plasterboard and drylining systems, manufacturing in Ireland since 1936, with a long history of providing innovative, costeffective and reliable products that meet the demands of the construction industry.

Looking to the future Gyproc is determined to remain at the forefront, as market leader, continuing to provide innovative, sustainable design solutions for the buildings of the future.

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

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

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

• FASCIA & SOFFITS • HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING • WINDOW TRIMS

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

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380 Cookstown 028 86764422

• On Site EQUIPMENT & Plant hire

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.

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

Head Office:

• Windows, Doors & Glazing

Washroom systems

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES

• RAINWATER SYSTEMS

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

Safety

Newry 028 30252499

Design that lasts Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Exceptional service & support

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

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

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

't t N ou O s D is m If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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.

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 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

NEXT ISSUE...

june/july 2015

web directory www.wilplas.com

to advertise Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218 Contact... siobhankissward@greerpublications.com www.larsenbuildingproducts.com

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgas.ie

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

www.jncfence.com

web directory |77 www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

www.ridgefence.com

Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, 11 Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. BT28 3RD Telephone: 028 9250 1000 • Fax: 028 9250 1100

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

www.mccuskerdemolition.com

78| web directory www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.tinnelly.com

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

web directory |79 www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

www.yeomanshield.com

V B Evans & Company are pleased to have been chosen to undertake responsibility for the bi-monthly collation of this data and sponsor its publication.

With over 65 years of experience in business the firm provides a wide range of quality assured professional quantity surveying and other consultancy services to Northern Ireland clients who seek value for money and appropriate contract advice for their building design or refurbishment proposals.

The Specify Prices published here are representative of the market price of each building material, having been assessed from a variety of local sources which in the present competitive economic climate prefer not to be named. Readers are advised to verify individual prices with a local merchant for their particular needs since our prices are necessarily averaged for guidance purposes.

We hope that these pages may be of assistance to readers but would welcome any constructive suggestions for amendment to include information which would be appropriate to your needs.

Material prices at March 2015. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

This information is compiled specifically for Specify periodicals and is copyright.

Building Materials Prices

80 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

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

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

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine 20x8 £59.00 44x8 £91.00 Whitewood 32x12 £50.25 69x12 £79.00 32x19 £59.00 44x19 £71.00 32x32 £78.00 69x32 £133.00 69x44 £171.60 94x44 £224.00 69x69 £254.00

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

per 1,000 £370.00 £375.00 £335.00 £360.00 £335.00 £335.00 £325.00

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 £45.10 75x19 £67.50 125x19 £109.70 38x25 £41.00 75x25 £50.10 150x25 £98.50 50x38 £76.50 100x38 £116.10 150x38 £91.20 50x50 £91.20 100x50 £144.10 125x50 £163.80 100x75 £199.00 200x75 £453.50 150x100 £366.40

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £136.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £160.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

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

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE-RESISTING BOARD Prices are exclusive of delivery.

Terms for SUPALUX non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2

2440x1220

per tonne £350.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast

per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £25.00 Tinted mortar ref.

Y4 £44.00 Y15 £51.00 Y135 £43.00 Y91 £53.00 Y10 £50.00

6mm sanded £49.50

9mm sanded £51.30

12mm sanded £68.00

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 £430.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £430.00 2 440x300x100 7Nmm £510.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £530.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £400.00 440x215x100 Tolite £785.00

6mm £61.50

9mm £74.10

12mm £95.10

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

£298.00 £355.00 £317.00 £10.00 £14.00 £16.00 £10.80 £10.00 £13.00 £26.50

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £63.00 1:2:4 by volume £77.00 1:3:6 by volume £69.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £63.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £67.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £69.00

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

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

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

SAWN REDWOOD Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

100x50 150x50 100x63 150x63 200x63 100x75 150x75 200x75

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes.

114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

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

£94.00 £69.00 £80.50 £98.50 £108.00

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£222.00 £315.50 £241.00 £370.60 £504.00 £301.00 £453.20 £680.00

Mild Steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449. High yield steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449/4461.

One size, bent and labelled, per tonne, delivered to Central Belfast Diameter/mm Mild Steel High Yield

6 £686.00 £755.00

8 £686.00 £755.00

10 £686.00 £755.00

12 £686.00 £755.00

20 £686.00 £755.00

25 £686.00 £755.00

32 £686.00 £755.00

40 £686.00 £755.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references)

per sheet BS reference A 98 £31.50

A142 £31.50

A193 £35.50

A252 £40.00

A393 £68.00

B503 £68.00

B785 £81.00

• On Site EQUIPMENT & Plant hire

Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

per tonne UC 152x152x23 £895.00 203x203x46 £1183.00 254x254x73 £1265.00 305x305x118 £1130.00 356x368x153 £1300.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

• Windows, Doors & Glazing

£1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

£39.50 £73.50 £101.80 £189.60 £118.50 £202.40 £257.30 £438.40 £226.00 £492.00 £753.90

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2.

6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £49.50 £51.50 £69.00

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

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

June/july 2015

82| interview

“Better to be brave and achieve 95% than to be afraid and achieve little” Specify talks to Colm Lavery who has just been appointed Director of Project Management and Cost Management Services at Turner and Townsend’s Belfast office...

C

olm Lavery joins the consultancy with over 20 years’ experience of delivering professional services in the commercial, education, healthcare, retail, residential and government sectors.

Formerly leading EC Harris LLP in Northern Ireland, he oversaw the delivery of some of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious projects, including Titanic Belfast, the Lyric Theatre and Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, together with a multitude of education projects across the province, leading on successes with Ulster University and Magilligan Prison.

He will grow Turner & Townsend’s Belfast office and bolster the consultancy’s key offerings in the education, industrial & manufacturing, retail, residential, justice, waste, commercial property and government sectors.

Colm will be overseeing delivery for key clients such as Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast City Council, Education & Library Boards and NI Water.

Did you plan to get involved in the construction industry?

Yes, at a time when we were receiving career talks at school, I joined a family friend who worked as a quantity surveyor for a local contractor for a week’s experience. I caught the bug from that.

The variety of work, the interaction with different people and working in both an office and site was attractive.

However, what really sealed the deal was the sense of achievement seeing a project complete and its effect on the lives of end users. I have never looked back since!

What have been the highlights so far?

There have been so many highlights, but witnessing the improvement in pupil achievement and staff wellbeing in the schools that I assisted in transforming, is an extraordinary feeling.

There is also a personal sense of achievement in being involved in such landmark developments such as Marks & Spencer’s Grafton Street store, Ulster Hospital Redevelopment, Lyric Theatre, Titanic Belfast, and Ulster University’s new Belfast campus to name a few.

lobby and work with government bodies in an attempt to improve government support for the construction sector here.

What needs to be done to help the NI construction sector?

A serious improvement in the certainty of pipeline of work.

For too long there has been a real quagmire in the stop-startstop of funding or approval for projects. Compared to our nearest Colm Lavery

What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Treat people the way you would wish to be treated.

What would you say to students who are considering a career in construction?

Choose your route carefully to suit your people skills and your ambition; speak to as many in the industry as possible at the level you aspire to, and just go for it. It’s a great industry; a difficult one at present locally, but with the right character and positivity and in the right company, the opportunities within the industry are truly limitless.

Turner & Townsend offers just that - an independent global consultancy offering opportunities to work on some of the most dynamic projects across the world.

Do you think the construction sector needs more support from Stormont?

Yes. I am already an RICS representative member on the Business Industry Forum for Northern Ireland and a member of the CBI Infrastructure Committee locally. Along with colleagues, we

neighbours we could commission and deliver projects more quickly.

In my opinion, it is better to be brave and achieve 95% than to be afraid and achieve little. There is a clear imperative on the part of all around the executive table to see the sector revitalised locally and for the benefits to be experienced by Northern Ireland’s citizens.

Tell us something surprising about yourself?

I’m a Liverpool fan. Enough said!

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