Specify June July 2014

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

JUNE/JULY 2014

£3.00

SWISS FAÇADES Construction cladding specialists, supplying innovative products and solutions

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PAT BURNS Editor SIOBHAN KISSWARD Sales Manager HELEN WRIGHT Art Editor

Housing market on the rise

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

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

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M

ore good news for the construction industry: Northern Ireland house prices rose again in May, according to the RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey.

Only London and the South East, of all the UK regions, had a higher price balance in the May than Northern Ireland. The price balance (+76 for May) is the percentage of local surveyors reporting rising prices minus those reporting falling prices. It was the 12th straight month that the survey has reported a price balance in positive territory, and it was the highest since April 2007.

House sales are also up, according to the study, with a balance for sales in the last month of +64. This was higher than all other UK regions apart from the North of England.

RICS Northern Ireland spokesman,

Samuel Dickey says: “Northern Ireland saw a much steeper correction in house prices than other UK regions, and prices here are therefore coming back from a low base. Whilst they are currently rising, average Northern Ireland house prices are still something like 50 per cent below their peak. Average Northern Ireland prices exceeded the UK average in August 2007; they are now around half the UK average.”

“More important than prices though are sales, and it is encouraging to note that sales are continuing to rise. This is expected to continue into June, and surveyors are optimistic that the trend of rising transactions will also remain over the longer-term,” Mr Dickey adds.

Derek Wilson, Head of Lending Products at Ulster Bank, says: “According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the number of

mortgages advanced in Northern Ireland increased by 35 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2014. Our own experience has been of a significant increase both in demand and approvals as customers take advantage of some very competitive deals. We are currently saying “yes” to nine out of ten mortgage applications and have lent over £1.75 billion since the property price peak.”

Belfast certainly seems to be booming again with a number of major new projects announced for the city featured in this edition.

Inside we also talk to Rhona Quinn, Chairperson of QMAC Construction, who has just taken over as President of the CEF. Rhona brings with her a background in both retail and construction and Rhona tells us how she applies some of the lessons learned in running a chain of clothes shops to the building industry.

JUNE/JULY 2014

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DIGEST

Central bank won’t forget Northern Ireland

18 HILTI

Hilti drops new rugged rotating lasers into measuring systems market

26 CITB

ConstructionSkills NI

32 CEF

Bumpy Road to Recovery - Construction output in Northern Ireland.

40| windows & doors

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Grand Designs on UK Consumers Apeer Doors has hailed its first ever consumer show an outstanding success.

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he company’s nine day appearance at Grand Designs Live in Excel, London, provided the perfect platform to raise brand awareness with consumers, as well as strengthen relationships with key London and Thames Valley customers.

Said UK sales manager Pete Shears, who led the Apeer team at the high profile show: “Although we have exhibited at a number of events throughout Ireland, this was our first consumer show in England and provided us with a fantastic opportunity to communicate directly with the end user and spend time with several of our customers.

“We saw a huge amount of people during the show – and got a very positive response: they really liked and appreciated what we had to offer.

They particularly liked some of the eye-catching, contemporary colours and designs we used to attract them onto the stand in the first place. That then gave us the opportunity to talk them through all the many other benefits in terms of security and performance.”

The company showcased designs from its contemporary MODO collection along with two more traditional doors and its popular stable door. The stand also featured a ‘wall of colour’ showing Apeer’s range of 24 readily available fashionable colours.

Said Pete Shears: “The show gave us a chance to really get to know and better understand both our customers and end users and we have been rewarded with a good number of leads and appointments.”

Apeer is also taking part in Grand Designs Live, Birmingham (NEC, October 9 – 12) and has rebooked the London event for 2015.

Senior in top Form at TECTUS Hinges Concealed Perfection Fit Show

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IMONSWERK TECTUS - a complete solution and extensive range, multi award winning iconic design and precise engineered functionality.

Tectus fully concealed hinges allow for three dimensional adjustments to obtain perfect door alignment, contain maintenance free bearings and present a flush fitting clean line design. Created for safety, with minimum pivot gaps to prevent finger injury, these hinges are available in an unrivalled range of high quality surface finishes and size options carrying up to 300kg door weights.

The Tectus A8 versions accommodate door fascias and claddings up to 8mm, allowing for glass or laminate door designs and the Tectus “Energy” option integrates permanent power transfer. The Tectus FR fire rated range now incorporates the intumescent material within the hinge body, the new Tectus TE380 is ideal for rebated doors and the Tectus FVZ is designed for recessed frame facings.

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lazing systems designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems is celebrating a hugely successful FIT Show, with its existing systems and exciting new product developments receiving a positive reception from the industry.

Senior, under its residential brand Homes by Senior, previewed its aesthetically innovative, performance-focused SF52 curtain walling system at the show, along with its environmentally-focused Pure window system. SF52 will have its official launch in July, while Pure is set to launch in the near future.

SF52 received high praise from visitors to Senior’s FIT Show stand for its versatility, ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal – the system is available in an unlimited choice of colours and finishes both externally and internally, and also boasts frameless vents.

The system - which is fully compatible with Senior’s existing window and door systems - offers visual consistency, with its 52mm sight lines helping any project to achieve a uniformed appearance.

Meanwhile, Senior chose the FIT Show as the perfect place to preview its brand new Pure aluminium system which utilises polyurethane (PUR) foam as an innovative thermal barrier, offering exceptional U values and cradle-to-cradle recyclability, while significantly simplifying the extruded sections. Pure is a unique patented system, which uses existing tried and tested products to form its thermal barrier.

Successful Schueco/Ribaj Awards to become an Annual Event

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40 WINDOWS & DOORS

Grand Designs on UK Consumers

he winners of the first-ever Schueco Excellence Awards for Design and Innovation were announced at a lunch held in the Grand Saloon at Tate Britain recently. As a result of the interest that the Awards have generated among building professionals, Schueco UK has announced that the competition will now become a regular annual event.

Run in conjunction with RIBA Journal, the awards celebrate the very best in UK building design with special emphasis on the use and installation of Schueco systems and on best construction practice, as evidenced by demonstrable collaborative teamwork between architects, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors and suppliers.

The awards are open to all architects and specialist contractors in Great Britain and Ireland; eight individual categories ensure that all major sectors of the market are covered. In addition, there is one Special Award for Overall Excellence.

The 2014 winner of the latter award was Ortus, a £4.65 million health education building in Camberwell, London designed

by Duggan Morris Architects

for Maudsley Learning with KCC Architectural the specialist contractor.

The judges admired this ‘accomplished’ and ‘distinguished’ building and were impressed with the proactive attitude of the architects.

Judge Sunand Prasad added: ‘There’s an extraordinary confidence in that building. The architects have clearly

been the team leaders when so often architects fail at delivering.’

Ortus comprises 1,550 sq metres of learning and event facilities, café and exhibition spaces. It was delivered through a PPC 2000 partnering process tailored for construction management. The building makes extensive use of window systems and

structural glazing from Schueco.

The judges of the competition were Paul Monaghan, founding partner of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris; Sunand Prasad, co-founder of Penoyre & Prasad; Deborah Saunt, founding partner of DSDHA and Eleanor Young, executive editor of RIBA Journal and chair of the judging panel.

Winners and commended projects in the individual categories were:

Overall Excellence Award: Ortus, Camberwell, London Commercial Award Winner: Bridgegate House, Irvine Commercial Award Commended: 87-91 Redchurch Street, London Commercial Award Commended: 87-91 Redchurch Street, London Education Award Winner: Manchester School of Art Education Award Winner: Manchester School of Art Education Award Commended: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Education Award Commended: Ash Court, Girton College, Cambridge Health Award Winner: Ortus, Camberwell, London Individual House Award Winner: Mayfair House, London Residential Development Award Winner: Maple Quays, Rotherhithe, London Small Project Award Winner: River Cottage Cookery School, Axminster Specialist Contractor Award Winner: Riverside Museum, Glasgow Specialist Contractor Award Commended: Heathrow Terminal 2 Sustainability Award Winner: Ash Court, Girton College, Cambridge Sustainability Award Commended: Manchester School of Art

28 MELViN Sports

complex

Swiss Facades

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37 VICKERSTOCK

Blueprint for Success

51 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Specify Catches up with New CEF president Page 46

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

Edwina Stewart with assistance from Adrian Kerr talks about Light at the end of the tunnel for termination of FIDIC contracts

66 INTERVIEW

Jane Chambers Technical Director of environmental firm SLR Consulting

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Central bank won’t forget Northern Ireland

Michael Newey, centre, is pictured with Kyle Alexander OBE (left) of the Strategic Investment Board and David Gavaghan (right), chief executive of Titanic Quarter. Mr Newey was speaking to RICS members at the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast.

The governor of the Bank of England will pay due attention to the fledgling recovery in the Northern Ireland property market before deciding to raise interest rates, the global president of the Royal Institute

of Chartered Surveyors has said.

On a two-day visit to Northern Ireland, Michael Newey told Specify that Mark Carney is more likely to use more subtle controls to dampen the booming housing market in

London and the south east of England.

“Carney had a reputation in Canada for using broader controls to prevent house price bubbles and I think he’s going to use the same tools here, Mr Newey said. “We’ve become so used to low interest rates that it wouldn’t take much movement for some people to be put in difficult financial positions.”

Concerns have been raised that the central bank would raise rates from the current all-time low level of 0.5% before the Northern Ireland property markets, and economy, had a chance to recover fully.

“He (Mark Carney) has been quite cautious on interest rates so far and is using slightly different tools such as assess lending criteria as a way to slowing demand rather than the blunt tool of interest rates.

“I suspect if we were sitting here with the same sort of approach as

20 years ago interest rates would already have moved.”

Mr Newey said it was key not to focus too heavily on the London property market, one which has a huge amount of overseas investment compared to other regions of the UK. But he said one problem is apparent across the region.

“We have to sort out the housing supply challenge in the UK. That’s a tough ask because by definition you’re either using green field or brown field sites or increasing density.

After a year as Global President of the RICS where he got to visit cities around the world, he felt the latter option is best.

“Arguably, increasing density is the most logical approach as you’re minimising pressure in transportation infrastructure. High rises and very high rises can be quite attractive for a number of reasons and it’s the most logical way to manage increasing demand for housing.”

Ministers launch consultations on developer contributions for affordable housing Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan have launched public consultations on proposals that aim to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Developer contributions would require developers to provide a proportion of newly-proposed housing developments (over a certain threshold) as affordable housing.

The DSD consultation on ‘Developer Contributions for Affordable Housing’, sets out the policy behind developer contributions and seeks the public’s views on the introduction of such a policy

in Northern Ireland and on the suggested level of contribution.

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland said: “The timing of the introduction of a developer contributions scheme in Northern Ireland is crucial, and I have considered it carefully in light of the challenges recently faced by the construction industry. However, recent figures indicate that the housing market is beginning to recover and that buyers are returning. This is welcome news and is an opportune moment to consult regarding the introduction of developer contributions.”

Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan said: “There remains a huge demand for access to good quality affordable homes. This is evidenced by the significant numbers of people on the Northern Ireland

Housing Executive (NIHE) Common Waiting List, some 41,000 individuals as of March 2013. I am committed to playing my part in addressing this problem head on.

“My Department’s draft PPS 22 aims to increase the provision of decent, affordable and sustainable housing to help meet this pressing housing need. In so doing they support the wider priorities of the Programme for Government, including the need to tackle disadvantage and improve health and wellbeing.”

Looking at the success of the scheme elsewhere, Minister McCausland continued: “Existing developer contribution schemes in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland have proven successful in providing additional housing units, often alongside new

owner-occupied housing in mixed tenure communities. It provides an excellent route to allow government to deliver housing to match unmet need.”

Both Minister McCausland and Minister Durkan encouraged interested parties to participate in the consultation process. They said: “It is our hope that these proposals encourage debate among a wide range of bodies about the provision of appropriate and affordable housing in Northern Ireland. Whilst these consultations are separate they are running in parallel and responses will be shared between both departments. We look forward to seeing the responses on this important issue.”

Both consultations will close on 26 August 2014.

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Durkan gives major development at Clarendon Dock the green light

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has approved outline planning permission for a major development at Clarendon Dock Belfast, known as City Quays.

The application by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners is for a mix of office accommodation, residential development, a hotel, small scale retail services plus restaurants on the 10 hectare site.

This is an Article 31 planning application meaning that it is of such significance that the final decision rests with the Minister.

Mark H Durkan said: “This development will bring a boost to this area of Belfast. It will revitalise a site which has been underused for a number of years. The mix of residential and business uses plus a hotel, small scale retail services and restaurants, will make this a vibrant

hub which is more accessible for everyone. It will also provide a better link from the City Centre along the river on the east of the M3 to the maritime heritage currently preserved at the heart of the site.

“This approval will provide much needed high specification office accommodation in an attractive water front location. Having this in place should help attract investment and encourage further job creation particularly when added to the other recent planning approval for the Belfast Harbour Commissioners at this site.

“In making my decision I did take on board concerns about the potential impact of the development on the setting of two listed buildings, the Harbour Commissioners Office and the Sinclair Seaman’s Church.

I have concluded that on balance the regeneration potential of the development coupled with the prospective economic benefits and associated job creation outweighs these concerns."

The Minister concluded: “This

decision announced today is shaping a planning system that delivers for business balanced with the protection of our environment. A system that builds a better environment and a stronger economy.”

Welcoming the award of outline planning permission for City Quays, Graeme Johnston, Belfast Harbour’s Property Director, said: “City Quays is an extension of the highly successful Clarendon Dock development. The 20-acre development will regenerate a significant section of Belfast’s waterfront and help reconnect the river frontage to the city centre.

“City Quays is an office-led, mixed-use scheme which will be of particular appeal to potential inward investors and growing local businesses. Construction is underway for the first office in the development.

Today’s award of outline planning approval for the entire scheme will enable Belfast Harbour to progress more detailed plans and showcase the full City Quays project to potential investors.”

Construction sector has fastest rate of growth in PMI report The latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) report – produced for Ulster Bank by Markit – pointed to further strong growth of Northern Ireland private sector output, boosted by a series-record increase in new orders.

Higher new business also contributed to a marked buildup of outstanding work, and companies increased employment accordingly. The rate of input cost inflation eased for the second month running, while firms left

their output prices largely unchanged.

Commenting on the latest survey findings, Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, said: “According to the latest Ulster Bank PMI survey, the second quarter of the year is set to be even stronger than the first as far as Northern Ireland’s private sector economic recovery is concerned. All sectors of the economy posted strong rates of growth in business activity and staffing levels in May - although the retail sector saw its rate of growth in business activity slow to an eleven-

month low.

“In this survey, construction reports its fastest rate of growth in business activity on record, which eclipses the previous high in April by quite some margin. Indeed, no sector of the economy in the PMI survey’s history has reported as high a rate of growth in business activity as the construction industry in May. “It should be noted however, that no sector of the economy experienced the record rates of decline that the local construction industry has experienced. Therefore

what we are seeing is a period of catch-up from very low levels of activity. Indeed, the official figures show that the number of housing starts was still falling in the last quarter of 2013. Nevertheless, it is still encouraging that the pace of business activity, new orders growth and job creation in the construction industry all increased at record rates last month. Hopefully this is signalling a much needed upturn in the house building sector which is long overdue.”

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McCausland views completed £1.8million regeneration project on former Ulster Bank site, Londonderry Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the completion of a £1.8million regeneration project on the former Ulster Bank site in Waterloo Place, Londonderry.

The prominent building is situated in the heart of Londonderry’s commercial and retail core. The regeneration scheme has helped to enhance the area’s image and reputation as a place to do business, shop and live.

Following a tour of the completed premises Minister McCausland said: “This regeneration scheme has given a facelift to this prominent city centre building, which complements the substantial work my Department has previously carried out in Waterloo Place and Guildhall Square. This investment will act as a catalyst to attract further private sector investment to the city centre.

“The completion of this major project is the latest example of my Department’s commitment to the regeneration of many of the City’s oldest and most prominent buildings. In the past year a number of similar projects in the city centre have received over £340,000 in grant aided funding from my Department.”

The refurbished building will offer office space to a wide variety of private and community based groups on a central site within Londonderry’s city centre.

Minister Nelson McCausland with architect Peter Gallagher and John Louden, owner of the former Ulster Bank Building

digest

Steadmans celebrates a successful year following Irish Reorganisation

Building products manufacturer Steadmans is celebrating a successful year since the company improved its Irish sales and distribution arrangements.

After recruiting additional staff to the sales team and moving to new offices from Banbridge, Co. Down, to Belfast’s Balmoral Industrial Estate last year, the company has seen an increase in enquiries and sales.

The new site offers a much better environment for customers and has improved access, being sited adjacent to the main M1 motorway in Belfast. A trade counter is available on site which sells a range of products including fixings, fillers and a variety of butyl tapes.

Phil Brady, Steadmans’ area sales manager for Ireland, said: “The relocation and expansion of our team was very smooth and has allowed us to continue to develop the business and our presence in Ireland.

As a manufacturer of composite cladding panels and single-skin steel cladding systems, to name but a few, we have a loyal customer base, which continues to grow, and are trusted to provide quality products.”

Over the course of the last year, Steadmans has won significant business in the republic, supplying products for the first

time to projects in counties such as: Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Louth, Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Galway, Waterford and Cork.

This success has run in parallel with a growth in demand for Steadmans insulated AS35 panels across Ireland, which are manufactured by the company at its production site. AS35 can be supplied in a range of thicknesses from 40mm up to and including 120mm.

As well as supplying products for its traditional purposes of agricultural, light industrial and commercial buildings, the company has received orders for materials to be included in constructions serving the sports, distribution and educational sectors.

The company is also on course to comply when CE marking becomes mandatory for structural steelwork supplied in European Union (EU) member states from July 1, 2014. The new law follows changes introduced last year which made CE marking compulsory for construction products covered by a harmonised technical specification.

For further information on Steadmans’ full range of products call 028 90 384 741, email: info@steadmans.co.uk or visit www.steadmans.co.uk

digest

Brett Martin helps light up the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome

The eyes of the sporting world will be on the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome come the 2014 Commonwealth Games with Multivault GRP rooflights from the UK and Ireland’s leading rooflight manufacturer, Brett Martin, set to harness the power of natural light – bringing life to the cycling arena and reducing its reliance on artificial lighting.

Forming a showpiece for the games, the iconic new £100 million Emirates Arena incorporates the 2000 seat Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, an 8500 seat sports arena and a community sports hall - designed by architects 3DReid and built by construction company Sir Robert McAlpine. Brett Martin’s Multivault GRP rooflights – significantly lighter than glass and offering exceptional impact resistance for safety – were installed in three areas including the velodrome and sports hall.

Ensuring contemporary stadia and sports venues meet the growing aesthetic demands of

architects, GRP allows a more even spread of daylight, illuminating the velodrome while eliminating the risk of hot spots and solar glare which could disturb sporting activities.

Roofing contractor Graingers installed the 2700m2 Multivault GRP barrel vaults, covering approximately 15% of the total roof area. Despite being placed above two kilometres of gantries and several kilometres of ventilation ductwork as well as lighting, PA, fire systems and radiant heating panels, the rooflights provide a diffuse light transfusion of 65-70% and create an attractive, bright environment within the arena.

The Multivault GRP barrel vault is ideal for flat and low pitched roof types. It is designed to be installed without fixings penetrating the roof covering, guaranteeing the roof remains watertight. They also offer an attractive style and robust performance with a life expectancy of up to 30 years, making them perfect for projects where long term performance and durability is a must.

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Murdock Builder’s Merchants declared ‘Best in Show’ Newry-based Murdock Builder’s Merchants are pictured receiving their award for ‘Best Trade Stand’ at this year’s Balmoral Show.

The team pictured were responsible for designing and manning the stand over the three day duration of the event. The win follows directly from Murdock’s recent success at the all-Ireland Octabuild Builders Merchants Awards in Dublin.

Pictured L-R are: Mr Billy Robson (Deputy President RUAS), Michael Hasson Timber Trading Manager, Gary Craven Manager of Murdock’s Balbriggan Branch who had overall responsibility for the stand , Paul Sheppard Manager of Murdock’s Trusses division, Newry, Mrs Ollie Allen (CEO Devon County Show – Judge), Dermot McDaid Murdock’s Dungannon Branch, Mr John Bamber (Vice Patron RUAS), Alan Paul Murdock’s Newtownards Branch & John Meagher Cranwood Industries, Newry

10| RICS Awards

Triple Success at Awards Ceremony for NI architects Architect’s contribution to enhancing and protecting our built heritage is recognised by the RICS

Paul Carney, Managing Director, Forbo Flooring Systems (second right) presents the winning award to the team behind Crumlin Road Gaol for the Project of the Year and Community Benefit category at the RICS NI Awards 2014. From left: Neil Moore, Hamilton Architects; Averil Gaw, OFMDFM; Monica Vitorino, Hamilton Architects and David Hamilton, Martin & Hamilton.

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hree landmark projects delivered

by Hamilton Architects and its associate practice Kriterion Conservation Architects have won a total of four coveted awards at the Northern Ireland RICS Awards.

Paul Kendrick, Chairman RICS Northern Ireland (far right) presents the winning award to the team behind Antrim Castle Gardens for the Tourism & Leisure category at the RICS NI Awards 2014.

From left: Adrian Watson, Antrim Borough Council; Mayor of Antrim, Roderick Small; Alderman Sam Dunlop; Reggie Hillen, Antrim Borough Council and Gary Shaw, Cultural Services Manager, Antrim Borough Council.

Paul Kendrick, Chairman RICS Northern Ireland (second right) presents the Highly Commended award to the team behind the Walled City Lighting Project for the Tourism & Leisure category at the RICS NI Awards 2014. From left: Michael Boyle, Kriterion Conservation Architects; Mayor of Derry City, Martin Reilly; Tony Monaghan, Derry City Council; Frank Morrison, Derry City Council and Shane Graham, Gillespie & Cummings.

The Crumlin Road Gaol was awarded the overall RICS Project of the Year - the ultimate accolade - as well as the Community Benefit category Winner, Antrim Castle Gardens Restoration and Development Scheme was Winner of the Tourism and Leisure category, and the Walled City Lighting Project, Derry~Londonderry was Highly Commended in the Tourism and Leisure category.

This is not the first time that Hamilton Architect’s has received a suite of accolades at the RICS Awards. In 2011 the Crescent Arts Centre was the esteemed Project of the Year Winner, Community Benefit category Winner and Highly Commended in the Building Conservation category.

The Crumlin Road Goal was also Highly Commended in the Building Conservation category the 2013 RICS Awards.

Paul Millar of Hamilton Architects and Kriterion Conservation Architects said: “These awards are testament to not only our skills and expertise as architects, but the entire project team’s ability to provide enhanced tourist and community facilities whilst also conserving our built heritage.”

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in the built environment and highlight the outstanding standard of work produced by local building professionals.

RICS awards judging chairman, Alistair Dunn said: “The Crumlin Road Gaol scored impressively on all criteria, and has become a huge benefit to not only the local community, but to Northern Ireland as a whole. It is a fabulous asset that is acting as a catalyst for further community and tourist based projects in the area.”

The Crumlin Road Gaol will now represent Northern Ireland in the National Awards which will take place at The Savoy in London in October.

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Success for Gyproc Ireland in the 9th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy

Pictured Left to Right: Alastair Bell (International Marketing Director from SaintGobain Gypsum), Paul O’Loughlin (Paul O’Loughlin Carpentry), Lorchan Hoyne (L & M Keating Ltd.) & Gerard Aspar (Vice President Saint-Gobain Marketing)

The 9th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy Awards ceremony was held at in Berlin recently. The ceremony resulted in another success for Gyproc Ireland as Glenstal Abbey, Ireland’s first Activ’air school, represented by contractor Paul O’Loughlin, was awarded runner up position in the Segment Solutions category. With eighty seven competing projects from thirty three different countries, this was truly a global event. With only winner and runner up positions from six categories competition was high, with seventeen projects entered in the Segment Solutions category alone.

The refurbishment to Glenstal Abbey involved a three storey 2,541m² extension to the school and general refurbishment to the existing school which is a protected structure.

Close collaboration between the Gyproc team and contractors was critical in order to meet the required project performance criteria. With a five year schools building program underway in Ireland, Glenstal Abbey is an exemplar schools project, demonstrating not only high levels of workmanship, but also how the use of innovative materials and systems can help to improve the levels of air quality within school buildings.

A judge from the international jury commented that “this combined renovation and extension to a very

National Event Winners

Segment Winner: Glenstal Abbey, Limerick Drylining Contractor – Paul O’Loughlin Carpentry Main Contractor – L & M Keating Ltd. Architect – Thompson Architects Plasterboard Winner: UCD Science Block, Dublin Drylining Contractor – Errigal Contracts Main Contractor – John Sisk & Sons Ltd. Architect – RKD Architect Innovation Winner: Google Docks, Dublin Drylining Contractor – Walls to Workstations Main Contractor – PJ Walls Architect – Henry J Lyons old building allowing for the adoption of the needs of the educational sector made this project a strong choice for the judges.”

The project entries, especially the winners, showcase how Gyproc high performance plasterboard systems and plasters, combined with skilled workmanship provide solutions for high quality, safe, comfortable, modular and sustainable interiors across a wide variety of applications. The International Trophy campaign is organized by Saint-Gobain subsidiaries over a two year period, starting with regional and national events, and culminating in an international competition.

AGM for APM The Association for Project Management held its AGM recently in the Hilton Hotel Belfast with guest speaker Johnnie Jensen from Live + Social who gave a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of using social media tools in project management.

From left, APM NI Branch outgoing Chairman Lesley Warren welcomes incoming Chairman Gerry Coughlan, (URS)

Gerry Coughlan new APM NI Branch Chairman with Lesley Cooper, (Atkins) and Rosalee Lennon, (MWH)

From left: Fiona McMurray (HMRC) with Rachel Overton, APM NI Branch Committee member; Stephen Hillocks (Allstate NI) and Jennifer Dawson (HMRC)

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digest

New Finance Stream launches for NI Business THE Northern Ireland economy received a boost with the launch of an innovative new Belfastbased company which, through the concept of ‘crowdfunding’, aims to help businesses grow, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

With many businesses in Northern Ireland finding it difficult to secure much needed finance from the banking sector to invest and grow, CoFunder (NI) Ltd provides an online platform for firms to raise the money they need from a large pool of ‘funders’ on the open market.

And with interest rates currently offering savers very little return on their hard earned cash, CoFunder will also provide a viable alternative for individuals or companies wanting a better return on their investment. Indeed, funders wanting to invest their money in local business via CoFunder can set their own interest rates to beat inflation and ensure that their return is significantly better than anything currently on offer from the banks, building societies or other financial institutions.

CoFunder is Northern Ireland’s first dedicated crowdfunding platform and the first company of its kind in Ireland to receive approval from its financial regulator, having been given the seal of approval from the Financial Conduct Authority less than one month after the FCA published its rules and regulations for crowdfunding.

The CoFunder model operates using an online platform that enables established small businesses to raise funds (from £5,000 to £100,000) through small contributions from a large number of ‘funders’ in the form of individuals or companies who can each invest anything from as little as £100 to a maximum of £2,500 in a single venture.

Local company CoFunder aims to help stimulate economy through ‘crowdfunding’

Local businesses plan shop ‘takeovers’

Judges Claire Gordon, Director of Community Programmes, Business in the Community; The Apprentice’s Jim Eastwood and Gareth Kirk, Chief Executive, Action Cancer as they get their serious faces set to judge 15 companies who are working hard to fundraise and market for their assigned Action Cancer Charity Shop which they will take over on 18th September. The winning company will be revealed at a Gala event on Thursday 2nd October.

Fifteen teams of business volunteers from a range of companies across Northern Ireland will be taking over the running of all of Action Cancer’s charity shops on Thursday 18 September as part of Business in the Community’s Cares Shops’ Challenge.

The companies include Caterpillar, Compass Group, Firmus energy, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, O’Hare & McGovern and Veolia Water, are planning their ‘takeovers’, busily gathering new stock for their shops and putting plans in place to fundraise and market their activities. There will be an overall winner chosen from the 15 teams – the one that raises the most money, and a range of other categories in which the teams can enter such as most innovative idea and best photograph.

“Our Shops’ Challenge is now in its fifth year and each year it is growing in size and impact,” says Hilary Hanberry, Volunteering Manager at Business in the Community.

“Last year, the teams raised an impressive £65,000 for Action Cancer which was fantastic.”

digest

|15

Durkan gives green light to £6million solar farm near Antrim Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for Northern Ireland’s second large-scale solar farm located near Antrim.

Located in Crumlin, the proposed development by Lightsource Renewable Energy Ltd is in excess of 30 acres in size. It will be capable of generating a total of 6.5MW of electricity, enough to power nearly 1,650 homes during its proposed

30-year life span. This development represents an investment of over £6million in the area.

Mark H Durkan said: “This is good news for renewable energy in Antrim. This type of development helps sustain our environment through the use of renewable energy. These new more sustainable technologies will contribute to key Programme for Government targets for increasing renewable energy.

“This application was turned

Pent-up US demand primes commercial property market for busy second half “Frustrated” US investors and completion of Nama asset sale paves way for wave of deals The Northern Ireland commercial property market is in for a busy second half of the year as a result of pent-up demand from US investors combined with the completion of the sale of NAMA’s assets here.

That’s the conclusion of the latest report from agents CBRE, which said activity had been subdued in the first few months of the year as loans owned by the Republic’s bad bank were sold to US fund Cereberus.

The deal was completed on June 30th and a wave of demand looks set to be unleashed.

“There is clear evidence of a greater depth of buyers in the Northern Ireland market over recent months, including many new US investors, many of whom are frustrated at the scarcity of prime investment opportunities coming available for sale in the region,” the report said.

That has helped contract yields “due to the weight of money chasing property”.

A number of deals have taken place in the last few months including the sale of Shane Retail

Park in Belfast to US investor Marathon for £30m, at a yield of 7.36%, and the sale of Cityside Retail Park for £24m, at a yield of 7.87%, to the same investor.

Marathon also purchased the Obel building in the city.

Under offer is Victoria House in Belfast to a UK fund for £8.7m at a yield of 8%, a property which had originally been for sale at £7m.

Meanwhile, activity in the occupier, or rental, market is “somewhat disappointing,” according to CBRE. “It said only a handful of transactions took place in the first half of the year despite a number of large jobs announcements. Although there are a large number of active requirements it is taking some time for this demand to translate into lettings. To some extent, this can be attributed to a lack of supply ofgood quality office accommodation in prime locations.”

However, activity in the retail sector, at least in Belfast, has picked up pace in core location such as Arthur Street.

around in under four months which demonstrates my commitment to improving service delivery and supporting the green economy.”

DOE Planning consulted Antrim Borough Council on 26 June 2014 who raised no objections to the proposal.

1. Planning application T/2014/0066/F is for a proposed 6.5MW solar farm at 20 Knockcairn Road, Crumlin and was submitted to the Department on the 24 February 2014.

2. The applicant is Lightsource SPV 9 Ltd 3. There were no objections to the application.

4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office on 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

This is an automated distribution service - please do not reply to this email address.

Danske predicts buoyant outlook for economy in 2014 Retail, manufacturing and services sector keep economy on upward trajectory A better performance by the retail, manufacturing and the services sectors are driving a buoyant outlook for the Northern Ireland economy for the rest of the year, according to a new report from Danske Bank.

Its Quarterly Sectoral Forecast expects the economy here to grow by 2.4% in 2014 and by the same amount in 2015, as a more positive picture of the labour market appears, consumer confidence improves and more foreign direct investment announcements emerge.

Accounting for 28% of economic output, both retail and manufacturing are behind the bulk of the improved picture but the services sector is also punching above its weight.

Administration and support services - such as recruitment companies, rental agencies, security activities as well as administrative and office support - are set to grow by nearly 6 per cent this year and 4 per cent next year. Professional and scientific services - which include legal services, accountancy, advertising, architects and engineering firms - are forecast to grow by 4.3 per cent this year and 4 per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, ICT, arts and recreation, manufacturing and construction are all forecast to grow by at least 3 per cent.

The sectors expected to grow by less than 1% in 2014 and 2015 are typically within the public sector – public administration, defence and education.

And because government austerity remains a priority, the public sector in Northern Ireland could shed nearly 2,400 jobs during 2014 and 2015.

And because wage inflation has remain subdued, few in Northern Ireland have witnessed an increase in disposable income.

“Households may feel a little cheated as the economic improvements are still not translating into rising earnings,” Chief economist Angela McGowan said. “However, it is anticipated that as the labour market improves and a number of sectors struggle with skill shortages, there should be some upward pressure on wage growth in the second half of this year.

However, a lot of comfort can however be taken from the fact that low inflation will support disposable incomes in the months ahead and rising confidence levels are propelling Northern Ireland’s private sector onto a positive upward growth trajectory. ”

16|

Dear Sir, What do the proposed changes to the Construction Design & Management (CDM) 2007 mean for our business?

The Construction Design & Management regulations were bought in in 1994 to improve health and safety in the construction industry and to enable businesses to focus on the planning and management of risk. These were later revised in 2007 and subsequently are up for consultation by HSE (Health & Safety Executive) with the agreed amendments likely to be implemented in (2015) in April / October.

In a high risk industry such as construction, it’s vital that businesses are up to date on the requirements. Failure to comply could lead to your finished structure being unsafe to use or unsafe to maintain. Perhaps most crucially however is the likelihood of a dangerous or fatal accident if regulations are not followed. Since 2001, more than 760 construction workers have been killed on UK construction sites*, a staggering figure which of course must be prevented at all costs.

Furthermore, failure to follow regulations might mean that your construction project has to be halted, you may face fines from the HSE, or even prosecution which can have devastating consequences on your business’ profitability and growth.

So what changes do we need to know about?

The new regulations are likely to bring more focus on managing safety issues rather than controlling site safety risks.

• The ACoP (Approved Code of Practice) which has previously had special legal status and provided practical advice for all those involved in construction work will now be abolished and will be replaced by industry written guidance instead.

• The new regulations will now apply to cover temporary workplaces including events and trade shows in line with the EU requirement of the Mobile and Temporary Worksites Directive of 1991.

• The competence and training component of the AcoP will also be abolished; however more useful aspects will be included in the above industry written guidance in order to advise businesses.

• The role of the CDM co-ordinator will be abolished and subsumed into the role and duties of the Client, Principal Designer and the Principal Contractor.

• The client will have enhanced legal duties and be expected to lead projects • The Principal Designer will be responsible for the pre-construction phase of the project • The Principal Contractor will be responsible for the construction phase of the project •These proposed changes are likely to have an impact on your business in some way however the interpretation of them may vary depending upon each business’ unique requirements. It’s worth remembering that the CDM regulations are in place to improve health and safety, ensure that the right people are doing the right job at the right time to manage risks on site, and to help focus your focus on the effective management of risk, therefore it’s important getting to grips with them. By working in close partnership with a trusted partner, organisations can be best advised on how to manage risk and ensure compliance with the regulations. *http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/apr/12/death-richard-lacobritain-builders-safety-construction Yours sincerely, Chris Stops, Chris Stops Associates & Diane Yarrow, Partner, Corporate & Commercial, http://www.bpcollins.co.uk B P Collins LLP

digest

Historic Airfield House, Dublin, Reopens Following €11 million Revamp The historic Airfield House and Farm in Dundrum, Co. Dublin, has reopened to the public following its two year closure for redevelopment. The breath-taking 38 acre estate has been revamped at a cost of €11 million, boasting a new cafe, farm and visitor centre, the refurbishment of the stately home, Airfield House, and gorgeous new horticultural gardens which feature fabulous Tegula block paving from paving and walling manufacturer, Tobermore.

The story of Airfield House and Farm has attracted much interest over the years. First purchased in 1894 by Dublin solicitor Trevor TL Overend as a Summer home, Airfield House later became a permanent residence with his wife and three daughters, now famously known as 'the Overend sisters.' Following their parents death, the Overend sisters continued to run the estate and were heavily involved in charitable ventures throughout their adult lives. This led them to establish the estate as a charitable organisation focusing on educational and recreational activites in 1974. When the sisters passed away, they then left the house and farm in trust for the public.

Today, Airfield House and Farm offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about food, farming and nature in a unique, serene environment, as well as providing fun family activities such as woodland walks and programmes for school children. A very special tribute is also paid to the history of the estate with the story of the Overend sisters told through interactive and audio-visual displays throughout the home.

Tobermore's Tegula block paving in the soft, country tones of Bracken has been installed as part of the refurbishment of Airfield House.

Tegula showcases an aged antique appearance, the perfect choice for a period residence like this. Tegula mirrors the Victorian style and enhances the character of Airfield House and Farm exactly with its timeless elegance.

18| Hilti

Hilti drops new rugged rotating lasers into measuring systems market Hilti has created a measuring systems first with the launch of two new rotating lasers which are designed to survive drops from a height of 1.5 metres.

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oth the PR 30-HVS and PR 2-HS have been manufactured with shock absorbing handles and with the laser specially sheltered by an IP 66 protection class casing. The casing also guards against water and dust damage: two elements often associated with product failure and expensive repairs.

With horizontal, vertical and slope applications, the PR 30-HVS has an accuracy of ±0.75mm at 10 metres, a self-levelling range at room temperature of ±5º and has been designed for levelling, aligning, grading and squaring. The digital display on the receiver provides exact millimetre offset readings for precise working.

The PR 30-HVS also features the new Auto Alignment System, which automatically aligns the laser beam to the position of the similarly-protected PRA 30 laser receiver, making vertical alignment up to 150 metres a oneperson task.

Instruction videos can be downloaded and watched on a tablet or smart phone and a range of accessories are also available, such as the PRA 90 tripod which automatically moves to the height of the receiver.

The PR 2-HS is designed for exterior horizontal applications and has an accuracy of ±0.5mm at 10 metres, a working range of 2-600 metres a self-levelling range of ±5º.

Applications include transferring and checking heights, levelling, excavation and setting out slopes.

Both products utilise Hilti’s Pulse Power technology, which allows for highly reliable readings even in bright sunlight. Simple function buttons also make both tools incredibly userfriendly.

Tim Wilmes, Hilti GB and Northern Europe Product Manager for Measuring Systems, said: “Rotating lasers are historically considered to be sensitive instruments, but on a busy construction site they are often accidentally knocked over which will

result in breakage, downtime and expensive repairs.

“Both the PR 30-HVS and PR 2-HS bring a host of technical advancements which make them rugged, reliable, easy-to-use. The shock-absorbing handles and IP 66 protected housing mean our latest generation of rotating lasers are built to withstand the harshest of jobsite conditions.”

For more info and to watch the video visit www.hilti.co.uk/ INPJan2014%20-%20New%20 Rotating%20Lasers

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digest

‘Ground-breaking’ Belfast apartment complex gets green light THE green light has been given to a ‘groundbreaking’ apartment complex in Belfast that will create up to 220 jobs locally and inject millions of pounds into the Northern Ireland economy.

Planning permission has been granted to property developer The Richland Group for Regent’s Gate, a nine storey building on the Dublin Road which will be home to 58 stylish one and two bedroom apartments and two cafés on the ground floor.

According to an independent report carried out by Cogent Management Consulting, the Regent’s Gate project will initially inject over £4.4 million into the economy via the construction phase with a further £266,000 per annum from the commercial activities.

The construction of the new development, which is expected to begin in January 2015 and finish in Summer 2016, will initially provide up to 200 construction jobs and it is expected that a further 20+ long term commercial jobs will be created when the complex is up and running.

The project represents a significant step forward in the continuing regeneration of Belfast City Centre, according to Richland Group Chief Executive Gary McCausland.

“The Dublin Road scheme is a ground-breaking project for Belfast, based on a Tokyo / London concept that provides high quality, affordable, contemporary accommodation in strong and up and coming locations,” said Dungannon-born McCausland.

“As one of the first major privately funded construction projects in the city since the recession, it signals that Belfast is once again open for business and will see the regeneration of a rundown part of the Dublin Road with an iconic building providing quality accommodation and commercial space for people to live in, work in and enjoy.”

Originating from Dungannon, County Tyrone, Gary McCausland has always harboured a strong desire to bring his expertise and experience in the global residential and commercial property market back home and the Regent’s Gate development will represent his company’s first major footprint in Northern Ireland.

First Major Private Student Accommodation Scheme Planned for Belfast’s Landmark College Square East Building Belfast Metropolitan College has sold its College Square East building to Welsh construction firm Watkin Jones & Sons - a ninth generation familyrun construction company specialising in delivering private student accommodation across the UK. In a project valued at £16million, the company plans to seek planning permission and listed building consent in order to convert College Square East into the first major private student accommodation scheme in Belfast, housing 400 students.

Watkin Jones intends to employ local contractors for the construction work and hopes to have the accommodation completed for the 2016 academic year. To date Watkin Jones has developed over 25,000 student beds across the UK. This landmark project will also have a significant impact on the Belfast retail and leisure sectors bringing an additional 400 students into the city centre, providing a substantial boost to the local economy Commenting on the purchase, Glyn Watkin Jones chairman stated, “We have been watching, monitoring and researching the Belfast student accommodation market for over 5 years now. We are aware of the under-supply of purpose built accommodation in the city and the on-going issues in the Holylands. We believe this £16m investment to deliver around 400 beds spaces will offer a high quality product, which is currently not available for the students studying in Belfast. With the new University of Ulster campus underway, Queen’s and Belfast Met continuing to grow, along with Belfast attracting significant investment we see this as an ideal time to enter the Belfast market. We have found what we believe is the ideal building and location for student accommodation in the city. We have much experience of converting listed buildings for student accommodation and are excited about the potential end product.

Willis & Company Partners with Adsum Foundation to help Rural Poor in Madagascar Local insurance broker Willis & Company is launching a new charity partnership with the Belfast based Adsum Foundation. Together they will build a school and provide clean and safe water for people in the country, where 92% of the population live on less than $2 a day. Under an exciting and innovative arrangement, funds raised by staff in Belfast and Coleraine will be matched by the company and then doubled by Adsum.

Managing Director Richard Willis speaking at the announcement said “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Adsum in such a tangible way.

The project will bring an additional focus to our charity fund raising activities and enable staff to get closely involved in something that really makes a difference.”

Gavin Lonergan, Director of the Adsum Foundation, explained: “This partnership will ensure vital funds make it to those on the ground. I want to thank Willis and Company for their commitment both to providing funding and to helping to raise the profile of the need in Madagascar.”

Pictured at the announcement are left to right :- Richard Willis, Geraldine Morgan and Amanda McConkey.

Acheson & Glover |21

Premium Kin Stone paving offers highend quality with truly sustainable credentials

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&G (Acheson & Glover) has added to its extensive range with the outstanding, contemporary Kin Stone – a new bespoke paving product that will transform commercial and public realm projects.

Ideal for creating variable and unique landscape designs due to its premium finish, Kin Stone can be laid as a single colour or three colour blends.

“Available in both grey and sandstone options, Kin Stone offers professional designers the opportunity to specify a high quality paving system that recreates the realistic tones of natural stone,” explained Brian McConnell, Marketing Manager, A&G. “Made from locally quarried aggregates, Kin Stone’s surface is formed by blending fine quartz materials, resulting in a truly exceptional paving product.”

Kin Stone is perfect for use on slopes and areas of intense pedestrian and heavy vehicle traffic* thanks to a high level of slip resistance and consistent superior appearance.

A hallmark of all A&G products, Kin Stone has industry leading green credentials. 100% recyclable, Kin Stone is produced in the UK from locally sourced materials in a plant using 100% renewable energy and utilises up to 70% non-primary materials. It also boasts a BREEAM** rating of A and A+ when used with a recycled sub-base. *Dependent upon size selected. **Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method.

For more information visit www.acheson-glover.com/kinstone or contact A&G on T: 028 8952 1275.

22| on site equipment

Laois Hire Group continue investment strategy in Irish Economy

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aois Hire, Ireland’s leading Plant, Tool Hire and Sales company, has recently made a another major investment in new compaction equipment as part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy.

The company has recently completed a major investment in large compaction equipment from Wirtgen Ireland to add to their commercial hire portfolio.

The new range of rollers from leading German manufacturer Hamm, offers high performance compaction, operator safety and comfort.

Managing Director Michael Killeen says: “We have consistently invested heavily in our fleet, even during the recession years, in order to maintain a modern up to date fleet and to ensure our customers receive excellent service throughout Ireland.

“We have made a substantial investment in our compaction division to meet the increased demands from our construction, road and surfacing customers. We have found Hamm to be an excellent brand, trouble free, very L-R: Dan Daly - Sales Manager Wirtgen Ireland, Michael Killeen - MD Laois popular with our customer base and backed up by an Hire/HSS Hire Group, Tom Parlon - Director excellent service.”

Commenting on the purchase Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF says “It is very positive to see Laois Hire investing in a significant amount of plant in what have been tough economic conditions. There are indications that the construction market is picking up and, as a result good quality plant is vital to ensure that companies deliver the best possible service to their customers.”

Laois Hire is now stockists for the largest range of rollers in Ireland servicing customers in the construction, road and surfacing industries. (00 353) 57 866 0232 for hire details.

on site equipment |23

Briggs Equipment to distribute Yale Europe Materials Handling products in Northern Ireland

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eading materials handling services specialist Briggs Equipment has taken on responsibility for the distribution of Yale Europe Materials Handling products in Northern Ireland. Briggs Equipment is now the exclusive dealer for the Yale brand throughout the UK. With Northern Ireland taking a dual brand sales strategy with the distribution of Yale alongside its

existing Hyster product range, Richard Close, Briggs Equipment’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “Yale is one of Europe’s fastest growing forklift truck brands and this move demonstrates our continuing commitment to growing market share while providing world class valued-added solutions to our customers.

“Briggs Equipment is wellestablished in Northern Ireland, operating as a single source of supply for a wide range of products and services and this move increases our portfolio in sectors where the Yale

brand is strong, such as logistics and warehousing.

“Briggs Equipment has a wealth of experience across a broad industry base and applications in the Province through its Hyster dealership. Operating from its facility in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, employing around 50 people, Briggs Equipment Northern Ireland will be responsible for sales of new and used forklift trucks and warehouse solutions, along with servicing, parts, contract hire and short-term rental.

Andrew Neill, General Manager at

Briggs Equipment Northern Ireland, says;”We have bold plans to grow the business and consolidate our position as number one in Northern Ireland.

Our team is committed to developing bespoke materials handling solutions that will enable customers to make key cost savings and enhance performance so as to achieve their goals.

“Our aim is not simply to work for or with businesses that use Yale equipment, but to add value by becoming their dedicated materials handling services partner.”

24| on site equipment

Strong Hyster Partnerships deliver low cost of operation A low overall cost of operation is one of the key benefits delivered to Hyster lift truck customers, thanks to a number of contributing factors, including innovative, tough products an understanding of specific applications requirements, global distribution partnerships and specialist cooperation with strategic supplier partners.

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t the recent Hyster HUB Event in Germany in May, key Hyster suppliers demonstrated how their products and expertise help to lower the cost of operation for Hyster customers.

Cummins - Engines Cummins designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies which feature in a number of Hyster products.

Collaboration between Cummins and Hyster has helped to lower the total cost of ownership through increased power density using smaller engines, particularly in the high capacity Big Trucks which has helped to significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Shell - Oils and lubricants The partnership between Hyster and Shell has resulted in a number of benefits to Hyster end users including a joint Hyster–Shell oil program, which means; first fill of all trucks in all plants with Shell lubricants/fuels; extensive aftermarket offerings in all countries; and co–engineering of trucks.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems - Wheels and tyres “Our tyres are designed to deliver the best performance and we focus on whole life cost, which helps our customers reduce downtime and increase production,” says Nicolas Nollé, Director Global OEM, Trelleborg Wheel Systems.

Bolzoni - Attachments Bolzoni manufactures lift truck attachments, forks and lift tables and is an

Bolzoni - Attachments Bolzoni manufactures lift truck attachments, forks and lift tables and is an approved supplier to NMHG for Hyster products.

ELME Spreader AB -Spreaders On the larger trucks, ELME Spreader AB manufactures spreaders for the handling of containers, trailers and swop bodies, developing, designing, producing, marketing and servicing over 1150 spreaders annually.

RAVAS - Weighing systems RAVAS provides the Hyster/NMHG distribution network with mobile weighing systems for forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, available through the Unisource aftermarket programme and through regular Hyster/NMHG sales channels.

Local service support is provided across the world through a global network of Hyster distribution partners, which also contributes to reduced lifetime costs, through scheduled maintenance contracts, providing a high level of support for demanding operations everywhere.

on site equipment |25

‘Pick and Mix’ forklift options from Transmon Engineering

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ransmon Engineering claims its new range of iTEch ‘pick and mix’ options can improve safety and reduce overall cost for materials handling operations.

UK company, Transmon Engineering, designs, manufactures and installs a wide range of add-on systems that are used in forklift truck operations to help improve efficiency, increase truck life and enhance safety levels.

Transmon products include fleet management, forklift protection, cameras and forklift safety systems.

“The iTEch range has been designed to be integrated across the product range and Transmon customers can ‘pick and choose’ products in a modular way” explains Transmon Sales Manager, Pete Boettcher. “Existing systems already active in their operations can be combined with the new systems and managed with new technology, helping to reduce the cost for the customer whilst adding more benefits to the operation.”

To enhance safety in operations where forklift trucks and pedestrians are required to work alongside each other, for instance, companies may choose a selection of Transmon safety systems including speed limiting systems, a pedestrian awareness system and perhaps a camera system.

Forklift operations that involve pedestrians often require speed restrictions across the site, which can be achieved thanks to one of Transmon’s Speed iTEch Systems.

Transmon’s iTEch Speed 1 System and iTEch Speed 6 System both enhance site safety by limiting the forklift truck’s travel speed. Each system detects that the truck is moving and then applies the throttle restriction to limit the truck speed.

When the truck slows down, the limit is removed to allow full power for lift hydraulics.

The Transmon iTEch Zone Control System enhances safety by restricting travel speeds in designated zones, whilst maintaining productivity with higher travel speeds in lower risk areas. The system offers safe speeds in pedestrianised areas whilst keeping productivity at a maximum in lower risk areas. When the truck enters a ‘zoned area’, the system automatically

switches to controlled operation and when the truck leaves the zoned area, the unit automatically switches to normal operation and the system defaults to ‘safe’.

A Transmon speed system could also be supported by the Transmon iTEch PAS (Pedestrian Alert System), which helps to enhance safety by making forklift operators aware of a pedestrian’s presence. It can be fitted to almost any forklift truck and detects the presence of a pedestrian via an RFID active tag worn by workers onsite at all times.

The iTEch Vision System, a camera system that offers excellent visibility to the operator from a standard driving position, could also be integrated. The camera is located on the vehicle and focuses on the area of sight required with an automatic iris compensating for the change in lighting conditions. The system enhances health and safety levels, reducing the amount of damage caused by miscalculations made due to human error and is ideal for vehicles operating at height, in cold stores or in yards.

To help reduce operational cost and to deliver multiple functionality at a lower price to the end user, Transmon has also developed iTEch Control, a combined package that includes iTEch Tyre, iTEch Speed 6 and iTEch Gear systems. All of these systems are available as single modules with individual functionality; the Transmon iTEch Tyre System reduces tyre wear, fuel consumption

and associated cost, by preventing the operator changing direction whilst in motion; the Transmon iTEch Gear System reduces transmission wear and increases safety by monitoring road speed and automatically changing gears; and the Transmon iTEch Speed 6 System enhances site safety by limiting the forklift truck’s travel speed. The combined package can incorporate any two, or all three, of the systems, and gives the end user the combined.

“While Transmon systems help to enhance the level of safety in a forklift operation, all Transmon iTEch systems must be used in conjunction

with the correct employee training and necessary supervision,” explains Pete Boettcher. “No Transmon system is designed to be an alternative to either of these measures, but should be considered an added safety measure.”

UK based Transmon Engineering has developed its already successful iTEch range to enable materials handling operations to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and improve safety.

Transmon systems are easy to install and suitable for most forklift trucks. To find out more, visit www.transmon.co.uk.

26| CITB

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI helping to expand training opportunities for the local construction industry

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kills and training are the central core of our business, we at CITB-ConstructionSkills NI understand the importance of training and the positive effects it can have both internally and externally.

We also are aware of the current economic climate and understand that in the downturn training is not always top of the business agenda. Our aim is to help invest in industry skills and training to make businesses competitive, now and in the future.

For the best part of 50 years, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has been working with the construction industry to meet its skills and training needs. Now, as we begin to recover from a deep recession, we have been working with external partners to fund additional projects to help upskill, train and qualify local construction workers in order to support the industry in developing the highly skilled workers it needs to meet the immediate challenges and prepare for the future.

Qualifications The ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce’ Project is a joint initiative between CITBConstructionSkills NI and the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry supported and funded by the Department for Employment and Learning. The project initially launched in June 2012 and since then it has provided 586 NVQ Level 2 qualifications for unqualified individuals already working in the construction industry.

This project has helped increase productivity for individuals whilst also meeting the industry’s skills challenge. We are currently working towards the next phase of the project which will qualify 1000 candidates to NVQ Level 2 over the next two years.

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said, “Approximately 9,000 people currently working in the sector are

Colin Emerson Production Director & Anthony McConville Contracts Manager with some of the employees that were awarded NVQ Level 2 through the Qualifying the Existing Workforce Project.

not qualified to the appropriate standard and this project addresses the skills levels required for the industry now and in the future. It is encouraging that in these economic times the ‘Qualifying the Existing Workforce Project’ has been so successful and we are delighted to secure funding for the next phase in order to continue the momentum in the construction industry. Our research shows that the economy is turning the corner and the NI construction industry will benefit from that. It is therefore essential that we identify and address the skills and training needs of the workforce necessary for the long term future of the sector.”

If you are interested in participating in the next phase of the project, please register your name and contact details by e-mailing qew@citbcsni.org.uk.

Keep up to date with all the latest on this project by logging on to www.citbcsni.org.uk and follow the links to Free NVQs.

Built Heritage Constructing our local heritage Over the last few years CITBConstructionSkills NI has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through its ‘Skills for the Future’ programme to deliver the Sustaining Traditional Building Skills in Northern Ireland project. The project aims to sustain and develop traditional skills in the local built heritage sector. £585,000 has been invested in developing the training infrastructure to help develop the skills needed to properly maintain our local built heritage.

The project has created 24 workbased placements with experienced practitioners on sites owned by the National Trust, NI Environment Agency and The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The placements helped develop skills including painting & decorating, stonemasonry, conservation joinery, blacksmithing and thatching through their work on traditional (pre-1919) buildings.

A ‘Training the Trainers’ programme

was delivered to ten lecturers from Belfast Metropolitan College, South Eastern Regional College and South West College. The programme has helped to improve knowledge and understanding of built heritage and to enhance the provision of traditional skills training within the mainstream construction courses. The lecturers have gone on to form the Built Heritage Training Forum which will build upon the established infrastructure and have started delivering built heritage courses.

A team of Ambassadors/ Mentors has been recruited to act as advocates and mentors for the traditional building skills programme.

Heritage Apprenticeship Programme in Wood Occupations CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has also received funding of £379,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under its ‘Skills for the Future’ programme for the delivery of

CITB |27 the first ever Heritage Specialist Apprenticeship Programme in wood occupations in NI. The programme will be delivered to 12 experienced carpenters/ joiners who will receive bespoke, structured training and assessment leading to the achievement of the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction) – Wood Occupations. The trainees will receive both on and off the job training with experienced heritage contractors.

The funding will also provide an opportunity for three local college lecturers to assist in the delivery of the off -the-job element of the apprenticeship programme and become accredited to deliver the course in their respective colleges.

In addition eight Ambassador/ Mentors will be funded to mentor the apprentices and promote the project and heritage sector in Northern Ireland.

On successful completion of this project the apprenticeship will be made available to other colleges to deliver across Northern Ireland with the potential to increase provision to include other traditional building craft occupations.

The training programme is expected to commence in September 2014. Interested parties can keep up to date with the progress of the project at www. citbcsni.org.uk or by ‘liking’ CITBConstructionSkills NI on Facebook.

Aaron McIntyre on work placement at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Sustainable Construction

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has sent 45 construction workers in three separate groups to Biberach in Germany to learn more about sustainable construction methods, renewable energy and environmental standards.

The ‘Building Skills for Sustainable Construction’ project is organised

by CITB-ConstructionSkills NI and funded by the European Commission’s Leonardo programme which is managed by Ecorys in the UK. The two week programme is a comprehensive appraisal of current construction techniques applied

in Germany, including air-tightness, thermal bridges, passive house projects and ventilation systems, with a focus on timber construction.

Highlights of the trips included a visit to the Energon building in Ulm, a five storey office built to Passive House standards, as well as time spent in the workshop constructing models of various junction details that are particularly relevant and key to achieving improved energy performance standards.

The programme was delivered by KOMZET (a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Timber Construction and Finishings).

The skills and knowledge gained will be utilised in the design and maintenance of properties as well

as in the retrofitting of existing housing stock to reduce energy consumption, In addition, the groups will be able to transfer these skills to the wider construction supply chain in their daily dealings with suppliers, clients, designers and subcontractors, and also to apprentices and undergraduates through links to training and education.

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said, “Government targets for more sustainable homes as well as higher demand from customers mean that the skills provided through this training programme are vital for those working in the industry. Over the the training the participants have worked hard and learnt a lot about sustainable construction methods and how they can be applied not as part of a special project but as the normal construction practice. It is this practical experience that will give participants the opportunity to progress in their current roles or to develop their own business to incorporate energy efficient building.”

A final group of 15 participants will go to Germany in September 2014.

Contact

Pictured are the participants receiving instruction from Master Carpenter Markus Weitzmann

Interested parties can keep up to date with the progress and development of these skills and training projects at www.citbcsni.org. uk or by ‘liking’ CITBConstructionSkills NI on Facebook www.facebook.com/ CITBConstructionSkillsNI and following us on Twitter @CITBNI

28| Melvin Sports Complex

Swiss Facades Melvin Sports Complex

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

FOR HIGH END

ARCHITECTURE

Melvin Sports Complex |29

Digitally enhanced

before renovation

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

30| Melvin Sports Complex “Throughout the design and construction process Anne Hurl from Swiss Facades, has provided us with ongoing technical guidance and support which has been crucial in the success of the re-cladding of the existing shell.”

F

ollowing a very successful upgrade to Derg Valley Leisure Centre last year, Strabane District Council recently started a £2million project to upgrade Melvin Sports Complex. The upgrades are part of a wider modernisation strategy by Strabane District Council and when complete, Melvin Sports Complex will house a new four court sports hall. Once again, Swiss Facades was chosen to look after the significant upgrading of the exterior of the building which is now 35 years old.

Anne Hurl of Swiss Facades worked closely with main contractors McAleer & Teague as well as Magherafelt architect Colm McGurk of McGurk Architects to ensure the project progressed smoothly, quickly and without any snags.

Linton Selfridge, from Colm McGurk Architects explained the thinking behind the upgrade.

“Melvin Sports Complex is situated in the heart of Strabane, flanked by the river Mourne offering the local community a range of sporting facilities. The existing complex, constructed over 35 years ago had become tired and dated and was in need of expansion and modernisation.

When McGurk Architects carried out the initial design development, the decision was made to retain the existing fabric and construct a new

state of the art 4 court sports hall to merge with the existing. This process involved the re planning of the existing building layout to revitalise underused space to create a more contemporary spacious environment.

The existing building facade was redesigned to provide a new entrance point to the building and new structural openings for additional light admission. McGurk Architects was presented with the challenge of transforming the dated facade to a composition that was architecturally striking, transforming the passé to the modern. The solution was to re-clad the shell with a rainscreen panel by Swisspearl® “upon installation we are delighted with the appearance; the systematic irregular arrangement is emphasised with the three tones of green. The facade has a refreshing and playful appearance giving the building a contemporary exterior for the modern day.”

“Throughout the design and construction process Anne Hurl from Swiss Facades, has provided us with ongoing technical guidance and support which has been crucial in the success of the re-cladding of the existing shell.”

Anne explained, “Swiss Facades management of projects is vital to its success. Collaboration onsite with other elements of the building envelope ensures that the schedule of works is accommodated within the time-scale given. Our aim is to provide onsite solutions and to make the installation of the panels simple.”

Anne explained that one of the

processes is to reduce wastage. By liaising with both the architect and builder this was achieved through careful optimisation of panels by calculating the percentage waste in order to gain maximum panel yield. By initiating this procedure the wastage was reduced to 7.76%. The whole process was timely; panels were manufactured in advance and held in stock. This enabled the builder to carry on with other work. A final cutting schedule was compiled after the supporting frame was installed and by using a computerised ordering and cutting system, panels were for this project were delivered within two weeks to site, pre-cut and ready to install.

Operation Efficiency Swiss Facades are renowned for their Operational Efficiency (OE) and lean manufacturing which both target waste. “This means finding out where you spend resources (time, money, people, effort, etc.) on activities that do not add value to your product or service, and then eliminating those problem areas. The results are measurable, immediate and sustainable,” says Anne.”Typically, the main causes of waste in a business are overproduction, delays, unnecessary transportation, complicated processes and outdated equipment,”

commented Anne. “Our value chain defines a clear path providing cost efficient solutions and to also de-skill processes for installers to enable ease and speed of installation.” Almost one mile of Swisspearl Cladding was cut and fabricated in the factory, rather than on site,” says Anne, “this ensured that the joiners fitting the cladding were able to work much quicker.

“It also meant much less debris generated when the contractors are working on site as well as there being vastly less dust exposure for workers.”

This is echoed by the cladding installers Declan McLaughlin Limited.

Declan commented that “The way that the Swisspearl® cladding was supplied was a first for us in that the cladding was stacked together on pallets for each specific area of the facade. The panels were individually labelled with their dimensions and position as per the plan which meant we didn’t have to open all the pallets looking for different colours or for one particular piece. It saved us a lot of time and hassle and working with Swiss Facades was a pleasure. We had great back-up from Anne and her team who visited the site regularly throughout the works.

Clerk of Works Mark Connolly also enthused about the project.

“I have been Clerk Of Works on two recent Sports Projects for local Council in West Tyrone. On both

Melvin Sports Complex |31

We have over 60 years experience and have grown to become an ambitious and innovative Building and Civil Engineering Company We tailor our service for each client and the sectors we work in, our main areas of work are:

“We are delighted with both the operational efficiency of Anne and her team, and also with the quality and aesthetically striking appearance of the panel which has transformed the out-dated exterior of the building to give a very modern dynamic finish.” occasions Swisspearl® Panels have been used to provide a colourful and protective cladding to the building.

As the panels are available in a great range of colour and size they are suitable for any project and the easy availability is also a major plus.

“I would point out that good planning and knowledge of the project is necessary at an early stage to maximise the full effect / impact of this product. The Swisspearl® Panel provides a great face lift for buildings with plaster defects and unattractive finishes. The Panel also has major impact to the appearance of new projects. A positive addition to the many up to date materials that have been introduced to the Construction Industry.”

McAleer and Teague Sean McKnight, Contracts manager of McAleer and Teague explained, “Central to the success of our projects is the company’s policies, structured planning processes, methodology and effective communication strategy adopted by our employees. These focus are our drive for sustainable mutual success, by supporting these types of performances and systems enhances our supplier’s selection. Over 90% of our work is delivered by our

50 tried and tested ‘Category one’ supply chain members.

They meet our most stringent requirements for quality, skills and experience, environmental standards and health and safety. Such relationships have introduced strong lines of communication, knowledge transfer, standardisation, prefabrication, Lean Thinking, Value Management and Engineering processes to ensure best value in project delivery.

The company has developed a Supplier Charter, which reflects not only our commitments and expectations towards our supply chain, but also the approach and behaviour that we expect our suppliers to adopt.

This approach delivers true value to the client as we can be confident that our supply chain can deliver on the most exacting and complex of project, this being why we chose Swiss Facades as our preferred supplier.

We are delighted with both the operational efficiency of Anne and her team, and also with the quality and aesthetically striking appearance of the panel which has transformed the out-dated exterior of the building to give a very modern dynamic finish.”

• Healthcare • Commercial • Education • Restoration • Community & Leisure

McAleer & Teague Ltd., 41 Main Street, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, BT78 3AG Tel: +44 (0)28 8289 8535 info@mcatni.co.uk • mcatni.co.uk

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT: GROWTH OR NOT? The two official surveys monitoring construction employment in Northern Ireland have published their results for the first quarter of 2014 in recent weeks but have failed to provide a uniform picture of what is happening regarding employment in the industry.

The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) for Q1 2014 reports a 0.8% decline in employee jobs compared to the previous quarter whereas the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for the same period reports a 23% increase in overall employment being driven largely by an increase in employee jobs.

Due to the small sample size the LFS results are prone to significant fluctuations that can exaggerate quarterly changes and therefore need to be treated with caution.

The QES provides a more accurate measure of quarterly employment changes in construction.

The marginal fall in Q1 2014 reported by the QES comes after two consecutive quarters of employment growth. Year on year employee jobs in construction are up 1% from 29,680 in Q1 2013 to 30,010 in Q1 2014.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said: “Whilst there is much greater positivity in the industry in 2014 this is yet to convert into any significant increase in construction jobs in Northern Ireland. However, as an industry we need to be taking steps now to ensure that we have sufficient people with the right skills entering or returning to the local industry in the coming years.”

BUDGET 2014 PENSION CHANGES

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nhance – Construction Pension Scheme Northern Ireland welcomes the improved choice and greater flexibility resulting from the budget announcements on pension changes from March 2014 and further proposals from April 2015. Individuals now have greater incentive to save for their retirement.

At present individuals approaching retirement can usually take up to 25% of their pension fund as a tax free lump sum with the remainder subject to various options depending on individual circumstances (see diagram opposite).

Note: This is an overview of the key Budget 2014 headlines affecting Enhance members.

For a detailed list of Budget changes please refer to www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/budget-2014

Remember to Check Your Pension Staging Date The requirement to enrol workers into a qualifying workplace pension scheme (auto-enrolment) is now affecting medium sized companies. The ‘staging date’ is the date employers are required to comply with the legislation and is based on payroll at April 2012. Indicative staging dates for 2014 are as follows:

No of employees

Staging Date*

62 - 89

1 July 2014

58 - 61

1 August 2014 - 1 January 2015 (over 4 dates)

* Indicative dates only

Companies with fewer employees will have staging dates right through to 2017.

7 Steps to Auto-enrolment

Check Your Staging Date

1

Know Your Staging Date

Employers must check their staging date on the

2

Assess your Workforce

Pensions Regulator’s website:

3

Review your Pension Arrangements

4

Communicate

5

Enrol Employees

6

Register with the Pensions Regulator and Keep Records

7

Contribute to Employees’ Pension

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. The Scheme is open to office based and site based staff and can therefore meet the legislative requirements for all your employees.

1. Check your PAYE reference(s) 2. Enter your PAYE reference(s) into the staging date tool on the Pensions Regulator website If in doubt contact the Pensions Regulator on 0845 600 1011

Workers Pension Trust is a workplace pension scheme designed to complement Enhance. This new scheme allows you to meet all your auto-enrolment 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 • Online access for employers The team 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.

CEF/SPECIFY CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS: SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS General Construction Commercial Construction Award Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd Mascott Construction QMAC Construction Ltd Gilbert-Ash Ltd Restoration Award Tracey Brothers

H & J Martin Ltd Moss Construction

Woodvale Construction Company

Lanyon Place CFR Academy House – DARD Ravenhill Re-Development

Fit Out of the SS Nomadic & Restoration of Hamilton Dock Ebrington Barracks Building 11 Various Remedial/Refurbishment Works Bishops Place Aras Colmcille

Social/Community Construction Award H & J Martin Ltd Belfast Welcome Centre Heron Bros Ltd Daisy Lodge Family Retreat Centre McAleer & Teague Killicomaine Community Centre QMAC Construction Ltd Enniskillen Presbyterian Church Infrastructure Education Infrastructure Award David Jameson Roofing Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd QMAC Construction Ltd Graham Construction

Longstone Special School Campbell College University of Ulster Coleraine Lagan College

Health Infrastructure Award TAL Ltd

Farrans Construction

Woodvale Construction Company Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd

Hemsworth Court – Dementia Care Facility Antrim Accident & Emergency Department The Rowan Centre Old See House

Transport Infrastructure Award Glasgiven Contracts Ltd Woodvale Construction Company Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd

Antrim Railway Station Walled City Lighting Project Portadown Railway Station

Utilities Infrastructure Award William & Henry Alexander Deane Public Works Ltd

Lagan Water

Dunmore Wind Farm Lisburn Public Realm Sewer & Watermain Rehabilitation Clay Lake Water Treatment Works

Quality Performance Environmental Sustainability Award Wilson Construction Graham Construction Glasgiven Contracts Ltd McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd Exporting Award McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd H & J Martin Ltd

Rollformed Fabrications Ltd

Health & Safety Award H & J Martin Ltd Graham Construction

Deane Public Works Ltd Portview Fit-Out Limited

Training Award Graham Construction H & J Martin Ltd

Lagan Construction Portview Fit-Out Limited

Housing Brownfield Housing Award Beshouse Residential Properties JFM Construction Ltd

Old Church Square Pentagon House

Greenfield Housing Award Kelly Brothers JFM Construction Ltd

Moor Road Phase 2 Carndale Meadows

Social Housing Award TAL Ltd T & A Kernoghan Ltd QMAC Construction Ltd McGurran Properties

North Howard Street Apartments Limestone Road Groomsport Apartments Loughview Terrace

Principal Sponsor

Sponsors

BUILDSAFE AND SSIP: SAFE-T-CERT TICKS BOTH BOXES

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ompanies with Safe-T-Cert, the construction-specific third party accredited health and safety management system, meet all the mandatory requirements for participation in public sector procurements in Northern Ireland.

In accordance with Procurement Guidance Note 05/12, contractors wishing to apply to be short-listed for invitation to tender need to have the following requirements in place before the closing date for the competition: 1. Have a valid 3rd party certification of their health and safety management system satisfying the requirements of the BuildsafeNI Initiative.

INDUSTRY HOLIDAYS 2015/16

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he Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has agreed the industry holidays for 2015/16 as follows:

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

CEF BRIEFING PAPER TO THE COMMITTEE FOR FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

JOINT CONSULTATIONS LAUNCHED ON DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

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ocial Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan have launched public consultations on proposals that aim to increase the supply of affordable housing through developer contributions.

The draft proposals would require developers to provide a proportion of newly proposed housing developments over a certain threshold as affordable housing.

The DSD consultation ‘Developer Contributions for Affordable Housing’ sets out the policy behind developer contributions and seeks views on the introduction of such a policy in Northern Ireland.

The DOE consultation ‘Draft Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS 22) Affordable Housing’ details

how developer contributions could be delivered through the planning system.

Some of the main issues highlighted in the consultation papers are summarised as follows: • Contributions will be sought according to the following preferential order: a) Housing on site b) Housing off site c) Housing and a commuted sum d) A commuted sum • Schemes over five units will require developer contributions; • A minimum 20% affordable housing is proposed; • If developers can make a profit of 15% over the whole development then the development can be deemed viable for developer contributions; • Commuted lump sums to be ring

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has submitted a further briefing paper to the Committee for Finance and Personnel. The paper follows on from meetings with the Committee in February and March at which a wide range of public procurement and contract issues were discussed.

The paper addresses the Committee’s queries regarding the sustainable levels of new housing in Northern Ireland and social clauses. It also provides the Committee with CEF’s view on CPD’s response to the previous CEF briefing paper on matters including the ISNI portal, payment practices, evidence at prequalification and the use of price-only tendering for larger contracts.

Full details of the ‘CEF Briefing Paper to the Committee for Finance and Personnel’ issued on 12 May 2014 can be viewed at www.cefni.co.uk.

NOTICE OF PROMULGATION – WAGES & OTHER BENEFITS

CPD CIVIL ENGINEERING MINOR WORKS FRAMEWORK 2015

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The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to discuss the forthcoming procurement of its Civil Engineering Minor Works Framework 2015.

The meeting forms part of the Federation’s extensive engagement with a wide range of Government Construction Clients at procurement strategy stage to help ensure that procurements run smoothly.

The CPD framework is due to be split into two lots with an estimated annual expenditure per area of £5m per lot. CPD aims to the have contracts awarded by February 2015.

Full details of the ‘CPD Civil Engineering Minor Works Framework 2015 Proposed Procurement Approach’ can be viewed online at www.cefni.co.uk.

fenced for DSD to fund affordable housing; • Co-ownership housing would be considered as one suitable option for the provision of affordable housing.

Full details of the DSD consultation and DOE consultation can be viewed online at www.cefni.co.uk.

CEF will be making a response to both consultations and the details of our response will be posted to our website. Members are encouraged to use the CEF response when it is available as a template to make their own responses.

If members wish to submit comments to CEF these should be emailed to Nigel Lucas at nlucas@cefni.co.uk by no later than 1 August 2014.

The closing date for both consultations is 26 August 2014.

he Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has promulgated changes to wages and other benefits.

Full details of the ‘Notice of Promulgation – Wages & Other Benefits 2014 & 2015’ can be viewed at www.cefni.co.uk.

CSR: THE SKILLS CARD FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

O

ver the last year the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has observed an increase in the range of skills card being offered in Northern Ireland claiming to be an alternative to the Construction Skills Register (CSR) card. CEF is warning employers to be vigilant as some of these ‘alternative’ cards may not meet the requirements stipulated by clients in Northern Ireland.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said: “The CSR Card is the skills card for Northern Ireland. It provides proof that the cardholder has been assessed as being competent in a particular skill. However it also provides evidence that the person has successfully undertaken the industry-approved health and safety training and assessment.”

“Clients are seeking evidence of basic health and safety training as a minimum. CSR provides this. Many other skills card schemes do not. Rather than provide proof of

training, such schemes only provide evidence that a health and safety assessment has been passed.”

“The distinction between evidence of training and evidence of assessment is particularly important for companies working in the public sector. The Buildsafe NI initiative requires evidence of training.”

CSR is not only recognised in Northern Ireland. The scheme has arrangements in place to ensure the CSR card is recognised in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The transportability of the card has become increasingly important as many local contractors have increased their workloads outside of Northern Ireland in recent years.

For further information on CSR please contact the scheme on 028 9087 7150 or visit the CSR page on www.cefni.co.uk. The online system and local contact centre provide a quick and simple way for employers to check that their employees have a valid CSR card.

REDUCED PLANNING PERMISSION RENEWAL FEES TO TAKE EFFECT

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nvironment Minister, Mark H Durkan, has announced that from 28 May 2014 the planning fees for the renewal of planning permissions will be cut by 75%.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) welcomes the introduction of the reduced fees following a series of engagements with Departmental officials and the Minister. Due to the delay in the introduction of the regulations to introduce the reduced fees, CEF wrote to the Minister requesting that the new regulations should also allow for a 75% refund of all renewal fees paid from 1 January 2014 up to the date that the new fee structure takes effect.

The Minister responded that while it was originally intended to introduce this measure in December 2013, a number of issues had to be clarified with the Departmental Solicitor which caused some delay. The Minister decided however that it was not his Department’s intention to retrospectively introduce

McCAUSLAND LAUNCHES COMPETITIVE LAND, DESIGN AND BUILD INITIATIVE

H

ousing Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the launch of a new procurement approach to support the delivery of social housing in Northern Ireland.

Competitive Land, Design and Build is seen as an innovative development approach which provides an alternative procurement method in addition to the traditional method used by Housing Associations.

Under the traditional approach, a Housing Association delivers new build housing having separately acquired land, procured a design team, secured approvals and then procured a building contractor to undertake the construction works. This is an approach which is resource intensive for Housing Associations.

Under the new approach, a Housing Association enters into an agreement with a developer to deliver a complete package of supplying land, commissioning the design services, securing approvals and constructing new homes.

At an event jointly organised by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), details of the scheme were made available to members of the construction industry and Housing Associations from across Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “I am told by Housing Associations that a particular challenge they face in delivering more social housing is the availability of development land. As the title suggests this new approach is focused on bringing additional land currently owned by developers, contractors and others to the market. In addition, with most of the work being undertaken by the developer-led team, the development staff within the Housing Association are able to focus on delivering more schemes.”

The new approach has been successfully piloted by Fold Housing Association in East Belfast where 41 new homes will be delivered in the Ravenhill Road area.

Welcoming the launch of the initiative, John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said: “I welcome the launch of the Competitive Land, Design and Build Scheme. I see this as a positive step toward increasing the supply of new social housing. In doing so, this scheme can play a role in getting the Northern Irish house building industry back on its feet. We hope that it paves the way for DSD to give Housing Associations further discretion to take innovative steps to increase the supply of social housing in the near future.”

the new fee regulations or make any refunds in respect of renewal applications submitted from 1 January 2014 to the introduction of the new fee structure on 28 May 2014.

Other changes to planning fees which will take effect from 28 May 2014, include: • removing the fee for applications for non-profit making organisations in respect of applications for the provision of community facilities (including sports grounds) and playing fields; • introducing a fairer approach to calculating fees for minerals, gas and waste developments; and • keeping the inflationary increase to planning fees to 1.3%.

Full details of the Minister’s announcement can be viewed at www.northernireland.gov.uk.

CEF HOSTS ASSEMBLY’S REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) hosted a public session of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Regional Development Committee. The main items for discussion included a briefing from CEF on the collapse of the procurement of a NI Water capital delivery framework known as ‘Lot1’, the opt-out by Roads Service on the policy for the exclusion of abnormally low tenders and the Jimmy Spratt, Chairman of the Committee for funding of the A5 and A6 road Regional Development and John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director. schemes. CEF also commented on other matters including its response to the Committees report on unadopted roads and the calculation method used by NI Water of the bond amounts for sewers and drains in housing developments.

Courses & seminars programme AUGUST 2014 Topic

Date(s)

Duration

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

14 & 21 Aug

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

15 Aug

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

29 Aug

½ day

Health & Safety (CSR courses)

COMING SOON... OUR AUTUMN PROGramme 2014 • 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

T

he shortlisted finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2014 were announced after the judges carried out a rigorous first round assessment of the entries. Some 100 award entries were received this year.

The judges will now carry out a second round of judging and site visits of the shortlisted finalists over the summer months.

John Armstrong Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation said: “With an increase in expected construction activity, both the number and the standard of entries have once again increased. It is heartening to see that so many companies have remained dedicated in their pursuit of excellence. I would particularly commend and congratulate all those companies that have made it on to this year’s shortlist for the Construction Excellence Awards.”

“These awards really highlight the positive impact of high quality construction on our society and our economy. Each project creates employment directly and indirectly, each pound spent multiplies throughout the local economy and each completed house, road or school benefits our society.”

The CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards have now been running since 1999. The competition has grown in size and stature each year and now attracts entries from companies of all sizes and from all areas of Northern Ireland.

There are 14 award categories under four main sections: Housing, General Construction, Infrastructure and Quality Performance. There is also an Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award and an Overall Award for the Most Outstanding Entry.

A Showcase of Finalists will be held on 5 September 2014 in the Guildhall, Derry, last year’s Overall Winner and the winners will be announced at a Gala evening on 2 October 2014 in the Culloden Hotel.

If you would like to find out more details please contact Joelene Poole on 028 9087 7143 or email: jpoole@cefni.co.uk

Principal Sponsor: Sponsors:

In association with:

Vickerstock |37

Blueprint for Success

B

rawns and bricks are no longer enough to drive forward a sustainable and successful construction sector, we need a blueprint to ensure the current rapid rate of growth in the industry continues, says Michael Donaghy, Recruitment Consultant, Vickerstock Engineering Recruitment.

Invented in the late 19th century, the blueprint transformed the construction industry, giving architects and draftsmen the opportunity to rapidly and accurately reproduce drawings and allow them to get on with the job.

We’ve come a long way with the advancement in digital technology and as pressures on costs and a drive for efficiencies increase the traditional blueprint has more or less been replaced by an array of advanced display technologies allowing for immediate amendments and distribution to team members.

What has stuck around is the term blueprint, and this is exactly what we need for the construction sector.

Unlike the traditional blueprint however, which could not be easily changed or added to, we need this plan to be easily adapted.

We’ve had positive news of late with the Purchasing Manager’s Index for May reporting that Northern Ireland’s construction sector experienced its fastest rate of growth in 12 years.

But as we all know the industry is coming out of one of the most damaging periods in living memory and the while the effects of the downturn are being minimised, there still remains much to be done to ensure that not only do we emerge stronger, but that the construction industry is a sustainable contributor to the local economy.

What do I mean by sustainable?

Well it is two-fold in my mind – firstly of course, we must and should look to building a low carbon economy, through construction practices that emphasise affordability, quality and efficiency.

Professionals in the construction industry need to face up to both the challenges and opportunities that transitioning towards a sustainable, environmentally responsible built environment will bring.

European legislation has driven much of the need to comply with environmental requirements and while this process will take

time and effort the social and economic benefits that it will bring far outweigh any worries over the demands placed on the sector to comply with EU requirements.

This transition to low carbon economies has an impact on the other side of sustainability that I mentioned earlier. We need to develop and enhance the profession to ensure that concepts underpinning sustainability – in both legislative and practical terms – are understood by all in the industry.

We also need more skilled workers and professionals not only capable of building the environment around us, but who are capable of thinking laterally, understanding and enhancing the infrastructure around us to make sure it is fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Innovative thought as well as a sophisticated understanding of the complex requirements of clients is now a must for candidates seeking to carve out a career in the sector, but with this comes the responsibility of companies to develop a culture of ongoing training and skills development.

Construction today is so much more than just bricks and mortar, but to ensure that it is sustainable and successful means that we must

focus on developing a blueprint that puts skills and talent at its heart.

We may have lost valuable skills during the recession, but this upturn gives us the chance to make sure our young people and experienced professionals have the traditional competencies, the drive and ambition to face the challenges of building a sustainable and vibrant built environment and economy.

VickerStock, Northern Ireland’s leading specialist technical engineering recruitment agency, offer recruitment solutions and expert engineering advice to candidates and companies within the construction and civil engineering sector as well as a range of engineering sectors including; aerospace, manufacturing and production, supply chain, ICT, electronics and electrical, civils and infrastructure, utilities and renewables.

Based in Belfast, offering both permanent and contract employment with NI’s most sought after employers in the engineering sector, the organisation’s overall goal is to match highly skilled engineers with the specific demands of each individual organisation they represent.

For further information visit www.vickerstock.co.uk or telephone 028 9031 3720.

digest

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Innovation Puts Ecoplastic on the Boardwalk of Fame A Downpatrick company is celebrating the completion of a €380,000 contract to supply 900m of recycled plastic for the creation of a green cycle path on the grassy slopes of the Boyne. Ecoplastic Recycling Ltd, who also manufacture street furniture like benches and litterbins, was selected as the sole supplier of recycled plastic for the construction of the Boyne Greenway Cycleway.

At 3.6m wide and 900m long the boardwalk, which runs alongside the Battle of the Boyne Visitors Centre in Drogheda, is the largest of its kind in Europe. The boardwalk is 1/9th the cost of an identical structure in steel and offers a 50% wholelife cost saving over timber over its 40-year lifespan. Nick Fitzsimons, Sales Director at Ecoplastic, said the company had drawn upon 20 years of experience to help answer technical queries in relation to recycled plastic during the design stage.

“Ecoplastic continues to innovate

in the use of recycled plastic as an alternative to traditional materials and is the go-to contact for engineers and architects interested in using recycled plastic as a construction material,” he said.

“We were proactive in providing solutions to problems unique to this particular project, including periodic submersion, difficult ground conditions, balustrade design and fixings and overall construction advice.

“This material does not rot or splinter, will not leech chemicals into the environment, does not fade, is vandal and flame resistant and is highly slip resistant.”

The remaining phases of the Boyne Greenway Project will be progressed later this year, with a further 10km of trail planned which will bring walkers and cyclists from Drogheda all the way to Bru na Boinne, the megalithic site at Newgrange.

To complete the project, Ecoplastic worked closely with Clare Civil Engineering, who were awarded the €840,000 contract for the scheme in 2013, Meath County Council

and their engineers Roughan & O'Donovan.

Ecoplastic divert the equivalent of 1000 tonnes of waste plastic from landfill each year. Every 1.5m wide

section of Ecoplastic boardwalk diverts 150kg of waste plastic from landfill. The carbon footprint of Ecoplastic has a negative value, thus a positive effect on CO2 emissions.

Nick Fitzsimons (second right), Sales Director at Ecoplastic, at the opening of the Boyne Greenway Cycleway. Nick is pictured with, from left, Mark Smillie, Consulting Engineer, Roughan O’Donovan Consulting Engineers; Ian Donaghy, Contracts Manager, Clare Civil Engineering; and Pat Fitzsimons, Managing Director, Ecoplastic.

Full Speed ahead as Charles Hurst drives renewable use

Ireland’s only Maserati and Ferrari dealer, Charles Hurst, has installed one of the first biomass heating and cooling systems in the UK.

The £322,000 investment by Charles Hurst Group with heat engineering specialists BS Holdings is part of the Group’s overall commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

By installing the biomass heating and cooling system in the Maserati and Ferrari showroom on Boucher Road, Charles Hurst has already saved 41 tonnes of carbon in the first year of use and the Group has further plans to install biomass systems in their offices, showrooms and workshops across Northern Ireland.

Investment by Charles Hurst in a carbon reduction programme across the Group is already paying dividends and the use of biomass systems from BS Holdings has not only provided them with twenty years of free fuel under the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive, but also complements the industries strive towards ever greener engines and hybrid vehicles.

The small-scale biomass unit provides 70KW of cooling for only 400 watts of electrical energy. This low level of electricity is unheard of in the industry's and is designed for use in large and small organisations and is especially effective in power intensive firms with extensive IT equipment.

Brian Hood, BS Holdings said, “At BS Holdings we have invested significantly in research and development to develop a heating and chilling plant that is completely fuelled by renewable energy sources.

“This is the latest development in our industry leading range of biomass heating and cooling systems and is in fact the first system of this kind in the UK.”

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Four new motorway service stations unveiled for M1 and M2 Ambitious plans have been revealed to build four new motorway service stations in Northern Ireland which will create 240 jobs.

Dublin-based Petrogas Global is the company behind the £25m investment in new forecourts, the first two of which will be built this year and opened in early 2015 between junction four and five on the M2 near Templepatrick, followed by an additional pair on the M1 to be built in 2015.

The new stations will operate under the Applegreen brand and will join 12 others the country operates in the Republic including four on the Belfast-to-Dublin road.

Robert Etchingham, Chief Executive Officer for Applegreen said there is demand for forecourts on some of Northern Ireland’s motorway routes.

“I am delighted that we are now launching into Northern Ireland, as this area is a key part of our expansion plans,” he said. “We are constantly looking for new sites to build and acquire, and although the motorway network in the north has significantly improved in recent years, there is still a shortage of service areas on these major routes.”

“We have already received a lot of support from consumers in the north who know the uniqueness of the Applegreen brand and we are confident that we can build and improve on what is currently being offered.”

Each service station will employ 60 people once opened – from managers to sales assistants – and the company said 250 construction workers will be employed on each site for the duration of the build.

The new motorway service area

McCue Crafted Fit collects top UK honour A Northern Ireland fit-out firm has been listed among the UK industry’s best performers at the NAS Design Partnership Awards in London.

McCue Crafted Fit took top honours in the leisure category for its refit of Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill in the luxury London hotel, The Savoy. The project was part of a major two-year refurbishment programme for the 124-year-old venue which regularly counts royalty, world leaders and Hollywood legends on its guest list.

Named in honour of the hotel’s feline mascot, the art deco-themed Kasper’s reopened to critical acclaim last year and includes a three-foot high cat sculpture to stave off bad luck.

Les McCracken, managing director of McCue Fit-out said: “Kasper has been the Savoy’s lucky mascot for more than 80 years and it’s nice to think that some of that good fortune has stayed with us. It is important for us to measure ourselves against the very best in the business and honours like the NAS Awards show that year-on-year we are continuing to excel in very competitive markets. .In the last two years, McCue has secured a string of contracts in London’s luxury hospitality sector completing fit-out projects for the Berkeley in Knightsbridge and Mayfair-based duo Claridges and the Beaumont. It has fitted out up-market Dublin eatery Cleaver East and buzzing Belfast bars The Albany and Harp Bar. In December, McCue took the first steps into the lucrative marine fit-out sector, appointing industry stalwart Stephen Mills as head of its new division.

Applegreen Chief Executive Officer Robert Etchingham, left, with Eugene Moore from Petrogas Global Limited.

will boast a number of facilities including 16 car fuelling points, an HGV fuelling area, Burger King Drive Thru, Applegreen convenience shop, Applegreen’s own ‘Bakewell’ café and

a Subway restaurant. There will also be a new Business Centre, as well as indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, bathroom facilities, and ample car, Coach and HGV parking.

Work begins on GroundBreaking Northern Ireland Hospice Following years of planning, detailed research and wide consultation, Northern Ireland Hospice is embarking on the next stage of its journey - to build a new Hospice that meets the end of life care needs of the next generation.

Construction work has just begun Judith Hill CEO of NI Hospice joins Johnny on the purpose built adult hospice McMillen Patterson from Carrickfergus whose at Somerton Road, North Belfast. father was cared for by NI Hospice as construction The state-of-the-art new hospice has works begins on the new purpose built adult hospice at Somerton Road in North Belfast. been designed to care for people with complex care needs and the growing numbers of people in need of end of life care, due to our ageing population.

The new adult hospice will provide 18 modern single en-suite rooms and a Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy facility. Breaking new ground, the new-look Somerton Hospice will also be the first Dementia friendly hospice in the UK and Ireland, addressing the important challenge of reaching out beyond cancer and providing end of life care for people with non-malignant diseases such as heart disease, severe respiratory and neurological illnesses.

Commenting at the announcement, Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive, Professor Dame Judith Hill said: “Today we mark an important milestone in the journey to revolutionise hospice care in Northern Ireland as we take our first steps towards realising the dream of a purpose-built adult hospice at Somerton Road.”

The total cost of the new hospice is £13m; £2.7m of this will come from Hospice resources leaving a fundraising goal of £10.3m. Of this, £7.7m has already been raised thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the many people, government and philanthropic sources but a further £2.6million must be raised to complete the rebuild.

The hospice was designed by local architects, Consarc Design Group with building contractor H&J Martin Ltd now on site. Both companies were selected not only for their professional expertise but also for their sound understanding of the project brief and strong empathy with the NIH ethos of care.

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Grand Designs on UK Consumers Apeer Doors has hailed its first ever consumer show an outstanding success.

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he company’s nine day appearance at Grand Designs Live in Excel, London, provided the perfect platform to raise brand awareness with consumers, as well as strengthen relationships with key London and Thames Valley customers.

Said UK sales manager Pete Shears, who led the Apeer team at the high profile show: “Although we have exhibited at a number of events throughout Ireland, this was our first consumer show in England and provided us with a fantastic opportunity to communicate directly with the end user and spend time with several of our customers.

“We saw a huge amount of people during the show – and got a very positive response: they really liked and appreciated what we had to offer.

They particularly liked some of the eye-catching, contemporary colours and designs we used to attract them onto the stand in the first place. That then gave us the opportunity to talk them through all the many other benefits in terms of security and performance.”

The company showcased designs from its contemporary MODO collection along with two more traditional doors and its popular stable door. The stand also featured a ‘wall of colour’ showing Apeer’s range of 24 readily available fashionable colours.

Said Pete Shears: “The show gave us a chance to really get to know and better understand both our customers and end users and we have been rewarded with a good number of leads and appointments.”

Apeer is also taking part in Grand Designs Live, Birmingham (NEC, October 9 – 12) and has rebooked the London event for 2015.

Senior in top Form at TECTUS Hinges Concealed Perfection Fit Show

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IMONSWERK TECTUS - a complete solution and extensive range, multi award winning iconic design and precise engineered functionality.

Tectus fully concealed hinges allow for three dimensional adjustments to obtain perfect door alignment, contain maintenance free bearings and present a flush fitting clean line design. Created for safety, with minimum pivot gaps to prevent finger injury, these hinges are available in an unrivalled range of high quality surface finishes and size options carrying up to 300kg door weights.

The Tectus A8 versions accommodate door fascias and claddings up to 8mm, allowing for glass or laminate door designs and the Tectus “Energy” option integrates permanent power transfer. The Tectus FR fire rated range now incorporates the intumescent material within the hinge body, the new Tectus TE380 is ideal for rebated doors and the Tectus FVZ is designed for recessed frame facings.

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lazing systems designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems is celebrating a hugely successful FIT Show, with its existing systems and exciting new product developments receiving a positive reception from the industry.

Senior, under its residential brand Homes by Senior, previewed its aesthetically innovative, performance-focused SF52 curtain walling system at the show, along with its environmentally-focused Pure window system. SF52 will have its official launch in July, while Pure is set to launch in the near future.

SF52 received high praise from visitors to Senior’s FIT Show stand for its versatility, ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal – the system is available in an unlimited choice of colours and finishes both externally and internally, and also boasts frameless vents.

The system - which is fully compatible with Senior’s existing window and door systems - offers visual consistency, with its 52mm sight lines helping any project to achieve a uniformed appearance.

Meanwhile, Senior chose the FIT Show as the perfect place to preview its brand new Pure aluminium system which utilises polyurethane (PUR) foam as an innovative thermal barrier, offering exceptional U values and cradle-to-cradle recyclability, while significantly simplifying the extruded sections. Pure is a unique patented system, which uses existing tried and tested products to form its thermal barrier.

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Successful Schueco/Ribaj Awards to become an Annual Event

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he winners of the first-ever Schueco Excellence Awards for Design and Innovation were announced at a lunch held in the Grand Saloon at Tate Britain recently. As a result of the interest that the Awards have generated among building professionals, Schueco UK has announced that the competition will now become a regular annual event.

Run in conjunction with RIBA Journal, the awards celebrate the very best in UK building design with special emphasis on the use and installation of Schueco systems and on best construction practice, as evidenced by demonstrable collaborative teamwork between architects, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors and suppliers.

The awards are open to all architects and specialist contractors in Great Britain and Ireland; eight individual categories ensure that all major sectors of the market are covered. In addition, there is one Special Award for Overall Excellence.

The 2014 winner of the latter award was Ortus, a £4.65 million health education building in Camberwell, London designed

by Duggan Morris Architects

for Maudsley Learning with KCC Architectural the specialist contractor.

The judges admired this ‘accomplished’ and ‘distinguished’ building and were impressed with the proactive attitude of the architects.

Judge Sunand Prasad added: ‘There’s an extraordinary confidence in that building. The architects have clearly

been the team leaders when so often architects fail at delivering.’

Ortus comprises 1,550 sq metres of learning and event facilities, café and exhibition spaces. It was delivered through a PPC 2000 partnering process tailored for construction management. The building makes extensive use of window systems and

structural glazing from Schueco.

The judges of the competition were Paul Monaghan, founding partner of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris; Sunand Prasad, co-founder of Penoyre & Prasad; Deborah Saunt, founding partner of DSDHA and Eleanor Young, executive editor of RIBA Journal and chair of the judging panel.

Winners and commended projects in the individual categories were:

Overall Excellence Award: Ortus, Camberwell, London Commercial Award Winner: Bridgegate House, Irvine Commercial Award Commended: 87-91 Redchurch Street, London Commercial Award Commended: 87-91 Redchurch Street, London Education Award Winner: Manchester School of Art Education Award Winner: Manchester School of Art Education Award Commended: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Education Award Commended: Ash Court, Girton College, Cambridge Health Award Winner: Ortus, Camberwell, London Individual House Award Winner: Mayfair House, London Residential Development Award Winner: Maple Quays, Rotherhithe, London Small Project Award Winner: River Cottage Cookery School, Axminster Specialist Contractor Award Winner: Riverside Museum, Glasgow Specialist Contractor Award Commended: Heathrow Terminal 2 Sustainability Award Winner: Ash Court, Girton College, Cambridge Sustainability Award Commended: Manchester School of Art

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The Veka UK Group to exhibit at the build show

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howcasing its high quality PVC window and door profile systems, The VEKA UK Group is the latest exhibitor to join the ranks at the inaugural Build Show, taking place at the Birmingham NEC next April.

At the only dedicated trade exhibition for builders and contractors, The VEKA UK Group will be highlighting solutions from across its extensive range of products, designed for the construction, refurbishment and home improvement industries. The Group demonstrated its position as the industry leader in PVC-U systems with the unveiling of the innovative ‘Imagine’ Bi-Fold Door during 2014 and this will be a key focus on their stand at The Build Show, along with the unique Flush French Door from the same range.

In addition to this The VEKA UK Group will be showing the next generation of the popular Matrix suite of window profiles – M70. Fully re-engineered and available from 2015, the next generation M70 system features an updated chamfer style with more contemporary lines. Additional chambers increase the thermal performance to meet the demanding current and future requirements for more energy-efficient glazing.

Colin Torley, Sales & Marketing Director at The VEKA UK Group commented: “We believe that the Build Show will provide a unique opportunity for us to meet and speak directly with key decision makers from the building, construction and other related industries. As these markets enter a new phase of growth, a show like The Build Show is an essential part of our marketing strategy to network and share our latest product innovations and support initiatives.”

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show, said: “This is another great name to add to the roster of exhibitors who will be joining us at the show next year. We’re really pleased with the way the event is taking shape and the support from high profile companies such as The VEKA UK Group is helping to make it the most worthwhile day out our visitors will take all year.”

Brought to market by the organisers of the award winning FIT Show (Fabricator Installer Trade Show), the Build Show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th April 2015, providing a wealth of business development and networking opportunities.

For more information please visit www.buildshow.co.uk and for more information about The VEKA UK Group please visit www.vekauk.com

Schueco’s new ‘Barcode Architecture’ product has huge design potential

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ith more and more architects designing buildings that use natural ventilation rather than expensive, energy-intensive air-conditioning to control the internal environment, the launch of Schueco’s AWS VV ventilation system is opportune.

Arriving in the UK in July, this product – a narrow, side-hung vent – is not simply a practical response to the need for non-mechanical cooling, it is also a system which presents architects with a whole new layer of design potential through what is sometimes known as ‘barcode architecture’.

The name derives from the way in which when inserted into a curtain wall or ribbon window, the vents can resemble the vertical lines of barcodes found on product labels the world over. The decorative possibilities of this effect will be warmly welcomed by UK architects searching for new ways in which to express their creative vision.

Available in powder coat or anodised finishes, the Schueco AWS VV can be specified with a rebated or flush external appearance. The vent is inward opening and can be opened and closed easily either by hand or – on request – by concealed TipTronic motor drives that can in turn be linked to a central building management

system if required.

Optional limiters with a maximum opening of 100 mm ensure safety in use and multi-point locking gives burglar resistance up to RC2.

Schueco AWS VV is available in a variety of widths: 170 mm, 250 mm and 300 mm, with heights from 750 mm to 3000 mm, enabling it to cater for a wide range of ventilation requirements.

Schueco AWS VV is thermally insulated, delivering Uw values down to 0.95 W/m2K. Concealed fittings based on Schueco’s AvanTec SimplySmart range come as standard, while variable height handles enhance installation flexibility.

The system is available in various frame depths from 65 mm to 90 mm and is suitable for use with Schueco AWS, AWS BS and AWS WF window systems and can be inserted into Schueco façades.

For further information on the Schueco AWS VV ventilation system, please e-mail mkinfobox@schueco.com

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pecialist architectural metal fabricator Metalline have enhanced their manufacturing reputation with the installation of a range of their aluminium metalwork on The Point office redevelopment in Maidenhead.

Involved at design stage with architects Darling Associates, Metalline presented the aesthetic benefits of Feature Beam and provided examples of the crisp horizontal line appearance that can be achieved when specifying their aluminium pressing.

As a result they secured an order for over 800 linear metres of Feature Beam, 600 square metres of glazed insulated panels and 300 linear metres of aluminium copings that were installed to the parapet and roof terraces on the 5th and 7th floors. Finished in bronze anodised Anolok 549 the Feature Beam pressing in particular adds a striking line to the iconic design of the building. The entrance to the office block also featured six 5.2 metre high V shaped columns complete with 12 sets of column covers manufactured and supplied by Metalline in a dark brown finish that added a further dimension to the double height reception area.

Metalline have over 25 years experience in architectural metalwork and have had their highly engineered aluminium pressings specified on a range of prestigious buildings throughout the United Kingdom.

Brett Martin Daylight Solution is a Winner at Sports Hall

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ith natural light a fundamental design element during the building of Shelfield Academy in the West Midlands, Brett Martin Daylight Systems has provided 350m2 of its Marlon Clickfix1040 which has helped to deliver a stunning new sports hall and stairwell offering excellent levels of diffused natural daylight into the facility.

Built by Kier Education and designed by Capita Symonds as part of a £22.5 million regeneration scheme, the Shelfield Community Academy in Walsall includes state-of-the-art new ICT, music, drama and language facilities which serve approximately 1200 students. Central to the design of the new sports hall is a seamless vertical glazed façade in the Marlon Clickfix modular glazing system.

Specialist contractor Unique Envelope Façade Solutions needed a thermally efficient method of introducing natural light into a building whilst managing internal temperatures with the Marlon Clickfix system providing the optimum combination of high light transmission and U-value, whilst also providing full UV protection. Finished with grey powder coated glazing channels, the glass clear effect Marlon Clickfix polycarbonate sheets were used for the interlocking panel glazing system creating a seamless façade for the sports hall and several staircases which also complemented the new facility’s high quality external aesthetic. As an alternative to glass, the system also offered excellent structural durability and impact resistance. Marlon Clickfix is a complete architectural glazing system comprising lightweight 40mm 10 wall polycarbonate panels. An extension of Brett Martin’s Marlon ST structured sheet range, its tongue and groove connections simply interlock to form glazed areas of unlimited size and shape – proving ideal for the educational facility application. The Marlon Clickfix system took just four weeks to install, with the façades meeting the client’s aesthetic demands whilst also delivering the required standards for strength, impact resistance, fire rating and thermal insulation. Brett Martin also provided full installation support for the project – including drawings, written installation guides - with its own technical experts regularly attending site to ensure all went smoothly. With thermally broken aluminium profiles, fixing clips and rubber gaskets, Marlon Clickfix’s simple installation is quick, efficient and safe with no need for vertical profiles, reducing both material costs and installation time. The system can also be used for roofs, as cladding or partitioning, internally or externally and comes in a range of tints and colours. Showing that natural light can improve the atmosphere and internal aesthetics of the new school, Brett Martin, the only European company to manufacture all the main plastic rooflight materials - polycarbonate, GRP and PVC - has added Shelfield Academy to a truly impressive portfolio of educational projects.

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Gilbert-Ash expands global footprint with new project win in Sri Lanka Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash

Northern Ireland construction contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has won a new £2 million project in Sri Lanka which it says will help expand its global footprint further, with the firm now having undertaken projects in almost 40 countries around the world.

The contract to refurbish the offices of the British High

Commission in Sri Lanka is the latest to come out of the firm’s longstanding relationship with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Gilbert Ash has been providing fitout and construction services for British Embassies, Consulates & High Commissions around the world for over 20 years and to date has completed projects in 36 countries; including Australia, Guyana, Trinidad,

Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Indonesia as well as many countries in Europe.

Gilbert-Ash’s team will leave for Sri Lanka in July and will spend the next seven months working there on the refurbishment of the High Commission’s 3000 sq m offices, with one of its first tasks being the eradication of damage caused by termites which are prevalent in the region.

Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash commented: “Export has played a crucial role in our business growth over the past 40 years and we remain focused on expanding into new foreign markets as we continually strive to achieve our full growth potential. Having built up a very highly-skilled, rapid deployment team over the last two decades specifically to undertake these highly challenging international projects, we are very pleased to have won this latest contract in Sri Lanka.

“For us, this contract represents a further vote of confidence in us by the British High Commission that we have not only the skills and experience, but also the cultural

sensitivity and adaptability to deliver high-profile projects in a wide range of cultures across the world. Undertaking these projects requires a thorough knowledge of the businesses practices and cultural nuances in each foreign market, meaning that our staff have to be able to work and fit in with a wide range of nationalities and personalities on each project.”

As well as international work, Gilbert-Ash is also gaining a strong reputation among overseas Embassies in the UK, with a team currently on site at the Polish Embassy in London and having also completed work on the US Embassy in London.

Gilbert-Ash also recently completed a £5million refurbishment of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s new Language Centre in London. The Grade 1 Listed building in Whitehall encompasses 40 classrooms and space to train up to 1,000 full and part-time language students each year in 80 different languages from Arabic to Zulu.

Jobs and investment in North Belfast as regeneration project gets underway A £1.5million regeneration scheme in North Belfast is set to sustain 50 construction jobs, employ almost 30 people long-term, and create an important new community facility for people in the local area.

The project on the Ballysillan Road, which is being Gilbert Yates of Healthcare Ireland Ltd with North developed with lending support from Ulster Bank, will Belfast MLA Nelson McCausland, who visited rejuvenate a prominent ¾ acre site that has long lain the site, Ian Jordan, Director, Corporate Banking Division, Ulster Bank, and Tracy Morrow, Head of disused on the front of the busy road to house a doctor Ulster Bank’s Belfast Business Centre. surgery, chiropodist and pharmacy when complete.

Healthcare Ireland, owned by developer Gilbert Yates, is undertaking the project, where work has just got underway. Mr Yates says that it is a big boost for the local community and the future regeneration of the surrounding area.

“This site has long been seen as having the potential for regeneration to benefit the community in this part of North Belfast. With funding from Ulster Bank, we were able to acquire the land and commence with the overall development of what will be an important new medical hub.

“We are delighted to go on site to begin construction work to help realise the potential of a site that has had a number of false dawns when under other ownership in the past. With the support of Ulster Bank, this scheme is now due to complete in December of this year,” he explains.

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CIOB Novus Visit to Titanic Quarter The Titanic Quarter in Belfast recently hosted a presentation and tour of its impressive 185 acre estate for the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Novus division.

The site is one of the largest waterfront redevelopment projects in the world. More than 1.5m sq.ft. of accommodation has been developed and £350m has been invested in tourism, financial, recreation, retail, leisure, science and technology, educational and creative media facilities. The change has been outstanding. As an example, six years ago Belfast wasn’t even a player in television drama. Today, Titanic Studios is home to Game of Thrones – the biggest television project in Europe.

James Eyre, Commercial Director for Titanic Quarter Ltd delivered a presentation on the redevelopment progress to date including challenges involved and planned development over the next six years which includes over £300m of further investment.

The attendees got the opportunity to learn about the infrastructure changes and buildings that will form part of the new Belfast skyline. A question and answer session was also conducted where attendees asked questions that ranged from where the new cruise ship terminal will be located to how construction companies can compete for new business.

Commenting on the event, Gerard Graham, Novus Ireland Chairman said, “26 people including 10 construction management students from South Eastern Regional Collage in Bangor Co. Down attended this event. It was a great opportunity for the students to see how an ambitious vision for the regeneration of a huge part of Belfast is becoming a reality.

Technical construction knowledge is important for all construction professionals, but having the foresight to identify as well as the

Special Achievement Award for Glen Dimplex founder Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster presented Martin Naughton, founder and Chairman of the Glen Dimplex Group with the Institute of Consulting and Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (ICNI/IMCA) Special Achievement Award at a gala presentation lunch. Jointly organised

by ICNI/IMCA, the event recognised Martin’s contribution to the Northern Ireland economy through the establishment of Glen Dimplex in Newry in 1973 and the continued employment of a workforce of almost 400 in its plants in Newry and Portadown. Also pictured are (left) Philip Bain, Chairman, of the Institute of Consulting and Chartered Management Institute in Northern Ireland and Dr Gerard Daly, President, Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers.

Glen Dimplex Award

courage to lead a major property development project like this is a skill that is difficult to teach.

“James gave us an insight into what is required at this level. Learning about how this former industrial land is being transformed into prime

commercial and residential space will be invaluable to the students. We are planning other similar events for the future and hope to continue to work closely with the schools and colleges to help bridge the gap between academia and industry.”

PSNI Memorial Garden wins RIBA national architecture award The PSNI Memorial Garden has been been given a 2014 RIBA National Award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in recognition of its architectural excellence.

Its is amongst 56 buildings in the UK and Europe which have received RIBA Awards (44 in the UK and 12 in Europe). The shortlist for the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize, for the best building of the year, will be drawn from these RIBA National and EU Award winners.

The Judges Citation said: Hall McKinight Architects were set a complex brief and challenge - to design a commemorative and contemplative space for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). An important part of the brief was to give the memorial its own route and identity, distinct from that of the adjacent RUC memorial. The daunting challenge to herald a new beginning, has been evocatively dealt with by the Belfast practice Hall McKinight.

46| Interview

Rhona Quinn – bringing her experience to the construction industry Rhona Quinn is the new President of the CEF. Specify catches up with the Donaghmore businesswoman who has been involved in the construction industry since she was old enough to fill in a sales docket...

Interview |47 Ashleywood House, Derry/Londonderry – Winner of the Achieving Excellence Partnering Award at CEF Awards 2013

{Q&A} Rhona Quinn, Chairperson QMAC Construction and President of the CEF Q: What was the most difficult part of your job?

I really enjoy all aspects of my job and I enjoy the challenges that being president of the CEF brings. They say that managing people is the most difficult aspect of management but I enjoy that aspect of it. Maybe the people that I manage would have a different view.

I think that the key to success is to surround yourself with great people, plan and communicate with the team and of course monitor the most important aspects of the business.

Q: What has been the highlight of the career so far?

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rowing up in the family concrete manufacturing business, Rhona Quinn has worked her way from the bottom up.

While still at school, she worked with her father in McCann’s Concrete Products in Sixmilecross in County Tyrone and when she was old enough to drive, Rhona would be sent off to collect overdue accounts from local farmers and contractors as well as being instructed in the finer details of casting cement and reading technical drawings.

It was while working in the family business that the young Rhona McCann met her future husband, Peter Quinn and together they set up QMAC Construction, just outside Donaghmore, Dungannon in 1988. While Peter was setting up the operation, Rhona decided it would be a good idea to diversify and turned to the slightly more glamorous but equally difficult world of fashion retail. The first fashion retail shop called ‘She’

“We set up an office and bought every paper in Northern Ireland and collated all the tendering advertisements. Then we printed a news letter on a Friday and posted it out to everyone who had bought a subscription so it would be on their desks the following Monday morning.” was opened in Omagh and this successful venture was followed by further openings of ‘She’ shops in Castle Court, Belfast and then in Dublin. The shops taught Rhona valuable lessons in the importance of customer relations, well trained staff and creating the right ‘front of house’ appearance.

The shop in Castle Court had been opened in the early days of the shopping centre and she was approached by another company who wanted to purchase her lease.

So, as part of a strategic overview, she decided to sell the shops and invest in QMAC as well as

taking more time to spend with her young family. In 1988 Rhona became managing director of QMAC. As well as running the construction business, Rhona’s next venture was into the world of publishing and ‘Tendering Services Ireland’ was set up within QMACs headquarters. “I had spotted the opening for a business as at the time all the government and public contracts were published in various local and national newspapers and I knew that Peter and myself sometimes had trouble keeping on top of all the possible

I think it was the first time that we won an award. It was a Construction Excellence Award for the prestigious new head offices for Apex Housing Association in Derry. We have went on to win a few more awards since that which is a great credit to our team at QMAC and gives me great satisfaction that all their hard work reaps the reward . Being elected president of the CEF comes very close.

Q: What was your biggest disappointment?

My long business career has meant being involved in some disappointments however, many fewer than highlights.

During the height of the recession we had to make some staff redundant which was very disappointing personally and much more difficult for the staff. I had never had that experience before and when you go through it you get a very sharp reminder about the personal loss for those people who have been made redundant and the impact that it has on their lives.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

One of the best bits of advice I got was: ‘Always employ the best people for the job’ My parents taught me many valuable lessons that have helped shape my life, they taught me to treat everyone with respect and always do the decent thing.

Q: Were you affected by the recession and do you think Northern Ireland is out of it now?

48| Interview Yes like all businesses in the construction sector we were affected.

We took early action and thankfully we got through it. As I said earlier we had to make some staff redundant but we were lucky that we were able to employ some of them again. Are we out of the recession now? I think that there are some good signs but a bit too early to say.

The Apex Building, Derry/Londonderry

Q: Do you ever get time to relax?

Yes, it is a struggle but I make sure that I get time to visit the gym two or three times a week and I spend as much time possible with my husband Peter and my family, Rachael and Peter.

I am lucky that I have many good friends outside the business who help me relax.

Q: Do you face any specific challenges being a woman in the Construction Sector?

It is hard to make a comparison as I have always been a woman involved in this sector all my life. I treat everyone on merit and I would like to think they treat me in exactly the same way regardless of my gender. I am more focused on the fact that I represent a relatively small business located in a rural area rather than the fact that I am a woman.

Q: What will your priorities be for your two years as president of the CEF? I think that the CEF needs to have a clear focus over the next two years and I am personally committed to the focusing on ensuring that the sector has access to finance, that means encouraging capital investment from the private, public and third sectors.

We need to be more innovative in the way that we look at funding projects.

The CEF is keen to play a role in getting the right people around the table to encourage financial institutions to develop new funding options.

We need to provide every support to the Assembly and the Executive in delivering initiatives that stimulate the economy. Infrastructural development is important. We need them to make sure that all of their capital investment plans are implemented as speedily as possible.

Finally we need to ensure that as recovery continues that our industry is seen as an attractive career option for Northern Ireland’s young people.

We need career paths and we need to ensure that we provide progression opportunities and we invest in training and development.

tenders,” recalls Rhona. “We set up an office and bought every paper in Northern Ireland and collated all the tendering advertisements.

Then we printed a news letter on a Friday and posted it out to everyone who had bought a subscription so it would be on their desks the following Monday morning.”

This venture proved very successful and was then expanded into the south with the opening of an office in Dublin which worked on the same principle covering the Republic of Ireland. The next move obviously was to launch their Tendering Service in Scotland but Rhona discovered that there already was a company in Scotland offering that service. Undeterred, Rhona made contact with the Scottish company and asked for a meeting. “We went over there with no agenda beforehand,” recalls Rhona. “We said to the Scots that we had been thinking of expanding into Scotland and they admitted they were planning a move into Ireland so in the end we sold our side of the business to the Scottish operation in 2005 so we could be totally focussed on QMAC.” This fitted neatly with the QMAC strategy.

The lessons Rhona had learned from the retail and publishing ventures were applied to the construction sector. “Training your people is very important in the retail sector,” says Rhona.

“Everything has to be right, all your staff must know your products and be properly trained to deal with customers. Equally in publishing systems and procedures for example ISO accreditations were paramount. In the construction sector theses aspects of the business are often not valued.”

Rhona herself was one of the first women in Ireland to be awarded a Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Builders

having studied initially for her MCIOB at CITB in Nutts Corner.

She since went on to sit on the Board of the Chartered Building Companies for CIOB in Englemere and QMAC are a registered Chartered Building Company.

QMAC currently employs a total of 36 staff, 11 based in the headquarters, the rest are site staff and then subcontractors are used on each job. The majority of QMACs work is government and publicly funded projects and the company has won several awards for their work. An award winning £3m project completed by QMAC was the prestigious new head offices in Derry for Apex Housing Association. Social Housing projects feature heavily in the QMAC portfolio and another award winning scheme, just under £1m was an apartment block at Ashleywood

Ralph’s Close, Gransha Park, Derry

House for Foyle Women’s Aid. The scheme provided a bright, pleasant and secure environment for those estranged from abusive partners. Strong relations between client, design team and contractor resulted in the prestigious award for overall CEF ‘Achieving Excellence Partnering Award’, 2013.

Just recently completed was the £1.7m refurbishment of the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

The University had to remain open for the duration of the project and had to be delivered within a 24 week timescale.

digest

|49

Trainee stonemasons sculpt success with YES Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry witnessed at first hand the benefits of the Youth Employment Scheme in assisting young people gain skills and experience during a visit to a construction development in Cultra.

The Minister met Mark Lappin and Michael Brannigan, two participants on the Department’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES). Their Personal Advisers identified suitable YES vacancies with well established Downpatrick Stone Masonry firm, Art of Stone, and both Mark and Michael successfully gained employment with the company under the YES Enhanced Employer Subsidy.

Minister Farry said: “I commend Mark and Michael on their success with Art of Stone and the way they have adapted their skills into the art of stonemasonary. It is clear how YES has assisted them both into employment and it is through employers like Art of Stone offering opportunities that young people can find employment or gain the employability skills.

“Since the launch of YES over 4,400 young people have participated in the scheme. The focus of the initiative is to ensure that young people are provided, at the earliest possible stage, with the skills to gain jobs, compete for jobs created in the future and retain and progress in those jobs.”

Speaking during the Minister’s visit, Mark said: “I have gained experience and many new skills. I am more confident going forward and I would encourage other young people to get involved in this initiative. This has been a very positive experience for me.”

Michael said: “ I am delighted to be in full time employment and would encourage others to get involved with the YES programme.”

Fergus Rooney, owner of Art of Stone said: “I’d heard about YES from another employer and thought it could work for me and I was happy to take on Mark and Michael. They have had a positive impact on my business and I am trying to organise an NVQ Level 3 in Stonemasonry for them. As an employer it has become clear in today’s market for my employees to have or be

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has witnessed at first hand the benefits of the Youth Employment Scheme in assisting young people gain skills and experience during a visit to a construction development in Cultra. The Minister met Mark Lappin and Michael Brannigan, who are employed by Art of Stone and are participating on the Department’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES). Pictured are: (front row l-r) Michael Brannigan and Mark Lappin (back row l-r) Minster Farry and Fergus Rooney, Owner, Art of Stone.

working towards an accreditation as this is beneficial when competing for tenders and up skilling my workforce.”

The Minister concluded: “Young people can avail from a variety of YES work placements across a range of sectors including web design, engineering and retail. Employer vacancies are advertised at local Jobs

and Benefits office or JobCentres and staff in these offices can offer advice on the availability of work experience placements and how to sign up to them.”

Further information for participating on YES can be found at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/yes and information for employers is available at http://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/yes.

Cream of Construction apprentices put their skills to the test at Skillbuild 2014 Just under one hundred competitors from across Northern Ireland tested their skills in 11 different construction trades at Skillbuild 2014, held at the Southern Regional College in Newry on 7 & 8 May 2014. Skillbuild NI, run by CITB-ConstructionSkills NI, is held annually each spring with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills.

Commending the competitors on their hard work and dedication shown in their area of expertise, Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning said: “Skillbuild, as with all skills competitions, is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training, and the benefits from having more skilful, highly motivated staff. We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. We look forward to building upon past successes, and getting a good Northern Ireland representation on the UK Team for the next WorldSkills competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2015.”

Presentation to construction students at Belfast MET Gerard Graham, Chairman of the Charted Institute of Building (CIOB) Novus Ireland division met with Belfast MET students from the Foundation Degrees in Sustainable Construction and Architectural Technology with Sustainable Design and conducted a presentation on the status of the Construction Industry. Included in the presentation was:

• An explanation of what a professional body is and the advantages of belonging to one.

• Growth areas in the construction Industry including building Information modelling (BIM) and sustainability.

• How construction companies are increasingly looking for non-technical business skills when recruiting students and graduates including for example community engagement, social media, bid management, ability to attain company accreditations such as quality management systems and utilisation of IT. • Insight into job opportunities now that that the construction Industry is growing.

Paddy Warde, lecturer from Belfast MET commented on the event: “Having the CIOB here was very much worthwhile. The construction industry is continuously evolving so we like to get construction professionals in to the college to engage directly with the students. By listening to speakers such as Gerard, and asking questions they are able to get an insight into how best to position themselves for their future careers. We very much appreciate the CIOB for visiting today.”

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Specify Ad_July12.indd 1

21/06/2012 12:12

business & economy |51

Light at the end of the tunnel for termination of FIDIC contracts

W

hilst delay during construction projects is commonplace, termination of a contract, particularly on the grounds of delay, is decidedly less straightforward. How long should an employer be expected to wait?

The recent decision of Obrascon Huarte Lain SA v Her Majesty’s Attorney General for Gibraltar provided a much needed boost to the ranks of cases involving FIDIC contracts and a lengthy analysis of the issues surrounding termination of such a contract.

The claimant of the case, Obrascon Huarte Lain SA, was employed by the Government of Gibraltar to build a road and a tunnel underneath the runway at Gibraltar airport under the conditions of the FIDIC Yellow Book 1999 edition. The Government terminated the two year contract after two and half years, during which time around 25% of the work was completed and for the final seven months no permanent work was done at all. There were several legal issues underlying the case, notably whether the Government had been entitled to serve a termination notice on the grounds of Obrascon’s failure to comply with the contract and whether sending the termination notice to the wrong address invalidated the notice entirely.

The court examined the three grounds for termination as provided

by Clause 15.2 of the Conditions of the contract being: (a) failure by Obrascon to comply with notices from the Government to remedy its failures to carry out its obligations; (b) demonstration by Obrascon of its intention not to perform its obligations under the contract; and (c) failure by Obrascon to proceed with the works without reasonable excuse, particularly with regard to delay under Clause 8.1, which required Obrascon to carry out the

works “with due expedition and without delay”.

The Government sent two notices in May and July 2011 requesting Obrascon to correct failures to carry out various obligations under the contract. In particular, Obrascon had put in place a suspension since December 2010 on health and safety grounds and had started to redesign the entire tunnel and excavation process. The judge found the health and safety grounds to be immaterial and described the suspension and redesign as unreasonable and unjustified, concluding that the continued non-compliance by Obrascon was enough to justify termination of the contract under Clause 15.2(a), which provides for termination if the Contractor fails to comply with a notice requiring it to remedy any failure to carry out obligations under the contract.

The second ground for termination was an objective test, and again the facts spoke for themselves against Obrascon. At the time that the Government issued its termination letter in July 2011, the permanent works were still suspended and Obrascon had given no indication of when they would restart. In this regard, the judge found that the Government had also been entitled under Clause 15.2(b) to terminate the contract, which provides for termination if the Contractor abandons the works or plainly demonstrates the intention not to continue to fulfill his contract obligations.

The final nail in the coffin for Obrascon was the third ground for termination, the key to which was in the wording of Clause 8.1, which (as described above) stated that Obrascon must proceed with the works “with due expedition and without delay”. According to the judge, Obrascon “wholly” failed on this point almost from start to finish. The continuous interruptions

Edwina Stewart

and near complete suspension of work in the final 7 months of the project amounted essentially to a two year delay on a two year contract.

Unsurprisingly, the judge concluded that Obrascon’s failures were serious enough to justify termination under Clause 15.2(c), which permits termination if the Contractor fails without reasonable excuse to proceed with the works without delay.

The issue with the delivery of the termination notice was somewhat sidelined during the proceedings, however it had the potential to invalidate the termination procedure entirely. The termination notice letter was delivered by hand to Obrascon’s site office, and the Conditions stated that all notices should be sent directly to Obrascon’s Madrid office. The judge concluded that in effect and in practice both parties operated as if the site office was the appropriate address to serve notices to, and also that it was without a doubt that the notice was received and immediately passed on to the relevant people

entitled to receive such notices in Madrid, and that therefore the service was valid.

The Obrascon case provides some welcomed clarity on termination under Clause 15.2 of the FIDIC Form. On a practical level, this case serves as a reminder to contractors that although delays are inevitable, a line will be drawn as to what is acceptable before an employer may terminate the contract, especially if the contractor does not do enough to mitigate such delays. For employers, this case suggests that whilst they are entitled to terminate a contract on the grounds of undue delay, they must proceed with caution as the contract terms are fairly rigid and the ramifications for an unwarranted termination can be equally significant.

This article was written by Edwina Stewart with assistance from Adrian Kerr. Edwina and Adrian are members of the Projects, Construction and Engineering Group at Arthur Cox Belfast.

52| directory

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

directory ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

AIR TIGHTNESS & VENTILATION

Automatic doors

Building information

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

directory |53 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

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 Features:

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 finalists • Concrete in Construction • Steel Work

Demolition

• Above ground Slurry Stores • Below ground Slurry Tanks • Cattle Slat • Cattle Cubicles • Retaining wall systems • Rocket walls, Drinkers • Steel Bandit Jacking Pipes • Pipes/Spigot & Socket Class 120 • 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

54| directory GAS

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

FACADES

Swiss Facades 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

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

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

We offer our customers: • Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out Calor Accredited CPD programme available.

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

Industrial Doors

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

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

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

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

Insurance Intermediaries

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms 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

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS 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

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

directory |55 Metal Finishing

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:

• • • • • •

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

METAL MESH

"Twil" Weldmesh EXPAMET Expanded Metal, FLOWFORGE Open Steel Flooring, Handrail Standards & Stair Treads, PERFORATED Metal Sheets, Comprehensive Stock Range,

't ut o s DON is m

• Steel Work

SAFETY Hire Centres

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970 PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco • Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts 24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: sales@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

Partitions (Acoustic)

PUMPING

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

• Concrete in Construction

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2014

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

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.

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 finalists

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

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

Our specialities include: • Hot / cold water boosting • Rainwater harvesting • Food and pharmaceutical • Sewage and storm pumping systems • Leachate systems Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

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

REcruitment

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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: june@spcpl.co.uk Web: www.spcpl.co.uk

56| directory REtaining walls

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

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

't ut N o DO iss m

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2014

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 finalists • Concrete in Construction • Steel Work

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Safety

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

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

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

Exceptional service & support

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

• RAINWATER SYSTEMS

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

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

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380

TREE CARE SERVICES

Newry 028 30252499

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

Outstanding quality & performance

• WINDOW TRIMS

Cookstown 028 86764422

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

Extensive range of washroom systems

• HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING

Head Office:

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

Design that lasts

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

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

Washroom systems

TRAINING

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

product news |57 COLOURTEX BRIGHTENS UP EAST LONDON HOUSING ESTATE

Saniflo launches new trade brochure

W: www.bituchem.com E: mark@bituchem.com

W: www.saniflo.co.uk

C

olourtex has been used to regenerate the communal outdoor facilities of a South East London residential area. Gallions Housing Association used Bituchem’s Colourtex product in Buff to re-surface 5,000 sq.m of roads and footpaths around the tower blocks to provide clear demarcation that is aesthetically pleasing. The 6mm Colourtex application formed the first stage of the development project that aims to improve the landscape and urban environment by removing barriers such as walkways and garages.

The Colourtex product provides clear, direct and safe routes to residents’ homes while equipping the area with a suitable base on which to improve lighting and signage.

The resurfacing also enhanced the parking provision for the residents and by extending the same Colourtex material helped to define three secure communal gardens and a dog walking area. The aesthetic and durable qualities of Colourtex are achieved through the use of a clear binder combined with high performance coloured aggregates, allowing for vivid colours without compromising on performance. Available in a range of colours including red, blue and gold, Colourtex has a wide variety of applications in both the public and commercial sectors, being used for playgrounds, cycle paths and supermarket car parks.

A

vailable from the end of June, the new trade brochure from Saniflo is designed to make the lives of installers and vendors easier. For the first time, the stunning, easy to use product catalogue features both the domestic and professional range – along with Saniaccess and Sanicondens – in one handy piece of literature.

In addition, alongside each product there’s a ‘why choose this product’ section, which clearly indicates how and when each product is best used, with the aim of simplifying product selection and providing installers with an excellent reference guide.

Striking product imagery clearly illustrates example applications and supports the practical guidance, giving the plumber all the information he or she needs for any domestic or commercial project.

Also featured are some new products, including the Sanifloor, which can be used to create a shower space or wet room almost anywhere. Even before the brochure is released, Sanifloor is already proving to be a huge hit. The new Sanifloor is a shower waste with a dual function suction pump and sensor that sucks waste from the gully and pumps waste water away up to 3m, enabling the installation of level access showers and wetrooms in situations where gravity drainage is not an option.

HYGIENIC PUMPS SUIT HIGH PRESSURE, LOW FLOW APPLICATIONS

KESTON BOILERS OFFER MARKET-LEADING TWIN FLUE CAPABILITIES

W: sales@pumpeng.co.uk E: sales@pumpeng.co.uk

W: www.keston.co.uk

T

he established range of CSF pumps available through fluids handling specialists Pump Engineering now includes the CP Series, a close-coupled, single stage peripheral impeller pump which is ideally suited to high pressure, low flow hygienic applications. The range includes models which provide flow rates up to 6 m“/h, heads of more than 100 metres and maximum outlet pressures of 16 bar.

The standard design models are suitable for transferring clean, non-abrasive liquids such as syrups and oils with viscosities up to 250 cp. This design has the important benefits of smooth, pulsation-free flows which can be controlled more precisely than a centrifugal pump. This is important for liquid dosing, laboratory, pilot and micro-installations, spraying and in-line measurement applications.

The CP Series of regenerative turbine pumps generally requires a lower NPSH than a centrifugal pump and can handle liquids with up to 20% entrained gases which is ideal for tank emptying where vortexing or cavitation can occur. The pumps are available with a choice of seal configurations to ensure optimum flexibility depending on the application.

Armstrong Ceilings’ new-look tile range is the Ultimate W: www.armstrong.co.uk

O

ne of Armstrong Ceilings’ most popular tile ranges is now set to be even more of a hit.

Not content with having one of specifiers’ favourite ceiling tiles in its portfolio, Armstrong has re-engineered the Ultima+ range to offer a host of enhancements.

The next-generation Ultima+ range of mineral tiles and planks now features an even brighter whiter smoother surface, with 87% light reflectance to help achieve 16% cost savings compared with indirect lighting*.

Durability, as well as aesthetics, is also enhanced with fully-painted edges, while the addition of a re-engineered MicroLook 90 edge detail enables a better fit and improved visual finish when used with standard or designer grids. The lightly textured surface also features a new easy-to-clean scratch resistant finish for easier handling and longer life.

The new Ultima+ range features the world’s first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certificate for an entire ceiling range. Manufactured with up to 64% recycled content, it is available in three core densities that allow specifiers to engineer sound absorption and attenuation for optimum acoustic performance – standard Ultima+ giving medium density, Ultima+ OP giving low density and Ultima+ dB giving high density, up to 41 dB. As well as being Class A acoustically sound, the Ultima+ range also performs in terms of air quality, being rated VOC A+ for ultra-low emissions and ISO 5. It is also resistant to fire and humidity (95%) and available with a 30-year system warranty. *In accordance with the Brinjac Engineering Study 2006.

B

ritish manufacturer Keston Boilers has developed the perfect solution for awkward installations with their new range of high efficiency condensing boilers. Designed to fill a vital niche in the domestic and light commercial boiler market, the range combines market-leading twin flue capabilities with one of the most energy efficient boiler designs available.

Offering outputs of 30-55kW, Keston's Combi, System and Heat-Only boilers extend the options for boiler siting due to their ingenious twin flue design. This cutting edge technology delivers maximum flexibility by allowing the flue to be run horizontally from an elevation of 1.5° and extended up to 27 metres from the boiler. As a result, Keston boilers can be easily installed in rooms that are not located near an outside wall and other challenging locations like basement rooms, without the need for incredibly complex flue runs.

Increasing ease of installation still further, Keston Boilers has used its twin flue expertise in the development of a highly innovative MUPVC solvent weld flue that has been specially designed for use with the new boiler range. As well as being economical and straightforward to install, this flue system has the added advantage of being extremely durable, even when used externally.

HBM releases upgraded digital charge amplifier W: www.hbm.com

H

BM has released an improved version of its CMD600-P digital charge amplifier that now features IP65 degree of protection facilitating its use in challenging industrial environments as well as in laboratory applications.

The CMD600-P digital charge amplifier also features an extremely compact design, high function density and can be positioned directly at the measuring point to measure forces or torques in extremely tough and often dirty environments.

The latest design incorporates secure sealing of unused connections with protective caps so that external influences are reduced to a minimum. The digital inputs/outputs and fast Ethernet interface enables users to easily parameterize the device and monitor it during operation.

The CMD600-P also features integrated peak value detection and limit value monitoring functions enabling control functions to be distributed across decentralized devices relieving pressure on the central control unit. It is also possible for the system to continue operating, monitoring and even remote maintenance while parameter changes, such as changes in measuring range or limit value monitoring, are being implemented.

58| web directory

web directory

www.wilplas.com

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.calorgas.ie

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

web directory |59 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

60| 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 |61 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

digest

62|

Foster opens new Willis and Company Office in Coleraine Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has officially opened the new Coleraine office of Willis & Company Insurance Brokers Ltd. Willis & Co. was established in 1978 and is a leading independent corporate insurance broker based in Belfast offering insurance, risk management and consultancy services.

The new office is part of the company’s expansion creating six new consultant posts to drive further growth in the North West as well as exporting in the Republic of Ireland.

Invest Northern Ireland is supporting two of the new posts as well as a range of marketing activity, which is part of the company’s targeted business development.

At the opening of the Coleraine office, Arlene Foster said: “Willis & Co.

has built up an excellent reputation within the local business community and has enjoyed steady business growth even through the recent difficult years.

“The company’s success stems from strong leadership, quality services and attention to the needs of its customers. Its innovative, tailored and client focused service solutions sets it apart from its competitors and it is now in a strong position to develop further sales in the North West.”

A family-run, award-winning business, Willis currently employs 60 staff.

Willis & Co’s Managing Director, Richard Willis, said: “We’ve been providing a highly professional, yet personal, brokerage and insurance consultancy service to our clients for more than 35 years. Recently we have developed high quality

Appointments...

AIDAN CORMACK Aidan Cormack has been appointed Contracts Manager with interior fit-out specialist, Portview Fit-Out Limited.

With an HND in Building and Construction and a PGD in Construction Management, Aidan combines a strong educational background with over 30 years experience in fit-out and construction. Having started his career as a Site Engineer, Aidan’s previous remits include General Foreman and Contracts Manager on a wide range of new build and refurbishment contracts across diverse sectors, such as retail, education, healthcare and housing.

Aidan joined Portview in 2012 as Site Manager, overseeing projects with prestigious brands such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Lakeland and Swatch Group. His new role as Contracts Manager involves overall responsibility for project delivery and financial viability and client satisfaction.

DAVID LOGAN Portview Fit-Out Limited has appointed David Logan to the role of Office Administrator for Estimating.

With an HND in Business and Finance, David brings sixteen years of administrative expertise to the interior fit-out specialist, including seven within the financial services sector.

David brings his organisational skills and attention to detail to this role with responsibility for scanning, organising and maintaining digital files for Portview’s projects.

human resources and health and safety consulting services which complement our existing offering.

Our aim is to promote this new service to our existing clients, the wider NI market and further afield in the Republic of Ireland.

“It is an exciting time for the

business and we have set a bold target for sales development throughout the whole of Ireland.

Invest NI’s support for our new Business Development Executives and our marketing activity is enabling us to take our plans forward quickly and confidently.”

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, Managing Director Richard Willis and Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr George Duddy pictured with new Coleraine employees Bridgeen Mullin, Ryan Magee and Leigh Patton.

LISA MONAGHAN Lisa Monaghan has joined Portview Fit-Out Limited as CAD Technician.

Lisa’s role within the interior fit-out specialist firm is to review and refine architectural and designer drawings for a wide range of Portview’s projects.

An Honours graduate in Interior Design, Lisa has previously worked as an interior designer, specialising in bars and restaurants, and as a freelance designer and CAD Technician with Bradley McClure Architects.

MARK McALINDEN Mark McAlinden has been appointed CAD Technician with Portview Fit-Out Limited.

A graduate in Architectural Technology & Management, Mark has previously worked as a design and CAD technician, producing detailed, high spec drawings for manufacturing and fit-out purposes, as well as land topography plans and planning and building control submissions.

Mark’s new role within Portview involves the production of detailed drawings for a wide range of projects across the UK and Ireland for some of the world’s top brands.

STEPHEN CLOSE Portview Fit-Out has appointed Stephen Close to their estimating team.

With a BSc (Hons) in Construction Engineering & Management, Stephen brings over 10 years of estimating experience to his role as Estimator.

Stephen’s remit includes managing, reviewing and pricing tender proposals, preparing ‘takeoffs’ and sub contractor analysis, extending and pricing bills of quantities, establishing solid working relationships with client estimators and investigating value engineering opportunities with clients and in-house teams.

motoring |63

Take it to D-Max...

Specify tests the Multi Award Winning Isuzu D-Max...

T

he Isuzu name might have been quiet for the past few years, but with the launch of the new D-Max last year, the Japanese manufacturer of industrious workhorses has a new best seller on its hands. The D-Max continues the company’s theme of manufacturing a tough durable 4x4 but this new vehicle features a more refined occupant environment and driving experience. D-Max sales figures have increased by 50 per cent in the past year The highly-acclaimed D-Max collected another award recently, when it was crowned ‘Best 4x4 Trade Pick-Up’ by a commercial vehicle trade magazine.

The expert judging panel concluded that the D-Max is unmatched in meeting the needs of the professional user. Matthew Eisenegger, Editor at Trade Van Driver, commented: “Its solid, no-nonsense approach, we feel, just can’t be beaten for those who need a real tough workhorse.”

Isuzu UK General Manager, William Brown, commented, “The D-Max continues to defy expectations and new-vehicle lifecycle trends by continually increasing sales – both to business and retail, underlining the pick-up’s popularity and class-leading capabilities.

“Isuzu built its reputation in the trade sector for building tough pickups that meet the varied day-to-day needs of commercial users and this award confirms that we continue to meet this brief. The introduction of the special edition Blade model

further broadens the appeal of the D-Max and means we now boast one of the widest pick-up ranges available to UK customers.”

Isuzu has announced that the towing capacity of the new D-Max has been increased by 500 kg to 3.5 tonnes – adding to its already impressive list of credentials. The increase has come as a response to customer feedback and to satisfy those who were demanding extra capacity.

The D-Max is powered by a highly fuel efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine, available with newly-developed six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. This advanced Euro5compliant unit generates 163 PS and peak torque output of 400 Nm at 1400 rpm. The D-Max also introduces a new ‘shift-on-the-fly’ system, allowing the driver to adjust

between two- and four-wheel drive modes while travelling at speeds of up to 60 mph.

The D-Max already boasts class-leading fuel efficiency, residual values and a pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, however the addition of segment-best 3.5tonne braked towing capacity demonstrates that the Isuzu is the pick-up of choice for business and recreational users alike.

The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications: D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (CVOTR) for the top-ofthe-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.

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 June 2013. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

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

Building Materials Prices

64 | 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

£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

• Steel Work

CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 finalists

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

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 finalists • Concrete in Construction

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£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

august/September 2014

66| interview

Specify talks to Civil Engineer, Jane Chambers who has joined environmental firm SLR Consulting as a Technical Director in its Hillsborough office.

Q: How did you get involved in the industry?

A: Civil engineering has always been part of my life. From thirteen years of age when selecting my subjects at school, I was focused on a career in the construction industry. My father was a civil engineer and as a teenager, I frequently assisted him as a chainman undertaking topographical surveys and preparing site crosssections.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: In today’s competitive

environment, winning work is proving to be one of the most challenging and difficult areas.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

A: My role in winning and delivering

Northern Ireland Water’s Integrated Wastewater Framework over a ten year period and in developing a team of experts to align precisely with the needs of the client.

Q: What was your biggest disappointment?

A: Not achieving a distinction in my

Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University of Belfast. I missed out by one mark!

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A: “Read the question, read the question, read the question”. This has always reminded me to fully understand and appreciate what is to be delivered and capture what fulfils, and ideally exceeds, expectations of clients, colleagues and peers.

J

ane has over 25 years’ experience in civil engineering and water services, specialising in feasibility, design, project and contract management. She was previously Regional Director at WYG Group in Belfast.

Throughout her career, she has been responsible for the construction, design and management of many high-profile schemes across industrial,

health care, leisure, retail, public realm, water, wastewater and residential sectors. With a detailed understanding of buildings and infrastructure, she has been employed by both contracting and consulting practices in the construction industry.

High profile projects she has been involved in include; Belfast’s River Lagan Weir, Belfast Lough North Shore Wastewater Treatment Works, Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and Bangor Olympic

Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre.

Jane, who is also a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager, said: “I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone in the office as well as working closely with members of SLR team across the UK and Ireland. I find that the range of services, the broad client-base and the type of high-profile projects which SLR possesses offers exciting opportunities and the potential for new challenges and massive growth.”

Q: Do you ever get time to relax?

A: Yes, I consider relaxation time

to be crucially important to mental agility and sharpness. I enjoy sport, particularly racquet sports, and I find time spent in the garden to be very therapeutic.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself?

A: I am so proud to be the mother of two athletes who are representing Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games playing mixed doubles together in badminton.

Got something

to say?

Please contact: siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

www.specifymagazine.co.uk