Specify Jan 2014

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

January 2014

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PAT BURNS Editor

Mixed messages

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T

he year got off to an encouraging start with good news regarding house prices and also from the third quarter of the NI Construction Index.

The house price balance for the December 2013 RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey for Northern Ireland was at its highest since April 2007, the seventh consecutive month in which more chartered surveyor respondents reported rising prices than falling prices, and it was the highest reading in more than 80 months.

All regions of the UK reported positive price data. And when it comes to the outlook for prices, the more upbeat outlook is visible in the expectations data for all parts of the UK, with even the numbers for Northern Ireland now displaying a much more positive tone.

There was a real contrast in how 2013 started and ended, according to the survey. January 2013 was the latest in a long line of months in which the survey reported a negative price balance. However by the end

of the year the data was considerably more positive.

The housing market has followed a similar trajectory to the economy as a whole, with the second half of 2013 showing real signs of recovery. The trend of improvement is expected to continue during 2014 with Northern Ireland house prices expected to rise by an average of 4% during the year.

There were similar figures from the Construction Index, with Northern Ireland showing a 2.4% improvement in Q3. On paper this compares favourably with Great Britains 2.7% increase, although it should be remembered that Northern Ireland is only operating at 62% of its 2005 levels, compared with 92% for GB. These positive signs were tempered by the announcement in early January that high profile Antrim construction company Mivan was going into administration.

The company was responsible for a number of high profile projects such as Euro Disney in Paris as well as palaces for Saddam Hussein, but it is thought that a £50m project in Romania brought about the

company’s downfall. The company was founded in 1975 by the current chief executive Ivan McCabrey, while he was still an engineering student at Queen’s University, Belfast.

The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, as featured in the last issue of Specify, has also suffered a setback, with publication of the proposal looking likely to be delayed by the ministers in Stormont. The plan, which identifies zones for retail, residential or commercial development, is due to come into full effect in 2015.

Let’s hope the BMAP plan doesn’t become another stumbling block for the construction industry like the John Lewis store at Sprucefield, the Police and Fire Training College outside Cookstown and the A5 bypass. The Northern Ireland construction industry deserves better.

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

Editor

Pat Burns

JANUARY 2014

contents...

6

Digest

9

Digest

48 52

54

Prestigious role for NI surveyor Neil McIvor who has been appointed to a prestigious regeneration programme.

Northern Ireland’s new councils get geared up for transfer of planning services.

Company Profile

McAleer and Teague open a new office in Dromore, Co. Tyrone.

Digest

News of a possible delay to the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan and the details of a new UU campus in Coleraine.

NVIR-O-CERT

Companies going for NVIRO-O-CERT, the construction-specific environmental management system, can now receive up to five days of expert guidance on-site through the STEM Project.

18 HSS Hire

The construction hire specialists launch a new Abird/HSS generator range for all temporary power requirements.

22 Maurice Flynn & Sons

We talk to Aidan Flynn of award-winning builders, Maurice Flynn & Sons about his plans for the future.

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Cladding & Roofing Page 28 The importance of roofing design can never be underestimated and we take a look at the latest developments in this important industry.

10 Planning

Important milestones ahead for the Royal Town Planning Institute.

46 Interview

See our new website: www.willisinsurance.co.uk>>>

We talk to Rory Miskelly who has just joined the McAvoy Group.

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Prestigious role for NI surveyor on regeneration investment board A Northern Ireland Chartered Surveyor has been appointed to a prestigious UK regeneration board recently announced by the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) member Neil McIvor FRICS will sit on the Regeneration Investment Advisory Board following his appointment by Sir Michael Bear.

Established to advise UKTI’s (UK Trade & Investment) new Regeneration Investment Organisation, the board features industry leaders, independents and public sector representatives.

The new organisation was announced by the PM at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in the City of London recently. Its role is to advise on identifying and preparing major

inward investment opportunities in the UK, and will act as a one-stopshop for major inward investment opportunities - with £100 billion of possible projects on the table.

RICS Northern Ireland Director Ben Collins welcomed Mr McIvor’s appointment: “The skills of chartered surveyors are central to economic development, including in attracting and securing inward investment. We strongly welcome the representation of Chartered Surveyors on the Regeneration Investment Advisory Board in particular an RICS Northern Ireland member. I would like to congratulate Neil and wish him well in his role.”

“Securing inward investment is a key economic objective for Northern Ireland, and RICS and its members are committed to playing a strong, constructive role in supporting that

aim,” Mr Collins adds.

Other members of the Regeneration Investment Advisory Board include the President of RICS, Michael Newey, Manchester City Council Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein, Deputy Mayor of Greater London Authority Sir Edward Lister, Professor Michael Parkinson of Liverpool University, Managing Partner of Argent David Partridge and CEO of St Modwin Bill Oliver.

Neil McIvor is a Chartered Surveyor with 20 years’ experience in the management and delivery of major developments and assets.

He has held various high level management posts within the property industry. He is currently Development Director of Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation. He is a Fellow of RICS.

KCC Architectural Awarded New Contracts in Qatar Worth €1 million International architectural product specialist KCC Architectural has announced a multiple contract win with three prestigious projects in Doha. The company has been appointed to supply door hardware and access control solutions to the Kempinski Hotel, Lusail Multi-Purpose Sports Hall and the Al Sadd Sports Stadium. The announcement was made during the Enterprise Ireland Trade and Investment Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE. The new wins follow two other high-profile projects in Doha that have Left to right KCC Managing Director Chris Kilpatrick, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, KCC Middle East Regional Manager Jamil Mikhael

recently been completed for Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Village and the Aspeter Hospital.

Having established its Qatari operations in November 2011, the Irish construction specification company has quickly become recognised for handling large projects, while providing professional specification, supply and installation services. KCC Architectural was founded in 1998 and has offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, London and Doha.

According to KCC Architectural Managing Director Chris Kilpatrick, “We anticipate that these projects will have a very positive impact on our order bank for 2014, leading to the employment of more staff in the Middle East, as well as in our Dublin office. It will also give us a strong platform to expand into other Middle Eastern markets.”

He continued, “We opened our office in Doha in November 2011 and received our first order for the prestigious Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Village in 2012. Since then we have won numerous projects and we are looking forward to building on our success in 2014 and beyond.’ ’ Speaking in Doha during his trade mission to Qatar, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “These new contract wins are a clear statement of the continuing success of KCC Architectural since opening their office in Doha in 2011. This is a highly innovative company and we are once again seeing the importance of innovation in securing new export contracts for Irish companies. We can confidently look forward to following their continued growth in the region and I wish them every success’.

Speaking on the trade mission Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton TD said: “This announcement by KCC Architectural is very welcome and shows what is possible for Irish companies in this region. Construction and engineering are areas which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and KCC Architectural success in winning major contracts in Qatar is a great endorsement of the strength of Irish exporting businesses”.

KCC Architectural expects to open additional Middle East locations in Dubai, UAE and Oman during the first quarter of 2014.

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Powerscreen Crusher chosen to crush six tons of ivory for us government initiative

Kristin Davis, actress and Patron for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

U.S. federal officials used a Powerscreen impact crusher recently to pulverize 6 tons of illegal elephant ivory to discourage poachers and wildlife traffickers. The “Ivory Crush” event took place at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Property Repository at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Colorado, and was attended by representatives of African nations and other countries, dozens of leading conservationists and international media representatives. This was the latest in a series of actions by the U.S. government designed to crack down on international poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.

“By crushing its contraband ivory tusks and trinkets, the U.S. government sends a signal that it will not tolerate the senseless killing of elephants. Other countries need to join the United States, Gabon, Kenya and the Philippines to take a stand,” commented Carter Roberts, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund.

For the Ivory Crush event, a Powerscreen crusher was selected for its capability to reduce the tusks, ornaments and jewellery to a specific size. The Powerscreen impact crusher at the event featured a recirculating conveyor ensuring that any material that wasn't crushed to specification after a first crush, was passed back through the crusher chamber again.

Paralympic hero opens London 2012 inspired playground at NI primary School

Foster announces £1.3million investment by Coote Engineering in Tyrone

Paralympic double Gold medallist Michael McKillop has opened a new playground at Holy Family PS in Omagh, which contains part of the London 2012 Olympic Park.

Colourful matting laid by Lagan L – R – Mia Poltorak-McCullagh (P4 Pupil), Antoinette McKeown Construction Group (Chief Executive, Sport NI), Michael McKillop (Sport Northern when it built the £18 Ireland Sporting Ambassador and London 2012 gold medallist), Colin Loughran (Chief Executive, Lagan Construction Group) and Shay million Central Park Campbell (P4 Pupil).

Bridge close to the Olympic Stadium was re-laid in the school after it won an exciting competition run by Lagan Construction Group, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland.

The local firm was made responsible for removal of the colourful rubber matting to ensure its use after the Games. As part of their Olympic Legacy programme, Lagan Construction Group ran a schools competition with Sport Northern Ireland, to create a London 2012 inspired school playground.

Sport Northern Ireland Activ8 schools were asked to show how the Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy lives on. The winner, Holy Family PS inspired judges with a video of how teachers and pupils continue to follow the Olympic and Paralympic values, the Holy Family Primary School in Omagh was crowned winner and clinched the top prize, which Lagan Construction Group installed.

Chief Executive of Lagan Construction Group, Colin Loughran, commented: “Lagan Construction Group is delighted to bring back a piece of London 2012 to the Holy Family Primary School in Omagh. We would like to thank all the primary schools who submitted their entries to this competition. We hope that the three schools will make good use of the prizes, encouraging all children to take part in sporting activities.”

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £1.3million investment by Ballygawley-based Coote Engineering, which will create 17 new skilled jobs.

Coote Engineering specialises in the design and manufacture of machinery and moulds for the pre-cast concrete industry. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the Tyrone firm £170,000 of support towards its investment in new buildings, equipment and people.

As part of the growth plans, the family-run business will extend its factory by 13,800 sq ft to include two high-level bays and implement measures to boost its profitability and performance.

Philip Coote, Managing Director of Coote Engineering, said: “This investment is an exciting and important development for Coote that will help to strengthen our competitive position. Our enhanced infrastructure and workforce will also give us the scope to extend our export ambitions into North and South America, India and Australia.

“Invest NI’s advice and assistance over the years has been invaluable and its support with this expansion will help us deliver our strategic growth plans and secure the long term future of the business.”

Pictured with Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster is Philip Coote, Managing Director, Coote Engineering.

digest

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Action needed to unlock land for development

Banks and public sector must work with housing associations to get Northern Ireland building again, says Jennie Donald Deputy CEO of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA).

Housing is an integral part of Northern Ireland’s infrastructure

and housing associations, responsible for delivering social and affordable housing, are fully committed to developing new homes at scale. Every new £1 invested in housing generates £2.41 in the wider economy and building a new home creates 2.3 jobs.

A recent CBI report called for greater investment in infrastructure and improvements to the commissioning, procurement and delivery processes as a means of supporting economic growth in Northern Ireland.

At a time when Northern Ireland’s construction sector is still waiting to feel the benefits of recovery, with output decreasing in 2013 and 37% of jobs lost since 2007, boosting development activity on the ground is vital.

Although investment in infrastructure has been constrained and at times uncertain, housing associations are in a strong financial position to deliver new homes and generate significant construction

activity. Funding from the Northern Ireland Executive is being matched by record levels of private investment in the social and affordable housing sector. Last year alone, housing associations secured £125m of private finance.

There is a real risk, however, that this financial certainty will not translate into increased delivery. A key element of new development is having the land to build on and suitable sites are becoming harder and harder to access.

Public sector sites are being developed by housing associations, but they are often slow to be identified for disposal and come with unrealistic expectations around value and timeframes leading to delayed or missed opportunities. There is simply not enough land coming forward to meet demand for new homes.

Similarly, while NAMA and the banks have made some land and properties available for sale to housing associations, there is scope

Gerflor’s interlocking tiles specified on RIBA Stirling Prize nominee Short-listed for the 2013 Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize, the Medical School at the University of Limerick has attracted high praise for its striking limestone exterior and internal use of light and space. And when it came to specifying the flooring for this landmark building, the architects had pragmatic and aesthetic demands that international vinyl flooring specialist Gerflor was able to specifically meet.

Having considered all of the above factors, Grafton Architects specified the use of more than 1,000m² of Gerflor’s fastfitting Attraction interlocking looselay tiles in Amaryllis.

The Attraction range is suitable for heavy footfall and can be also specified for retail, commercial and industrial use.

The interlocking edges ensure they can be laid quickly with little or no preparation of damp and poor quality sub-floors, or straight over existing surfaces. With no adhesive to apply and dry, installation is quick and shops or facilities can stay open for business during refurbishment projects with minimal disruption. Visit their website at www.gerflor.co.uk.

to do more. Housing associations have the finance in place to deliver now, with the next two years a window of opportunity for increased development of social and affordable housing. Without leadership and concerted action on land supply, however, this opportunity could be lost. Housing associations aren’t asking for special favours – they are happy to pay a fair market value.

NIFHA and our members are committed to getting Northern Ireland building. Housing associations can provide more new social and affordable homes for those in housing need; but also support the local construction sector; create training and employment opportunities; and contribute to economic activity and growth. But without land for development, these benefits will be difficult to realise.

Releasing surplus public sector land for disposal and doing more to bring land in private ownership to market must be a key priority in 2014, she said.

New Business Development Manager Paul Stewart has joined the KCC group as Business Development Manager of the Door Hardware Division in the Belfast branch.

Over the last thirty years Paul has gained vast experience in specifying and selling to the Construction Industry dealing with Architects, Contractors and End Users.

Paul brings with him a considerable amount of experience in the construction industry in Northern Ireland and KCC are confident that he will be successful in his new role with KCC Architectural.

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|09

New Councils Geared Up For Transfer of Planning government. The transfer of planning functions is one of the most complex challenges in the Reform programme.

The majority of planning functions are transferring and this means that the new councils will be responsible for producing their own development plans, determining the vast majority of planning applications and handling enforcement cases.

Understandably, that may create nervousness in the business community, reliant on effective planning to create jobs and wealth. I would like to take this opportunity to re-assure the business community.

In advance of the transfer I am ensuring that significant improvements are also being made to the planning system – faster decisions and fairer planning appeals and simpler, tougher enforcement - when Councils pick up the planning mantle on your behalf they will be working with a new and improved system.

Mark H Durkan, Environment Minister, outlines his plans for Northern Ireland’s new councils which take effect from April 2015...

Local Government in Northern Ireland is undergoing its biggest change in 40 years.

Reform will mean a reduction

in the number of councils from 26 to 11 and a significant transfer of powers from central government to local

So the product will be better.

And so will the process.

I have taken significant steps to make sure that the transfer of planning to local councils is done smoothly and efficiently and that councils are ready to hit the ground running and are immediately able to make planning decisions from 1 April 2015.

Through a Planning Reform and Transfer Project, fourteen teams made up of officers from both central and local government have been working hard to take forward the varied and important work that is key to ensuring that a reformed and fit for purpose planning system is transferred. This project is, amongst other matters, ensuring that sufficient resources are transferred to the councils to allow them to fully carry out their new responsibilities. It is also taking measures to ensure the successful transfer of staff from central to local government and that staff and councillors are fully prepared for the transfer.

And we have funded that process.

Over £3m of Executive funding has been secured to deliver a comprehensive and robust capacity building and training programme to ensure that councils are ready to take on planning on 1 April 2015.

I know some business people have a fear that planning could be too fragmented leading to inconsistency.

I can re-assure you that councillors will be required to comply with a mandatory code of conduct – this is very important. The code will refer specifically to how councillors should behave when it comes to dealing with planning matters and will be accompanied by detailed guidance.

For councillors who end up sitting on Planning Committees, mandatory training will be carried out in good time and will mean that they are well equipped for and have the confidence to make sound planning decisions right from day one.

And I and DOE will not be far from the process.

My Department will have an appropriate oversight role to ensure regional policies and objectives are implemented and that a consistent approach is applied to planning across the region. It will, by means of audit, inspections, performance management and monitoring, ensure that planning functions are carried out, and are seen to be carried out, in a fair and efficient manner and that best practice is applied – there is no reason to think that, from day one, councils cannot make sound planning decisions.

With all of these steps I am taking I am confident that a purpose fit planning system will be delivered to local councils on time and that councils will be ready and up for the challenge of delivering it.

I hope this goes some way in allaying any fears the business community have.

Mark H Durkan Environment Minister

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Important Milestones ahead for Royal Town Planning Institute

By Dave Mountstephen, Director of Fleming Mounstephen Planning and the Chairman of RTPI NI in 2014 April 2015 – a significant milestone. This is the date for the reform of local government and the transfer of planning and regeneration powers to eleven new local authorities.

January 1914 – another significant milestone. This is the date of the inaugural dinner which marked the public launch of the Royal Town Planning Institute. January is often rightly described as a month for both

looking back and looking ahead and these two dates help us to do that.

The RTPI in Northern Ireland has a Centenary programme for 2014 that seeks to reflect on our planning history and past experiences whilst preparing, training and building capacity for what lies ahead.

A series of three conferences, the first on 13th March followed by dates in June and November, will help to prepare professional planners,

elected representatives, council officers, developers and all those who engage with the planning system for the changes that are to come.

The 13th March will also be a time for celebration with our Centenary Dinner being held that evening at the Great Hall at Queen’s University.

Celebration and reflection will also be a theme of a ‘Talking Heads’ Centenary Project, through which the thoughts of planners past and present

will be documented.

There remain many challenges to be considered in 2014, about structures and processes, culture change, codes of conduct, capacity and resourcing, as well as about how local authorities might work together or compete with one another, not to mention programmes for the preparation of development plans. Hopefully, the RTPI’s conferences and other events will help address these challenges and make clear the positive role that planning can play in shaping places and delivering the right development at the right locations.

Early 2014 will see the publication of a draft Strategic Planning Policy Statement by the DoE for consultation. It will set out important ‘core principles’ to be observed, for example, in the preparation of development plans and the exercise of development management functions. It will, in the main, consolidate existing planning policy but will also include long-awaited new planning policy for retailing and town centres. This has the potential to be – as the title suggests – a strategically important planning policy document. The sooner it is published in 2014 the better.

Of course, Centenary celebrations and preparations for 2015 should not result in the present being overlooked. They should benefit planning now, enabling it to play its part in economic recovery, whether in the preparation of development proposals or timely and efficient decision making processes.

In the early 20th Century architects, surveyors, engineers and others had the vision of a distinctive professional town planning institute.

Hopefully, 2014 is a year of learning from the past and looking to the future and the RTPI can play its part in developing a vision for planning in Northern Ireland in 2014, 2015 and beyond.

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House price rise countinues...

The price balance for the December 2013 RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey for Northern Ireland was at its highest since April 2007.

It was the seventh consecutive month in which more chartered surveyor respondents reported rising prices than falling prices, and it was the highest reading in more than 80 months.

A net balance of 62% of respondents to the survey said that prices were up in the three months to the end of December (62% saying that they were higher in the period, 37% saying that they were the same and none saying that they were lower).

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

All regions of the UK are seeing positive price data. And when it comes to the outlook for prices, the more upbeat outlook is visible in the expectations data for all parts of the UK, with even the numbers for Northern Ireland now displaying a much more positive tone.

RICS spokesman, Samuel Dickey says: “There was a real contrast in how 2013 started and ended, according to the survey. January 2013 was the latest in a long line of months in which the survey reported a price balance in negative territory. However fastforward to the end of the year and the data is considerably more positive. The housing market has followed a similar trajectory to the economy as a whole, with the second half of 2013 showing real signs of recovery. Whilst the market will see variations in different locations and property-types and will continue to experience challenges, the trend of improvement is expected to continue into 2014. RICS expects Northern Ireland house prices to rise by an average of 4% during the year.”

Derek Wilson, Head of Lending Products at Ulster Bank, says: "According to the RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey, there have been seven straight months of house price rises between June and December, and data from the Council for Mortgage Lenders indicates that the number of loans advanced for house purchase in Northern Ireland grew to its highest levels since 2009 in the third quarter.”

digest

McCausland on fact-finding mission to Germany Housing Minister Nelson McCausland recently visited several housing projects in Stuttgart, Germany.

The fact finding mission visited several housing sites which have been refurbished and new build projects in the Stuttgart region of Germany.

The Minister was accompanied on his visit by representatives of CITB -ConstructionSkills NI, Construction Employers Federation, Federation of Master Builders Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, The Minister said: “This fact-finding visit has proved very educational, with our delegation seeing firsthand a range of sustainable construction methods, renewable energy and environmental standards that have worked successfully in Stuttgart. Germany, like ourselves in Northern Ireland, has a large number of older concrete houses which were badly insulated. I recently launched a ‘no fines’ pilot in Antrim and I was keen to learn from other countries which have successfully tackled a similar situation.

“The Stuttgart experience was developed through a strong partnership approach between local authorities and the construction industry to improve conditions for householders.

During my visit I have seen a range of housing developments, learning about some of the costeffective and innovative methods that they implemented to help eradicate this problem.”

He continued: “I want to thank our German hosts KOMZET and the CITB– ConstructionSkillsNI for arranging this important fact finding mission. I will certainly utilise some of the expertise that we have learned whilst we have been here.

“This trip has also been highly beneficial regarding best practice and I hope that we can maximise these new relationships to help our own efforts to tackle no fine houses, not only in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom.”

L-R Gerhard Lutz, professor of Structural Engineering, Physics and Biology. He is the Advisory Timber Engineer Trainer at Komzet the Timber Association's training centre. Minister Nelson McCausland, Gerry Flynn, NIHE, Maire Nawaz, NI Director for the Federation of Master Builders, Barry Neilson, chief executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills NI

“The Stuttgart experience was developed through a strong partnership approach between local authorities and the construction industry to improve conditions for householders."

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB–ConstructionSkillsNI said, “We recently sent 30 local construction workers to Germany through our ‘Building Skills for Sustainable Construction’ project to learn about energy efficient construction methods in the hope that on their return they can transfer this know-how to the local industry to help Northern Ireland meet its energy targets. We are delighted that through discussions with our participants the Minister has

recognised that key learnings about German construction methods from this project could ultimately influence how NI housing stock is retrofitted. We were happy to organise and arrange the Minister's Stuttgart visit and hope it will lead to more effective and potentially more cost-effective solutions being applied to local retrofit projects, ultimately improving the quality of life for many households in Northern Ireland.”

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digest

NI Executive procurement pilot first in UK to promote the licensing of electrical workers

Apprentice electricians Thomas Steele, Jonathan Moore and Stuart Graham are ready for action as they join Electrical Training Trust chief Derek Thompson in welcoming the launch of the SparkSafe Licence To Practice initiative in Northern Ireland. From January, in a first for the UK, a Central Procurement Directorate pilot will require contractors to employ only electrical workers accredited through the SparkSafe LTP scheme when tendering for specific public sector contracts.

A Northern Ireland Executive procurement pilot will be the first in the UK to actively promote the licensing of electrical workers.

From January the Central Procurement Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland will require contractors tendering for specific public sector contracts within the pilot to ensure that, if successful, only electrical workers accredited through the SparkSafe Licence To Practice scheme will be deployed on site.

Sparksafe Licence To Practice is a voluntary licensing initiative by the Electrical Training Trust (ETT), based in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, and is supported by the wider electrical contracting industry, the Unite union and the Northern Ireland Construction Employers’ Federation.

The aim of SparkSafe LTP is to drive up standards across the electrical contracting industry and, in doing so, enhance the professional reputation of qualified and experienced electricians.

Central to the operation of the SparkSafe LTP initiative will be a website where all electrical workers – including apprentices – will be able to register and detail their qualifications, experience and skills and, in return, be accredited at the appropriate Licensed To Practice level.

The linking of Government Procurement with the accreditation of electrical workers through the scheme will give a significant boost to the Sparksafe LTP initiative.

Launching the Central Procurement Directorate pilot, Simon Hamilton MLA, Minister for Finance

and Personnel in Northern Ireland, said it was an innovative example of industry and Government coming together to promote higher quality standards and deliver better value for the public purse.

He said: “With this announcement the Northern Ireland electrical contracting industry and the NI Executive are leading the way across the United Kingdom in ensuring that those electrical workers working on specific public contracts have the appropriate experience and qualifications to deliver a quality and value for money service.”

Derek Thompson, Chief Executive of the Electrical Training Trust, said: “We very much welcome the support of the Minister and of the Central Procurement Directorate in bringing forward this pilot. Given the central role electrical systems, equipment and appliances play in public workplaces and facilities, SparkSafe LTP will provide the Government with increased confidence that electrical works will be completed to the required technical installation standards, as well as increased value for money.”

In anticipation of the Central Procurement Directorate pilot commencing in January, the ETT SparkSafe LTP team has already developed and is currently testing a bespoke Sparksafe Licence To Practice website for the registration and accreditation of electrical workers in Northern Ireland.

Once a worker has been registered on the site their information will be able to be attributed by a contractor to an individual project team.

Screwfix sets up shop in Northern Ireland with four new stores Screwfix, the supplier of trade tools, hardware, DIY supplies, plumbing and electrical equipment, has just opened its first stores in Northern Ireland.

The retailer opened its first stores in Ballymena, Belfast and Newtownabbey on the 13th January, 2014, and Bangor on the 27th January. The four stores create fifty new jobs in Northern Ireland with all store team members recruited from the local area. The launches are the latest in the company’s increasing store network, which now has more than 300 stores across the UK. Screwfix has an established reputation as the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, and is known as ‘where the trade buys’. These new stores will bring the brand’s expertise and functional product range to Northern Ireland’s tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, stocking thousands of tools, accessories and hardware products under one roof.

In addition to Screwfix, qualified plumbers and electricians can also take advantage of the exclusive Plumbfix and Electricfix offerings. These dedicated trade counters, located next door to each Screwfix store, enable plumbers and electricians who can prove their professional trade status within the industry, to access select products and offers.

New Committee The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Ireland recently appointed a new committee for its Northern Centre’s Novus division. CIOB Novus Groups exist to develop young people that are looking to be the next construction leaders, providing peer support from their student days through to Chartered Membership of the CIOB and beyond. The committee organise regular events including for example sites visits and presentations from guest lecturers.

The new committee comprises left to right: Vice-Chair: Stuart Leckey; Secretary: Fiona Nutt; Chair: Gerard Graham; Student Rep: Adelane Laoubi; and Committee Member: Gareth Foster. If anyone would like to get involved they con contact Gerard Graham on Tel 028 9075 1212 or email gerard.graham@wilsongroupni.co.uk.

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

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

www.cesquarryproducts.com

16| Hilti

Hilti launches cast-in anchor channel system

H

ilti has launched its cast-in anchor channel system, which is designed with an innovative V-form to allow for higher loadings, shorter edge distances and reduced channel sizes.

The Hilti HAC, which has to date been successfully used on a large number of international projects including London’s King’s Cross Station redevelopment, Moscow’s Mercury City Project, Stockholm’s Karolinska Hospital and BP4 London, has been developed to complement Hilti’s extensive post-fix anchor systems for use in façade applications.

Created for static and fatigue loads as well as loads occurring on exposure to fire, the product is available in seven different profiles in lengths between 100mm and 5850mm. Compared against traditional rectangular cast in anchor channels, the unique V-shape means the load is distributed deeper into the concrete. The form also allows for better flow of concrete around the channel, offering specifiers and engineers a new degree of design flexibility thanks to the increase in performance.

Other key HAC features include LDPE closed-cell foam filling with tear-out strip and plastic caps at the end of the channel to avoid slurry contamination. The LDPE strip comes out of the channel in one piece, which helps increase productivity on the jobsite by greatly reducing cleaning times.

All the anchor channels have a hot dipped galvanized coating of at least 55 μm according to ISO standard. They are complemented

by hammerhead screws in various lengths, diameters and steel grades to simplify the range of bolts required.

Gareth Prosser, Hilti Steel & Metal Trade Manager for Northern Europe, said: “When traditional cast-in anchor channels are loaded in shear, the load is taken directly out to the edge of the slab and when they reach their ultimate capacity they tend to break out the concrete.

“The new system allows for a far greater degree of flexibility for reliable load transfer to concrete structures, and the unique V-form will help designers create either larger floor space areas or reduce system costs The HAC channel system comes with its own PROFIS software, available free-of-charge from www. hilti.co.uk, which allows designers to customise the façade design and uses the same intuitive interface as the PROFIS anchor program.

The software features 3D design and the ability to see anchor channel load utilisation, as well as one-click buttons to export designs into BIM or CAD software.

Prosser added: “With the combination of a highly innovative product, first-class design software and our direct sales and engineering teams, we can really support designers and contractors at every stage of the project, from the initial design idea to making it run smoothly on the jobsite.”

“To be able to take this product to the wider market having used it on a number of high-profile projects is a great move, and designers and specifiers will be suitably impressed when they witness the possibilities and outcomes.”

18| HSS

Pictured L-R at their Abird /HSS Generator Hire Depot in Mallusk, Belfast: Tim McCallion General, HSS Manager Northern Ireland & Isle of Man, Declan Dennehy, HSS Regional Sales Director, Keith Mc Cann, HSS Area Sales Manager Southern Ireland, Stephen Weekes, Abird/HSS Generator Hire Sales Manager for Northern Ireland, Michael Killeen Managing Director HSS Ireland & Scotland and The Laois Hire Group.

HSS Hire - Powering Ahead with New Abird/HSS Generator Launch

H

SS Hire, the leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has been serving business for over 1957.

HSS Hire has an established network of 20 branches strategically located across the Isle of Ireland.

Their most recent acquisition of Abird Generator Hire, one of the UK’s leading diesel electric generator hire companies complements HSS Hire’s existing fleet, enabling it to offer a wider range of large capacity and specialist generators to provide a more comprehensive service in the growing market for temporary power.

Michael Killeen Managing Director HSS Hire Ireland & Scotland and the Laois Hire Group said ‘This new venture enables us to enhance our position as a market leader in diesel generator hire here in Ireland, building on the strong customer base that has been nurtured during the last 50

years and providing a new specialised platform to grow its business.’

Specialised Team Abird/HSS Generator Hire we can now provide for your power needs from 20kva to a massive 1250kva on short or long term contracts as well as supplying a wide range of power accessories. Abird/HSS Generator Hire has a specialist back up structured team to support their new range of power capabilities.

This specialist team who from their Mallusk Depot in the North and Dublin Depot in the South provides a complete nationwide service covering all of Ireland. Combined, this team which is made up of; Tim Mc Callion General Manager Northern Ireland, Stephen Weekes Abird Sales Manager for Northern Ireland, Keith Mc Cann Area Sales Manager Southern Ireland and Kevin Doyle, Technical Engineer has many decades years experience with the hire industry, specialising in

the generator hire model.

Stephen Weekes says ‘The introduction of Abird/HSS Generator Hire into Ireland allows HSS to provide a more complete hire service to its existing customers, and to reach out to new customers who have been meeting their temporary power requirements elsewhere. We can now provide reliable temporary Abird/HSS generator Hire provide complete power solutions up to a massive 1250kva

power to construction sites, events and manufacturing/industrial applications. We can also supply generators for planned outages, standby power or during periods of increased demand. Whatever customers need, we have a solution available”.

Keith states how Abird/HSS Generator Hire offers more than

HSS |19 just generator hire ‘As part of our specialist division we also offer fuel management services powered by the latest telemetry and provide comprehensive nationwide support and technical expertise. By synchronising technology and the latest silenced generators we can reduce fuel commissions as well as reducing emissions and your carbon footprint.’

A Premium Service Power Generation is often critical to the success of a project and so a reliable and efficient service is essential. Abird/HSS Generator Hire has the highest standards in technical expertise, fuel efficiency and customer service. With over 50 years of experience they consistently deliver on any temporary power needs, with specific experience in business, critical continuity environments for national events, construction, manufacturing, banking and health care industries.

Michael Killeen states, ‘We pride ourselves on providing an efficient, expert service. Our fleet of over 1000 reliable diesel generators are fully backed up by the best technical engineers in the business and a dedicated service team. Not only that be we offer a

L-R: Michael Killeen Managing Director HSS Ireland & Scotland and The Laois Hire Group, Keith Mc Cann, HSS Area Sales Manager Southern Ireland, Tim Mc Callion General, HSS Manager Northern Ireland & Isle of Man, Declan Dennehy, HSS Regional Sales Director, Stephen Weekes, Abird /HSS Generator HireSales Manager for Northern Ireland.

complete countrywide service not just generator hire from site survey, supply, instillation, 24/7 support and all ancillary equipment.’

Hire success, Killeen concludes is all about ‘continually adapting to the needs of the customer with the aim of providing a ‘one-stop’ hire needs

across all industries with innovative solutions’ HSS Hire firmly believes that they have the perfect foundation for both Abird/HSS Generator Hire’s successful future developments whilst complementing their driving ambition to provide an overall unrivalled hire experience.

For further information contact the team by telephone or visit their website, N. Ire P: 0845 600 1324 www.abird.co.uk or S. Ire P: 1800 22 33 66 www.abird.ie.

digest

20|

Top NI buildings sought for RICS Awards Property and construction professionals who want their work to be in the running to be named Northern Ireland’s top building project must get their entries in straight away.

Anyone working within the property and construction professions can enter the awards, which will celebrate the talents of surveyors, developers, engineers, planners, architects and others.

Leading law firm Pinsent Masons and the Strategic Investment Board (SiB) have just come on board as sponsors, joining the Department of the Environment (DoE).

Ian Huddleston, Partner with Pinsent Masons, encouraged local property and construction professionals to enter: “In our work with the construction, real estate, and planning sectors, we see at first-hand the calibre of Northern Ireland’s property and construction professionals, and we think the RICS Awards are a fantastic opportunity for practitioners to showcase their work. We are delighted to support the awards and look forward to the unveiling of the winners in May.” This year for the first time, awards will be

presented in categories for Tourism & Leisure, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Residential, in addition to the long-standing categories for Community Benefit, Building Conservation, Regeneration, and Design & Innovation.

In addition to winners and commended projects in each category, the RICS Northern Ireland Awards will also name an overall project of the year, to be announced at an awards ceremony at the Culloden Hotel on Thursday May 8th 2014.

RICS Northern Ireland Awards Judging Chairman, Alistair Dunn, says that the awards will now be an even bigger and better showcase of inspirational recent developments in the local built environment.

Some of the Northern Ireland winners will also go forward to the RICS Awards Grand Final, where they will compete with other regional winners from across the UK and internationally, with winners announced at a gala event in London in October 2014.

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

SERC's Awesome Foursome

Congratulating SERC students on their fantastic achievement at World Skills UK national competitions are Permanent Secretary Mr Derek Baker and Beth Porter, SERC Governing Member and Chair of the Education Committee. Students from left to right are Siobhan McGowan, Christopher Bailie, Mark Hawthorne and Leonidas Proximo.

FOUR outstanding students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) have wowed judges at the UK’s largest multi-trade competition The Skills Show held in the NEC in Birmingham recently. And, adding to the excitement and celebrations SERC were placed fourth in the overall league table, the only college in Northern Ireland to be placed within the top five having won two gold medals and a further two silver medals.

The announcement came after three days of intense practical competition where hundreds of students from across the province competed in the prestigious competition to become the best of the best in their chosen skill.

When the results were announced 19 year old Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentice Christopher Bailie and 28 year old Industrial Electronics student Leonidas Proximo were celebrating having won gold.

Downpatrick’s Carpentry student Mark Hawthorne was celebrating having won Silver.

Students could now be selected to represent Team GB which is a huge accolade and get the chance to compete in World Skills in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2015.

Ian Huddleston, Partner with Pinsent Masons and Susan Mason of RICS NI, pictured at previous award-winner Victoria Square, call for entries to the prestigious RICS NI Awards.

Tobermore supply City of Culture paving Paving and walling manufacturer, Tobermore, supplied £500,000 worth of block paving products used in the large urban renewal scheme of the 2013 City of Culture, Derry ~Londonderry.

Following much lobbying for improvements to the city’s walking and cycling network in 2011, the Department for Social Development agreed to invest in the refurbishment of the city in preparation for the year long festivities which has saw tourists flock from all over the world to join in the celebrations. Recent investment in the 2013 City of Culture stood at almost £45million with a further £15million to help with preparations for the memorable year.

The area known as Queen’s Quay, a stretch of land on the west bank of the River Foyle, was historically a busy port with shipbuilding yards and industrial machinery and was only recently reclaimed in 2011. The overhaul of this landscape involved the removal of car parking spaces and the introduction of segregated walking and cycling routes, street furniture, planting and lighting.

Designed by the Department for Regional Development, the Queen’s Quay scheme links directly to the city’s iconic foot and cycle Peace Bridge, and has become part of the Connect2 project which is currently developing a network of traffic-free riverside cycle and pedestrian routes in the city.

Lisburn company Whitemountain worked as the main contractor, alongside Castle Paving, Ken Devine and O’Neill Paving who acted as Sub-Contractors on this project.

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

Our products go through more physically demanding performance tests than most others ever do. So, not only are they guaranteed for up to ten years, they’re more than robust enough to cope with even the strongest children, no matter how big they may grow up to be.

That’s why we can say with confidence -

Design that lasts Extensive range of washroom systems.

Outstanding quality and performance.

Exceptional service and support.

Contact us to order our new brochure.

Call 00800 1981 1981. www.petal.co.uk

Specify Ad_July12.indd 1

21/06/2012 12:12

22| Maurice Flynn & Sons

Flynns... building on success

M

aurice Flynn & Sons Ltd (‘MFS’) has grown from its creation 30 years ago, through incorporation in 2003 with a handful of employees to become a leading provider of response and planned maintenance to a variety of public sector clients in Northern Ireland.

Working alongside his father and company founder Maurice Flynn, Aidan Flynn has been at the forefront of the huge increase in MFS’s turnover from £15m in 2012 to £30m in 2013, which he has driven

through considered strategic decisions regarding markets, organisational structures and no small amount of commercial acumen. No surprise then that he signed off the year by picking up the Institute of Director’s 2013 Award for Young Director of the Year.

However his style is very grounded, allowing him to relate to staff equally as he relates to the Chief Executives of the ever-growing client base. His very hands-on approach is recognised by longstanding clients as a differentiating factor in MFS’s service delivery, retaining a personal approach despite having grown so

significantly in recent years.

This rapid growth has been achieved through focussing on selected markets that have proven recession-proof, namely maintenance of public sector estates such as schools, hospitals, emergency services and social housing. MFS has gained leading clients such as BELB, BHSCT, SEHSCT, PSNI, QUB, UU and Apex Housing Consortium to become a leading force in NI public sector property maintenance.

The firm supports these key sectors across all of NI from its Belfast and Derry locations and with the input of 250 experienced

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

permanent staff and an extensive supply chain delivering high quality multi-disciplinary maintenance services including mechanical, electrical and general building.

MFS is in the enviable position of having a 100% public sector client base, meaning that the problems of bad debt and client failure that beset so many construction companies in recent years is one less worry for MFS. This does not mean that growth has been painless as the escalation of any business at the pace achieved by MFS is bound to present challenges. The introduction of new IT systems, finance systems, building

Maurice Flynn & Sons |23

“MFS is in the enviable position of having a 100% public sector client base, meaning that the problem of bad debt arising from client failure that has beset so many construction companies in recent years is one less worry for MFS.”

C

unningham Stone Masonry is one of the best known stone masonry and restoration companies in Northern Ireland, with a proud reputation for high quality workmanship.

We feel it is important to maintain our built heritage; we work with NIEA, architects and clients to restore and conserve old buildings, churches and cathedrals.

The business undertakes contracts of all sizes not only in restoration and conservation which is our core business but also in stone masonry and facade cladding, we also supply and fit bespoke fireplaces, marble stairs, flooring and bathrooms and much more.

At Cunningham Stone, we believe in using local material where at all possible and have actively recommended and worked with local limestone, granite, sandstone and basalt over this past few years on a number of local projects in Northern Ireland.

With all projects we work closely with the design team and client in detailing what is required, specifying the correct material and providing working drawings, fixings details as well as 3D rendered images for client and design team approval.

At our factory in Saintfield we manufacture everything we supply where we employ masons and carvers. We take raw material from blocks of stone and create our finished product to perfection for our clients.

High Quality workmanship is always our benchmark. To maintain a high standard of quality you need highly skilled masons and carvers, even though we do have CNC machines which can do most of the masonry work required to the stone, there is still hand finishing required by our masons. When it comes to carved pieces there is no substitute for a skilled carver, a machine can only copy; men can create works of art.

“Cunningham Stone would like to wish Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd every success for the future!”

Cunningham Stone Masonry, 43b Station Road, Saintfield, Co. Down.

Northern Ireland. BT24 7DZ Phone: +44(0)28 9751 1414 • Fax: +44(0)28 9751 1010 Email: info@cunninghamstone.com

Construction Joints Ltd • joint sealing • saw cutting • core drilling • waterproofing • concrete repair • specialist demolition

“Please to be associated with Maurice Flynn & Sons”

construction joints

Unit 12 Fortwilliam Business Park, Dargan Cres., Belfast. BT3 9JP TEL: 028 9077 9022 • FAX: 028 9077 9024 • enquiries@cjltd.com

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

24| Maurice Flynn & Sons “in the CEF 2013 Awards for construction excellence, MFS were successfully shortlisted in all categories entered and won the Training Award”

a supply chain with capacity for growth and achieving backing from banks and funders for the sustainable business plan have all required diligent handling by the company management but have set the scene for consolidation and measured growth going forward.

MFS particularly recognise and are grateful for the commitment of their longstanding supply chain partners whose support has enabled MFS to secure the recent pipeline of contracts which will keep them all busy for the next number of years.

The senior management of the company has been bolstered in the past couple of years with the addition of experienced professional directors supporting the family directors and shareholders and assisting in strategic direction and delivery. Aidan personally enrolled on CEF/CITB course, Strategic Direction in the Construction sector, becoming a champion of the impact this course made to his vision and leadership for the company.

The result was a focussed two year strategy, driven by Aidan and identifying sectors (e.g. health, education, housing) and specific clients e.g. BHSCT, BELB, Apex Housing and re-assessing minimum tender values. This focus replaced the previous approach of tendering for every possible opportunity with dedicating attention towards increasing margin through price uplift and productivity improvements.

Aidan had identified a number of years ago, in the time of capital boom, that the long term sustainable growth was actually in maintenance-contracts with key public sector clients - a recession-proof model - and the growth of the company supports that view with the benefit of hindsight.

The current growth plans for the company include expansion into the GB market and a number of specific projects have been identified and tendered.

Aidan has identified appropriate strategic alliances with significant GB market players who will support the firm’s expansion into that market, bringing specific sectoral experience and cost benefits to the overall offering.

In 2013 Aidan accepted a seat on the Board of CEF to develop his own Board skills in his peer group within the industry where he is vocal in his support for local construction business. He has also established strong connections with all-party MLAs with an interest in construction.

Aidan recognised that the rapid growth of the firm’s employee base and the diversity of backgrounds, skills and experience of those engaged, required upscaled human resource management with range and depth more appropriate to the company’s new size and stature. This has led to a review of HR systems and practices that will lead to development of best in class policies designed to

AA Joinery Fire Doors, Frames, Screens and Joinery Products

We are pleased to be associated with Maurice Flynn and Sons and wish them continued success Ballynacooley Road, Randalstown, Co. Antrim BT41 3NB Tel: 028 9447 3191 Fax: 028 9447 8944 Email: info@aajoineryltd.co.uk

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

Maurice Flynn & Sons |25

MFS refurbished Bangor Hospital for SEHSCT in 2013 a shortlisted project in the CEF Construction Excellence Awards 2013

MFS delivered the PSNI Memorial Garden in 2013, a shortlisted project in the CEF Construction Excellence Awards 2013.

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

26| Maurice Flynn & Sons both retain and attract best staff.

The company has been recognised by three Awards in 2013 for its extensive training programme developing the skills of 40 apprentices and placements. These actions also complemented the Investors in People that was awarded to the company in 2013 following a significant investment of time and resources by Aidan personally.

The company has also sought to engage and motivate staff by the company’s successes, culminating in a number of high-profile awards and recognition of the company’s achievements. For example, in 2013 MFS for the first time entered a range of projects for consideration under the CEF 2013 Awards for construction excellence and MFS were successfully shortlisted in all categories entered and were thrilled to receive the overall award for Training Quality.

Beyond the gates, and reflecting a long term commitment to supporting the local community, MFS employs around 40 apprentices at any one time. Over the years, they have retained the majority of trainees/ apprentices into full time employment and promotion through the firm. This reflects a genuine and heartfelt commitment by senior management to development of all staff and potential staff and sets MFS ahead of the vast majority of the industry.

Where next for MFS? The company has to date focussed on long term contracts in the NI market and have secured a full order book for the next 5 years. MFS is now actively seeking opportunities in GB through tendering and strategic partnerships with established GB players.

This is a natural progression and will not be entered into lightly, learning the lessons of other local companies who have had mixed results when they leave these shores. MFS’s focus will however remain firmly in the public sector as the directors of MFS have seen enough to know that the sustainability of the business relies upon the delivery of a quality service to a contented client and working in partnership with a supply chain ready for further growth.

“Beyond the gates, and reflecting a longterm commitment to supporting the local community, MFS employs around 40 apprentices at any one time.”

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

Maurice Flynn & Sons |27

With continued support to Maurice Flynn and Sons Ltd.

286 Tandragee Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3RB T: +44 (0)28 3833 9366 • F: +44 (0)28 3835 0575 • E: david@djrs.co.uk • www.davidjamesonroofing.co.uk

Pleased to be associated with Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd

Suppliers to the kitchen & building trades for over 50 years

Wishing Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd continued success

Murdock Builders Merchants, Scarva Road Ind Estate, Scarva Road, Banbridge, BT32 2QC. Tel: 028 4062 8227 Web: www.murdockbuildersmerchants.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/MurdockBuildersMerchants

Web: www.mauriceflynn.com • Email: info@mauriceflynn.com

28| cladding & roofing

Cladding & Roofing Feature

“The importance of roofing design can never be underestimated,” says Ray Harwood CBE, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. In this edition of Specify, we take a look at the fast changing sector of roofing and cladding and how buildings of all ages can be improved and enhanced with the latest products on the market...

NFRC launch dedicated roofing campaign for architects

T

he UK’s largest roofing trade association, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), has rolled out a roofing campaign exclusively for the architectural and specification sectors. Entitled ‘Think roofs – think NFRC’, the campaign aims to raise awareness of NFRC and to promote its knowledge and expertise to the architectural community.

Through NFRC’s strict code of practice and standards, vetting procedures, training and wide-ranging technical support, architects will be able to upgrade their knowledge of roofing, as well as seeking one-

off help and guidance on specific disciplines.

Currently representing over 70% of the roofing industry by value, NFRC strives to ensure that members from the roofing community, including contractors and manufacturers, are at the forefront of all roofing developments. The decision to widen its services to the architectural community is based on the everchanging landscape of legislation for roofing and the pivotal role that architects and specifiers play in the design and specification of roofs and roofing materials.

Ray Horwood CBE, Chief Executive of NFRC explains: “The importance of roofing design in architecture can never be under-estimated and

Ray Horwood

in a fast-changing industry, the time is now right to launch a dedicated campaign that aims to position NFRC as a single source of knowledge and expertise for both architects and specifiers.”

Ray continues: “Benefiting both

new and established architectural practices, we are confident that our ‘Think roofs – think NFRC’ campaign will establish NFRC as the ‘architects’ answer to roofing’, and ultimately lead to improved best practice across all roofing disciplines.”

Dating back over 120 years, NFRC today actively ensures that all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government endorsed TrustMark standards. The Federation also offers training services, technical advice, and represents member interests to the wider construction industry and Government.

KREATE wiThOuT COMpROMiSE

BENCHMARK KREATE PUSHES ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM TO NEW LEVELS. A revolutionary development in metal façade systems BENCHMARK Kreate is set to transform the industry.

The pioneering system is truly integrated, combining seamless aluminium cassette façades with insulated panel technology, to deliver a single component that offers almost limitless design capability, while at the same time providing fast build single-fix installation and guaranteed thermal continuity.

Now anything is possible; bespoke cassette designs in any size, colour and configuration, cleverly integrated into each insulated panel for additional all round performance, including fast, easy and safe installation.

BENCHMARK Kreate – the only one-component metallic façade system on the market.

For information call +353 4296 985 00 info@kingspanbenchmark.com www.kingspanbenchmark.com

KS BM Kreate Ad SPECIFY.indd 1

FAÇADE & ROOF SYSTEMS

12/11/2013 11:00

30| cladding and roofing

'Kreate without compromise' with new Benchmark Kreate Introducing Benchmark Kreate; a groundbreaking new metal cassette façade system that is fully integrated with an insulated panel, that offers architects unprecedented design freedom.

B

enchmark Kreate is the first and only system of its type on the market, successfully blending superior insulated performance with limitless possibilities for architects to let their imaginations run free in the buildings they design.

The unique seamless, singlecomponent cassette façade system allows architects to combine colours, finishes and arrangements in an almost infinite variety of ways. Individual cassettes, each with their own size, colour or finish as desired, are cleverly integrated into a single insulated panel.

This puts an end to the ageold compromise between performance and aesthetics; satisfying both in equal measure.

Architects can choose from an extensive array of colours, panel lengths, widths, core thicknesses, cassette sizes and arrangements for their project. Each individual cassette on the same Benchmark Kreate panel can be of a different size as well as finished in a different post-powder coating in any BS or RAL colour. This paves the way for creative multicoloured, multi-textured façades to brighten up offices, customise commercial buildings, or even add a splash of inspiration to schools and hospitals.

Unlike the angular corners found on traditional cassettes, Benchmark Kreate cassettes have been engineered with rounded corners.

These provide a smooth, contoured finish and give each façade a fresh and contemporary appearance. In addition to this, the joints between each panel are fitted with a factoryapplied seal to ensure an airtight fit with leakage of less than 5m3/hr/m2.

Along with its design flexibility, Benchmark Kreate offers all the advantages of an insulated panel system, which include ease and

speed of build and exceptional lifetime performance for durability, fire prevention, sustainability, thermal integrity and thermal insulation, all backed up by the BENCHMARK Total Guarantee.

Traditional building envelope products feature multiple components, which take a long time to install and have multiple potential points of failure. Benchmark Kreate is a single-component panel that can be supplied and delivered by just one company. It can be quickly and easily installed with the aid of mechanical lifting equipment in one step; meaning buildings are weather-tight sooner and overall project times are significantly reduced. There is also a reduced risk of accidents as less time is spent working at height.

Benchmark Kreate isn’t just a safer and more aesthetically flexible product, it also offers the same high performance standards architects have come to expect from the Benchmark products. Depending on individual specification, it can achieve u-values as low as 0.13 W/m2K, while the product itself is ECOsafe with a

“Investors want products that deliver strong ROI, contractors want products that are quick and easy to install.” polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation core that contains no CFC’s or HCFC’s.

The system also complies with current building regulations, and has been tested and FIREsafe approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB); an essential consideration for building owners and investors. At the end of the building’s life, all components in the system can be fully recycled.

“The ‘perfect’ façade solution is hard to come by” explains Ger Higgins, Sales Director at Kingspan.

“Investors want products that deliver strong ROI, contractors want products that are quick and easy to install, and architects want products that let them create new and exciting designs. It’s not easy to tick all of these boxes, but with the launch of Benchmark Kreate, we think

we’ve done it. Now architects have complete freedom to design cassette façades in any way they like, while the product offers the performance and easy-install that keeps investors and contractors delighted. It’s a real game changer, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our customers use Benchmark Kreate to change the face of our buildings forever.”

All Benchmark Kreate Integrated Façade Systems are supplied with the Benchmark Total Guarantee. This ensures the structural and thermal performance of the unit for up to 25 years.

To find more about Benchmark Kreate and its possibilities, visit the website at www.kingspanbenchmark. com or take a look at the Benchmark Kreate configurator demo at http:// kreate.kingspanbenchmark.com/

FAÇADE

cassettes Aluminium One supplierHIGH PERFORMANCE ROUNDED CORNERS Insulated panel technology

Guaranteed

6000mm panel length

Rapid installation

For information call +353 4296 985 00 info@kingspanbenchmark.com www.kingspanbenchmark.com

KS BM Kreate Ad MONO SPECIFY.indd 1

Variable cassette arrangement

Design flexibility

INTEGRATED

BENCHMARK Kreate

One single component

DESIGN FREEDOM

One delivery

LPCB approved

Pioneering

seamless SYSTEM

cleverly integrated

Truly bespoke

Variable panels

ANY RAL Unique metallic

FAÇADE & ROOF SYSTEMS

12/11/2013 10:59

32| Swiss Facades

Change in EU Energy Directive Paves Way for Business Opportunities Anne Hurl, Managing Director of Swiss Facades, is confident that the company’s outlook for 2014 is positive owing to the impact of recent developments within EU Directives designed to improve the energy efficiency and performance of buildings.

N

ew European Legislation means far greater emphasis on energy efficient solutions when it comes to renovating private and public buildings - from housing to commercial office blocks.

“The implementation of these new Directives signals a real business opportunity over the coming years and this is good news for Swiss Facades, with our proven track record of innovation in high performance cladding solutions,” says Anne Hurl.

What is driving the whole development is the European Union’s Energy Efficiency Directives which came into force on January 1, 2014.

The Directives state that ‘Each Member State shall set an indicative energy efficient target. By 30th June 2014, the Commission shall access progress achieved and whether the Union is likely to achieve these targets.’

“Significantly from our perspective,” explains Anne, “one of the key

responsibilitiesas of 1st January 2014 is that Member States shall ensure that 3% of heated/cooled buildings owned by central government (excluding historical, military and religious buildings) are renovated each year to meet minimum energy performance requirements set out in Article 4 of the Directive 2010/31/EU. Member States shall encourage Public bodies to adopt an energy efficient plan, containing specific energy saving objectives and actions with a view to following the exemplary role. Obviously, this will be a real market stimulus for companies specialising in renovation and refurbishment works like us.

“Equally important is that The Energy Efficiency Directive states that Member States establish a long term strategy for mobilizing investment in the renovation of the national building stock (residential and commercial), both public and private.

A first version of the strategy shall be published by 30th April 2014 and updated every three years thereafter and submitted to the Commission as

part of NEEAP’s.”

As Anne explains: “We have recently had increased enquiry levels for the renovation of larger public buildings and also apartments which has presented new opportunities for overcladding for Swiss Facades. The increase of 3% from the current 1% target plus the Directive’s declaration that Member States shall ensure that Central Government purchase only products, services and buildings with high energy efficient performance.

It goes on to declare that Member States shall encourage public bodies when tendering contracts with significant energy content to assess the possibility of using EPC’s. This is encouraging news for us and also for the construction industry as a whole, as this will provide increased work and more opportunities within the public sector.”

Swiss Facades suggests that the best way to reduce CO 2 and reduce energy bills is to clad the exterior of the building. This method doesn’t reduce the internal space and all work is carried out externally.

Anne explains that whilst the company provides a cost efficient material, this is only part of Swiss Facades offering. She says: “we have partnered with BWM to provide external cladding systems and solutions to meet market demands.

By investigating the reduction and depth of insulation required via the amount of fixings points required and the type of brackets traditional use, Swiss Facades can offer fibre glass brackets that greatly reduce the thermal bridging to give both give a greater U-value while reducing air leakage with less fixing points. In some cases, external cladding will increase the depth of the wall significantly and this has a knock-on effect on window cills and roofing. But by using Swiss Facades’ solutions, these issues are overcome and thus deliver a winning formula for client and company alike.”

Anne Hurl continues: “ Swiss

Facades’ ventilated façade systems offer many benefits and advantages over other systems.

The colour range of fibre cement products is exclusive and gives the building a new modern aesthetic appeal.

The benefits include: • Energy Savings due to improved insulation values • Increase in the effective life span of the building • Increased income by improving the appearance and overall amenity value of the building • More cost effective than demolition and rebuild.

• A substantial reduction in future maintenance costs by a reduction in condensation risk, thermal bridging and deterioration of the existing fabric.

• Swiss Facades processes enables ease and speed of construction.

“Swiss Facades are the sole distributors in Ireland for the Swisspearl fibre cement cladding panels,” explains Anne. “ The product is not new to the market and has been used successfully in buildings here since the late nineties when it was marketed and sold as Pelicolor.

This older generation of product is still available from Swiss Facades, along with this latest innovative range of through coloured panels from the manufactures Swisspearl providing the Irish construction market with a wider range of exclusive colours and finishes.”

Anne Hurl welcomes the introduction of the new energy efficient directives not only as a stimulus for innovative companies like Swiss Facades, but as long term benefit for society at large and our living environment too.

Swiss Facades ltd Mob NI: 0044 7554 056930 Mob ROI: 00353 87 3929559 Email: info@swissfacades.com Website: www.swissfacades.com

Swiss Facades Transforming Exterior Facades

digest |07

• Worldwide most advanced coloration technology • Superior technical service from the design to the installation phase • Energy cost savings • 100 % Enviromentally Friendly • Long time experience in high profile façade panels • Unique authentic material expression • Reliable product performance, high resistance to weather conditions and UV

SWISSPEARL CARAT SL

SWISSPEARL REFLEX

SWISSPEARL XPRESSIV

Integrally coloured panel with either translucent or pigmented top layer, CARAT SL plays the lead role. The unique natural look and the timeless beauty of the monolithic material with its delicate vein texture provide an exciting and noble expression to buildings with special character

Mostly integrally coloured, these high tech panels bear an iridescent surface finishing on pure acrylic base. Changing lighting and angle of vision produce fascinating nuances in the colours. These directional panels come in 15 shades; they are particularly suited for contemporary buildings of any size and scope with a very modern architecture

Panels with a very vivid cement composite structure

PREMIUM

SWISS QUALITY

PANEL SYSTEMS

Swiss Facades ltd Mob NI: 0044 7554 056930 Mob ROI: 00353 87 3929559 Email: info@swissfacades.com Website: www.swissfacades.com

FOR HIGH END

ARCHITECTURE

ProNet Safety Services Ltd.

Recession…?

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e are all only too aware that the past few years have been a difficult time in the construction sector. At ProNet however, we’ve weathered the storm well and even turned the highly competitive times to our advantage. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve managed to exploit our position as a leading company who specialise in providing fall arrest and tailored fall prevention systems for a wide range of situations.

This realisation has meant expanding our scope to include working in Britain as a whole and even further afield in Europe Having successfully competed for some of the most prestigious projects this province has seen in recent years, the company has seen significant growth year on year since its concept in 2005.

At the start of 2012 we realized an opportunity for ProNet to expand into the roof access market with fall arrest cable systems, guardrail systems and temporary and permanent walkways. The increasing demand for these specialized systems required an expansion within the company.

After appointing a highly experienced technical manager to head this new team, this new enterprise has grown steadily with new ProNet systems installed in locations including Belfast City Hall, Titanic Belfast, Ravenhill Rugby Grounds, several University Campuses both north and south, and a number of local authorities and councils.

At the beginning of 2013 we recognized there was a growing demand for specialist safety products within the construction industry. After making new contacts and meeting manufacturers in Europe we were in a position to set up our new eShop, PronetSafetyProducts. com. Product

ProNet partners Neil Griffiths and Jordan Bonar

lines include personal fall arrest equipment, rope access equipment, PPE and other safety equipment hire.

2013 also saw ProNet branching out even further into the construction sector. Our position as leading safety netting installers gave us the unique ability to provide a complete structural decking package for our clients. In addition to safety netting, we are now able to supply and install the latest technology in structural metal decking and shear stud systems. We can deliver in budget and on programme anywhere in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Highly regarded in the UK and Ireland’s construction industry, ProNet remains one of the country’s main safety specialist contractors.

Our previous success in new enterprises has given us confidence to venture into new markets including safety equipment hire, bird spiking and other specialised access requirements.

ProNet is a company on the move and we are excited and looking forward to developing all our new ventures going forward in 2014

using the latest Hoesch decking systems

Roof edge protection and safety nets at Cardington Sheds, Bedford - Europe’s largest Airship Hanger

Runcorn Thermal Power Station, Liverpool

Cable system testing & recertification as required by BSEN 795 & A51891

Safety netting the new Grandstand at Ravenhill Rugby Grounds

Roof access and cable systems on Belfast City Hall

Rope access and safety nets on Titanic Belfast

Installing bird deterent spikes

Tel: 028 9337 3967 • Fax: 028 9335 3518 • Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com • Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

36| cladding and roofing

Specify talks to Jordan Bonar of Bonar Industrial Coatings...

Breathing new life into old cladding run your business in the face of trying times that matters. We upped our game to be better, keeping the work we had, but also aggressively going after new work and developing new opportunities. Bonar Industrial Coatings is a perfect example of that.

Have you noticed an upturn in business over the past few months?

Things have been picking up steadily over the last six to seven months.

We have seen a marked increase in demand for our work across the water in England mainly.

What sort of services do Bonar

Can you tell us about your background?

I began my career in the construction industry working in Europe as a rope access specialist doing geotechnical work, stabilising the rock of Gibraltar.

The company I worked for made the progression into fall arrest and safety netting and it wasn’t long before I realised there was a growing market for this service closer to home. Early in 2005 I started ProNet Safety services with my business partner Neil Griffiths; we’ve been going for nearly ten years now and have never looked back. Bonar Industrial Coatings was formed in partnership with my brother Andrew.

Andrew has a wealth of knowledge in industrial coatings, repairs and finishes. His expertise in this area together with my knowledge of the construction industry makes BIC the force that it is.

Did you plan to get involved in the construction industry?

I’ve always worked in the construction industry, ever since leaving school. I think we all thrive on the challenges that each new contract brings. Expanding our businesses in the construction industry is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.

How do you manage your time between your interests in Pro Net and Bonar Industrial Coatings?

Easy, long hours! Joking aside, it is hard work but it’s important to point out that we’ve got a fantastic team managing each company. Having the close relationship between BIC and ProNet gives us a real competitive advantage in many situations.

Were you badly affected by the recession?

Everyone was, but it’s the way you

Industrial Coatings offer?

We are able to offer a wide range of products and services in the industrial and commercial coatings market. Refinishing ageing and colour faded cladded buildings is an excellent and cost effective way of bringing any commercial

cladding and roofing |37 or industrial unit back to life. Rust damage not only affects the building structure and its life expectancy, it has a negative effect on the business itself. Image is important and we can treat and refinish all rust damage to a ‘good as new’ state. Damage to individual panels can be repaired and refinished as an economical alternative to replacement. In these times where commercial premises change hands frequently, we offer a complete refurbishment service tailored to the customer’s particular identity or image.

What projects have you been involved in?

If I can name a few projects, we’ve repaired some extensive damage to one of the terminals at Gatwick Airport, we’ve been involved with the University of Ulster at their Coleraine Campus and then there was the internal refinishing work for Lisburn City Council in their flagship building on the Lagan Valley Island. More recently we have worked in the Republic of Ireland, repairing and refinishing a new Audi dealership at Naas.

What are your plans for the future of the business?

To grow the business and to make it as big a success as I know it can be.

We’re going to keep providing a service second to none. There are so many potential applications for the service we provide, growth is inevitable. Watch this space.

Kalzip ‘Foldables’ recertified by BBA

K

alzip has successfully retained BBA Certification (Certificate No 08/4571) for its ‘Foldable’ and roll formed aluminium building materials - Falzinc, Dark Falzinc and AluPlusZinc. With a minimum life expectancy of at least 40 years, these lightweight, low maintenance and sustainable materials are malleable, incredibly strong and easy to install by competent skilled workers.

The materials are manufactured using a core of saline-resistant aluminium alloy electroplated on both sides with a thin layer of zinc and phosphate treated. This unique PEGAL process is patented by Kalzip and provides the materials with all the performance benefits of aluminium combined with the highly distinctive, aesthetic appeal of zinc.

The combination of a zinc surface on an aluminium substrate eliminates most of the corrosion problems associated with zinc and allows simpler, more economic roof constructions to be achieved.

Falzinc (pictured) is an extremely cost-effective aluminium building material that is suitable for use on virtually any fully supported roofing, façade and soffit application where a traditional metallic appearance is desired. Lightweight and strong yet easy to fold, Falzinc is used for forming into panels or roll forming into raised seam sheets, flashings and trims - these raised seams can be specified to run horizontally, vertically and diagonally.

For more details about Kalzip ‘Foldables’ or a copy of the BBA Certificate, please visit: www.kalzip.com

How do you relax?

I don’t! (joke) Have you any hobbies?

Since I quit motorcycle racing myself we have been closely involved with several young riders both here in the province and in the British Superbike divisions. Sponsorship is a good way to raise our profile while at the same time developing young talent and keeping an active interest in the sport.

Vertical Kalzip FC rainscreen panels ideal for new schools

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alzip’s low cost FC rainscreen system was specified in vertical formation

by Glenn Howells Architects for two new schools in Birmingham.

The FC rainscreen system is available in an extensive range of stylish colours and finishes - PVDF coated panels to RAL 9006 (White Aluminium) were specified for the George Dixon schools. Kalzip worked closely with Stoneleigh Services on the detail design of the FC rainscreen to ensure that the desired aesthetic effect was achieved and the phased installation executed smoothly.

Kalzip’s ingenious FC rainscreen system is ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects and the robust panels can be configured either horizontally or vertically to suit the specific design requirements of each individual project. The lightweight panels are installed on aligned, vertically or horizontally fixed modular click rails - a key feature of the system is that each panel is simply hooked at the top (or side in this instance) and then quickly ‘clicked’ into place at the bottom, or on the opposite side, as appropriate.

38| cladding & roofing

VIVIX from Formica – blending in with old and new

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IVIX exterior façade panels have been used to clad a number of different projects recently, ranging from social housing to a baby and toddler shopping outlet.

One of them is Harthill House which is a new social housing project in Wolverhampton. Architect Richard Peterkin from BM3 Architecture specified VIVIX panels in Storm and Paprika to complement the existing red brick buildings in the area.

The Harthill House is owned

by Midland Heart, one of the top ten housing and care organisations based in the UK. Midland Heart’s aim is to support those who need help to live independently, to assist in regenerating communities and to provide and maintain homes for more than 70,000 people with maximum customer involvement.

To clad the new building, BM3 Architecture specified VIVIX exterior facade panels. Developed in consultation with leading architects Morrisons Kiddicare

Harthill House

and colour consultants, VIVIX panels offer a fresh perspective in architectural panels. Available in plain colours, patterns and woodgrains, the VIVIX range provides architects,

designers and specifiers with the possibility to create not only individual design features but also allows for a harmonic blend with the surrounding area.

Due to the historical importance of the existing buildings in the area, we wanted to use colours that complemented the beautiful brickwork surrounding the new building,” says Richard Peterkin. The front and partially the rear external face of the new build were clad with VIVIX panels in Storm and Paprika; grey to create a neutral background and red to complement the brickwork.

Similarly, Astley, one of the UK’s leading creative signage manufacturers, chose VIVIX exterior façade panels by Formica Group for the building frontage of the Morrisons Kiddicare stores in Nottingham, Merry Hill, Thurrock, Aintree and Rotherham.

“Working with the project manager and procurement teams from Kiddicare, we researched a range of materials that would fulfil the brief and achieve the desired look”, says Paul Allan, Sales Manager at Astley. “A material which looked like wood and had a real ‘feel me’ appearance was specified for the façade of the building. At the same time we needed a material that would be robust and lightweight to withstand the elements and provided

the possibility of finding the right colour – VIVIX panels proved ideal thanks to the colour choice and quality offered.”

With a decorative surface on both sides, VIVIX panels offer opportunities to play with colour and shape. Developed in consultation with leading architects, VIVIX architectural panels are available in plain colours with sophisticated neutrals and striking accents, natureinspired abstract patterns and rich woodgrains.

“Using VIVIX panels, we inlaid coloured acrylic sections from the Kiddicare brand colour palette and used energy efficient LEDs to illuminate. These sections were then mounted on the front of the building to bring the entrance of the superstore to life”, Paul Allan explains further.

VIVIX consists of solid phenolic, engineered exterior façade panels with decorative surfaces on both sides. The VIVIX range provides the possibility to create exclusive looks in a cost efficient way. VIVIX panels can also be used to differentiate between floors or levels, or simply to design an innovative pattern to make a building stand out. VIVIX panels are also an excellent choice for the exterior applications such as balconies, soffits, decorative screening and fencing or to accent an entrance way of a building.

cladding and roofing |39

On the buses with Kalzip Building envelope specialist Kalzip has recently been involved in the construction of two major new bus stations in Stoke-on-Trent and Mansfield.

The new bus station in Mansfield

K

alzip’s aluminium standing seam system was specified for the impressive new Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Bus Station by architect, Grimshaw. VINCI Construction UK was the main contractor and experienced Teamkal contractor, Lakesmere Ltd installed the Kalzip roofing system which included all the revolutionary double curvature XT profiled sheets and a bespoke Kalzip rainscreen specially designed for use on the bus drivers’ accommodation block.

Located near the heart of the city, the new bus station with its 22 departure bays makes extremely efficient use of its site for the movement of buses and people. The main building is elliptical on plan with a complex outer facing roof canopy that sweeps and curves both on plan and in elevation - this is where the double curvature Kalzip XT profiled sheets are installed.

An additional element of complexity was accommodated in the roof ’s design as the Kalzip

XT sheets were required to have non-planar seams for practical and aesthetic purposes. This aspect is particularly apparent where the wavelike eaves of the canopy rise and fall to indicate the location of entrances and passenger facilities. A shadow gap has been cleverly employed at ridge level where the double curved roof butts up to the mono pitched inner facing canopy which comprises a combination of straight and tapered Kalzip sheets.

The amazing flexibility of Kalzip XT profiled sheets combined with the company’s extensive design experience and state-ofart roll-forming technology makes it possible to produce technically perfect, free-flowing, weather-tight envelopes using a standing seam system - thereby enabling complex computer generated 3D designs to be transformed into building reality as exemplified by this iconic structure.

As well as supplying over 3,300 sqm of Kalzip standing seam roofing complete with all the liner and decking sheets used on the Stoke bus station project, the company’s Fabrications Department designed

The Stoke on Trent station featuring Kalzip’s aluminium standing seam system

and manufactured the bespoke Kalzip rainscreen used to clad the existing drivers’ accommodation block.

Similarly, over 1,800 sqm of Kalzip aluminium standing seam and an equivalent quantity of Kalzip liner and decking sheets have been installed on Mansfield’s impressive new bus station and link-bridge. The Kalzip roofing sheets (PVF² 3-coat to Pearl Copper, RAL 8029) together with Kalzip planking for the soffits and an array of bespoke Kalzip aluminium fabrications (powder coated to RAL 8029) were all installed by Teamkal contractor,

Met-Clad Contracts Ltd. Designed by Nottinghamshire County Council’s in-house engineering and architectural teams, this state of the art bus station was built by Kier Construction. The Kalzip-covered main terminal building and its adjoining footbridge link neatly to the nearby railway station creating a convenient new integrated public transport interchange for the Mansfield area.

For more details about the Kalzip system and XT profile sheets, please visit: www.kalzip.com

40| cladding & roofing

SEC Roof – looking good and sounding great K

alzip’s aluminium standing seam system with a weighted Sound Reduction Index (SRI) figure of 53 decibels was specified

by Foster + Partners for the 125 metre span roof of The SSE Hydro in Glasgow. This impressive, imaginatively designed and flexible 13,000 capacity live entertainment venue was built for the Scottish Exhibition Centre Ltd by Lend Lease and the shallow domed Kalzip roof installed by Martifer UK. Elliptical on plan and angled in profile, The SSE Hydro’s domed roof comprises over 12,750 sqm of naturally curved tapered Kalzip sheets in lengths of up to 25 metres installed in six concentric, almost circular bands. The facade of this amphitheatre-inspired building is 15 metres high at the rear rising to 33 metres at the south-facing front elevation with the central apex of the roof being 45 metres above ground level.

The tapered Kalzip sheet-ends were welded to their counterparts on the adjoining roof bands as part of the installation process and any exposed raised seam ends carefully sealed to ensure the roof ’s integrity.

The roof sheets were affixed to a Kalzip structural deck system supported on a diagonally latticed steel framework and the decking sheets pre-coated black on the underside to improve the experience

within the auditorium.

In order to achieve the roof ’s aesthetic symmetry and maintain the continuity of the standing seam sightlines, complex geometric calculations were undertaken by Kalzip to ensure the roof sheets were manufactured to the correct length and taper and the 25,000 Kalzip thermally broken halter clips were individually set-out with precision accuracy.

Kalzip manufactured the tapered sheets onsite for reasons of speed, economy and efficiency – this involved a two phase mobile production process within a tightly confined area of the site. Kalzip aluminium coils (to BS EN AW 3004) were precision cut into appropriately wedge-shaped flat sheets of the required length and then roll-formed into tapered standing seam sheets before being craned up to roof level in challenging, blustery conditions when required for installation.

With a wealth of experience in the technical design, manufacture and application of standing seam roofing, Kalzip was able to assure Foster + Partners about the company’s ability to deal with the detailed geometry required to produce The SSE Hydro’s roof. Kalzip also went to great lengths to demonstrate their ability to achieve the stringent acoustic performance criteria needed for the roof through a series of rigorous pre-testing processes.

To meet the performance criteria

specified by Foster + Partners, the resulting multi-layer acoustic Kalzip roof build-up achieves a U-value of 0.20 W/m²K, a weighted Sound Reduction Index of 53 decibels and a sound absorption performance of Class A. The specified build-up includes a trough and web perforated structural deck with acoustic lags to the troughs of the deck profile, an acoustic membrane sandwiched between

layers of acoustic boards and a layer of high density rockfibre insulation topped with a layer of Kalzip Plus 37 quilt insulation.

Located on the north bank of the river Clyde, The SSE Hydro sits next to the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre and Kalzipclad Clyde Auditorium (Armadillo) which was also designed by Foster + Partners and opened to much acclaim in 1997.

Trespa panels fitted to health centre

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ore than 3,000m2 of Trespa Meteon facade panels were specified for the £32 million St Catherine’s Health Centre in Birkenhead.

Architects One Creative Environments Ltd used the hard-wearing product to colour-code the building’s five wings and to bring order to the facade after the demands of the internal layout meant windows were placed for functional rather than aesthetic reasons.

The Trespa Meteon range offers inspirational, eye-catching design solutions in low maintenance, robust panels made from high-pressure compact laminate, which are weather resistant, colour stable and underpinned by a ten year guarantee.

Available in more than 100 updated colours, the high-pressure compact laminate holds bolts, screws and other mechanical fittings solidly, while a variety of finishes can conceal fixings, and offers excellent pull-out and impact resistance.

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Antrim Interior Fit-Out Specialist builds on Belfast's maritime past

Jedd Lucas, Head of HR at Hilti.

Hilti ranked 15th in the ‘World’s Best Multinational Workplaces 2013 Innovative construction products manufacturer, Hilti has ranked 15th in the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces 2013 list from respected global research firm, Great Places to Work.

The Liechtenstein-based company, which has it’s Northern European office in Manchester and employs over 20,500 worldwide, is the only construction business to feature and ranks alongside industry leaders including Google, Microsoft, American Express and The Coca-Cola Company.

Hilti, which also made its fourth consecutive appearance in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list this year, received special praise for a ‘Culture Management Team that believes that while orientation of new employees is important, it is equally important to ensure that all employees experience company immersion beyond the first year.

Jedd Lucas, Head of Human Resources, Northern Europe Region for Hilti, said: “This is our first entry in the multinational list, an achievement that is truly exceptional and highlights the underlying ethos of the business, its practices, and its unwavering commitment to its workforce.

“To be the only construction firm is praise indeed, and to see the other outstanding organisations that complete the top 25 shows the true level and stature of this accomplishment.”

A County Antrim firm has just completed an ambitious interior fitout of a new permanent exhibition at Belfast Harbour offices which commemorates the city’s 400 year old maritime history.

Marcon Fit-Out, in partnership with local design company Tandem, has brought the vision of the exhibition ‘A Port that Built A City’ to reality in four weeks thanks to its team’s skillset which includes specialist joinery and manufacturing.

The high profile new heritage space details Belfast’s emergence as a major port and the city’s subsequent growth and development as an industrial hub, right up until the shipbuilding heyday of Harland & Wolff.

Marcon was responsible for the entire refurbishment of the new Heritage Room which required specialist joinery skills to house valuable historic documents and artefacts which relate to the port of Belfast’s rich heritage. The famous Titanic table, which is on loan to Belfast Harbour from Harland & Wolff, and a stunning new 3.5 m high stained glass window by a local artist, Ann Smith will form

At the official opening of the new Belfast Harbour Exhibition was. (L-R) Alan Stewart, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Marcon Fit-Out; Dr Len O’Hagan CBE, Chairman, Belfast Harbour and Andrew Todd, Director, Tandem Design.

centrepieces of the exhibition.

Martin McErlean, Contracts Manager at Marcon, said: “The brief from the Belfast Harbour was to transform an empty room into an inspiring space that reflects Belfast’s proud maritime history. We had our joiners create specialist furnishings to house items of historic significance, some of which included illuminated displays while others had to be alarmed to provide security for the valuable artefact inside Martin explained the furnishings, manufactured by Marcon, had to

reflect the historic period - but with a modern twist to ensure visitors can enjoy an audio and visual experience.

“The installation which details the famous past Belfast Harbour chairmen is set off by a specially made lighting display. While the historic character has been fully retained, we used modern technology, such as LED sheet lighting to ensure this display can be appreciated by visitors.”

Access to ‘A Port that Built a City’ is via an online booking system.

McAvoy wins contract to provide building for Wind Terminal Team

The two-storey anti-vandal building supplied and constructed by the McAvoy Group will accommodate 100 workers at the Offshore Wind Terminal site in Belfast.

Northern Ireland off site construction specialists McAvoy Group has won a contract for its Hire division to supply accommodation for workers at the Offshore Wind Terminal in Belfast Harbour.

The development is the first bespoke offshore wind installation and pre-assembly harbour in the UK, and

is part of Belfast Harbour’s wider plans to create a renewable energy hub.

Siemens Windpower, which required accommodation for the 100 plus construction workers at the Offshore Wind Terminal at the West of Duddon Sands Windfarm project, chose the Co Tyrone-based company to supply the 605 sq m two-storey Anti-Vandal building.

The £50 million alternative energy project is a joint venture between Scottish Power Renewables and DONG Energy which commissioned the work to install 108 wind turbines at the Harbour site.

McAvoy Hire faced a big challenge installing the accommodation block due to the nature of the location, but the team managed to develop an innovative foundation which spread the load of the building across the site. This required the fabrication of a bespoke subframe which was manufactured at McAvoy’s engineering plant in Lisburn.

The accommodation will be operational for the duration of the 52 week project.

Meanwhile, in a separate project for Siemens at Hollyford Wind Farm in Tipperary, McAvoy Hire provided five off-site buildings for a 12-week period.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

PLANNING AND FLOOD RISK A consultation paper was published at the end of November 2013 by the Department of the Environment on a new version of PPS 15 Planning and Flood Risk. The CEF’s planning partners Turley Associates have prepared an article to advise members on the main implications of the proposed new PPS 15.

PPS 15 Planning and Flood Risk is available online at www.planningni.gov.uk Turley Associates article is available online at www.cefni.co.uk

SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN PLANNING PERFORMANCE The provisional Northern Ireland Planning Development Management Statistics were recently published for Q1 2013/14. The report shows a notable increase (17%) in the number of residential planning applications in urban areas compared with the same period last year. This follows a series of successive falls in these applications in Q1 over recent years.

Despite this change in trend for residential housing, the overall number of planning applications submitted is still falling (-7%) on the same period last year.

However, this latest reduction is significantly less than the range of falls recorded in previous years for the same period, which were typically around 16% to 17%.

There have been improvements in application processing performance compared with the same period last year. Processing times were all lower for Major (26 weeks), Intermediate (17 weeks) and Minor applications (11 weeks) for Q1 2013/14 compared with the same period last year but the target for Major applications (20 weeks), which is predominantly housing, commercial and retail development, has still not been met.

CEF WELCOMES MINISTER’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE THE PLANNING PROCESS

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he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has welcomed the measures announced early in the new year to help speed up the planning system. Addressing the Planning Forum, of which CEF is a member, the Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, outlined the following range of measures which are to be introduced over the coming months: • Shorter simplified planning policy.

The current twenty separate PPS Nigel Lucas (CEF), Mark H Durkan (Minister for the Environment) and Sue Christie (NI Environment documents will be reduced to one Link) at the meeting of the Planning Forum.

Single Strategic Planning Policy Statement. Consultation will be issued later this month.

• Intense pre-application discussions and widespread community involvement to ensure planning decisions can be taken much quicker.

• Prompt refusal of substandard planning applications. This will unclog much time spent on trying to obtain additional information to support poor quality applications.

• Faster responses from consultees especially the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). This will include ‘backlog blitzes ‘to clear outstanding applications.

• Establishing an NIEA Planning Control Team for a single point of contact for consultations.

• Much greater access to planning case officers for applicants.

Responding to the announcement, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the CEF said: “It is reassuring that the Minister’s decision to abandon the Planning Bill has not lessened his drive to improve the planning system. The construction industry has started to see some small improvements in planning processing times and the measures announced today will help reduce processing times further.”

“We particularly welcome the Minister’s commitment to ensure faster responses from consultees. This has long been one of the most significant hold ups in the planning process. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been one of the worst offenders in this regard. Addressing NIEA’s backlog of outstanding consultations and ensuring quick responses from now on will have a major impact. NIEA’s new timescale for processing consultations should be made public and performance should be monitored. We believe a similar approach should be taken with all other consultees as well.”

“An efficient planning system is an essential ingredient to growing the local economy. Focus must now turn to the successful implementation of the measures announced today to ensure that Northern Ireland’s nascent economic recovery is supported, not hindered, by our planning system. We look forward to continuing to work with the Minister and his officials to identify measures that can improve the system further.”

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT AT A TURNING POINT?

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wo official measures of construction employment in Northern Ireland have shown an increase in employment in the industry in the third quarter of 2013. Taken together with wider indicators of the industry’s improving performance there is good reason to believe that this will mark the end of five years of falling employment in the industry.

The results of the latest Quarterly Employment Survey show that there were 29,720 employee jobs in construction in Q3 2013 which is an increase of just over 1% on the previous quarter. This follows publication at the end of November of the Q3 results from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which showed total employment in the industry at 63,000, up 9% on Q2. This figure includes employees and self-employed workers. Due to the small sample size the LFS results are prone to greater fluctuations that can exaggerate quarterly changes and therefore need to be treated with caution.

Full details of changes to employment in the Northern Irish construction industry can be found on the CEF website.

EMPLOYMENT LAW REVIEW – CEF’S RESPONSE

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he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has responded to the consultation on the Employment Law Review undertaken by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL). The review is of significant importance as its outcome will impact on Northern Ireland’s competiveness and on employers’ willingness to take on new employees as the economy begins to recover.

The Federation’s response included the following key points: • Early Conciliation – CEF supports the introduction of mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution as the first step in resolving workplace disputes.

• Neutral Assessment – CEF strongly supports the service of neutral assessment to demystify common misconceptions that exist amongst parties regarding the level of awards that are available via the Tribunal. This is an important step in the process to educate parties on the validity of their case, merits and likely outcome if parties proceed to tribunal or arbitration. This service should be widely available to ensure that parties are fully aware of their actions.

• Embedding Good Employment Practice – CEF strongly supports a partnership approach between LRA and representative organisations (like CEF) to provide SMEs advice and support on HR related issues.

• Unfair Dismissal Qualifying Period – CEF believes this should increase from one year to two years for all firms in Northern Ireland.

• Unfair Dismissal Compensation Award – CEF believes the cap for this should be reduced to a maximum of 12 months’ salary and that LRA should provide advice that helps manage expectations on tribunal awards.

• Collective Redundancy Consultation Period – CEF believes this should be reduced to a maximum of 45 days.

• Compromise Agreements – CEF believes companies should have the flexibility to use compromise agreements to resolve workplace disputes.

• Protected Conversations – CEF recommends that a working group is established to develop a framework for ‘protected conversation solely for retirement planning’.

CEF looks forward to working closely with the Minister over the coming months, pressing our case for reform to ensure that Northern Ireland continues to sends a clear message that it is open for business and has the ability to compete globally.

The full CEF Response to the Employment Law Review Consultation can be viewed online at www.cefni.co.uk.

TENDERING OVER HOLIDAYS

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hristmas is the season to be jolly but it is also appears to be the season for tendering. As usual some clients again this year failed to take account of the construction industry Christmas holidays when planning their procurements. In the run up to Christmas CEF has engaged with clients to seek extensions to a number of tender return deadlines where clients have given unreasonably short tender timeframes or where the return date was during the holiday period. In the vast majority of cases we have been successful in obtaining extensions.

In the last number of years CEF has been pro-active in trying to prevent tendering over the holiday periods by ensuring clients are informed well in advance of the industry agreed holidays. This appeared to have helped reduce the volume of problem cases in the run up to Christmas 2013.

As part of this pro-active approach the industry agreed holidays have been posted for public viewing on the CEF website. Members are encouraged to make their clients aware of these holidays in 2014.

CEF REACTION TO MIVAN ADMINISTRATION

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n January 2014 Mivan, one of Northern Ireland’s largest construction companies, was placed into administration.

Responding to the announcement, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “This is a sad day for the local construction industry. First and foremost our thoughts are with the 300 workers whose jobs are now in peril. It is a distressing position that all too many local construction workers have faced over the last few years. Today’s announcement is a particularly cruel blow in light of the recent stabilisation witnessed in the industry.”

“Mivan had an excellent reputation and was renowned for its export success over many years. Many local companies have followed Mivan’s lead in this regard and now over 70% of the turnover of our top 20 construction companies is generated outside Northern Ireland. Had it not been for the industry’s remarkable success in winning work outside Northern Ireland, many more local people would have been out of work in recent years.”

CEF ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Annual Report 2013 has been published. All full, associate and information members have been issued with a copy of the report which provides a brief summary of the Federation’s work over the last twelve months. The Annual Report 2013 can also be viewed online at www.cefni.co.uk.

The report details how CEF has been successful in: • Increasing work opportunities for members • Reducing costs for members • Reducing bureaucracy for members • Helping members comply with regulatory requirements and good practice • Keeping members informed • Improving the industry CEF has placed a great emphasis on meeting with and listening to members over the past year to ensure every member’s interests are being represented. In this regard CEF would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the member companies that generously hosted the autumn round of local association meetings, namely O’Hare and McGovern, QMAC Construction and Henry Brothers. We look forward to further engagement with members in the upcoming year.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

NEW LEGISLation that will affect the cost of labour from april 2014 The Chancellor announced new legislation in the Autumn Statement in December 2013 that is intended to make labour agencies and intermediaries operate PAYE. Liz Bridge from the Joint Taxation Committee in London has prepared a briefing note for members to illustrate how the new legislation is intended to work. This is available on the CEF website.

Liz Bridge has advised that it is important that every firm that engages its labour force via any sort of third party should be aware of the way the new legislation will affect them. Her view is that it seems likely that all contracts to supply labour will need to have PAYE for the end worker built into the price.

The legislation will become effective from 6 April 2014 so there is little time to prepare.

reduced fees for renewal of planning applications – delayed In November 2013, we reported that DOE Planning was intending to introduce a 75% reduction for the renewal of planning applications that were about to expire and it was hoped that this reduced fee would be available before the end of December 2013.

We now understand from DOE Planning that the regulations that are needed to introduce this reduced fee will not be ready until March 2014. We have written to DOE Planning to seek a definitive date for the introduction of this concession.

In the meantime if members have approvals that are due to expire, they should contact their local Divisional Manager in DOE Planning as soon as possible to discuss the renewal of their application to see if the wording of individual conditions may need further consideration before a renewal can be granted.

CEF MEETS roads service to discuss street lighting and planning issues

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n December 2013 CEF met with senior officials from DRD Roads Service to discuss the change in policy for metering electricity for street lights in new developments before adoption and problems relating to delays caused in the consideration of planning applications for new developments.

The change in policy by Northern Ireland Electricity Transmission and Distribution (NIETD) was introduced on 6 June 2011. Prior to that date, NIETD required only one Control Pillar per development for connecting street lamps to the network and all electricity used to light the lamps before adoption was charged at a unit rate per lamp. Since 6 June 2011, however, NIETD now require a Control Pillar to be provided for each bonded section of road in a new development and a meter to be attached to each lamp to ensure that all electricity used is paid for. We are advised that this change of policy came about as a requirement by the Electricity Regulator as part of the full opening of the electricity retail market in Northern Ireland to other energy providers.

CEF estimates that the effect of this policy however, has been to add approximately £1400 to £1600 per bonded section of road to a builder’s costs for providing street lights. CEF takes the view that this change in policy has introduced costs for measuring electricity used prior to adoption that are totally disproportionate and unjustifiable

in comparison to the quantity of electricity that has actually to be paid for.

CEF is still in discussions with NIETD, the Electricity Regulator and DRD Roads Service on this issue. Members will be kept advised of any further developments.

With regard to consultations on planning applications, DRD Roads Service explained that sometimes if amendments are required to large developments, it is not always apparent at first sight that such changes will have consequential effects on other parts of a proposed layout.

This may explain why Roads Service is often accused of coming back time and again with more requests for changes. CEF stated however that the number of repeat requests for further changes was totally unacceptable and with the advent of planning reform in 2015, such extended consultations will no longer be permitted under the terms of the Planning Act 2015 which will specify a set timescale in which to complete all consultations.

Roads Service advised that discussions are ongoing with DOE Planning to address this matter but, if builders feel aggrieved about their application, there is a formal complaints procedure which provides for a complaint to be elevated through the various management levels within Roads Service. Full details of this procedure and further advice for developers are available on the DRD website at www.drdni.gov.uk.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGINSATION BILL

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n mid-November 2013 the Committee for the Environment at the Northern Ireland Assembly commenced the Committee Stage of the Local Government Reorganisation Bill. The Committee sought views on the proposed Bill for the reorganisation of local government.

While the Bill mostly deals with the governance issues of the reorganised local councils, there are some references to the transfer of planning powers.

CEF has made a response to the request for comments. Our response on these matters is restricted to the items relating to the transfer of planning powers and is summarised as follows: • Clause 69 Community Planning CEF is seeking details of how community planning is to be implemented and under what circumstances. We would request clarification on how long term objectives for determining economic, social and environmental well-being will be identified.

• Clause 70 Community Planning Partners CEF requires confirmation of which bodies will be identified by the Department as community planning partners of a council.

• Clause 71 Production of Community Plan CEF proposes that the production of a community plan should be within a specific time period and not “as soon as is practicable” as this will allow too much potential for slippage.

• Clauses 72 and 73 Review of Community Plan CEF fully supports the proposal that a community plan should be reviewed every four years. We also support the proposal to identify what actions are to be taken following a review.

• Clause 74 Monitoring CEF fully supports the proposal to monitor progress made on meeting the community planning objectives at least every two years. This will avoid the risk of challenges that the pals are out of date and will reduce potential delays in processing planning applications that may need to take the community planning

process into consideration.

• Clause 92 Performance Indicators and Performance Standards CEF welcomes the provision to establish performance indicators but we feel that some form of remedy or sanction should also be available if a council consistently under performs.

• Clauses 93 to 95 Improvement Planning The provision to collect and assess improvements or otherwise must be set against a robust time line in order to prevent consistent under performance from not being addressed quickly. Accountability needs to be introduced for any underperformance with suitable remedies or sanctions.

• Clauses 107 and 109 Power of a Department seek reports and Intervene CEF fully supports the proposal to require councils to make reports on its activities if so directed by any Department and, if considered appropriate, such a Department has the right to intervene in the work of a council to ensure the proper discharge of its duties.

CEF MEETS EDUCATION MINISTER

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he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with John O’Dowd, Minister for Education in January to discuss the ongoing delays in the delivery of the major capital works programme.

The Federation expressed the industry’s frustrations to the Minister that of the 16 schools detailed in the June 2012 announcement very few are as yet on the ground. The Minister accepted this concern and expressed his desire to progress as quickly as possible.

The Minister stated that three

projects are now on the ground; St Joseph’s Convent, St Gerard’s Resource Centre formerly the Balmoral PFI and Victoria Park Primary School. A further six are out to tender and it is anticipated will be on the ground by the end of the current financial year. These are Eglinton Primary School, Dromore Central, St Clare’s Primary School and St Coleman’s Abbey which is a combined project, St Mary’s Primary School, Tannaghmore Primary School, St Theresa’s Primary School and Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain (Ben Madigan). The Minister confirmed

PENSIONS AUTO-ENROLMENT – THE CLOCK IS TICKING

T

he Pensions Auto-enrolment legislation which was introduced in October 2012 has already become a reality for some of the largest employers in the local construction industry.

During 2014 many more companies will be affected, as all businesses with between 62 and 499 employees will have to comply between January and July of this year – those with fewer employees will have staging dates through to 2017. Contrary to what the ‘auto-enrolment’ name suggests, the process is by no means automatic and the Pension Regulator is advising employers to begin preparing at least six months in advance of their staging date.

Enhance – Construction Pension Scheme Northern Ireland provides an excellent solution to auto-enrolment and is designed to make the whole process simple and easy to implement for companies in the local construction sector.

For those employers already using the Enhance scheme we will be in contact to ensure that you are well prepared in advance of your allocated staging date.

If you have not been advised of your staging date as yet, you can find out on www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk follow the link to “staging dates” and key in your PAYE reference number.

Workers Pension Trust is a workplace pension scheme designed to complement Enhance. This new scheme allows you to meet all your autoenrolment needs including any non-construction related areas of your business.

Both pension schemes offer a FREE Auto-enrolment Delivery Programme which includes: • A six month planning and implementation guide • Assistance with employee communications • Employee information leaflets • Workplace posters • On line access for employers Auto-enrolment can appear daunting to even the most organised business but with the right support and guidance it can be made much simpler. The team has already helped a number of employers to successfully complete the autoenrolment process and is on hand to help you comply with the legislation.

To sign up to the FREE Auto-enrolment Delivery Programme contact Iain Ferguson at iferguson@enhancepensionscheme.co.uk or on 028 9087 7153.

that the major capital budget project will ratchet up this year from £113m in total to £183m in total for 2014/15 of which the vast majority is construction spend.

The convoluted nature of the reporting chain between the department and the controlled and maintained sectors was discussed.

The Minister understood these concerns but explained that that was the situation he had to deal with at present.

With regard to the Schools Enhancement Programme, the Minister confirmed that there are some fifty projects that have currently gone to business case with a value

of between £0.5m and £4m with a total value of £100m. In 2014 it is anticipated that £10-15m will be allocated for some of these projects.

With regard to the other 22 schools which had been announced the Minister reported these are still in forward planning and would be subject to funding which has not yet been secured.

We emphasised the importance for regular and detailed communication for the industry on these programmes and the Minister agreed to provide this. It was also formally agreed that the Federation and the Department of Education would set up a quarterly liaison starting in March 2014.

Courses & seminars programme FEBRUARY 2014 - JUNE 2014 Course/Seminar Title

Date(s)

Duration

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

14 Feb

½ day

Invasive Species Identification & Management

19 Feb

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

21 Feb

½ day

EU Timber Regulations

26 Feb

2 hrs

How to Write Winning PQQs

4 March

½ day

Winning PQQs Masterclass

4 March

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

6 & 13 March

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

14 March

½ day

Employment Overview – The Essentials

20 March

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

21 March

½ day

Spill Kit Training

1 April

2 hrs

Quality Submissions – Substance & Style

3 April

½ day

An Introduction to Effective Strategic Marketing

3 April

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

10 April

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

11 April

½ day

An Overview of NEC3 Compensation Events

15 April

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

1 & 8 May

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

9 May

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

23 May

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

13 June

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

20 June

½ day

• 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: cfts@cefni.co.uk

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

143 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SU

•

Tel: 028 9087 7143

•

Fax: 028 9087 7155

•

www.cefni.co.uk

46| interview

Specify talks to Rory Miskelly A Chartered Surveyor and a Chartered Builder with over 20 years experience in the industry, Rory has worked as a Project Manager delivering projects including Ulster Rugby’s new Ravenhill Stadium, the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre, the Lyric and Grand Opera House Theatres.

I am looking forward to challenging and shaping the ongoing growth of the business with specific focus on how we successfully respond to the growing market for permanent off site modular construction.

This requires a different and more complex skill set and part of the challenge is supporting and engendering this change within the business.

Q: What do you hope to bring to the table at the McAvoy Group?

I hope to bring a fresh perspective and support the growth of the business into the expanding permanent off-site modular construction sector. I believe my background in both the Client and Contracting sides of the industry will help strengthen the existing skill set in the McAvoy Group.

Q: You have an interesting mix of experiences in your career to date. Which one gave you the most satisfaction on completion?

I find that each project brings its own challenges, be they technical, financial, programme or indeed personality related. For me, satisfaction is obtained in successfully delivering a project by creating alignment in the aims and objectives of all the parties involved and I view this as a key factor in successful project delivery. Satisfaction on project delivery doesn’t necessarily directly correspond to the scale or status of a project. It’s about immersing

yourself in the world of the project, understanding the drivers and behaviours of the people involved and channelling these into the best possible outcomes. I have been fortunate enough to span a number of sectors in my career from the arts, leisure, sport and retail and have found great personal satisfaction is all of these projects.

Q: Your move to the McAvoy Group is something of a change considering your involvement in projects associated with the arts, sport and leisure? What challenges are you most looking forward to?

Q: What appeals most to you about the McAvoy Group?

I believe we have a fantastic product that is capable of meeting the needs of a growing client base.

The multi­storey permanent off site modular concept now offers an excellent lifespan, cost in use, energy performance and flexibility to respond quickly to varying client and site location factors. Successful delivery has been established on existing frameworks and these are now in place to grow over the next few years.

Q: In your experience what makes a business succeed?

It is paramount that people within a business are fully bought into it. In my view this is not only for management; it is for every individual within an organisation. This culture needs to be top led and supported by management as, without it there will always be inefficiencies and unnecessary time and cost elements introduced to every aspect of business operations.

Q: Do businesses in Northern Ireland face bigger challenges than their UK and Republic of Ireland counterparts?

Historically the logistical aspect of this may have played a part, however, local businesses now have significantly increased levels of flexibility and operational reach. McAvoy Group, like many other businesses, has grown the operational and supply chain elements of the business of the past number of years so as to be able to respond to the wider geographic challenges of the market.

It is the added value approach to projects, brought by the skill set of the employees, which I believe clients now recognise as a differentiating factor.

Q: The construction industry is one of the biggest in Northern Ireland, but does it have to evolve to survive? If so, how?

Visibility of pipeline is key for businesses to plan and respond accordingly. This coupled with efficient and speedy delivery of projects through the Business Case and relevant approvals processes are in my view key current factors for the construction industry.

Q: What do you have on your desk?

A framed print saying “You only pass through this life once... You don’t come back for an encore – Elvis Presley” and a large vintage calculator from my father which I still use.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself?

I have an unnerving ability to never get nervous about public speaking, despite there being times when I should be!

Q: How do you relax?

Downtime is a busy family life with three children, retaining a lifelong love of playing music and occasional dingy sailing on Strangford Lough.

profile |47

“Whatever it is, it’s still a people business!”

Richard Willis and Michael Law introduce Willis Consulting and Employment Services.

H

aving just celebrated its 35th Anniversary and with the transfer of management responsibility to the next generation gathering momentum, Willis & Company are looking forward to launching a number of new initiatives in 2014.

Managing Director Richard Willis, comments “Delivering a professional but personal insurance broking service over such a long period has earned us a reputation for truly understanding the complexities of our clients’ businesses and various industry sectors. Our strategic aim of expanding those relationships into that of trusted business risk advisors is now taking shape and our new Consulting Division is exciting evidence of that. We have assembled a great team and the early feedback is very positive.”

Michael Law, recently appointed Head of Development at Willis Consulting adds, “To enhance our offering to local clients we have added essential HR and Health & Safety consultancy services to our product portfolio, offering value, quality and peace of mind.

Our specialist team have years of experience advising and supporting businesses. We have developed a proactive and practical approach to help clients meet their current and future business needs ensuring they remain compliant with their legal obligations and best practice.”

“Our offering is based on the following:-

HR Consultancy

Practical support when you need it most from our professional, client focused HR team. If you’ve ever thought ‘How do I handle a grievance?’ or ‘I need an impartial

Willis Managing Director Richard Willis welcomes Michael Law, Head of Development at Willis Consulting and Employment Services.

person to chair an appeal’, WILLIS CONSULTING can now be on hand to help, by phone and in person.

Helping you understand and meet your business legal requirements.

We take a proactive approach to health and safety. From advice on your day to day responsibilities, to practical support with your safety management system and paperwork, we’re on hand to help.

best possible resolution for your business, taking into account not only potential costs and awards but also potential harm to your reputation.

We offer a comprehensive Management Liability policy which provides cover in respect of tribunal costs and awards, including the cost of our in-house legal team representing you.

Please contact us to discuss how we can best support your business in the event of an Industrial Tribunal Claim.

Tribunal Representation

Consultancy Service Options

Health & Safety Consultancy

Tribunal Claims can be costly both in monetary terms but also management time. Employers often feel uncertain and vulnerable when in receipt of Tribunal papers.

Our in-house legal team offer a full claims handling service. They will work with you to achieve the

We appreciate that each business has different needs which is why we offer a variety of service options to best suit your organisation. We have a team of specialist advisors on hand to assist you choose the best service option to meet with your business requirements.

Retained Services

We understand the value to your business of having expertise on hand and have coupled this with competitive cost-effective solutions providing a unique combination of services including advice from our expert team and practical on-site consultancy support

Ad Hoc Consultancy

From to time, you may require an external consultant to provide ad hoc support for HR or H&S related matters. Our trusted consultants can provide a range of services including: • conducting workplace investigations, • chairing a hearing or an appeal, • conducting consultation meetings on TUPE, Redundancy and restructures, • workplace training for example manual handling or performance management.

For further information on Willis Consulting & Employment Services, contact Michael Law at:

Tel: 028 9032 9042

Email: info@willisinsurance.co.uk Web: www.willisinsurance.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

48| McAleer & Teague

New Head Office for McAleer & Teague Ltd. Celebrating their 60th year in business, Dromore construction company McAleer & Teague Ltd. have just moved into new premises in the Tyrone town...

J

ust over sixty years ago, Barney McAleer and Terence Teague set up their own building firm in the Tyrone town of Dromore.

Back in 1953, their early work included local authority housing and small private housing projects.

Through experience and success they developed a reputation for top quality craftsmanship at a good price and began to take on larger housing projects (including work for NIHE), schools and many of the Wellworth’s Stores of the 1970s and 80s.

In 1972, McAleer & Teague was awarded a contract to build 376

houses at Strathroy near Omagh – one of the largest projects in NI at the time, valued at £2m and certainly set the company on the path to becoming one of Northern Ireland’s top builders.

This was the first of many high profile projects for the company.

McAleer & Teague Ltd. went on to undertake specialist works for the National Trust at Castlecoole, Florencecourt and Crom Castle.

The company also carried out much of the building work for the Wellworth stores that expanded across Northern Ireland in the seventies and eighties and built the premises for the supermarket chain in

Newry, Cookstown, Armagh, Omagh, Strabane and Enniskillen. There were also major renovations at Cookstown and Magherafelt Leisure Centres and a new extension at the Loreto Convent in Omagh. Two new chapels were also built in Drumquin and their hometown of Dromore. These would lead on to the award winning refurbishment and conservation scheme at the Grade A listed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh in 2003 and a number of other notable church restoration projects at St. Mary’s Church in Killyclogher, St. Mary’s Church in Drumragh, Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital’s RC Church, the Holy Trinity Church in Cookstown .

Web: www.mcatni.co.uk • Email: info@mcatni.co.uk

McAleer &Teague also worked on the History Park at Gortin, Omagh and completed major extensions to the pilgrimage site at Lough Derg.

The company also pioneered the use of timber framed construction for private housing in the Republic of Ireland in a pilot scheme that involved the building of 26 private houses with solar heating and increased insulation.

Another pioneering project was the creation of the new Itec Centre in Enniskillen which saw a steel frame dropped into the centre of the building so that the exterior of the listed building was untouched but the interior could be enhanced to modern requirements.

McAleer & Teague |49

McAleer & Teague have also been working in Belfast continually since the seventies and some of their work includes major projects at the School of Nursing, the Medical Biology Centre (MBC), the Centre for Climate, the Environment, and Chronology, the Ashby Tower and the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital sites for Queens University.

A number of NHS (NI) and HSE (Ireland) contracts have also been awarded to McAleer & Teague including the construction of a new Medical Education Centre for Craigavon Area Hospital, works at the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen and at Cavan General Hospital.

McAleer & Teague are particularly proud of their work in the restoration sector, and their completed projects at the Grade B Listed Bridge Community Centre in Lisburn, the Grade A Listed Florencecourt House in Enniskillen, Grade B+ Listed Herdman’s Mills in Sion Mills as well as the Grade B Listed Mulhouse Building at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

From the experience gained in all these projects, McAleer & Teague have gone from strength to strength, gaining a reputation for quality, reliability and for its training of skilled craftsmen.

One of their key assets is their own in-house specialist joinery workshop facility, which is staffed with experienced machine men and bench hands who have established an enviable reputation for manufacturing quality joinery with a high degree of craftsmanship and reliability.

Their experienced team of joiners and machinists operate out of a purpose-built joinery workshop, equipped with the latest high tech production equipment. This superb manufacturing facility allows McAleer & Teague to provide the highest levels of quality and service.

All products made are for in-house use only, allowing the company to focus directly on the needs of the construction projects, product testing, client inspection, and always maintain a high level of quality control.

The joinery team consists of highly skilled and motivated individuals, many of whom have been with the company in excess of 30 years.

Their dedication to traditional skills and craftsmanship is evident in everything they manufacture and with an extensive in-house NVQbased training programme for new apprentices; they ensure that this tradition continues.

In 2002, brothers Ciaran and Dominic Teague (sons of Terence Teague) took over the company

following the death of Barney McAleer, to whom they pay great credit. Ciaran and Dominic have continued to work in the manner for which the company was renowned and have built on the skill and loyalty of the existing workforce, retaining many of the same skilled staff.

There are many long serving staff who were officially recognised this year at a ceremony held in the McAleer & Teague offices, after long term employee John McGee recently announced his retirement after 45 years with the company.

Long serving employees, recognised for their hard work and dedication to the company were Sean McKnight, Louis McAleer, Patsy McNabb, Martina O’Connor, Hughie Winters, Patrick McNabb, Martin Hughes, Anthony McDermott, Michael O’Connor and Gerard Warnock who have each served between 25 – 40 years with McAleer & Teague and have contributed immensely to the company’s continued success throughout the years!

Terence Teague was also among those who received a token of appreciation for his long standing contribution to the company.

As second generation, Ciaran and Dominic have never lost the ‘family business’ ethic and have carried forward company values that have

Web: www.mcatni.co.uk • Email: info@mcatni.co.uk

enabled McAleer &Teague Ltd. to become an ambitious and innovative building and civil engineering company and an integral part of the local community in Dromore.

The company employs around sixty people.

Through their work with Invest NI and other business development programmes, Ciaran and Dominic continue to prepare the company for the future with confidence.

Though their story is one of continual development and success, they were still troubled, like everyone in the construction industry by the recession.

Ciaran Teague told Specify that, “The company was affected, like everyone, by the recession. In 2007 / 2008 the company restructured with the anticipated downturn and a reduction in turnover. Through hard work and determination McAleer & Teague Ltd. have successfully endured the recession and are currently in a good situation.

“Having previously decided to withdraw, McAleer & Teague Ltd. have now re-entered the market in the Republic of Ireland, having recently completed a £6m Nursing Home in Bray, Co. Wicklow and have now commenced a new contract at University College Dublin (UCD).

We are also engaging with Intertrade

50| McAleer & Teague Ireland to develop our market strategy in the south.”

It is not just in the Republic of Ireland though, that Ciaran & Dominic see new possibilities as the company is also currently tendering for work in mainland UK in conjunction with Invest NI. “Our long term plan is to maintain and develop our work in Northern Ireland, increase turnover in the Republic and to start work in mainland UK,” said Ciaran.

The new Head Office Building is that of the former First Trust Bank, which closed its doors in November 2012. Following a complete strip

out and refurbishment, McAleer & Teague Ltd. moved in on 27 Sept 2013. Derek Martin (CEF President) and Ciaran Fox (Federation Manager) officiated at the opening.

Dominic Teague commented, “We are delighted to announce our recent move to newly refurbished offices at the former First Trust Bank building in Dromore. The move is in line with our continued growth and in celebration of 60 great years of business. Our new surroundings will provide us with the ideal headquarters from which to expand as we continue to deliver buildings of the highest calibre”.

Photos of the ‘cutting of the ribbon’ from the Official Opening.

Left – Right: Derek Martin (CEF), Ciaran Fox (CEF), Dominic Teague (Director at McA&T Ltd), Ciaran Teague (Director at McA&T Ltd).

Web: www.mcatni.co.uk • Email: info@mcatni.co.uk

McAleer & Teague |51

conwell roofing contracts

Specialising in Roofing and Cladding Construction and Services since 1968!

Established in 1968 in Strabane Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Conwell Roofing Contracts Ltd is a family run business specialising in commercial and domestic roofing and cladding.

The family run company which was established by Edward Conwell Snr has expanded steadily over the past 45 years to include his two sons Edward Jnr and Stephen and 8 other expertly trained staff.

Congratulations to McAleer and Teague and All the best for the Future 32 Peacock Road, Strabane, Co.Tyrone, BT82 9NW Telephone: +44 (0) 28816 58372 - Fax: +44 (0) 28816 59971 Email: info@conwellroofing.com

“Pleased to be associated with McAleer & Teague.

Wishing them every success for the future”

Enrolment No. 16458

Web: www.mcatni.co.uk • Email: info@mcatni.co.uk

digest

52|

Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan delayed Doubts remain about when Stormont ministers will sign off on a major development plan for greater Belfast.

The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan was given to ministers by the Department of Environment late last year. The plan, which identifies zones for retail, residential or commercial development, is due to come into full effect, on adoption, in 2015.

The DoE had hoped it would be given the green light by other departments by the end of last year but publication has been delayed by Stormont ministers.

Reacting to the further delays in the publication of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP), John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “There is significant frustration and concern in the

local construction industry that the publication of BMAP has been delayed once again. The plan has gone through the most rigorous consultation process and is almost a decade behind schedule and yet, as publication seemed imminent, another obstacle has arisen.”

“BMAP is the strategic plan covering Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and North Down. As such it affects approximately 40% of the population of Northern Ireland.

Essentially the Plan identifies the areas that are zoned for different types of development – housing, commercial, industrial building for example.”

“The construction industry needs the Plan in order to have certainty on where particular developments can proceed or otherwise. The

industry has invested heavily in its contribution to the development of BMAP and it has yet to see any benefit. As construction is starting to emerge from the worst recession in generations companies are under considerable pressure from their banks to demonstrate a return on their investment.”

“The lack of certainty that exists due to the delays in the publication of BMAP has the potential to hinder the recovery of the construction sector.

Due to the sector’s unique multiplier effect this has ramifications for the wider economy. Our Executive has a duty to drive economic recovery, not hold it back, and therefore should publish BMAP immediately.”

The Department for Regional Development has already given the plan a certificate to confirm it conforms with its requirements.

Harbour Commission to reclaim 60 acres Belfast Harbour Commission has lodged a planning application to reclaim 60 acres of land from Belfast Lough using six million tonnes of rock. If approved, it hopes work will begin soon on the three year project.

The quarry industry said the expansion “is a real boost as it emerges from the worst recession in memory.”

The area to be reclaimed is at the ‘seaward end’ of Victoria Terminal Four, from where Stena Line operates ferries to Scotland.

€7bn worth of contract and supply opportunities detailed in new report Published by Construction Information Services (CIS) the ‘Construction Opportunities’ 2014 Report is a ‘Special Report’ on the largest, active and ready to go construction projects in ireland both North and South for the year ahead.

The report is designed to assist companies that are preparing to take advantage of the return to growth in the Irish construction industry.

Construction Opportunities 2014

features 450 fully researched ‘Key’ and ‘Major’ construction projects which will commence and/or be completed in 2014 and includes thousands of Contract and Supply opportunities to the value of almost €7bn. The Projects included cover eight key construction sectors – Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Medical, Educational, Civil Works, Sports & Community and Hospitality across all counties in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The construction sector recorded

further strong growth at the end of 2013 as new orders rose sharply again. Purchasing activity and employment increased as a result and the industry as a whole is showing record levels of optimism. With this undoubted upturn and renewed confidence this CIS Construction Opportunities ‘Special Report’ is the ideal and most effective way to plan for 2014.

In addition, the ‘Report’ also includes a number of articles from industry experts including John

Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation of Northern Ireland.

Also included in this valuable resource are listings of projects in the ‘Planning Pipeline’, the ‘Key Professionals’ and the ‘Key Contractors’ in each of the eight construction sectors covered.

For further information regarding CIS ‘Construction Opportunities’ 2014 you can either e-mail: sales@cisireland. com visit: www.cisireland.com or phone Alan Chapman 00353 1 2999200.

digest

|53

Construction begins on £5.1 million teaching facility at Coleraine Campus

The University of Ulster has begun construction of a new £5.1m teaching facility at its Coleraine campus.

The development, due for completion in March 2015, will provide a state-ofthe-art, three-storey building, joined to the existing campus central building via a glazed link.

In addition to a 250-seat raked lecture theatre and a series of teaching rooms, the new facility will include hubs on each floor with soft seating areas and wi-fi access – providing students with more informal learning space.

Professor Deirdre Heenan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Communications, and Provost, Magee and Coleraine, said: “The University of Ulster is delighted to announce this £5.1m investment into teaching facilities at its Coleraine campus.

“We want to ensure that the facilities we provide continue to meet the needs of our students now and in future years.

“This project marks the second phase of our development plans for the campus. Phase one – the refurbishment of former catering areas and relocation of the Students Union – is well under way.”

UU loan finance for Belfast campus The University of Ulster has secured £150m in loan finance to help build its new Belfast Campus. The money was approved from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in December. The university would not comment as an announcement event is being planned with bank officials in the near future.

The EIB is the European Union’s bank based in Luxembourg and this will be one of its most significant ever projects in Northern Ireland.

The total cost of the campus is put at around £300m, involving the construction of three campus buildings for 12,000 students.

Construction is due to begin in 2015 and should be completed by 2018.

Labour calculator launched by CITB Software that calculates the skills and labour required on the lifetime of a construction project has been launched by CITBConstructionSkills NI. The Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) is a web-based application designed to help construction companies manage their labour needs and meet project deadlines. It can also be used to quantify community benefits from development projects during and after construction – potentially useful in the planning process.

The only information required to use the LFT is the project type, its value or gross floor area and start and end dates. Forecasts are provided on a monthby-month basis for 26 trades and professions, and are continuously calibrated as soon as new data becomes available.

The LFT has been developed by CITB (GB) in collaboration with Whole Life Consultants, the entrepreneurial arm of the University of Dundee.

Barry Neilson, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI Chief Executive said: “The LFT is an exciting development which builds upon our Sector Skills Council ability to forecast skills and employment needs. It provides users with real data which has been created based upon a sound methodology and backed up by actual project information which will ensure the skills and training requirement on construction projects are realistic”.

“The LFT can generate tailor made reports identifying skills needs on a month by month basis. For example it could tell you how many roofers, plumbers and electricians you would need on a hospital building project, and when they would be needed. This has clear benefits in terms of having the labour with the right skills in place at the right time.”

The LFT will benefit local government bodies, councils, developers, housing associations and contractors in planning future work. For more information on the LFT contact Katrina Clarke by email at: katrina.clarke@citbcsni.org.uk.

54|

digest

Philip Conacher, Ashleigh Contracts is congratulated by John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director on being the first company to successfully pass the rigorous full NVIR-O-CERT audit and achieve accreditation.

McLaughlin and Harvey, Henry Brothers and H&J Martin have also recently achieved NVIR-O-CERT accreditation.

NVIRO-CERT boosted by support from STEM project Companies going for NVIR-OCERT, the construction-specific environmental management system, can now receive up to five days of expert guidance on-site through the STEM Project. There is also up to £500 of direct financial support available to help with audit costs in the first year.

NVIR-O-CERT 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 putting good environmental performance in to practice.

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with STEM to help reduce the barriers that have prevented

companies taking the step to improve their environmental and business performance. Clients are increasingly expecting main contractors and their supply chain to have an accredited environmental management system and NVIR-O-CERT has been designed by the industry to meet the needs of the industry.”

“This excellent package of support will be particularly beneficial for smaller companies that are a bit daunted by the idea of operating an environmental management system. I think companies will quickly find that NVIR-O-CERT is a very practical system that delivers results.”

The STEM Project is part financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA, a Cross Border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and as such is only currently available for businesses with less than 250 employees and based in the following areas:

• Armagh City & District Council • Ards Borough Council • Banbridge District Council • Craigavon Borough Council • Down District Council • Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council • North Down Borough Council • Newry & Mourne District Council • Louth County Council • Monaghan County Council • Meath County Council Businesses located outside these areas may still be considered on a case by case basis.

The package of support which is available from STEM for £200 +VAT includes: • Up to five days site specific support.

• The assistance of the STEM Team to oversee and project manage your certification to NVIRO-CERT. • Up to 50% (up to a maximum of £500/€600) financial support

towards the first year NVIRO-CERT audit costs.

• Participation in one of Ireland’s largest networking forums for learning/sharing best practice, knowledge, skills and resources.

• Support to help identify savings in your energy, waste and water and be able to manage and control these.

• Access to an online environmental forum via stemproject.com • Free attendance at STEM Project training seminars (such as internal audit training).

• Provide confidential guidance on environmental legislation and tailor the CEF Environmental Law register to your meet your specific business needs.

Companies can sign up today by logging onto http://www.stemproject. com/application-form/ or contacting Anne or Adele at the STEM Project on 028 3751 5810.

directory |55

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

directory ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

AIR TIGHTNESS & VENTILATION

Automatic doors

Building information

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

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Construct with Confidence We combine our extensive technical knowledge with a wide range of the finest brands in air & wind tightness, ventilation, drainage, fixings, roofing and other construction products.

• SIGA Air & Windtightness Products • Gildevale Membranes • Airtightness Buildtight™ Range • Roofspace Ventilation • Passivent Natural Ventilation & Daylighting Solutions • Suitable for timber frame, traditional build and all commercial construction

Frederick Jones (Belfast) Ltd Tel: 028 9032 4467 Web: www.fjones.com/construction

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

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

Facades, Partitions & Doors

Bollard automation

Schuco Jansen Glazing Systems Fire & Smoke Curtains Steel Doors & Frames Timber Doors & Frames Door Sets Movable Walls

Stainless Steel Fabrications Balustrade & Handrail Stainless Steel Glazed Canopies Glass Partitions Staircases Stainless Steel Bollards

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

• Manual, Automatic & Gas Bollards • Building Protection Systems • Vehicle Access Control • Bus Link Systems • Anti-terrorist/Suicide Bomber Protection • Security Gates • Perimeter Security Consultants Sentry Posts Ltd 27 Upper Quilly Road, Dromore, Co. Down BT25 1NP Tel: (028) 9269 2113 Fax: (028) 9269 2117 Email: sentryposts@btconnect.com Web: www.sentryposts.co.uk

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 dublin cork London SCOTLAND QATAR

Tel: 01 456 7421 Tel: 021 435 1200 Tel: +44 (0) 1322 616 416 Tel: +44 (0) 7730 764 730 Tel: +97444533165

Please Contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

56| directory BuSINESS information

Cavity trays

CONCRETE

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

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.

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

Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction • Asset BEBO Bridge Arches • Redi-Rock Wall Systems • Box Culverts • Bridge Parapets • Manhole Rings & Slabs • Heads & Sills, Copings and Edgings • Above Ground Post-Tensioned Tanks Moore Concrete Products Caherty House, 41 Woodside Road, Ballymena BT42 2QH Tel: 028 2565 2566 Fax: 028 2565 8480 Email: info@moore-concrete.com Web: www.moore-concrete.com

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications.

t : x Ne ue Iss

New range to suppress sound transmission with up to fours hours fire integrity rating Level threshold isolation dpc's and compatible vertical closers now available.

Immediate distribution from stock Cavity Trays Limited Contact: Stephen Leyland Ltd, Castings House, Quarry Heights, North Road, Newtownards BT23 7SZ Tel: 028 9182 2522 Fax: 028 9182 2558

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

Cavity Trays Ltd New Administration Centre, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8Hu Tel: 01935 474769 Fax: 01935 428223 E-mail: enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

February/March 2014 Features:

• Health & Safety including: Fire Safety & Working at Height • Demolition

Demolition

• Above ground Slurrey Stores • Below ground Slurrey Tanks • Cattle Slatt • Cattle Cubicles • Retaining wall systems • Rocket walls, Drinkers • SB jack • Pipes and super H pipes • Bridge beams • Tunnel segments • Box culverts.

Macrete Ireland Ltd. 50 Creagh Road, Toomebridge Co. Antrim BT41 3SE Tel: 028 796 504 71 Fax: 028 796 500 84 Email: info@macrete.com Web: www.macrete.com

We have a wealth of experience within the demolition industry, covering all areas of Northern Ireland. We have built up a proven track record and reputation for being highly competitive, efficient and for completing all works to the highest possible standards. All our employees are fully trained in line with current legislation and are continually assessed and certified in all aspects of their work.

McCusker Demolition 85 Iris Drive Belfast BT12 7BL Tel: 02890 233301 Mob: 07801544496 - 07935987675 Fax: 02890 201427 Email: info@mccuskerdemolition.com Web: www.mccuskerdemolition.com

directory |57 GAS

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

Insurance Intermediaries

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast, BT3 9EE. Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: info@calorgas.ie Website: www.calorgas.ie Type of Business: Supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in both bulk and cylinder. Delivering an energy solution that is effective and economical. Full design service and technical advice and guidance. 24-hour emergency call out.

PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Commercial Catering, Water Heating, Space Heating, Air Handling, Alfresco Catering, Outdoor Heating Solutions, - Living Flame Fires, Tumble Drying.

FACADES

assessment, design and installation, to training, testing and maintenance. ..

FORKTRUCKS SOLUTIONS a comprehensive range of solutions for all your logistics requirements ...

SHIPPING SOLUTIONS we offer customers quality transportation solutions ...

WASTE SOLUTIONS supplying to the Industrial, Commercial, Public & Household Sectors ...

Tel: 028 9035 0000 Web: www.heyn.co.uk

Industrial Doors

Swiss Facades

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

• Employers & Public Liability Insurance • Contractors "All Risks" Insurance • Motor Fleet Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Property & Business Interruption Insurance • Latent Defects Insurance • Bonds Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

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

Mats and matting

Transforming Exterior Facades Premium Swiss Quality Panel Systems for High End Architecture

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

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

Fixings and fastenings

Ireland’s largest Fixings and Power Tool distributors including: • • • •

Bosch Panasonic Milwaukee Stanley

• • • •

Henkel Elch Rawlplug Heller

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

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

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

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

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

Distributors of GRP composite doorsets, glass products, fire doors & uPVC panels.

Visit our website www.acefixings.com

Ace Fixings Woodside Industrial Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4HX Tel: 028 2564 9323 Fax: 028 2565 9334

Contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

Advertise Here?

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

Metal Finishing

58| directory PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

METAL MESH

REcruitment

SPECIALIST PERMANENT RECRUITMENT The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco "Twil" Weldmesh EXPAMET Expanded Metal, FLOWFORGE Open Steel Flooring, Handrail Standards & Stair Treads, PERFORATED Metal Sheets, Comprehensive Stock Range,

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

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

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

Partitions (Acoustic)

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD Are one of the foremost pump distributors in Ireland, holding agencies for some of the worlds leading pump manufacturers.

We offer a complete design / supply / install service with the technical expertise and product range to support everything from domestic / commercial packaged pump stations to bespoke systems for municipal applications.

Our specialities include: • Hot / cold water boosting • Rainwater harvesting • Food and pharmaceutical • Sewage and storm pumping systems • Leachate systems

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

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

SAFETY

0800 1 970 970

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

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

• Merchandising • Auditors • Heavy Duty Installations • Quality Teams • Sales Blitzes • Contract Sales • POS Management • Mystery Shopping • Promotions/ Demonstrations • HR Consultancy • Payroll

Sales Placement Contract People Ltd. Unit A4, 17 Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 5040 Fax: 028 9073 9058 E-mail: info@spcpl.co.uk Web: www.spcpl.co.uk

REtaining walls

Hire Centres

FreePhone

• • • • • •

FIELD MARKETING SPECIALIST

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

PAVING

Acheson & Glover has been in business for more than 50 years. As well as in-depth experience we offer the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from manhole covers to decorative walling and paving.

Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

• Licensed Trade • FMCG • Marketing • Hospitality • Technical Sales • Construction • Advertising/Media • Pharmaceutical/Medical • IT • Telecoms • Foodservice • Retail

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

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

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Providing on-site safety for: • Construction • Maintenance • Engineering

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Lifeline Air Bags Mobile: 07748 786 076 Fax: 028 8772 9262 E-mail: malachymckee@me.com Web: www.lifelineairbags.co.uk

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

directory |59 PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Safety

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

Washroom systems

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

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

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

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

Pronet Safety Services Tel: 028 9337 3967 Fax: 028 9335 3518 Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

New Horizons 4A Steeple Road Antrim BT41 1AF t: 028 9448 8100 f: 028 9448 8101 e: info@trainingsolutionsni.co.uk w: www.trainingsolutionsni.com

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact:

Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Products: Protection Rails Handrails Wall Protection Door Protection Heavy Duty Protection Yeoman Shield provides a range of functional and attractive wall and door protection systems for new build and refurbishment projects.

TRAINING

Training Solutions (NI) Limited is one of Northern Ireland's leading training companies. We offer excellent training and development to both public and private sector organizations. The main areas of training include Construction, Health & Safety, Employee Skills and Management Development. We currently provide training for over 30 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies with high quality tuition and administration. Training Solutions (NI) Ltd is an accredited centre for NEBOSH, IOSH, CSR, City & Guilds, ILM, Driver CPC & SPA (Safe Pass Alliance) Courses and Qualifications.

Design that lasts

• Horizontal, Vertical, Inclined and Overhead Cable Systems • Mobile Anchors • Eyebolts • Demarcation • Annual systems Retest • Risk Assessment • Maintenance • Training

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

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

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd.

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

Our wide range of rails, wall sheet, corner and door protection systems are designed to prevent expensive and unsightly damage to the internal fabric of commercial and public buildings.

We have over 45 years of experience of wall and door protection combined with a wealth of knowledge and wide product range which is held in stock for immediate distribution.

Contact us for further information or visit www.yeomanshield.com where you can view the complete Yeoman Shield brochure.

Contact our head office with regards to coverage for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Yeoman Shield c/o Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd Whitehall Estate Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 5JB Tel: +44 113 279 5854 Email: sallyann@yeomanshield.com

Exceptional service & support

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

4 : 01 ue H 2 Iss t ARC x Ne B/M FE

Features:

• Health & Safety including: Fire Safety & Working at Height • Demolition

't ut N o DO iss m If you wish to advertise IN THE NEXT ISSUE please contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

60| web directory

web directory The Internet is a big place, so make sure you get noticed with a listing on SPECIFY's Web Directory pages. Flag up your home page to the people who matter. To secure your listing, contact Siobhan on 028 9078 3218 or email siobhankissward@greerpublications.com www.larsenbuildingproducts.com

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgasni.com

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

y

web directory |61 www.jncfence.com

www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

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

www.ridgefence.com

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

62| web directory www.mccuskerdemolition.com

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

web directory |63 www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.ahcladding.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

www.yeomanshield.com

64| product news MORE NEW FACES TO SERVICE SUCCESS AT APEER DOORS

N

orthern Ireland-based manufacturer Apeer Doors has announced two further key appointments in the latest phase of a recruitment drive to service its booming order book.

They are production managers Irene Wilson (day shift) and Trevor Peacock (night shift) who will both work at the company’s Ballymena manufacturing facility.

The company revealed this summer that it was gearing up to double production capacity following a surge of orders.

And last month Apeer managing director Asa McGillian said he would be taking on an additional 40 to 60 new staff over the next six months.

The increase in business follows Apeer’s hugely successful launch of the latest Diamond Doors and all-new Apeer MODO collections, both supported with new brochures and a stand at the FIT show.

Said Asa: “Our current recruitment drive represents a significant investment for us.

We are also in the process of a major training programme with the aim of upskilling our existing employees.”

NEW CLASS ARMAFLEX LAUNCHED WITH IMPROVED TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

T

he new AF/Armaflex Class O brand thermal insulation, incorporating a full range of elastomeric tubes, self seal tubes, coils, tape, flat sheet, self-adhesive sheets, continuous sheet (rolls) and pre-insulated pipe supports is now available with all the products providing the same technical values for the first time. The new range from technical insulation manufacturer Armacell is suitable for refrigeration and air conditioning, chilled water, process lines and heating and ventilation pipe and ductwork applications.

These replace the previous Class O Armaflex range, with the new AF/Armaflex Class O tube and sheet product codes now prefixed with AF-CO for ease of identification.

The Construction Products Regulation introduced in 2013 now means it is mandatory for Armaflex and other thermal insulation products to carry a CE Mark. The legislation sets out a harmonised European standard (hEN) for declaring the technical values of flexible elastomeric foams and new testing procedures to determine the stated performance. The obligatory technical values, as set out in the harmonised standard, must be stated by the manufacturer in a Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificate.

A new improved formulation of Armaflex has therefore been developed to meet these obligatory European fire performance, thermal conductivity and water vapour diffusion resistance values. This new advanced formula AF/Armaflex Class O range manufactured in the UK has a Euroclass Fire Rating of Bs3-d0 (the European equivalent to a Class O rating) and improved thermal conductivity performance of 0.033 W/(m • K) at 0ºC. The water vapour diffusion resistance performance is also improved from 7,000 to µ ≥ 10,000. In addition the product is now free from medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP) which construction product agencies in Sweden and Norway have ruled against because of the threat they have been found to pose to marine wildlife.

EXTERNAL CONDENSATION? THE ANSWER IS YES W: www.pilkington.co.uk/anticondensation

B

y keeping the outer surface of the glass warmer, Pilkington Anti-condensation glass solves a common problem with Insulated Glass Units – external condensation – giving homeowners a clearer view.

External condensation is a natural phenomenon, typically occurring in the spring and autumn months, where the external surface temperature of the glass drops below the point where air cannot hold any more moisture – its dew point.

Over the last ten years consumers who have installed modern IGUs (Insulating Glass Units), to help save energy and money on their fuel bills, may have experienced some form of condensation. This is due to IGUs having a low heat transfer coefficient which means the internal glass pane remains warm, while the external glass is allowed to cool.

Pilkington Anti-condensation Glass is designed to delay the onset of condensation, on both double and triple glazing, by keeping the external surface warmer. This is achieved through a hard (pyrolytic) coating which reflects heat escaping from the building back inside. This improves the view whilst maintaining the energy saving benefits homeowners seek.

BE PREPARED AND GEAR UP FOR MORE SNOW THIS WINTERTIME! Web: www.quad-x.com Tel: 028 2587 2800

W

ith the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, extremes are becoming more of a norm. Given the snowfall last winter and the extreme drifting in some areas in early Spring, many companies and organisations in both the private and public sector must consider what equipment they need to tackle another harsh winter season. Quad-X have designed and developed a range of ATV equipment to make your life this wintertime happier and easier!

The Quad-X snow ploughs are designed to fit on most ATVs, with wider models to suit utility vehicles. Their innovative ‘SUPERMOUNT’ system with implement angle and quick release is the fastest fitting and most versatile system on the market to turn your quad into a work machine. The Supermount System fixes to the underside of your quad and can be used with numerous Quad-X attachments to help you out this winter. It is universal fit, and so even if you change your bike the Quad-X system will fit.

HUTCHINSON AEROTECH LAUNCHED

S

JC Hutchinson Engineering has commited to an investment of £3.6m in new technology and R&D in a bid to tap into the multi billion dollar global aerospace industry.

The company has launched its specialist division, Hutchinson AutoTech with the aim of becoming a leader in the machining and supply of stainless steel and titanium processing for the aerospace sector. 27 new jobs will be created as a result, fourteen will be based in Kilrea and the remaining thirteen at Hutchinson’s new premises in Antrim.

Opening the company’s new 10,000sq ft purpose-built site in Antrim, Invest NI’s Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton, said: “Aerospace accounts for around 14 per cent of manufactured exports from Northern Ireland and it is great to see Hutchinson AeroTech build on their strong engineering experience to diversify into this lucrative sector.”

Hutchinson AutoTech is currently working with a number of academic institutes and aerospace companies to research the effects of processing aerospace materials using a laser.

Mark Hutchinson, Managing Director, Hutchinson Aerotech said: “We’ve already invested £1.5m in the latest cutting edge technologies and R&D to ensure that we can service the needs of this highly specialised sector.”

PERFORMANCE CORE TO HILTI’S NEW 8KG COMBIHAMMER

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ower vibration and a reduced power-to-weight ratio have been cited by Hilti as two key performance developments in its new, next generation 8 kg combihammer.

The TE 80-ATC AVR features the company’s Active Vibration Reduction system which has cut the tri-axial measurement to 7.5 m/s², meaning an operative can drill 696 holes-per-day (based on a 25mm diameter to 100mm depth) before reaching exposure limit value (ELV).

In addition a drilling speed of 360 revolutions per minute (rpm), compared to an industry standard of 250-280 rpm, and a 1,700 watt motor achieves an impressive performance-to-weight ratio by creating a single impact energy of 11.5 joules and a hammering speed of 2760 blows per minute.

DUBLIN

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BELFAST

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LONDON

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NEW YORK

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SILICON VALLEY

business & economy |65

Collateral Warranties and the Right to Adjudicate

I

n what most interested parties will consider to be a surprising decision, the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) has decided in the case of Parkwood Leisure Ltd v Laing O’Rourke Wales and West Ltd, that a collateral warranty can be a “construction contract” subject to the adjudication rules set out in England in the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (“the Construction Act”) and here in Northern Ireland in the Construction Contracts (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (“the Construction NI Order”).

Prior to this decision it was widely accepted that collateral warranties were not “construction contracts” as defined by the Construction Act and in the Construction NI Order. In light of this case it appears that beneficiaries of collateral warranties will be able to make claims under the warranties through the adjudication process, which is a much more simple and swift dispute resolution forum.

Facts

In April 2006 Laing O’ Rourke Wales and West Ltd (“Laing”) was engaged under a standard JCT design and build contract to carry out and complete the design and construction of a swimming pool and leisure facility for Orion Land and Leisure (Cardiff) Ltd (“Orion”).

Orion granted a lease to Parkwood Leisure Ltd (“Parkwood”), a facilities management company who operated the pool for them.

The building contract contained a term requiring Laing to provide collateral warranties to a number of third parties, Parkwood being one.

Before the works were completed, Laing executed a collateral warranty

in favour of Parkwood.

The works reached practical completion in 2008. Following its opening to the public, the facility suffered a number of problems with the air handling units, which led to excessive humidity.

Parkwood sought to enforce its rights under the collateral warranty to recover the costs of the remedial works and other losses incurred as a result of the problems with the air handling units.

Parkwood pursued a declaration from the Technology and Construction Court in London (“TCC”) that the collateral warranty amounted to a construction contract for the carrying out of construction operations within the meaning the Construction Act 1996, which would consequently allow Parkwood to refer any dispute under the collateral warranty to adjudication.

Decision

In reaching his judgment the TCC judge focused on two key elements: • the wording used in the collateral warranty; and • the status of the obligations.

The TCC judge considered section 104 (1) and section 105 of the Construction Act 1996 and noted that in determining whether a contract was to be considered a construction contract, it was necessary to establish whether the parties’ actual contract was “for… the carrying out of construction operations”. In his judgement Mr Justice Akenhead summarised this as follows; “One needs to primarily determine in the light of the wording and of the relevant factual background each such warranty to see whether, properly construed, it

Alastair Todd Partner, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9026 2658 alastair.todd@arthurcox.com or visit our website: www.arthurcox.com

Corrina Cassidy

is such a construction contract for the carrying out of the construction operations. A very strong pointer to that end will be whether or not the relevant Contractor is undertaking to the beneficiary of the warranty to carry out such operations. A pointer against may be that all the works are completed and that the Contractor is simply warranting a past state of affairs as reaching a certain level, quality or standard.”

The TCC was satisfied that the collateral warranty being relied upon by Parkwood made clear that the contractor’s obligations were still ongoing as it referred to obligations already performed and obligations to be performed which secured the collateral warranty’s status as a “construction contract” under the Construction Act. Mr. Justice Akenhead stressed that this decision did not mean all collateral warranties given in connection with construction developments will be construction contracts under the Construction Act. He directed that in considering whether a warranty, when properly construed, is a construction contract for the carrying out of construction operations it will be necessary to analyse the wording of the warranty as well as the context in which it was given. Only then can a decision be reached as to whether the particular contract is a construction contract for the carrying out of construction operations.

Implications of this decision

Prior to Parkwood Leisure Ltd v Laing O’Rourke Wales & West Ltd there was no direct authority on whether contracts such as

Adrian Kerr Associate, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9026 5899 adrian.kerr@arthurcox.com

collateral warranties are in fact construction contracts. The issue is important because under the Construction Act and the Construction NI Order, only parties to construction contracts have the right to refer disputes to adjudication.

In light of this decision collateral warranties will now be subject to greater scrutiny. As a result it is likely there will be resistance among contractors and consultants to restrict the scope of warranties so that they are limited to be retrospective only.

The outcome of this decision could finally see the rise of third party rights schedules. Section 7(4) of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 states that a beneficiary of third party rights is not a party to the contract in question, which means they would not enjoy a statutory right to adjudicate under the Construction Act or the Construction NI Order.

■ This article has been written by Adrian Kerr and Corrina Cassidy, members of the Property and Construction Groups at Arthur Cox, Belfast.

If you have any queries regarding this article please contact a member of the Arthur Cox Construction team on 028 9023 0007.

ARTHUR COX

Expect Excellence.

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 January 2014. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

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

Building Materials Prices

66 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

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

per tonne £13.00 £13.50 £12.50 £12.50 £14.50 £18.00 £18.00 £15.00

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine 20x8 £55.70 44x8 £86.40 Whitewood 32x12 £47.30 69x12 £74.60 32x19 £56.00 44x19 £67.00 32x32 £74.00 69x32 £125.00 69x44 £161.60 94x44 £211.00 69x69 £240.00

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

per 1,000 £355.00 £364.00 £312.00 £341.00 £305.00 £305.00 £295.00

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

CARCASSING TIMBER Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, not exceeding 5.7 metres. per 100m 50x19 £43.90 75x19 £65.60 125x19 £106.70 38x25 £39.90 75x25 £48.50 150x25 £95.90 50x38 £74.40 100x38 £112.90 150x38 £89.50 50x50 £89.50 100x50 £141.20 125x50 £159.80 100x75 £194.50 200x75 £449.00 150x100 £349.00

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £132.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £155.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

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

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

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

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

2440x1220

per tonne £328.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast

per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £24.00 Tinted mortar ref.

Y4 £42.00 Y15 £49.00 Y135 £42.00 Y91 £51.00 Y10 £48.00

6mm sanded £46.60

9mm sanded £48.30

12mm sanded £64.00

MASTERBOARD Class O asbestos-free multi-purpose building board sanded finish.

Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

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

Chartered Surveyors

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £420.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £410.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £360.00 2 4440x300x100 7Nmm £496.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £447.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £380.00 440x215x100 Tolite £785.00

6mm £58.10

9mm £69.80

12mm £87.30

PLASTERING MATERIALS Per tonne, ex-works (delivery by arrangement) Lightweight aggregate pre-mixed gypsum plaster to BS 1191, Part 2.

Metal lathing undercoat Bonding Finish Gypsum plasterboard to BS 1230 per sheet (2400 mm x 1200 mm) 9.5mm thick plasterboard 9.5mm thick foil-backed plasterboard per bundle (6 Nr 1219mm x 406mm) 9.5mm thick plasterlath 9.5mm thick foil-back plasterboard per 100 lin. feet Galvanised standard angle bead Galvanised plasterstop (10mm) Galvanised external renderstop

£273.00 £329.00 £291.00 £6.70 £9.80 £12.15 £8.00 £9.20 £12.20 £25.50

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £61.00 1:2:4 by volume £75.00 1:3:6 by volume £67.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £61.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £65.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £67.00

Fibre Cement Slates ex-yard per 1,000 £1460.00 £1580.00

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

£850.00 £850.00 £850.00 per tile £4.50 £5.40

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

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

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

114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

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

£80.30 £60.50 £69.90 £80.80 £94.00

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£197.30 £280.60 £218.70 £329.60 £449.00 £267.90 £403.20 £551.80

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

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

6 £635.00 £695.00

8 £635.00 £695.00

10 £635.00 £695.00

12 £635.00 £695.00

20 £635.00 £695.00

25 £635.00 £695.00

32 £635.00 £695.00

40 £635.00 £695.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references)

per sheet BS reference A 98 £28.00

A142 £28.00

A193 £32.00

A252 £36.00

A393 £60.00

B503 £60.00

B785 £75.00 Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

per tonne UC 152x152x23 £835.00 203x203x46 £1065.00 254x254x73 £1190.00 305x305x118 £1015.00 356x368x153 £1190.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

• Health & Safety including: Fire Safety & Working at Height • Demolition

£1065.00 £1015.00 £1015.00 £1015.00 £1015.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

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

£36.50 £68.06 £94.24 £175.56 £109.56 £187.71 £232.65 £405.90 £209.24 £455.60 £697.47

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

6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £45.70 £48.80 £65.21

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

£78.10 £93.30 £108.80 £163.20 £95.80 £127.60 £172.00 £233.00 £324.10

Pipes and fittings to BS 4600. List price ex-yard.

Large quantities will attract considerable discounts.

Plain sewer, per 6m Pipe coupler, ea Single oblique branch, ea Single swept branch, ea 45˚ short radius, ea 87½˚ short radius bend, ea 45˚ long radius bend, ea 90˚ long radius bend, ea Straight channel 45˚ curved channel, ea

110mm 160mm £9.80 £21.70 £3.15 £7.00 £10.50 £23.70 £11.50 £23.70 £5.80 £15.40 £5.70 £13.60 £16.00 £30.40 £17.80 £31.00 £17.15 £28.80 £20.90 £54.80

February/March 2014

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Now anything is possible; bespoke cassette designs in any size, colour and configuration, cleverly integrated into each insulated panel for additional all round performance, including fast, easy and safe installation.

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FAÇADE & ROOF SYSTEMS

12/11/2013 11:00