Specify September 2015

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

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House building drives uplift in construction activity

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T

wo reports published over the summer included some encouraging news for the local construction industry.

Northern Ireland’s construction sector saw a pick-up in activity in the second quarter of the year but still lags other UK regions, according to the latest RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey.

House building drove the overall increase in workloads (+22), with Northern Ireland surveyors reporting big rises in private and public house building in the quarter. There was also an increase reported in private commercial activity and a small rise in private industrial work.

However, surveyors said that infrastructure and public non-housing activity fell significantly in the Aprilto-June period, compared to the previous quarter, with Northern

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Ireland the only UK region where there was a decline reported in these sub-sectors.

Meanwhile, the RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey also reported signs of improvement with house prices rising here.

Northern Ireland house price growth gained momentum according to the survey, as buyer demand continued to increase at a faster rate than new instructions to sell.

Prices here are rising at a faster rate than any other UK region, according to the survey, with a net balance of 94% of Northern Ireland surveyors saying that prices increased in July.

Northern Ireland surveyors also remain positive about the outlook, with three-month price expectations strengthening.

When it comes to sales, Northern Ireland surveyors are confident that increases seen in July will continue,

with a net balance of 57% of respondents expecting sales levels to be higher in three months’ time – the highest in the UK.

SPECIFY/CEF AWARDS The construction industry’s biggest night of the year, the SPECIFY / CEF awards takes place on Thursday 8 October. This year’s awards include a new category for projects in the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland, reflecting the number of Northern Ireland construction companies having to look outside the province for work. While this is proving very successful for companies like GilbertAsh, it does reflect the difficult economic situation still encountered here.

Once again, we preview all the finalists in this edition and we wish them all good luck for construction’s big night out..

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“PROTECTING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY FOR OVER 25 YEARS” Tel: 02890 207 207 • Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk • www.diamondsystems.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2015

contents...

6 DIGEST Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of five year growth plan and Lisburn firm TAL are awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park

12 DIGEST

Mapei unveils its exclusive London showroom

14 DIGEST

Irish apprentice plasterer going for gold at WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo

56

DIGEST

Combilift breaks new ground on new @40m manufacturing facility in Monaghan

57 ULSTER BUSINESS TOP 100 Profitability is patchy in the construction industry according to Specify’s sister publication, Ulster Business

75 NEW PRODUCTS

The latest technological and labour saving equipment for the construction industry

50 HSS Hire: One of Ireland’s largest hire companies, HSS Laois Hire announce big expansion plans

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contents |05

Specify/CEF AWARDS Our 30 page preview to this year’s Construction Excellence awards starts here, with all the finalists

62 WILLIS INSURANCE & RISK ASSESSMENT

David Stevenson, Construction Centre of Excellence leader, gives some concrete advice.

Page 21

70 HARLEQUIN TANKS

Laurence Coey, MD of Harlequin Tanks, on the company's new rotomould machine.

82 DAVID LITTLE Lowry Building and Civil Engineering shortlisted for the Social/Community Construction award with Omagh Community Fire Station and District Headquarters.

Specify talks to David Little, new Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building

digest

06|

Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year growth plan in UK and Ireland.

NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists Newtownabbey-based M&E services company, Harvey Group, has acquired Northern Ireland renewable energy specialists, Solmatix Renewables in a move the companies say will transform the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland and act as a springboard for further expansion into the multimillion pound UK and Ireland renewable energy markets.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 the number of people employed directly by the Harvey Group in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

With a turnover of £30 million and over 80 staff, Harvey Group has over 30 years’ experience in the design, installation and maintenance of building services within every conceivable kind of building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahAnne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

the company has grown to achieve a turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff operating from its Nutt’s Corner premises.

As a result of the deal, Solmatix will continue to operate as an autonomous and independent company within Harvey Group Brian Harvey, managing director of Harvey Group, said there was a perfect fit between the two organisations.

“We have been planning to grow our renewables involvement for some time, either organically or through the acquisition of an established player. Having worked with Solmatix Renewables on a number of contracts, we’d always been impressed with their engineering rigour and professionalism. In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between our two companies in terms of what we do and how we do it. I approached Richard Bell about a year ago to float the idea of our companies coming together, but only if there was a good fit. After careful consideration we both agreed that this would indeed be mutually

Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group).

beneficial. From my perspective, having Solmatix as part of Harvey Group gives us a level of expertise that would have taken us years to acquire otherwise.

“Harvey Group and Solmatix share similar values, by which I mean our commitment to professionalism, our desire to deliver our services to the very highest standards, and the importance we place on treating our customers, our suppliers and our staff with courtesy and consideration.”

Richard Bell, the founder and managing director of Solmatix Renewables described the acquisition

as great news for Solmatix, its customers, suppliers and staff.

“In many respects, it’s a case of ‘business as usual’. However, in real terms, being part of this larger organisation will give us access to enhanced technical skills, financial resources and purchasing power.

Ultimately I believe this will lead to greater growth and investment within our operations, as well as more jobs and job security. It’s a win-win relationship that’s good for our whole organisation, as well as the economy of Northern Ireland. “

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park

With a reputation for excellence in constructing high quality projects, TAL Limited has been awarded a significant contract (£3.1m) by global medical diagnostics company Randox.

This initial contract is for the construction of a new facility for

production of Randox’s pioneering medical diagnostic products and will also include associated administrative functions. The works are the first phase of a major capital expenditure project by Randox to develop the former Massereene Army Barracks into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a futuristic R&D and manufacturing facility. The award-winning, international biotechnology firm, unveiled its plans for an innovative hub on the 43 acre site earlier this year.

Welcoming the announcement, Damien Hughes, Director of TAL Limited commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded

this contract with Randox, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic and exciting businesses on a local and global level. Through the quality of our work and the dedication and professionalism of our team TAL has steadily grown over the last 34 years and this contract award reinforces the strength of our expertise in the healthcare sector.”

The project will be delivered to BIM level 2 in partnership with the design team Ostick and Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller Consulting Engineers and Charles Hutchison Consulting.

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing

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Director at Randox commented: “The development of Randox Science Park is core to our plans to create innovative diagnostics, to improve manufacturing efficiency to export high-value healthcare capabilities to world markets. This state-of-the-art premises will become a centre of cutting-edge research, development and diagnostic manufacture, covering conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. We will also provide a significant boost to the local economy through new job creation. We very much look forward to working with TAL on this initial contract to deliver the high quality infrastructure we require.”

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

| 07

CDE Global doubles size of north america office

The CDE Global team based in North Carolina

CDE Global, which has its headquarters in Cookstown, recently announced that it has doubled its presence in North America, with the creation of four new jobs.

The company says this investment is a demonstration of their commitment to the significant opportunities within this key market and forms part of the company’s growth strategy for 2020 which will see the team target a significant increase in sales in North America.

The recruits will be joining the office in Cary, North Carolina, which is responsible for sales, engineering and after sales care for customers in the US and Canada.

CDE Global designs and manufactures materials washing and classification equipment with

applications in a variety of sectors; construction, recycling, mining, specialist industrial sands and environmental. The regional office network has a presence in Kolkata (India), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Cary (North America).

Brendan McGurgan, managing director of CDE Global, said: “The size of the market across all sectors makes North America a continent where there is a significant opportunity for the company to target and, while it is competitive, we believe that our people, along with our supply chain and the energy efficient nature of our products, will set CDE apart. Achieving significant growth in market share in the US and Canada will form a major part of our global growth strategy to 2020 and we look forward to realising its full potential in the coming years.

“There are several reasons why we chose Cary as the location for this office. First and foremost it is halfway along the north coast, which positions us in the best time zone to engage with the North American market. It is also situated close to the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, one of the largest research parks in the world. Almost all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in this area. The infrastructure is good, with an airport close to the new office, and we are also in the vicinity of some great engineering schools for new

recruits.”

Joel Prince, general manager of CDE Global in North Carolina, said: “At this point there are eight of us working in the office made up of business development executives and senior design engineers. We really value a blend of technical and commercial talent and we have been fortunate to find that by working with Virginia Tech, a local university.

“It was important that we continued the ethos of the CDE headquarters in Cookstown in our office in North Carolina, so of the eight of us currently in the office four are from Northern Ireland and four are from America. The local community also shares many similarities with Northern Ireland so it was a natural fit for our base to be here.”

Mr Prince added: “There is a strong tradition of machine export from Northern Ireland to North America and there is a respect for the craftsmanship. There is a lot of skill in Northern Ireland and our customers will be aware of that.

It is important to remember that every machine we sell in North America will help to support job creation back in Northern Ireland.”

CDE Global currently employs 140 people in Cookstown with a sister company, CDEnviro employing a further 28 people.

Gilbert-ash creates 40 new jobs following high profile contract wins Award-winning construction and fit-out contractor GilbertAsh has announced that it has created 40 new jobs in the first half of 2015.

The substantial increase in staff numbers has been driven by a series of high profile contract wins across the UK including the £13 million contract to refurbish and extend the National Army Museum and the £20m refurbishment of the world-renowned Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London.

This consistent success with large contracts has also seen Gilbert-Ash expand its base in London, with the company moving to larger new premises in the centre of the city.

The jobs are across all construction disciplines including site managers, site engineers, design

managers, planners and estimators.

Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash, said: “I am very proud that the company has increased its workforce so significantly at this time. We took the strategic decision to target projects that would allow us to make use of our expertise and experience and this activity is helping us to sustain our plans for continual growth. By specifically targeting bespoke projects in niche areas, we have won a number of high profile, multi-million pound contracts and we anticipate further wins in the coming year.”

Gilbert-Ash has recently completed the 5G Innovation Centre at the University of Surrey, which is the first facility of its kind worldwide dedicated to the Research and Development of 5G technologies. In Liverpool the company has recently

finished Phase 1 of the major refurbishment of another landmark site, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, which was constructed

by Gilbert-Ash, won the most prestigious award in the architecture industry last year, the Stirling Prize, beating the Shard, the Library of Birmingham and the London Aquatics Centre.

Mr Hutchinson added: “It is in London where Gilbert-Ash has enjoyed the most success recently and the expansion of our office reflects this. Work is progressing at a rapid pace on a £20m refurbishment of the Institution of Engineering and Technology building in Savoy Place in London, with the building due for handover in October 2015. We have also recently secured a £1m contract to work on the Foreign

Pictured at the Institution of Engineering and Technology's building in Savoy Place in London where Gilbert-Ash is currently carrying out a £20 million refurbishment is Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash, and Gerry Hughes, Construction Director of Gilbert-Ash

and Commonwealth office building on King Charles Street in Whitehall.

We have formed strong relationships with our partners on all of our recent projects and this has helped to create new opportunities through repeat business as we move forward with our plans for expansion.”

08|

Kingspan’s new technology breakthrough set to lower building lifetime costs and enhance environmental performance

digest

Women’stec builds on success with loan

Lynn Carvill, Chief Executive of WOMEN’STEC is pictured with Harry McDaid, Chief Executive of UCIT and Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director at Gilbert-Ash. (l to r) Phil Smith, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Kingspan Insulated Panels and Gilbert McCarthy, Managing Director, Kingspan Insulated Panels.

Kingspan Insulated Panels has launched IPN-QuadCore, a new insulated panel core that delivers the best thermal, fire and environmental performance of any closed-cell material. Invented with a bespoke technology process that creates a unique microcell structure, IPN-QuadCore is set to bring about a fundamental shift in building performance, resulting in lower lifetime costs and enhanced environmental credentials.

“This is our most significant insulated panel technology breakthrough in a decade,” said Gilbert McCarthy, Managing Director, Kingspan Insulated Panels.

“The property market demands high performance, energy-efficient buildings that deliver low risk, high net yield and reduced environmental impact. The unprecedented performance of IPN-QuadCore helps to deliver these superior buildings, making the strongest business case yet for sustainability.”

IPN-QuadCore delivers a 20% thermal improvement over standard polyurethane insulated panel core insulation. It has a lambda value of just 0.018w/mK, the best in the industry, and achieves U-values as low as 0.08w/ m2K. IPN-QuadCore enhances the environmental credentials of buildings in two ways. Firstly, the technology helps to achieve higher ratings in building assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED, with the aforementioned AECOM study showing that an IPN-QuadCore building achieves six more BREEAM Ene01 credits than a typical retail or distribution warehouse.

Each IPN-QuadCore panel is backed by the industry’s first 40 year guarantee which covers both structural and thermal performance. This ensures that a building will perform ‘as-built’ over the life of the property, reducing costly envelope maintenance and repair costs as time passes. The long guarantee can be offered because IPN-QuadCore’s unique closed-cell structure resists moisture ingress, which maintains the structural integrity of the core, and cuts the risk of additional moisture weight, a leading cause of structural failure in inferior products.

IPN-QuadCore is being introduced to cold-store insulated panels immediately, with a wider rollout commencing later this year.

Women will be trained in construction and ICT skills to help find employment thanks to a Belfast-based charity.

WOMEN’STEC has received a loan from the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) to help deliver this training.

UCIT provides affordable loans to community and social enterprise businesses throughout Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. As a registered charity, all profits generated are retained and recycled for the benefit of its clients.

WOMEN’STEC began 21 years ago and is the largest provider of training for women in non-traditional skills in Ireland. The charity enables women to return to employment in non-traditional sectors, promoting a diverse workforce and reducing the skills shortage in the construction and ICT industries. Currently they employ five staff and engage with numerous self-employed tutors.

Lynn Carvill, Chief Executive of WOMEN’STEC explained: “The charity was set up to support women in areas of high deprivation, giving them the skills and confidence to get back into employment in decent paid jobs.

“Our last programme ended in March and has yielded fantastic results.

More than 400 women obtained qualifications, 80 went on to further education, 43 went into employment, 42 went into voluntary work and 13 became self-employed.

“The loan from UCIT not only allowed us to finish our current programme but helped develop our new one. We will be working with Clanmil Housing residents and have engaged with construction companies such as Gilbert-Ash to help deliver a whole new level of training to women.”

She continued: “There are exciting times ahead for WOMEN’STEC, creating and developing partnerships with the private sector. Our goal is to keep reaching into communities and helping women develop the skills to find employment. We currently work across Belfast but want to eventually work beyond that.”

Speaking of UCIT’s backing for the project, she said: “UCIT have been extremely supportive of our work. Our case worker Sinead was very professional and helped us through a difficult time. I can’t speak highly enough of UCIT and the amazing support they’ve given us.”

digest

| 09

New Architectural practice opens its doors in Derry Two former colleagues with designs on shaping Derry’s future have set up a new architectural practice in the city. Architect Sean Furey, 47, and architectural technician Liam Nelis, 35, have teamed up with long-time friend and experienced architect Graham McDarby to launch Gradon Architecture in Northern Ireland.

Graham and his wife Donna founded Gradon Architecture in Gateshead, in the North East of England, in the depths of the recession in 2009. Based on the core values of delivering architecture with care and efficiency, the business has since gone from strength to strength, expanding into Mongolia and winning multiple industry awards.

Liam and Sean, who have a total of 35 years’ experience in the trade between them, will be heading up Gradon Architecture’s expansion into Northern Ireland, backed by the wider team in the UK and Mongolia.

Having the support of the team in the UK and Mongolia means that Liam and Sean can call on a wealth of extra resources and specialist architectural expertise, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), should a project require it.

The pair’s new venture is already off to a flying start, with Gradon Architecture designing the RoCo hair and beauty salon on the prominent Derry waterfront after fire destroyed the salon’s original premises and the business was forced to relocate.

With the salon owners passionate about upcycling, Liam and Sean worked to create a unique, eye-catching environment using predominantly recycled and sustainable materials.

Liam said: “Sean and I have long dreamed of opening a practice in Derry. It’s a city on the up and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to work with Graham to launch Gradon Architecture in Northern Ireland.

What’s even better is that we have been able to hit the ground running.

“We are committed to developing sustainable architecture, so the RoCo salon was a fantastic project to start off with. We have created a unique environment using upcycled and sustainable materials that is not only great to look at but also tailored to the needs of the business, its staff and customers.

Projects already secured for Gradon Architecture include a number of bespoke private residential projects and a large-scale retail complex.

Liam Nelis, Sean Furey and Graham McDarby of Gradon Architecture at the opening of RoCo salon

Brett Martin launches new Deepstyle 170 As rainfall intensity and frequency continues to rise each year, it is vital that rainwater drainage systems have the capacity to protect a building and its contents. The new Deepstyle 170 high performance rainwater system from Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage combines increased drainage capacity with design flexibility to provide reliable, effective and efficient drainage for large commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential roofs.

Specifically developed with a super-sized 170mm profile to accommodate the increased volumes of rainwater on large roof areas with a capacity of 11.54 litres per second, the new Deepstyle 170 system requires fewer discharge points reducing the number of downpipes to provide both material and installation savings. Designed with the installer in mind, the system also features new and innovative factory fitted CLIP & SEAL technology on all fittings to ease installation and provide exceptional long-term sealing reliability.

A unique addition to Deepstyle 170, the CLIP & SEAL fully integrates with the fitting so that the

specially designed captive seal is held securely within the fitting whilst the clip locks the seal firmly in place. When fitting the gutter, the CLIP provides just enough flex to allow the gutter to locate within the fitting, whilst a reassuring click locks the gutter securely into position compressing the seal for superior sealing.

Deepstyle 170 integrates seamlessly with Brett Martin’s 110mm Industrial Downpipe System to complete the company’s high capacity offering.

Comprising 110mm plain ended or single socket downpipe options, with high quality PVCu fittings, including bends, branches, access pipes and clips, the system retains the adaptability essential in planning an industrial rainwater scheme.

“Combining an efficient installation with exceptional reliability and increased capacity, Deepstyle 170 perfectly complements our existing range of rainwater systems,” said Hayley Lowry, Brett Martin Marketing Manager. “With continued investment in product research and development, our range satisfies every variety of roof drainage from the smallest domestic property to much larger agricultural and commercial buildings.”

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Manufactured in the UK at Brett Martin’s own quality assured BS EN ISO 9001:2008 factories, the Deepstyle 170 system is a robust, hardwearing solution. Tested to EN 1462 Load Class H to withstand heavy duty snow loading, the high gloss PVC system is also proven to retain its stunning aesthetic with UV protection providing long term colour stability – backed by a 10 year colour warranty.

With a reputation for quality and reliability developed over more than 50 years in the industry, Deepstyle 170 is the latest addition to Brett Martin’s rainwater portfolio which includes 106mm Prostyle, 112mm Roundstyle, 114mm Squarestyle, 115mm Deepstyle and 160mm High Capacity in addition to the innovative and highly acclaimed Cascade range of cast iron effect guttering and downpipe profiles. Brett Martin’s on-going investment in the latest manufacturing technology, innovation and product development ensures that the company’s above and below ground drainage products remain at the forefront of the industry.

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

10|

Another Successful Year for Diamond Systems Annual Golf Day 2015 On Wednesday July 29th over 200 golfers passed through the 18-hole course at Dunmurry Golf Club, including several members of the Diamond Systems Team and over 15 guests, during the Dunmurry Golf Club Annual Open Week (26th July – 2nd Aug).

Diamond Systems have been a headline sponsor of the Open Week at Dunmurry for over 20 years and look forward to holding their Annual Golf Day, as part of the larger event each year.

As always, Diamond Systems, extend their thanks to all who attended and made the day a great success!

digest

Roundtable launches new website and resources The Electrical Safety Roundtable is making new strides to help reduce hazards in the home.

The growing industry forum is cementing its reputation for building consensus and developing industry led solutions to longstanding issues with the launch of a brand new website and guidance portal designed to raise consumer awareness of home safety matters.

The portal makes available a new framework of home safety checklists and certificates for the first time. They provide a means for landlords to keep track of the important steps necessary to meet their duty of care and comply with key legal obligations while giving tenants the chance to make informed choices and rent with confidence.

A voluntary agreement has recently been reached by a number of retailers, through the British Retail Consortium, to label electrical goods clearly with standardised wording. The Electrical Safety Roundtable are currently working with this group and other key stakeholders to help standardise this simple solution to a longstanding problem as well as the electrical safety advice available on consumer facing websites visit: www.electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk

HLM Marks 15 Years in Northern Ireland HLM recently celebrated 15 years in Northern Ireland and 50 years since its foundation with a special event on board the SS Nomadic in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter.

Karl Ruddle, Joanne Bell, Simon Bell and Stephen Lennon The company, with offices in Belfast city centre, provides architecture, landscape and urban design, interiors and environmental design to the commercial and public sectors in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and GB. HLM has grown significantly in Northern Ireland within the last year and now employs 15 people. Major projects secured in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland include two projects for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board in Dublin, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Logistics Support Centre in Belfast and ongoing projects with the Western Health & Social Care Trust.

The Northern Ireland office is one of six HLM offices across the UK, which also has an additional two overseas.

Karl Ruddle, Associate Director for HLM said: “We have seen the industry go from strength to strength over a difficult period and we’re proud to share in that growth and celebrate 15 years of success. We have strong relationships across the region and our local clients benefit from national and international best practice and combined experience of our 200-strong team.

“Our growth in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in key areas including architecture, landscape and urban design, interiors and environmental design is undoubtedly due to the strength of our team.”

Guests from the public and private sector as well as professionals from across the construction industry were invited to the SS Nomadic to celebrate HLM’s success, where they were served drinks and canapés on board and were able to enjoy the history and atmosphere of this special venue.

The Nomadic is the only remaining White Star Line ship in the world and was a tender ship to the Titanic in 1912. She has a great deal of maritime history and takes in wonderful views of Belfast harbour and the new Titanic Belfast building which HLM worked on in a Technical Advisory role.

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12| Mapei

Mapei unveils its exclusive London Showroom – Mapei World, London City

Names L-R Adriana Spazzoli, Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham Kt, Flavio Terruzzi, Veronica Squinzi and Phil Breakspear

M

apei, the world’s leading manufacturer of adhesive and chemical products for the construction industry is pleased to announce the opening of its UK Showroom based in the architectural design area - Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London.

Adriana Spazzoli, Operational Marketing & Communications Director

Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham Kt

The impressive Showroom, designed by Marco Manzoni from Mapei SpA, was unveiled to key customers on Thursday 2nd July and was officially opened by Adriana Spazzoli, Operational Marketing & Communications Director and Veronica Squinzi Global Development Director, together with the Mapei UK Joint Managing Director’s Phil Breakspear and Mark Louch. To celebrate the opening the Italian Ambassador Pasquale Terracciano came to show support and Guest Speaker Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham Kt, was invited to provide insight into the future of the British and European Economy.

The showroom is a first for the Mapei Group and demonstrates the relationship between Manufacturer and Architect, from technical expertise and innovation, to providing bespoke project solutions in the UK and internationally.

Each of the 15 product lines is displayed in the Showroom through a series of textured samples and prestigious project references, accompanied by installation videos and supporting literature; offering Architects,

contractors and designers alike a comprehensive guide for specifying Mapei products. Mapei’s Specification and Technical Teams are on hand throughout the year together with the training team, to provide practical and theory based guidance on the selection, installation and maintenance of Mapei products - through a calendar of dedicated CPD presentations. The technical CPD presentations cover a range of topics such as; Fast Track Screeds, Avoiding Ceramic Tiling Failures, Sub Floor Preparation and Successful waterproofing and many more.

The Showroom has been fitted out using a range of Mapei products; in particular the floor and walls have been finished with Ultratop Loft - a new highly decorative, unique wall and floor coating, suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The CPD presentation room has been fitted with pre-finished wood flooring adhered with Ultrabond Eco S955 1K. The Showroom promises to be a centre of excellence for Mapei, providing hands-on, practical and informative support throughout the entire specification process.

For more information on events, training dates and CPD presentations subscribe to Mapei UK’s Newsletter, details can be found on www.mapei.co.uk. For any further queries please email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970.

digest

14|

Irish apprentice plasterer going for gold at the WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo Irish apprentice plasterer John Murray from Dunmanway, Co. Cork is hoping to scoop a big win for Ireland at the WorldSkills Competition taking place in São Paula, Brazil. 22 year-old John is part of an Irish team of apprentices from around the country competing for the prestigious world title in their chosen craft. John has drawn support from a leading brand in the construction sector, with Gyproc sponsoring his bid for gold.

The talented Irish WorldSkills team will be pitted against apprentices from around the globe in a range of skills including cookery, brick laying, aircraft maintenance, painting and decorating, carpentry and plastering among others.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the WorldSkills Competition in Brazil and John will be among the 1,200 apprentices from around the world competing for a range of prestigious world titles.

Gyproc, the biggest supplier of plaster and plasterboard to the Irish construction industry and part of

Saint-Gobain, the world leader in construction is sponsoring John as he competes to scoop the title of World Champion Plasterer.

“Gyproc is delighted to be involved in such an important event for our skilled youth and to lend our support to John. WorldSkills is a great opportunity to showcase the high level of skill that still exists within Ireland. Ireland has won in this category in 2007, 2011 and 2013, and we have high hopes for John this year” commented Kieran Holohan, Marketing Director, Gyproc.

The selection and co-ordination of the Irish Skills Team is the responsibility of the Irish WorldSkills Council. The members of this group are selected from the Department of Education & Science, Dublin Institute of Technology, Fáilte Ireland, SOLAS – further education and training authority, the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) and the Institutes of Technology. Ireland plays a central role in the WorldSkills Competitions and has hosted them on two occasions – 1963 and 1979.

The WorldSkills Competition was established with the aim

Joe Clarke (Mentor) and John Murray (participant).

of challenging apprentices to achieve world-class standards and competencies in commerce, services and industry.

In 1959 the first Irish team competed in the WorldSkills Competition, which was hosted

by Spain. These competitions are held every second year and attract entries from the major industrialised countries, a fact which highlights the importance attributed to maintaining a highly skilled workforce in these countries.

European Heritage Open Days 2015 BEFORE: Sion Mills Stables

AFTER: Sion Mills Stables

This is the 18th year that Northern Ireland has taken part in this FREE European-wide event, which aims to reflect our common and varied European Architectural Heritage across 50 European countries. EHOD remains Northern Ireland’s most popular celebration of built heritage, with last year seeing over 75,000 visitors across all of the properties and events!

The Industrial Revolution had a major impact on life in Northern Ireland and left a legacy of sites from corn or flax mills to lead mines, canals and railways.

The DOE’s Historic Environment Division’s (HED) Industrial Heritage Record holds information on over 16,000 industrial sites. HED also holds the extensive McCutcheon Industrial Heritage collection, on loan from the Public Record Office. This collection consists of over 27,000 black and white photographs and a colour slide collection taken by WA McCutcheon during his comprehensive industrial heritage survey of Northern Ireland in the 1960s, as well as his associated notes and papers.

Why not visit recently completed projects like the Caledon Steam Engine, Tullylish Watch houses or Sion Stables? All of these are previous buildings at risk, and it is amazing to see how far they have come! Alternatively take a sneak a peek inside Cushendun Old Church or Riddel’s Warehouse that are earmarked for restoration. Learn about the exciting potential of future plans.

To learn more about the story of the projects, before and after restoration, please visit the EHOD website www.discovernorthernireland.com/ehod.

From the restoration of the White Star Line SS Nomadic in Titanic Quarter to an Eel Supper in the Crosskeys Inn, to talks by location managers for films and BBC screenings, the breadth of industries old and new, large and small can be visited and experienced over the weekend of 12 and 13 September.

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Galway Bay ocean observatory completed A significant piece of ocean research infrastructure was brought to fruition with the completion of the Galway Bay underwater ocean observatory recently. Through the combined effort of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Marine Institute and Commissioners of Irish Lights the final piece of equipment has been deployed to give researchers and ocean energy developers unique insight into the Galway bay marine environment. The observatory is now entering into a commissioning period and is expected to be operational in the coming months.

The ocean observatory will enable the use of cameras, probes and sensors to permit continuous and remote live underwater monitoring.

Data from the equipment will be fed via an underwater cable, which was deployed last April, to the Marine Institute where analysis will take place.

Data from the observatory will also

be available online through the Digital Ocean Platform under development by the Marine Institute.

The equipment has been installed in the Galway Bay test site, which is an area 1.5km off Spiddal pier and is used primarily to test small scale ocean energy devices. This observatory equipment will allow ocean energy developers to monitor how their devices are performing in the ocean as well as give ocean researchers unique real-time access to monitor ongoing changes in the marine environment.

Declan Meally, Head of Emerging Technologies in SEAI commented: “We are seeing lots of great developments in Ireland’s marine and ocean energy research facilities.

The new Galway undersea ocean observatory will strengthen our offering and greatly assist the testing of new ocean energy technologies.

Also, in helping the development of support structures, such as moorings, SEAI is ensuring that the supply chain for the offshore energy renewable sector is simultaneously progressing.”

Aran Islands Take Action to Eliminate Fossil Fuel Dependence

Dara Molloy (Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd) with Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White T.D. and Brian Motherway, CEO, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland visited Inis Mór to see progress to date on energy projects involving the upgrade of almost two thirds of buildings on the Aran Islands Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

The Aran Islands are taking significant action to become energy independent with 63% of the Islands’ buildings already upgraded and Alex White T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources recently visited Inis Mór to see progress to date on several energy projects. The island community has partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to deliver a range of communityled action and supporting analysis by SEAI has verified that the goal of carbon neutrality by 2022 is entirely achievable.

Three hundred and fifty three homes and community buildings, representing two-thirds of buildings on the Islands, have completed energy upgrades with support from SEAI, improving insulation levels and installing efficient heating systems.

This is resulting in more comfortable homes and lower energy bills with annual energy savings of €250,000 accruing to the Islanders. A trial

of Electric Vehicles in partnership between the community and SEAI also demonstrated how transport fuel needs can be dramatically reduced.

Analysis shows that energy imports could be reduced even further by replacing heating systems with heat pumps powered by wind or wave energy in the future.

Commenting during his visit, Minister White said: “The Aran Islanders’ ambition to become carbon neutral has already delivered many benefits to the islands. I think the vision set out for the Aran Islands could be replicated to maximise energy efficiency and the use of renewables in communities across the country. This would help us to secure an affordable, low-carbon energy future with minimal reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels.”

The identified actions of energy upgrades and greater use of renewable energy will reduce fossil fuel imports to the Islands by 84%. In addition exports of locally produced electricity will complete the journey to total energy independence.

Automation Design • Manufacture • Installation • Service

NKAutomation - Your local experts in access control Installations of power operated automatic gates are now becoming a common sight in both commercial and residential projects throughout the UK & Ireland.

The obvious benefits of hassle free access control include remote centralised monitoring and increased efficiency of traffic flow in & out of your site.

We must however never forget that these gates are considered machines and fall under the Machinery Directive for both installation and maintenance requirements.

Reports from recent accident investigations in the UK found maintenance & testing regimes lacking in most cases. It is imperative that automated access systems are designed, manufactured and installed by reputable professionals. It is equally as important to ensure compliance with preventative maintenance & servicing / testing schedules post commissioning.

NK has over the years represented Ireland with the European Perimeter Protection Agency (EPPA), culminating in the development of the white guide for European gate manufacturers. NK continues to provide briefings to leading architect practices concerning

perimeter security & access control.

‘I would urge all consumers, facility managers, specifiers & architects to become familiar with the requirements of automated access control and make adequate provision for perimeter security & access planning in their projects.’

Properly designed automated systems can greatly enhance the experience of visiting a building or space – providing a welcome which is effortless, efficient and above all safe.

NK Automation is a specialist division of NK Fencing providing automated gate installation and maintenance services throughout the UK & Ireland.

If you would like to know more about automated access control & traffic management, or if you have a concern over your existing automated gate – give our product expert Andrew a call…

Key points to look out for: • Automated gates should be CE marked with specific identification numbers – make sure they conform to the relevant norms & standards.

• Risk Assessments should be conducted to ensure system design mitigates perceived risks – ask to see this.

• Systems should be installed & commissioned by trained professionals with force tests required for most automated installations – ask for the reports confirming compliance.

• Systems should include an Operators & Maintenance manual detailing the maintenance regime to follow – this should be handed over on commissioning.

• Maintenance schedules should be followed up with routine inspections – make sure your inspection log is up to date.

TBC

Specialist Conversions is one of the leading vehicle conversion and adaption companies, operating throughout the island of Ireland.

As part of TBC Conversions, based in Dungannon Co Tyrone, the company offers the complete range of bespoke conversions including ply-lining, seat adaptions, vehicle glazing, shelving systems, tow bars, roof racks and bespoke crew van solutions – ideal for plumbing, joiner and electrical contracting companies of all sizes.

“From our production facility we have the capability to deliver conversions and adaptations on any scale,” said Managing Director, David Donnell.

“We have undertaken work for private customers as well as working for large fleets and work with a number of the key frontline services across Northern Ireland, including power companies, fire authorities and water services.”

Working with all leading commercial vehicle manufacturers including VW Commercial, Vehicles Mercedes, Ford, Citroen, Vauxhall and Peugeot, the company has built a reputation for delivering the highest quality conversions and adaptions for businesses and organisations of all sizes.

“Our team of highly qualified technicians is capable of working on any commercial vehicle and the team is highly experienced in design, the manufacturing process, and importantly all relevant safety legislation. By understanding the needs of our clients, we are able to apply this knowledge to deliver conversions of the highest standard.”

TBC Specialist Conversions have a very clear vision according to David Donnell: “We believe that everyone regardless of need, business type or budget, should drive a vehicle designed to the highest standard and specification and we strive to deliver on that vision continuously, converting and adapting each vehicle with intelligence, empathy and care.”

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

Construction Celebrates Excellence T

he competition to win the highest accolade in the local construction industry will take a step forward at the start of September as the Showcase of Shortlisted Finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2015 will take place in Lagan Construction Group headquarters on 3 September 2015.

The Awards, which are run by Construction Employers Federation (CEF) in partnership with SPECIFY magazine and in association with Ulster Business celebrate the best construction projects delivered by Northern Irish companies in the past year.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director commented, “The awards recognise the very diverse and excellent work carried out by the industry that we represent.

Last year Laganwater won the Overall award for their hugely impressive Clay Lake water treatment plant.”

“To ensure that we continue to recognise excellence across the sector, 2015 has seen the introduction of 2 new categories, a ‘fit-out’ award and an award for projects undertaken in GB and the Republic of Ireland.”

“I warmly congratulate all of those companies who have been shortlisted for an award. Over the summer our distinguished judging panel has been visiting each of the shortlisted projects to identify the 14 category winners and the overall winner.

They now have some very difficult decisions to make.”

The winners of the Construction Excellence Awards 2015 will be revealed at a Gala Dinner on 8 October 2015 in the Culloden Hotel.

CEF/Specify awards

Principal Sponsor

Sponsors

sponsors

CEF/Specify awards • Trustee training • Member communications • Documentation and technical support • Windup and discontinuance advice

JLT Benefit Solutions provides advice and services designed to meet all the requirements of UK pension scheme trustees.

Our Expertise With over 3000 clients, we are one of the major pension consultancies and a leading administration services provider in the UK. We have considerable experience and a proven record in designing, implementing and reviewing pension scheme benefit arrangements. Our services include • Pension Consulting including Auto Enrolment • Trustee consulting • Actuarial consulting • Pensions administration • Trustee governance services

Personalised Service We are part of a large multi-national organisation but face our clients through small client-centric teams. This improves communication with, and about, our clients and facilitates the building of long –standing relationships.

Our People We have more than 80 Actuaries, 160 actuarial students and 45 pension consultants, as well as over 1000 administration and support staff, providing local service to our clients from over 10 locations in all parts of the UK. Our people are experienced, knowledgeable and highly competent.

Partnership approach We are a people business specialising in execution of complex strategic projects. We combine the delivery of practical advice with all the training that trustees require to empower them to address any of the issues that their schemes are facing. Our delivery model makes it easy to do business with us.

Our commitment to you Our job is to deliver solutions for pension scheme management that are cost effective and efficient and we can design programmes to suit any size and any kind of scheme. From extensive projects to schemes where all that is required is advice on legislative issues. You can be confident that your pension scheme is in safe hands.

Contact ; Raymonde Nathan (T) 01392-356542; Email ; Raymonde_nathan@jltgroup.com

Crescent Specialist Recruitment

Crescent Specialist Recruitment (CSR) Ltd is a specialist Recruitment Consultancy that works within the Construction & Technical markets in Northern Ireland, mainland UK, and ROI. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, CSR is made up of a team of specialist recruiters with dedicated Consultants for the industry. CSR put a high value on both our clients and candidates that work with us. Through our high level of service, working in partnership and finding the right jobs for the right people, our business has continued to grow from strength to strength.

As a specialist Construction and Technical Recruitment Agency with offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland we operate on behalf of both our Clients and Candidates throughout the region as well as on an International basis as required.

• Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers/ CAD We offer both permanent and contract roles in the following areas: Technicians • Construction & Technical Appointments • Resident Engineers • Site, Project & Contracts Management • Trades & Labour • Site Engineering • International Opportunities • Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management • Security Services • Professional Quantity Surveyors/ Cost Managers

• Project Managers – Consultancy Our aim is to offer a tailored service every time we recruit for a client.

• Estimating We understand every company and role is vastly different to the next and • Buying therefore requires the attention to detail that has become synonymous with • Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality CSR. • Bid Management & Bid / PQQ Writing • Mechanical & Electrical Contracts Management / Coordination

CPD/DFP

The Department of Finance and Personnel is the sponsoring department for the construction industry in Northern Ireland. Des Armstrong, Director of Central Procurement Directorate (CPD), chairs the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland (CIFNI) which is the interface between government and the construction industry.

CPD, as the lead procurement body in Northern Ireland, promotes best practice in procurement and supports and encourages efficient, proportionate and modern construction procurement techniques. CPD reviews and develops procurement policy, including construction procurement policy, for endorsement by the Procurement Board. This policy applies directly to Government Departments, their Agencies, Non-Departmental Bodies and Public Corporations, and is implemented by the Centres of Procurement Expertise across government.

CPD itself incorporates three Centres of Procurement Expertise, one for supplies and services and two for construction – the Construction CoPE and the Construction Health Projects CoPE. The Construction CoPE provides a procurement service to Northern Ireland departments and other public sector bodies for a range of construction related works and services. The Construction Health Projects CoPE provides a procurement and project management service specifically to the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety and its arm’s length bodies for their capital construction programmes.

During 2013/14 CoPEs awarded 1,620 construction works and services contracts with a total estimated value of £892m. 95% of these contracts were awarded to contractors/suppliers based in Northern Ireland. A total of 1,315 (81%) contracts went to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) having less than 250 employees and of these, 951 contracts were awarded to contractors/suppliers employing up to 50 employees.

CEF/Specify awards

sponsors

Towergate Dawson Whyte

Towergate Dawson Whyte is part of the Towergate group of companies, one of the UK’s leading insurance intermediaries specialising in arranging commercial policies and providing risk management advice. We have many clients in the Construction industry and a strong understanding of your business.

As the key service provider to the CEF for insurance matters our negotiating power in the market place has enabled us to offer tailor made policies designed to help ensure you meet your risk management obligations whether your business is a small, medium or large construction company.

We look to ensure that the Federation member receives value for the premiums paid and benefits from the extensive range of cover offered by our selected approved insurers.

We can also offer advice on many other lines of business including other commercial and residential property, home, car and travel… why not give us a try?

Part and parcel of the Towergate Dawson Whyte service delivery is access to our professional claims team. In the event of a claim, trained personnel will provide advice on how to ensure correct presentation of the claim.

Our Claims Team can provide initial assistance to enable you to make informed choices on any necessary course of action. Appropriate experts can be recommended including experienced Chartered Loss Adjusters, Surveyors and Engineers whose involvement is often necessary in large or complex claims.

Our expertise in the handling of claims ensures experts are available to provide technical advice and assistance. Emergency and first aid repairs can be arranged by Insurer approved contractors to expedite the process and facilitate resumption of turnover.

Our team can also assist in pre-risk surveys and valuations where necessary to ensure adequate cover and risk reduction.

For a quotation for your insurance programme please contact our Construction Trade team on 028 9066 4414.

Towergate Dawson Whyte is a trading name of Dawson Whyte Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 308693.

NHBC

Established in 1936, NHBC is the home warranty provider of choice, currently insuring over 1.6m homes, with a market share of approximately 80%. Over the course of our history, we have provided warranty for around 30% of the total existing housing stock in the UK, which equates to over 7 million homes.

With no shareholders, we are able to invest in our purpose of raising standards to improve the quality of UK house-building. As an authority on the housing industry, active in research and development, we work with government and stakeholders to help shape housing policy.

We embrace a culture of fair treatment for all our customers, whether house builders or homeowners, and aim to meet and exceed the FCA principles of ‘Treating Customers Fairly’.

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

CITB

CITB NI is both an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council. Our role is to work in partnership with the industry improving the skills of those employed or intending to be employed in the industry. Our vision is to have a construction industry where skills and competence are at the core of every business plan and a training culture where skills are at the heart of each construction company to help improve the productivity of the NI construction industry. We continue to work closely with industry partners, stakeholders and Government to ensure a qualified and competent industry to ensure growth is sustained over the long term.

PwC PwC is delighted to continue our support for Northern Ireland’s construction sector, the Construction Employer’s Federation (CEF) and the 2015 Construction Excellence awards.

Encouraging a vibrant and profitable construction sector, with its sustainable employment and long supply-chain is vital to Northern Ireland’s economic recovery and will play a pivotal role in the region’s future growth.

For that reason we are pleased to support the CEF in providing regular economic analysis of the sector’s performance, employment and prospects, both in Northern Ireland and in export markets. We are also pleased to support our clients in the construction, civil engineering, infrastructure and extraction industries, through project development, economic and investment appraisals, viability studies and the preparation of outline and final business cases.

And as Northern Ireland’s largest firm of professional advisors, we will continued to invest in people, services and expertise to enhance our clients’ competitiveness at home and in new export markets.

For further information please contact Joelene Poole on jpoole@cefni.co.uk or telephone 028 9087 7143

CEF/Specify awards

Meet the Judges...

Housing Awards

Stephen Hamilton

DOE Strategic Planning Division

Charles O’Neill

Past Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland

Neil Dunlop

Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute NI

General Construction Awards

Jenny Russell

Associate Head of School of the Belfast School of Architecture at the Ulster University

Martin Hare

President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Robert Colvin

Former Chair Building Control NI

Health/Safety & Training Awards

Barry Neilson

Chief Executive CITB NI

Richard McIvor

Chair of the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Northern Ireland

Keith Morrision

Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland

CEF/Specify awards

Health & Education Infrastructure Awards

Mark Gilmore

Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building Ireland - Northern Centre

Ciarรกn Mackel

Board member of PLACE - The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Awards

David Porter

Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland

Peter Quinn

Past Chair of the Engineers of Ireland Northern Region

Steven Caldwell

Chair of the NI Branch of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation

Environmental Sustainability & Exporting Awards

Terry Waugh

Deputy Director of Action Renewables

Patricia Smyth

Client Manager at Invest NI

GB & ROI Construction Award

Ciarรกn Mackel

Board member of PLACE The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

Jenny Russell

Associate Head of School of the Belfast School of Architecture at the Ulster University

Neil Dunlop

Peter Quinn

Chair of the Royal Town Planning Past Chair of the Engineers of Institute NI Ireland Northern Region

The Finalists in full...

Company

Category

Project name

H & J Martin Maurice Flynn & Sons McLaughlin & Harvey Woodvale Construction

General Construction Restoration Award Restoration Award Restoration Award Restoration Award

GEDA Heron Bros.

Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Lowry Construction

Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial

Alskea Contracts Martin & Hamilton Mascott Construction McCue Crafted Fit

Fit-Out Fit-Out Fit-Out Fit-Out

Felix O’Hare & Co Lowry Building & Civil Engineering O’Hare & McGovern W&H Alexander (Civil Engineering)

Social/Community Social/Community Social/Community Social/Community

Cunningham Contracts Hagan Homes Hagan Homes Vaughan Homes Viewpoint Developments

HOUSING Private Housing Private Housing Private Housing Private Housing Private Housing

Dixons Contractors Donaghmore Construction T & A Kernoghan TAL TAL

Social Social Social Social Social

Farrans Construction McCue Crafted Fit McLaughlin & Harvey The McAvoy Group

GB & Republic of Ireland construction award GB & Republic of Ireland Award GB & Republic of Ireland Award GB & Republic of Ireland Award GB & Republic of Ireland Award

Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Mascott Construction O’Hare & McGovern Woodvale Construction

INFRASTRUCTURE Health & Education Health & Education Health & Education Health & Education

GRAHAM Lagan Construction Group Lagan Construction Group

Transport Infrastructure Award Transport Infrastructure Award Transport Infrastructure Award

Abercorn Bridge A8 Belfast to Larne Dual Carriageway Dundonald Park & Ride

Lagan Construction Group Lowry Building & Civil Engineering M & M Contractors

Utilities Infrastructure Award Utilities Infrastructure Award Utilities Infrastructure Award

Gravity II - McVeigh’s Well to Old Park SR Lisnarick Waste Water Treatment Works Superfast Belfast

Felix O’Hare & Co Gilbert-Ash M&M Contractors

QUALITY PERFORMANCE Exporting Award Exporting Award Exporting Award

David Jameson Roofing Services Farrans Construction Lagan Construction Group Maurice Flynn & Sons

Training Training Training Training

Gilbert-Ash Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Heron Bros.

Maurice Flynn & Sons

Environmental Environmental Environmental Environmental

Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Heron Bros.

Martin & Hamilton W&H Alexander (Civil Engineering)

Health Health Health Health

Principal Sponsor

In association with:

Construction Construction Construction Construction

Mount Stewart Rathvarna House Reconstruction of the Gobbins Path The Lynn Building

Award Award Award Award

Strabane Household Recycling Centre North West Regional Science Park Benone Tourist Complex RADAR

Award Award Award Award

Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing

& & & &

ABC Council Chamber Refurbishment Fit-Out of Great Hall at Galgorm Resort & Spa Caterpillar Visitor Centre Arthur Cox

Construction Construction Construction Construction

Award Award Award Award

Award Award Award Award Award

Ardenlee Avenue West Circular Close Linen Lane Orland Meadow Ferry Quarter

Award Award Award Award Award

Ballysally Phase 1 Lime Court, Peters Hill West Green Holywood Lawnbrook Phase 2 Brokerstown Meadow

Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure

Harris Westminster Sixth Form College Phase 1 The Dean A82 Pulpit Rock Realignment Ocean Academy

Award Award Award Award

Award Award Award Award Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability

Safety Safety Safety Safety

Award Award Award Award

Sponsors

Newry Leisure Centre Omagh Community Fire Station & District Headquarters Foyle Arena Cuilcagh Mountain Timber Boardwalk & Mountain Steps

Award Award Award Award

Altnagelvin North Block Enabling Works CAFRE Food Innovation Centre QUB’s Centre for Experimental Medicine Lisnaskea Library

CEF/Specify awards

General Construction:

Commercial Construction Award The Finalists: • Geda • Heron Bros.

• Lowry Building & Civil Enineering • Lowry Construction

North West Regional Science Park (Heron Bros)

H

eron Bros Ltd (HBL) constructed North West Regional Science Park (NWRSP) providing 50,000 sq. ft. over 4 floors of flexible workspace on a brownfield site on the banks of the Foyle. NWRSP anchors the work of the Science Park cementing the cross-border partnership with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology and University of Ulster at Magee which will continue to deliver into the future for the region. The success of this cross border partnership was acknowledged by winning a certificate of Special Achievement in Cross border Cooperation at the ‘Sail of Papenburg’ Awards. Achieving this prestigious award shows the substantial investment this project brings to the North West of Ireland meeting the high tech demand of end users in this area.

HBL realised early on the potential of this landmark project and the significant contribution it brings to the North West.

From this they continually strived to improve the end-users overall experience providing facilities for multi gigabit fibre optic broadband to attract and encourage a diverse range of tenants to these high tech, super-connected premises.

To ensure Client engagement and satisfaction HBL involved the client at every level from daily discussions through to Director level engagement for strategic project review meetings. From these meetings HBL were able to mitigate any concerns the client may have regarding budget and programme as well as incorporating additional elements into the design of the building within the original budget through Value Engineering. HBL’s ability to achieve additional works at no extra cost to the client is testament in itself of HBL’s continual commitment to achieve client satisfaction with the purpose and end users at the forefront of all decisions. Additionally, we engaged with local students studying construction courses with on-site engineering practicals provided by our Site Engineer.

HBL held pre-contract design meetings to ascertain buildability solutions, establishing additional steelwork was required for the stone clad façade. Our Design Manager identified Value Engineering solutions for alternative Rainscreen cladding to allow for the additional steelwork within the initial budget.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

Benone Tourist Complex

(Lowry Building & Civil Engineering)

T

he new Bistro for Causeway Coast & Glens District Council at Benone Tourist Complex will enhance the thriving North Coast tourist industry.

The complex is nestled into the Atlantic coastline in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty with the scenic back drop of Binevenagh Mountain, so careful consideration was used when preparing the Construction Phase and Site Waste Management Plans to protect the working environment.

The project involved the construction of a new one-storey catering facility to service the growing tourism market from the surrounding caravan and camping parks, and also created a modern Crazy Golf Facility & Soft Play Area to complement the existing tennis courts, 9-hole golf course, driving range and kiddies’ swimming pool.

Lowry Building & Civil Engineering worked closely with the Council’s entire Client Team, funding bodies, Tourism and Conservation Officers. Full engagement & a collaborative working relationship were facilitated through weekly stakeholder meetings, key to successful delivery within budget and programme, and complete customer satisfaction.

Their extensive experience on similar projects enabled them to contribute significantly by advising the client and design team on buildability aspects which Lowrys felt could be improved.

By introducing alternative products & methods they were able to improve on key dates yet maintain quality finish.

As with all Lowry Building projects H & S management is paramount to ensure the health & welfare of staff and public is protected. Introductory and top up site inductions, weekly site audits and delivery of comprehensive training ensured that the site was a safe working environment and the project was delivered incident free.

The entire senior and site management teams hold the highest level of H&S accreditation - CSR Black Card H&S for Senior Executives & CSR Gold Card for Site Managers.

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

Strabane Household Recycling (GEDA) • Building • Civil Engineering • Utilities • Facilities Management • Demolition • Recycling

www.lowrybuilding.co.uk The Old Bank, 7 John Street, Castlederg BT81 7AW 028 8167 8646

S

trabane District Council began planning a merger of the town’s civic amenity site/recycling site, waste transfer station and works depot as far back as 2006 citing the previous facilities as separate and extremely outdated. Historically waste facilities were spread over 3 sites, however the Strahan’s site was chosen as the central location for the centre.

This new all encompassing recycling centre involved extensive site clearance, demolition of existing agricultural building, cut/fill bulk earthworks and the construction of steel framed buildings including office accommodation, large mechanical workshop and a waste transfer building. Works also included construction of concrete & modular block retaining walls, realignment and upgrade of external public access road, street lighting, CCTV system, installation of drainage and sewerage systems, diversion of existing services including overhead and underground NIE, BT and NIW infrastructures extensive landscaping and all associated mechanical and electrical works.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

RADAR

(Lowry Construction)

L

owry Construction Ltd was delighted to have successfully completed the ‘high profile’ and innovative Community Safety Education project known as RADAR (Risk Avoidance and Danger Awareness Resource) located at Harbour Court, Belfast. The project involved the fitting out of the existing building to create offices and associated accommodation throughout the ground and first floor levels.

Key elements of construction included new internal walls, floor finishes, suspended and structural ceilings with amazing specialist scenario street scene sets, such as train, fire and police stations, water safety and park scenarios, as well as a car simulator. New lighting, CCTV and interactive educational experiences were also provided.

Key management processes were necessary to effectively deliver the project including Plant, Material and Labour. The contracts manager, as well as liaising with the M&E consultants and Sub-Contractors, established an excellent relationship with the client thus maximising collaborative working practices to achieve the best possible outcome. He was also responsible for ensuring that there was coherence in order for progress to be made on time.

A comprehensive Health and Safety record was maintained over the duration of the contract whilst facilitating client representatives who were monitoring progress on this flagship project.

At the same time it was important that existing businesses in close vicinity remained operational at all times so this necessitated provision of temporary screens and fencing with all precautions put in place to protect these occupied adjoining areas from possible damage.

Lowry Construction’s team along with the client’s consultant worked collectively and by meeting on a regular basis with the client management team were able to apply shared knowledge, wisdom and experience to fine tune details. This ensured that long term maintenance/ life cycle costs were reduced to a minimum. Close client involvement was thus maintained throughout ensuring complete satisfaction with the quality and delivery of the programme.

As a result, this new Safety Centre provides a superb community facility which will help to address some of the major causes of unintentional injuries to young people as well as equally focusing on topical issues such as e-safety, anti-social behaviour, sectarianism, drugs and alcohol awareness- serious issues which should concern us all.

Lowry Construction was delighted to achieve all the required targets and indeed to be at the forefront of a vitally important project which would attract much media interest as well as large number of visitors. Furthermore the client was extremely satisfied with the high standard of work and dedication shown by the Lowry Construction team which ensured that the programme of works were completed on time.

General Construction: Fit-Out Award The Finalists: • Alskea Contracts • Martin & Hamilton

Arthur Cox

(McCue Crafted Fit) • Mascott Construction • McCue Crafted Fit

ABC Council Chamber Refurbishment (Alskea Contracts)

T

General Construction: Fit-Out Award

he works at Craigavon Council Chambers included completely gutting the Chamber out. Alskea then installed new tiered flooring, new ceilings, new aluminium windows, bespoke lighting, fitted furniture, installed a state of the art audio visual system and specialised acoustic panel on walls. As Alskea Contracts are registered to ISO 9001 their work was carried out as per the requirements from ISO 9001. At time of handover all new systems that were installed were commissioned and inspected The finish is of a high standard and the client has conveyed their delight at how the Chamber has turned out. All specialist materials were chosen by giving the client samples on site and getting the client’s approval via e-mail before progressing.

The AV sub-contractor previously carried out works at a job on a different council chamber so were confident they knew the levels of quality expected.

1080 Design were involved in the design process of this job so we knew that they would have full knowledge of the project.

A

s one of Ireland’s largest law firms the standard of fit out required was extremely high. The M&E works were complex as there was a very tight ceiling void, a lot of design meetings were held to overcome this. The overall look was modern and minimalist. Coffered ceilings were manufactured and installed as were glass feature walls throughout with LED lighting incorporated.

The audio visual system for the client areas was of the highest specification. The presentation room includes a bespoke bi-folding removable wall and acoustic installations were used to help with sound proofing. Audio visuals can be controlled by ipads and iphones.

A lot of glass was used in the fit out to make partition walls and create the minimalist look. Porcelain floor tiles were sourced from Italy. Board room furniture was specifically made. Bespoke oak panels were created for the boardroom and client areas. Bespoke kitchenettes were created and installed in the office areas.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Fit-Out Award

Fit-Out of Great Hall at Galgorm Resort & Spa

(Martin & Hamilton)

T

he project centred on the specialist fit-out of Galgorm Resort & Spa’s Great Hall, which is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s premier wedding venues. Work consisted of the construction of an extension to the first floor comprising a new entrance lobby, ladies toilets, and an external reception area. Internally the existing first floor area was refurbished to a new configured layout complete with upgraded mechanical and electrical services, new bars, wash rooms, flooring and wall finishes, etc. The project was successfully completed on time and within budget as a result of a particularly high standard of contract management and workmanship.

With the benefit of the experience of other fitout projects, Martin & Hamilton proposed buildability and value engineering initiatives. Their proposals were welcomed by the client’s representatives to enhance the original design.

A particularly high standard of specification was required. For example Grigio Carnico and Bianco Venato Italian marble was imported for use in the wash rooms, champagne bar, skirting and wall cladding.

Everything was procured using only the best of products. For example the Chandeliers were imported from central Europe.

Martin & Hamilton used their quality management system to check materials and workmanship to ensure a high standard of finish throughout.

General Construction: Fit-Out Award

Caterpillar Visitor Centre

(Mascott Construction)

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he project involved the refurbishment and reconstruction of two existing buildings plus the construction of a linked covered walkway between the new reception and new visitors centre with a contract value of £700k. Work involved asbestos removal, new walls, ceilings, floors and internal decoration finishes including associated Mechanical and Electrical Services.

The visitor centre houses conference facilities and exhibition space and was designed to create a dedicated facility in order for the client to showcase all its locally manufactured products to their international customers.

Prior to commencing construction, Mascott proactively engaged with the clients Integrated Consultant Team (ICT) and received an initial briefing on the thought process that had been applied to the project during the design stage. The remit from the outset was for the reception building to remain fully operational, minimize disruption to the users of the adjacent areas, facilitate their safe access and egress during construction and ensure that security is intact.

General Construction: Restoration The Finalists: • H&J Martin • Maurice Flynn & Sons

• Mclaughlin & Harvey • Woodvale Construction

Rathvarna House

(Maurice Flynn & Sons)

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FS greatly enjoyed bringing 1904 B1-listed Rathvarna House back to life after many years of dereliction. Their skilled team lovingly restored the period building which is now fit to support services for young people.

Such was the extent of deterioration, the original plasterwork or carpentry were restored where possible and otherwise faithfully recreated and to original condition. In particular, the beautiful stained glass window and staircase were restored. This was remarked upon by the residents when we invited them to review progress – one lady recalled grand parties that had been held in the house!

The materials used for plasterwork and joinery were selected for their quality as befitting this 1900’s Grade 2 listed building. All materials are from sustainable sources.

MFS is well recognised for having long-established apprenticeship and training schemes with key colleges and providers and this project provided the opportunity for listed building trades skills to be passed on to the new generation.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Restoration Award

Mount Stewart (H&J Martin)

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estoring the 18th Century Mount Stewart involved important and vital conservation work to the Grade A listed house. H&J Martin repaired serious structural defects throughout the property by way of calculated design ingenuity and the use of limited intrusive measures to minimise disturbance to historic features and finishes, all whilst upgrading vital Mechanical and Electrical installations. H&J Martin’s management team worked meticulously with specialist conservators from the National Trust as well as dedicated Design Team members throughout the refurbishment of the building.

With Mount Stewart remaining open to the public, health and safety and logistics were always a key concern and one of valued importance. H&J Martin also had to consider the priceless artefacts and coordinate every aspect of works with the specialists of the National Trust to ensure the contents of each room were properly catalogued, protected, packed and delivered safely to a temperature controlled point of storage.

Additional works were undertaken externally to the listed paving on the south terrace as well as replacement of roof lights and installation of a new fall arrest system to the main roof.

General Construction: Restoration Award

The Lynn Building (Woodvale Construction)

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he ornate Victorian interior of the Lynn Building is one of the finest in Ireland.

Poet Philip Larkin, who was sub-librarian at Queens in the 1950s, described the Lynn Library as resembling “a large church designed by an ecclesiastical architect”. The east half of the building dates from 1864 – 5 and the west half from 1911 – 13. W.H. Lynn was the architect on both occasions. Features include brick and polychrome stone work, gables and gargoyles, banded tiles, ornamental tracery and a beautiful timber ceiling. The building is at the heart of the Queens’ community and, with the Lanyon Building, is at the centre of Belfast’s first conservation area.

Since the building was completed in 1913 it has been adapted internally {and externally with the introduction of the bridge link to the Library Stack) to support its continued use as a library. The restoration project has reversed the damage inflicted on the building by the inappropriate 1952 McGeagh and 1983 Twist and Whitley insertions and insertion of the link bridge. It has opened up the glorious vaulted ceiling in a triple height space at the entrance, providing a visual link between the entrance and the impressive first floor space.

General Construction: Restoration Award

Reconstruction of the Gobbins Path (McLaughlin & Harvey)

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he original Victorian Gobbins path was built by Berkely Dean-Wise, a leading Irish railway engineer and opened in 1901. It quickly became a major tourist attraction with a series of bridges, caverns and winding stepped paths carved into the rock, 6-20m above sea level below towering 60m high cliffs. The original scheme was constructed by railway staff over 7 years, using boats and rafts with two of the major attractions being a tubular hoop bridge and the Gordons leap suspension bridge. Construction works included the first reported use of reinforced concrete in Ireland. The path was closed during WW2 and reopened briefly after the war before being abandoned in 1961 as it became impossible to maintain and by 2013 it had fallen into disrepair with most of the structures having collapsed into the Irish Sea. The project to restore the Gobbins Path and create a world class attraction began in 2014. The 1km scheme consists of the reconstruction of 22 new bridge structures, consisting of 6 types all of stainless steel construction including 7No. Small Simply Supported (7-12m), 4No. Bracket Support Structure (5–35m), 5No. Large Simply Supported (>20.0m) and the reconstruction of the two Iconic Structures – The tubular bridge and the Gordons Leap Suspension Bridge.

General Construction:

Social/Community Construction Award The Finalists: • Felix O’Hare & Co • Lowry Building & Civil Engineering

• O’Hare & McGovern • W&H Alexander (Civil Engineering)

Newry Leisure Centre (Felix O’Hare & Co)

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ewry & Mourne District Council appointed Felix O’Hare as Main Contractor for the construction of a new build leisure centre comprising swimming pool, changing facilities, administration areas, plant room and associated external works in the heart of Newry City.

As part of a larger scheme to revamp the recreational and leisure facilities for the people of the Newry & Mourne Area, this new-build centre provides a fit-for-purpose facility, meeting the future needs of recreational and competitive swimming and is a facility that the Council, users and general public will enjoy for many years to come.

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

The works included the construction of a new facility with a landscaped public plaza and car park for approximately 150 cars.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Social/Community Construction Award

Omagh Community Fire Station & District Headquarters (Lowry Building & Civil Engineering)

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he new Omagh Community Fire Station and District Headquarters, the first of a prototype design by HLM Architects, houses a six fire-fighting appliance bay, community fire safety centre, bespoke training tower, transport and engineering workshop, road traffic collision and animal rescue facilities, plus the key operational district hub.

Consultation design workshops with male and female firefighters addressed gender considerations to produce accommodation for staff and public together and which has received a William Keown Trust Accessibility Award.

With provision to engage and educate the public this visionary concept attracted 2500 visitors to an Open Day, and interest from South West College Industrial Advisory Board.

Commendations came from both NIFRS Board Chairman and NI’s Health Minister for successful delivery of the flagship project which has won both RICS and FMB Master Builder of the Year awards. Close client engagement through regular progress meetings allowed Lowry’s Project Team to accommodate all design variations and client requirements and still deliver an impressive build within budget and accelerated programme.

This project was technically challenging, both by design and intense completion programme. After assessing the integrity of initial works by the previous contractor and rectifiying irregularities indentified, our Project Team worked tirelessly with the client team throughout the construction phase to achieve quality completion. The futuristic design incorporated curved and asymmetric structural steel fabrication enclosed by red Kalzip roofing system and extensive coloured glass façade, and utilises innovative technologies like Hormann sectional automatic appliance bay doors and Geargrid uniform drying system.

Our experienced management team carefully assembled and coordinated a competent supply chain to deliver the project, salvaging several supply & subcontractor appointments from the original contract, and partnering South West

College to provide placement for construction degree students.

A commendable Health & Safety record was maintained over the contract duration with stringent supervision by our Company H&S Officer to manage the extensive team of Lowry and supply chain personnel executing varied construction trades. The intense accelerated programme required careful coordination of the entire team to achieve zero-incident completion.

General Construction: Social/Community Award

Foyle Arena

(O’Hare & McGovern)

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’Hare & McGovern recently delivered the Foyle Arena; the new state-of-the-art £12 million Leisure Centre in Derry/ Londonderry which was commissioned by Derry City Council. The demolition of the existing leisure centre in St. Columb’s park paved the way for this exciting development, and it has since gained the status of Centre of Sporting Excellence for the North West region of Northern Ireland and the Republic Of Ireland. The commission came as a creative call for action in addressing social and economic disadvantages in the area, cross-community relations and the need for a greater emphasis on sports development. The resulting Foyle Arena has gone above and beyond in its response by delivering a structure which facilitates outdoor programmes, high performance programmes and events for the North-West cross-border region. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, a source of local employment, an economic influx and a central community hub has been created.

O’Hare & McGovern are proud that the new flagship leisure centre at St. Columbs Park has been described as, “one of the most exciting and ambitious capital build projects ever” in the North West, and has put the city firmly on the map. However, it is not limited to just regional success as it has all the attributes of becoming a venture of national significance, mainly due to the installation of its full sized international standard climbing wall. Additionally, its role as an events venue holds great appeal, and the Foyle Arena hopes to cement itself as a permanent venue for cultural, entertainment, and commercial events.

This is possible with the additional feature of retractable bleacher seating in the multi-purpose indoor sports hall, creating 400 seats which spans between one to seven rows, and can be increased or reduced based on event size. The Arena’s capacity holds 2,000 people and is therefore eligible to host diverse events, from concerts to conferences with the added bonus of portable staging.

These are just a few of the additional benefits to be found at Foyle Arena; its versatility can be fully recognized when one sees the full scale of sporting development equipment such as: • Multi-use studio • Fully equipped fitness suite • Strength and Conditioning room • Purpose built sports development and athlete support services area • 25 metre swimming pool with moving floor and children’s play pool • Floodlit 3G outdoor area featuring two synthetic five-a-side pitches • Wheelchair accessible and has approval from Disability Sport NI.

CEF/Specify awards

Founded in 1972, OHMG has an extensive portfolio of successful construction projects delivered in Education, Leisure, Residential, Health, Office and Retail sectors. These projects are delivered under traditional construction contracts, design and build contracts, and design, build, finance and operate contracts. We directly employ a large pool of highly trained and mobile staff permitting us to carry out work in all parts of the British Isles. We work with our Clients and supply chain partners on an open book basis to reduce costs, improve quality and deliver value for money with reduced construction times on all contracts.

CEF www.ohmg.com

Proud to be taking part in the Specify Construction Excellence Awards for another year!

Address: Carnbane House, Shepherds Way, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, County Down, BT35 6EE. Email: carnbanehouse@ohmg.com Phone: +44 28 3026 4662

General Construction: Social/Community Award

Cuilcagh Mountain Timber Boardwalk & Mountain Steps

(W&H Alexander (Civil Engineering)

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illiam & Henry Alexander (Civil Engineering) Ltd was appointed by Fermanagh District Council to construct a 1.6km raised boardwalk and steps on Cuilcagh Mountain.

Cuilcagh Mountain sits on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan. It has a height of 665 metres and it is the highest point in both counties and the 165th highest on the island of Ireland. It is the centrepiece of the Cuilcagh Mountain Park which takes in 2500 hectares on the northern slopes of the mountain & lies at the heart of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park was opened in 1998 with assistance from the European Union’s LIFE Peatlands Project and the Heritage Lottery Fund to conserve pristine blanket bog, to restore damaged peat-land and to increase awareness of bog-land habitats and wildlife. It contains a diverse range of rare & vulnerable bird, plant and insect species and is protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Natura 2000 site.

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award: The Finalists: • Farrans Construction • McCue Crafted Fit

• McLaughlin & Harvey • The McAvoy Group

The Dean

(McCue Crafted Fit)

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his project was a 52 bedroom hotel fitted out over three Georgian buildings following extensive renovation of former ICC bank offices featuring 270 degree view of Dublin from the rooftop bar/restaurant.

Different room styles include modern pod rooms, suites and a 2 bedroom penthouse with a cocktail bar, foosball table, and eight seater poker table.

Rooms feature rainforest showers, turntables, vinyl collections, and Marshall amplifiers. A neon sign by artist Tracey Emin forms a focal point above reception. Artwork and photographs also commissioned by local artists.

Reclaimed timber, salvage items were used as well as bespoke metal and joinery. The furniture, beds and all fixtures and fittings were specifically made or sourced by McCue. McCue have facilities in house to create bespoke architectural joinery. The bar is made from untreated mahogany, each of the rooms are fitted with engineered continental oak laid in a heritage inspired chevron pattern. The corridors have geometrically patterned custom carpet and that coupled with the wooden floors helps to keep noise to a minimum.

CEF/Specify awards GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Harris Westminster Sixth Form College Phase 1

A82 Pulpit Rock Improvement

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(Farrans Construction)

ocated in the heart of London, the new Harris Westminster Sixth Form College (HWSFC) had logistics at the heart of its strategic planning from the outset. With live offices either side of the existing building and the New Scotland Yard headquarters located to the rear, the team were particularly sensitive to mitigating the impact of the construction works on the surrounding neighbours. The first phase involved the internal strip out of 2,100m2 of the 8-storey high 1930’s Ministry of Justice Building and remodelling it into a fully fitted out modern “free school” college. Farrans were awarded the contract from our development of the Employer’s brief and within 2 months had started works on site. With these tight time scales, a Partnering Approach was taken with Contractors Proposals being developed during the strip out of the existing structure. Design meetings were held on a weekly basis and key decisions and approval of work packages were linked to the programme to ensure the maximum momentum of activities was maintained. One of the design challenges was maximising the ceiling height to optimise the teaching experience.

This was restricted by the existing structure and down-stand encased steel beams.

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Ocean Academy (The McAvoy Group)

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cean Academy is a 1865sqm three form entry junior school with capacity for 340 pupils and associated staff. The building was the first Modular project procured by the Borough of Poole and the first new school build within this district for 20 years.

The modules were manufactured Off-site in Northern Ireland in one of McAvoy’s three production plants. The project involved McAvoy as main contractor who partnered with 12 different NI based contractors and suppliers including major elements of the build such as M&E installations, roofing, external windows & doors, cladding, traditional steel frame and internal fit-out trades.

The Use of BIM technology and Whole Life Costing brought industry leading solutions to ensure a good design and best value for money.

(McLaughlin & Harvey) he A82 Pulpit Rock Improvement Scheme involved widening 400m of the A82 adjacent to Loch Lomond where a road slippage had constrained the road to a single lane under traffic light control for 30 years. The scheme removed a ‘bottleneck’ for traffic around a tight headland on the main trunk road from Glasgow to the West of Scotland and The Scottish Highlands. This project included a six span, 175m long ‘s’ shaped viaduct bridge structure, 200m of 30m high slope/rock cut & stabilisation and 0.5km of road realignment. Transport Scotland developed a specimen design at a preliminary stage. This consisted of a curved deck of twin steel box girders, supported on twin piers and traditional pile-caps below water level. The construction methodology for this would have required a 14 week road closure, deep excavations adjacent to an existing railway and construction of cofferdams in the environmentally sensitive loch. The closure would have greatly affected the local economy, which is heavily tourism dependent, due to a 60km diversion route.

Housing:

Private Housing Award The Finalists: • Cunningham Contracts • Hagan Homes

• Hagan Homes • Vaughan Homes • Viewpoint Developments

Ardenlee Advenue

(Cunnigham Contracts)

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he land, located at Ardenlee Avenue, was part of the Bank of Irelands’ stressed lending portfolio and has been developed as an exclusive new development of only 7 properties in one of South Belfast’s most sought after residential locations.

The development, consisting of 4 semi-detached homes and 3 terrace homes, has been considered classical, contemporary and timeless. The design of the properties combines traditional elegance with contemporary perfection.

Ardenlee Avenue consists of 3 terrace homes which have street frontage to Ardenlee Avenue with off-street parking on paved driveways within the confines of private walls and railings. To the rear of Ardenlee Avenue, 4. semi-detached homes form Ardenlee Chase. A private cul-desac of slightly larger homes again with off-street parking and privacy within a small complex with private entrance.

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Private Housing Award

Housing: Private Housing Award

West Circular Close (Hagan Homes)

“W

est Circular Close” is a new metro style of housing development comprising 34 apartments and 4 townhouses located approximately 1.2 km northwest of Belfast City Centre.

The development occupies the site of a former steel fabrication factory and associated service yard. It was a site facing the modern challenge of decontamination of former industrial sites. Residential redevelopment presented an opportunity to remove a significant eyesore and source of anti-social behaviour from the public realm, replacing an incongruous use with one more in character with the immediate environs.

It would have been a simple task to replace the existing brutal industrial monstrosity with almost anything to achieve an improvement to the area.

Eschewing that vulgar, simplistic approach, Hagan Homes design brief to their design team was to create a development with a unique and distinctive sense of place, harmonising with its surroundings by drawing inspiration from the best of architecture and built form found along West Circular Road.

The result is a development, suitable for use by all age groups, which blends seamlessly into the streetscape. Integration into the existing streetscape has been achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive landscaping and management scheme.

Housing: Private Housing Award

Orland Meadow (Vaughan Homes)

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esigned to provide a modern living environment to meet the high expectations of today’s discerning home buyer, Orland Meadow is a small boutique style development of just 23 properties on the outskirts of the historic County Antrim town of Carrickfergus which overlooks the shores of Belfast Lough.

Dominated by a 12th Century Castle that is Ireland’s oldest and best preserved Norman citadel, Carrickfergus has become an increasingly popular residential town in recent years and we believe Orland Meadow has further enhanced its attraction.

The site, which is tucked away just off the Marshallstown Road and close to Bashfordland Wood, had lain vacant and unprotected for many years; it had become an eyesore to its neighbours, but today the ambience of the area has been significantly improved with an exclusive development that will maintain its appeal for decades to come.

Linen Lane (Hagan Homes)

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he Mall”, which is nearing completion, marks the penultimate phase of the successful Linen Lane development located at the southern edge of Bangor.

Recognising that simply replicating the existing built form prevalent in the surrounding area would avoid controversy and delay, Hagan Homes nevertheless rejected that simplistic (and lazy) design approach. From the outset of this exciting development Hagan Homes has worked to create a vibrant, stimulating and memorable environment in which to live and visit; one that takes into account the characteristics of the site and its setting.

The central feature of “The Mall” is the large rectangular area of formal open space and the housing that encloses that space on all sides. “The Mall” is indisputably the focal point of “Linen Lane” and is fundamental to creating a true sense of place with memorable character.

This sense of place is reinforced through the use of architecture of a distinctive scale and mass consistent with the open space. The use of 3 storey terraced units with focal buildings turning the corners at key junctions not only help to enclose the space and make it user friendly but also creates a well-defined space with memorable character. The use of coloured render as a finish helps to create a vibrant and interesting environment in which to live.

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Private Housing Award

Ferry Quarter

(Viewpoint Developments)

Proud to be associated with the Construction Excellence Awards!

With over 30 years experience in the construction industry Vaughan Homes have established a winning combination using modern techniques, innovative designs, exceptional construction standards, careful attention to detail and excellent customer service...

They have been richly recognised through the NHBC… ‘Pride in the Job’ awards scheme and CEF Construction Excellence Awards Excellence over the Years inspiring complete confidence within this industry

Aercon Works 556 Antrim Road Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT36 4RF Telephone: 028 9083 7441 Fax: 028 9034 2469

www.vaughan-homes.com

Housing:

Social Housing Award The Finalists: • Dixons Contractors • Donaghmore Construction

• T&A Kernoghan • TAL • TAL

Lawnbrook Phase 2 (TAL)

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his scheme delivered twenty eight much needed two and three bedroom, high quality, sustainable and affordable family homes to the Shankill area. This thoughtfully designed development improved not only the lives of the tenants but also the wider Shankill area as they replaced the existing dilapidated properties as part of an ongoing Regeneration Project providing a more attractive and safer community environment.

This project was devised with the end user in mind and included Secure by design criteria which dealt with security issues in and around the home. Tenants have secure gated access to rear gardens affording a safe environment for children to play.

TAL along with the design team used an integrated approach in order to provide houses with the highest standard of finish from the external façade to the internal fixtures and fittings. Close communication and open discussion contributed to a ‘Right first time’ quality culture and ultimately the handover of a scheme which everyone can be proud of.

The brownfield site presented a number of challenges to the delivery team one of which required teamwork and intricate planning to resolve: a Rivers Agency brick culvert traversed the site, as part of our design responsibility we carried out a survey to pinpoint the exact location and worked directly with our piling subcontractor to ensure our foundation and piling layout did not damage or adversely affect the culvert structure. TAL liaised closely with Rivers Agency regarding locating the culvert and also to demonstrate their methodology and commitment to ensure zero damage to their asset.

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t View Point

Developments’ Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co Down, not only do they have beautiful new properties along the shores of Strangford Lough but, with their unique, communal, BBQ, area they are keen to showcase that an outdoor lifestyle can be enjoyed - whatever the weather. With this in mind, View Point Developments teamed up with well known Northern Ireland Interior Designer Maureen Collins to reveal how the changeable Northern Ireland weather shouldn’t stop you from entertaining outdoors at The Ferry Quarter.

Justin McClay, from View Point Developments, said: “With our collection of very unique homes at Ferry Quarter we want people to love where they live and enjoy the fantastic outdoor lifestyle on offer including our, unique communal BBQ area, overlooking the stunning Strangford Lough – whatever the weather. We were delighted to have Maureen Collins on board to show how this can easily been done with minimal fuss but with lots of fun. We hope that people who come to see the development will feel inspired with what we achieved at the site and consider making Ferry Quarter their home.”

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Social Housing Award

Housing: Social Housing Award

West Green Holywood

Ballysally Phase 1

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(T&A Kernoghan)

he T&A Groups completion of this new modern development at West Green in Holywood brought to a successful conclusion their involvement in this social housing project which started as far back as 2013.

Completed on time and within budget to the client’s full satisfaction, this £3.8m revitalisation scheme provides West Green with 37 high quality modern homes on a site previously occupied by two blocks of Housing Executive flats.

The brief was that finishes had to be to a high quality with a focus on durability and as such a bright refreshing and welcoming environment is clearly visible through the quality design and finishes.

The homes were built to high energy efficiency and design specifications, including Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards, which ensured added security for tenants, reduce heating and energy bills for the families who live there and flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date.

A significant central green area was also included in the development which was designed in consultation with the local community.

(Dixons Contractors)

he scheme proposed was Multi Element Improvements to ten dwellings located at Mossvale Park, Ballysally estate, Coleraine. This relatively small yet important refurbishment scheme played an important part in the regeneration of the whole estate. These rundown, derelict dwellings created an eyesore and were the first impression of the wider Ballysally estate for both visitors and residents. In addition, although there was a shortage of social housing in this area, five of these dwellings had been uninhabitable prior to the improvement works.

The construction works comprised complete internal renovation of all 10 dwellings which consisted of asbestos removal, replacement kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, full internal redecoration and complete mechanical and electrical works with coloured render, new canopies, fencing and site works.

A key challenge with this project was sensitive handling of the decant of the five existing households and the subsequent phasing of works. Through excellent programming and planning and ongoing liaison with both tenants and Oaklee Homes Group Housing Officer we were able to smoothly manage the transfer of these residents to temporary accommodation and then back to their new homes on completion.

Housing: Social Housing Award

Brokerstown Meadow (TAL)

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his project involved the construction of 18 semi-detached and terraced social housing dwellings on a brownfield

site.

Works included new proposed adopted roads, footpaths and drainage. In-curtilage siteworks included drainage, driveways, paths, fencing and boundary treatments of different types and provision of bicycle storage sheds, water butts and clothes lines. Landscaping included communal open space areas as well as private turfed front and rear gardens, and other soft landscaping The project provides safe, comfortable and accessible homes, giving residents a sense of ownership and creating a sustainable community Homes are built to high energy efficiency standards and design specifications, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards, which ensure added security for tenants and flexibility of adaptation if required in the future Biodiversity was enhanced through native woodland planting and provision of bird feeder and bat boxes Pupils from the adjacent Ballymacash Primary School were involved in searching for an imaginative name for the new development. The winning name, Brokerstown Meadow, one of four names shortlisted from over 50 inventive suggestions by pupils, was suggested by Primary 7 pupil Chloe Turtle. Chloe and the three runners up were rewarded for their creativity with gift vouchers TAL successfully delivered the scheme to Clanmil’s budget and programme.

CEF/Specify awards

TAL is one of Northern Ireland’s most respected and innovative construction companies delivering high quality, professional services and solutions to our public and private sector clients.

TAL has gained a reputation for excellence in delivering high quality new build and refurbishment projects in numerous sectors including: • Education • Healthcare • Historical Buildings • Sport & Leisure • Ecclesiastic • Residential • Commercial & Industrial • Civil Engineering TAL is delighted that two of our projects have been shortlisted in this years CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards.

Growing through the quality of our work and the dedication and professionalism of our staff

TAL House, Lissue Industrial Estate East, Unit 1, 9 Lissue Walk, Lisburn BT28 2LU T: 028 9262 2345 E: construct@tal.ltd.uk W: www.tal.ltd.uk

Housing: Social Housing Award

Lime Court, Peters Hill (Donaghmore Construction)

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his development at Lime Court aimed to provide high-specification supported living for people with a range of disability needs. It comprised 13 Lifetime Homes and Code for Sustainable Homes-compliant apartments on a greenfield site within the occupied Lime Court complex.

The development, comprising supported living apartments, was constructed with a view to meeting the following objectives: • To resettle long term patients from Muckamore Abbey Hospital in accordance with the Bamford Report; • To allow residents with learning difficulties to live independent lives within the community whilst having suitable on-site support to meet their care needs; • To minimise running costs (through integration of low-energy, sustainable technologies and smart eco-design, avoiding issues like thermal bridging and maximising solar exposure and shading – concepts synonymous with ‘passive house’); • Ease of use and future adaptability; Enhanced Living - the development includes communal and reflection areas, shared outdoor space, parking facilities and security in a volatile geographic setting Delivery for the end-user was at the heart of this project. DCL, Oaklee Homes and the design team worked closely with residents to understand and fully meet their needs. DCL, its supply chain, Oaklee and the design team also adopted an ‘open communication’ approach amongst themselves: • Enabling sharing of innovation; • Effective change-management and expedited problem resolution; & • High quality, on time/budget delivery.

The site is located on the periphery of the peace line on Peter’s Hill, which posed particular complexities for us during August 2013. The presence of a clear physical barrier separating protestant and catholic communities served as a magnet for well-documented civil unrest. Throughout the contentious marching season, DCL prepared (in conjunction with interested parties) a Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Lime Court. The Plan included mechanisms for engagement with the local community.

CEF/Specify awards

experience expertise vision

SOCIAL & PRIVATE HOUSING I ECCLESIASTIC & HISTORIC BUILDINGS I LEISURE, EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE I INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL & RETAIL I CIVIL ENGINEERING 7 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Co.Tyrone BT71 4HP

E: info@donaghmoreconstruction.com W: www.donaghmoreconstruction.com

T: 028 8772 6500

Infrastructure:

Health & Education Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Lowry Building & Civil Engineering • Mascott Construction

• O’Hare & McGovern • Woodvale Construction

Altnagelvin North Block Enabling Works (Lowry Building & Civil Engineering)

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s preparation for the proposed new Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, vital to the 400,000 strong population of the area, the North Block Enabling Works contract was critical for procurement programming to ensure this vital cancer treatment accommodation will open on target by Autumn 2016.

The contract was complex, intense and unique, requiring utmost professionalism from our team to deliver eight phases of works within six months in a major live acute hospital environment and involved the relocation and reinstatement of a 900m2 modular Clinical Education Centre, renovation of Ward 5 to Office Administration wing, refurbishment of Ward 9 for rheumatology and respiratory patients, refurbishment of Wards 21, 23 and 00 for cancer patients and installation of new bed lift and link corridor connecting North Block to Sperrin Suite, plus the construction of two temporary car-parking facilities.

The intense programme required meticulous coordination of the 120-strong construction team by our experienced management team of Contracts Manager, Design Coordinator,

four Site Managers, H&S Officer and Quantity Surveyor, whilst also working in conjunction with contractors on other areas of the Hospital site to minimize disruption to staff and patients.

Regular progress, quality and technical meetings in conjunction with the Resident Project Architect were used to control the Change Management Schedule, updated on an hourly basis due to the intensity & frequency of change requests. Precision programming in conjunction with Health Trust staff to control shutdown of vital services, such as medical gases, was critical to facilitate works on our site locations.

The daily volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic through Hospital premises and grounds required stringent traffic control through our areas of work, and infection control measures carefully avoided the spread of Aspergillus & Pseudomonas commonly associated with the migration of dust – implementation of an intense clinical cleaning regime was monitored and highly commended by the Health Trust Infection Control Staff. Migration of sound & vibration was also successfully controlled and the project was completed with zero incidents.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health & Education Infrastructure Award

QUB’s Centre for Experimental Medicine (O’Hare & McGovern)

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’Hare & McGovern were appointed as the main contractor for Queens University Belfast (QUB) £32 million Centre for Experimental Medicine (CEM), supporting 400 jobs in the construction sector.

CEM itself is a new four-storey concrete framed Medical Research building that was built on the Queens Institute of Health Sciences Campus on Jubilee Rd, where several dedicated, high quality research centres focused on cancer, infectious disease, public health and population genetics are already based. Indeed, the external wall of the neighbouring Cancer Research building forms part of CEM’s Atrium, which behaves as the centre of gravity for the scheme, and creates a unique and dynamic area between the two buildings. The atrium has excellent visual links across both buildings with high degrees of transparency celebrating the science that occurs within the building, thus stimulating innovation and social interaction amongst staff.

The clear visibility and quality of the transparency through the buildings have been strategically created to organise the major building services around the perimeter of the building, thus removing them from the central core. This approach also enables total adaptability in future layouts for the building with major servicing external to the labs.

The whole building is unified by a simple palette of three materials. Sophisticated and refined glazing for the main body of labs harmonizes against a robust charcoal base to provide grounding, and a lightweight aluminium louvre system for roof top plant areas.

A Building Information Model (BIM) was used in a collaborative process between all parties to find solutions to buildability issues. The implementation of BIM aided dynamic design and embedment of product and asset data. Complementary workflows and processes allowed the various construction professionals/project participants real-time access to the centralised virtual model, which was used to perform individual functions such as analysis, design development, coordination, sequencing and early contractor engagement.

Infrastructure: Health & Education Infrastructure Award

CAFRE Food Innovation Centre (Mascott Construction)

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he £2.3M Design & Build Contract was for the provision of a new build extension to the existing Food Technology Building at CAFRE Loughry Campus, Cookstown, to create a new Food Innovation Centre.

The existing campus remained operational and occupied throughout the construction period.

The new building is a 2 Storey extension to the western end of the existing Food Technology Centre. It incorporates classrooms, commercial kitchens, laboratories and a food tasting suite on the ground floor. On the first floor it contains a computer suite and seminar facilities for circa 100people, as well as other associated facilities. The anticipated end users of this recently completed building will be 3rd level education students, the food industry and members of the public.

Mascott were responsible for the adoption, development and completion of the design for the whole of the Works, the co-ordination of their design and issue of the working/production drawings (including As Built information) and construction of the building through to completion.

Infrastructure: Health & Education Infrastructure Award

Lisnaskea Library

(Woodvale Construction)

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hen they were looking for a location for the new Lisnaskea Library, Libraries NI wanted it to be right at the heart of the town. They found a great site – two old mid terraced houses that had lain vacant for some time, but this confined urban setting created some construction challenges.

The demolition of the two mid terrace houses entailed asbestos removal and careful, sequential deconstruction. The existing basement was underpinned and the two adjacent properties were propped during construction. Demolition, propping, excavation and underpinning works were carefully planned and controlled. .During excavation the Site Manager noticed a rising spring coming from the rock, particularly after heavy rainfall. Normally the water drains away naturally but after heavy rainfall it’s pumped to the main storm drain. The lower ground floor and walls were tanked with preprufe, the installation overseen and guaranteed by the system provider, solving a potential ongoing problem for the facility.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Transport Infrastructure Award

Infrastructure:

Transport Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • GRAHAM • Lagan Construction Group

• Lagan Construction Group

A8 Belfast to Larne Dual Carriageway (Lagan Construction)

Abercorn Bridge (GRAHAM)

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he project involved the refurbishment of a 1932 reinforced concrete structure over the River Strule. The structure is a 56m long three span bridge over the river, with an adjoining 18m viaduct.

The load capacity and service life was increased with strengthening works, concrete repairs, cathodic protection and installation of basalt reinforcement.

This was one of the first structures within the UK to use basalt reinforcement. This contractor’s engineering proposal was delivered by the team as an innovation to traditional steel reinforcement, and generated an alternative design solution and construction methodology. A new basalt reinforced topping slab was cast to the existing structure, rather than demolish and reconstruct the deck.

Infrastructure: Transport Infrastructure Award

Dundonald Park & Ride (Lagan Construction)

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he Dundonald Park and Ride project has provided car parking for 521 vehicles, a terminal building with a piled foundation, dedicated bus access, installation of new traffic signals, traffic signal alterations, junction upgrade, culvert extensions and diversions, watercourse diversions, storm attenuation systems and ground improvements.

Site won clay was mixed with approximately 3% cement binder material to reproduce the stabilised fill material. Layers of topsoil and peat material encountered where discarded and not used in stabilised fill. The amount of fill placed typically ranged between the depths of 1m to 2m. Where soft zones where encountered they were removed and the depth to formation level extended to competent subgrade. The whole process eliminated the need to landfill 41,000 t of excavated material and import 41,000 t of crushed stone. This was a substantial saving both in terms of carbon footprint and budget.

This work features a custom built drainage system which saw Lagan Construction Group designing a sustainable drainage system to manage surface water from the site minimising the impact of the new car park on the drainage system in the surrounding area, resulting in an excellence sustainability performance of the project.

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his project, undertaken on behalf of Northern Ireland’s Department for Regional development’s Transport NI, involved designing and converting 14.5 km of the A-road into dial carriageway between Coleman’s Corner Roundabout and the B100 Ballyrickard Road.

This is a significant highway infrastructure scheme for Northern Ireland that required considerable innovative technical engineering and environmental solutions.

• First NI road project to use Northern Ireland Roads Service Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) scheme.

• Established new exemplar approaches in watercourse management and archaeology which have set new standards for schemes in Northern Ireland.

• Delivered innovative solutions including use of a full width pavement spreader, archaeology trial trenching and BGC gas pipeline diversions.

• High environmental awareness and liaison with public delivered a successful project on time and within budget.

Infrastructure:

Utilities Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Lagan Construction Group • Lowry Building & Civil Engineering

• M&M Contractors

Gravity II McVeighs Well to Old Park SR (Lagan Construction)

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ravity II involved a major mains rehabilitation project within a densely populated urban environment in Belfast City where pipeline was installed through 30+ gardens, 2 golf courses, motorway, woodlands, a primary school, Belfast Castle and Cavehill County Park.

CCTV probing identified the condition of an existing pipeline which, when commissioned in 1967, survived only 15 years. Gravity II brought this pipe back to life and enabled NIW to use an asset capable of delivering 32 million litres of water per day to North Belfast. The CCTV determined that the host pipe had a number of engineering constraints requiring solutions to allow the new pipe to be put in.

Key Facts: • 5.1km of 710mm HPPE installed by non-intrusive slip-lining with ‘in-hole’ butt welding and directional drilling through 33’’ pre-stresssed concrete • Excavations were in close proximity to residential properties <5m away and up to 5m deep in some cases.

• Specialized acoustic equipment and structural engineers were employed to give baseline information regarding residential properties and to monitor levels of noise and potential subsidence during and after the work had taken place.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Utilities Infrastructure Award

Lisnarick Waste Water Treatment Works

(Lowry Building & Civil Engineering)

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his new Waste Water Treatment Works replaces the existing aeration plant, one of the first of its era to be added to NI Water infrastructure in the 1960s but which had reached capacity, and will improve NI Water’s local infrastructure in Lisnarick and the surrounding area. New RBC units combined with flow control mechanism were installed to meet Formula A flows within the challenging restrictions created by the lowlying confined site, two metres below road level and with a watercourse running along the perimeter. Operation of the existing works had to be maintained until we were able to coordinate phased change-over to the new treatment plant in liaison with NIE. Serving the Co. Fermanagh village of Lisnarick, priority capital investment was given to replacement of the existing sewage treatment plant which had suffered several operational failures, contravening NIEA discharge consent, and no longer had the capacity to meet local requirements or accommodate future growth and development.

The design and build nature of the contract meant full engagement with the client through every stage of the project. NI Water’s design team were involved in all decision making processes to ensure satisfaction with finished product, and were delighted with our can do approach, management and delivery of the entire scheme.

The new design and build works included a new inlet screen, primary settlement tanks, 2 no. integrated RBC units, flow measurement chambers, flow splitting chambers, and control kiosks with all associated pipework and site works. project.

Life cycle costs of the new works were considered within our design brief to the client, with the provision of telemetry to provide ease of maintenance. We negotiated the use of a neighbouring field with the landowner for site setup and

Infrastructure: Utilities Infrastructure Award

Superfast Belfast (M&M Contractors)

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&M Contractors provide turnkey telecommunication infrastructures, encompassing network design, civil engineering, construction and optic fibre solutions. April saw them complete one of the most prestigious contracts in their 30-year history: Superfast Belfast. This £2.2m project for Tibus saw M&M design, build and install 6,100m of fibre network across Belfast, providing superfast broadband for 300 business and increasing their average internet speed by 900% (from 3Mbps to 30Mbps). With an upper capacity of 10Gbps, the infrastructure exceeds government targets by 300% and is helping to futureproof the city’s bandwidth requirements.

M&M liaised directly with the 300 businesses in order to assess their needs (e.g. bandwidth requirements, installation dates/times, and connection locations) and to conduct feasibility assessments. By being involved from the very beginning of the design process they were able to ensure the buildability was efficient and realistic within the timeframe and budget.

Project Challenges • The client becoming a statutory undertaker • Pre-start meetings with stakeholders • The Design & Build Plans • Customer connection finances • Heavy volumes of traffic and traffic control • Accommodating works around business hours, apartments, pubs and nightclubs • Road Opening and Final Reinstatement “Right first time” • Accommodating business during the internal fibre works

welfare facilities, to alleviate difficulties caused by the confined footprint of the NI Water site.

Our experienced management team controlled the works through regular design and progress meetings and careful programming in conjunction with the M&E supply chain was critical to the successful delivery and commissioning of the project The confined nature and village location of the works site required careful Health & Safety management by the company H&S Officer, working in conjunction with NI Water representatives who approved each step of works within the Construction Phase Plan. Deep excavations in proximity to the adjacent watercourse were also carefully controlled and the project achieved zero incident completion.

The social, environmental and economic aspects were carefully managed and delivered throughout the project, with procurement of local suppliers and subcontractors and opportunities provided for placement students.

The works were phased to maintain continuity of service to local infrastructure and letter drops and local press adverts used to keep neighbouring residents informed of progress and potential traffic disruption.

Quality Performance:

Environmental Sustainability Award The Finalists: • Gilbert-Ash • Henry Brothers (Magherafelt)

• Heron Bros.

• Maurice Flynn & Sons

Maurice Flynn & Sons (Environmental Sustainability)

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FS have a strong environmental performance spanning for many years. This strong performance can be demonstrated with successfully maintaining their ISO 14001 since 2007. This has allowed MFS to Map out a framework for an effective environmental management system.

In August 2014, MFS developed a 3 year strategic plan. During the development of the strategy, it was agreed that their targets should be focused on where the biggest impact and improvements could be made within their business.

Their Four Key Targets 1.Transport As the need for vehicle and the workload could not be eliminated, an action plan was created to improve fuel efficiency.

2. Energy Third Largest Solar panel installation in Northern Ireland 3. Waste The action plan has resulted in a significant increase in waste diverted from Landfill from 10% to 56% in the first 5 months of 2015. The Target for second half of of 2015 is 85% of all waste diverted from Landfill.

4. Sustainable Resources.

MFS continue to support the use of sustainable timber in construction and as a source of renewable energy, through our robust Pre Qualification process.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability Award

Heron Bros.

(Environmental Sustainability)

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he landscape and skyline of Belfast is constantly changing for the better and the latest new landmark has arrived in the form of the new City Quays 1 development.

Heron Bros Ltd (HBL) ensured that the initial phase of this ambitious masterplan by Belfast Harbour Commission got off to the best possible start, launching the first stage of a 20-acre water-fronting regeneration scheme.

City Quays is Belfast’s £250 million designated mixed-use regeneration project, providing commercial offices, shops, cafes, restaurants, hotel space and residential accommodation.

The development, centred round Clarendon Dock, occupies a prime waterfront location, linking Belfast’s historical 185-acre Titanic Quarter, to the city centre. It will see ex-shipping land transformed to Grade A office accommodation and hotel space breathing new life into Belfast.

HBL was responsible for the first phase known as City Quays 1 (CQ1) – a £10million, 83,000sqft building that has become the focal point of the overall development.

Designed to Grade A specifications to appeal to inward investors and growing indigenous businesses, the five-storey building has helped address the shortage of high-end office space in Belfast.

CQ1 is one of Northern Ireland’s largest and highly sustainable office developments where it was essential that we completed the project as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet the growing demand for Grade A office space.

During the early stages of construction the announcement that Baker & McKenzie – the world’s largest law firm – was a confirmed tenant for two floors of the flagship facility only added to the time pressure for us to ensure all works were complete prior to occupancy. Following on from this we engaged with the client at every level from daily discussions with the Client to strategic project review meetings to ensure progress was maintained throughout.

One of the biggest challenges for us involved the substantial use of clean technology incorporated into the overall design, to encapsulate the buildings sustainability ethos.

Creating this landmark project involved energy efficiency at every level through innovative construction practices to bespoke products to ensure the longevity of CQ1’s sustainability.

An example of this technology includes a variable refrigerant flow system paired with high coefficiency of performance heat pumps for heating and cooling the building. This arrangement is complemented by high performance solar control glazing which reduces solar heat gain while maintaining high levels of natural light throughout. This is in addition to controlled ventilation, daylight and presence controlled LED lighting, a roof-mounted photovoltaic array of solar panels and PIR sensor taps and low flush toilets.

All these measures have resulted in the building achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating – a reflection of the dedication delivered by the construction and design team in achieving high levels of sustainability and futureproofing the building.

Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability Award

Gilbert-Ash

(Environmental Sustainability)

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ilbert-Ash is an award-winning UK construction and fit-out contractor.

The company works throughout the UK and has undertaken numerous projects worldwide in locations including Poland, Bahrain, China, Japan and Australia. The UK business is serviced through offices in London and Belfast.

Gilbert-Ash is proud to be based in Belfast but at present 99 per cent of its work comes from outside Northern Ireland.

Gilbert-Ash recognises its responsibility to design and construct efficient buildings in a responsible manner, to protect the natural environment and to have a positive social and economic impact on the communities in which it works.

To support this goal the company has developed a sustainability strategy which incorporates the following principles: • Ethical Business • Employees & Workforce • Building Relations through Social Value • Health, Safety & Environment Gilbert-Ash publicly reports its environmental sustainability performance, which includes the company’s approach to resource efficiency. In 2014 Gilbert-Ash achieved a 91% diversion from landfill rate by integrating the government waste hierarchy into the operations. It is also registered to the BRE’s online tool, Smartwaste.

Site Waste Management Plan training has been delivered to all site personnel and implemented on 100% of the company’s projects. A high profile example of this can be seen at the Stirling Prize award winning Everyman Theatre, a new-build project that maintained many of its original features through the use of recycled materials and exposed brick. 26,000 red bricks where reused in the construction of this project. At another of the company’s flagship projects, Ravenhill Stadium, the team organised a Grandstand seat sale, with the seats auctioned off to raise money for charity.

CEF/Specify awards

Quality Performance: Environmental SustainabilityAward

Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) (Environmental Sustainability)

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enry Brothers embrace the three pillars of sustainable development wholeheartedly as they strive to be one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green leaders. Henry Brothers have a Sustainable Business Strategy, detailing their sustainability agenda which is driven from director level and is given high priority within the business.

A main impact of the construction industry is waste disposal procedures.

Using WRAP/SMARTWaste, this allows the company to identify waste streams, estimate tonnage and identify opportunities to design out waste. Techniques such as waste segregation, bays/waste champion nomination and early planning, allow Henrys to work towards a zero waste landfill.

Henry Brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bespoke precast modular units produce less waste than traditional build techniques. The Palace Barracks Project secured a reduction in waste of 70% enabling the company to achieve a 97% diversion from landfill through offsite manufacturing delivering financial savings for their client in the region of 30-40% compared with a traditional build.

Henry Brothers procured 26 acres of land which they have developed into a nature reserve. They use this resource to educate local school children on biodiversity through our Schools Education Programme and are working with OPAL to reinforce the biodiversity message. The company recently achieved Platinum at the BITC Biodiversity Charter for protecting/enhancing biodiversity.

Henry Brothers influence their supply chain by driving demand for sustainable products. They have a commitment in place to only procure from FSC certified suppliers, and actively encourage the use of recycled content materials on their projects.

Henry Brothers are ISO14001 accredited and in 2013 achieved NVIR-OCERT-a bolt on to their IMS and in 2014 the BITC Core standard.

CEF/Specify awards

Quality Performance: Exporting Award The Finalists: • Felix O’Hare & Co • Gilbert-Ash

• M&M Contractors

Gilbert-Ash (Exporting)

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ilbert-Ash is an award-winning UK construction and fit-out contractor. The company works throughout the UK and has undertaken numerous projects worldwide in locations including Poland, Bahrain, China, Japan and Australia. The UK business is serviced through offices in London and Belfast.

In 2013 Gilbert-Ash took the strategic decision to proactively grow its business outside Northern Ireland. The company turnover at this time was split 20% in Northern Ireland, 70% in GB and 10% in international markets.

The first step was to put a comprehensive business improvement programme in place to make sure any future growth would be sustainable over the long term. This involved re-evaluating and improving every department and function within the business, from construction to commercial.

A proactive export strategy followed which involved a brand refresh and the repositioning of the company to reflect the high calibre of projects that had been completed, many of which have been deemed world class with two Stirling Prize shortlisted projects and one winner.

In GB Gilbert-Ash has focused on niche sectors - Landmark buildings, Arts & Culture and Science & Technology. By doing so, in the last 18 months the team has won contracts worth £160 million to deliver the National Army Museum, Bartlett School of Architecture, Institution of Engineering & Technology, Centre of Excellence for Fetal Medicine at King’s College Hospital, 5G Innovation Centre (World First), Battersea Arts Centre, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

In international markets the company has focused on developing a long-standing relationship with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and won projects at the British Consulate in Dusseldorf and the British Embassy in Sri Lanka. As a result Gilbert-Ash is fast establishing a niche for Embassy work and has recently completed work for the Polish & US Embassies in London.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Exporting Award

Quality Performance: Exporting Award

Felix O’Hare & Co

M&M Contractors

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(Exporting)

hroughout the past 18 months Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd has diversified their works portfolio and ‘broken into’ the Republic of Ireland market place with the securing of some major contracts.

As a reputable and well-known main contractor based in Newry and with the resources in terms of personnel etc, a decision was made to consciously diversify and explore further opportunities. With the Head Office based along the North-South corridor at Chancellor’s Rd in Newry, it made sense to seek out some further avenues of work in the Leinster area as a starting point. Our geographical location allows for ease of resource allocation and management on a personnel level and with securing works close to Head Office we were in the fortunate position of being able to manage these contracts at a more intimate level as a starting point.

With a robust exporting development strategy, Felix O’Hare managed to secure several contracts across a variety of areas in the public arena.

These projects span the educational (primary, secondary and indeed Third Level) sectors, as well as several contracts within the Health sector on behalf of the Health Service Executive.

(Exporting)

rom their headquarters in Belfast, M&M provide turnkey telecommunication infrastructures, encompassing network design, civil engineering, construction and optic fibre solutions.

In 2011, after 26 years catering solely for Northern Ireland, they successfully entered the global market for the first time, securing modest projects (c.£200k) across UK and ROI. However 2014 marked a step-change in their exporting performance, after they secured ‘Project Express’ – the largest project in M&Ms 30-year history.

Completed in May 2015, this £6.6m landmark contract for Hibernia Atlantic saw the company install a 4,600km submarine data cable across the Atlantic to provide the fastest-ever, lowest latency, data connection between North America and Europe..

Their success with this project has seen them become the go-to specialist for subsea solutions. To date they have completed projects in USA, Canada, UK, ROI and Netherlands, and have £60m of projects in the pipeline across USA, Netherlands, Canada, France and Spain.

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award The Finalists: • Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) • Heron Bros.

• Martin & Hamilton • W&H Alexander (Civil Engineering)

Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) (Health & Safety)

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enry Brothers continues to be at the forefront for setting Health and Safety standards within the Northern Ireland construction industry. It is part of our sustainable construction philosophy and is central to all our business planning.

Our commitment to high standards has resulted in a reduction of 50% in RIDDOR accidents in the last year compared to the previous year whilst the number of days lost per employee due to short term sickness absence has also reduced by 48%. As a direct result of our Health and Safety culture the company is in the position to negotiate insurance premiums at each renewal date.

Health and safety is an integral part of our everyday business management. During 2014 our senior management increased the number of hours spent carrying out health and safety tours as part of our Leaders in Construction initiative by 18% compared to the previous year. This led to a decrease in the number of unsafe acts observed by 16%. Further evidence of successful integration of health and safety within the business came with the recent award of silver and bronze awards for two of our Northern Ireland sites as part of the Considerate Contractors Scheme as well as being one of the first Northern Ireland Companies to be awarded the Business in the Community CORE Standard. Both Schemes assess the integration of health and safety into everyday business activities.

Our high health and safety standards have been recognised nationally as we were

the only Northern Ireland Company to obtain a Distinction in the British Safety Council International Health and Safety Awards in 2014.

We strive to continually improve our health and safety performance by using trend analysis and KPI’s to review areas such as accident data, effectiveness of our site audits and the performance of individual projects and managers. Our SHEQ Department has increased the number of health and safety inspections of our construction sites by 28% in 2014 compared to the previous year.

Despite the current challenging economic climate, we continue to invest heavily in health and safety, not only to ensure compliance with our statutory and moral duties but to ensure that we have a competent safety conscious workforce ready to undertake projects for any client throughout the United Kingdom.

As a founding member of BuildHealth and working with MCP, our occupational health provider, we undertook a review of our occupational health provision. This has resulted in a more structured approach in managing occupational health and a significant increase in the level of provision we now provide.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Heron Bros.

(Health & Safety)

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orporate culture probably wasn’t a common term in 1956, but the Heron Brothers had the wisdom to know the principles that make a quality company — integrity, honesty, civic pride and a sincere regard for people. Heron Bros Ltd (HBL) has grown significantly since then, but the foundation has more than informed the culture the Company promotes today. When HBL expands into a new city or region, they make sure longterm HBL employees are leading that effort to ensure the environment of respect and service travels well.

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Martin & Hamilton (Health & Safety)

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allymena based chartered building company Martin & Hamilton has been providing construction services for almost 50 years. The management team very much recognise that the most valuable part of the company is its people.

Because of that, the company has refocused its efforts on improving its health & safety management to help further protect its employees and those associated with its projects. New initiatives have been implemented including the provision of free education to workers on steps to improve health.

Impact of Ongoing Commitment to Health & Safety (H&S), On Reducing Injuries, Sickness Absence, Insurance Premiums or Other Costs: • Over the last year the Managing Director has put focus on developing an excellent Health & Safety management culture within the company. To help illustrate this: • A second Health & Safety Officer has been appointed.

• Health & Safety compliance is now more so than ever recognised by employees as the most important area within the business.

• Accidents have reduced.

• Incidents that previously may have gone unnoticed are being recorded as a result of the increase in employee training.

• Insurance companies recognise that Martin & Hamilton’s performance and safety record is continually improving. As it is above industry standard Martin & Hamilton’s is being approached more often by insurance firms who want to compete for their business.

Our People When you hire the best people, you have to take care of them. Not only do HBL have an exceptional Safety Record, they ensure their employee’s continual development is at the forefront in everything they do so they continue to feel valued, challenged, and successful. HBL want to ensure that people working for them are not exposed to occupational diseases so they can enjoy longer & healthier retirements. To safeguard this they promote Health, Safety & Wellbeing at every stage utilising the most innovative techniques and offering an unrivalled selection of training courses to increase awareness and encourage our employee’s knowledge of occupational health and wellbeing.

Through their continuous and rigorous efforts to improve Health, Safety & Wellbeing awareness, this has delivered significant benefits to the business. HBL have substantial evidence to show that investing in Health and Safety interventions has added value to HBL over the years through loss prevention, reduction in sickness & absence, injury rates and the associated costs. HBL’s investment in Health & Safety has seen an increase in productivity levels and lower insurance costs, as well as increased staff morale, organisational loyalty and contributions to its reputation.

HBL fosters equitable, beneficial relationships with Health & Safety agencies and practitioners to ensure we receive the highest standards of safety services and communications. Through these Health & Safety agencies and practitioners we disseminate all information throughout the company in a simple comprehensible manner.

They are currently working on one of their biggest campaigns to date to help raise awareness and combat against Mental Health. HBL are working in close partnership with ‘Aware Defeat Depression’ where they aim to provide awareness training on Mental Health for all employees to promote a greater understanding of the effects and signs of Mental Illness illustrating their commitment to employee welfare.

Together we are creating an aspirational statement with meaning, indicating to employees, service users and the public that our organisation wants to take action to tackle the stigma and discrimination around mental health, focusing on the workplace in particular. We are also focused on our workforces who are currently placed away from home helping them with resources, building resilience, and providing help for our employees in new communities.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

W&H Alexander (Health & Safety)

Accreditation W & H Alexander (CE) Ltd. have demonstrated superior performance in Health & Safety. Our Management team ensures H&S is prioritised at all stages of a project. Proper planning and implementation of safe systems of work ensure delivery of projects to a high standard of Safety Management. Their ongoing accreditation of the H&S Management System to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007 displays a commitment to the development of a robust H&S culture throughout the organisation. This follows on from previously having obtained a Grade A through Safe-T-Cert.

Communication W&H Alexander encourage communication between all levels of staff within the company to enhance the H&S systems in place by providing information in H&S Bulletins, Company Newletters, Staff H&S meetings, Tool box talks and Safety Alerts including Campaigns currently running by the HSENI, NISG etc., H&S Meetings, updates on CITB training programmes and updates in Legislation. Information is circulated to direct staff and sub contractors and suppliers.

Health & Safety Training To ensure a competent workforce we work closely with CEF, CITB(NI) and Accredited Training Providers to ensure the highest level of training is provided for our staff and sub contractors who are encouraged to work to the same high standards and who are evaluated on a continual basis.

Quality Performance: Training Award

Lagan Construction (Training)

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he Lagan Construction Group is a major force in international construction and infrastructure schemes offering clients a single strong base of pooled talent and expertise in the domestic and overseas civil engineering and building markets.

Their specialist teams have proven expertise and experience in delivering projects across a range of sectors including roads, airports, water, energy, marine and building. They also provide specialist piling and foundation solutions for all civil engineering and building requirements. They also provide infrastructure investment advice and support, whole life cost solutions including operation and maintenance of projects.

Lagan Construction Group are proud of their culture and values which are at the heart of the company and set the standard for how they behave.

The employees of Lagan Construction Group are its greatest asset and all employees receive on average 4 days training per year. There are a number of opportunities to learn every day and development takes place in many forms. Practical, experiential and on-the-job learning is key, especially when combined with coaching and feedback from a more experienced person. Our HR and Training team work with our line managers to identify the learning needs of all our staff.

Quality Performance:

Training Award The Finalists:

• David Jameson Roofing Services • Farrans Construction

• Lagan Construction Group • Maurice Flynn & Sons

Farrans Construction (Training)

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n 2011 Farrans began monitoring company training in categories and it became apparent that the large majority of their training (85%) was in Health and Safety.

Upon taking advice from the relevant Professional Bodies (ICE, RICS, EI and CIOB), who recommended that Health and Safety should only comprise around 20% of a company’s training, Farrans set about changing these statistics. The challenge was to increase all “other” training the company undertakes while maintaining the level of Health and Safety training.

For this reason the Farrans CPD & Training Committee was formed.

The primary remit of the committee is to ensure that all employees have their training and development needs assessed on a regular basis. By doing so they can ensure the training we provide addresses the individual needs as well as the company needs.

Now in its fourth year of existence, the training committee has overseen many successful initiatives / schemes in the development of our people.

Quality Performance: Training Award

Maurice Flynn & Sons (Training)

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FS have consistently had a strong commitment to training, by ensuring that all persons within the organisation receive adequate training, so that they can carry out their job effectively and efficiently, while also continuing to grow and develop their careers.

In partnership with Springvale Employment and Learning, Belfast Met and others, MFS have developed a bespoke career progression pathway for apprentices, trainees and long-term unemployed.

In the past 6 years MFS have taken on in excess of 60 trainees/ apprentices and provided permanent employment for up to 40 of those.

Many remain in the business years after completing their training and several have progressed to more senior positions.

MFS ensure that all our subcontractors have the required safety training through our stringent PQQ system. MFS also provide and deliver CSR training in house, as well as other training and seminars to our sub contractors including behaviour, safety training and healthy eating.

The MFS 2015 Training program covers a range of approaches to ensure a comprehensive analysis of all training and development needs across the entire organisation are developed. One key process that was developed was our Training Needs Analysis (TNA).

MFS TNA is part of a continuous process to monitor the training requirements of our employees. For effective training, the approach to training must be analytical and systematic.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Training Award

David Jameson Roofing Systems (Training)

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raining and development are vital in this company as it helps ensure they achieve their aim of progressing. Its purpose at David Jameson Roofing is to better the performance of employees to enable us to meet our business goals.

Allowing employees to acquire new skills, expertise and qualifications supports employee progression which leads to increased motivation.

David Jameson Roofing have achieved many recent awards all due to their well trained and competent staff, without their knowledgeable employees the company would not achieve the following awards; NFRC Gold Award in Roofing Safety 2013 & 2014, Investor in People, CEF Finalist for the Training Awards 2012 & 2013, CEF Finalist in the Education Sector 2014 and maintain all other bodies such as Safe T-Cert, BS8555 Environmental Management and ISO9001:2008 They have also invested in a new software package, the Training Manager 2014, which will ensure all training is kept up to date and easy to use.

David Jameson Roofing is pleased to have been shortlisted in the Training section of the Construction Excellence Awards 2015

50| HSS/Laois Hire Group New Laois Hire ECI JCB Fleet

The biggest is getting BIGGER Big expansions plans are on the cards for Ireland’s biggest plant hire group HSS/Laois Hire.

H

SS Laois Hire Group is Ireland’s largest rental firm with outlets in every city and quite a few towns as well across the island. It’s the most well established plant hire brand throughout Ireland and UK. The combined HSS/Laois Hire Group is an award-winning tool and equipment hire company, providing a complete equipment management and hire service to big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957. As the only nationwide hire company, HSS/Laois Hire Group has

an established network of 24 hire branches and supercentres across Ireland and has recently launched two new branches in Ballymena and Galway. In addition, the company says it plans to open a further seven branches this year. That will result in 29 new jobs.

Having such a large network of depots nationwide makes smooth, commercial and financial sense for BAM Construction’s Plant Purchasing Manager, Brian Behan. “It’s a huge benefit. Wherever we are they’re within a stone’s throw,” he says, adding that, in a business where safety is paramount, “HSS, Hire Service Group is second to none”.

Investing in the fleet Michael Killeen, managing director of HSS Hire Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man and the Laois Hire Group says it’s all about giving the customers what they want. “We have consistently invested heavily in our fleet, even during the recession years, in order to maintain a modern up to date fleet and to ensure our customers receive excellent service throughout Ireland,” he says.

The HSS/Laois Hire Group focuses primarily on safety, availability, value and support; working with their customer base to help keep their businesses working safely and efficiently whilst driving down their costs. The group also includes a leading training company to ensure customers and their workforce are fully-compliant and safe.

Survival instinct

Laoishire_Selwood_2jpg: Pictured at the announcement of Laois Hire’s new Selwood agency win for Ireland are Keith McCann, Manager Laois Hire, Ireland Pump Division; Paul Mann, Director Client Services, Selwood and Michael Killeen, Managing Director Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland

In 2005 the Laois Hire Group joined with HSS Hire Group and successfully navigated through the recession to see year on year growth. Michael Killeen’s leadership steered the group through the worst the recession could throw at it and allowed to emerge from the collapse of the economy in good shape to do business.

Part of the success has come from the company’s ability to work with clients on some of the highest profile projects in Ireland including the M50, M7 and M8 motorways, N9, Dublin Airport Terminal 2, Monasterevin Bypass and Intel.

An agile approach to the group’s stock is also an important factor in the success story. “We have an integrated logistics division that moves stock around the country effectively and efficiently 24 hours a day – most impressively when Laois Hire moved an entire plant range across to Beckton in East London for the Olympic Games where we supplied large plant equipment to the large customer demand,” recalls Killeen.

Growth and continued investment In February of this year the HSS Hire Group plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange. “This was a major achievement for the company and puts us in a very strong position to invest in the business on an ongoing basis,” states Killeen.

The significant acquisition of Mobile Traffic Solutions, as well as the rolling out of HSS Power has enabled the company to establish

HSS/Laois Hire Group |51 Pictured at launch of HSS Power division are Daniel Doyle, Regional Manager; Declan Dennehy, Regional Sales Director; Adrian McBride, General Manager of HSS Power; Michael Killeen, Managing Director

Michael Killeen, managing director of HSS Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man and the Laois Hire Group

the title of leading specialist tool and equipment Hire Company in Ireland.

The company has also established a comprehensive Powered Access Division in the Dublin Greenogue Business Park.

The addition of HSS Power means that the company now offers a complete power solution service, providing a wide range of power generation and power generation related items. It also offers an efficient 24-hour, 365-day specialist back-up and repair service. New capabilities in larger capacity and specialist generators mean that the group can now provide power for all applications up to a massive 1250kVa. Michael Killeen points out that the company is made up of a number of different sectors under the one umbrella, catering for everything

from training, cleaning equipment services, powered access, power, plant, portable sanitation hire to VMS boards and vast expertise in cleanroom environments. Killeen highlights the company’s capability to “supply everything from the start of a site to the finish of a site.”

Fleet updates The recent purchase of JCB excavators from ECI JCB and Caterpillar excavators from Finnings brings the fleet total to well over 100 machines. These range from electric scissor lifts to alloy towers, welders, coolers, heaters, specialist lifting equipment as well as large plant, diggers, dumpers, rollers, and telescopic loaders.

“We have made a substantial investment in our excavation division

to meet the increased demands from our customers. We have found JCB to be an excellent brand, trouble free, very popular with our customer base and backed up by an excellent service. We have also found that certain customers will request JCB equipment for certain projects.” states Killeen.

“Regular investment is a vital ingredient in the plant hire market where customers are always looking for the latest technology and innovations,” he adds. “And the investment for Laois Hire doesn’t end there. We plan to make further substantial investments in a wide range of products this year.”

years, there was no competition.

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

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

New business

Galway native Michael Killeen has taken the group to new heights in terms of its business turnover, market share and international standing.

By working closely with customers, providing them with a first class service at competitive prices and offering innovative hire solutions, Killeen and the HSS/Laois Hire team seem to have hit on a winning formula.

“Success for a hire company is all about continually adapting to the needs of the customer with the aim of providing a one-stop shop for hire needs across all industries with innovative solutions,” concludes Killeen. “At HSS Hire/Laois Hire we firmly believe that we can provide an unrivalled hire experience.”

The company has recently secured the agency for Selwood pumps in Ireland and has already placed a significant six-figure order. That order reflects what Paul Mann, client director at Selwood describes as, “The revival of the Irish construction sector – both public and private.”

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

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

Further success

52| Xtratherm

XtraFall – water drainage system for flat roofs X

tratherm is introducing the XtraFall system that provides a high performance solution to thermal insulation and water drainage in flat roofing.

The precision system is designed and manufactured as matrix of factory fabricated single layer components, laid on site to CAD layout plans provided by the Xtratherm design team. Each individual component is manufactured under the highest ISO quality standards to provide a high quality assurance unmatched by on-site built-up systems, leading faster construction, reduced costs and unmatched quality while achieving reduced waste and achieving the highest environmental scoring within the ‘BRE Green Guide’.

Using the highest Performance rigid PIR insulation boards available, XtraFall is available for all type of flat roof systems: • Mechanically fixed single ply waterproofing systems; • Bonded, torched-on, built-up bituminous felt systems; • Single ply fully adhered/partially bonded built-up felt systems.

XtraFall is available with a wide range of bespoke factory-bonded prefabricated ancillary products that include, pre-mitred ridge/valley boards, Roof drainage crickets and sumps to optimise the drainage of your project: Our third party certified and BRE assured technical team are there to assist the designer in providing the highest quality technical calculations for: • U-value calculation; • Condensation risk analysis; • Thermal bridging guidance; • Scheme mapping/ layout; • Drainage design.

Xtratherm provide in-practice training seminars on the XtraFall system with our new structured CPD on Flat and Tapered roof solutions. Please contact the technical team on (046) 906 6050 to book a date.

Xtratherm will be at the RIAI Architecture Expo in the RDS next 4-5 October 2015.

Call to our stand A8 to discuss your project’s flat roof and tapered roof requirements.

54|

digest

Kingspan Titan urges businesses not to be caught out by new regulations Kingspan Titan has found that some 70% of businesses in Northern Ireland do not currently comply with new fuel storage regulations that come into force on 31st December this year.

From that date business owners must ensure any fuel at their premises is stored in a bunded – or double skinned – tank with owners facing hefty fines of up to £20,000 or even imprisonment for non-compliance.

The regulations, which were prompted by the high level of oil related pollution incidents in Northern Ireland, will apply to ground oil storage facilities of 200 litres or more on industrial and commercial sites including shops, churches and hairdressers to manufacturing plants and offices.

Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental spoke of the awareness raising initiative at a breakfast briefing at Kingspan Stadium where the company hosted business representatives in the company of Ulster Rugby players: “The cost of oil spillages to both business and the environment can be heavy and the government has taken action to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. It is

Kingspan Titan urges businesses not to be caught out by new regulations at Kingspan Stadium Breakfast Briefing with Ulster Rugby stars Luke Marshall, Franco Van De Merwe and Louis Ludik alongside Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental and Abbey Scott, Regional Sales Manager NI, Kingspan Titan.

imperative business owners are made aware of this regulatory change and the consequences of noncompliance.

Business owners are also often unaware that they will be responsible for the cost of any clean up required due to an oil spill on their premises, costing many thousands.”

Spillage incidents often result from leaks from tanks caused by inadequate equipment, poor installation or management and

human error. So far 70% of commercial sites assessed by Kingspan Titan have not been compliant and therefore require a replacement before the regulations kick in on December 31st.

The Kingspan Titan Fuel Regulations Team are experts in legislation, standards and oil and fuel storage solutions and are working with businesses across Northern Ireland to upgrade their tank as required by offering a free site assessment.

Abbey Scott, Regional Sales Manager NI, Kingspan Titan commented: “This event marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure all businesses have the required tank to comply.

This regulation will help ensure our environment is protected from damaging oil spills and we aim to help business owners be aware to avoid a heavy fine or imprisonment.”

OPLAN furniture launches in NI Oplan Office Furniture is a new venture to the Northern Ireland market. But the fact that it is owned by the Oplan Group of Companies, which includes one of Ireland’s largest Trade Only Wholesalers, means it can now offer unrivalled prices to businesses in Northern Ireland thanks to its huge buying power.

Although it is new to the market place in Northern Ireland it brings with it a wealth of experience due to its great success in the Irish and UK markets. Presenting an in depth portfolio of top European brands and also it’s own house brand means Oplan Office Furniture can offer you interiors to suit any budget but yet at the same time create unique work spaces to please both staff and clients alike.

If you require a single office chair, an office refit or a complete building

furnished then you need look no further. From stunning receptions, opulent boardrooms, modern bench desks to ergonomic seating and soft furnishings. For the health conscious why not find out more about the sit/

stand desking range, just get in touch and a member of their experienced team can answer any questions.

At Oplan they understand the importance of creating a workspace that not only suits your needs

but also reflects your companies personality. So why not start your journey in the trusted hands of Oplan Office Furniture, call them today to arrange a free, no obligation, consultation and space plan.

Time to Switch?

The NEW black â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Switchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bench desk ONLY from Oplan Call now for our free consultation, space plan and office design service.

For more information call (028) 9581 0189 or visit www.oplanofficefurniture.co.uk

digest

56|

Combilift breaks ground on new @40m manufacturing facility

Combilift Ltd, the specialist manufacturer of 4-way forklifts and other innovative materials handling equipment recently formally inaugurated the construction process of its new €40m, 46,000m² manufacturing facility and global HQ in Monaghan. In the presence of

local dignitaries and Combilift’s current workforce of 350, Managing Director Martin McVicar and Technical Director Robert Moffett turned the first sod on the 40 hectare site which will house a multifunction facility including a dedicated R&D building,

purpose built testing area and adjoining administration offices.

The facility is larger than originally announced and the expansion will position Combilift to double its current €150m turnover by 2020. The initial phase to level the site is expected to last for 10 weeks and 200 personnel will be employed throughout the

construction period of 18 months.

A further 200 jobs are set to be created in the next five years, mainly for skilled technicians and design engineers. Martin McVicar comments: “We are delighted to break ground on our new facility which shows our commitment to manufacturing in Monaghan and the regional economy.”

Combilift is also a workplace partner for the Assembly Technician Traineeship course which starts this year at the Monaghan Institute. This traineeship, together with a recently approved Apprenticeship for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Technicians, starting next year, will ensure the supply of locally qualified personnel.

Combilift is best known for its wide range of multi-directional forklifts, Aisle-Master articulated trucks and other handling solutions such as the Combilift Straddle Carrier designed to handle containers and over-sized loads. The company was established in 1998 and thanks to the continued 7% investment of turnover in R&D, it has produced in excess of 25,000 units and exports to more than 75 countries.

Lisney appoints new Director of Investment as market continues to witness growth A leading commercial property agency in Northern Ireland has strengthened its Investment team in response to continued growth within the sector which is expected to turnover in excess of £300m locally in 2015.

Lisney in Northern Ireland has appointed current Retail Director, Nicky Finnieston as Director of Investment and Retail as Andrew Marsden is set to leave the firm after 21 years to pursue interests beyond commercial property.

Declan Flynn, Managing Director of Lisney Northern Ireland which also specialises in office, retail, leisure and industrial property acquisition and disposal, commented: “Last year in Northern Ireland bank deleveraging contributed to the vast majority of property investment transactions circa £400m.

“For 2015, we expected transaction levels to fall due to the limited supply of investment properties. It is therefore encouraging that we are on course to achieve a transaction value in excess of £300m, a figure much higher than first anticipated.

“Purchasers of the 2014 loan books are emerging as the key sellers in 2015, and the current appetite for property from local, UK and even international investors would suggest that this will continue into 2016.

Andrew Marsden (centre) and Nicky Finnieston (right), “Andrew and Nicky have worked closely on more than £70m of notable pictured with Managing Director Declan Flynn (far left). deals so far this year including the acquisition of Erneside Shopping Centre in Enniskillen, the sale of Boots on Belfast’s Royal Avenue and the acquisition of The Parkway Shopping Centre in Coulby, Newham in England.

“Now is the perfect time for us to combine the Retail and Investment division and utilise Nicky’s wealth of experience and relationships with key stakeholders, and the renewed energy and focus he brings to the team.

top 100 |57

N

orthern Ireland’s construction companies have managed to grow sales but profitability remains patchy.

Those are the findings of the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2015 report which showed that turnover for the 19 construction-related firms in the list climbed by £137m, according to latest financial accounts.

However, profitability fell by over £24m to £85m in the latest financial year, although much of that was taken up by a big fall in profits for Gortmullan Holdings, formerly Quinn Group.

Other construction companies managed to hold profitability relatively steady over the year with Lagan Construction, FP McCann and Howden UK making strong gains.

The biggest fall in profitability came from H&J Martin which reported a loss of £9.6m compared to a loss of £1.4m last year.

For the full Top 100 list, the picture was somewhat brighter.

Northern Ireland’s biggest companies revealed record sales of over £22.24bn in total, according to the figures – mostly relating to the 2013/2014 financial year – filed at Companies House.

The results, produced by Dun & Bradstreet for the magazine, show total sales of the 100 biggest companies have jumped 5.6% compared to the same time last year and reaffirm the confident recovery of the economy here.

As a group, the Top 100 Companies saw profitability climb an impressive 15.6% to £1,215bn.

And net worth, the value of a firm to its shareholders, rose 36% to £7,246 bn.

Poultry processor Moy Park topped the survey for the fourth year running after registering sales figures of £1.201bn, up 10% on the previous year, and profits of £33.78m. Other companies which saw turnover grow significantly include Short Brothers PLC (12.2%), John Graham Holdings (17.4%) and Donnelly Brothers (53%).

Jonathan Cushley of Dun & Bradstreet, which carried out the survey on behalf of Ulster Business, said: “The 2015 compilation of the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies listing showed growth across all noteworthy financial measures. Turnover has passed £22bn for the first time and the worth of the companies now exceeds £7bn, up 35% on like-for-like company results.”

Profitability ‘patchy’ for construction companies in UB Top 100

Proving the growth of the agri-food sector, Moy Park has taken the top spot in the Ulster Business Northern Ireland Top 100 Companies list published in this magazine. Pictured are Ulster Business publisher James Greer, Moy Park chief executive Janet McCollum and Ulster Business editor David Elliott.

Rank

Rank

Company

2015

2014

Activity

4

4

Gortmullan (Holdings)

Year Ending

Profit/Loss

Net Worth

Latest Year Sales

Turnover £000s Previous Sales

£000s

£000s

31/12/2013

666,860

687,880

-3,958

290,354

31/03/2015

490,941

418,096

7,435

42,909

31/12/2013

282,202

286,973

42,464

157,854

31/12/2013

239,445

298,755

6,093

88,844

31/12/2014

195,838

157,734

-3,620

37,327

31/12/2013

174,185

164,271

2,825

17,415

31/03/2014

157,907

174,288

4,834

36,175

31/01/2015

135,588

91,027

10,151

86,098

31/12/2013

124,745

116,109

3,045

36,423

31/12/2013

98,648

115,482

-9,614

-335

31/12/2013

93,315

69,194

12,535

29,138

31/12/2013

82,349

81,168

531

8,289

31/12/2013

73,108

63,137

5,658

35,896

31/12/2013

72,502

71,065

895

2,766

31/03/2014

72,450

48,266

-1,866

4,051

31/12/2013

70,634

68,139

1,823

22,306

30/09/2014

68,459

70,145

1,735

12,271

31/12/2013

67,975

56,778

5,380

32,805

Concrete Products, formerly Quinn Group

11

17

John Graham Holdings Builders

23

22

Terex GB Construction Materials Manufacturers

31

19

Northstone NI Builders

40

46

McLaughlin & Harvey Builders

44

44

Trench Holdings Construction & Quarrying

47

39

Lagan Construction Group Holdings Builders

55

72

F.P. McCann Concrete Engineers

59

61

Brett Martin Holdings Building Suppliers

70

62

H&J Martin Holdings Builders

73

94

Howden UK Fan & Heater Manufacturers

78

78

Ards Holdings (Gilbert-Ash) Construction

90

88

Whitemountain Quarries Quarrying

91

89

MacNaughton Blair Construction Machine Distribution

92

NEW

Creagh Concrete Products Concrete Manufacturer

95

96

Haldane Shiells Building Product Distributor

97

90

McAleer & Rushe Group Builders

98

NEW

Kingspan Environmental Building Suppliers

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

LATEST DRAFT OF SOCIAL CLAUSES GUIDANCE After significant industry feedback and comment, the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) has now published updated draft interim clauses on proposed changes to the requirements for contractors to provide opportunities for the unemployed in public sector contracts.

All members involved in public sector contracts were encouraged to review the draft guidance and provide feedback.

CEF MEETS NEW FINANCE MINISTER

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delegation from the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has met with the recently appointed Northern Ireland Executive Finance Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, to discuss matters of mutual interest.

A range of issues critical to the industry were discussed including:

• Public sector budgets.

• The proposed Northern Ireland Investment Fund.

• The rating of empty homes.

• Progress towards the devolution of Corporation Tax powers.

• The proposals in the Chancellor’s recent budget in respect of using Vehicle Excise Duty receipts for a specific roads fund from 2020.

David Henry (Henry Brothers), Arlene Foster (Finance Minister), Rhona Quinn (CEF President).

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS DRAFT RESPONSE A draft response has now been prepared to the Department for Employment and Learning’s consultation on employment tribunals’ reform.

To view the Department’s consultation document visit the Department for Employment and Learning website www.delni.gov.uk.

The draft CEF response can be accessed on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

DRAFT BIM PROCUREMENT NOTE The Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) sought comments on the draft Procurement Guidance Note it has developed – Building Information Modelling.

The draft Procurement Guidance Note is intended to assist Departments, CoPEs and the industry with the implementation of BIM in Government construction projects. It has been developed by a BIM Task and Finish Group with comprised CPD, representatives from the construction CoPEs and the Northern Ireland BIM Hub. Full details of the proposals are available in the draft Procurement Guidance Note on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

The useful and informative engagement was followed up by the Finance Minister announcing further details on the new procurement pipeline arrangements that her department, through the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD), is taking forward, in coordination with all other departments and Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPEs).

The CEF will be a key member of the industry stakeholder group that has been established to monitor the implementation of the new arrangements – an initial meeting of which will be held in early September.

The Minister’s full statement on the pipeline arrangements can be accessed on the Northern Ireland Executive website www.northernireland.gov.uk

REMINDER OF PENSION CHANGES FROM 6 APRIL 2015

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he industry is reminded that, as a result of changes to pension legislation from 6 April 2015, that from age 55, individuals are no longer required to buy an annual pension (an annuity).

There has been some confusion about how this affects membership of the Enhance Construction Pension Scheme.

Employees who have reached age 55 may claim their retirement benefits.

However, if they remain in your employment, membership of the Scheme continues as normal, i.e. employer and employee pension contributions are still payable. Otherwise entitlement to lump sum death in service benefit is at risk.

For the avoidance of doubt employees remain on the Scheme until they leave the company.

Enhance Construction Pension Scheme has produced a guidance note which includes further information and can be viewed on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

CONSTRUCTIONLINE ACCEPTS NVIR-O-CERT AS PROOF OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

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onstructionline has confirmed that they will accept NVIR-OCERT as proof of an environmental management system (EMS).

Previously, the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) had added NVIR-O-CERT to their approved list of systems, but there remained a point of clarification with Constructionline which has now been positively resolved.

This comes after CPD, in February, issued notice that from 1 April 2016 all contractors tendering for construction works procured by a Government Construction Client will have to operate an approved EMS. Full details of the Notification of requirement for EMS can be found on the CEF website.

In anticipation of the introduction of this requirement the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has developed NVIR-O-CERT. NVIR-O-CERT is an environmental management system which is:

CEF RESPONDS TO NI CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN FOR Q1 2015

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ohn Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “The increase in construction output in the first quarter of 2015 is positive news for the local industry.

Coming after 2014, which had marked the first year since 2007 in which output did not significantly decline year on year, the Federation strongly welcomes any sign of improved business conditions.

“Today’s data does though come as something of a surprise given the continued difficulties that industry report to us, especially in respect of their Northern Ireland workloads. Recent months, as reflected in other surveys such as June’s Ulster Bank PMI, have seen renewed industry concern at a lack of a proper pipeline of public sector works as well as further reductions in capital budgets, with some firms indicating their concerns in respect of having to make redundancies unless business picks up.

“With this in mind, renewed political stability in the devolved institutions is critical. The delivery of all facets of the Stormont House Agreement is critical to that stability and seeing to fruition the infrastructure plans that have been proposed. It is vital that all parties around the Executive table redouble their efforts to find political agreement in the coming weeks, long before the next ‘deadline’ in the autumn. Business and political confidence go hand in hand and it is important that we see greater realisation of this.”

• • • • •

Construction specific Low cost Focused on what you do on site, rather than on paperwork Supported by NIEA (the regulator) and IEMA (the professional body) Creating standardised Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for environmental performance in construction • Designed to benefit companies of all sizes but with a particular focus on SMEs • Proportionate to the size and risk profile of a company • Based on continuous improvement • Promoting the environmental knowledge and skills of staff

More information is available in the NVIR-O-CERT section of the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

INDUSTRY HOLIDAYS FOR 2016/17

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he Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) decided to promulgate on 1 July 2015 the Industry Holidays for 2016/17.

Details of the Industry Holidays 2016/17 are available on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

HSE PLAN UNANNOUNCED SITE VISITS

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nspectors for the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) began a two week programme of unannounced site visits from Monday 24 August. The visits are to tackle the number of risks facing construction workers.

The site visits will focus on key health and safety issues and during inspections HSENI inspectors will consider whether: • The risks to health from exposure to dust such as silica are being adequately controlled (including the use of RPE and face fit tests for this).

• That the appropriate asbestos survey has been completed prior to any refurbishment or demolition work and is available on site.

• Jobs that involve working at height (WAH) have been properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are being used.

• WAH equipment is correctly installed, assembled, inspected, maintained and used properly.

• Welfare facilities are adequate.

Announcing the new series of inspections, Nancy Henry who heads up HSENI’s construction group said: “Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries and some companies still show a poor attitude to the health and safety of their workers. This attitude can lead to injury, ill health and can cost people’s lives. The simple and effective measures to control these risks are well known but not always implemented.

“This year part of the initiative will aim to drive an improvement in the standard of toilets on sites. Inspectors will be checking that toilets are clean and working, have soap and towels, and that there are washbasins with hot and cold running water.

“HSENI will continue to work with the industry to help to improve standards. However, we will not hesitate to take immediate enforcement action if we find unacceptable practices that put the lives, health and well-being of workers at risk”.

REMINDER: INDUSTRY WAGE RATE CHANGES

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s previously promulgated by the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) on 9 May 2014, the agreed wage rates payable to all employed under the Working Rules Agreement increased from Monday 3 August 2015.

The Promulgation Notice which outlines the wage rates can be found on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk

HOLIDAY PAY CHANGES

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he industry still awaits the launch by the Department for Employment and Learning of a consultation on backdated holiday pay claims. In GB the Government has acted swiftly to introduce legislation to limit retrospective claims to a maximum of two years. CEF has written to and met with Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment & Learning, to urge the Minister to introduce similar legislation in Northern Ireland as an urgent and absolute priority.

It is though now expected that this consultation will not take place until the result of a legal challenge is known later in the year at the earliest.

Training & Events Programme SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 Month

Date

Duration

Changes to ISO14001

3 Sept

2 hrs

Creating an Inspired Workforce: Managing Occupational Health Matters: Workshop 4

29 Sept

½ day

NEC3 Compensation Events Master Class

30 Sept

1 day

Creating an Inspired Workforce: Best Practice Training and Development: Workshop 5

13 Oct

½ day

Programming Under the NEC3

20 Oct

1 day

An Estimators Introduction to the NEC3

21 Oct

1 day

Creating an Inspired Workforce: Creating a Positive Work Environment: Workshop 6

27 Oct

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

10 Sept

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

17 & 24 Sept

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

25 Sept

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

16 Oct

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

23 Oct

½ day

September

October

CEF’S BUDGET ANALYSIS

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he Chancellor’s Budget Statement announced early July, contains a raft of measures that will have an impact, to at least some degree, on the industry locally.

Some of the main measures included: • New national living wage will be introduced for all workers aged over 25, starting at £7.20 an hour from April 2016 and set to reach £9 by 2020.

• Green Paper published on proposals for “a radical change” to pension saving system.

• The amount people can contribute to their pension tax-free to be reduced for individuals with incomes over £150,000.

• No rise in fuel duty this year with rates continuing to be frozen.

• Major reform to vehicle excise duties to pay for a new road-building and maintenance fund in England – with separate proposals to be discussed with the devolved nations.

• Corporation Tax to be cut to 19% in 2017 and 18% in 2020.

• National Insurance employment allowance for small firms to be increased by 50% to £3,000 from 2016.

• Annual investment allowance will be fixed permanently at £200,000 from January 2016.

The July statement also confirmed that the Northern Ireland Executive’s in year resource and capital expenditure budgets will remain set at £9.6bn of resource and £1.1bn of capital. A Comprehensive Spending Review will be published by the Government in the autumn, this will detail the Northern Ireland Executive’s outline budget for the years 2016/17 to 2018/19.

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 cfs@cefni.co.uk

DAVID FRY JOINS CEF AS FEDERATION MANAGER The Construction Employers Federation welcomes David Fry who has joined the team as Federation Manager in early July. David was previously Senior Policy Advisor at CBI Northern Ireland. You can contact David on davidf@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

62| Willis

Concrete Advice David Stevenson, Construction Centre of Excellence Leader at Willis Insurance and Risk Management machinery before attempting to free jams.

• Secure chutes and hatches to reduce injuries from swinging parts.

• Be sure that form work, casting and stressing operations are adequately braced and checked to avoid sudden release of materials.

• Double check rigging to protect against falling objects and materials during hoisting and stacking procedures.

C

oncrete manufacturing workers suffer injuries and illnesses on the job each year due to the many hazards surrounding concrete handling and machine usage. To minimise your risk of injury, remember these safety tips.

• Study and follow all confined space procedures when cleaning and working in the mixer drums, hoppers and tanks.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating near the blades and sloping slides.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce your risk of injury in the case that objects were to fly or fall around you.

• Perform a safety check on all vehicles to make sure they are in good working order at the beginning of each shift.

• Use isolation/lock-off procedures to de-energise conveyors and other

• Never walk or work under overhead loads.

Silica and Your Lungs

A component of concrete called silica poses an additional hazard to your health. Silica is very damaging to your lungs and can cause severe illness and even death.

To prevent illness, avoid exposure to cement dust and wet cement.

Wear gloves, boots, goggles and HEPA-filtered respirators to minimise contact with your eyes and skin.

Willis Insurance and Risk Management’s Consulting division work with clients to pre-empt claims and promote good practice via effective Health & Safety training courses. We also help clients by carrying an inspection of the workplace with the employer to advise where improvements need to be made.

For further information, contact David Stevenson at Willis Insurance and Risk management to make sure that you are covered properly.

028 9032 9042 or email davids@ willisinsurance.co.uk

concrete |63

Concrete Core Cooling technology for White Collar Factory

T

he third largest technology start-up cluster in the world, Silicon Roundabout in London, is undergoing a major transformation as construction of a new landmark office building begins. The White Collar Factory is a 237,000 sq ft building which is set to revolutionise the workplace with its innovative and sustainable design for the future.

A 16-storey tower to be placed at the epicentre of London’s Tech City, the White Collar Factory is an ambitious redevelopment of a major corner site at Old Street and is set to include campus buildings containing offices, retail and residential, as well as a new public square. The daring build is using Concrete Core Cooling as its primary method of conditioning the office environment. The modern technology uses cooled slabs to provide radiant cooling and thermal mass to absorb heat generated in the office from computers, lighting and people, and is set to save a tonne of carbon every two days.

Such ambitious plans meant that the construction needed to utilise the most modern, up-to-date materials at its core. Construction and civil

engineering specialists, Dunne Group, was specified as sub-contractor for the project, to ensure a smooth progression during construction of the 17-storey tower, including the top-down construction of the basement, the large core construction and in-situ concrete tower.

Dunne Group called upon the expertise of PERI Ltd to supply the formwork for the site, after successfully working together on major projects including Westport House in Edinburgh and the Dundee City Council HQ building.

The project utilised a wide variety of systems running concurrently and PERI tailored a range of its climbing systems specifically for the construction. The restricted site meant that PERI had to store the pre-fabricated equipment and stagger the delivery to site, while the topdown construction led to a variety of tailored equipment being required.

Responsible for the construction of the three cores – Main, North and South – the White Collar Factory challenged PERI due to its complex and unique shape, meaning two systems had to be tailored to run along the outside of the build.

PERI utilised a mixture of both Rail Climbing System (RCS) and Automatic Climbing System (ACS) platforms to the core walls, where

the RCS was used internally with ACS external-facing, providing the project with an unusual use of equipment.

Due to its large size and tight cycle times the main core required the use of the ACS climbing system to allow all platforms to be raised together and help achieve this. However, with the North core being smaller and approximately five floors lower the structure allowed the more common RCS climbing system to be utilised effectively. Additionally, PERI used its PROKIT EP200 protection – a product developed to replace protective boarding on construction sites – which allowed more light on-site and cut down high wind load.

The White Collar Factory was the first project PERI had used prefabricated ACS platforms in the UK. The ACS’s quick and safe properties enable significant savings to the amount of crane capacity thanks to the self-climbing technology. The large pre-fabricated platforms had to be stored at PERI’s Rugby depot without impeding its service. PERI also utilised its Light Protection Screens (LPS).

An alternative to heavy, enclosed protection panel systems, its ability to be assembled without a crane meant it was the ideal solution for the White Collar Factory due to the space restriction issues.

The wall formwork was lined with

Reckli sheeting, a rubber moulding glued to the face of the form, giving a specially designed timber boarding pattern to the finished concrete. Working with the sheeting for the first time, PERI designed the formwork to cater for this and ensured it was pre-fabricated to meet the tight deadlines. PERI also had to keep the tie locations in consideration, as they were specified by the architect as a visual feature on the walls, meaning an intricate design was required.

Mark Ruane, Project Engineer at Dunne Group, commented: “The quality of the formwork is absolutely crucial on this project as all the concrete walls and ceiling slabs are exposed in the finished building. We’re also under tight time constraints, so speed and ease of positioning are key.

“There’s been a lot of co-ordination during the design and assembly of the formwork systems due to the very specific architectural requirements. The finishes achieved so far have been very impressive and the climbing panels have been working well. This job places high technical demands of the formwork, with up to 8m high wall sections constructed in single pours.“ The project is on track to meet its deadlines and is expected to be completed by summer next year.

66| concrete

New Thermal Liteblock System launched by Roadstone

R

oadstone Ltd has launched the Thermal Liteblock System, a new product innovation.

The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is a robust and durable, lightweight block which was developed for use with traditional masonry after extensive research aimed at producing a cost-effective solution for architects, engineers, assigned certifiers and building contractors to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations.

When used in conjunction with Roadstone’s standard Concrete Block range, the system improves thermal conductivity by an impressive 300%.

The mitigation of heat loss at thermal bridges, which is a key challenge in the construction industry, also results in reduced energy bills.

The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is made from a special mix which includes lightweight aggregrates to achieve conductivity values of 0.33W/ mK. It is manufactured in Ireland and has an average weight of just 11.5kg compared to the standard 20kg concrete block. Heather in colour to facilitate traceability on site, the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is also CE marked 2+.

The Thermal Liteblock is used at targeted key locations in conjunction with the Roadstone Concrete Block range, providing a cost effective

Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation and Larry Byrne, Managing Director of Roadstone Ltd pictured at the launch of Roadstone’s Thermal Liteblock System.

solution to the construction of new buildings and allowing greater flexibility in the development of designs.

Speaking at the launch event in City Hall Dublin, guest of honour Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation said: “Energy efficiency remains the best way to offset energy costs and reduce the carbon emissions of new buildings. For these reasons,

improved energy efficiency standards in new residential, business and public developments are at the core of the new Building Regulations and the Government’s Construction 2020 Strategy. I welcome this product innovation from Roadstone and the contribution it will make towards achieving these standards.”

Larry Byrne, Managing Director of Roadstone Ltd added: “Roadstone continually strives to produce only

the highest quality products and to give the best service in our industry.

In this regard, we are committed to product innovation aimed at meeting national energy efficiency standards.

The Thermal Liteblock System is an innovative, cost-effective and Irishmade product, designed for the needs of the Irish construction industry. We are confident that it will play a major role in the industry for many years to come.”

CES Quarry Products acquire WJ McCormicks

C

ES Quarry Products, based in Saintfield, have taken over the Ballynahinch asphalt, tarmac and bitmac supplier, WJ McCormick.

This takeover means that CES Quarry Products now offer a collection service for asphalt and tarmac products as well as their existing product range of readymix concrete, liquid screed, flooring screed, mortar, bricks, blocks and quarry stone.

CES Quarry Products have despatch outlets in Saintfield and Castlreagh with the WJ McCormick quarry now joining the line up.

“Our well established reputation for quality, product range and service

has led to an increased demand for our products, and by taking over the Ballynahinch quarry we can better service the needs of our growing client base,” said Steven Oldham, Sales and Marketing Executive.

“Our quarry at Doran’s Rock in Saintfield remains the backbone of our business and by adding the Ballynahinch operation we can offer an even better supply to meet growing demand throughout Ireland and further afield.”

CES Quarries was established in the early 1960s when company founder, Cyril Stevenson, purchased 17 acres of ground at Doran’s Rock in Saintfield.

“We have built the business through our focus on quality of product and service,” said Steven. “We’re very proud of our place in the local community and thrive to maintain and surpass our reputation within it.

“Over the years we have invested heavily in plant and machinery to keep our products as cost-effective as possible and we are always looking to find new ways to improve efficiencies, whether through new technologies or new business, such as our export business. Thanks to our grit stones’ high PSV (Polished Stone Value) we have been able to export our screenings into Great Britain and beyond for use on high-skid-resistant motorway surfaces.”

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

Concrete Block & Brick

Ready-Mix & Mini-Mix Concrete

Decorative Gravel

Supply & Lay Screed Services

C

oncrete is in a continual period of transformation; methods and techniques are being developed to meet growing architectural and structural demands.

Construction time and costs remains the fundamentals by which projects are evaluated. However, an increased demand on concrete is offset by a need to acknowledge the need for sustainability.

As the most widely used construction material in the world, the concrete and its industry must be able to respond to the challenges of global warming and questions and issues of sustainable construction, not only as regards to the use of the material itself and its manufacture but also by utilising and embracing industry innovations.

Working smarter and more efficiently is a requisite by which the industry will be judged and for many, the future hinges on what and how concrete embraces innovation and what it offers for sustainable construction.

K-Form has managed to combine all of the benefits of the savings, while enhancing the green credentials of a project by the use of their 100% recycled PVC screed rail system.

Calculations have shown that the carbon footprint of the K-Form PVC screed rails is 76% lower than the carbon footprint of steel road forms when comparing K135 on a 150mm thick concrete slab to using 150mm metal road forms.

Window Frames

The screed rails are produced from window frames that have been diverted from land fill disposal, cleaned of all glass, gaskets and catches etc and then ground down into a 5mm chip form. These chips are then magnetically cleaned of any metals that may have escaped through the manual cleaning process, colour sorted by a spectrum analysing machine that will detect and remove any non-white PVC which thus removes any traces of the black rubber gaskets. The finished recycled chips are then moved to the bespoke production facility in South Wales

which houses high temperature and high pressure plastic extrusion machinery which re melts the chips and then forces them through tooling to form the final required profile.

Advantages

The profile of the K-Form is hollow in its vertical structure to give a compressible characteristic which is in most cases appropriate to form an expansion joint between the adjacent slabs (subject to the requirements of each individual slab design and subsequent engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval).

This design allows for continuous pouring of adjacent bays of a concrete slab thus allowing the

contractor to realise huge time and cost savings within the project.

Also eliminated is the need for saw cuts to the joint area in order to place a gunned in seal as the top strip of the profile is simply removable to allow the sealant to be applied to a clean and dry void perfectly aligned with the joint.

K-Form is being used extensively on projects all around the world ranging from small agricultural or domestic projects, through to large concrete slabs on major distribution centre projects.

digest

70|

A unique addition to Moira for international growth One of the largest rotomould machines in the world recently went into full-time operation at Harlequin’s production facility in Moira, Co. Armagh. The machine, which is capable of rotationally moulding plastic products up to 7.5 metres long with a diameter of 4 metres has taken six months to build and is designed to manufacture Harlequin’s Hydroclear™ range of large Waste Water Treatment Systems. The installation involved an upgrade to the firm’s electric and gas connections as well as the excavation of a large diameter 5 metre machine pit. The build involved a multidisciplinary team of skilled engineers from throughout Northern Ireland and has been installed both within time and financial budgets.

Commenting on the successful installation Laurance Coey Harlequin’s Managing Director (pictured) said: “We are both pleased and impressed with the success of this machine installation which will provide us with a competitive advantage of a unique manufacturing tool in order to facilitate and augment our recent growth.

“We believe that this may be the largest machine of its type in the world. Specifically this new machine provides capacity to supply our newly certified Hydroclear™ Waste Water Treatment System to our distributors in France, where we see a major opportunity to increase sales going forward.

Indeed, this new machine will enable us to target specialist markets for large rotomould products and broaden our horizon still further.”

OFTEC calls on boiler manufacturers to be responsible when quoting Energy Savings Data OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) recently issued a reminder to boiler manufacturers regarding the use of energy savings data in trade and general advertising. The organisation, which represents the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, is reminding manufacturers to use only seasonal efficiency data which is available on the Home-heating Appliance Register of Performance (HARP) database when quoting boiler efficiencies.

The HARP database was developed by the UK Building Research Establishment in partnership with Kiwa Gastec at CRE, Kovara and Heating & Plumbing Markets International and is based

on the equivalent UK SEDBUK database. The HARP database is a product efficiency database for home-heating appliances that are used in Ireland and one of its main functions is to help homeowners identify efficient heating systems for their homes.

OFTEC is reiterating the importance of all sections of the industry using this standardised system, which is accepted across the heating industry in Ireland.

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland said: “We believe it’s in the best interests of consumers and the industry that all manufacturers and energy companies behave responsibly. It is vital that all manufacturers in particular use the agreed seasonal efficiency data when quoting

their boiler efficiencies. This ensures the householder is getting the correct information, allowing them to make comparisons and informed decisions.”

“Most manufacturers take their obligations very seriously and that’s why we feel it is important to closely monitor activity in this area. Marketing installers and householders with efficiency claims that are contrary to the independent data available is not good practice and could be viewed as misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority,” added David.

OFTEC is responsible for protecting the interests of consumers, manufacturers and those involved in the supply of home-heating oil and equipment.

Growth of new work at nine-month high The release of June data from the Ulster Bank by Markit – indicated that output growth was maintained as new orders rose at an accelerated rate. Increased new business led to a build-up of outstanding work, but the rate of job creation eased.

Meanwhile, cost inflation moderated and companies raised their output prices for the first time in ten months.

Commenting on the latest survey findings, Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, said: “As we pass the half way

mark of 2015, it is clear that the first half of the year ended much more positively than it started. Then, Northern Ireland’s private sector was reporting falling levels of output, new orders, exports and employment.

After a disappointing first quarter, however, business sentiment has improved markedly. Whilst the economic recovery is not as robust as we would like it to be, it is nevertheless encouraging to note that firms are still in expansion mode. The private sector now has more momentum going into the second half of the year than it had a few months ago.

ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

Automatic doors

Building information

CONCRETE

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

Automatic’s & Access Control

Northstone (NI) Ltd, Company No. 4078, Registered Office: 99 Kingsway, Dunmurry Belfast BT17 9NU

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

Correspondence Address: Northstone (NI) Limited Materials Division Shinny Road, Coleraine BT51 4PS Tel: 028 7032 1100

Cavity trays

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

Quality Access Equipment & Bespoke Access Solutions • Ladders • Stepladders • Scaffold Towers • Platforms & Podiums • Engineering & Fabrication • Inspections • Training Clow Group Ltd. 2/24 Limestone Road Belfast BT15 3AJ Tel: +44 (0)2890 749 748 Fax: +44 (0)2890 749 758 Email: enquiries@clowgroup.co.uk Web: www.clowgroup.co.uk

Service & Maintenance 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

to advertise Contact...

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

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.

CONCRETE

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

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

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications.

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

Immediate distribution from stock Cavity Trays Limited Contact: Stephen Leyland Ltd, Castings House, Quarry Heights, North Road, Newtownards BT23 7SZ Tel: 028 9182 2522 Fax: 028 9182 2558 Cavity Trays Ltd New Administration Centre, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8Hu Tel: 01935 474769 Fax: 01935 428223 E-mail: enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

Concrete

Demolition

McCusker Demolition Ltd 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 Ltd North Building 155 Northumberland Street Belfast BT13 2JF Tel: 028 9023 3301 Fax: 028 9020 1427 Email: info@mccuskerdemolition.com

FIRE & SECURITY

“Northern Ireland’s Leading FamilyOwned Fire & Security Specialists” Diamond Systems have been providing innovative fire and security solutions for a range of clients, throughout Northern Ireland for over 27 years, from commercial and industrial premises to public sector and residential.

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited

• Fire Detection & Alarm • Fire Suppression Systems • Integration • Intruder Detection & Alarm • CCTV • Access Control • Remote Monitoring • Emergency Communications Systems

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

Web: www.mccuskerdemolition.com design

Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction

COMMISSIONING

INSTALLATION

MAINTENANCE

Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd Unit 1a Harbour Court, 5 Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9HB Tel: 028 9020 7207 Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk www.diamondsystems.co.uk

• 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

GAS

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

FACADES

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

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

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

GAS

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

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

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

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

Industrial Doors

Metal Finishing

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

Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

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

• • • • • •

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

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

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

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

Insurance Intermediaries

PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

PAVING

METAL MESH

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms

Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

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

Mats and matting

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

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

support

range

• Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts 24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: plastics@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

PUMPING

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

service

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD

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

Hire Centres

Partitions (Acoustic)

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

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

Are one of the foremost pump distributors in Ireland, holding agencies for some of the worlds leading pump manufacturers.

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

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

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970

SAFETY

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

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

REcruitment

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

REtaining walls

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

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

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

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

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

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

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

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

• FASCIA & SOFFITS • HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING • WINDOW TRIMS

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

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380 Cookstown 028 86764422

• DRAINAGE & SEWAGE

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

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

Head Office:

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 winners

Washroom systems

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES

• RAINWATER SYSTEMS

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

Safety

Newry 028 30252499

Design that lasts Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Exceptional service & support

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

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

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

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd.

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

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

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

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

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

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

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

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

NEXT ISSUE...

october/ november 2015

product news |75 SCHUECO'S SLIDING DOOR OFFERINGS

heavy metal protection from johnstone's trade

E: mkinfobox@schueco.com W: www.schueco.co.uk

W: www.johnstonestrade.com/products

S

chueco UK have launched SmartClose and SmartStop.

Developed for use with Schueco’s range of sliding door systems, both products make the sliding vent easier to operate.

SmartClose makes the closing action effortless by converting the energy generated by the initial pull on the sliding vent into momentum that carries the vent smoothly along the length of its track until its final soft insertion into the frame.

Schueco SmartStop employs a controlled soft braking action that allows the vent to be drawn smoothly along its track but brings it to a stop prior to closing, when it can be locked in the normal way. This makes the door safer and more user-friendly.

S

pecifiers and facilities managers looking for a fast and versatile option for painting metal and shielding against corrosion needn’t look further than Johnstone’s Trade’s Quick Dry Metal Defence System.

The advanced system, which includes the Quick Dry Metal Primer and Quick Dry Steel & Cladding Topcoat, forms part of the brand’s Performance Coatings range and has been specifically formulated to provide up to eight years anti-corrosive protection for metal and profile claddings.

The Quick Dry Metal Primer offers excellent corrosion protection that is enhanced with its outstanding adhesion to all surfaces. This makes it ideal for use over ferrous and non-ferrous metals – including galvanised metal.

CLARK WENTWORTH CAST IRON STOVE

FENESTRA PRO MEDIUM FOR REVIT – EFFICIENT FAÇADE DESIGN FOR ARCHITECTS

W: www.machinemart.com

E: info@fenestrapro.com W: www.fenestrapro.com

M

achine Mart has launched a new range of Clarke cast iron stoves and accessories.

This Clarke Wentworth multi-fuel stove is DEFRA approved for burning wood in smokeless zones.

The stove is compact and efficient, providing a quality 5.3kW heat output with features such as a simple pull handle moving the riddling grate to push soot and dirt into the ash pan for easy maintenance. The contemporary design provides a stylish, modern look whilst creating a warm and ambient feel in your home.

F

enestraPro, a leading provider of software that enables energy efficient facade design, has launched FenestraPro Premium for Revit, continuing the development of the FenestraPro Add-in range for Autodesk Revit.

FenestraPro Premium for Revit is the complete package which enables architects to design environmentally efficient building façades more effectively, while ensuring compliance with increasing environmental standards and requirements thus enhancing green building design at an early stage in the design process.

GRIPPLE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING WITH NEW ANCHORING SYSTEMS

AURA LIGHT MOVES INTO LONG LIFE, LOW ENERGY LUMINAIRES

W: www.gripple.com

E: www.aura-light.co.uk

G

ripple Limited has broken into the civil construction market with cutting edge, costeffective systems for erosion control and slope stabilisation applications.

The Terra-Lock™ system, from the world-leading, multi award-winning manufacturer, has been developed for fast and easy installation with immediate load holding capability, while promoting vital vegetation re-growth. It is provided in a ready-to-use kit specific to the project requirements and geotechnical conditions.

Terra-Lock™ anchors are designed to provide drive efficiency and maximum load capacity across a wide range of applications. The variety of Terra-Lock™ terminations will secure and maintain the tension within the system. TL-P1, the high load anchoring pin, is devised to secure all types of turf reinforcement matting, erosion blankets, geotextiles and landscaping fabrics.

Furthermore, the range of installation tools ensures that the Terra-Lock™ system is installed with ease and efficacy.

R

elocation to larger new premises earlier this year has signified a new direction for Aura Light in the UK, for it has now grown into a major player in the fixtures market from its long established base as a lamp manufacturer.

In the fast expanding LED market, Aura Light now offers a number of commercial and industrial LED fittings from modular ceiling luminaires for offices through to LED light engines for spots and downlights and LED equivalents of high bay and low bay fittings for industrial applications and car parks.

And with Aura Light’s acquisition in February of Zobra, a Swedish luminaire manufacturer, it has brought with it the respected brand of Noral and its complete high quality exterior lighting.

web directory www.wilplas.com

to advertise Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218 Contact... siobhankissward@greerpublications.com www.diamondsystems.co.uk

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgas.ie

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

www.jncfence.com

web directory |77 www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

www.ridgefence.com

Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, 11 Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. BT28 3RD Telephone: 028 9250 1000 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 028 9250 1100

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

www.mccuskerdemolition.com

78| web directory www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.tinnelly.com

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

web directory |79 www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

www.yeomanshield.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building Materials Prices

80 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

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

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

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

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

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

per 1,000 £372.00 £377.00 £337.00 £362.00 £337.00 £337.00 £327.00

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

CARCASSING TIMBER Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, not exceeding 5.7 metres. per 100m 50x19 £45.50 75x19 £68.20 125x19 £110.50 38x25 £41.50 75x25 £50.50 150x25 £99.50 50x38 £77.30 100x38 £117.30 150x38 £92.10 50x50 £92.20 100x50 £145.50 125x50 £165.50 100x75 £201.00 200x75 £455.00 150x100 £375.50

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

Ordinary Portland Cement

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

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

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

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

2440x1220

per tonne £350.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast

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

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

6mm sanded £49.50

9mm sanded £51.30

12mm sanded £68.00

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

Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

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

Chartered Surveyors

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £420.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £430.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £430.00 2 440x300x100 7Nmm £510.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £530.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £400.00 440x215x100 Tolite £785.00

6mm £61.50

9mm £74.10

12mm £95.10

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

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

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

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £64.00 1:2:4 by volume £78.00 1:3:6 by volume £70.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £64.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £68.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £70.00

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

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

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

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

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

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

114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

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

£94.00 £69.00 £80.50 £98.50 £108.00

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

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

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

6 £686.00 £755.00

8 £686.00 £755.00

10 £686.00 £755.00

12 £686.00 £755.00

20 £686.00 £755.00

25 £686.00 £755.00

32 £686.00 £755.00

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

per sheet BS reference A 98 £31.50

A142 £31.50

A193 £35.50

A252 £40.00

A393 £68.00

B503 £68.00

B785 £81.00 Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

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

SAWN WHITEWOOD

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 winners • DRAINAGE & SEWAGE

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00 £1130.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

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

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

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

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

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

£79.60 £94.80 £110.30 £164.30 £97.30 £129.10 £173.50 £234.50 £325.60

Pipes and fittings to BS 4600. List price ex-yard.

Large quantities will attract considerable discounts.

Plain sewer, per 6m Pipe coupler, ea Single oblique branch, ea Single swept branch, ea 45˚ short radius, ea 87½˚ short radius bend, ea 45˚ long radius bend, ea 90˚ long radius bend, ea Straight channel 45˚ curved channel, ea

110mm 160mm £10.50 £23.00 £3.50 £7.50 £11.00 £25.00 £12.00 £25.00 £6.20 £17.00 £6.20 £15.50 £17.00 £32.00 £19.00 £32.00 £18.50 £31.00 £23.00 £58.00

OCTOBER/november 2015

82| interview

Specify talks to David Little, Chartered Institute of Building’s new Chair

The key is the early bedding in of the Planning regime in the 11 new Councils How did you get started in the construction industry?

I completed a Civil Engineering degree at Queens, and started my career with a Consulting Engineer where I did some design work and was Resident Engineer on roads schemes. I then joined a building and civil engineering contractor where we carried out a wide range of work including roads, engineered landfill sites, and various building projects. The company evolved to concentrate mainly on housebuilding.

I have therefore worked in the housebuilding sector for the last 20 years, and since 1999 with NHBC.

Did you plan to get involved in the construction industry?

I grew up in Ballywalter and one of my primary school classmates was the son of Fred McAdam, who later founded McAdam Design. I recall that at the time Fred always seemed to be in an exotic location abroad working as a consultant - although anywhere abroad was probably considered exotic then. I therefore determined at a young age that civil engineering was to be the life for me.

Needless to say I have never worked outside UK …..

What have been the highlights so far?

D

avid Little, NHBC’s Regional Director for Northern Ireland and Isle of Man, has recently been elected Chair of the CIOB in Ireland. David, a Civil Engineer by profession is the immediate past Chair of the CIOB’s Northern Centre committee.

Commenting on his appointment

If I am thinking about highlights, then I tend to remember the many excellent people I have worked with rather than the projects.

Professionally, recent highlights have been achieving FCIOB and becoming Chair of CIOB in Ireland.

David said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to the role of Chair of CIOB in Ireland.

As the leading Institute for Managers in Construction, CIOB membership for construction industry leaders and managers is central to helping promote professionalism within the industry. I am very much looking forward to helping to contribute towards developing CIOB for the future and working with members.”

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

It’s a cliché, but to treat others as you would like to be treated. It is absolutely clear to me that the best quality new homes are usually produced by builders who treat their staff and subcontractors well, and who enjoy a very stable workforce as a result.

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

There has never been a bad time to get a construction qualification or learn a trade - there is always well remunerated work somewhere in the world. It’s a meritocracy – if you are good enough then your background matters much less in construction than in other professions. I would say the same to female or male students, and I would also tell them that they need to be prepared to keep learning and acquiring new skills and qualifications throughout their careers.

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

To enable companies to plan and invest, we need to see some certainty in funding stretching over several years, and this obviously depends on agreeing budgets and programmes for Government.

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

To me the key is the early bedding in of the Planning regime in the 11 new Councils, and the preparation of the new area plans. We are not going to see increasing budgets in the short or medium term, so it is vital that available funding is targeted effectively, in particular to provide and upgrade the infrastructure needed for the future.

Tell us something surprising about yourself?

I relax by listening to music – jazz by preference, ideally live, on LP as second choice. If anyone wants a 2 hour illustrated presentation on the career and music of Miles Davis then I’m your man – I was asked to do one last year and would be happy to repeat.

For more information on the CIOB visit www.ciob.org.