Specify March 2014

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

MARCH 2014

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FREE 1/2 DAY GROUND ENGINEERING SEMINAR Date: Tuesday 13 May 2014 Time: Reception open from 8 am, Seminar commences at 8.55 am with complimentary lunch at 1.15pm Venue: Titanic Museum, 1 Olympic Way, Belfast BT3 9EP

Free Registration at www.geotex.uk.com Geotex F-P page2 Specify March 2014.indd 1

Geotex will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in Construction’s Ground Engineering Sector Topics include: Ground Improvement Techniques, Foundation Support Systems, Earth Retaining Solutions and Soil Stabilisation & others.

06/03/2014 10:57

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PAT BURNS Editor

Spring is in the air

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

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F

or the ninth consecutive month, house prices in Northern Ireland have risen, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey for Northern Ireland.

The RICS is of the opinion that the trajectory of house prices in Northern Ireland is continuing to broadly align with the wider economic picture, as a range of indicators are pointing to positive growth. The evidence is that overall transaction levels are also picking up, something that the RICS expect to see continuing into the spring and summer months, when the market is traditionally busier. Whilst the picture across the Northern Ireland housing market is varied, with some geographical areas having a stronger market than others, RICS also expect

average prices to rise in the months ahead, and about 4% over the course of this year.

At a UK-level, the cost of a home continued to rise during February, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in previous months. Last month 45 percent more UK chartered surveyors saw prices rise rather than fall. The cost of a home has now risen in the UK for eleven consecutive months.

The RICS report wasn’t the only good news to come out as winter faded away. The University of Ulster announced it had been granted a £150million loan from the European Investment Bank to build a new Belfast city centre campus and upgrade its other sites, while Belfast City Council revealed a £29.5 million expansion to the Waterfront complex. Elsewhere in Belfast, the

former Scottish Mutual Building is to undergo a £12million transformation into an hotel.

It hasn’t all been good news unfortunately. The demise of Dungiven based utilities company KPL after an ill fated housing development in Ballyclare was mis-timed put around 200 workers on the dole and there are several other constructionrelated companies thought to be on the brink of liquidation. While the economic picture is improving, we’re not out of the woods yet.

Editor

Pat Burns NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

MARCH 2014

contents...

6

Digest

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CEF

42

The redevlopment of the Scottish Mutual building in Belfast is approved while Ireland’s first large scale solar farm is given the green light.

The University of Ulster secures an £150m loan from the European Investment Bank to build a new city centre campus and upgrade its existing campuses.

Pensions auto enrolment – act now on your staging date.

Digest

Belfast City Council announces a £29.5m extension of the Belfast Waterfront complex.

48 Special Feature

An innovative development for landmark offices for JMG Systems in Omagh.

50 LCV Motoring

Specify tests the all new Transit van which goes on sale next month.

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53 RICS

The Chairman of the RICS says that property and construction decision making is the key to boosting.

NI competitiveness.

Health & Safety Page 20 Taking the risks out of construction with specialist advice.

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

66 Interview

Specify talks to Andrew Livingston, MD of Screwfix.

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Scottish Mutual building redevelopment approved Tullymore House Limited, the company which owns and runs Galgorm Resort and Spa, has been granted planning approval for its planned £12m investment in the former Scottish Mutual building which will see the landmark building

transformed into a luxury, ‘boutique’ hotel.

The former Scottish Mutual building opposite Belfast City Hall was purchased early last year by Tullymore House Limited, which said it had ambitious plans to sympathetically restore it to its former glory, in a

revamp that will provide a welcome boost to the city centre’s burgeoning tourism economy, creating more than 180 full and part-time jobs.

Colin Johnston, Project Manager, said: “We’re delighted that the Department of Environment’s planning department and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan have given us the formal go-ahead to proceed with our plans to sympathetically restore the Scottish Mutual building into a luxury, boutique hotel which will accommodate the hospitality needs of everyone in the city.

“These plans have been carefully based on our belief that we can add real value and worth by turning this landmark building into a contemporary and stylish venue which will sit comfortably alongside the city’s best hotels, and our commitment to deliver a top quality offering that will continually exceed the expectations of our guests.

Tullymore House Limited plans to invest in the region of £12m in the project with the aim of completing

works in the summer of 2016.

As part of the upgrade, two bars and two restaurants have been earmarked for the ground and first floor areas in the 1904 Grade B1 listed building, which straddles Bedford Street and Donegall Square.

There are also plans for a large ‘seated’ function room for more than 120 people on the second floor, which captures the magnificent views over the City Hall gardens, in addition to a further two smaller function rooms to accommodate either private dining, business events or other functions.

The upper three floors in the 42,000 square foot, five-storey building will be upgraded to accommodate up to 40 hotel bedrooms and 10 serviced apartments.

The company estimates that the hotel and entertainment offering created by the redevelopment could support up to 180 full and part–time jobs once up and running, which are additional to the estimated 100 jobs which could be supported during design, building and fit-out stages.

Work starts on £12m SERC Innovation Centre Employment & Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry recently announced the commencement of the construction phase for the development of a new £12m Performing Arts and Technology Innovation Centre (PATIC) at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor.

Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony at the site on the Castle Park Road, the Minister said: “I am pleased to be cutting the first sod for this new building. Engineering, ICT and creative industries remain priority skill sectors for our economy and this facility will provide students from Bangor and further afield with the most up to date learning environment.”

The new 3,650 m² facility, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning will provide high specification, bespoke accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts centred on a 350 seat theatre including first class rehearsal,

recording and performance facilities for the students of Bangor and the surrounding area.

The rehearsal space will accommodate acting, dance, music and DJ teaching and will be equipped with the relevant state of the art listening, PA and backline facilities.

The Minister continued: “The Technology Innovation Centre will deliver teaching facilities that build upon the College’s expertise in the emergent fields of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology and Engineering sciences. It will also offer access for local companies to benefit from the FE sector’s expertise in prototyping and product testing and the opportunity to develop bespoke training solutions.

“The need for a theatre in Bangor has been well established and this development will be of significant value to both students and the wider community. I look forward to the opening of the new theatre and learning facility in 2015.”

The development will sustain over 100 jobs in the construction industry during the construction phase.

Employment & Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry pictured at the sod cutting ceremony for the development of a £12m Performing Arts and Technology Centre. Also pictured is Ken Webb, Principal of SERC and Eamon O’Hare, from the development contractor O’Hare & McGovern.

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BRNG given ‘green light’ for Northern Ireland’s first large scale solar farm A new electricity generating facility will be first of several projects leading to potential £60m investment and more than 100 jobs within 24 months Planning permission has been granted for Northern Ireland’s first large scale solar farm.

The 5.1 MW facility, being developed by BNRG Northern Power, will be located in East Down on the outskirts of Downpatrick and will deliver an investment of £6m and create around 50 jobs during construction and up to five long-term jobs.

According to Sean McMullan, Senior Project Manager BNRG Northern Power, the new solar farm, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) park, will be capable of generating sufficient electricity to power 1500 homes during its 30 year proposed life-span.

County Down-based Mr McMullan said BNRG was delighted to become

the first company to gain planning permission for a solar farm of this scale in Northern Ireland.

The 27-acre solar farm at Tullynaskeagh Road, Downpatrick and will be connected to the nearby NIE sub-station and national grid. It will take just four months to install the 20,300 photovoltaic ground-mounted panels and related equipment. The height of the panels above ground level will approximate to normal ceiling height.

BNRG has also revealed it has a committed pipeline of similar projects in East Down which would bring its initial combined investment to £36m and create 50 ongoing jobs in construction and an additional 30 new posts in administration and maintenance. However, the hope is those figures could almost double over 24 months.

BNRG’s professional team are all from Northern Ireland. Tom Stokes of TSA Planning Consultants

David Maguire (Founder and Director of BNRG Renewables), Sean McMullan (BNRG Northern Power Senior Project Manager) and David Chambers (local land owner) pictured at the location of the new large scale solar farm in Downpatrick.

who led the planning application commended the Northern Ireland Planning Service for the “efficient and effective way” the process was handled.

“This was a new type of application for the Planning Service but permission was granted without any undue delays which is a credit to the planning officials.”

Bombardier to commence solar/biogas schemes

Bombardier’s wing factory in Belfast.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for the North’s largest scheme to convert solar radiation into electricity.

The application by Bombardier Aerospace at their Airport

Road West, Belfast plant is for the installation of roof mounted photovoltaic panels. These panels convert solar radiation into electricity and will produce 3.8MW. Covering a roof area of five hectares – the equivalent length of over six large international football pitches – this

makes it the largest photovoltaic scheme in Northern Ireland.

The carbon footprint is 65 times lower than that of fossil fuel based electricity.

The Minister also approved an application for a biogas combined heat and power engine unit at this Belfast site which will have the capacity to produce 500kw of electricity which is the equivalent electricity supply for 300 homes.

These proposals represent a further commitment by Bombardier to renewable energy technologies which will secure more competitive and sustainable energy for the company and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. This is in addition to recent approvals for a £85m energy from waste plant, adjacent to their Airport Road West site, as well as similar biogas units in their Newtownabbey

and Dunmurry plants.

Mark H Durkan said: “This is a further boost for one of our leading companies which is installing renewable energy technologies to reduce energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels.

Renewable energy is generating a real win-win outcome – it represents an opportunity for industry to improve its competitiveness while helping reduce its environmental impact.

These applications by Bombardier to secure more sustainable technologies will in turn contribute to key Programme for Government targets for increasing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will assist Northern Ireland in making the transition towards a low carbon society.”

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Fairytale ending for The Deluxe Group as export success leads to expansion plans

Dominic O’Neill, First Trust Bank and Colm O’Farrell, The Deluxe Group

The Deluxe Group, a Portadown-based high-end fit-out and bespoke joinery business has announced major expansion plans with the support of First Trust Bank. The move follows its recent success in export markets and in particular the award of a number of significant contracts which include major design and fit-out jobs for Disneyland Paris and for a new Energy Science Centre in Saudi Arabia on behalf of Saudi Aramco. The latest investment is likely to result in the creation of 21 new jobs across a range of skills within the next year.

A family-run firm set up by Colm O’Farrell senior in 1969, The Deluxe Group has been growing steadily by developing its experience within the bespoke interiors markets. Now run by his son Colm Jr. the company provides high-end fit-out and bespoke joinery across the hospitality, leisure, commercial, retail and luxury residential market sectors. With the help of First Trust Bank it has recently purchased a new 10,000sq ft workshop adjacent to their existing premises to allow it to expand to meet growing demand for its services.

Commenting on the expansion plans Colm O’Farrell Jr said: “The ongoing success of Deluxe is dependent on securing work outside of Northern Ireland. As these recent contract wins prove, we are able to compete with the very best around the world from our base in Portadown and are now at a stage where we need to grow our footprint to meet growing global market demand. Our success to date can be attributed to the diverse range of skills and experience we have under a single roof as well as our continual focus on innovation and investment in sectoral expertise.

“Together, this experience and commitment to excellence, makes selling our services internationally relatively easy. We, like a lot of other businesses in Northern Ireland, provide a world class service and work hard to ensure that our delivery not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations.”

Apprenticeship campaigner slams ‘obvious’ and money-wasting job inquiries Businessman Will Davies, who attended the Parliamentary inquiry into youth employment in the construction industry, says the government need to be more pro-active and think of a better system to significantly reduce the youth unemployment rate.

“It’s crazy that reports like this have to be commissioned, at huge expense, to try to get the government to accept what should be staring them in the face,” said apprenticeship campaigner, Mr Davies, MD of property maintenance and refurbishment company aspect.co.uk, and one of

the professionals consulted by the inquiry.

“Any person connected with the industry (or in fact most people who aren’t) could tell you we have insufficient UK trades people. A lack of apprenticeships and little understanding of the industry as a whole are creating a huge a skills shortage. Why won’t the government be proactive in sorting it out?” he said.

The cross-party inquiry – jointly chaired by Lord Richard Best and the Nick Raynsford MP and joined

by Peter Aldous MP (Conservative), Annette Brooke MP (Liberal Democrats), and Baroness Angela Smith (Labour) – encouraged

submissions from the building and construction industries and was supported by the Chartered Institute of Building, the Construction Industry Training Board and the main charities involved in getting young people into construction work.

The main conclusions in the inquiry’s report where that: there are currently one million aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training; there are nearly 200,000 construction jobs that need filling by 2018; there were just 7,280 completed construction apprenticeships last year; there is a heavy reliance in migrant labour and there is a massive skills shortage looming.

“These are all topics that I have

been banging on about for months and months,” said Mr Davies whose submission to the enquiry included recommendations for improving the design and funding of apprenticeships so that young British workers can compete with the influx of migrant labour.

The inquiry’s recommendations to government are to: improve the understanding of and opportunities presented by the trades in schools to attract people in; to revitalise apprenticeship strategy so as to increase numbers and simplify funding arrangements; to improve career advice so people understand the vast opportunities in the trades and the construction sector.

digest

Diamond Systems pucker up!

Diamond Systems recently celebrated with a fantastic night of corporate hospitality at the Odyssey Arena to watch the Belfast Giants in action on the ice. The Odyssey was a fitting venue for the local company, who originally installed the electronic fire and security systems at the Complex in 1999, and have recently completed a major fire system refresh project at the site, incorporating the Siemens Cerberus Pro range of fire products.

Over 30 guests, including Derrick Hall, Head of Siemens Cerberus Pro, enjoyed spectacular views of the game from the Electric Ireland Lounge within the Arena. Diamond Systems were appointed a Siemens Solutions Partner in 2013 and through the partnership Diamond can offer customers the Cerberus Pro range, the latest “state-of-the-art” product from Siemens. The range is the culmination of over 70 years of research and development in automatic smoke detection. Siemens have strived to develop smoke detectors that don’t false alarm and now with ASA (Advanced Signal Analysis) optical detectors, Diamond installed Siemens systems can virtually eliminate false alarms due to steam, aerosols, exhaust fumes, cooking fumes, cigarette smoke, welding smoke, dust, insects, dry ice and even the dreaded burnt toast.

Pictured is Managing Director of Diamond Systems, Steve Snoddon, who took to the ice for the ceremonial puck drop, and Angela Bennett, Financial Director of Diamond Systems who presented the Man of the Match awards to the home and away teams.

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Geotex comes to Titanic Quarter Geotex is a unique, free to attend, series of regional seminars which focus on the Ground Engineering sector.

After eight successful years Patrick McGowan (pictured), Managing Director at Reaction Marketing & Media, (the event organisers), is pleased to announce the company’s first ever event in Northern Ireland at the Titanic Museum, Belfast on Tuesday 13 May 2014.

“Geotex has always been held at iconic venues of interest to our delegates so when we decided to come to Northern Ireland one venue stood out above the others,” Patrick said.

VENUE The £97m Titanic visitor attraction holds the record for Ireland’s largest ever single concrete pour (4,300 cubic metres) for its foundations.

The building opened on 31 March 2012 and welcomed over 800,000 visitors in its first year. The project architects said: “We have created an architectural icon that captures the spirit of the shipyards, ships, water crystals, ice, and the White Star Line’s logo. Its architectural form cuts a skyline silhouette that has been inspired by the very ships that were built on this hallowed ground.”

SPECIALIST SPEAKERS During this free half day seminar specialist speakers will discuss best

practice across a range of subjects interspersed with networking opportunities during the refreshment breaks and a complimentary buffet lunch.

TOPICS Topics discussed at Geotex include Ground Improvement Techniques, Foundation Support Systems, Earth Retaining Solutions, Soil Stabilisation and others. Come and share in the knowledge of the Ground Engineering Sector’s key specialists, and network with your fellow engineers, contractors and other industry professionals.

Visit www.geotex.uk.com to register and receive more details.

Alternatively contact the event organiser Patrick McGowan on 07836 246097 or email patrick@ reactionmarketingandmedia.co.uk “We look forward to sharing the morning with you! Down tools, come along, make this year’s event a success and we will definitely be back again next year,” says Patrick.

£4 million investment in the pipeline for North Belfast

Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd. 5 Heron Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT3 9HB. T: +44 (0)28 9020 7207 • F: +44 (0)28 9020 7208 E: info@diamondsystems.co.uk. • W: www.diamondsystems.co.uk

NI Water is planning to undertake an extensive programme of improvements in North Belfast, including the construction of a major water pipeline to safeguard water quality and supply and to help reduce the number of burst watermains across the wider area, particularly during the winter months.

Preparation work is currently underway, which includes detailed CCTV surveys of the area. It is anticipated that pipelaying will get underway shortly and will last approximately nine months. The first section of pipelaying will get underway in the Upper Cavehill Road area, Fortwilliam Golf Course and Downview Avenue. As the scheme progresses, signage will be in place on the surrounding roads affected as necessary.

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Ulster secures £150m EIB investment

The University of Ulster has secured a £150m loan from the European Investment Bank that will support key campus development works.

The announcement was made at Ulster’s Belfast campus by Professor Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor of the University and Jonathan Taylor, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (pictured with Pro-Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Alastair Adair).

The main project to benefit from the funding will be the University’s landmark Belfast City campus development, a £250m project that will relocate most of the Jordanstown campus to Belfast City Centre by 2018. The university said it will also invest a further £55m in upgrades at its Magee, Coleraine and Jordanstown campuses.

Professor Barnett said: “This commitment from the European Investment Bank is a major vote of

confidence in the University, in our ambitious development plans and in the future of Northern Ireland.

“As a University that is leading in widening access to higher education, it is important that our students enjoy facilities that match their aspirations. These investments in our campuses will build on our existing strengths, providing a world class learning environment for our students and an excellent working environment for our staff.

“The benefit to higher education combined with the wider positive impact on the economy, will ensure the university’s investment leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. The Belfast City campus development alone will create more than 5,000 construction and related jobs during the build and fit out period, providing much needed employment and salaries into local communities.”

The European Investment Bank is the European Union’s bank. It represents the interests of the European Union Member States and supports projects that make a significant contribution to growth, employment, economic and social cohesion and environmental sustainability in Europe and beyond.

New £2.2m housing scheme in Glengormley Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has cut the first sod of a new £2.2m social housing scheme on the Antrim Road in Glengormley.

The development when completed, will consist of 21 apartments and is being built by Clanmil Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development.

The one and two bedroom apartments will accommodate the needs of active older people with completion planned for January 2015.

The five storey apartments will be built to high energy efficiency standards. All have been designed to Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes standards, ensuring added security for tenants and flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. Features of the new building include lifts, underground car parking and a roof terrace for use by the tenants.

Lagan Construction lands three airport contracts Lagan Construction has been successful in winning three new airport contracts, in the Isles of Scilly, Bristol and in North Dakota in the US. Lagan Construction’s work at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota will consist of placing 45,000 tonnes of graded aggregate base course and 35,000 tonnes of polymer modified asphaltic concrete. The £8.2m contract is programmed to last four months with expected commencement date of May 2014.

The St Mary’s Runway Resurfacing contract on the Isles of Scilly is valued at £3.7m and will involve runway resurfacing and reconstruction which includes the upgrading of airfield ground lighting, drainage and apron reconstruction. The contract is due to commence in March/April 2014 with expected six month duration.

Finally, Lagan Construction is currently undertaking a £4m contract which involves the construction of a 65,000 sq. ft portal frame hangar at Bristol Airport. Works will also include a comprehensive MEP fit out; internal fit-out to include welfare and office/meeting room facilities.

Externally, works will include new hard-standings, landscaping and the realignment of the existing runway.

Colin McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Lagan Construction Group said: “Having completed projects on over 50 airports across five continents, airport infrastructure works are a core part of our business and our teams are experienced in providing the engineering skills necessary to deliver both airside and groundside support facilities”.

TWO GREAT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

create the perfect floor faster! beautiful durable practical safe flexible

An affordable alternative to traditional sand:cement screeds, ultraflo® creates a superior level finish and greatly increases the efficiency of underfloor heating.

Perfect for both residential housing and commercial developments.

Advantages over Sand:Cement Screed • Minimal shrinkage whilst drying; leaving a virtually crack-free floor • Can be forced dried allowing early installation of all floor coverings • Greater flexural and compressive strength enabling reduced screed depths • Reduced screed depth allows for a variety of improved insulation solutions Additional benefits with Underfloor Heating Systems • Dramatically increases heat response times • Increases manageability and flexibility of heating control • Improved energy efficiency with major cost savings on heating bills

Exposed aggregate concrete offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to not only plain concrete, but also traditional paving, asphalt and loose gravel. It is a durable, slip resistant finish ideal for outdoor surfaces, including driveways, footpaths, promenades, town centres and pedestrian zones.

The exposa® range comes in a wide variety of colours and textures, offering the designer a multitude of combinations.

It sits well within a rustic setting as well as a modern minimalist environment complementing the surrounding landscape.

To find your closest distributor call: T. +44 (0) 28 9085 1441

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Lagan Cement and Action Cancer: delivering cancer awareness

Gareth Kirk (Action Cancer) Darren McMillan and Paul Adamson (Lagan Cement Products) pictured with two striking ready mixed concrete trucks carrying special pink and blue liveries. The trucks will travel thousands of miles across Northern Ireland delivering concrete to commercial, residential and retail sites and

will be a colourful addition to the Lagan Fleet.

With one blue and one pink lorry, the hope is that both men and women will see the trucks and spend a moment or two reflecting on their own personal health.

As well as increasing awareness of issues relating to cancer, Lagan will cement its relationship with Action Cancer by pledging all its

fundraising efforts to raise additional financial support for the Charity.

Darren McMillan from Lagan Cement Products explained: “As a business, we are committed to producing quality products, minimising environmental impact, being a good neighbour and focusing strongly on teamwork and our company values of Passion, Excellence, Relationships and Fun. It is these core values that will inspire the company and its staff to help and make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”

Action Cancer is particularly keen on increasing awareness of cancer and a number of wider health issues amongst men. Gareth Kirk Action Cancer’s Chief Executive explained: “Research shows that men ignore health symptoms they are experiencing for up to two years before going to a GP. At Action cancer, we want to encourage men to take their health seriously and focus on making small changes to their lifestyle that through time can make a big difference.”

Lagan Cement products will host a range of fundraising events for Action Cancer over the next 12 months through employee and customerfocused events.

McAleer & Rushe to build second ’hub By Premier Inn’ in Spitalfields Endurance Land has appointed McAleer & Rushe to build a 189-bedroom ‘hub

By Premier Inn’ hotel on Brick Lane, E1 in London’s Spitalfields. The site is in the Fournier Street and Brick Lane Conservation Area where there are many listed Georgian buildings including the Grade 1 listed Spitalfields Church. The new hotel has been designed to sit well in this environment and it continues the careful renaissance of the locality.

Endurance Land, a specialist in driving value through the active management of assets that require refurbishment or development, is currently developing over 800 hotel rooms in London.

This is the second ‘hub By Premier Inn’ hotel that McAleer & Rushe is

currently working on. In September it began work on Whitbread Group’s first of the new concept, a 163-bedroom hotel on St Martin’s Lane, WC2 via the conversion of an existing office building.

Whitbread, the UK’s largest hotel group, launched the new concept in July. Its ‘hub By Premier Inn’ is a new generation of compact, city centre hotels with ingenious, contemporary room design and excellent connectivity that appeals to customers who value price, location and design over space. At 11.4 sq.m a ‘hub’ room is compact, and thanks to its innovative design every centimetre is optimised with a desk that folds into the Hypnos pocketsprung bed, luggage storage under the bed, an en suite bathroom with power shower, free Wi-Fi and a 40” inch smart screen TV. ‘hub By Premier Inn’ will be the

UK’s first hotel with its own app, letting customers control their hotel experience. The ‘hub’ app means customers can book and check in online, as well as pre-select their room temperature and light settings.

They can even choose which TV or radio channel they want playing in their room when they arrive and stream content from their phone or tablet direct to their TV. The Endurance Land hotel scheme designed by EPR architects involves the demolition of an existing supermarket and the construction of a 189-bedroom hotel with ground floor retail.

McAleer & Rushe is also currently working for Endurance Land building a 291-bedroom, 17-storey Motel One at 24-26 Minories, EC3 where archaeologists discovered a 1,900-year-old Roman eagle sculpture.

Jedd Lucas

Hilti rises in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ 2014 Global construction products manufacturer Hilti, which has its UK and Northern European headquarters in Trafford Park, Manchester has risen to 24th position in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ 2014.

The achievement marks a fourth consecutive appearance and eight placements in the last ten years for the company, which employs 615 people nationwide.

The business, which was ranked 40th in 2013, achieved a threestar accreditation.

Particular praise was given to senior management, who have “a passion for people development” and “inspire others by having a very clear and understandable direction for the organisation” and “develop clear, focused priorities that drive performance and genuinely care about team members”.

In the key findings, 93% of staff agreed that the organisation is run on strong values and principles, 90% that the experience gained from the job is invaluable to their future, and 97% that they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation.

Jedd Lucas, Head of Human Resources, Northern Europe Region for Hilti, said: “Over ten years I consider this our greatest achievement. Our ongoing training programme for every individual received rightful attention, mentioning specifically the Advanced Training Scheme (ATS), which remains a core focus of the business.”

drinks trade

1-3 Glenmachan Street Boucher Road Belfast BT12 6JB

www.innov8officeinteriors.com t.HR 02890 • 00238180

14| CES quarry products

Reduce your carbon footprint and reduce H&S issues with CES Liquid Screed in conjunction with Gypsol

C

ES Liquid Screed, available from CES Quarry Products Ltd, is a high quality, free flowing, self compacting floor screed which offers huge benefits to all aspects of a construction project including screed installers, builders, underfloor heating designers, main contractors and clients alike.

The company’s aim is to make it easy for specifiers to select CES Liquid Screed as their flooring screed of choice.

The benefits of using CES Liquid Screed in conjunction with Gypsol binder include: • Sustainable excellence because the environment matters.

• Low manufacturing carbon footprint.

• Low embodied energy.

• Low operating energy.

• Low lifetime impact.

• Low temperature under floor heating.

• Low Toxicity • Low Health and Safety impact and • The only locally manufactured and supplied calcium sulphate based binder.

Gypsol binder does not contain Portland cement as Portland cement contains Chromium 6. This is well documented and has been linked to both chronic and acute health issues for those exposed to it. The use of Gypsol binder avoids these issues entirely. Hand applied sand cement screeds are well known and documented for their negative effects on the health and safety of installers, particularly in respect of chronic

Metre2

CES Liquid Screed Kgs of Co2

1:4 Sand Cement Screed Kgs of Co2 / m2

1

1.4

28.3

250

352.5

7065.0

500

705.0

14130.0

750

1057.5

21195.0

1000

1410.0

28260.0

1250

1762.5

35325.0

1500

2115.0

42390.0

1750

2467.5

49455.0

2000

2820.0

56520.0

2250

3172.5

63585.0

2500

3525.0

70650.0

Co2 CES Liquid Screed

Co2 1:4 sand : Cement

musculo-skeletal problems. The installation of CES Liquid Screed which is supplied ready to use, avoids most of the manual labour associated with site mixed sand cement screed. Installation of CES Liquid Screed is carried out using specialist pumping equipment and does not require the installer to be on his hands and knees, and as Gypsol is fully self compacting, the effect on the musculo-skeletal system on installers is significantly reduced.

Gypsol binder is manufactured from a by-product of the chemical industry. This material would previously have found its way into landfill.

Indeed, for every one tonne of Gypsol binder used, 0.98 tonnes of landfill is avoided.

The carbon footprint for CES Liquid Screed compared to typical 1:4 sand cement screed is very impressive. The calculated ex-works Carbon Footprint for Gypsol anhydrite binder processing operations is no more than 15.44kg of Co2 per tonne of product output compared with 900kg of Co2 per tonne of product produced for CEMI cement. It can be seen from the installed figures that using CES Liquid Screed can offer a reduction of around 95% in terms of the Co2 emissions associated with the screed itself. Add to this the reductions in landfill, the improvements in the thermal performance, with or without under floor heating, and it can be easily seen that CES Liquid Screeds are the perfect choice for any environmentally responsible construction project helping to achieve their BREEAM rating.

digest

16|

Customer Service award for Willis Insurance Local independent broker Willis Insurance & Risk Management has won the Best Customer Service Initiative category at the inaugural Chartered Insurance Institute Public Interest Awards held at LSO St. Luke’s in London. As the only Northern Ireland company to be shortlisted, the Willis entry centred on the Killeaton Flooding story where Commercial Business Unit Manager Amanda McConkey and her team helped a large number of distressed residents with their insurance claims.

Managing Director Richard Willis and Claims Director Mark Willis collected the award from the host for the evening David Dimbleby.

Speaking after the presentation Richard commented: “Once again the story of our pro bono work for the Killeaton flooding victims has been recognised as a very topical piece of good news for the insurance industry. Our success is a fantastic boost for all of our staff back in Belfast and we were thrilled to collect the award on behalf of our colleague Amanda McConkey and her team. It is always nice for regional brokers to pick up national awards but with this being the first of its kind it will certainly have pride of place.”

Pictured at The Chartered Insurance Institute Public Interest Awards are Willis & Company Directors Richard and Mark Willis with host David Dimbleby.

First for Portview Fit-out as it is awarded prestigious business community accreditation Award-winning Portview Fit-out is the first construction company in Northern Ireland to receive the international industry accreditation ISO 22301. The Belfast-based fitout company was awarded ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management which is the gold standard achievable in business for crisis management.

Portview Fit-out, which provides upmarket interior fit-outs to stores such as Oscar de la Renta in London and New York, successfully met the stringent standards set by the industry mark to design and build its own ISO 22301 compliant business continuity management system.

The internationally-recognised accreditation enables businesses to understand and prioritise any threats to the company, while specifying the requirements for a management system to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure it recovers from a disruptive incident.

Other benefits to business of ISO 22301 including keeping the most important elements of a business running during times of crises while minimising downtime and improving recovery time when trouble hits.

The management system was implemented at Portview then verified by an independent assessor

to qualify for certification. Once awarded, ISO 22301 will also ensure the business continues to implement its strict criteria in terms of compliance.

Portview Fit-out is enjoying growth in the high end retail sector where it now has a reputation for its stylish interior design and fit-out which is delivered on time and budget to the clients’ brief.

With a record-breaking year under its belt – which saw Portview’s turnover up by 30 per cent – the local company is bucking the trend among construction companies in Northern Ireland.

This latest industry accreditation is evidence of Portview’s commitment to delivering a quality service and product.

Simon Campbell, Managing Director of Portview Fit-out, said: “Portview Fitout has had one of its most successful years ever, nonetheless it is important we are prepared and able to deal with any crises that may threaten the progress of our business and our team. ISO 22301 is an internationally recognised accreditation which is significant to Portview Fit-out as we have a worldwide client base. The Portview ethos is to continually invest and improve our business so we can compete at the highest possible level in the field of interior fit-out.”

Savills named most active investments agency in Northern Ireland Property consultants, Savills Ireland, were the most active real estate investments agency in Northern Ireland in 2013, according to Estates Gazette. The property publication’s ‘Deals Competition’ compiled the number of transactions completed by agents between 1st January and 31st December 2013.

Savills headed off competition from Osborne King and BTW Shiells who were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Commenting on the results, Ben Turtle, Director of Investments at Savills Northern Ireland said: “It was a very busy year for us and I am delighted that our work has been recognised through the Estates Gazette Deals Competition. 2013 marked a new beginning in the Northern Irish investment market with a significant increase in business and consumer confidence, which led to a wide variety of new purchasers entering the market”.

Looking ahead, Turtle expects this momentum to continue; “We are already aware of £100m of stock scheduled to come to market in the first half of the year, and with economic conditions improving, we predict that transactional activity will increase this year with volumes exceeding £200m.”

Some notable transactions handled by the investments team at Savills NI in 2013 included the purchase of the Tesco Extra Foodstore in Newry, which achieved a price in excess of £30m and James House, Belfast which sold for over £10m.

It is the second year running that Savills has been recognised by Estates Gazette. Last year they were named the most active retail estate agency in Northern Ireland.

digest

Haldane Fisher prepare for business in 2014

David Haldane, Commercial Director Haldane Fisher, takes delivery of the new forklift from Clearlift’s Dermot Cunnie.

Haldane Fisher has started 2014 with an investment in forklifts to cope with improved conditions in the market place.

Colin Morrison, Haldane Fisher Transport Manager commented: “We had been looking to add to our fleet of forklifts to cope with the increased levels of business. Following an in-depth tendering process we decided on the EP three ton machine. The machine is well built, performing well and was competitively priced.”

Dermot Cunnie, Director of Sales and Marketing at Clearlift commented: “We are delighted to place one of our first machines with such a high profile and recognised company as Haldane Fisher.”

Cheque presented to NI Hospices from Wilson Group

Pictured are Desmond Wilson along with staff members handing over the cheque to Diane Weston from the NI Hospice.

The Wilson Group, which has its headquarters on Belfast’s Antrim Road has Construction, Property Development and Healthcare divisions. Each year the company raises funds for a different charity as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. The company recently presented a combined cheque of £8,333 to both the NI Hospice and the NI Children’s Hospice.

Desmond Wilson, Chairman of Wilson Group commented on the cheque presentation: “We recognise that our most valuable asset is our people. We also recognise that through our employees and stakeholders we are part of a wider community; therefore we are committed to continuing to develop our corporate social responsibility. There are many worthwhile charities and organisations in need of support; each year we support a nominated charity by organising events to raise funds. As a local employer, the chosen charity is always one that is focused around benefiting local communities.”

|17

18| Hilti

Inside insight – see for yourself

G

et a clear picture with the newly updated Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan and Hilti PS 250 Ferroscan detection systems.

With its ability to provide clear, 2D or 3D images of virtually all kinds of objects concealed in concrete structures, Hilti’s easy-touse PS 1000 X-Scan system takes the non-destructive inspection of concrete structures into a new era by allowing users to locate various types of objects through several layers even deeper than before.

And now, Hilti takes detection to a further dimension with new software enhancements to the Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan and Hilti PS 250 Ferroscan.

Take a quick look beneath the surface Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan is designed to produce large-area images of what’s inside concrete structures. The system employs the pluse radar principle with a 2000 MHz antenna array and consists of a hand-guided scanner with color display, an optionalportable monitor unit for on-site use, plus professional PC software for image evaluation and data management.

Capable of detecting not only steel reinforcing bars, this radar-based system also locates pre- and posttensioning tendons, metal or plastic pipes, electric cables, glass fiber cables and cavities – at depths of up to 400 mm / 16 in and even where layers overlap. In addition to its radar sensor array, the system also incorporates now an additional sensor array capable of detecting electric current.

The improved PS 1000 X-Scan thus not only detects concealed objects, it also clearly identifies live electric cables, thereby greatly increasing safety as well as saving time and money.

Immediate analysis of the scans is possible as the objects are shown in 2D plan views or cross-sectional views directly on the X-Scan display.

With the aid of the PSA 100 monitor, scans of objects can be shown as 3D images for even easier on-the-spot interpretation. This makes it easy to find and mark reliable drilling, coring or sawing locations and thus avoid costly damage and lost time due to hitting rebars, pipes or cables. With the new software update, radar and electrical current data can be overlayed in the same image in 2D and 3D data visualization, drill holes positioned in top view and cross

sectional view in the required drilling diameter. The position of reinforcing bars, baskets and tensioning tendons can also be easily found and marked immediately or, alternatively, the data can be recorded for precise analysis and archival back in the office.

The Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan is available in three different models.

The newest addition, the PS 1000-B X-Scan, is a standalone scanner with basic functionality for on-site scanning and marking and no software connectivity.

Three views in one As the updated Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan takes its place in the Hilti range alongside the already well-proven Ferroscan PS 250, Hilti now offers two large-area structural analysis detection systems that complement each other perfectly. After setting the standard in the field of rebar analysis and depth of cover measurement for many years with the Ferroscan, Hilti is now taking detection into a completely new dimension with the frequently further enhanched systems.

Scanning contractors, and structural engineering companies can benefit from the continuous development work to gain productivity and broaden the scope of utilization of the non-destructive inspection equipment.

Both systems now make it possible for users to export their scanned data in various standard design formats, such as “DXF,” “COLLADA,” and “X3D,” as well as import scan data in popular CID programs, e.g.

AutoCad, Trimble SketchUp, and others. The scan position can now be labelled with building coordinates and drill hole markers exported for accurate scan placement in design files or repositioned on-site with layout tools. Furthermore, Hilti delivers an unprecedented benefit of delivering the possibility to overlay scan data from three different sensors in one data output; thus, it is now possible to view from one document information gathered from a Ferroscan, which reveals ferrous objects, rebar diameter and depth of cover information, and X-Scan, which reveals various object target information from deeper detection ranges, in addition to electrical current sensor data. This allows easy object target classification and accurate depth calibration.

Using both Hilti systems makes it possible to inspect and analyze steel-

reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures to an extent that would otherwise be impossible, or at least greatly limited, by conventional means.

This applies, above all, to remodeling, change of building use, structural repair or renovation, and to the field of quality assurance and seismic retrofitting. But that’s not all. Hilti also provides a range of unique services that help you make the most of these extremely rugged and reliable detection systems.

Always reliable – thanks to the Hilti Calibration Service and Hilti Lifetime Service Despite their rugged design, Hilti measuring tools, like all other precision instruments, may suffer

adverse effects under hard everyday use. Hilti’s Calibration Service ensures that measuring, positioning and detection tools are ready to work accurately and reliably at all times. Regular checking within the scope of this service ensures reliability and accuracy in accordance with standards and statutory requirements. Under normal use, Hilti recommends that calibration is checked annually.

Moreover, Hilti Lifetime Service offers an unrivaled service package for those who own their tools. Hilti offers quick, professional, and 100% free repairs for up to 2 years from date of purchase. Beyond that, the quality of our products is backed by capped repair costs, plus a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Three views in one: Easy-to-interpret data visualization in a plan or 3D view covering 600x600 mm / 2x2ft with pulse radar data (GPR) now enhanced with EM sensor data (EM) and inductive sensor data (Ferroscan) for easy classification of live electrical cables in conduits, rebar and others as well as depth calibration.

Locating objects in concrete structures quickly and easily in real time before drilling penetrations or breaking out openings.

20| health & safety

Taking the risks out of

construction work

T

here have been significant reductions in the number and rate of injury in the construction industry over the last 20 years or more, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Nevertheless, construction remains a high risk industry. Although it accounts for about 5% of the employees in the UK, it accounts for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 10% of reported major injuries.The latest results from HSE in construction show: Thirty-nine fatal injuries to workers. Twelve of these fatalities were to the self-employed.

This compares with an average of 53 over the previous five years - including an average of 18 to the self-employed; About 3,700 occupational cancer cases are estimated to arise each year as a result of past exposures in the construction sector; There were an estimated 74,000 total cases and 31,000 new cases of work-related ill health; An estimated 1.4 million working days were lost in 2011/12, 818,000 due to ill health and 584,000 due to workplace injury, making a total of 0.7 days lost per worker.

Vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational deafness and dermatitis are the most common cases of non-lung diseases in the construction industry under IIDB3.

There has been a significant decline in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis since 2005 when the marketing and use of cement containing less than 2 ppm of chromate was restricted in the EU. Analysis by industry has shown that the construction industry has the largest burden of occupational cancer amongst the industrial sectors, over 40% of the occupational cancer deaths and cancer registrations were from construction. Most of them were caused by past exposures to asbestos and silica. In addition solar radiation, coal tars and pitches were responsible for an additional 1,300 cancer registrations, mostly causing NMSCs (skin cancer other than melanoma).

The most significant carcinogen is still past exposure to asbestos (69%), followed by silica (17%), painting and diesel engine exhaust (6-7% each). The construction industry has worked hard to improve health and safety standards for its workers and to remove much of the risk involved.

Finance Minister welcomes participation

by Electrical Contractors in pilot

E

lectrical contractors from across Northern Ireland have been praised by Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA for backing the SparkSafe Licence to Practice initiative.

A procurement pilot, which began in January,

requires electrical contractors tendering for specific Government construction contracts to ensure that, if successful, only electrical workers that are Licensed to Practice will be deployed on site.

The six-month pilot has been developed to

stamp out unqualified operatives describing themselves as electricians and also to improve electrical safety standards.

During a certificate presentation at Clare House in Belfast for electrical contractors involved in the pilot, the Finance Minister praised members

health & safety |21

Fire Safety in the Construction Industry

By Stephen Weekes, Training & HSEQ, Balloo Training and Consultancy

F Simon Hamilton MLA with Michael Dowds and Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA

of the electrical contracting industry in Northern Ireland who are backing SparkSafe LtP. Mr Hamilton said: “It is essential that the quality of electrical installation work on all contracts, not just the public sector, is delivered to the highest possible standards. The Licence to Practice pilot is a great opportunity for the construction industry in Northern Ireland to raise the bar further and move beyond current UK best practice.”

At present firms and individuals wishing to join the SparkSafe Licence to Practice pilot can apply through the Ballymena-based Electrical Training Trust (ETT) to obtain registration based on their qualifications, experience and skills.

The Minister added: “It is vital that we continue to attract our young people to apprenticeships and retain them by raising the status of electrical operatives in order to revive the local economy via the construction industry.

“Not only does this initiative raise the status of this particular area of the industry, it coincides with the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland’s (CIFNI) objective of encouraging training and skills development to underpin a sustainable construction industry.

“I would like to wish the ETT every success in the introduction of the SparkSafe initiative and I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot.”

Michael Dowds, chair of Electrical Contractors’ Association in Northern Ireland, said he appreciated the Finance Minister’s

interest in SparkSafe and praised CPD staff for their “patient examination and acceptance” of the initiative.

He said: “The employers are all based in Northern Ireland. We hire and train skilled people to meet the needs of our customers. Most of us, I think, have come through the trade so we know and understand our industry very well.

“We have a passion and desire to see the local electrical contracting sector continue to develop further in terms of quality, safety and performance. We have overcome and been able to weather the storm of recession difficulties by being highly competitive and innovative.”

Mr Dowds said the local industry was grateful for the launch of the first electrical licence to practice system in the UK. He noted the gas, micro generation and asbestos sectors in particular have increased their professionalism towards customer care and commissioning of projects.

And he pointed out those three industries are now perceived by many school leavers to be viable alternatives to the academic route, which was clearly something the electrical contracting industry would wish to replicate.

Mr Dowds said licence to practice must also be good for workers.

“This is a unique industry-led initiative. The Northern Ireland pilot is a first in the UK that connects the competency of an individual worker with a commercial contract, indeed it is the first system of its kind that connects all of the stakeholders in such a visible and accessible way.”

ire can and does kill, injure and cause significant financial loss. The potential dangers are particularly severe on many construction sites, where high-risk activities such as hot works are frequently combined with circumstances where fires can spread quickly and escape may be difficult. Recent figures suggest there are several thousand construction fires annually. These fires not only put workers’ lives at risk but can also result in damage both on and off site, ranging from tens of thousands to many millions of pounds and invariably leading to severe delays in the project programme.

Construction businesses in Northern Ireland must comply with the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. In addition, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 place duties on employers to prevent fires and explosions arising from work with flammable liquids and gases and to mitigate the consequences should they occur. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) also place duties on duty holders in relation to fire safety. It is important to make sure you are compliant with the duties imposed by each of these, but as a starting point the legislation requires that those with control over construction work can demonstrate that they have: • Identified the risks in their workplaces; • Considered who could be harmed and how; • Assessed the extent of the risks; • Taken an informed decision on the necessary action to reduce them; and • Ensured that these actions have been implemented.

A useful way to begin identifying fire risks on site, and how to reduce them, is to consider the fire triangle. Fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen to sustain itself so simply removing, reducing or segregating sources of ignition and fuel can go some way to significantly reducing the risk.

Common sources of ignition include hot works, smoking materials, heaters, lights, faulty or misused electrical equipment and arson. Common combustible materials found on sites include cardboard, plastic, rubber, textiles, rubbish/waste, petrol, diesel, adhesives, solvents and gas. Managing these sources of ignition and fuel on site can help prevent fires starting in the first place.

If a fire does break out on site, it is important to have appropriate control measures in place. This includes having a means of raising the alarm, fire fighting equipment, fire safety signs and notices, permanent escape routes and a documented emergency procedure on site. All workers and visitors should have an awareness of the fire risks, control measures and site-specific emergency procedures for your fire plan to be effective. Therefore, this information should be communicated during every site induction and refreshed at regular intervals on longer projects using toolbox talks, safety meetings etc.

Further advice and information is available from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at www.nifrs.org.uk and from the Health and Safety Executive. An excellent resource for site managers HSG168 Fire Safety in Construction (Second Edition, published 2010) is available to download free from the Health and Safety Executive website at http://www.hse.gov. uk/pubns/priced/hsg168.pdf.

22| HSENI

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is reminding ‘duty holders’ about the importance of surveys as part of their legal responsibilities to manage the risks from asbestos.....

Asbestos surveys

If you are responsible for maintenance and repair for nondomestic premises, you are the ‘duty holder’ and have a legal duty to manage the risk from asbestos.

Workers who disturb the fabric of buildings during maintenance, refurbishment, repair, installation and related activities may be exposed to asbestos every time they unknowingly work on asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The purpose of managing asbestos in buildings is to prevent this and minimise exposure for these groups of workers and other people in the premises.

There are two types of surveys: • The management survey which is required during the normal occupation and use of the building to ensure continued management of the ACMs in situ.

• A refurbishment or demolition survey which is necessary when the building (or parts of it) is to be upgraded, refurbished or demolished Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations ‘duty holders’ are required to know where ACMs are, to assess their condition, prepare an asbestos register and to implement a management plan. This almost always requires a survey.

The survey is intended to locate all ACMs in the building as far as is reasonably practicable.

Choosing a surveyor

Inadequate surveys can have disastrous consequences both in human and financial terms - people, equipment and furnishings may become contaminated with asbestos.

While you may rely on the services of an expert, you have the responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of your surveyor.

You don’t have to be an expert to get a good idea of how competent a surveyor is – ask questions, seek references and look at previous survey reports.

Planning the survey

Firstly, have a clear view of what exactly it is needed. You can then discuss your requirements with the surveyor.

It is important that the survey report and the asbestos register are

easy to use. They should include: • a clear layout with unique references to locations where ACMs are present • adequate photographs to illustrate the ACM, both in context and in detail • clear information on what is present, what condition it is in and, where appropriate, recommendations for action.

Except in the simplest of cases, the surveyor should visit the premises in advance of submitting a price.

Carrying out the survey

You must facilitate the surveyor in completing the survey, allowing sufficient time to examine all parts of the premises within the scope of the survey and not compromising on the number of samples required for analysis.

The surveyor should be given access to all areas within the scope of the survey.

Where there are suspect materials at height, arrangements must be made to enable safe access such as using a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP).

If access is required to electric switch gear, then an electrician should be on hand to isolate the equipment.

Where it is not possible to access an area, or if a material cannot be shown by analysis to be asbestos free, then it may be ‘presumed’ to contain asbestos. In these circumstances, the material must be treated as asbestos and must be risk assessed and managed as ACM. If it is to be disturbed, then appropriate protective methods must be used.

A major refurbishment/demolition survey will be fully intrusive and will involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.

Survey report

The survey report is a key document in managing ACMs in premises. It should contain details and recommendations which are specific to the premises involved rather than general information.

Any caveats or exclusions must be specific to the premises surveyed.

Finally, it is important that the client reads the report in order to understand and act on any recommendations made.

More information The Health and Safety Executive (GB) survey guide (HSG264) provides advice on selecting a competent surveyor. It contains valuable information and advice for duty holders, surveyors and contractors. Advice on the sampling density is also included.

• www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg264.htm For information about HSENI’s ‘Duty to Manage’ campaign please visit: www.hseni.gov.uk/dutytomanage or call HSENI on: 0800 0320 121.

health & safety |23

Schueco fire-protection systems provide the complete solution

D

espite the overwhelming need for effective fire-protection in systembuilt façades, windows and doors, few companies possess a range that is comprehensive enough to provide a complete solution. The exception is Schueco UK whose suite of fire-rated aluminium systems can satisfy even the most demanding requirements.

All but indistinguishable in appearance from standard products, Schueco fire-protection systems have been independently tested to EN 1364/1634, meeting all the necessary criteria for Integrity (E) – the prevention of the spread of flame – and Integrity/Insulation (EI) – the prevention of the spread of flame and the provision of a barrier to heat.

The Schueco fire protection range includes single and double Schueco ADS 80 FR doors which can be specified with either a 30 minute integrity or 30/60 minute integrity/insulation rating and, like every system in the range, they meet the performance classification of EN 13501. To upgrade from a 30 minute to a 60 minute specification, special heat insulation material is introduced into the aluminium profiles and the glazing is uprated accordingly. Doors and screens that meet an EI90 rating (90 minute) are also available.

For more information visit: mkinfobox@schueco.com.

Better accident reporting, but access platform industry remains safe

T

he powered access industry is reporting more accidents through IPAF’s voluntary programme.

This reveals that there were The main causes of fatalities and the machine type 53 fatalities involved (Source: www.ipaf.org/accident) worldwide in 2013 involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), according to preliminary results from IPAF’s accident database.

2013 fatalities by cause and machine category 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Electrocution

Overturn

Entrapment

Fall from height

1b

3

2

1

4

Impact with MEWP 1

3a

0

7

2

4

0

3b

4

7

6

4

Unknown

0

0

1

1

Falling object

TBC

0

0

0

1

3

2

0

0

0

0

The main causes of these fatalities were: overturn (16), fall from height (13), entrapment (10), electrocution (7), impact with MEWP (4) and falling object (2). In one case, the cause of the fatality was not known.

IPAF technical officer Chris Wraith stressed that the accident project is still in an early stage and cautioned against direct comparisons in its second year. “The figures presented do not in any way suggest an increase in the number of MEWP-related fatalities from 2012 to 2013,” he said. “They are more an indication that the awareness and success of the project is growing. Powered access is probably the safest way of performing temporary work at height.”

24| health & safety

Northern Ireland installers snap up carbon monoxide alarms to support ‘Gis A Hug’ campaign

I

nstallers in Northern Ireland have been snapping up thousands of FireAngel carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in support of manufacturer, Sprue Safety Products’ campaign with the ‘Gis A Hug’ Foundation to keep more people safe from the dangers of this deadly gas.

Set up in memory of Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, both 18, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a holiday flat in Castlerock, Co. Derry in 2010, the ‘Gis A Hug’ Foundation works tirelessly in raising awareness about this silent killer. Incidents of CO poisoning could be prevented if everyone had their fuel burning appliances serviced annually and fitted an audible carbon monoxide alarm in their home.

Sprue is donating one carbon monoxide alarm to ‘Gis A Hug’ for every 20 FireAngel CO-9XT alarms sold from wholesalers and merchants who have signed up to the campaign.

So far, participating stockists across

the region have sold thousands of alarms, which will see hundreds more CO-9XTs donated to groups supported by the charity.

Having had personal experience of the tragic consequences of this ‘silent killer’, Catherine and Johnny McFerran set up the ‘Gis A Hug’ Foundation in a bid to make more people aware of the risks and protect vulnerable groups against the dangers.

The FireAngel CO-9XT is based on the most advanced electrochemical sensors available for the domestic market to give an early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide. Certified to the European Standard BS EN 50291-1: 2010, this battery-operated alarm is easy to install with a fast-fix single pin bracket, simple to set up and features a tamper-proof internal power pack that has a guaranteed seven-year life.

For elderly or less able residents, it features a large, easy-to-use test button with three LEDs showing power, fault and alarm, so that an immediate visual check can be made to identify if a CO leak has occurred.

For management purposes, the

KDM Hire becomes approved PASMA trainer

K

DM Hire’s depots in Cookstown and Mallusk have recently been approved as PASMA training centres, allowing them to offer PASMA training courses in the assembling, dismantling, moving and inspecting of mobile access towers. PASMA registered and approved training centres deliver the nationally recognised PASMA training syllabus for competency in mobile towers.

As a market leader in the hire of access equipment throughout Northern Ireland, KDM Hire have added PASMA to complement their status as approved IPAF trainers, which promotes the safe and effective use of powered access.

PASMA Training Courses PASMA are committed to the highest standards of practice and operate the industry standard training scheme which trains thousands of delegates each year through a select network of approved training centres. All PASMA training centres are audited annually to ensure that they continue to meet the stringent standard set by us. In 2012, around 60,000 delegates were PASMA trained.

In addition to the renowned Towers for user’s course, the association also delivers a range of specialist courses; Low Level, Work at Height (Essentials) and Towers for Managers. These courses enjoy an enviable reputation amongst management and health and safety practitioners, who seek objective proof of competence for staff engaged in the assembly, use, inspection and dismantling of towers.

L-R: Dan Bacon, Sprue Safety Products, Catherine and Johnny McFerran, Gis A Hug Foundation and Brian Trueman, Sprue Safety Products. (Photograph courtesy of Gordon McAvoy Photography).

CO-9XT also has a diagnostic capability that, in the event of the alarm going off, enables a report to be downloaded onto a PC giving the time, date and level of CO in the property at the time the alarm was

triggered.

There is still time to sign up to the ‘Gis A Hug’ campaign in Northern Ireland. To find out how you can get involved visit: www.gisahugfoundation. co.uk or www.fireangel.com.

NEBOSH accepted

by CSCS

T

he Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is now accepting two NEBOSH qualifications as part of its passport scheme that allows people to provide “proof of competence” to work on construction sites.

The CSCS “Academically Qualified Person (AQP)” card, or “yellow/white card”, is available to “competence assessed” members of CSCS approved professional bodies, including NEBOSH. Both the NEBOSH National Construction Certificate and NEBOSH National Diploma are now recognised by CSCS for AQP card eligibility.

NEBOSH Chief Executive, Teresa Budworth, commented: “A research report* published by the Health and Safety Executive in 2011 recommended the widespread use of skills cards based around nationally recognised and formal qualifications, in order to tackle fatalities in the construction industry.

“We’re delighted that our qualifications are now part of the CSCS’ AQP card scheme, as a further contribution to raising construction health and safety standards.” * RR877: A commentary on routes to competence in the construction sector (HSE) http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr877.pdf

health & safety |25

Balloo Hire – helping keep health and safety simple B alloo Hire Centres, one of Northern Ireland’s leading hire companies, is now offering a range of training and consultancy services to help customers keep on top of health and safety. “Our aim is to provide no-nonsense, jargonfree health and safety services that actually help our customers to work safely, comply with the law, avoid unnecessary costs and even win more business.

Health and safety can be complicated, but we prefer to keep it simple and effective. We take the time to understand every client’s needs, offer practical real-world solutions, talk in plain language and try to keep paperwork to a minimum – leaving them free to concentrate on their core business. Our consultancy services include site inspections, risk assessments, method statements, accident investigations and safety management systems for OHSAS18001, SafeT-Cert, Safe Contractor etc. “All consultants are experienced, NEBOSH-qualified and members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Training employees is not only a requirement under health and safety legislation, it is also good practice, motivating for workers and vital in ensuring your safety system works effectively.” Our training courses include plant operator, MEWP operator, harness use and inspection, asbestos awareness, fire safety, manual handling, risk assessment and managing safely. Our training courses are accredited by various bodies such as IPAF, IOSH, UKATA and CIEH but we can also work with a client to design and deliver bespoke training to meet their specific needs.”

Contact Stephen Weekes on 028 9045 8080 or email stephen.weekes@balloohire.com to discuss how they can help with your health and safety requirements.

Training: n n n n n n n n n n n

Plant operator MEWP operator IPAF Harness Use & Inspection UKATA Asbestos Awareness IOSH Managing Safely CIEH Fire Safety Awareness CIEH Health & Safety in the Workplace CIEH Principles of Manual Handling CIEH Principles of Risk Assessment CIEH Principles of COSHH Bespoke training designed to meet your needs

Consultancy: n n n n n

Policies & documentation Site inspections & audits Risk assessments & method statements Accident investigations & reports OHSAS18001, Safe-T-Cert, SafeContractor etc.

Email: stephen.weekes@balloohire.com

Freephone: 0800 1 970 970

08| title

Instant Walkways by Ridgeway

Product Overview For over 40 years Ridgeway’s name has been synonymous with the INSTANT alloy systems brand in Ireland. With innovative design that promotes flexible and economical working, Ridgeway and Instant offer a complete design, supply and install service for this exciting product. Instant Spandeck, is a lightweight aluminium walkway, bridging and staging system in ONE versatile unit. It has a unique reversible design which allows it to be used individually as a walkway or side by side as staging. Spandeck can be inverted and used in multiple combinations to provide decks spanning from 3.7metres or 12 feet up to 9.1metres or 30 feet and working platform areas of virtually unlimited dimensions. Completely modular and available ‘off the shelf’ as a prefabricated unit, the Spandeck walkway system provides a simple, cost-effective and safe solution for even the most bespoke access requirements.

Spandeck can also be used in conjunction with all types of scaffold towers including [with] steel and Façade scaffold systems to provide a stable, non-slip staging and bridging platform. Spandeck is today used primarily to provide both permanent and temporary walkway and platform access solutions.

Endless Applications • Maintenance walkways in pharmaceutical, food processing plants, sport arenas, retail outlets, waster water treatment plants • Catwalks or Staging units in petrochemical plants and dance floors in power generation plants • Roof & Gutter access / Edge protection in stadiums, studios, industrial plants, listed buildings, hospitals • Permanent high level access installation in TV studios, factory roofs, shopping centres, atriums, theatres and hospitals • Bridging and suspended walkway platforms in swimming pools, sport stadiums • Can be combined with multiple Instant Alloy towers and walk through frames so that large working areas can be achieved by contractors

For more information please contact :

T. 028 9045 4599

F. 028 9045 4596

E. info@ridgeway-online.com

W. www.ridgeway-online.com

title |09 professional design

supply

warranty

installation network

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

• Instant walkway is up to 30% less expensive than bespoke walkway solutions, eliminating site fabrication requirements. Thereby, reducing labour and engineering costs, resulting in large project savings.

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

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

Market & User Types

nd a ite s eb w l a c ni h c te

e n i l n o y a w e g d ri

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

ur o sit i V

eo d vi

28| health & safety

Working at height

By Stephen Weekes, Health & Safety trainer and consultant at Balloo Hire Centres

F

alls from height remain one of the biggest causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities – particularly in the construction sector where working on ladders, alloy towers, scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms (mewps) is commonplace.

Roof work in particular is high risk, and falls from roofs or through fragile roofs pose a very real threat to employees engaging in these tasks.

Work at height can be defined as work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. For example, you are working at height if you: • Are working on a ladder or a flat roof; • Could fall through a fragile surface;

• Could fall into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 sets out what is required of employers to minimise the risks posed to employees when working at height. The Regulations recommend avoiding working at height at all, if this is reasonably practical. Doing as much work as possible from the ground to reduce the time spent working at height is also recommended. However, where working at height cannot be avoided, some general principles can be applied to reduce the risk: • Assess the risk by considering who could be harmed and how. Consider existing control measures and whether any further action could be taken to reduce the risk further.

• Plan the job carefully in advance and decide on the safest way to

do it. Consider the environment, height, duration, tasks and emergency procedures.

• Select the right equipment for the job, e.g. ladders, scaffolds, mobile towers, mewps etc. and check it regularly to ensure it is working properly and is safe.

• Consider using fall-arrest equipment such as harnesses or temporary decks to minimise the distance someone could fall.

• Select the right people to do the job, i.e. people who are competent, have experience and have been trained.

• Supervise the job to ensure it is done as planned.

As part of the government’s Red Tape Challenge, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently overhauled its working at height guidance with a view to making it simpler to understand what should

and should not be done when working at height. Key changes included: • Simple advice on the do’s and don’ts when working at height.

• Targeted and relevant advice for employers in different business sectors.

• Advice for employees about their own responsibilities for working safely.

• Putting right some of the misunderstandings and myths about working at height.

The result is a useful collection of advice, documents, FAQs and a handy step-by-step guide to help employers and employees understand what they must do to work safely at height. All of these resources, including the updated guidance leaflet INDG401(rev2), can be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/ work-at-height/index.htm

30| health & safety

Welfare vans now available from KDM

K

Cabin, a division of KDM Hire, the innovative Cookstown-based rental company, has just launched the latest concept in site welfare facilities to the Northern Ireland market.

These new Welfare vans come complete with canteen, toilet and seating for eight personnel. The welfare van offers the ability to transport staff to and from site while providing all the statutory welfare amenities required for staff working on remote, temporary or transient sites. These fully compliant vehicles are the perfect solution when you require welfare facilities for highway maintenance, utilities work, green field or remote sites.

The welfare van provides seating with three point seat belts for up

to eight people, a dedicated canteen area with microwave, sink and water boiler plus a fully flushing WC in a private toilet area. The unit also boasts a drying area, a full size sink with hot and cold running water plus adequate storage space for hand tools and equipment.

Welfare vans are based on a long wheel base, high roof 125 PS Ford Transit. To ensure user’s comfort and flexibility all vans are fitted with reverse alarms, full central locking and tow bars.

K Cabin has introduced the Welfare vans to complement their existing welfare products which include mobile towable units and static units. Sales manager David Burns commented: “Our existing range of welfare products offer an easy solution to health and safety compliance with the vans adding an extra element of flexibility for the customer.” All Welfare products are available for short or long term hire periods.

Features and specification: 1. Overhead cab locker 2. Fully compliant crash tested seating 3. Fold up seat 4. Canteen table 5. Sliding windows 6. First aid kit 7. Microwave and water boiler 8. Sink and worktop

TOILET AND REAR AREA: 9. Electric flush toilet 10. Full size sink with hot and cold water 11. Clothes drying area 12. Multi tool holder 13. Hand rail with modesty panel 14. Heavy duty rear step

OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE: • Soap and towel dispensers • Fire extinguisher • Tie down points • Roof ventilation • Storage shelves • Tow bar • Rear parking sensors • Rear chapter 8 chevron markings

THE WELFARE HIRE SPECIALISTS

8 Man Welfare Van with Canteen and Toilet Welfare facilities and mobility; all in one

6 - 10 Man Road Towable Mobile Welfare Units Mobile facilities with added security & comfort

6 -10 Man Self-contained Welfare Site Cabin Instant site set-up, ready for work

Call today for more information or an onsite demonstration a division of

0724 KDM Welfare Advert Specify Trim.indd 1

27/02/2014 17:14

32| health & safety

“Asbestos” Andrew Tollerton, Health & Safety Consultant at Willis Insurance and Risk Management, looks in detail at the “hidden killer”

T

he HSE is currently running ‘The Hidden Killer’ Campaign to make all duty holders aware of their obligations regarding asbestos. To assist with this they have implemented an online interactive step by step guide which is highly recommended by Willis IRM. “Always a huge challenge for the insurance industry, asbestos is a focus area for our recently established Consultancy Division, working closely with our colleagues in the insurance broking side of the business to ensure our clients are kept fully informed.”

What is asbestos?

Wikipedia describes Asbestos as ‘a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their “eponymous asbestiform habit :- long (roughly 1:20 aspect ratio), thin fibrous crystals’.

The HSE defines Asbestos as, ‘Any mixture which contains one or more of fibrous silicates at more than trace amounts as defined in HSG248 Asbestos.

Most people describe asbestos as a dust which causes lung cancer.

Three main types of asbestos were commonly used as follows: (a) crocidolite (commonly known as blue asbestos); (b) amosite (commonly known as brown asbestos); and (c) chrysotile (commonly known as white asbestos).

If it can be determined that debris contains raw asbestos, asbestos insulation, asbestos coating or asbestos insulating board and even though it may not be fulfilling its original purpose, i.e. the asbestos materials may no longer be coating or insulating anything, a licensed asbestos contractor will be required.

Asbestos kills more people than any other single work-related illness. The diseases can take from 15-60 years to develop - so the person who has breathed in the fibres will not be immediately aware of any change in their health.

There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:-

Where is asbestos?

• mesothelioma (which is always fatal) • lung cancer (almost always fatal) • asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be lung scarring and very debilitating) • diffuse pleural thickening (not fatal)

Asbestos was extensively used as a building material in the UK from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Any building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc) can contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when materials are damaged.

If your premises were constructed before 2000 you are required to undertake a survey of the premises, identify any asbestos and record your findings. If you are unsure of what asbestos looks like, you are best to have a specialist survey your premises for you. You should also ask for a detailed report of their findings.

What can asbestos do to you?

The HSE (UK) reports asbestosrelated diseases as being responsible for more than 4000 deaths a year in the UK with the number increasing.

Asbestos related diseases won’t affect immediately but later on in life, so there is a need for you to protect now to prevent contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future. People who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos fibres are at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer.

It has been identified that those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos are those who work as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, etc.

What must you do about asbestos?

In many cases, the duty holder is the person or organisation that has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises through an explicit agreement such as a tenancy agreement or contract. Owners and occupiers of non-domestic premises, who have maintenance and repair responsibilities for those premises, have a duty to assess them for the presence of asbestos and the condition of that asbestos. Where asbestos is present the duty holder must ensure that :• the risk from the asbestos is assessed, • a written plan identifying where

that asbestos is located is prepared and • measures to manage the risk from the asbestos are set out in that plan and are implemented.

Other parties have a legal duty to co-operate with the duty holder.

These are key to any defence in litigation Once you become aware of Asbestos on your premises/site you must inform the local authority that asbestos is present and you must clearly mark all asbestos containing material It is advised that Asbestos which is in good condition should be left undisturbed.

Where work with asbestos needs to be carried out ( including work on asbestos coating, lagging or insulation and asbestos insulating board (AIB) or where the risk assessment demonstrates that the fibre release will be high, e.g. the material is badly damaged, or the work is not short duration, work should be carried out by a licensed contractor.

For more information on Asbestos see the HSE website - www.HSE. gov.uk/asbestos or contact Andrew Tollerton on 028 9089 5933.

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

Tel: 028 9032 9042

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

health & safety |33

FREE and CONFIDENTIAL Health and H Safety Advice

ealth and Safety Works NI (HSWNI), the small business advisory service of the Health and Safety Executive NI, has a team of advisers who can support businesses across Northern Ireland in managing their health and safety. The service includes providing advice on how to write health and safety policies, complete risk assessments and draw up method statements. Simple, sector specific information, templates and worked examples are available to download at any time from the HSWNI website, along with details of upcoming events and workshops.

Advisers can also visit you to discuss the specific health and safety issues that relate to your business and offer guidance on how to eliminate or control the hazards.

Following a visit, you will receive a written report which provides an invaluable starting point for managing health and safety or a copy of our construction pack.

There is also the option to arrange a follow-up visit to discuss your progress and seek further assistance, if necessary.

Health and safety workshops for small construction firms HSWNI plan to hold a number of workshops in Armagh, Belfast and Down. The workshops will explain how to prepare a method statement and a construction health and safety plan.

Templates and worked examples will be provided and delegates will have an opportunity to write a method statement for themselves. There will also be the opportunity to view the new construction pack which is specifically tailored to the needs of the smaller contractor. Health and safety advisers will also be available on the day to answer any queries you may have and offer some practical advice.

The workshops are aimed at owners or safety officers of small construction companies and are free to attend. Contact us to register your interest or check our website, www. heathandsafetyworksni.gov.uk for details.

For more information please: Phone: 0300 020 0030 (local rate) Email: hswni@detini.gov.uk or Visit the website: www. healthandsafetyworksni.gov.uk

34| health & safety

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

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

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

powered access equipment provides high-level access for indoor or outdoor maintenance and construction work.

Boom lifts are highly manoeuvrable for work up to 12 metres. Scissor platforms provide a larger work platform with models for use on rough terrain.

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

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

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

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

Training

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

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

Specialist Divisions

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

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

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

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

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

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES

Free standing guardrail systems

Fall arrest safety netting

‘PPE and fall arrest equipment available from our online store’

‘Authorised installers of Kingspan fall arrest systems’

"ProNet's number one priority for all our clients is Prevention by Protection"

Soll pivot lock vertical ladder systems

The latest structural metal decking systems

• • • •

• • • • • • •

Safety Nets Rope Access Guardrail Systems Temporary Guardrail Systems Cable Systems Mobile Anchors Eye Bolts Demarcation Annual System Re Test Grp Systems Ladder Systems

• •

•

• • • •

•

Platforms And Walkways High Level Building Maintenance PPE And Lifting Equipment Equipment Training Bird Netting Rail Systems Architectural Stainless Fabrication Supply and Installation of Structural Metal Decking

Permanent guardrail systems

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

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

PENSIONS AUTO-ENROLMENT – ACT NOW ON YOUR STAGING DATE

RESULTS OF THE STATE OF TRADE SURVEY Q4 2013 The results of the State of Trade Survey Q4 2013 provide the strongest indication yet that the local construction industry is firmly on the road to recovery.

The previously reported pick-up in output in the second half of 2013 is reflected in the survey results which show that

by Q4 2013 42% of companies were operating at full or almost full capacity.

Almost half of respondents expect their workload to be higher in 2014 compared to 2013, with only 20% expecting it to be lower. This is the most positive outlook reported by the industry since 2006.

However, it must be recognised that the anticipated growth over the next 12 months is coming from a very low base.

However it is clear that the larger companies are still heavily reliant on work outside Northern Ireland to maintain their businesses. Approximately 60% of the turnover of the top 20 locally based contractors was generated in Great Britain in Q4 2013. For the top five contractors this figure is closer to 90%.

The full results of the State of Trade Survey up to Q4 2013 are available in the statistics section of the CEF website http://www.cefni.co.uk.

P

ensions Auto-enrolment legislation requiring employers to contribute to employees’ pensions has been in place since October

2012.

In hindsight those companies who have already complied feel they should have spent more time planning the process. The Pension Regulator is advising employers to begin preparing at least six months in advance of their staging date.

Companies employing between 500 and 60 people will have to comply by the end of this year. Those with fewer employees will have staging dates through to 2017.

As part of its commitment to ensure that all member companies are prepared for the legislative changes, CEF issued a Staging Date Survey in March 2014. The results of the survey will identify which companies are required to comply and when, enabling CEF to lend support where required. If you have not received a copy of the survey, contact the pensions team on 028 9087 7153 or by email at info@enhancepensionscheme.co.uk.

Companies are advised to ensure they comply with the legislation as those in breach of statutory requirements face a range of sanctions. The Pensions Regulator will impose fines for non-compliance which include an initial fixed penalty notice of £400, with daily fines of £50 to £10,000.

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.

If you have not been advised of your staging date as yet, you can find out on by using the staging date tool on the Pensions Regulator website at www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. You will need your PAYE reference number(s).

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.

• Employee information leaflets.

• Workplace posters.

• On line access for employers.

The team is on hand to help you comply with the legislation. To sign up to the FREE Autoenrolment Delivery Programme contact Iain Ferguson at iferguson@enhancepensionscheme. co.uk or on 028 9087 7153.

“Companies employing between 500 and 60 people will have to comply by the end of this year.”

CEF URGES FIRST AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTERS TO PUBLISH BMAP

T

he Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan MLA advised CEF that the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) has been referred to the NI Executive for approval as it is considered to be a cross cutting policy document.

This has caused further delay to the publication of BMAP and in the current political climate it is not known when the Executive will consider BMAP.

In light of this, CEF has written to the First and Deputy First Ministers to point out that further delay in the publication of BMAP will put significant investment decisions at risk and this will have a detrimental effect on the local economy as a whole.

CEF pointed out that BMAP was drawn up under the aegis of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS), which is the over-arching cross cutting policy document

for the spatial development of Northern Ireland. As the Executive has already approved the RDS, then by implication BMAP’s cross cutting dimension has also already been approved because the Department for Regional Development has already confirmed that it is in conformity with the RDS. CEF has urged the First and Deputy First Ministers to put this matter before the Executive as an urgent priority.

CONSTRUCTION BOUNCING BACK

PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH COMMITTEE FOR FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

T

he Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin for the third quarter of 2014. The key findings of the survey are: • The total volume of construction output in Northern Ireland in the Q3 2013 increased by 2.4% compared to Q2 2013 but was 2.6% lower compared to the same quarter in 2012.

• New Work increased by 4.7% but Infrastructure decreased by 6.2%.

• In Q3 2013, Great Britain experienced a second successive quarter of positive growth with overall construction output increasing by 2.7% compared to the previous quarter.

• In Q3 2013, construction output in Northern Ireland was 62% of the average output reported for 2005. In the same quarter, overall construction output in Great Britain was at 92% of the average output for 2005.

Responding to the figures, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “The 2.4% increase in construction output in the third quarter of 2013 is very much in line with what we were expecting and is great news for construction and the wider economy. Since the start of last summer there has been a tentative wave of positivity in the industry. It is reassuring that today’s official figures back up that sentiment.”

“After five torrid years, today’s figures provide the strongest sign yet that the decline in construction output in Northern Ireland has finally come to an end. We will need a few more quarters of growth to say that for certain but with encouraging reports already in for the final quarter of 2013 and positive soundings on workload in 2014, it is fair to say that construction is bouncing back. Of course with output having fallen so far we have a long journey back to normal levels of activity.”

“Delivery of public capital construction projects like schools, hospitals, stadiums, social housing, roads and water infrastructure, will be key to supporting the economic recovery in 2014. The Chancellor has consistently boosted capital investment in recent years and Northern Ireland is benefiting as a result. There is over £1.5bn of capital funding available to the Northern Ireland Executive in 2014-15. The challenge for our ministers is to ensure that these projects get started on the ground without delay and the money is spent.”

“Private house building will also play its part in driving economic growth this year. The local housing market is slowly warming up and we are hopeful that the introduction of the Help to Buy scheme will accelerate the recovery.”

CEF FOCUSES ON STOPPING THE MISUSE OF NEC Z CLAUSES In February 2014 the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) held the first meeting of an NEC Z Clauses Working Group which has been tasked with bringing forward proposals to the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) on the use of NEC Z clauses in public sector construction contracts.

The Federation established the Working Group as a result of the increasing misuse of NEC Z Clauses by public sector clients. In particular there has been an increase over the last year of clients and consultants unreasonably transferring risk to contractors, refusing to stand over works information and unreasonably removing compensation events.

The Working Group consists of members of the CEF Social Housing, General Contracting and Civil Engineering Committees. The Group’s initial report was submitted to CPD at the end of February 2014.

From left to right: Leslie Cree (UUP), Daithi McKay (Sinn Fein) Committee Chair, John Armstrong (CEF), Ciarán Fox (CEF), John McCallister (NI21) and Paul Girvan (DUP).

A

t the beginning of February 2014 the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) hosted a meeting of the Assembly’s Committee for Finance and Personnel. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including the lack of information on the pipeline of projects, payment practices and social clauses.

The Committee members took great interest in the issues raised by the Federation and requested further engagement.

The Federation has prepared a follow-on paper to assist the Committee as it develops its programme of work for 2014 and is meeting the Committee again in March 2014. The Federation’s submission to the Finance Committee can be viewed at www.cefni.co.uk.

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BUSINESS TRUST

T

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended a meeting of the Assembly Business Trust in February 2014 at which the Mark H Durkan, Minister for the Environment, presented his plans for planning policy reform. The Minister’s presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

The Federation pressed the Minister for an update on why the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) had not yet been adopted. The Minister gave an assurance that he was doing all within his power to get the Executive to approve BMAP. He confirmed that the issue is on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting of the Executive.

The Federation sought clarification on the Minister’s recent commitments regarding the performance of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) regarding its role as a consultee in the planning process. The Minister confirmed that the ‘backlog blitz’ he had referred to would see the backlog of consultations dealt with by May 2014. He also revealed that no set timescale for future consultation responses has yet been set and he invited the industry to come forward with a proposal for a specific timebound consultation process.

The Federation also asked the Minister what he was doing to facilitate development particularly where previously out-dated Article 40 agreements were the only obstacle standing in the way of development.

The Minister confirmed that he has instructed his legal team to find a way to find a way to allow him to unblock the current logjam that has been created by a number of out-dated Article 40 agreements and confirmed he was particularly aware of the problems caused by this issue in Derry City.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

CEF STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended an Infrastructure Investment Seminar at the Titanic Building, Belfast in January 2014. Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA and Lord Deighton, the UK government’s ‘infrastructure minister’ spoke at the seminar of the important role that collaboration between the public sector and the private sector can play in delivering first class infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “High quality infrastructure is the foundation on which an economy grows – that is accepted by economists around the world. Putting the necessary infrastructure in place requires substantial investment but it more than pays for itself.

“Infrastructure investment provides a tangible boost during construction as every £1 invested generates £2.84 in the wider economy. However, it is the lower energy costs and the improved transport, communications and water networks that deliver the long term economic growth.”

“The great challenge for Northern Ireland is finding a way of delivering a step change in our infrastructure that makes Northern Ireland a more attractive place to do business.”

CEF CHAIRS NEW HOUSING SUPPLY FORUM

A

t the end of January 2014 Housing Minister Nelson McCausland launched a new Housing Supply Forum which will play a key role in helping find solutions to increase the level of house building in Northern Ireland.

The Forum, chaired by John Armstrong, Managing Director, Construction Employers Federation (CEF) will include representatives from the private, public and charitable sectors who have a diverse range of knowledge on the operation of the Northern Ireland housing market.

Opening the first meeting of the new Housing Supply Forum, Minister McCausland said: “Addressing shortfalls in housing supply is a priority for me and my department.

This will also have the benefit of aiding economic recovery and stability in the housing market in the medium and longer term.

“The Forum will play a key role in identifying ways of improving housing supply, especially in the private sector. Forum members have a vast breadth of knowledge and are highly respected across a wide range of sectors and I am grateful for their time. I am confident that they will recommend viable solutions that can make a real difference.”

“I have tasked the forum to report back to me within a year but if the members have ideas which can be

taken forward sooner than this then I am keen to hear them.”

John Armstrong, Chairman of the Forum said: “The Forum provides a unique opportunity to develop innovative ways to ensure that housing supply in Northern Ireland is increased in a sustainable way to meet the needs of all our citizens. I will be ensuring that CEF members have ample opportunity to input their views and contribute to the work of this Forum.”

NVIR-O-CERT BOOSTED

BY SUPPORT FROM STEM PROJECT

C

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

NVIR-O-CERT provides a route for smaller construction companies to achieve environmental accreditation whilst helping larger companies to distinguish themselves as environmental leaders. The scheme aims to keep paperwork to a minimum and instead focuses on putting good environmental performance in to practice.

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the John Armstrong (CEF, Managing Director), Richard Robinson (Quality & Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: Environment Manager, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd), Martina McNulty (Group Chief Environmental Health Officer, Southern Group Environmental Health “We are delighted to be working in partnership Committee) Anne Mason (Project Management Officer, Southern Group with STEM to help reduce the barriers that have Environmental Health Committee) and Eileen Campbell (Business Support Manager, Southern Group Environmental Health Committee). prevented companies taking the step to improve their environmental and business performance. Clients are increasingly expecting main contractors and their supply chain to have an accredited environmental management system and NVIR-O-CERT has been designed by the industry to meet the needs of the industry.”

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

The STEM Project is part financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IV, a Cross Border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The package of support which is available from STEM for £200 +VAT includes up to five days site specific support, the assistance of the STEM Team to oversee and project manage your certification to NVIROCERT and confidential guidance on tailoring the CEF Environmental Law Register to meet your specific business needs.

Companies can sign up today by contacting Anne or Adele at the STEM Project on 028 3751 5810.

Courses & seminars programme MARCH 2014 - JUNE 2014 Topic

Date(s)

Duration

Spill Kit Training

2 April

2 hrs

Get Ready for Changes to ISO14001

14 May

2 hrs

Quality Submissions – Substance & Style

3 April

½ day

An Introduction to Effective Strategic Marketing

3 April

½ day

An Overview of NEC3 Compensation Events

15 April

2 hrs

NEC3: A User’s Guide

28 May

1 day

A Practical Introduction to the NEC3 Short Contract

29 May

1 day

NEC3 Compensation Events – Advanced Course

18 June

1 day

NEC3 for Estimators

19 June

1 day

20 March

2 hrs

Health & Safety Legal Update

7 May

2 hrs

Risk Assessments and Method Statements

21 May

4 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

21 March

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

10 April

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

11 April

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

1 & 8 May

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

9 May

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

23 May

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

13 June

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

20 June

½ day

Environmental Sustainability

Winning Work

Back row: David Little (NHBC); Nigel Lucas (CEF) and Noel Young (CEF). Front row: Anne Brown (Law Society); Danny Kennedy (Minister for Regional Development) and Brian Speers (Law Society).

CEF MEETS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER TO DISCUSS UNADOPTED ROADS

T

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met in January 2014 with the Regional Development Minister as part of a Roads Symposium to discuss progress on the recommendations from the Regional Development Committee’s report into Unadopted Roads.

At this meeting the Minister reconfirmed that despite the recommendation from the Regional Development Committee that an inflation adjustment should be applied to all road bonds he would not be progressing this proposal. The Minister did indicate however that he was still considering whether the amount required for road bonds was adequate. If it was decided that the quantum of the bond is to be increased the industry would be given advance notice of this change in policy.

With regard to the issue of Enforcement Notices in relation to unfinished roads, the Symposium members urged the Minister to give NHBC or other warranty providers sufficient time to complete outstanding works themselves on any site where the developer has gone into liquidation rather than the Department engaging a contractor directly to complete the works.

The Minister was advised that the Symposium members were still in discussion with stakeholders about an updated Property Certificate that would indicate clearly what infrastructure and services were available and how these had been tested and approved for individual houses.

The Minister was also advised that there were still outstanding issues to be resolved between CEF and NI Water on the calculation of the amount of bond required for sewers and drains. CEF will hold separate talks with the Minister’s political advisor to see if progress can be made on this matter.

It was agreed that the Symposium members would meet with the Minister again in three months to review progress on all outstanding matters.

In Contract

Employment Law Employment Overview – The Essentials

Health & Safety

Health & Safety (CSR courses)

• 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

The Construction Excellence Awards 2014 Housing Greenfield Housing Award Brownfield Housing Award Social Housing Award

Infrastructure Health Infrastructure Award Education Infrastructure Award Transport Infrastructure Award Utilities Infrastructure Award

General Construction Commercial Construction Award Restoration Award Social/Community Construction Award

Quality Performance Training Award Exporting Award Health & Safety Award Environmental Sustainability Award

Get ready to put your best foot forward...

Call for Entries April 2014 PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

digest

|41

Visit to O’Hare & McGovern construction site O’Hare & McGovern, one of the few Chartered Building Companies in Northern Ireland, recently welcomed the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)’s Novus division to visit the £32m Centre for Experimental Medicine (CEM) currently under construction for Queens University in Belfast.

Led by the Site Manager Seanie O’Hare and Design Manager Eamon Laverty, a full tour of the site was conducted for the visitors followed by a question and answer session. Aspects covered during the tour included: • How Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being used to streamline the construction process.

• How new construction methods are being used to improve the mechanical and electrical installation.

• Compliance with health & safety, quality and environmental management standards.

• Design and buildability challenges to achieve the required Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREAMM) rating.

Thirteen construction students from South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Bangor campus were part of the group. David Larkham, Lecturer from SERC commented on the tour: “The students got the opportunity to see how the construction technology principles they have been introduced to in their studies are applied on a real life project. The visit to such a professionally organised site is of tremendous benefit to the students in their career development.”

Gerard Graham from the CIOB added: “The tour provided by O’Hare & McGovern was first class. From the restricted access for site vehicles, to the requirement to carefully manage dust, noise and vibration as the site is adjacent to a major hospital, we got a full overview of the challenges being carefully managed on a daily basis. We very much appreciate O’Hare & McGovern taking the time to facilitate the visit.”

O’Hare & McGovern considered this visit as another opportunity to promote their Continual Personal Development policy and would encourage all CIOB Novus division members to avail of similar opportunities.

digest

42|

£29.5m extension of Belfast Waterfront to get underway this summer Funding for the £29.5m extension of Belfast Waterfront was confirmed last month as plans for the new conference and exhibition facility were unveiled.

The scheme is expected to get underway by the summer and the target is to complete construction work by December 2015, with the extension fully operational by the following summer.

Belfast City Council had already committed £11m to the project as part of its £150m investment programme and Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster announced that she had approved funding of £18.5m.

A significant part of that funding – £14.5m – comes from the European Regional Development Fund, under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, and administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, which is also providing funding of £4m.

The extended building will stretch out to the edge of the River Lagan and provide an additional 4,000 square metres of conference, exhibition and banqueting space for an extra 750 delegates, including five new breakout rooms, each catering for up to 200 people.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “This is great news for both tourism and

the economy, following on the heels of the newly opened Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. It will also provide employment opportunities with up to 400 construction jobs created during the building phase and the contract will include social clauses to provide placement opportunities for the unemployed, apprentices, students and trainees.”

Alderman Gavin Robinson, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, which is responsible for delivering the Investment Programme, said: “Business tourism is recognised as being a significant growth area for Belfast during the next ten years and we believe the new facilities will enable the Waterfront to attract 50,000 conference delegates to Belfast every year – twice the current rate.

“It is estimated that the expansion will generate an additional £39m income for the city every year and create around 370 new jobs. We are confident that as a result of the announcement today, we will quickly see the commercial benefits and in the very near future we hope to be in a position to show some early return on this investment in the form of major conferences and events being confirmed as a result of today’s announcement.”

Alderman Robinson said that the Belfast Waterfront was the jewel in the crown of the council’s investment

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Alderman Gavin Robinson, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster are pictured at the announcement of the £29.5m extension of Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

package which had already yielded £48m of investment during the past two years in terms of projects either underway or completed – including Mary Peter Track, Dunville and Woodvale Park, several local community schemes and the recently opened Visit Belfast centre.

He said: “Our aim was to make a significant contribution to the economic recovery through major developments and smaller community projects – through our Local Investment Fund – and provide much needed facilities and job opportunities right across the city.

“The initiative has the support of all six parties in the council and as well as physical investment has provided over 430 job opportunities in two years – doubling our target of 200 – and offered over 400 placements for students, disabled people and long term unemployed.

“But it is this development at the Belfast Waterfront that will excite our citizens and visitors alike. The venue is already one of the top venues in the world and will further enhance its iconic status as a symbol of the new, prosperous Belfast we are all striving to create.”

Gold Investors in People award for Lagan Construction

Pictured with the Employment & Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry are Tracey McCabe and Colin Loughran from Lagan Construction Group.

Lagan Construction Group which employs 439 people was among twenty two businesses from across Northern Ireland celebrating additional accreditation at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels against the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) framework.

Employment & Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry offered his congratulations to the organisations receiving their awards at a celebration event held in Belfast Castle.

Minister Farry said: “This is a special occasion as it celebrates Northern Ireland’s businesses going above and beyond excellence, through Investors in People. We know that organisations that invest in their people are much more likely to survive the challenging economic climate and times of change. It is commendable that those organisations achieving additional IiP accreditation, at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels, have demonstrated a clear commitment to continuing to invest in their people – and are indeed seeing the business benefits of doing so.”

“The only thing that differentiates an organisation is its people. Businesses are facing the same challenges. What gives your business the edge is your people. Your people, their skills, and how you manage them, is what will transform your business performance.”

JOIN US AT THE TITANIC MUSEUM, BELFAST

FREE 1/2 DAY GROUND ENGINEERING SEMINAR Date: Tuesday 13 May 2014 Time: Reception open from 8 am, Seminar commences at 8.55 am with complimentary lunch at 1.15pm Venue: Titanic Museum, 1 Olympic Way, Belfast BT3 9EP

Free Registration at www.geotex.uk.com Geotex F-P page2 Specify March 2014.indd 1

Geotex will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in Construction’s Ground Engineering Sector Topics include: Ground Improvement Techniques, Foundation Support Systems, Earth Retaining Solutions and Soil Stabilisation & others.

06/03/2014 10:57

44|

digest

Overclad Kalzip solution for Bolshoy Ice Dome Over 22,000 sqm of tapered Kalzip aluminium standing seam sheets were used to create the weatherproof building envelope of the spectacular 12,000 seater Bolshoy Ice Dome that was used for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games at Sochi in Russia. Designed and built by SIC Mostovik, this giant domed structure has a maximum span of 193 metres, a height of 40 metres and a total surface area of nearly 32,000 sqm.

Inspired by the iconic Fabergé egg, the innovatively designed external envelope of the Bolshoy Ice Dome can change its colour like a chameleon.

Although the Fabergé egg was the main creative criterion, the design concept of the dome also emulates a frozen water droplet.

This ever-fascinating dome gains its spectacular appearance from the shape which is formed by the Kalzip aluminium roof which is overclad with pearlcoloured aluminium composite panels studded with LED’s to produce a ‘glowing’ envelope that reflects both the environment and the continual changes of daylight.

Bolshoy Ice Dome’s complex 3-dimensional roof structure consists of multiple layers; firstly a sub-construction of perforated steel trapezoidal decking sheets mounted on steel girders. This was topped with a Kalzip VCL, two layers of Kalzip compressible mineral wool insulation and a tubular substructure of Kalzip Flexicon RR 80 onto which the Kalzip roofing sheets were affixed.

Employing this type of construction technique means that an infinite variety

of creative design options are available to architects by using the Kalzip standing seam system to insulate and weatherproof the building envelope and carry virtually any type of rainscreen overcladding as an aesthetic façade.

For more details about the Kalzip standing seam roofing system, please visit: www.kalzip.com.

Railway preservation project started at Whitehead Antrim Joint Council Committee Chair, and GROW South Antrim Local Action Group chair Vera McWilliam.

Also participating were Denis Grimshaw, RPSI chairman, and Pat Cleary, managing director of Cleary Contracting from Randalstown, the firm which is undertaking the constructing project.

And in attendance were David Logan from lead consultants RPS and Colin Robinson from architects Ostick & Williams.

Colin Robinson (Ostick & Williams, architects), Denis Grimshaw, RPSI chairman, Councillor Mark Cosgrove, Joint Council Committee chair of Generating Rural Opportunities Within South Antrim, Pat Cleary, managing director of Cleary Contracting, Vera McWilliam, GROW South Antrim Local Action Group chair, and David Logan from consultants RPS.

A £1m development project at the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s headquarters in Whitehead, Co. Antrim officially got under way recently.

The scheme is being sponsored by Generating Rural Opportunities Within (GROW) South Antrim, delivering funding through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (2007-2013), which is part financed by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The first sod was cut to signal the start of work on the construction element of the programme – a £486,500 contract which involves extensions to the locomotive and carriage sheds, the start of a new carriage workshop, the construction of a new coal bunker, and the building of a 30-bay car park.

The rest of the funding is going towards the already announced restoration of 1901-built Great Northern Railway (Ireland) steam engine No. 131 and a sleeping car which will be used by members.

The Society’s aim is to transform the Society’s engine sheds and workshops into a living museum and major tourist attraction where visitors can view heritage vehicles and observe restoration work in progress.

To mark the start of the construction phase, the first sod on the six-month project was cut by Councillor Mark Cosgrove, chair of the GROW South

A 23-year-old trainee project manager from Armagh has been awarded the Association for Project Management’s (APM) Best Overall Student Performance Award by its Northern Ireland Branch.

David McKinney who is employed with Henry Brothers, Magherafelt, was awarded the prize for his performance in the MSc course in Construction Business and Project Management at the University of Ulster.

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the UK and Europe’s leading professional body that provides leadership to organisations and individuals who share a passion for improving project outcomes.

Presenting the award to David at a special business lunch for corporate members at the Merchant Hotel recently is Treasurer of APM’s Northern Ireland branch Gerry Coghlan.

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

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

That’s why we can say with confidence -

Design that lasts Extensive range of washroom systems.

Outstanding quality and performance.

Exceptional service and support.

Contact us to order our new brochure.

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

46| socials

Chartered Institute of Housing celebrates 2014 award winners at Belfast City Hall

T

he outstanding contribution that housing makes to our communities was celebrated at an annual awards ceremony this week.

The Chartered Institute Housing Northern Ireland (CIH NI) Annual Housing Awards were presented on Friday 28 February at Belfast City Hall More than 250 people attended the ceremony, which was hosted by BBC’s House of the Year presenter Des Ewing and CIH NI Board Vice Chair Laura O’Dowd.

The event, now in its fifth year, was sponsored by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). It aims to showcase excellence and innovation and recognise the housing professionals and organisations who are really making a difference in their communities. Categories include landlord of the year, working together, promoting integration and housing hero.

CIH NI interim director Josie Twinning said: “The breadth and quality of this year’s entrants has once again surpassed our expectations – congratulations to everyone who has been nominated and of course to our winners. I’d also like to say thank you to our members, sponsors, supporters and judges – we couldn’t do it without you.

“These awards celebrate the fantastic work being done by housing professionals across Northern Ireland, but perhaps more importantly they also

Sonia Millar, CSM Estate Agents – Winner of the Raising Standards Award (Sponsored by Ark Housing) with her husband Michael Millar

Michael Kerrigan and Andrea Donnan Winners of the More than Bricks and Mortar Award (Sponsored by Oaklee Homes Group)

Laura O’Dowd, Deputy Chair of CIHNI Board and presenter, Ken and Barry Moore who collected the award for Housing Hero on behalf of Sandra Moore Director of the Welcome Organisation

Jenna Cosgrove, Natasha McFarlane and Stephanie Patterson of Rea Estates pictured with Laura Dillon Winner of the Undergraduate of the Year Award and her fiancée Peter McGuire

help to raise standards. The achievements of all of the shortlisted finalists and winners can inspire our industry to keep raising the bar.”

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: “My objective as the Minster responsible for housing is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access good quality housing at a reasonable cost. But housing is also about more than bricks and mortar and has an important role in building and sustaining communities. The awards tonight recognise this broader role for housing and I would like congratulate all the finalists for their innovative work.”

NIHE chief executive Dr. John McPeake added: “As a professional organisation committed to delivering quality services to our customers, the Housing Executive is delighted to be the headline sponsor of the CIH Northern Ireland Housing Awards 2014. We believe the awards highlight housing initiatives across Northern Ireland which are improving the quality of life in local communities, as well as encouraging and acknowledging the achievement of different organisations individuals in the housing sector.”

CIH NI would also like to thank the individual sponsors and supporters of the awards: Fold Housing Association, Oaklee Homes, Trinity Housing, Tughans, Clanmil Housing, Ark Housing Association, The Big Lunch, Co-ownership Housing, Ulidia Housing, Trinity Housing, Child Poverty Action Group and the Department of Social Development.

Eileen Patterson, Fold Housing Association Winners of the Excellence in Customer Service Award (Sponsored by Ulidia Housing Association) and Winners of the Chairman of the Judging Panel’s Award for their Older People’s Floating Support Service and Winners of the Rising Star Award (supported by the Department of Social Development) pictured with Charles O’Neill Chairman of the CIHNI Board.

Laura O’Dowd - Deputy Chair of CIHNI Board and presenter, Teresa McCloskey – Apex Performance & Quality Improvement Manager, Angela McIntyre & Lorraine McWilliams from the greater Shantallow Area Partnership Winners of the Working Together Award (Sponsored by Tughans) and Des Ewing, Presenter.

Laura O’Dowd - Deputy Chair of CIHNI Board and presenter, Jennifer Hawthorne, Carol McAllister and Raj Thompson from the NIHE Community Cohesion Team Winners of the Promoting Integration Award (sponsored by Clanmil Housing) and Des Ewing.

Laura O’Dowd - Deputy Chair of CIHNI Board and presenter, Teresa McCloskey – Apex Performance & Quality Improvement Manager, Angela McIntyre & Lorraine McWilliams from the greater Shantallow Area Partnership Winners of the Working Together Award (Sponsored by Tughans) and Des Ewing, Presenter.

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|47

RLSS UK launches new watersafety training partnerships for the construction industry

Employers in the construction and maintenance sectors are now being offered innovative training partnerships to safeguard employees who work in or around water.

Most people in the construction industry relate the term health and safety to hazards such as asbestos, manual handling, machinery work equipment and working at heights.

However, for projects near, on or in water, the water itself is a very real hazard – the severity of which can be overlooked or misunderstood, with fatal consequences.

Apart from the cost of human suffering, uninsurable prosecution costs under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act for work-related drownings over the past two years exceed £500,000. Additional costs include private actions, negative PR, legal and insurance costs.

These tragic events occurred despite the fact that all established health and safety laws and regulations apply as much to water-based environments and activities as they do to any other construction activity.

In fact Regulation 35 of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 deals specifically with Prevention of Drowning.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), the drowning prevention charity, now offers its flagship occupational water-safety training programme, the National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) on a licensed ‘training partnership’ agreement.

NWSMP is a suite of interlinked training awards which offers a flexible approach to water safety training.

Courses have been specifically designed to help employers protect employees working near, or close, to water.

Cliff Nelson, Course Programme

Manager at the RLSS UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the construction industry. Most of the challenges presented by construction around water can be overcome with simple, straight-forward controls, underpinned by effective waterhazard awareness – which is what NWSMP delivers.”

The NWSMP is progressive and begins with a half-day general Water Safety Awareness module and can progress, depending on the specific environment and planned work activity, through to River, Still-water,

Beach and In-water Rescue or Aquatic First Aid. Special ‘bolt-ons’ are available which include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Lifejackets.

The training is designed to make sure people who might be exposed to water-based risk have a clear understanding of the nature of that risk along with a firm grasp of simple, effective prevention and response measures.

A key issue is that, unlike in a controlled swimming pool environment, open water may be cold, murky, deep and very fast flowing. It can also be very difficult to find an exit route once submerged in it. In addition, when somebody finds themselves in water unexpectedly, their water logged clothing can hinder their movement and ability to keep their head above water.

Typically, construction workers can be wearing steel toe capped shoes and heavy PPE which adds to the risk of drowning once the water is entered.

Course attendees are awarded a certificate on completion and the employer investing in this valuable staff training is awarded a plaque, provided by the RLSS UK, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to staff development and the maintenance of a safe, working environment.

Cliff Nelson added: “Sadly, drowning remains a very real danger.

Each year 450 people lose their lives in a water related incident, many of these fatalities could be avoided with better safety precautions and knowledge of how to effectively deal with an incident when it occurs.”

The NWSMP is currently delivered at a number of training venues across the UK. The cost of individual awards range from £80 to £150, although within the partnership scheme, significant cost reductions can be achieved.

For more information on the programme, its content and the various modules available email contact RLSS UK Occupational Safety Advisor, Damian Hall, on 07855 844598, email dhall@rlss.org.uk or visit www.rlss.org.uk.

48| JMG Systems

Innovative development for landmark offices J

MG Systems are an Omagh-based Specialist Electronics Design/ Manufacturing Business. They were established in 1976 and through development and innovation have become a major local employer and distribute their products globally. JMG have extended and modified their existing buildings several times in line with their business growth and in 2010 McCarter Hamill Architects were appointed to design new offices, R&D Facilities and Production Space on their current site as their existing buildings were inadequate for their needs and could no longer be

modified for future growth.

JMG pride themselves on producing Innovative design/ manufacturing solutions in the electronics sector and wanted their building to reflect this. McCarter Hamill Architects were tasked with designing a landmark building which was to form a suitable headquarters for their strong and recognisable brand.

One of the key parameters was to ensure that the business operations could continue unhindered, and that the whole site was rationalised to allow ease of deliveries, maximise car parking and create a safe drop off zone for the onsite crèche.

The new building fulfils the client’s needs as a dynamic, attractive and innovative building. Much of the

JMG Systems |49 “THE NEW BUILDING FULFILLS THE CLIENT’S NEEDS AS A DYNAMIC, ATTRACTIVE AND INNOVATIVE BUILDING. MUCH OF THE FAÇADE IS GLASS WHILE THE MAIN ENTRANCE HAS A LIMESTONE SURROUND AND GLASS CANOPY WHICH STRONGLY MARKS THE ENTRANCE.”

façade is glass while the main entrance has a limestone surround and glass canopy which strongly marks the entrance.

The main roof is covered with standing seam aluminium and incorporates a large projecting copper dormer which forms the second floor conference room.

Panoramic views of Omagh can be enjoyed from this room. The gable is clad vertically in untreated western red cedar. The copper clad lift shaft extends above the roof line and has a mono pitch to match the main roof.

A brise soleil structure is incorporated, which provides solar shading to the first floor.

The retained stores and offices were overclad at ground level with cedar and at first floor level with fibre cement cladding. Three dormer windows project from the existing roof. The result of these facade works is a seamless junction between new and old.

The site’s surface was completely remodelled to reduce an existing

level difference. The site can now accommodate large delivery vehicles. A pedestrian crossing area for the crèche was created to provide a generous and safe environment for parents and children.

The clients were clear that energy efficiency was extremely important.

The building is very highly insulated and lit by contemporary energy efficient light fittings. It is heated and cooled with air conditioning and has a heat recovery ventilation system installed.

The private offices are enclosed using a frameless glass partition system which echos the exterior curtain walling and creates a private environment for the JMG management. All interior finishes and colours were specified by the architect. This has resulted in a contemporary, warm and comfortable internal working environment which the architects hope will encourage and motivate JMG Systems staff to continue their innovative work and success.

The design team comprised:

Architects: McCarter Hamill Architects LLP CDM Coordinator:

McWilliams & Co. Chartered Surveyors

Structural Engineer:

McWilliams & Co. Chartered Surveyors

M&E Consultant:

TGM Consulting (Building Services) Ltd

The main contractor was Brendan Loughran and Sons.

The detailed brief building provided a challenge both for the design and construction teams, however with good teamwork and trusting clients it has resulted in a creation of a landmark building and a very satisfied client.

50| LCV motoring

In Transit

T

he launch of a new Ford Transit van is an important occasion.

The UK’s best selling van for the past forty years sets the standards for other vans to match and it’s big business – there are more Transits sold every year than 3 Series BMWs. Available next month, the allnew Transit commercial vehicle will provide businesses with best-in-class cost-of-ownership and load carrying capability.

The all-new Transit two-tonne model – available from £20,795 – offers customers significantly reduced maintenance and repair costs, exceptional durability, increased cargo volumes, and smart loadspace features, as well as best-in-class fuel efficiency with the extended choice of Transit ECOnetic models.

The new model is part of an unprecedented 24-month renewal of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle range for Europe, and comes to market alongside International Van of the Year winners for 2013 and 2014, the Transit Custom (one-tonne model) and Transit Connect, with a new Courier also to be launched next year.

The Transit ECOnetic models deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions from 169g/km (with 62mph fixed speed limiter), equivalent to combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg. Compared to the outgoing Transit, fuel consumption has been

improved by a further six per cent.

Powered by a 125PS 2.2litre Duratorq TDCi diesel from Dagenham, equipped with AutoStart-Stop and Ford’s innovative Acceleration Control feature, the Transit ECOnetic range now extends to six different van models with gross vehicle mass (GVMs) of up to 3.5 tonnes.

The standard Transit powertrain features the fuel-efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine with a choice of three power ratings (100PS, 125PS, 155PS) and a 6-speed manual transmission; customers also have the option of 125PS and 155PS HDT6 engines which meet the Euro HDT VI emission standards.

Available in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, the new van also offers extended 2 year/30,000 miles service intervals, with the time required for scheduled maintenance over 90,000 miles cut from 5.4 to 4.2 hours over the outgoing model.

Ford analysis of a basket of 23 repair items shows that the new model is class-leading for nonscheduled maintenance times; for example, the labour required for a rear brake disc repair has been cut from 2.6 to 1.3 hours. Expensive fuelling errors are avoided by the unique, standard-fit, Ford Easy Fuel system.

The new generation model has been engineered to deliver outstanding durability. Its immensely strong body construction features

By Pat Burns

high-strength and ultra-highstrength boron steels, and offers a comprehensive 12 year antiperforation warranty.

The new model also offers increased cargo capacity of up to 11 per cent more than the outgoing model and a range of innovative loadspace features for easier and more secure load carrying.

The purposeful, modern exterior design of the van conceals a load area which can accommodate key standard-length items including pipes or building boards, and which has more vertical side walls and larger, more practical door openings. The side load doors now have a classleading opening width of 1,300mm for easier loading and unloading with forklift trucks.

Smart new features now include an integrated high-grip rear bumper step; Easy to Clean Load Floor; and DIN/ISO compliant side-wall mounted tie-down points.

Inside, the cabin is significantly more spacious than the outgoing

model, with increased shoulder room, head clearance and visibility, and a more comfortable driving position with a steering column fully-adjustable for rake and reach.

An all-new interior, with a stylish new instrument panel, incorporates a range of smart stowage solutions including a full-width overhead shelf and a large hidden compartment under the dual passenger seat. A 230V power socket can be used to charge tools or laptops without the need for special adaptors.

Ford engineers have tuned the vehicle to deliver class-leading driving dynamics, with more confident, car-like handling in both city and motorway driving. The cab is significantly more refined, with reduced noise levels and improved ride comfort.

Ford has set a high standard with its new Transit and with new vans coming from Volkswagen, Vauxhall and Renault over the next few months the developments in the LCV market will be worth watching.

digest

First-time buyer lending in Northern Ireland up 29% The number of loans advanced to first-time buyers in Northern Ireland grew to its highest level since mid2007 in the fourth quarter of 2013. The data released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders shows there has been an increase in lending to firsttime buyers, home movers and remortgagors that has continued the upward trend in Northern Ireland over the last three quarterly periods.

The total number of loans advanced for house purchase in Northern Ireland was 2,900 loans in the fourth quarter of 2013, up 7% compared to the third quarter and up 21% compared to the fourth quarter 2012. These loans were worth £270m, up 13% compared to the third quarter and a year-on-year quarterly increase of 29%.

Overall in 2013, the total number of loans for house purchase in Northern Ireland was 9,900, up 11% compared to 2012. The value of these loans was £880m, up 10% compared to 2012.

Despite the increase in lending, home movers in Northern Ireland still only accounted for 38% of the house purchase market in quarter four 2013 which is lower than the 55% UK average.

Overall in 2013, the total number of loans advanced to home movers in Northern Ireland was 3,900, which was up 3% compared to 2012. The total value of these loans was £430m, up 8% compared to 2012.

Remortgage lending picked up in the fourth quarter of 2013 in Northern Ireland with £120m advanced to borrowers, up 9% compared to the third quarter of the year and the fourth quarter 2012. The total number of loans for remortgage in Northern Ireland was 1,300, up 8% compared to both the third quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012.

Overall in 2013, the total number of loans advanced for remortgage in 2013 was 4,600, which was down 10% compared to 2012. The value of these loans totalled £420m, which again was a decrease of 11%.

|51

digest

52|

Foster: Renewables can boost local economic devlopment Enterprise and Energy, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the role social enterprises can play in creating prosperity through renewable energy generation.

The Minister was speaking as she opened the Social Enterprise and Community Renewable Energy (SECRE) Conference, hosted by the University of Ulster and Action Renewables and themed ‘Promoting Renewable Energy in Local Communities’.

Arlene Foster said: “The social economy sector has an important role to play in rebuilding and rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy by creating and sustaining new employment opportunities.

“As we continue to progress towards our target of 40% renewable energy by 2020, the issue of community benefit and engagement from such projects is becoming increasingly important. Working together, project developers and local communities can ensure that the potential of this emerging sector is maximised for the good of all.”

Stressing that opportunities in the renewable energy sector are available to individuals and organisations of all sizes, the Minister continued: “Renewable energy is not the sole preserve of large developers. There are already countless numbers of individuals, small businesses, farms and even schools that have installed renewables. I hope that communities and social enterprises can take advantage of the information and resources available through the SECRE project and reap the economic, social and environmental rewards.”

Thefts from vans averaged £5091 in 2013 Specialist insurer for the building trades, ECIC, is urging contractors and tradespeople to step up security to protect their tools, plant equipment and personal technology from the risk of theft. In the past year ECIC has seen the value of claims for theft of tools from contract sites and vans rise from £2,865 on average per claim to £5,091. The highest value claim was an eye watering £83,500 for electrical cabling and copper piping from a site in Kidderminster. However the most common thefts are from vans parked in hotel car parks and B&Bs as tradespeople, on short term contracts, board away from home.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has addressed the Social Enterprises and Community Renewable Energy (SECRE) Conference. Pictured with the Minister are (l-r) Dr Sharon Loane, University of Ulster; Ville Kuittinen, Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Mick O’Reilly, Action Renewables.

The SECRE Group has partners from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The conference highlighted the completion of its research

project over the last three years with the launch of CommonPower, a renewable energy consultancy service to support social enterprises to apply renewable energy solutions to local economic development.

Construction recession ends for Professional Concrete Pumping The recent recession in the construction industry, which took a heavy and sometimes fatal toll on longstanding household names, has ended for Pochins Concrete Pumping (now Professional Concrete Pumping), which was forced into a distressed sale in July 2012.

The dramatic turnaround of the company and the construction sector in the last 18 months, and the vision and confidence of investors in Professional, has resulted in unprecedented investment and growth plans for 2014.

The rebranded company, still the largest and only national concrete pumping company in the UK, will increase the size of its mobile fleet by a staggering 25%+ by August 2014. In addition, its ambitious £5.2 million plant growth strategy

will also more than quadruple its capacity in the static and placing boom market which saw exceptional UK demand outstripping supply during 2013.

The recent Concrete Show witnessed the unveiling of

Professional’s first new mobile pump acquisitions in more than seven years on both the Putzmeister and Liebherr stands. These will be the first of the deliveries of the lower and midrange pumps commencing in March for completion by July.

analysis |53

Paul Kendrick, right, took over as RICS NI Chairman from Michael Hannaway in September.

Decision-making is key to boosting NI competitiveness RICS CHAIRMAN’S MID-YEAR REPORT

P

roperty and construction are widely seen as Northern Ireland’s biggest economic challenges, but they also represent some of its biggest opportunities, according to the Northern Ireland chairman of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Paul Kendrick says that whilst the legacy of property debt remains a problem for government, organisations and individuals, there is also the potential to significantly boost Northern Ireland’s competitiveness through good property and construction decisionmaking.

In his Mid-Year Report, Mr Kendrick, who became RICS Chairman in September 2013, says that key areas of focus for Northern Ireland should include: making best use of public sector assets, enhancing infrastructure, and boosting the role

of facilities management in corporate strategy.

“Hundreds of millions of pounds extra could be put towards Northern Ireland’s capital spending budget over the next few years through carefully managed public sector asset sales as the commercial property market continues to recover,” he says.

Increased capital spending will not only increase Northern Ireland’s competitiveness through enhancing infrastructure, it also offers the prospect of an immediate economic boost through the construction activity that will result, Mr Kendrick continues.

And he points out that putting property decision-making at the heart of organisations by aligning facilities management more closely with corporate strategy and other key business areas, such as IT and HR, represents a real opportunity for Northern Ireland corporates

to gain competitive advantage over international competitors.

Mr Kendrick says: “There has rightly been a large focus on the undoubted challenges for Northern Ireland associated with property and construction, such as the overhang of debt and the impact of construction sector administrations, but it also important to recognise that there are also clear opportunities associated with property and construction.

“We have a large public estate, which, managed effectively, could unlock real value, including to provide funds to invest in areas like schools and hospitals, providing immediate employment as well as longer-term economic benefits. We welcome the publication of the Strategic Investment Board’s Asset Management Strategy as we feel that it can provide a framework for the effective management of public sector assets.

“And it’s not just government

decision-making that is important.

Businesses can reap significant competitiveness benefits from being more strategic about their facilities.

Putting facilities management at the heart of their strategy will help ensure that their facilities are best placed to recruit the right talent, their workplace design is consistent with technology needs, and facilities support the company’s financial strategy and cash flow requirements.

This has the potential to make a major impact on the bottom line.

“Northern Ireland has a highlyskilled and professional property and construction sector and using these skills to best effect in both government and business decisionmaking presents a significant opportunity to provide a boost to the local economy,” Mr Kendrick urges.

Paul Kendrick is Chairman of the 4,000-member RICS Northern Ireland for a two year term.

54| 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 |55 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

APRIL/MAY 2014 Features: • Recruitment, Training & Development • Energy, Waste & the Environment

Demolition

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

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

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

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

56| directory GAS

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

Insurance Intermediaries

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

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

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

FACADES

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

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

SHIPPING SOLUTIONS we offer customers quality transportation solutions ...

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

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

Industrial Doors

Swiss Facades

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

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

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

Mats and matting

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

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

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

Fixings and fastenings

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

Bosch Panasonic Milwaukee Stanley

• • • •

Henkel Elch Rawlplug Heller

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit our website www.acefixings.com

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

Contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

Advertise Here?

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

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

Metal Finishing

directory |57 PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

METAL MESH

REcruitment

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

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

Ridgeway 103 Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

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

Partitions (Acoustic)

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

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

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

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

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

Hire Centres

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970 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

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

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

REtaining walls

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

SAFETY

PAVING

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

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

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

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

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

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

58| directory PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

TRAINING

Safety

Washroom systems

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

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

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

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

• FASCIA & SOFFITS • HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING • WINDOW TRIMS • RAINWATER SYSTEMS

Head Office:

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

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380

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.

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

't ut N o DO iss m

APRIL/MAY 2014 • Recruitment, Training & Development

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

APRIL/MAY 2014

Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Exceptional service & support

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

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

Professional & Impartial Services

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

Design that lasts

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

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

Newry 028 30252499

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

• Energy, Waste & the Environment

Cookstown 028 86764422

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

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.

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

web directory |59

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.calorgasni.com

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

60| web directory www.jncfence.com

www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

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

www.ridgefence.com

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

web directory |61 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

62| web directory 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

product news |63 OUTDOOR WEIGHING APPLICATIONS ENHANCED WITH LATEST TPE CABLES

Web: www.hbm.com info@uk.hbm.com

H

BM has developed cables made from thermoplastic elastomers to provide a high level of protection against weather and rodents. The cables are available on reels for easier installation and additional flexibility when constructing outdoor installations of weighing systems.

Outdoor weighing applications demand cables featuring sturdiness and long-term stability that are met by the latest thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) cables developed by HBM since they provide very high levels of mechanical protection when compared with PVC cables. The CAB1M variant of the cables features metal braid that can be needed as an additional deterrent from rodents.

The use of TPE cables eliminates the need for expensive special cable protection pipes while ensuring high system safety and reliability.

HBM also provides suitable installation material for a range of its products such as the C16 and HLC load cells, weighing modules C16/M and HLC/M and the WE2107 weighing electronics that complement the TPE cables for outdoor weighing applications

TWENTY PER CENT INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY WITH INNOVATIVE HILTI ‘WAVE’ CHISELS

Web: www.hilti.co.uk

H

ilti has increased the productivity of its large TE 1000-AVR and TE 1500-AVR heavy duty breakers by 20 percent with the launch of an innovative new chisel.

The new TE-SP chisels, which feature a wave design along the body, reduces the contact point with the concrete to reduce sticking, which in turn markedly increases performance.

Made with a same self-sharpening tip and polygon design to increase product lifetime, ‘wave’ chisels come in two variations, pointed and narrow flat, with both featuring a dust protection cap to safeguard the tool and extend the lifetime of the chuck.

Chisels are available to buy separately, as a set or in multipacks.

For more info and to watch the video visit https://www.hilti.co.uk/tesp-wave

GERFLOR’S FAST TRACK ECO-FIT OVERLAYS EXISTING WOODEN SPORTS FLOORS W: www.gerflor.com

M

anagement and customers at Whitburn Community Education Centre, west of Edinburgh, are delighted after the installation of two Taraflex sports floors replaced their ageing wooden surfaces.

Gerflor’s exclusive EcoFit™ System meant the new easy-maintenance floors could be laid quickly over the existing ones, reducing closure time and loss of income.

Kirkton Flooring Ltd, of Livingston, took just a week to lay 450m2 of Taraflex™ Sport M Evolution in the main hall and 250m2 of Taraflex™ Multi-Use 6.2 in the smaller space.

Available in a range of colours and wood effect designs, both surfaces have P1 category shock absorption and can easily manage indentation from tables, chairs and heavy loads without needing extra protection.

KALZIP FC RAINSCREEN IDEAL FOR HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Web: www.kalzip.com

O

ver 600 sqm of Kalzip’s quick-fit FC rainscreen system panels have been used to help transform the façade of a 72 metre high, tired-looking 1970’s office block into an impressive new 224 roomed Holiday Inn Express in Snow Hill, Birmingham.

Falconer Chester Hall (Liverpool) was the architect and the low cost Kalzip FC rainscreen panels were recommended and installed by the experienced curtain wall and window contractor, Continental Installations Ltd. Kalzip’s ingenious FC rainscreen system is ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects and is available in an extensive range of stylish colours and finishes. The robust panels can be configured either horizontally or vertically to suit the specific design requirements of each individual project.

The lightweight panels are installed on aligned, vertically or horizontally fixed modular click rails - a key feature of the system is that each panel is simply hooked at the top or side and then quickly ‘clicked’ into place at the bottom, or on the opposite side, as appropriate.

NEW RHINO LOAD DECK SAVES TIME & MONEY Web: www.deborahservices.co.uk

A

vailable to buy or hire, Rhino Load Deck from Deborah Services saves time and money by its fast assembly and ability to raise productivity by taking heavy loads of both tools and materials.

One of the most stable systems on the market, builders and bricklayers can load up Rhino Deck up to 600Kg/m2 and it’s safe up to 3m as well as freestanding so you don’t need a wall for lateral support.

Easier to install, dismantle, move and store than traditional birdcage scaffold, two workmen can fit 50m2 of Rhino Deck in an hour as its robust, precision components fit together securely without using hand tools.

Tried and tested to be HSE compliant with a five-year warranty, Rhino Deck flexes to fit irregular floor plans so fills in dangerous gaps. Guardrails, posts and ladders can also be added. http://www.deborahservices.co.uk/services-sectors/hire-sales/load-deck-system.

HIGH-TECH ISOLATORS HELP SCHUECO RANGE RETURN ULTRA-LOW ‘U’ VALuES E: mkinfobox@schueco.com

S

teel systems specialist, Schueco Jansen, has just introduced a range of steel windows and doors that can achieve ultra-low ‘U’ values thanks to a newly developed isolator made from glass fibre-reinforced polyurethane. The thermal efficiency of the new Janisol HI systems is matched by high structural strength making them ideal for a wide variety of applications.

The Janisol HI steel window is available with turn-tilt and side-hung opening vents or fixed glazing, achieving impressive Uw values of 0.8 W/m2K and 0.69 W/m2K respectively.

Different infill unit thicknesses up to 67 mm allow the use of triple-glazing and burglarresistant glass.

As with the Janisol HI window, the Janisol HI steel door benefits from the glass fibrereinforced polyurethane isolator, achieving excellent UD values of up to 1.0 W/m2K.

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 February 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

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

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

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

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

6 £635.00 £695.00

8 £635.00 £695.00

10 £635.00 £695.00

12 £635.00 £695.00

20 £635.00 £695.00

25 £635.00 £695.00

32 £635.00 £695.00

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

per sheet BS reference A 98 £28.00

A142 £28.00

A193 £32.00

A252 £36.00

A393 £60.00

B503 £60.00

B785 £75.00

• Recruitment, Training & Development

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

• Energy, Waste & Environment

£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

April/May 2014

66| interview Andrew Livingston, Managing Director, Screwfix.

Andrew Livingston, I presume?

Specify catches up with Andrew Livingston, managing director of Screwfix.

Q: What is your background?

I grew up in a small family business (in Dublin) manufacturing and distributing clothing. Family discussions were all about business and I never considered doing anything else. I started my career as a management trainee at Marks & Spencer. I worked my way up to Director roles within Marks and Spencer and then B&Q. I was COO of The Garden Centre Group (Wyevale Garden Centres) before joining Screwfix in 2009.

Q: How did the idea for Screwfix develop?

Screwfix has evolved to the demands of our customers. The business started off as a wood screw supply company based in Yeovil in 1979.

In 1992 it issued its first catalogue called Screwfix Direct. Seven years later it was acquired by Kingfisher, in 1999, and Screwfix.com was launched.

It then opened the purpose built contact centre employing 500 people.

In 2005 the first seven stores opened in Yeovil, Bristol, Gloucester, Aston, Enfield, Luton and Park Royal.

Today, Screwfix has 335 stores, a website, a mobile site, a contact centre and a unique proposition within the market making us a fully integrated multi-channel retailer.

Q: Where do you source your products?

All of Screwfix’s products are sourced from key trade suppliers both in the UK and overseas. Our customers are professionals and want to do a good job for their customers so it’s

really important for us to offer quality products at competitive prices.

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

Right now. The business is doing well and we’re investing heavily in our growth and creating lots of jobs. In the last 12 months, we’ve opened 60 stores including four new stores in Northern Ireland. We are also planning to launch in Germany this summer.

Q: What has been the most difficult aspect of the development of Screwfix?

Continuously developing our

proposition to ensure we focus on convenience for our customers.

Technology is empowering our customers and therefore we need to keep investing. For example, our Click and Collect service enables customers to check stock, order and collect in store just five minutes later, all from their smart phone.

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

It’s clear the recession was difficult for our customers and many businesses.

During this time, we have continued to invest and grow enabling us to

deliver value and convenience to our customers. Our customers are telling us that they are more confident about the next 12 months and have more work now than last year but it’s too early to say things are back to normal yet.

Q: Do you ever get time to relax?

I enjoy playing tennis and cycling as I find it helps me to relax.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself?

I enjoy woodworking and have built a sauna in my father’s house in Ireland.

The Screwfix team celebrate the opening of the new store in Newtownabbey.

Got something

to say?

Please contact: siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

www.specifymagazine.co.uk