Specify Magazine: July/August 2018

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AUGUST 2018

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O’HARE & MCGOVERN SCORE TWICE! COUNTDOWN TO THE CEF PAT BURNS BURNS PAT Editor Editor SHAUN BYRNE PAUL BRADWELL SalesManager Manager Sales SUBSCRIPTIONS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: (UK£18.00 £18.00Outside OutsideUK UK£27.50) £27.50) (UK PUBLISHERS: PUBLISHERS: James&&Gladys GladysGreer Greer James

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SPECIFY AWARDS!

For the second year in a row, Newry-based construction company O’Hare & McGovern have taken the ‘Overall Award’ at the Specify CEF Construction Excellence Awards.

The Awards Gala Evening saw the firm win the award for its work on the IFA National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. The superb new 18,000 seater stadium received its official opening the day after the awards took place at the Culloden Hotel.

It was built within the confines of the existing Windsor Park which remained fully operational throughout the 98 week construction phase, facilitating over 200,000 spectators at 63 international and domestic fixtures. The work involved the demolition of the south and east stands, refurbishment and extension of the north and west In this edition of stands.

Specify, we feature all the finalists in the OHMG designed curved steel prestigious CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2018. The gala awards night is on Thursday 18th October and is not to be missed. It has been a very difficult task for the judges to pick winners this year and full credit must go to the Northern Ireland Construction Industry for what has been another challenging year given the lack of government at Stormont and the continuing uncertainty around Brexit. Our congratulations to everyone in the final.

Meanwhile, private housing was the only part of Northern Ireland’s construction sector reported to be in growth mode in the Q2 2018 RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and Tughans Northern Ireland Construction & Infrastructure Market Survey.

Overall workloads were reported to be broadly flat for the fifth quarter in a row significantly below the UK average, and below all

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work at the interface of the North East and North West stands to form a Quadrant. This curved design helped to create a stadium to enhance the viewing experience of the speactators while at the same time mitigating the impact of noise on neighbouring houses outside the stadium.

Our congratulations go to the team at OHMG on their success.

There was also some cheer from the latest RICS report.

Building activity is still rising despite uncertainty in the economy, according to the latest RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and Tughans Northern Ireland Construction Market Survey.

Workloads were still rising in the third quarter of the year, according to Northern Ireland surveyors, with only a very modest slowdown in activity relative to Q2. other UK regions.

Housebuilding remained a key Infrastructure workloads and with source of workload growth, public non-housing workloads private housebuilding activity are also facing serious challenges rising particularly strongly (a according to the survey, with the balance of respondents (-24%) in both sectors saying workloads had decreased in Q2.

Less significant falls in activity in the public housing and private industrial sector were also recorded while private commercial sector activity was said to be flat.

Looking ahead, Northern Ireland surveyors remain the least optimistic in the UK. The Northern Ireland outlook is flat, with a zero net balance for 12-month expectations, compared with an average net balance of 41% across the rest of the UK. When it comes to expectations around employment and profit margins for the next year, the Northern Ireland figures are both now in negative territory.

Despite this, there was a rise in the number of surveyors saying there are shortages of quantity surveyors, other construction professionals and blue collar workers; albeit that these figures are much lower than those reported in the rest of the UK. Jim Sammon, RICS Northern Ireland Construction Spokesman said: “While it is encouraging that

net balance of +48). Private Commercial activity was also rising relatively robustly (+23), according to the survey.

In contrast however, infrastructure workload growth remained weak (+5), and significantly below the UK average (+17).

Looking ahead, Northern Ireland surveyors are upbeat about the prospects for growth, with a net balance of +50% expecting workloads to be higher in a 12-month horizon.

Infrastructure spending is still relatively low in Northern Ireland and the latest developments in the ongoing York Road Interchange does not inspire confidence for the big government spending projects.

Economist John Simpson looks at the Programme for Government Strategic Investment Boards aspirations for next year and housebuilding continuing beyond… see is pages 36 andto37. grow in Northern Ireland the picture presented by the survey Pat Burns is somewhat different across Editor the rest of the industry, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, Northern Ireland surveyors are feeling less optimistic about the outlook than they were.

“Our respondents are telling us very clearly that without a functioning Executive they have serious doubts about the ability of departments to approve strategic planning decisions and future expenditure on major projects.

This is a situation that needs urgently addressed, particularly in relation to infrastructure activity.

“A lack of clarity on Brexit is also being cited as a major issue for the local industry because it leaves companies unable to make firm plans for the future.

“It is noteworthy though that respondents continue to report skills shortages, perhaps driven by the continuing growth in house-building. This highlights the important need to continue to invest in skills and to encourage young people to opt for a career in surveying and the wider construction sector.”

Pat Burns, Editor

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AUGUST 2018

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DIGEST:

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DIGEST:

Lisney have confirmed the completion of a deal that sees Belfast Harbour acquire Obel 68, a 52,000 sq. ft. Grade A office investment on Belfast’s waterfront, in a transaction in excess of the £15m asking price.

Efforts to attract private sector inward investment to enhance Northern Ireland’s infrastructure could be given a significant boost through the adoption of new global construction standards, RICS representatives outlined to senior government officials recently.

11 TOP 100 COMPANIES:

At number 5 on the list, Graham is the top ranked construction company in the Ulster Business Top 100. New entrants include Heron Bros and Mac Interiors.

13 GLASSMARQUE:

Top honours for restoration company Glassmarque who have refurbished the original windows at Queens University.

16 RAJESH RANA WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO ANDRAS HOUSE GROUP

The Andras House Group is now one of the largest hoteliers in Northern Ireland following the opening of Ireland’s first Hampton by Hilton in Belfast.

24 JOHN SIMPSON:

The housing market in Northern Ireland is evolving, says John. However, it is evolving in ways some of which are the result of market forces that are not always consistent with sensible official housing policies and some are a consequence of the absence of clear official policies.

29 CEF/SPECIFY AWARDS:

The competition to win the highest accolades in Northern Ireland construction comes to a finale on Thursday 18th October. We preview all the finalists in this edition.

60 CEF NEWS:

The Federation comments on an ‘alarming’ construction bulletin as the industry suffers from the lack of government.

63 ‘MISSING TRADER’ VAT FRAUD:

The HMRC are to crack down on ‘missing trader’ VAT fraud warns Deloitte, with the introduction of the Reverse Charge.

68 OPENING NEW DOORWAYS:

A new chapter in the long and distinguished history of Moffett Thallon and MB Architectural Solutions.

71 EHA GROUP:

At 28 years old, Ed Allingham is the UK Construction Director for the EHA Group. The Ireland branch of the EHA Group is well known for its social housing projects here, but the UK arm is currently involved in a major redevelopment scheme in Plymouth.

74 SPECIFY TALKS TO…

Rachel Corbally, Development Manager for Ireland with the CIOB.

• Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out We provide CPD courses. TO FIND OUT MORE Visit calorgas.ie • Email cpd@calorgas.ie • Contact: 028 9045 5588

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Contents |05

08 DIGEST

ICMS: SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN ATTRACTING INWARD INVESTORS

CEF Awards

16 RAJESH RANA

WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO ANDRAS HOUSE GROUP

page 29

74 INTERVIEW

SPECIFY TALKS TO RACHEL CORBALLY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR IRELAND WITH THE CIOB.

• Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out We provide CPD courses. TO FIND OUT MORE Visit calorgas.ie • Email cpd@calorgas.ie • Contact: 028 9045 5588

calorgas.ie Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

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OBEL 68 DEAL COMPLETES Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year investment firm Corum Asset and significant rental growth in recent Management in June, which is theIreland. years. Growing confidence in the office growth plan in UK and largest retail investment transaction in rental market over the past couple

Lisney have confirmed the completion of a deal that sees Belfast Harbour acquire Obel NI M&E services 68, a 52,000 sq. ft. Grade ANewtownabbey-based office investment on M&E services company, in a Belfast’s waterfront, transaction inhas excess of Harvey Group, acquired the £15m asking price.

Northern Ireland renewable energy specialists, Solmatix Obel 68, part of the Obelcomplex Renewables in a move the that includes Ireland’s tallest building, transform thecompanies Obel Tower,say is letwill to international the energy sector law firmrenewable Allen & Overy and was in Northern Ireland and act brought to the market

by Lisney in as aMay. springboard for further early Obel 68 is oneinto of a the pair of high profile expansion multioffice investments the million poundbrought UK andtoIreland market by Lisney in recent months; renewable energy markets. the otherThe being the 70,000 acquisition, forsq. anft. Metro Building on Donegall Square South, undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 which is currently under offer having the marketed number ofatpeople employed been offers in excess by the Harvey Group in ofdirectly £21m. This Grade A office space Northern Belfast Ireland City and Hall Great Britain. overlooking is one of Belfast’s most prime buildings.

With a turnover of £30 million The of 80 Obel 68Harvey to Belfast andsale over staff, Group Harbour, operates Belfast Port, has overwhich 30 years’ experience follows on the heels of and Lisney’s in thehot design, installation £16.4m off-market acquisition of maintenance of building services 40-46 Donegall Place for French 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

“We’ve also seen prime office rents move from £12.50 per square foot to over £21.50 over recent years and there are a number of office schemes planned where quoting rents will be upwards of £23 per square foot.”

of years has resulted in a record first company acquires renewable energy specialists quarter take up in 2018 of 270,000 sq.

Northern Ireland so far this year.

Nicky Finnieston, Investment Director at Belfast-based the company hasLisney, growncommented; to achieve a “We always expected turnover of £6 million,this withinstruction 30 staff to be well from received operating its Nutt’s Corner locally, but we premises. were pleasantly As a result of the deal, Solmatix surprised by the will continue to level of interest operate as an autonomous coming from and independent company within Harvey Group London and internationally.

Brian Harvey, managing director WeHarvey had interest of Group, said there was private afrom perfect fit between the two investors, property organisations. companies, “We have been planning to private equity and grow our renewables involvement institutions which for time, is a some glowing voteeither organically or through thefor acquisition of an of confidence the Belfast office established player. Having worked market. with Solmatix Renewables on positive a“The number of contracts, we’d narrative around always been impressed with prime office their engineering rigour and space in Belfast professionalism. continues to be In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between buoyed by strong our two companies occupier demand 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

ft. that provides a compelling backdrop for potential investors.

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. “

LOCAL CIOB MEMBERS ATTEND TORONTO EVENT

The CIOB Member’s Lisburn firm Forum took place this TAL awarded the first major construction year 8-12 July 2018 in Toronto, Canada.at The Randox Science Park contract annual event brings leading construction professionals together from across the globe to represent the interests of CIOB members.

Agenda items included the Institute’s AGM/EGM as well as meetings and workshops ranging from corporate planning to debating the future sustainability of the construction WItH a reputation for industry. The event concluded with excellence in constructing high the CIOB President’s Inaugural Dinner quality projects, tAL Limited at the Liberty Grand in downtown has been awarded a significant Toronto, which focused on climate contract by global change and(£3.1m) collaboration.

Four local members diagnostics attended Members’ Forum medical company including Gerard Graham, Michael Randox.

Gallagher, Noreen Holywood This initial contract is for theand Noel McKee. 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 Director at Randox commented: “The Northern Ireland’s most dynamic development of Randox Science and exciting businesses on a local Park is core to our plans to create and global level. Through the quality innovative diagnostics, to improve of our work and the dedication and manufacturing efficiency to export professionalism of our team TAL has high-value healthcare capabilities to steadily grown over the last 34 years world markets. This state-of-the-art and this contract award reinforces premises will become a centre of the strength of our expertise in the cutting-edge research, development healthcare sector.” and diagnostic manufacture, covering The project will be delivered conditions such as cancer, stroke and to BIM level 2 in partnership heart disease. We will also provide a with the design team Ostick and significant boost to the local economy Gerard Graham - Chair of CIOB Belfast Hub, Noreen Hollywood – Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, through new job creation. We very member of CIOB Dubai Hub and newly elected member of the CIOB Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller much look forward to working with Education, Qualifications, Standards & Practice Board, Chris Soffe – Consulting Engineers and Charles TAL on this initial contract to deliver CIOB President, Michael Gallagher - Chair of CIOB Dublin Hub, and Hutchison Consulting. the high quality infrastructure we Noel McKee – member of the CIOB Business Development Board.

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing require.”

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

CONSTRUCTION NEW PASSENGER NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists FACILITY AT DUBLIN AIRPORT 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. a turnover of £30 million TheWith McAvoy Group has handed over a new and over 80 staff, Harvey Group passenger facility at has over 30 years’ experience Dublin Airport which in the design, installation and was built offsite maintenance of buildingand services at over 19m wide, within every conceivable kind of is believed to be the building type throughout largest single spanNI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ modular building Cleanrooms, to Laboratories, delivered date in the UK and Ireland.

Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahThe newBell €22founded million South Gates Anne Solmatix passenger boarding areaand hassince beenthen Renewables in 2008, developed to meet the huge growth in passenger numbers at Dublin Airport and will be used mainly by Aer Lingus for flights to the UK and continental Europe. It provides seven boarding

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 gates to serve nine aircraft a number of contracts, we’dstands and isalways designed accommodate beentoimpressed with around 8,000 passengers rigour a day. and their engineering

Two major new Belfast office developments worth a combined £70 million received the green light from Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee recently.

WItH a reputation for

first major employment activity at the phase a major Sirocco capital expenditure formerofHowden site in almost project Randox to develop 20 years,byaccommodating up tothe 2,500 former Massereene Army Barracks employees.

A 13‘Randox storey office accommodation into Science Park’ – a building, including retail unit on futuristic R&D anda manufacturing the ground floor alongside café and facility.

The award-winning, restaurant units, will be the first step international biotechnology firm,for in creating modern workspace unveiled plans for 46,000 an innovative 11.5 per its cent of the new jobs hub the City 43 acre site earlier this that on Belfast Council is seeking to create by 2035 as part of the year.

Belfast Agenda.the Theannouncement, plan also includes Welcoming landscaping and public realm works, a Damien Hughes, Director of TAL pocket park and pedestrian and cycle Limited commented: “We are access. delighted to developer have beenStargime awardedalso Paris-based

professionalism. In fact, there seemed The management contractor for the to be a was natural synergy between& project Flynn Management our two companies terms of Contractors and theinlead consultants what Arup. we doThe andbuilding how we dodesigned it. I were was by concept architects Kavanagh approached Richard Bell about Tuite a and by project yeardelivered ago to float the ideaarchitects of our Blue Sky. coming together, but only companies if there was a good fit. After careful The 2,200m2 facility was constructed consideration we both agreed offsite at the McAvoy production that thisin would indeed be mutually centre Lisburn, Northern Ireland to reduce time on site. It was craned into position in 16 days as 77 steelframed modules. The building system was engineered to achieve over 19m

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 usspans, years which to wide uninterrupted clear otherwise. isacquire believed to be an industry first for modular construction. rolled “Harvey Group andHot Solmatix steel used to remove the sharebeams similarwere values, by which I mean requirement for internal columns. our commitment to professionalism, our desire to deliver our services to Commenting on the new facility, Iain the very highest standards, and the Heath, Project Manager at Dublin importance Airport, said,we place on treating our customers, our suppliers and our staff “This is one and of the fastest ” with courtesy consideration. projects ever and Richardwe Bell,have the founder completed at the airport – managing director of Solmatix from planning to the first flight Renewables described The the acquisition in just 18 months. finished building speaks for itself. It is a handsome new facility with high quality finishes and clean architectural lines.”

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

“In many respects, it’s a case of ‘business usual’. However, “We were as impressed within real terms, being used part ofBIM this and larger how McAvoy organisation will give to virtual reality.

As us anaccess airport we havetechnical a complex approvals enhanced skills, financial process, but purchasing the digital resources and power. techniques allowed thelead senior Ultimately I believe this will management team to ‘walk to greater the growth and investment through’ building and to within our operations, as wellwhich as experience the facility, more jobs and job security.

It’s aIn facilitated design sign off. addition to the programme win-win relationship that’s good benefits, offsite construction for our whole organisation, as also meant fewer of trades well as the economy Northern working on site and a smaller Ireland. “ site footprint. This approach had far less operational impact for the airport and the closure of fewer aircraft stands with reduced timeframes.”

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park production of Randox’s this contract with Randox, one of Director at Randox commented: “The £70 MILLION GRADE Apioneering OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS medical diagnostic products and will Northern Ireland’s most dynamic development of Randox Science also include associated administrative andPLANNING exciting businesses on a local Park is core to our plans to create RECEIVE GREEN LIGHT FROM COMMITTEE functions. The works are the first and global level. Through the quality innovative diagnostics, to improve

excellence in constructing high Membersprojects, approvedtAL proposals for quality Limited the £50m first phase of the landmark has been awarded a significant Belfast Waterside development and contract global the £20m (£3.1m) 11-storey by Graham House medical diagnostics company development on Albert Square in the Randox. city centre.

The ThisBelfast initialWaterside contract is28,476 for thesqm Grade A office will bring construction of scheme a new facility for an initial £50m investment and deliver the

received the Planning Committee’s of our work and the dedication and approval to build a £20 million 11 professionalism of our‘Graham team TAL has storey office building, House’, steadily grown floor over restaurant/café the last 34 years with a ground on Albert with access from Tomb and thisSquare, contract award reinforces Street. the strength of our expertise in the The Committee healthcare sector.also ” granted approval for a The project will be delivered ‘Changing Places’ (CP) to BIMon level in partnership facility the2ground with designCity team Ostick and floor the of Belfast Hall. A CPArchitects, facility is aRainey & Best, Williams combined toilet and Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller shower changing roomand Charles Consulting Engineers for use by people with Hutchison Consulting. complex and multiple Dr Peterwho FitzGerald, disabilities require Managing

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the help of up to two assistants. It will manufacturing efficiency export incorporate a fixed trackto hoist system. high-value healthcare capabilities to A new visitor centre for Belfast City world markets.

Thistostate-of-the-art Cemetery adjacent the Whiterock Road waswill alsobecome approved. premises 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

06| 08

digest digest

ICMS: GAIN HarveySIGNIFICANT Group acquires OPPORTUNITY Solmatix as part ofTO 5 year COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE growth plan in UK and Ireland. IN ATTRACTING NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists INWARD INVESTORS Newtownabbey-based Efforts to attract M&E services company, private sector inward Harvey Group, acquired investment tohas enhance Northern Ireland’s Northern Ireland renewable infrastructure could energy specialists, Solmatix be given a significant Renewables in a move the boost through the companies say will transform adoption of new global the renewable energy sector construction standards, in Northern Ireland and act RICS (Royal Institution a springboardSurveyors) for further ofasChartered expansion into the outlined multirepresentatives tomillion senior government pound UK and Ireland officials renewablerecently. energy markets.

The acquisition, for an RICS highlighted in will a meeting undisclosed sum, bring towith 110 the Department for Infrastructure the number of people employed that there is a significant gap in private directly by the Harvey Group in sector investment in infrastructure Northern Ireland and Great Britain. and that adopting ICMS (International With a turnover of £30Standards) million Construction Measurement would make80Northern Ireland more and over staff, Harvey Group attractive investors has overto30international years’ experience – in providing greater transparency, the design, installation and consistency andofcertainty them. maintenance building for services At present, there is a lack of uniformity within every conceivable kind of in how construction projects and costs building typeand throughout GB are measured reportedNI, around and RoI, including the world, which canPharmaceutical/ provide risks for Cleanrooms, Laboratories, investors.

Education, Government and in Widespread adoption of ICMS the construction marketand here could Healthcare . Richard Norahprovide Northern Ireland with a real Anne Bell founded Solmatix competitive and since signal then to Renewablesadvantage in 2008, and potential investors that this is a market that they should be active in, RICS says.

The organisation also made clear in the meeting that adopting ICMS would help ensure government projects are delivered in a consistent way, in line with best practice, helping achieve value for public money.

At present, ICMS is not centrally adopted in Northern Ireland and its usage in the private sector is patchy.

In addition to meeting with government officials, RICS representatives also met with a crossparty delegation of MLAs to discuss the same issue.

Susan Mason, RICS Acting Regional WItH for said: Directorainreputation Northern Ireland, “The need for reporting excellence in accurate constructing high of costs projects, in construction quality tAL and Limited infrastructure projectsaissignificant critical not has been awarded only in terms of attracting investors contract (£3.1m) by global but also for assessing the economic medical viability ofdiagnostics projects and company maximising Randox. their impact. And we know that This initial contract is forinthe investing in infrastructure Northern Ireland is absolutely essential. construction of a new facility ”for

the company hasglobal grownconsistency to achieveina “ICMS provides reporting;ofthe of consistency turnover £6kind million, with 30 staffthat inward investors demand, operating from itsincreasingly Nutt’s Corner and government projects need. Our premises. message is very to government As a result of clear the deal, Solmatix departments, MLAs, the construction will continue to operate as an that sector and other stakeholders autonomous and independent widespread adoption of ICMS company within Harvey Group provides the opportunity for significant 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

competitive advantage. We are very pleased to meet with the department and with MLAs to discuss this important issue,” she adds.

International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) is a high-level international standard that aims to provide greater global consistency in the classification,

definition, measurement, analysis and presentation of construction costs at a project, regional, state or national/ international level. It is not a detailed method of measuring construction works. Instead, it is a benchmarking and reporting framework for international cost classification, reporting and comparison.

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 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 Susan Masonwe RICS 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

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digest digest

06|

|09

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GRAHAM COMPLETES Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year BUYERS TARGET LOCAL £1.4M FIT-OUT OF growth plan in UK and Ireland.

DEVELOPMENT NI M&E services company acquiresU105 renewable energy specialists OFFICE

the company has grown to achieve a Newtownabbey-based turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff M&E services company, operating from its Nutt’s Corner Harvey Group, has acquired premises.

Northern Ireland renewable As a result of the deal, Solmatix energy specialists, Solmatix will continue to operate as an Renewables in a move the autonomous and independent companies say will transform company within Harvey Group the renewable energy sector Brian Harvey, managing director in Northern Ireland and act of Harvey Group, said there was as a springboard for further a perfect fit between the two expansion into the multiorganisations. million pound UK and Ireland “We have been planning to renewable energy markets. grow our renewables involvement The acquisition, for an for some time, either organically undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 or through the acquisition of an the number of people employed established player. Having worked directly by the Harvey Group in with Solmatix Renewables on Northern Ireland and Wilson, Great Britain.

Pictured are Michelle Business Banking Manager at a number of contracts, With Bank a turnover of £30 Dinsmore, million Danske and Connor Director at Loft Estates we’d always been impressed with and over 80 staff, Harvey Group their engineering rigour and has over 30 years’ experience Connor Dinsmore, Director at A inunique professionalism. fact,have there seemed the design,housing installation and Loft Estates, said:In “We been development in services to be a natural synergy between maintenance of building Broughshane, Co Antrim overwhelmed with the public response ourthis two companies of every conceivable kindfrom of to project which in hasterms also received is within attracting interest do and how we do it.SoI building type throughout NI, GB awhat RICSwe award for architecture. international buyers. far, we’ve soldRichard two homes to legal approached Bell about a and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ professionals fromthe London and year ago to float idea of ourthere Cleanrooms,construction Laboratories, Antrim-based company have been enquiries from around Loft Estates isGovernment in the process of companies coming together, but only Education, and the world about the third andcareful final completing work on its award winning if there was a good fit.

After Healthcare . Richard and Norahproperty on the development.

Copper Barns development, which sits consideration we both agreed Anne Bell founded Solmatix He added: “The homes are entirely onRenewables a 4.5 acre rural site overlooking that this and would indeed in 2008, and since then bespoke whilst theybe aremutually very Slemish Mountain and the Braid Valley. contemporary in design, the overall concept works because they relate The £1.3m investment in three stateback to the original stone barns of-the-art homes, was part funded they replaced. We have one barn

by Danske Bank. The company is now remaining and will start this in planning to replicate the Copper conjunction with the new buyer so Barns project with another 10-15 unit development, comprising of a range of they can be involved in customising itproduction to suit theirofown individual Randox’s pioneering smaller more attainable properties in requirements. ” medical diagnostic products and will the Ballymena area. 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&Dthat andtheir manufacturing demonstrate products are Tobermore have been WItH a reputation for made with constituent materials that facility.

The award-winning, working with BSI (British have been responsibly sourced. excellence in Institute) constructing high Standards international biotechnology firm,This BES 6001itscertification Tobermore to achieve a tAL BES Limited 6001 quality projects, unveiled plans for angives innovative the ability to prove to specifiers and accreditation, the has been awarded for a significant hub on the 43 earlier this contractors thatacre theysite have an effective responsible sourcing contract (£3.1m) by global of year. for ensuring their products are system construction products. medical diagnostics company Welcoming the announcement, sustainable.

Randox.

Damien Hughes, Director of TAL With the UK Government increasing Sustainability is not an afterthought contract isdevelopment, for the Limited commented: “We are its This focusinitial on sustainable at Tobermore; theybeen are aawarded leader in construction a new facility they felt it wasofimportant to for delighted to have environmental manufacturing. At their

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, which I mean GRAHAM hasbycompleted a state-of-the-art our£1.4m commitment to professionalism, fit-out our desireof to U105’s deliver ouroffice services to and broadcasting studio the very highest standards, and the at the company’s new importance we place on treating our premises in City Quays customers, our suppliers and our staff 2, Belfast. with courtesy and consideration.” the founder TheRichard parent Bell, company of U105and has confirmed that this of is now one of the managing director Solmatix best broadcasting studios their Renewables described thewithin acquisition Group, with regard to their acoustic elements and performance.

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 of-the-art in City 2, the enhanced space technical skills,Quays financial latest development to complete resources and purchasing power.as part of Belfast Harbour’s £250 million Ultimately I believe this will lead regeneration scheme. to greater growth investment “The project, whichand started in within our operations, as September 2017, involvedwell the as creation more jobs and job security. of three broadcasting studios,It’s ana associated IT/transmission win-win relationship that’s room, good a reception and vending area, meeting for our whole organisation, as rooms, space both U105 well as and the office economy of for Northern and the digital businesses, Simply Zesty Ireland. “ and Tibus.

“Our in-house design team developed the design of this project from its initial conception and managed it through to completion. We worked closely with an acoustic consultant carrying out acoustic testing throughout the build.

This allowed us to assess quality and Director Randox commented: “The be certainatthat the finished product not only met but exceeded our client’s development of Randox Science expectations.

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, Sourcing League Table development of compliant companies. and diagnostic manufacture, covering conditions such as cancer, stroke and BES 6001 is relevant anyprovide a heart disease.

We willtoalso organisation that manufactures significant boost to the from local foundation economy construction products through Westeel veryto productsnew suchjob as creation. cement and much lookpipes forward working with concrete and to blocks, windows, flooring, roofinitial tiles, contract plastics, wood TAL on this to deliver products, as wellinfrastructure as retail organisation’s the high quality we that sell” construction products such as require. the large DIY stores.

Eoin King, Project Manager for Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction Graham, discusses the transformation of the 10,500 sq ft space: contract at Randox Science Park “One of the world’s largest media firms appointed GRAHAM to this contract withmillion Randox, one of deliver this £1.4 office and Northern Ireland’s most dynamic broadcasting facility at its new stateand 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 ourthey expertise in the UK headquarters, use a rainwater harvesting system, healthcare sector.” generate electricity using wind turbine solar panels Thea project will beand delivered and ensure their concrete waste is to BIM level 2 in partnership recycled and reused. All Tobermore with design team Ostickbenefit and pavingthe and walling products Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, from these green manufacturing Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller methods and thereby achieve a significantly Engineers reduced carbon footprint.

Consulting and Charles As part of Consulting. the certification, Tobermore Hutchison hasDrbeen added to the Managing BRE’s (Building Peter FitzGerald, Research Establishment) Responsible

TOBERMORE EARN TOP INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION FOR RESPONSIBLE SOURCING OF MATERIALS

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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

06| Top 100 10|

Top 100 Companies 2018 as profits Harvey Group acquires Solmatix part of 5 year growth in UK and Ireland. soar byplan almost 80%

on the list NI M&E services company company acquires renewable energy specialists to join the ‘billion

Northern Ireland’s biggest companies have boosted their profits by almost 80% Newtownabbey-based inM&E the services space of a year. company,

Harvey Group, has acquired This year has Ireland seen some Northern renewable exceptional sales performances, energy specialists, Solmatix including John Graham Holdings Renewables in a move the Ltd, which trades Graham companies sayaswill transform Construction. the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland and act as a springboard Moy Park has retainedfor thefurther top spot theTop multionexpansion the Ulster into Business 100 million pound UK andsponsored Ireland Companies 2018 edition, energy byrenewable A&L Goodbody, for markets. the seventh acquisition, for an of year The running, with turnover undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 £1.4bn. the number of people employed directlyprofits by thefor Harvey Pre-tax thoseGroup makingin andrising Great Britain. theNorthern list grewIreland by 79%, from Withto a turnover £517.5m £924.9m.of £30 million and over 80 staff, Harvey Group experience It has sawover one 30 of years’ the biggest leaps on in the design, installation the list, soaring more thanand £200m building services in maintenance turnover andofrising to fifth, while within every conceivable kind other of W&R Barnett is now the only building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahRank Anne BellRank foundedCompany Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then 2018 2017

the company has grown to achieve a club’. turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff

operating from However, fuel its Nutt’s Corner premises. LCC wholesaler As a isresult Group fast of the deal, Solmatix will continue approaching to theoperate as an autonomous and mark, with its independent company within Group turnover soaringHarvey to Brian Harvey, managing director £852.8m.

of Harvey Group, said there was a perfectturnover fit between the two Overall, organisations. among the Top 100, “Weishave which nowbeen in itsplanning to Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth grow our renewables Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group).

30th year, increased involvement for around some time, by 9%, either rising organically as great news for Solmatix, its beneficial. From my perspective, or through the acquisition of an from £21.88bn to customers, staff.Park having Solmatix as part of Harvey Michael Neill, partner at Top 100 sponsor A&L Goodbody, Chris Kirke,suppliers presidentand of Moy established player. Having worked £23.85bn, when “In Business many respects, it’s aMulgrew case and Ulster editor John Group gives us a level of expertise with Solmatix Renewables on comparing company of ‘business as usual’.

However, in that would have taken us years to a number of contracts, we’d accounts, year-onreal terms, being part of this larger acquire otherwise. companies across the region, ranked the strength of Northern Ireland’s always been impressed with year. organisation will giveright us access by “Harvey turnover.Group and Solmatix business landscape, acrosstothe their engineering rigour and enhanced technical skills, financial share similar values, by which I mean sectors. professionalism. In fact, there seemed The magazine features in-depth resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, John Mulgrew, Ulster Business editor, New entrants include Draperstown to be a natural synergy between analysis of Northern Ireland Ultimately I believe this will leadBros, our desire to deliver our services to said: “This year’s Top 100 Companies construction company Heron our two companies in terms of business, showcases the biggest to greater growth and investment the isvery highest standards, andofthe list another clear example and Mac Interiors, based in Newry. what we do and how we do it. I within our operations, as well as importance we place on treating our approached Richard Bell about a more jobs and job security. It’s a customers, our suppliers and our staff year ago to float the idea of our win-win relationship that’s good with courtesy and consideration. ” companies coming together, but only for our whole organisation, as Richard Bell, the founder and if there was a good fit. After careful as the economy Northern managing director of Solmatix Year we Ending Turnover £000s Profit/Loss well Prev Profit NetofWorth consideration both agreed Ireland. “ Renewables described the acquisition that this would indeed be mutually Latest Sales Previous Sales £000s £000s £000s

Construction Companies in the Ulster Business Top 100 5

10

John Graham

31/03/2018

767,636

19

28

Northstone

31/12/2016

374,984

565,921

13,117

261,408

4,342

16,056

56,224

4,354

76,034

13 15 McLaughlin & Harvey 31/12/2017 465,789 427,095 11,068 5,537 50,400 Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction 16 16 NI Water 31/03/2017 422,412 413,525 102,912 99,141 1,268,000 17 17 Terex GB Ltd 31/12/2016 394,982 387,061 28,272 23,440 51,719 contract at Randox Science Park production of Randox’s pioneering 22 McAleer & Rushe 31/12/2017 334,073 medical diagnostic products and will 35 36 Lagan Constr Grp also include 31/03/2016 225,598 associated administrative functions.31/12/2017 The works are the first 36 35 FP McCann 215,799 phase of a major capital expenditure 51 64 Brett Martin 31/12/2016 152,409 project by Randox to develop the 54 58 Gilbert Ash 31/12/2016 148,004 former Massereene Army Barracks 67 59 O'Hare & McGoverninto ‘Randox 31/12/2016 Science Park’ –99,460 a futuristic R&D and manufacturing 68 67 Kingspan Enviro 31/12/2016 98,081 WItH a reputation for facility. The award-winning, 70 Heron Bros 28/02/2017 94,819 excellence in constructing high international biotechnology firm, 72 MacLimited Interiors 94,724 quality projects, tAL unveiled 31/12/2017 its plans for an innovative has a significant 74 been awarded 73 Haldane Sheills 31/12/2016 93,442 hub on the 43 acre site earlier this contract (£3.1m) by global year.

79 79 Macnaughton Blair 31/12/2016 83,876 medical diagnostics company Welcoming the announcement, 83 82 Creagh Concrete 31/03/2017 79,926 Randox.

Damien Hughes, Director of TAL 87 94 Severfield Engr 31/03/2017 77,540 This initial contract is for the Limited commented: “We are construction facility for delighted31/12/2016 to have been awarded 89 93of a new Balcas Timber 76,920

this contract with Randox, one of 242,881 13,386 Northern Ireland’s most dynamic 202,181 and exciting businesses on a7,554 local and global level. Through the quality 226,955 19,471 of our136,352 work and the dedication 7,350and professionalism of our team TAL has steadily117,328 grown over the last1,401 34 years 121,950 11,134 and this contract award reinforces the strength in the 97,058of our expertise 6,142 healthcare sector.”

57,423 12,798 The project will be delivered 6,098 to BIM56,553 level 2 in partnership 89,061 with the design team Ostick4,034 and Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, 83,038 3,525 Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller 69,796 3,288 Consulting Engineers and Charles 69,662 11,032 Hutchison Consulting.

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing 71,791 -924

CONCRETE FUTURES NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 1

Director at Randox commented: “The 10,030 30,000 development of Randox Science 4,329 Park is core to our29,779 plans to create innovative to improve 19,150 diagnostics, 142,904 manufacturing efficiency 5,473 42,706to export high-value healthcare capabilities to 197 markets. This 8,982 world state-of-the-art -4,225 will become 5,500a centre of premises cutting-edge research, development 2,752 40,859 and diagnostic manufacture, covering 2,603 69,005 conditions such as cancer, stroke and 3,387 heart disease. We12,604 will also provide a 3,115 significant boost to29,495 the local economy through 5,264 new job creation.

12,685 We very much look forward to working with 4,409 14,088 TAL on this initial contract to deliver 5,701 23,870 the high quality infrastructure we require.

607 ” 6,603

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

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Comerton + Hill | 11

CLAIMING FOR DAMAGES FOR OVERCHARGING AGAINST TRUCK MANUFACTURERS

Comerton + Hill

Solicitors

Find Out if You Could

Make a Claim

for damages for overcharging against Truck Manufacturers I am acting for a number of companies with a view to commencing proceedings against the undernoted manufacturers for overcharging:” Comerton and Hill Solicitors, of May Street, Belfast are acting for a number of companies with a view to commencing proceedings against the undernoted manufacturers for overcharging. The manufacturers are: 1. MAN; 2. Volvo; 3. Renault; 4. Iveco (which includes Fiat and Magirus); 5. Daimler (including Mercedes Benz, Fuso, Western Star and Freightliner); 6. DAF These manufacturers were found by the European Commission in June of 2016 to have operated a price cartel, keeping prices higher than they would have been had proper competition been operating in the market. Each truck builder was also found guilty of passing on the costs of meeting environmental standards to customers improperly.

They were fined a total of €2.926 billion. Each company named above has admitted fault. Scania were part of the investigation, were found to have been part of the cartel but have appealed the finding. They cannot issue at present against Scania but will in future if it loses the appeal.

Any person or firm who has suffered loss as a result of these anticompetitive practices has a right to bring a claim for damages in the Northern Ireland High Court. Liability will not be an issue. As for the amount of potential claims (quantum), representatives of English claimants have estimated a loss of €10,500 per truck.

Claimants will be successful if they can satisfy the following conditions: (a) They purchased new either a medium truck (6 tons to 16 tons) or a new heavy truck (16 tons plus); (b) From one of the above companies between 17th January 1997 and 18th January 2011. (For MAN between 17th January 1997 and 20th September 2010).

We are the only law firm in Northern Ireland pursuing these claims. Similar claims are being pursued in other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Comerton and Hill already have live instructions for 120 trucks. Existing clients are from the haulage, concrete, aggregate, animal feed and tanker sectors.

Successful claimants can recover damages and costs from the Defendants.

If you or your company have been affected, contact Comerton and Hill solicitors.

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1. MAN; 2. Volvo; 3. Renault; 4. Iveco (which includes Fiat and Magirus); 5. Daimler (including Mercedes Benz, Fuso, Western Star and Freightliner); 6. DAF

Claimants will be successful if they can satisfy the following conditions: a) They purchased new a medium truck (6 tons to 16 tons) or new a heavy truck (16 tons plus); b) From one of the above companies between 17th January 1997 and 18th January 2011. (For MAN between 17th January 1997 and 20th September 2010).

Find out How Much You May be Entitled to: Daniel Fitzpatrick LLM Comerton & Hill Solicitors 32/36 May Street Belfast BT1 4NZ

T: 028 90234629 We’ll take you through the details We’ve dealt with numerous enquiries and understand your need for compensation

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GlassMarque | 13

SPECIALISED RESTORATION BY GLASSMARQUE OF THE WINDOWS IN THE LANYON BUILDING, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY The zinc frames are ornate lattice; some with shaped tops which fit into trefoil shaped stone surrounds.

Over time they had corroded badly and were covered in thick layers of paint which had spread over the glass. Many panes were broken and some previous glazing repairs had been badly done. Due to the building not having sufficient ventilation, some sashes were added into the zinc windows many years ago and these had gradually rusted, causing damage to the stone façade.

The windows had deteriorated to a serious state.

QUB Lanyon Building completed in 1849.

Architect was Charles Lanyon, iconic and much loved Victorian Gothic Tudor building.

Deterioration of the façade over the years meant extensive restoration was necessary. Substantial restoration of the facade began in 2017.

Glassmarque was awarded the contract for the window restoration. Glassmarque is the only company in Ireland to undertake this type of restoration. It allows most of the original frames to be retained, meets with best conservation practice and is much cheaper than the usual method of window replacement.

Half of the West facade contains 150 year old original windows and the other half has lattice window which were installed around 70 years ago. The North elevation, facing the Lynn Library building, has 51 year old lattice windows.

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This was a challenging contract for Glassmarque to undertake. It involved careful and highly detailed work whilst taking the needs of University life into account at all times. Many of the frames disintegrated as they were removed from the stone façade and had to be completely rebuilt. Frames were painstakingly restored, re-painted and re-glazed using glass made in the antique tradition. Where ventilation was still inadequate, new bronze frames were painted, glazed and fitted in replacement of the old steel sashes or the original hopper ventilators. In the North elevation there were over 100 more recently fitted plain windows which were not in keeping with the facade. The challenge here was to replace these with new zinc lattice windows to match the original.

Much of this restoration work has now been done and it should be fully completed by March 2019. The façade will look as stunning as it did in 1849 should continue to do so for another 100 years.

Glassmarque is a local company and does not just specialise in heritage window restoration. They also complete contemporary projects, for example the installation of a 13m frameless structural glass screen in the Lynn Library QUB. They also fabricate and install commercial and residential aluminium, secondary glazing, frameless glazing and stained glass windows.

14| WorkPal

WorkPal Maximises Cost Savings for Gas & Controls

Ian Megahey, Sales Director of WorkPal (centre) with Andrew Burnside, Contracts Manager and Mark Whitehead Operations Manager at Gas & Controls About Gas & Controls With over a decade of trading under their belt, Gas and Controls continues to be one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing gas detection and environmental monitoring companies.

Established in 2004, the Northern Ireland based company specialises in gas detection equipment, including gas safety systems, fixed gas detection systems & portable gas monitors. The company has experienced steady growth over the past few years introducing additional staff to meet increasing demand from new and existing customers.

What were Gas and Control’s Job Management Issues?

The increase in service engineers meant the company were spending vast amounts of

time dealing with paper service reports, collecting them from the service engineers and scanning them individually on to a computer.

Gas & Controls Contracts Manager, Andrew Burnside explains, “With limited office staff this process was incredibly time consuming and negatively impacting on the other roles the office staff had to complete.”

“On top of this, finding out exactly where our engineers where and what work they had completed was difficult.”

A large percentage of Gas and Controls service work is reactive call outs, Andrew highlights, “With service engineers jumping from job to job it was difficult keeping accurate records of what was going on.”

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WorkPal| 15

persisted when we transferred to another workforce management software.”

Benefits of Choosing WorkPal as your Workflow Management Software Andrew and the team had previous concerns of using a workforce management software, however, after receiving in-depth demonstrations of the WorkPal software they were happy to move forward.

“Given the experience of the WorkPal staff in working with field service businesses, they instantly understood our issues and were on the same page right from our initial meeting.”

“Now using WorkPal we can instantly see the status of our jobs, which parts have been used, which service tasks have been completed and those still to be done. This drastically reduces the administrative time required in managing our service engineers.”

WorkPal tracks and monitors every aspect of your service

engineer’s tasks enabling you to see an entire overview of all jobs.

Engineer updates sync instantly back to the office, giving staff the ability to make informed business decisions about current and future works.

“WorkPal created copies of all our Service Report templates, so our service engineers complete these on their devices, with the office having instant access. Instant job status updates and the ability to view all our live jobs on a map allows us to schedule our work much more efficiently.”

How did WorkPal Enhance your Business Capabilities?

Andrew emphasised the data access issues they had previously experienced with other workforce management software. “Via WorkPal we have all our Clients, Sites, Assets, Products and much more centralised in the one location. With all this information displayed simply, we can answer any questions a staff member or customer asks, simply and

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efficiently.”

“WorkPal has definitely helped us improve our response rate to queries relating to service work completed, or when service work will be completed – all without having to make calls around multiple service engineers as we had to in the past.”

“Before implementing WorkPal we were on the verge of advertising for another admin assistant due to the amount of paper based processes going through our office. That requirement has been absorbed by WorkPal.” “Not only has it saved us on employing more admin staff, it has provided existing staff with additional time to complete more profitable tasks. Service engineers are more profitable due to a

reduction in paperwork and more efficient scheduling, and visibility on pretty much all business activities is drastically improved.”

Would You Recommend WorkPal? Andrew says, “We would highly recommend WorkPal to any company carrying out field service work. The benefits of the software are immense when compared to the costs.”

Andrew admits, “We naively thought Gas & Controls were alone in the issues we faced, but after our initial demonstration our decision was made. WorkPal’s experience was impressive, their staff are knowledgeable and friendly and the whole process has been completely positive.”

Specify/ Project Profile/ Hampton by Hilton Hotel

RAJESH RANA WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO ANDRAS HOUSE GROUP The Andras House hotel group is now one of the largest in Northern Ireland and the latest addition to the group’s portfolio is Ireland’s first Hampton by Hilton.

Rajesh Rana sides and right beside substantial car parking. The width of the site is perfect and with the new Grand Central transport hub opening soon nearby it will be even better.”

The Andras Group now has almost 1,000 rooms in Belfast though Rajesh is well aware of other hotels opening in Belfast this summer as well. “We are expecting occupancy to soften a little this year with the AC and Grand Central hotel opening, plus our Holiday Inn now has 60 extra rooms while Jurys and Fitzwilliam hotels are

While the newly completed Hampton

by Hilton in Belfast is a landmark achievement for the company, they are certainly are not slowing up in their construction plans for the future with current developments in progress for Belfast, Portrush, and Derry/ Londonderry.

As a trained architect, Rajesh Rana has been able to put his studies to good use on a number of new hotels the family company, Andras House Hotel Group, have planned for Northern Ireland in the next 12 months.

The latest addition to the group’s portfolio of hotels is Ireland’s first Hampton by Hilton which has just opened in Belfast. MSM Contracts started work in October 2016 on the 178 room Hampton by Hilton over the eight bedroom floors, and the new hotel opened its doors in summer 2018.

“While it’s part of the Hampton by Hilton concept, we were allowed a wee bit of our own input into the design of the new hotel,” says Rajesh.

“Their architect was keen that we should have our own input into the design and we could actually have

1000 Rooms in Belfast gone bigger but we decided on eight bedroom floors. Hampton is a focus serviced upper mid-scale 3 star plus hotel chain that offers 24 hour food, free breakfast for all guests and a gym.

Eventually check in and room access will all be available through your

mobile phone.

“We had never thought of this site for a hotel. It was originally sold for £7m for apartments in 2007 but we bought it from the Ulster Bank for a fraction of that. The site is actually really good, a clean rectangle with streets on three

both expanding,” says Rajesh.

“Philip Rogers does all our interior design and MSM Contracts has worked on a number of our projects before, including two Ibis hotels.”

Andras House’s Holiday Inn Express was expanded to 60 more bedrooms

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Specify/ Project Profile/ Hampton by Hilton Hotel

in the past year to bring it up to 171 bedrooms by taking down a two-deck car park and extending the building and rebuilding the car park. At the Crowne Plaza public areas were upgraded in the foyer and restaurant, and 33 new bedrooms built. This hotel has a large conference centre so it needed extra bedrooms.

The Andras House Hotel Group is now one of the largest in Northern Ireland and while the new Hampton

by Hilton is a landmark achievement for the company, they certainly are not slowing up in their development plans.

There are specific legislative requirements for Northern Ireland such as the required number of toilets on the ground floor which is much greater here than in rest of UK and these planning regulations has caught out one of the oppositions hotels.

Rajesh is also working on plans for the Londonderry Arms in Portrush, planning has been applied for an 87-bedroom boutique hotel. It won’t be a corporate brand, that wouldn’t work in Portrush says Rajesh. The front is listed so it will be retained with the new hotel built inside so it’s the best of both worlds.

In Derry, the Tilley and Henderson site is still at the planning stage for apartments and a hotel…

“Office space in Belfast is also

booming,” says Rajesh, “with new office space coming available at the end of Ormeau Ave opposite the BBC and close to Wetherspoons we will hopefully get it pre-let which really is the way to go. So many people don’t plan ahead. In one of our other office buildings we were able to show prospective clients the design and quality of layout so we ended up signing up Axion and Deloitte. Pre-letting is the ideal scenario.

Conference business Rajesh is delighted at how Belfast is moving forward and developing its tourist and conference potential.

“There is a long lead in for conferences but the council have pulled in some big names and the Waterfront is a great venue. Full marks to Belfast City Council, it matches all the other big cities for conferences like Dublin and Liverpool.”

Rajesh’s father, Lord Diljit Rana, chairman and chief executive of the company, came to Northern Ireland in 1966 and is credited with kickstarting the ‘Golden Mile’ in Great Victoria Street when he opened his first restaurants, and he has continued to develop his properties and hotels portfolio ever since.

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WE ARE PLEASED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE HAMPTON BY HILTON PROJECT WITH RAJESH RANA.

18|Deep Soil Mixing Ltd

SOIL MIXING PROVIDES A HOST OF ADVANTAGES FOR CONSTRUCTION If you’re hungry for more knowledge of what’s new in the world of civil engineering and how to tackle complex land remediation problems, then Deep Soil can help.

Deep Soil Mixing Ltd is a leading soil mixing ground remediation contractor, and are developing new ways of reducing project times, costs and the carbon footprint on construction projects using soil mixing & soil stabilisation

Deep Soil can successfully demonstrate how soil mixing techniques can transform severely contaminated or poor-quality soils into commercially viable land that can be developed.

Deep Soil’s method of controlled soil mixing and stabilisation provides a host of advantages over other ground stabilisation methods.

Deep Soil are not only able

to cut project costs and time, but soil mixing is also more environmentally friendly compared to most other ground improvement methods. Reducing your carbon footprint, there is no need to excavate existing material and take to landfill and there is no need to bring in costly and bulky materials thus reducing the number of vehicle movements.

Existing soil can also be used as construction material.

Furthermore, a wider range of soils can be treated compared to other ground remediation solutions including soft soils, low lying flood areas, contaminated land, peat, silts, landfill, alluvium etc to increase bearing pressure, control settlement and reduce permeability and leachate.

Additionally, there is zero vibration during construction so ideal for works adjacent to railways, highways etc.

Some of Deep Soil’s most recent projects in Northern Ireland include: • Downpatrick – Pipeline

stabilisation control for Northern Ireland Water.

• Stabilisation project for culvert underneath School in Dromore • Stabilisation of poor ground to enable retail park construction These are just a few examples of how their unique technology has helped on several projects over the last few years from road construction through to dealing with contaminated and poor-

quality ground, flood alleviation, road construction, pipelines, housing projects and slope stabilisation.

For more information visit www. deepsoilmixing.co.uk Deep Soil Mixing Ltd, 1 College House, Citylink Business Park, Belfast BT12 4HQ Telephone: 07977 117180 Email: colin@deepsoilmixing. co.uk

A leading ground remediation & soil stabilisation specialist

TELEPHONE: 07977 117180 Soil Mixing helps reduce project times, costs & carbon footprint in construction.

Ideal for brownfield developments including contaminated land.

Belfast Office, 1 College House, Citylink Business Park, Belfast BT12 4HQ www.deepsoilmixing.co.uk Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

digest

|19

NI WATER WINS SPECIAL CHOICE MARKS THE START OF £2.6M HOUSING SCHEME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT ESRI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN MONKSTOWN IN SAN DIEGO

Pictured at the site of the new scheme are: Cllr Stephen Ross, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council; David Mcrea, Monkstown Community Association; Mark Cooper, Rolston Architects; Emma Connelly, Michael McDonnell and Hazel Bell, all from Choice Housing; Deborah Brown, Department for Communities; Mark Cooper, Monkstown Community Association; and Dermot Loughran, Brendan Loughran & Sons.

Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations, recently marked the start of a new £2.6m social housing scheme in Monkstown.

Expected to be completed by the autumn next year, the Devenish Drive scheme will provide 20 much-needed new homes comprising a mix of apartments, houses and bungalows – each incorporating the very latest in energy saving, design and security

features.

Almost half of the homes are designed to meet challenges that face older people or those with complex needs. The scheme was made possible by the transfer of land from the Housing Executive, funding of £1.47 million from the Department for Communities and an investment of £1.13 million being provided by Choice Housing.

The Devenish Drive housing scheme was designed by Rolston Architects and construction work is being carried out by contractor Brendan Loughran & Sons Ltd.

STEPSPACE LAUNCHES FIRST LOCATION IN BELFAST’S CENTRE HOUSE FOLLOWING £3M INVESTMENT

Sean O’Boyle ( NI Water Asset Information Development Manager) being presented with the award by Esri Inc President, Jack Dangermond.

NI Water has won a Special Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Award at Esri’s annual International User Conference in San Diego.

NI Water was selected for the award from over 300,000 eligible candidates, for its innovative application of Esri’s ArcGIS technology and for fully embracing the platform as a critical element of their day-today operations.

Held in the San Diego Convention Centre, Esri’s International User Conference is the world’s largest GIS conference with over 18,000 attendees interested in unlocking the full potential of data through

geography. The SAG Awards recognise outstanding applications of Esri’s ArcGIS technology with companies highlighted for their exemplary work in their field. Jack Dangermond, Co-Founder and President of Esri Inc, chose the winning entry from those shortlisted and presented Sean O’Boyle, Asset Information Development Manager, with the award at the event.

Sean O’Boyle said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award in recognition of the hard work every member of the NI Water team has put into successfully adopting Esri’s innovative ArcGIS solution. Esri Ireland were terrific in passing on their knowledge to the team, ensuring that when the system went live, we were fully capable of delivering an even better service to our customers via our in-house team of GIS Analysts.”

Centre House on Belfast’s Chichester Street is set to be the first of a number of locations in the city centre to house StepSpace, an exciting first-of-its-kind office space concept aimed at fast scaling tech companies.

relocating, therefore avoiding property searches and lease negotiations.

In addition, StepSpace provides dedicated business support services for its tenant companies in terms of recruiting talent, signposting of funding and navigating grants, as well as a host of other serviced office facilities and amenities.

another local high growth tech company currently finalising a 30 desk membership.

Developed to bridge the gap between co-working office space and the traditional city centre office letting, StepSpace represents an initial committed investment of £3m by Causeway Asset Management.

Created to serve companies on a rapid growth trajectory, StepSpace is the brainchild of Belfast’s Causeway Asset Management, and forms part of their Future-Fit concept; a user first approach to office development that’s already being rolled out across the Causeway portfolio and as part of the current redevelopment of 56,000 sq ft at Chichester House in the centre of Belfast.

“StepSpace is user led; we can convert a 10-desk office to a 15 or 20-desk office in the space of a Pictured (L-R) at the launch of StepSpace is weekend to meet the Danielle Hanvey, asset manager at Causeway needs of our occupiers.

Asset Management, Ann Trueman, manager of The collaborative core at StepSpace and Russell Kerr, UX Design Lead at the heart of the venture gives our members all the Whitespace. benefits of a co-working “Add to that, the fact that there’s space, combined with the privacy no long lease, and that we provide requirements of a scaling business. a range of operational and business This approach allows our members to support, StepSpace is unlike anything focus on their own business while also that Belfast has seen in the office availing of a shared support ecosystem market to date. We’re offering the of other companies going through the best of all worlds for businesses who same journey, at the same time, in the want to concentrate on what matters, same space. namely growing their business.”

Offering an alternative to the traditional five or ten year lease, an ongoing membership at StepSpace not only entitles companies to private office space set around a communal core, but also a range of operational and support services.

Flexibility by design means member companies have the opportunity to grow in a fully scalable, modular office environment and can ‘scale up’ without

StepSpace has already filled over 50 percent of the 80 desks available in Centre House. Whitespace, headquartered in London and run by successful tech entrepreneur Andrew McCartney, is set to take a 20 desk office from early July, with

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Ann Trueman, manager of StepSpace, commented:

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL COMPETENT

Suite 716 Lisburn Enterprise Organisation, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 2BP Tel: +44 (0) 28 9244 4230 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9260 7325 Email: info@systemcertiďŹ cation.co.uk

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SCS|21

ISO STANDARDS MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORLD In the ever increasing demands for added value, both public and private sector clients seek assurance that projects will be delivered on time, at the agreed cost and with zero, or at least no significant, defects. One way for Main Contractors and the Construction Supply Chain to alleviate Client’s uncertainty about procuring from them is by the confidence that external accredited certification can deliver.

ISO standards make a positive contribution to the world we live in by facilitating trade, spreading knowledge, disseminating innovative advances in technology, and sharing good management and conformity assessment practices. In the United Kingdom, standards made an annual contribution of GBP 2.5 billion to the economy, and 13 % of the growth in labour productivity was attributed to standards. Standards were identified as enablers of innovation and facilitators of technological change. The economic return on investment in standards made sound business sense at both macro- and micro-economic levels.

Standards also provide tangible and quantifiable benefits to companies. A series of ground-breaking case studies

by ISO and partner organizations operating in a variety of business sectors in 10 countries, shows that implementing standards can provide economic benefits from between 0.5 % and 4 % of their annual sales revenues.

The benefits of an effective certified management system for Companies can include: • more efficient use of resources • increased competitiveness • improved risk management • increased customer satisfaction as services and products consistently deliver what they promise • Reduced exposure of employees and other parties to occupational health and safety risks , and • Reduced impact on the environment Tony Duff MSc, a construction professional (FCIOB), conceived System Certification Services (SCS) as the first Management System Certification Body to be accredited in Northern Ireland in over 20 years.

Tony Duff, System Certification Services Ltd

sector which requires SCS auditors to be specialised personnel with experience and knowledge of the construction sector or sub-sector for which they are tasked to audit.

Whilst remaining impartial, auditors should be able to deliver value for the auditee organisation by prompting improvement through questioning how and why construction activities are performed, in line with standard(s) and the relevant audit criteria. Long gone are the days of the clip board and compliance auditing, eating buns in the boardroom. Today, auditors are process specialists, reviewing risks and opportunities to ensure the organisation, its customers and the wider community benefit from their investment in certification services.”

System Certification Services Ltd (SCS) are a UKAS accredited Certification Body based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Locally owned and managed, SCS specialise in providing Management System Certification to the Construction and associated sectors, within the UK, Ireland and further afield, against the requirements of ISO9001:2015, IS014001:2015, OHSAS18001:2007, ISO45001:2018 and Safety Scheme in Procurement (SSIP).

The transfer of an existing and valid certificate granted by another accredited certification body is a relatively straightforward and simple process.

Tony is passionate about the services SCS deliver.

“Contractors and specialist suppliers operate in a heavily regulated Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Complete our application questionnaire (available online or by request) and SCS staff will complete a pre-transfer review in conjunction with making a commercial proposal for the certification cycle. If there are no problems, and the proposal is accepted, a decision is made and the new certificates issued.

In 2015 Quality and Environmental Management System Standards were updated and published.

Tracey McDowell and David Morrow

Certified Clients registered to the old ISO9001:2008 & ISO14001:2004 need to transition before 14th September 2018 or their certification will be withdrawn. SCS can provide short notice Transfer Transition Tracey McDowell with Directors of Audits for Clients Alternative Heat. experiencing difficulties scheduling with their to migrate to the new standard will existing Certification Bodies. need to make changes to their existing The publication of ISO 45001, as of March 2018, signalled the start of a three-year migration period.

During this period organisations which are OHSAS 18001 certified and wish

OH&S management systems, and seek certification prior to the end of the transition period in March 2021.

Get in touch with SCS to plan your migration, which as necessary, can also be done in conjunction with a transfer.

Building the future together As a first choice supplier for leading architects, construction companies, builders and the self-build sector, RTU is helping shape the architectural landscape of Northern Ireland.

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Hays|23

RETENTION RULES APPLY

BY MARK WADE, HAYS NI

With a rapidly expanding market and an impressive pipeline of projects, the construction industry is thriving in Northern Ireland.

With this industry success comes opportunities, but also threats. The most critical challenge, one which is often overlooked, is how companies can retain their core staff in such a prosperous market. Those who don’t invest in effective retention strategies are at risk of an increasing attrition rate as competitors act to attract their strongest employees.

The What Workers Want Report, published by Hays this year, highlighted that an employee’s perception of a company begins to take shape from their first engagement. In the report, 73% of construction and property candidates said that they use an employer’s website or career site to research potential employers, but despite this only 40% of employers say that they invest in the development of their career site.

Potential employees’ perceptions are solidified even further during the application process. However, employers’ opinions on how they managed the application journey were far more positive than the view given by applicants themselves. Two thirds of applicants rated employer feedback as negative, and 58% of employers admitted they don’t give feedback to all applications.

In reference to job offers, 95% of construction and property professionals reported that it is unacceptable to have to wait a week for a verbal job offer to be put into writing. More than a third of those surveyed said that they had accepted another job offer when a written offer from the original company had failed to manifest within a week.

The market has significantly changed over recent years, and companies need to ensure that their interview techniques and applicants’ journeys evolve to help them survive in the new climate. With an abundance of jobs in the market, candidates have become more passive and are in the position to expect more from the process. Interviews are now a two way street, with applicants viewing them as an opportunity to find out

more about the company and what they’ll be offered beyond the salary.

Employee Value Proposition describes the benefits an employee will receive which are unique to that prospective company, which defines the experience the person will have working there. It is critical that employers are explicitly clear about their EVP, as the overwhelming majority of candidates surveyed said they will only apply to organisations that are transparent about these benefits. In contrast to this, only 38% of employers in the sector believe that their EVP is clearly defined, which creates an immediate disconnect between company and candidate.

To start off on the best foot in regards to future retention, the candidate to employee transition needs to be seamless. Of the construction professionals surveyed, 29% said they have left a new role due to poorlymanaged on boarding processes.

Pre-start days that allow for the new employee to meet the team and familiarise themselves with new systems and processes ahead of their formal start creates a strong foundation for a relationship to

95% of construction and property professionals reported that it is unacceptable to have to wait a week for a verbal job offer to be put in writing. be built on. By creating a sense of belonging and identity between the employee and company early on, a loyalty is formed.

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Mark Wade

Construction professionals also want to know that they have a clear path of defined career progression. When this doesn’t materialise, employees are forced to look elsewhere. Almost half of those surveyed said they had left a job in the first year because it didn’t meet the expectations that were set during the application process.

Employers need to invest in their staff ’s development if they want to protect themselves from their attrition rate rising in the current market.

Companies continue to invest in the latest technology and unique branding as their answer to attracting talent, when the solution is closer to home than they think. By incorporating a robust retention strategy into their management agenda, companies can reduce their need to attract new talent by focusing on keeping their own strong employees in such a candidate driven market.

With this in mind, Hays offer commitment-free consultations to help candidates and companies make the most out of the current market.

Our expert consultants can give your business an insight into improving employee retention strategies and advice on how to reduce attrition rates.

For candidates, our experienced team can help you gain an understanding of your position in the market with a career health check, which includes information on your industry salary and remuneration benchmark, and guidance on how you can take advantage of a market that puts you in control.

For more information on how we can help, or to request your own free copy of the What Workers Want Report, contact the team on 02890446900.

24| John Simpson

DRIFTING INTO HOUSING MARKET CONTRADICTIONS

by John Simpson

The housing market in Northern Ireland is evolving. However, it is evolving in ways some of which are the result of market forces that are not always consistent with sensible official housing policies and some are a consequence of the absence of clear official policies.

The initial problem stems from an unplanned consequence of the reform of local government. Local government authorities have no official responsibility for the delivery of comprehensive housing policies.

District Councils are the statutory planning authorities in so far as their development plans are expected to show how, in that Council area, adequate provision (in paper planning)

is made for housing alongside other development plans, whether for other public services, public utilities and private development.

The tension in securing housing policies that will best serve the needs of the community lies, first, in the absence of a clear statement of responsibility to ensure delivery of comprehensive policies and, second, an inadequate vision of the complex inter-relationships between new building whether for private ownership or social landlords and regeneration of areas where older housing should be replaced in an orderly way.

Essentially, a well-considered programme for housing policies needs to consider the changing demographic demands for housing, the scope for responses from the private, owner occupied sector, the nature of the

private sector responses to the provision of rented housing, and the role of the public sector in making provision, incentivising other providers such as housing associations [in which, as a declaration of interest, this writer has involvement], and the best use of public sector funds in the maintenance of public sector owned housing.

The complex range of expectations for an acceptable range of housing policies is formidable. Expectations vary significantly. There seem to be differing political ambitions. Should public sector housing be so heavily subsidised by the taxpayer. That leads into the debate about the phasing and structure of housing benefit: now a major component of the social welfare budget. It also leads into the unfinished consideration of the increasingly ill-fitting policies of the Housing Executive.

Adding together the cost of housing

benefit, the cost of subsidising the capital repayments of the Housing Executive, and less directly the degree to which domestic rates in Northern Ireland are below equivalent charges in England and Wales, adds to a transfer of tax revenue to housing on a scale that is large: so large that a local Minister of Finance or Minister for Communities will have their options for other social policies sharply constrained.

Northern Ireland is supporting the cost of providing housing probably to a larger degree than elsewhere in these islands. These costs are orientated to maintain the existing and inadequate housing stock. The scene is set for policy tensions.

1. An inadequate number of new homes are being built 2. The absence of the Housing Executive as a provider of new homes leaves a shortage of new social

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John Simpson| 25 housing 3. The age profile of existing Housing Executive homes points to the merits of a structured regeneration and renewal programme.

4. Housing Associations are providing over 1,200 new homes each year but in the absence of Housing Executive

new build there is a much larger need for social housing which could fall to the associations.

in all areas. The balance of housing deficiencies is most conspicuous in the Belfast conurbation.

An important caveat should be acknowledged. Housing policies across Northern Ireland do not show deficiencies which are evenly spread

There is little dispute that the scale of housing developments in recent years has been well below even conservative estimates of need, combining demographic changes, migration flows and regeneration of housing where age and standards of amenity mean that substantial public policy intervention is merited.

Ards and North Down, and Antrim and Newtownabbey, might be tackled on the basis of reducing urban overcrowding in some areas and planning for a careful overview for the whole conurbation. There is little evidence of formal arrangements to consider a conurbation wide approach.

There is an ill-founded reliance on market forces to allow the private sector to see regeneration opportunities and meet the redevelopment challenges. On the scale needed and the likely costs of comprehensive urban redevelopment, private sector developers are not likely to see this as a financially acceptable investment model.

Although the new Local Development Plans for each of the 11 District Councils formally ask each Council to plan, inter alia, for the spatial aspects of development, in which housing should be a major component, clearly there is merit in central Government, through the Department for Communities playing an active role.

That active role includes demographic forecasting, plans for the scale of urban redevelopment, formal regeneration financing, and the much delayed restructuring of the future role of the Housing Executive.

The larger Belfast conurbation poses particular problems. Belfast City Council has tabled ambitious aspirations for the City (within its own boundaries) to cope with a continuing increase in the population. There is, of course, some scope for better housing developments within the City. However, the balance between population numbers in Belfast, as opposed to Castlereagh and Lisburn,

Whilst, at the time of writing there is no Executive and no Minister for Communities, there are signs of urgency in resetting the parameters of housing policies; the scene is set for careful policy planning. This now, in large part, falls on the shoulders of an incoming new Permanent Secretary, Tracy Meharg. Congratulations and commiseration to her, in equal proportions!

Tracey Meharg, New Permanent Secretary

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ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND

BRING BRICK TO LIFE

At Kingscourt Country Manor Brick we see not only the beauty in every brick, but the possibilities. We have over 30 years’ experience supplying high quality natural building materials.

Belfast: 028 90 777 321 | Dublin: 01 842 1277 www.kcmb.co.uk | info@kcmb.co.uk

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An outHaus Group and Lagan Brick Partnership

Kingscourt Country Manor Bricks| 27

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED HENRY J LYONS AND BENNETT CONSTRUCTION HAVE CREATED AN INNOVATIVE, TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED FACILITY FOR THE RCSI IN THE HEART OF DUBLIN CITY

sports facility below ground and a new library above. Carefully chosen materials, like the exposed concrete and bricks, have helped create an inviting, welcoming environment for students to develop expert skills on a world-class level.

For more information on Casa Lena bricks contact distributor Kingscourt Country Manor Bricks on 028 9077 7321, e-mail info@kcmb.co.uk or visit kcmb.co.uk. Alternatively, visit our showroom at 12 Herdman Channel Road, Belfast, BT3 9LG. Project Details: Client: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Location: York Street, Dublin 2 Architect: Henry J Lyons Architects Contractor: Bennett Construction Brick Used: Casa Lena Year built: 2017 Awards: RIAI Public Choice Award 2018

When the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland approached Henry J Lyons Architects to discuss the design of its new home on York Street, little could the College have known what the end result would be.

Together with Bennett Construction, Henry J Lyons has created a 12,000sq m, 10-storey building that cleverly bypasses stringent planning height constraints through the incorporation of four basement levels. The stateof-the-art facility provides medical students, surgical trainees and staff with modern cutting-edge facilities that will promote the development of the RCSI community at the heart of the city.

Aimed at bringing medical education to a new level at the existing campus in Dublin 2, all facilities at the new RCSI building are of the highest standard. The new building facilitates the development of core technical and non-technical skills in a safe, simulated environment and allows early clinical education to be delivered away from the patient’s bedside. The new facility also offers trainees the opportunity to learn safe surgical practice and develop operative skills in a new surgical training suite with a mock operating theatre and clinical training wards.

Integral to the building’s overall aesthetic is the use of brick which complements the surrounding buildings on York Street while also

evoking the memory of the original Georgian terraces in the area. Casa Lena bricks from Kingscourt Country Manor Bricks were specified for the project and were chosen for the tumbled and imprecise nature of their edges which contrasts with the ‘surgical’ precision of the non-brick materials. The architects also felt that the Casa Lena bricks help the building blend harmoniously with the existing RCSI granite buildings that flank the entrance to York Street from St Stephen’s Green.

Materials on the project, along with the specified bricks, were chosen for their robustness and for their visual integration with the rest of the street. Exposed concrete in various finishes has been used to reveal the structure of the building while colour and texture cleverly differentiates between key functions of the building.

The new facility also projects an air of welcomeness and openness thanks to the glazed frontage on the ground floor. As well as being the home of the new National Surgical & Clinical Centre, No.26 York Street also includes a library spanning three floors with 500 study spaces, a 540seat auditorium and a sports hall and fitness suite. The building has also been designed to be both energy efficient and environmentally responsible.

Completed in just 30 months and delivered to budget, No.26 York Street is a triumph in terms of both design and construction. The challenging brief called for a series of complex spaces on a tight urban site which included state-of-the-art simulated environments for clinical and surgical training as well as an auditorium and

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LPG

Natural Gas

Energy Tailored to You Whoever it’s for, whatever solution is required, wherever it’s located, we are the energy company that can deliver for your project.

Whether it’s a large development or a small residential unit, in a busy urban environment or a remote rural location, Flogas has the right solution for you and your clients. Our experience, expertise and flexible energy products combine to meet the most demanding of requirements. We believe in utmost safety and attentive service, an economical product delivered by a team you can trust.

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Construction Celebrates Excellence T

he Finalists have been announced in this the 19th annual CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards.

The CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards are one of the most instantly recognised, respected and hotly contested awards in the Northern Irish construction industry.

The awards provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of the construction industry in Northern Ireland and to celebrate the industry’s achievements. The aim of the competition is to promote excellence and to give recognition to those companies who are achieving the highest standards of construction. The kudos of winning an award continues to grow each year.

Commenting, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation, said: “The sheer scale and variety of the work on display in this year’s shortlist is testament to the high level of quality, skill, and innovation that underpins the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

“Our annual Construction Excellence Awards are a celebration of the fantastic work that the sector delivers every year across the UK, Ireland and further afield and, importantly, recognise the huge contribution that the sector makes to the local economy.

“Our panel of expert judges have been hugely impressed with the calibre of entries this year and now have very difficult decisions to make. I warmly congratulate all of this year’s shortlisted companies and wish them every success in the Awards.”

The entries have been judged within thirteen award categories under the headings of housing, general construction, infrastructure, quality performance and GB and Republic of Ireland construction. The winners will be unveiled at the Gala Evening at the Culloden Hotel on 18 October.

Principal Sponsor

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Sponsors

30| sponsors

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

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 and benefit arrangements. Our services include: • Pension Consulting including Auto Enrolment • Trustee consulting • Actuarial consulting • Pensions administration • Trustee governance services

CEF/Specify awards •Trustee training • Member communications • Documentation and technical support • Windup and discontinuance advice • Life insurance • Permanent Health Insurance • Medical Insurance • Flexible benefits • Online benefit solutions 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.

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.

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 job is to deliver solutions for pension scheme management and employer’s benefit arrangements 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.

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.

We offer both permanent and contract roles in the following areas: o Construction & Technical Appointments o Site, Project & Contracts Management o Site Engineering o Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management o Professional Quantity Surveyors/ Cost Managers o Project Managers – Consultancy o Estimating o Buying

o o o o o o o o

Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality Bid Management & Bid / PQQ Writing Mechanical & Electrical Contracts Management / Coordination Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers/ CAD Technicians Resident Engineers Trades & Labour International Opportunities Security Services

Our aim is to offer a tailored service every time we recruit for a client. We understand every company and role is vastly different to the next and therefore requires the attention to detail that has become synonymous with CSR.

CPD/DFP

CPD provides a range of professional services to clients across the NI public sector, including professional procurement services and project delivery for construction projects.

The construction and infrastructure projects led by CPD range from major new hospitals to primary care centres; shared education campuses to primary school extensions; and from new headquarters office buildings to strategic pedestrian and cycle bridges. The portfolio includes projects at all stages from feasibility right through design and construction with a value totalling almost £3bn.

CPD plays a pivotal role in the delivery of multiple flagship projects on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive, promoting best practice in construction procurement and encouraging the adoption of the latest construction procurement techniques.

With a proven track record in construction delivery, CPD is the recipient of multiple national awards in recognition of its approach to innovation in construction procurement and the quality of infrastructure projects it delivers – projects which enshrine design excellence, build quality, sustainability, collaboration and most importantly, value for money.

In addition, CPD provides a comprehensive property management service to the Northern Ireland Civil Service and wider public sector. This includes the provision of general property maintenance, surveys and advice on a complex and diverse estate.

From a policy perspective, CPD is responsible for the development and promulgation of NI Public Procurement Policy, including construction procurement policy; on behalf of the Procurement Board.

CPD also carries out procurements for supplies and services required by NI departments and arm’s length bodies; and provides a Centre of Excellence for Programme and Project Management in the public sector.

Department for Infrastructure

The Department has a broad remit, including responsibility for strategic planning and oversight of the planning system, and maintenance and development of the regional road network. These responsibilities connect people and opportunities, and contribute to a strong, regionally balanced economy. Along with investment in the road infrastructure, the Department also seeks to improve the safety of road users through policy and engineering solutions, and through the work of the DVA. DfI protects the environment and enhances wellbeing through support for public transport and cycling, and through its role in flood risk management. DfI is responsible for three arm’s length bodies: NI Water, Translink, and the Drainage Council for NI, as well as one North South Body, Waterways Ireland.

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CEF/Specify awards

sponsors |31

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BOARD Strategic Investment Board Limited (SIB) helps government to plan infrastructure, deliver major projects and manage assets. We have four key responsibilities we help the public sector develop and deliver major programmes and projects, we operate the Asset Management Unit, we help champion reform and we prepare the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland on behalf of NI Executive (ISNI). Government departments publish comprehensive up-to date information on all planned capital works funded under the Investment Strategy so that everyone can stay informed about the latest plans, timescales and can track on progress. This information is available on the Executive’s Investment Strategy website, www.isni. gov.uk. For further information on SIB programmes and projects go to www.sibni.org.

NHBC

NHBC is the UK’s leading independent standard-setter and provider of warranty and insurance for new homes. Our purpose is to work with the house-building industry to raise the standards of new homes and to provide protection for homebuyers in the form of Buildmark warranty and insurance.

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

As a regulated insurance company with substantial reserves, homeowners have the reassurance of knowing that they can rely on our financial strength and the protection afforded by our new home warranties, whatever economic conditions prevail.

NHBC is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

NHBC’s real strength is in the expertise, commitment and passion of its people. It is this that makes a difference for homeowners and builder customers, and this that drives our success as a business.

Over 10,000 registered builders and developers throughout the UK use our products and services to help them with the challenges they face. NHBC provides technical support and assistance to help at every stage of development, from land buying, design and build through to customer handover.

Established in 1936, NHBC is the home warranty provider of choice, with a market share of approximately 80%.

Over the course of its history, NHBC has provided warranty for around 30 percent of the total existing housing stock in the UK, which equates to over seven million homes.

DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES

The Department for Communities is the largest of the nine Northern Ireland Government Departments, with approximately 8,500 staff, an annual budget of almost £7 billion, and responsibility for a diverse range of business. The Department’s main functions include: • The promotion of healthy housing and the provision of decent, affordable, sustainable homes and housing support services • A social welfare system including focused support to the most disadvantaged areas • Providing training and support to jobseekers and employers bringing divided communities together by creating urban centres which are sustainable, welcoming and accessible to live, work and relax in peace • Supporting local Government to deliver effective public services • Maximising public benefits from the culture, arts and leisure sectors • Tackling disadvantage and promoting equality of opportunity by reducing poverty, promoting and protecting the interests of children, older people, people with disabilities, and other socially.

A key area of DfC business, through Housing Division, is the delivery of new social and affordable homes, reflected in our Programme for Government commitment.

We work closely with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Registered Housing Associations to achieve this.

CITB Northern Ireland

CITB NI is the Industry Training body for the construction sector in NI. Our aim is to work in partnership with employers and industry bodies to improve the skills of those employed or intending to be employed in the sector.

Our vision is to have a construction industry where skills and competence are at the core the business plans of every employer and a training culture where skills are at the heart of each construction company to help improve their productivity.

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.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is an Executive Agency within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The strategic objective of the Agency is to create prosperity and wellbeing through effective environment management and regulation.

This objective underpins DAERA’s overall vision: “A living, working, active landscape valued by everyone.”

The NIEA comprises around 464 staff in two divisions. It has broad ranging responsibilities for the regulation of activities relating to waste, water and industry within its Resource Efficiency Division; and the designation and protection of habitats and species within the Natural Environment Division. The Agency Chief Executive is David Small, who also leads the Environment Marine and Fisheries group, within the Department, of which NIEA is part.

The NIEA seeks to deliver a number of key outcomes to protect and enhance the environment through the targets and activities outlined in the business plan: a) b) c) d) e)

To ensure industry is fully environmentally compliant and regulated The freshwater and marine environment is at “good status” A compliant, crime-free waste sector Good habitat and landscape quality with species abundance and diversity Promote environmentally sustainable development and infrastructure

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32| CEF/Specify awards

Meet the Judges...

Housing Awards

Aileen Nelson

Member of Planning Guidance Team, Planning Policy Division, Department for Infrastructure

Dann Corr

Chair of Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland.

Neil Dunlop

Past Chair Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland

General Construction Awards

David Little

Former Regional Director of NHBC

Joan McCoy

President Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Robert Colvin

Former Chair Building Control NI

Paul Crowe

President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Health/Safety & Training Awards

Barry Neilson

Chief Executive of CITB Northern Ireland

Richard McIvor

Past chair of the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Northern Ireland

Keith Morrision

Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards |33

Health & Education Infrastructure Awards

Gerard Graham

Chair of the CIOB in Ireland – Northern Centre

Saul Golden

Board Member PLACE - The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Awards

Alan Skates

Past chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland

Ronan Boyle

Karen McShane

Past chair of the Engineers Ireland Northern Region

Chair NI Branch of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Environmental Sustainability Award

Ashley Hurst

Environmental Management Consultant AH Environmental

Patricia Smyth

Client Manager at Invest NI

GB & ROI Construction Award

Karen McShane

Chair NI Branch of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

David Little

Former Regional Director NHBC

Neil Dunlop

Past Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland

Finalists announced in the 2018 Construction Excellence Awards This year’s Showcase taking place at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast, on 12 September gives finalists the opportunity to demonstrate the excellence of their project to customers, suppliers and industry professionals.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Evening on 18 October at the Culloden Hotel.

General Construction

Commercial Construction Award

Hugh J O’Boyle The Halodome at Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena Gilbert-Ash AC Hotel by Marriott, Donegall Quay, Belfast JH Turkington & Sons DAERA Headquarters, Ballykelly O’Hare & McGovern Concentrix Belfast Heron Bros ALMAC – Building 15, Craigavon

Fit-Out Award

Glasgiven Contracts Better Gym, Hi-Park Centre, Belfast Lowry Building & Civil Engineering The Doyen, Belfast McCue Crafted Fit Harp Bar, Belfast GRAHAM Grant Thornton, Belfast

Restoration Award

Tracey Brothers HMS Caroline Historic Building & Landscaping Works, Belfast JPM Contracts Sacred Heart Church, Omagh Woodvale Construction Company McArthur Hall, Methodist College, Belfast

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Infrastructure

O’Hare & McGovern Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh McCue Crafted Fit Lillie Square Clubhouse, London Heron Bros Faith Schools’ Joint Campus, East Renfrewshire Farrans Construction Northern Spire Bridge, Sunderland

Enniskillen Ambulance Station

Housing

Private Housing Award

Lotus Homes Hillcrest Village – Phase 1, Bessbrook DB Building Contracts Pirrie Lane, Belfast Hugh J O’Boyle The Front, Holywood Antrim Construction Company Millreagh, Dundonald

Social Housing Award BW Homes & Construction

Laurel Hill, Coleraine JH Turkington & Sons Rosemount Mews, Greyabbey

EHA Group

Killaire Wood Lane, Bangor

Hugh J O’Boyle

Rathgill Parade, Bangor

Quality Performance

Health Infrastructure Award FORRME

Glasgiven Contracts

Cullingtree Meadows, Belfast Lowry Building & Civil

Engineering

Altnagelvin Hospital Theatres JH Turkington & Sons Orthopaedic Theatre, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast

Education Infrastructure Award Ganson UK

St Bronagh’s Primary School, Rostrevor

Glasgiven Contracts

St Mary’s Primary School, Banbridge

Heron Bros

Foyle College & Ebrington Primary School & Nursery

Health & Safety Award

Colloide Engineering Systems Dixons Contractors Adman Civil Projects BSG Civil Engineering

Training Award

Tracey Brothers Henry Brothers Farrans Construction Woodvale Construction Company

Environmental Sustainability Award

David Jameson Roofing Services Combined Facilities Management Dixons Contractors Adman Civil Projects

Woodvale Construction Company Colaiste Feirste Irish Language School, Belfast

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Award Adman Civil Projects

Ballylumford Power Station – Infrastructure Upgrade

GRAHAM

Galgorm Wastewater Pumping Station

Social/Community Construction Award JPM Contracts

Lisburn New Community Centre

Woodvale Construction Company Sportlann – Colaiste Feirste Irish Language School, Belfast

Hugh J O’Boyle

Mew Optic Relocation Project, Titanic Quarter, Belfast PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:

SPONSORS:

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CEF/Specify awards |35 General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

General Construction: Restoration Award The Finalists: • Tracey Brothers • JPM Contracts

• Woodvale Construction Co

HMS Caroline Historic Building & Landscaping Works, Belfast- Tracey Brothers

T

he landscaping works around Alexandra Dock and restoration works to Thompson Dock Pump House provides a new quayside visitor centre and exhibition space dedicated to telling the personal stories of those who served on the HMS Caroline.

Tracey Brothers works collaboratively with the Conservation Architects and the Design Team.

Traditional building skills were used in diverse elements such as stonework, lead work and conservation brickwork. Samples of salvaged bricks proposed for replacement material were provided for approval. Slate was salvaged from the original building and reused after careful removal.

On the dock, original materials were lifted and re-laid in their original locations and patterns after cleaning and grading. Where new materials were required, these were sourced as natural stone and also exposed aggregate concrete with material appropriate for the location.

Specialist craftsmen were sourced to carry out the works and a combination of different specialists’ crafts and intricate skills made it possible to carry out the complete works to a superior standard.

Highly specialised bespoke items including the gangways and a highly complex permanent mooring were designed and fabricated within critical deadlines. A 25-metre footbridge was installed across the mouth of Alexandra Dock. The bridge effectively opens up access to Alexandra Dock from the Pump House for the first time in many decades. The bridge will be one of the final pieces completing a complex and very attractive cluster of Victorian architecture, engineering and marine technologies centred around HMS Caroline

With more than 60 years’ experience of all kinds of building and construction work including fit-out worked, Tracey Brothers Ltd are currently recognised as one of the leading construction companies in the North of Ireland, with one of the largest construction sector portfolio ranges, who are prepared to adopt innovative practices in order to deliver high levels of Client satisfaction. The company specialises in management of design and build projects, providing fully serviced buildings and landscaped sites to specification. Tracey Brothers’ success has been built on a reputation for quality, right through from design to completion

Drumlyon House, Drumlyon, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh BT74 5TB

Tel: 028 6632 3471 E: mail@traceybros.com Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

36| CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Restoration Award

General Construction: Restoration Award

McArthur Hall, Methodist College, Belfast

Sacred Heart Church, Omagh

W

J

Woodvale Construction Company

oodvale Construction Company have restored McArthur Hall, a building on the Methodist College Belfast site. New materials used were appropriate to the listed status of the building. They retained/ reused as much original fabric as possible, including roof slates, gutters, downpipes and doors. Stonework/brickwork was also reused throughout, and lead work was salvaged and fitted back to timber finials.

WCC worked with stakeholders, communicating daily to provide updates, concerns, risks, etc. They also enlisted a traditional building subcontractor to undertake building work, carving, and lime pointing.

WCC employed best practice, considering the needs of those manufacturing/installing components and site-based staff carrying out the works. Respecting the building’s heritage, they engaged with Supply Chain Members (SCMs) to find cost-effective solutions. Programmes for complex installations were interrogated in terms of risk, sequence and float allocation and interdependencies examined to ensure completion on time.

JPM Contracts

PM Contracts’ conservation works to Omagh’s Grade A Listed Church of the Sacred Heart included investigation works, façade and stone renewal/ repairs to twin asymmetric-spired French Gothic Style Church erected in 1899. JPM worked closely with NIEA to research the Church’s history and helped retain original fabric and reproduced missing materials.

Phasing works enabled the Church to remain in use. First phase was carried out to 65m high North East Tower, followed by South East Tower. JPM co-ordinated with Monsignor and stopped work for funerals and accommodated weddings, ensuring existing vehicular access to nearby schools, homes and businesses remained unaffected.

Quality checks were undertaken by Contracts Manager with extensive experience in stonework. The management team monitored every stage of the project to maintain a small margin for error, high attention to detail and high quality finish.

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

General Construction: Fitout Award

The Finalists: • Glasgiven Contracts • GRAHAM

•Lowry Building & Civil Engineering •McCue Crafted Fit

The Doyen, eatery & lounge Lowry Building & Civil Engineering

T

he multi-million pound refurbishment of Belfast’s newest bar, eatery & lounge The Doyen has been transformed into an entertainment & dining complex at Lisburn Road, Belfast by Lowry Building & Civil Engineering (LBCE). The extensive building programme has created a modern bar & restaurant now featuring a traditional public bar serving a top-quality, gastropub menu with a large outdoor seating area; a stylish café bar; a family-friendly, Italian-themed restaurant upstairs seating 130 people; & private rooms catering for parties up to 140.

LBCE worked closely with the design team to ensure the end product would satisfy the client, with reviews throughout the project where alternative construction methods and materials were suggested to ensure cost efficiency. The effect of the project on the environment was also taken into consideration, with the team proactively reducing waste through reusing demolished and excavated material.

LBCE’s competent & longstanding supply chain was specifically selected to deliver the project due to their expertise in the commercial sector all heavily vetted & monitored frequently to ensure works are high quality, meeting time & cost restraints. Due to the limited space for plant, materials, and deliveries, delivery schedules and co-ordination of the supply chain to synchronise all aspects and complete the build safely. As a result, strict H&S procedures were followed and monitoring was carried out by the LBCE team.

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CEF/Specify awards |37 General Construction: Fit-Out Award

Better Gym, Hi Park Centre,Belfast Glasgiven Contracts

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he Indoor Cycle Studio has used Group Cycle™ Connect, which is the world’s first and only cycling bike that tracks workout, enabling users to improve performance through a totally immersive riding experience.

Fortnightly Supply Chain Technical Meetings were held to identify required information, as well as monthly progress meetings to ensure completion of the project. Collaboration and technical workshops were held between the Design Team, Architect, Contractor, and Key Suppliers to share and implement their knowledge. Client engagement was a key factor in facilitating the project.

The design and build project has transformed a vacant retail unit into a state-of-the-art inner city gymnasium with 110 work-out stations, indoor cycle studio, PRAMA interactive flooring, functional area, free weights zone and cycle store. The gym features facial-recognition entry access, 110-station Technogym Fitness Suite linked to My Wellness cloudbased technology, Indoor Cycle Studio, Free-Weights Zone, Functional Area and the first ever installation in Northern Ireland of the interactive workout programme PRAMA.

Grant Thornton GRAHAM

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RAHAM has provided Grant Thornton with grade A office accommodation. The fitout has provided a fitting and professional environment to assist the facilitation of Grant Thornton’s expansion and was one of the largest office projects undertaken in Belfast in 2017. Todd Architects designed a large open-open office with collaboration and call booths throughout, with additional space for client and staff meetings. The space contained ‘strong rooms’ holding large security safes. GRAHAM removed these in order to fit modern filing, storage systems in its place.

GRAHAM established a strong relationship with the team, ensuring effective communication was utilised, allowing for informed decisions to be made regarding materials and layout. Partner at Grant Thornton Peter Legge commented, “GRAHAM are a professional, well organised contractor with an excellent team who delivered on time and to a very high standard. I want to thank the team for all the hard work.” .GRAHAM employed a robust health and safety and traffic management plan, as well as a dedicated H&S and site liaison officer to cement a positive culture and ethos.

Energy efficiency was an important element of the project, with timber being supplied from a legal and sustainable source. Energy efficient lighting was installed, and 100% of waste was diverted from landfill.

General Construction: Fit-Out Award

Harp Bar, Belfast McCue Crafted Fit

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cCue Crafted Fit have created an extension to the Harp Bar in Belfast, spanning three floors and consisting of extending the bar on the ground and first floor to merge with the bar next door, as well as the creation of an art gallery and staff accommodation.

Michael McKervey from Fresh Interior Design was tasked to bring the project to life. The team, all of whom had previous working relationships, each added value and creativity to the project, resulting in a very well received end result.

• • • • • •

Building Civil Engineering Utilities Facilites Management Demolition Recycling

The Old Bank, 7 John Street, Castlederg BT81 7AW T: 028 8167 8646 The Old Bank, 54 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6QL T: 028 9066 8958

www.lowrybuilding.co.uk Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

The project was expected to reflect the Victorian Era, exemplified by the distinctive materials used in the ceiling, wallpaper, flooring, and tiles. The theme of the building continued throughout the newly furbished floors, the owner placing artefacts into the bar which required attention to details of the project.

Excellent project management resulted in the project finishing one week ahead of schedule and within budget. The collaboration and management of supply chain between all parties was continuous due to their previous working experience.

Due to the limited space within the Cathedral Quarter, a strict programme was implemented to minimise disruption to the public including delivery timings. Regular communication with local businesses was maintained continuously.

38| CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

General Construction:

Commerical Construction Award The Finalists: • Heron Bros • Gilbert-Ash

• Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd •JH. Turkington & Sons •O’Hare & McGovern

ALMAC - Building 15, Craigavon Heron Bros

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eron Bros has been chosen to be a construction partner for ALMAC. HB has built, remodelled, and maintained ALMAC’s building stock for 10 years, the £50m framework including storage warehouses, cold stores, secure vaults, and administration offices.

‘Building 15’, which is an £18m project, is a temperature controlled building for the storage of pharmaceutical drugs. HB carried out a 48 hour steady state test to confirm the efficiency of the warehouse without disruption to the end users and the drugs themselves.

David Carlisle, ALMAC’s Facilities Manager, said “Working with HB has been a positive experience. I am happy to recommend HB and look forward to working with them again.”

HB added 2 floors of offices to the original design, saving costs and space. Pallet racking, shelving, and cooling plant were manufactured off-site, offering on-site productivity. ‘Build Smart’, HB’s bespoke quality app, was used to record issues and implement remedial actions, leading to zero defects.

Team building sessions were carried out before construction began to cultivate relationships and familiarise the team with the client’s needs. Daily meetings were held to create opportunity for improvement and to increase efficiency.

Foyle College, Ebrington PS & Nursery Education Infrastructure Award

Faith Schools’ Joint Campus GB & ROI Award

ALMAC ‘Building 15’ Commercial Award

Heron Bros is proud to be shortlisted for 3 categories in the 2018 Construction Excellence Awards.

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40| CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

AC Hotel by Marriott, Donegall Quay, Belfast, Gilbert Ash

G

ilbert-Ash have successfully built a £21.5m AC Hotel in Belfast. The hotel, built on budget and on schedule, is integral to the Titanic Quarter, allowing for connectivity with Belfast city centre and access to all public transport, including the new Glider system.

The hotel, which has a Carea rainscreen cladding, Portuguese granite and Irish limestone decorating its exterior, has kept the classic AC Hotel signature branding, with dark polished wood detail and doubleheight glazed curtain walling, which has maximised the guests’ views from their rooms.

During construction, the north, east, and west elevators used nine mast climbers secured to the frame of the building. Materials were selected with extreme care to ensure the safety of the hotel. Public access was an important factor, with the team being aware that access routes for walking and cycling needed to remain open during construction. The building was wrapped to prevent noise and emissions from the building so as to ensure the safety of the walkways for the duration of construction.

The project was handled with the upmost care, the KPI average being 88.33% with only one minor accident and zero RIDDOR over 16 months.

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

DAERA Headquarters, Ballykelly JH Turkington & Sons

J

H Turkington & Sons were appointed

by The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs to design & construct the new DAERA Headquarters in Ballykelly.

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

Concentrix

O’Hare & McGovern

O

’Hare & McGovern have developed a derelict building into a state-ofthe-art European Head office and data-centre-facility for European customer engagement centre. With the facility, they intended to promote the Concentrix ethos and brand, deliver technology-infused, omni-channel customer experience management, provide employment for 1500 staff and redefine global customer engagement centres.

The building is a unique and simple geometrical build which has been designed to modern office standards.

The client intended to stimulate economic growth and investment in the Northwest, with the design concept providing functionality as well as natural light and ventilation.

Outstanding and detailed project management was key. JH Turkington developed their relationship with the client during the pre-construction period, continuing the relationship onsite, inviting them to progress meetings and worked with their design team to provide buildability solutions.

Communication was key to the project. They liaised with the client’s project manager throughout, with the Facilities Manager being involved during commissioning, handover, and system training, as well as weekly meetings to review progress. The project was delivered on-time and budget through the use of detailed bespoke procedures for Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality, keeping in mind key milestones and requirements.

Roles and responsibilities were clearly defined and communication was key to decision making for the project. Programmes were regularly monitored and updated to ensure success.

Environmental safety was an important factor, with the project ensuring non pollution of the nearby River Lagan and 94% of waste being diverted from landfill. Renewable energies were used, such as LED lighting, daylight sensing lighting systems, and combined heating/cooling systems.

JH Turkington’s ensured that Health and Safety was vital, attention being paid to the welfare of all involved in or impacted by the project. Resources were provided to ensure the Health and Safety Policy was implemented.

Accessibility and sustainability are an important factor in the building, designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’. Biomass heating, sedum root and attenuation were all successfully installed. The impact of the project to Ballykelly was also taken into consideration, with the project utilising an adjacent entrance to the site to allow accessibility.

A coordinated traffic and pedestrian management plan was developed, with travel routes displayed for local residents and commuters, as well as regular newsletters and flyers and site safety notices to keep the community aware of the project.

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CEF/Specify awards | 41 General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

The Halodome at Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena Hugh J O’Boyle

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he Halodome scheme has been handed over from Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd to Galgorm Resort and Spa as of March 2018. The Halodome offers a space for relaxation and socialisation in comfortable surroundings. The project, which is spread over two floors, also includes a large terrace for al fresco dining.

The scheme ensured that all functions of the hotel were open throughout, as minimal disruption to the hotel during important events was key.

Regular engagement with the client was paramount, with a pre project workshop being arranged. Reviews were carried out through the scheme to ensure each stage was signed off to specification and the in-house specialist joinery workshop provided high quality bespoke solutions.

The project was kept on schedule as the hotel had several events booked in the new Halodome. Key milestones were set out and met, which ensured that the programme was completed with all pre-booked weddings and events in mind. Several of these key dates were kept due to the long relationships Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd has with their subcontractors.

1 The Green, Irish St, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BE Tel: 028 4461 2278 Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

We are pleased to be nominated for multiple 2018 CEF Specify Awards.

42| CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

General Construction:

Social/Community Construction Award The Finalists: • Hugh J. O’Boyle • JPM Contracts

• Woodvale Construction Company

Mew Optic Relocation Project, Titanic Quarter, Belfast- Hugh J. O’Boyle I

n March 2018 Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd successfully completed this unique £460k Mew Optic Relocation scheme. Constructing a new interpretive structure, resembling a lighthouse lantern room to showcase the Mew Island Lighthouse Optic. This industrial & scientific heritage scheme in the Titanic Quarter has created a legacy Belfast landmark for future generations to enjoy.

The nature of the installations within this project dictated that Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd carefully selected and appointed the best specialist supply chain members from our database. Working collaboratively with these particular subcontractors ensured that this scheme was completed on budget and to programme.

Monthly review meetings were held with the client, as well as pre project workshops.

This ensured the optic was transported by sea and off loaded direct to the site with minimal disruption. Continuous reviews & self-snagging were completed throughout the scheme to ensure various stages signed off to specification. The in-house Specialist Joinery workshop also provided high quality bespoke Iroko fence panelling.

An environmental plan was also used to protect Belfast Lough from dust, dirt, and construction materials and a Full Waste Management Plan was put into place.

Social/Community Construction Award

Lisburn New Community Centre JPM Contracts

A

new community centre has been constructed in Ballymacash. The centre will contain activity rooms, office, consulting rooms, kitchen, toilets, and community garden.

This project was very much a community-led process. From project inception JPM engaged with enduser. They identified community contacts to assist with disseminating project information to residents enabling ongoing collaboration with local community.

Quality in design and construction was a requirement from inception as a way to boost this area.

Safety was a priority in this densely populated residential area. Along with the local community and local residents, additional security was provided to protect the building during the construction phase and to deter anti-social behaviour.

JPM delivered within timescale by ensuring rigorous planning of the sequencing of work and handling logistics well. We had full control of programmes to plan schedule of works so they were achievable with resources available. Monthly progress meetings were held with the Client and regular cost updates given with progress reports ensuring completion within budget.

This project has a profound positive influence on this deprived area with a history of anti-social behaviour, providing local people with a range of health and social opportunities. They created a sustainable urban place for local residents bringing new resources and facilities into the area.

Social/Community Construction Award

Sportlann - Colaiste Feirste Irish Language School, Belfast Woodvale Construction Company

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portlann (SL) was a sub-project of the Colaiste Feirste Irish Language School scheme. Running in parallel, the two projects were managed separately by Woodvale Teams. The aim of the SL scheme was to connect three main buildings on the site with large internal and external sports spaces that would be open to the public.

All stakeholders were involved in the scheme’s design. They engaged key contacts to agree objectives, set targets, review design, pre-empt problems, resolve disputes and provide updates. Communication was maintained throughout; securing a National Gold Site Award (scoring 45) in the Considerate Contractors Scheme (CCS).

Employing best practice, Woodvale gave consideration to those manufacturing/ installing components and those carrying out the works. The project was target/performance driven three sub-sectional handovers for the pitches, pavilion and buildings. Using Woodvale’s proven methodology for managing programme, quality and budget, the Site Team met targets for H&S, sustainability and design quality and delivered an exceptionally high standard of finish.

Construction traffic was managed to minimise its impact on local traffic patterns. A series of local public engagement events were held and leaflets were posted to neighbours informing them of progress.

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CEF/Specify awards |43 Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Infrastructure:

Education Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Ganson UK • Glasgiven

• Heron Bros • Woodvale CC

St Bronagh’s Primary School, Rostrevor Ganson UK

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his project involved the construction of a seven classbase primary school on the site of St Bronagh’s Primary School and the Convent of Mercy Primary School in Rostrevor. The new school is a lively welcoming place built for intellectual, creative, physical and social activity to enhance end user learning capabilities including disabilities needs.

Ganson UK were aware that excellent communication was a critical component to the successful delivery of this project, optimising Client/End User engagement and mutual trust, as they worked collaboratively to provide a more pleasing experience and satisfactory finished project e.g. thirty pupils at a time were given a tour of the site as an educational exercise and to understand a little better what all the excitement was about.

Ganson UK provided samples, sample panels and operational mock-ups to evaluate and demonstrate compliance, build quality, integration of services etc. A serviced teaching wall was particularly beneficial.

We are pleased to be nominated for the Education Infrastructure Award 2018 Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Clarmont Avenue, Castlewellan Co Down, BT31 9BX

Tel: 028437 71022 info@gansonuk.co.uk

44| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

St Mary’s Primary School, Banbridge

Colaiste Feirste Irish Language School, Belfast

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F

Consideration of the needs of the end-user: - Close consultation with the end-users throughout both the design and construction phases - DQI Facilitator engaged early to: o help all stakeholders gain more value from the building’s design, o assist in improving the building quality based on their requirements - In addition to providing a modern state-of-the-art educational facility, endusers were keen to integrate the facility into the local area for use by various local groups during evenings/ weekends.

- Sample Classroom/ Panels provided to: o benchmark quality and specification, o test durability, o ascertain end-user’s preferences/needs

Jake MacSiacais, BOG Coláíste Feirste

Glasgiven

his project involved the construction of 17 Classroom Primary School to replace the existing school in Banbridge. This striking building provides an attractive, modern and sustainable educational facility for Banbridge and its surrounding communities.

St Mary’s Primary School has been an integral part of the local community for many years. This substantial investment will ensure that the school continues to deliver quality education to the local community in modern, stateof-the-art surroundings for many generations to come.

Woodvale Construction Company

ounded in 1991 with nine pupils, Colaiste Feirste (CF) has since grown to accommodate 600 pupils age 11-18. Futureproofing the school included a complex new build and substantial refurbishment (including a listed house and chapel).

All stakeholders were involved in the design of the scheme. In partnership, Woodvale engaged openly and transparently with the school’s key contacts to agree objectives, set targets, review design, pre-empt problems, resolve disputes and provide updates. Communication was maintained throughout, securing us a National Gold Site Award (scoring 45) in the Considerate Contractors Scheme (CCS).

“The Board of Governors, Coláiste Feirste and wider communities are all huge beneficiaries of this project which was carried out to the highest degree of excellence. From day one, our representatives formed a robust partnership with Woodvale. The approach throughout was one of a can-do attitude and we are indebted to Woodvale for their professionalism in delivering a college estate which will serve current and future generations.”

Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Foyle College Heron Bros

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00-Year-Old Foyle College began 2018 by relocating to their brand-new £27m campus.

The project has enabled the co-location of Foyle College and Ebrington Primary and Nursery Schools (FC) in separate new-build replacement schools at the former Clooney Army Base site in Derry/ Londonderry.

The campus is centred on its staff and students with high-tech classrooms and facilities for sports, arts, music, theatre and study.

Sporting enthusiasts benefit from 7 sports pitches, 5 tennis courts, 2 cricket creases, sports hall and fitness suite.

“It’s really going to make a massive impact on learning and teaching for the 21st century.”

Patrick Allen - FC Principal HB fostered a one-team approach with the client and design team to deliver on FC’s vision. Site visits were facilitated for end users to learn about build progress and careers in construction. HB sponsored a school theatre production, bus and sponsored walk.

“The commitment and dependability of Heron Bros throughout made the whole experience a pleasure to be part of.” Mr Dougherty - Ebrington PS Principal ‘Build Smart’, HB’s bespoke Quality app, was used to record issues, implement remedial actions and increase accountability, leading to the delivery of ZERO DEFECTS. Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards |45

Infrastructure:

Health Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • FORRME • Glasgiven

• JH Turkington • Lowry

Enniskillen Ambulance Station FORRME

The role of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is changing to meet the challenges of the 21st century, meaning the role of Ambulance Station’s needed to change, and with it, the public’s perceptions. NIAS have introduced the High Performance Ambulance Service model which targets answering 70% of all calls within an 8 minute response time. The size and composition of the fleet is continuing to change in order to provide an appropriate response.

The recently completed £2.5m Enniskillen Ambulance Station provides NIAS with a flexible workspace, which is capable of supporting its changing & developing workforce & fleet. With an overall floor area of 1,400m2, the new building provides accommodation for four A&E vehicles, five patient care service vehicles, One rapid-response vehicle and two additional support vehicles, alongside staff facilities for the 58-strong workforce, including welfare, training & office space. It was constructed to replace the existing NIAS facilities at the former Erne Hospital, which were out-dated & no longer fit for purpose. The old facilities were demolished following the hospital’s relocation to the new South West Acute site. Moving the Ambulance Station to the South West Acute Hospital would have increased response times to central Enniskillen by up to 4 minutes, and as response times are key in emergency situations, a decision was made to remain at the old Erne site. Construction works commenced in December 2016 & were successfully completed in November 2017.

The new Station provides a functional yet welcoming & calming environment for staff & visitors, with a clean, contemporary image which promotes the importance of NIAS within the community. Constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the Station is a well-lit, naturally ventilated building with high quality yet robust finishes. Recognising that Ambulance staff are routinely subjected to traumatic experiences, it provides possibilities for relaxation, reflection and counselling. The separation of the garage from the accommodation block via a glazed link provides a tranquil inner landscaped courtyard which provides views & external contemplation space. The garage is functional & practical.

The new Station has provided NIAS with a new identity in Enniskillen & provides the people of the town & surrounding areas with a reinvigorated service that will flourish for many years to come. Delivered with sustainability at the forefront of its agenda, the project has been completed on time, below budget and to the most exacting quality standards.

cing Great architecture deserves great execution.

Over 40 years of superior build, architecture fit-out and consultancy.

Great

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deserves great execution.

Over 40 years of superior build, fit-out and consultancy.

Introducing Great architecture deserves great execution.

Over 40 years of superior build, fit-out and consultancy.

Introducing Introducing

ghmore Construction Previously Donaghmore Construction Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Previously DonaghmoreConstruction Construction Previously Donaghmore ghmore Construction

Great architecture Great architecture deserves great execution. deserves great execution.

Over 40 years of superior Over 40 years of superior build, fit-out and consultancy. build, fit-out and consultancy.

7 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone BT71 4HP +44 (0) 28 8774 6235

FORRME.CO.UK

7 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, 7 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Co. BT71 Tyrone BT71 4HP Co. Tyrone 4HP (0) 28 8774 6235 +44 (0) +44 28 8774 6235

FORRME.CO.UK FORRME.CO.UK

7 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone BT71 4HP +44 (0) 28 8774 6235 7FORRME.CO.UK Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone BT71 4HP +44 (0) 28 8774 6235

FORRME.CO.UK

46| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

Altnagelvin Hospital Theatres Lowry Building and Civil Engineering

T

wo highly specified surgical theatres were constructed within an internal courtyard space of the existing Altnagelvin Area Hospital building, the high risk project completed in a ‘live’ hospital environment bounded by operational wards & busy clinics. The confined site location caused restricted staff access only via the existing Hospital Street and requiring strict infection control procedures to be implemented and monitored over the contract duration.

No material delivery was permitted through the hospital, all safely craned in overhead, using out-of-hours scheduling, to prioritise the needs of WHSCT & patients.

An existing prefabricated unit was initially removed from the site to uncover various unknown services which required full coordination of the whole project team and direction from LBCE on identifying the actual services present & integrating these into the proposed build. Buildability was a major brief for LBCE due to the extremely confined site and necessary craning in of all materials above the existing hospital buildings. The steel framed structure and all associated components were delivered to a storage depot offsite and transported to the craning location as and when required to be erected within the site area.

Infection control was paramount meaning the exclusive use of blue over boots, sticky mats changed 10 times per day and a full time dedicated cleaner along the Hospital Street, critically eliminating microorganisms in the live wards.

Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

Cullingtree Meadows, Belfast Glasgiven Contracts

C

ullingtree Meadows provides modern,spacious apartments in a homely and secure environment for older people living with dementia. The project,a partnership between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Clanmil Housing,provides 30 self-contained apartments across ground and first floor levels (with balconies) with 24-hour care and support.

This modern facility helps older people with dementia to continue leading a full, active and meaningful life within the community. Cullingtree Meadows combines the very best of housing design with 24-hour support services to enable tenants to live independently.

Consideration of the needs of the end user included: - Close consultation with end-user representatives throughout design and construction phases - DQI Facilitator engaged early to: o help all stakeholders gain more value from the building’s design, o assist in improving the building quality based on their requirements - In addition to providing a modern contemporary residential facility, Cullingtree Meadows was designed to promote a high quality of life facilitating independent living in a safe dementia-friendly and secure community.

- Scheme developed to provide 24-hour care and support within their own modern and spacious apartments.

- Communal facilities provided including lounges for entertainment/ activities,quiet room opening onto courtyard garden, laundry facilities, hairdressing salon and potting shed - Sample Panels provided to: o benchmark quality and specification, o test durability, o ascertain end-user’s preferences/needs

Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

Orthopaedic Theatre, Musgrave Park Hospital

JH Turkington & Sons

J

H Turkington & Sons were appointed to programme, execute and manage the construction of a new Orthopaedic Theatre within the live theatre block at Musgrave Park Hospital. The works included localised demolitions, alterations and refurbishment to the existing facility and the construction of the new theatre.

The new state-of-the-art theatre with dedicated preparation, scrub and anaesthetic rooms is designed to suit the requirements of the surgical team and create an uninterrupted patient flow. A bespoke ‘dirty utility’ room was created to the rear of the operating theatre to prevent risk of contamination and assist with their infection control measures.

Outstanding and detailed project management was key, as was early engagement with the Client. To develop their longstanding relationship with the trust, the team from JH Turkingtons invited them to every progress meeting, collaboratively worked with them and their design team to provide buildability solutions, carried out informal demonstrations, and also provided fresh fruit on World Health Day. Gerard McCallan (Estates Department) stated ‘it was a pleasure to have Turkington’s onsite, they conducted their business throughout with total professionalism, keeping the Client informed and involved at all times.

The new theatre includes anaesthetic pendants, operating lamps, surgeons control panels, laminar flow ‘ultra clean’ ventilation canopy & complex M&E installations, designed to control air filtration, temperature & humidity.

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CEF/Specify awards |47 Infrastructure: Transport Utilities Award

Infrastructure:

Transport Utilities Award The Finalists: • Adman Civil Projects • Graham

Ballylumford Power Station Infrastructure Upgrade Adman Civil Projects

A

dman Civil Projects Ltd were responsible for upgrading and future proofing key infrastructures at a recent project at Ballylumford’s 275Kv Power Plant - the largest power station in Northern Ireland. It had many improvement opportunities both in complexities of works design and with simultaneous high risk work hazards involving ‘Working at Height’, ‘Electricity’, and ‘Asbestos’, removal.

Adman Civil Projects had to manage a number of issues including: • Limited land area and mulitple contractors required a traffic management plan minimising and providing for vehicle movement , protective barriers, restricted zone and pedestrian walkways.

• Upgrading works had complexity of plant and fall arrest equipment due to infrastructure design and overhead lines e.g. MEWP’s and Scissor Lifts were inadequate for some works, a 140ft Crane was needed eliminating overreaching and enabling firmer equipment footing on the road surface. Scissor lifts had restricted height extension of 18mts eliminating need for operatives to control height inside NIE defined safety distances for a 275Kv Power Station.

• Monitored management systems in place controlling asbestos works e.g. Specialist trained sub-contractors, restricted gate control, wash facilities. An asbestos air monitoring supervisor throughout duration of asbestos works.

• On exposing steelworks during upgrade works a design issue with windows identified them as incompatible with the steelworks and Adman Civil Projects gave an alternative solution to NIE who made design changes.

Infrastructure: Transport Utilities Award

Galgorm Wastewater Pumping Station Graham

T

he upgrade of Galgorm WwPS - beside a NIE substation, within a busy public carpark, adjacent to shops and occupying a space of only 20m x 17m in which to build a new station, while keeping the existing operational – made for a complex and challenging project for GRAHAM. Constraints and logistical challenges necessitated meticulous planning, proactive communication and engineering ingenuity to ensure delivery of a robust solution that would satisfy client (NIW) and environmental regulator (NIEA) alike.

Some of the challenges encountered/overcome; construction innovations/sustainable measures and proactive stakeholder communications employed that proved invaluable in the successful delivery of this £1m scheme: Constructing a new 12.5m wide x 11m deep pumping station (requiring a dig of 181m2 – almost half the area of the site) while maintaining the existing station (60 m2) required innovative thinking.

With exceptionally restricted space, GRAHAM sought agreement from Council to use a small section of carpark to house 150T crane and night-time closure of the carpark to manage access and egress of construction vehicles. To promote H&S further, construction vehicles were restricted from using the NIW access, which is beside a public footpath/pedestrian crossing.

The confined space made for a more labour-intensive project with unavoidable double handling e.g. concrete pours were undertaken by skips and spoil stockpiled and reloaded into lorries to be removed at night (used to regrade Cullybackey WwPS).

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48| CEF/Specify awards

Infrastructure:

GB & ROI Construction Award The Finalists: • Farrans Construction • McCue Crafted Fit

• Heron Bros •O’Hare McGovern

Northern Spire Bridge, Sunderland Farrans Construction

T

he £117m, cable-stayed Northern Spire Bridge is a monumental example of UK infrastructure:

- Visited by royalty - Widespread national media coverage - Responsible for creating 600 jobs - Revitalising transport network - First Sunderland bridge in 40+ years - Gold Considerate Constructors Scheme Award - ICE 200 Special Project Award All Traffic Management was phased, with overnight and weekend closures to minimise disruptions. A Temporary Works Coordination Committee was put into place to ensure temporary works were developed and fully coordinated. Disruptions/ diversions and management of public impact coordinated by external communications company DTW, based with Farrans site team.

New commuter links allow 27,000 VPD across bridge. Integrated footpaths/cycleways created for sustainable transport and overall reduced congestion.

No contractor has ever before built a bridge of Northern Spire’s scale in this way in the UK – engineering solutions were outstanding and saw ICE award the project the Robert Stephenson Award.

The 1500tonne, 100m A-frame pylon was manufactured in Belgium, transported by sea/river and erected over 2 days. Technical solutions included Farrans’ hinge configuration design to connect the hinge at the base of the pylon to the in-river foundations and engineering of bespoke pylon steel plates and concrete ‘tusks’ to achieve correct tolerances.

Winner of 3 CEF Awards in 2017

Nominated for 2018

Training Award and GB & ROI Construction Award

99 Kingsway, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9NU

www.farrans.com Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards |49 GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Faith Schools’ Joint Campus, East Renfrewshire Heron Bros

I

n what is considered a world-first, the £13.8m D&B Faith Schools’ Joint Campus (FSJC) brings together two purposebuilt denominational primary schools for the Catholic and Jewish faiths in East Renfrewshire.

The needs of end users were central to recognise the two separate schools and faiths while creating communal spaces which encourage collaboration and shared learning.

Extensive stakeholder consultation was critical to establish a shared vision. Pupils enjoyed BIM-generated ‘flythroughs’ of their new school.

“The design of this fabulous new campus has been based on feedback from parents and representatives from both faith communities and I know it will provide us with a fantastic learning environment.” Marion Carlton, FSJC Headteacher.

Key stakeholders were invited to meetings and site visits.

A ceremony blessing symbolic stones took place at project outset where Faith Leaders delivered a joint blessing for pupils, teachers and councillors.

The BIM Level 2 project meant that design clashes were rectified upon discovery. Working with archaeologists, fragments were salvaged from the ground to create a miniature version of a medieval farmstead. HB engaged with ERC to shape the road network surrounding the campus. Regular videos provided an as-built record and aided quality checks. ‘Build Smart’, HB’s bespoke Quality app, was used to record issues and implement remedial actions, leading to ZERO DEFECTS. Coordination meetings were held with the project team to maintain programme, completing the project ON TIME and ON BUDGET.

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Lillie Square Clubhouse, London, McCue Crafted Fit

I

magine the facilities of the most luxurious hotels available to you as you walk out your front door! That’s what Capco and KPI wanted to achieve when they created the exclusive Lillie Square Clubhouse.

The clients had a vision for the Clubhouse and sourced the best in the business to execute it.

CGI’s and final images show the client’s vision was fulfilled and their feedback confirmed their delight with the end result.

Relationships are key to ensuring a project is delivered to the standard expected by the client and McCue’s relationship with the project team was exceptional – collaborative and respectful of each other’s trades at all times.

The creativity of this project was identifying the elements that make luxurious hotels so enticing to consumers and implementing this into the development plans of the Clubhouse, leaving a high quality, opulent finish.

The feature staircase was designed to eliminate any obvious supports. The final engineered solution located any supports to give the desired appearance and met the structural requirements without intermediate support.

Most products presented were from Hong Kong so McCue had to source alternate products. Mockups and samples were created for all features prior to sign off.

The Clubhouse exudes five-star quality throughout. The ambience is luxurious and elegant, highlighting the exceptional standards of McCue and the project teams.

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GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh O’Hare and McGovern

O

’Hare and McGovern designed and built a new school in Edinburgh on the site of an old disused distillery.

The needs and vision for the 5 storey multi-award winning school was:

• Design & Build of an award winning world class 21st century school for 1186 pupils providing state-of-the-art facilities: • Open atrium/dining area as central HUB • Drama studios/HE/Textile/ICT/DT/Music/Media/Art Suites • Sports hall/gym/roof top 3G pitch • 10 Science labs/general classrooms • Promotion of CEC/BHS ethos and brand • Enhance site appearance/originally a disused distillery • Out-of-hours facilities (750m² 3G MUGA Pitch) • Improve BHS’s ranking/image, currently 4th best state school • Pre-start meeting with teachers/parents/student council • Access by locals to Facilities • Engage local community • Provide local employment • Arrange interactive visits with BHS’s teachers/pupils/guardians/school council andState visit from Nicola Sturgeon BUILDABILITY/HIGH STANDARD OF FINISH • Quality monitored on/off-site by full-time Quality Manager using ISO9001 • Demanding architectural specification for elevations including Glass/GRC • Prefabrication of 85% of plant-rooms • Air tightness rating 3.6m3m2/hr@50Pa • Thermal Modelling in accordance with CIBSE AM11 • PEP detailed strict protocols including samples/mock ups for benchmarking • Defects/snags monitored electronically

50| CEF/Specify awards

Housing:

Social Housing Award The Finalists: • BW Homes & Construction • EHA Group

• Hugh J OBoyle • JH Turkington

Laurel Hill, Coleraine

Braidwater Homes & Construction

L

aurel Hill Gardens is a new development of 30 homes in Coleraine. Designed to Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards, the scheme was developed by BW Homes and Construction (BW) for Radius Housing Association (Radius).

Radius Housing’s criteria was to ensure the development met the varying levels of need for the young, mature and older members of the public. The end product by BW Homes and Construction was a fully integrated design suitable for all, with ease of access and offering benefits to the older generation, the disabled and anyone with a physical impairment.

Communication was key & engagement by BW Homes and Construction management with the Radius clerk of works was critical via regular weekly meetings.The BW Homes and Construction team developed shared software through that made it easy to update the Radius team on a live basis. BW Homes and Construction supplied full home user guides for both Radius and tenants.

BW Homes and Construction oversaw the management from planning requirements, design & engineering, careful management of total costs and values, meeting stringent client requirements and at all times investing in staff training and continuing personal development. Insulation, boilers, windows & external doors were carefully selected to ensure that this resulted in achieving the U-values and the the maximum score in the EPC.

Housing: Social Housing Award

Housing: Social Housing Award

Rathgill, Bangor

Rosemount Mews, Greyabbey

I

J

Hugh J O’Boyle

n August 2018 Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd successfully completed the £9.4m Rathgill Parade scheme for Radius Housing. The scheme is currently 90% complete with over 50% of the homes occupied.

This exemplar residential scheme is providing well designed family homes, consisting of bespoke complex needs properties, social housing and private housing in the Coastal town of Bangor.

Hugh J O’Boyle provided a full handover to the homeowners, including O&M Manuals.

• Through our value engineering workshop with the client and project team, we proposed the crushing and re-use of 20,000 tonne of rock to provide hardfill for road and footpaths • Regular monthly review meetings with full photographic updates provided to the project team • Early contractor involvement with the client and design team to benefit from our buildability experience

JH Turkington & Sons

H Turkington & Sons were appointed by Clanmil to construct ten general needs dwellings, complete to Housing Association Guidance, Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design accreditation on a brownfield site within Greyabbey, a small village on the Ards Peninsula.

The mix of 4 semi-detached houses, 4 detached houses and 2 apartments were designed to create a pleasant edge to the village, respecting the privacy of the existing adjacent dwellings fronting the Main Street. Each unit was completed to a high quality finish, complementing the existing range of finishes within the Area of Townscape Character, while also hinting at a contemporary architecture.

Clanmil are delighted with the new development as it addresses the local need for housing and has transformed the derelict site.

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CEF/Specify awards |51 Housing: Social Housing Award

Killaire Wood Lane, Bangor EHA Group

Building in the present... Creating the future.

S

ituated on the outskirts of Bangor, County Down, this scheme provides 106 stand-out social housing units for Choice Housing Association.

Transforming this greenfield site which straddled the edge of the development limit and the wider open countryside, the design response was to create a ‘sub-rural’ character based on small groupings of dwellings.

The fantastic team at RMI Architects designed these lifetime homes working with the site structure which was split into three distinct zones, linked by a sweeping spine which culminates in an open play area. This ‘village green’ is defined by a crescent arrangement of dwellings leading off to more clustered arrangements creating a strong community feeling for the residents.

The construction of the stylish two and three storey homes began in April 2016 as well as several specially designed bungalows, specifically designed for the tenants’ needs. Pre-planned tenant access was accommodated one week early where requested to allow tenants to make plans in advance of handover. The project was brought in on budget and ahead of programme, testament to the relationships EHA has with its Labour and Material Supply Chain.

All works followed EHA Group’s ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification. The houses were constructed with high insulation values ensuring a low cost to heat.

// Design & Build // Contracting // Civil Engineering // Specialist Joinery EHA Group operates across the UK in Social and Student Housing, Private Residential, Commercial & Hospitality sectors.

W: www.ehagroup.co.uk London I Londonderry I Belfast

CALL US TODAY ON: NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

T: 028 9278 0108 M: 079 5574 5731

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52|CEF/Specify awards

Housing:

Private Housing Award The Finalists: • DB Building Contracts • Antrim Construction Company

• Hugh J OBoyle • Lotus Homes

Pirrie Lane, Belfast DB Building Contracts

D

B Building Contracts were appointed by Urbal Properties for the construction of this residential development. This development consists of six detached houses with garages. Situated on the prime location of the Belmont Rd its great location means it’s only minutes from Belfast City centre and all main roads around Belfast. Although Pirrie Lane is situated in the City it offers short travelling times to some of Northern Ireland’s leading restaurants, bars, and shops, it also gives a sense of seclusion.

Much time and effort went into designing these outstanding detached houses, which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

These fine homes have been designed with a classical elegance and styling, incorporating wonderful heritage colours of render and architectural detailing. Combine this with generous living spaces which meet the needs of modern lifestyles and you get homes which are beautiful, both inside and outside.

The thought and attention to detail that has gone in to these houses will make them notable for their style and external finish, enhancing the beautiful ambience of the area, and providing a timeless, classical look that will maintain its appeal for decades. The surrounding walls and railings adds to the sense of seclusion and with the addition of landscaped trees, hedging and flower beds which help to soften the look of all the hard landscaped areas.

Housing: Private Housing Award

Millreagh, Dundonald Antrim Construction Company

M

illreagh is a private residential development in Dundonald that commenced in 2006. The development has an estimated completion of late 2019. It is split between two developers of which Antrim Construction Company Limited has 178 dwellings. 146 new homes are now occupied, 19 are at various stages of construction and 11 have yet to be released for sale.

Millreagh rests at the bottom of the Craigantlet Hills and borders the busy A20 Newtownards/Belfast carriageway. It was therefore important from the outset to maintain the benefits of this rural setting while providing an ideal location for commuters; often a throwaway phrase used by selling agents but in reality a more challenging environment to create.

The challenging gradients are overcome by the use of laser accurate shelving supported by planted, environmentally sympathetic, walling which hugs properties to the hillside. Controlled outlet systems are constructed to provide natural run offs for rainwater into the adjacent river course with no impact on local wildlife; indeed some areas are left wild to encourage our four legged neighbours! The introduction of railway sleepers replace more commonly used concrete walling and natural bark instead of stone, adds warmth to every property. To generate a unique living environment for each customer Millreagh has 40 different house types excluding interior options such as 3 or 4 bedroom layouts. To maintain continuity in such an eclectic mix a uniform style of walling and fencing is erected as part of the standard specification Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards |53 Housing: Private Housing Award

The Front, Holywood Hugh J O’Boyle

H

ugh J. O’Boyle Ltd successfully completed the private residential development The Front in April 2018. The Front is home to 18 stunning apartments and penthouses over three floors, this private development located on a landscaped urban plaza which offers spacious, bright and flexible living overlooking Belfast Lough.

The Front is situated in the centre of Holywood, once a 2.1acre brownfield site the development is now home to 18 exclusive apartments, penthouses and a selection of prime retails units. Its’ prime location allows provides the homeowner with the option of travelling 15 minutes to Belfast City Centre or 15 minutes in the opposite direction into the beautiful County Down countryside.

Designed by the award winning architects RPP the overall design provides a sense of style, space and peace.

Some of the key sustainability features within the building include: • Fresh air heat recovery system • High efficient gas boiler • Low energy downlights • Triple glazed windows • Internet enabled heating control system The Front has a very special internal glazed atrium at the centre of this beautiful building. This unique central courtyard is landscaped with plants, flowers and trees and is enjoyed by all apartments providing additional natural light to each apartment. The Front also has an impeccable landscaped entrance.

Housing: Private Housing Award

Hillcrest Village – Phase 1, Bessbrook Lotus Homes

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illcrest Village Bessbrook has helped address the growing housing needs laid out in Newry and Mourne District Housing Plan 2015 – 2019. Currently the demand for housing in the greater Newry area far outweighs supply. With an entry price of £136,950 for a spacious three bedroom semi detached home with private driveway and gardens, complete with a turnkey finish the development has proved extremely popular.

Drawing inspiration from the strong, archeological, topographical and landscape features, including the prominent rath, standing stone contours and woodland, the new development creates a sense of vitality in all parts of the layout. The spine road threads through the development taking a route which sensitively integrates the new built form with existing contours.

The sense of place is further enhanced by the provision of a spur road to the east affording attractive views to the dramatic Craigmore Viaduct forging a link to the areas industrial and engineering heritage.

The woodland on both flanks offers very attractive pedestrian/cycle links between the Millvale and Derrymore Roads. Consultation with the council resulted in an agreement for a continuous river valley walk, following in part the old tram line and providing connectivity between the village and the beautiful National Trust owned Derrymore House.

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54| CEF/Specify awards

Quality Performance Training Award The Finalists: • Farrans Construction • Henry Brothers

• Tracey Brothers • Woodvale Training

Tracey Brothers T

racey Brothers has developed a matrix of technical training required by each individual job role, which is regularly reviewed to ensure currency and relevance. They focus on all employees, including labour only sub-contractors and apprentices understanding the latest developments within their field of expertise, piloting new approaches to work and disseminating this learning and best practice across the company.

Tracey Bothers number one commitment to employees, including labour only sub-contractors, is that they can expect to work in a safe and secure environment. H&S training is the bedrock of that commitment. The company has developed a matrix of developmental requirements for each job role so that employees have the relevant, essential training required by legislation and specific to individual projects. They promote positive mental health in the workplace and have developed practices and policies within our company and have a genuine ‘buy in’ from senior management.

Mental Health Tool box talks are carried out on each of their sites for subcontractors. Tracey Brothers operate an ‘open door’ policy where any site personnel can speak in confidence to one of the company’s trained managers.

Tracey Brothers have literature available around the site dealing with stress, e-smoking, cancer, depression, stroke, diabetes. An occupational health pack is handed out at induction and the company believes that workplace interventions can improve mental health.

Quality Performance: Training Award

Farrans Construction

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ver the past two years, the focus within Farrans business has been ‘our people’ agenda. Farrans Training and Development department has engaged the wider organisation with a bespoke Training Plan, directly aligned with our 2025 Business Plan wherein “empowering people” is one of six strategic objectives.

The Training Plan empowers employees today – 100% are engaged in Performance Management – and sets out a succession plan for tomorrow – 21% are currently engaged in management development programmes.

Farrans Focus Review system is fully integrated into the organisation, setting expectations for behavioural competencies at operational and leadership levels. All line managers have undertaken Performance Review Training, bringing a culture of authentic engagement with their employees. Training/ further education requests have increased by 32% since 2016.

Since January 2018, Farrans has carried out 3,780 hours of SHEQ training. On projects such as the A6 Dualling Scheme, the company ran 18 school-ins to date with their JV partner, including subcontractors.

Farrans have also undertaken a comprehensive Core Skills Review across their 4 regional offices and 40% of sites, ensuring both corporate and personal development training needs are identified, and training coordinated.

30% of Farrans training budget is invested in management development, with 101 employees currently engaged in bespoke development programmes.

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CEF/Specify awards |55 Quality Performance: Training Award

Henry Brothers

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enry Brothers is fully committed to Training Excellence, driven from Board Level with a direct focus on development and upskilling of our employees, supply chain and young people.

In 2017/18, all personnel received an average of 40 hours training with a mandatory 20 hours directly related to Health and Safety. This equates to an annual increased investment from £701 to £903 per employee. Weekly training is delivered at all sites with participation from everyone, including Labour only and apprentices.

In January 2017 the Board recognised both the increase in construction demand and the decrease in skilled personnel as a key challenge. The Board carried out a 360-degree review; developed and implemented a holistic training strategy and agreed KPI’s to track progress and achieve goals.

Historically training concentrated on maintaining skills rather than personal development and upskilling; however the Board insisted that a new holistic and fresh approach to training be implemented through identifying potential from within our workforce and upskilling and extending training to provide assistance on topical personal issues.

Four days of Director training kicked off this intensive programme, then 35 senior management participating in four days of Linkubator “Lead Like an Owner” achieving Level 5 Institute of Leadership Management qualification. The MD personally presented the five year vision and goals of the company, detailing how each individual would play a key role in achieving this.

Henry Brothers Limited is proud to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Training category of the Construction Excellence Awards 2018

Altogether Stronger henrybrothers.co.uk

Quality Performance: Training Award

Woodvale Construction Company Woodvale Construction Company (WCC) is committed to training across all levels of employees, labour only subcontractors and apprentices.

Development of a Training and Development Strategy was central to their vision for growth, succession planning and strategic development. WCC began by conducting a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) across the organisation, identifying training requirements on 3 levels: 1. Personal Development – Courses to enhance individuals’ self-esteem and address knowledge gaps e.g. literacy/numeracy courses provided by South Western Regional College or a “Train your Experience Worker” NVQ Level 2 Programme, where experienced long-term employees without formal qualifications obtain an industry recognised qualification for their skills and time-served experience.

2. Occupational Development – This element of the TNA identified training/courses required to ensure that employees are qualified to complete their role safely, efficiently and expediently. Courses include NVQ Level 2 Scaffolding Inspector, Appointed Person (Lifting), etc. and the provision of training to subcontractors, when required e.g. Scissor Lift/ Harness and Plant Operator’s Course.

3. Career Development and Succession Planning – Role-appropriate career development courses including: • CIOB Certification for Directors, Bid Manager, Contracts Managers and Construction Managers • Invest NI Leadership Programme • IOD Directorship Programme • RICS Chartership Programme • PHD Construction Project Management • NVQ Level 5 in Occupational Health & Safety • NVQ Level 4 Site Managers • ISO Lead Auditor • BIM Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Queen’s University • BIM Workshops Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

56|CEF/Specify awards

Quality Performance:

Health & Safety Award The Finalists: •Adman Civil Projects •BSG Civil Engineering

• Colloide Engineering Systems • Dixons Contractors

Adman Civil Projects Adman Civil Projects ongoing commitment to Health and Safety is demonstrated by; • Using proactive awareness systems communicating Total Recordable Incident Rate statistics collated & displayed on prominent boards at every site ensuring continual awareness for all staff and influencing behaviour.

• Implementation of a comprehensive, 3rd party accredited risk management system which is constantly evolved based on learning from completed projects, enabling Adman to plan ahead for new works & more effectively identify risk at the earliest stages. Adman also encourage active participation of operatives in the process through completion of daily ‘task based’ risk assessments at site level therefore ensuring innate understanding of the risks involved on an ongoing basis and in relation to other site activities/conditions.

• Operating an incentivised Good Catch/Near Miss reporting scheme which encourages employee involvement, promotes a H&S culture & ultimately reduces accidents on site.

• Undertaking community-based risk assessments which consider the wider impacts for every project.

• Actively engaged with local community ensuring we are aware of all impacts and address these e.g. performed mail drops to all residents/ businesses in the locality of a playground and playing field refurbishment. Highlighted the site safety concerns i.e. traffic & children trying to explore the site. Adman implemented preventative measures i.e. traffic management & site security and proactively gave fun designed animated safety talks suited to the children’s age/ learning attention and retention abilities.

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

BSG Civil Engineering

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SG Civil Engineering’s impact of ongoing commitment to health and safety on preventing and reducing injuries, sickness absence, insurance premiums or other costs: • Reduced the company’s insurance costs, as one of the few companies who for the last 14 years have two recognised 3rd party H&S accreditations, SafeT-Cert (awarded “A” grade recognition the last six years and in the top 8% NI companies as well as achieving OHSAS 18001 to aid over and above H&S CDM compliance • Continuous Staff training and health promotion with recent “Cycle to Work” introduced • Consideration of the health and safety impacts on the community • New defibrillator purchased located outside head office entrance with local community/businesses awareness and training provided • Engaged local School/technical colleges/client PM companies to promote training and awareness on BSG site experience days at Ballycastle WwTW and Ballygawley FAS • Community engagement with staff taking part in various charity events such as Belfast marathons, iron man events, etc.

• Senior Manager a member of Local “First Responders” group who is available to attend the person in need (while waiting for the ambulance to arrive) • Action Cancer bus brought to Maghera for all staff use, with staff partners/ wives/mothers plus local community invited to attend the facility for free • Local school engagement to aid Clandeboye site hoarding appearance • Attendance at local Blood Drive Driven from the top approach with Seamus Gillan, company H&S Champion very hands on aided by dedicated SHEQ department and senior management.

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CEF/Specify awards |57 Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Dixons Contractors

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ixons are committed to best practice in H&S and constantly seek opportunities to improve safety and health standards on our sites.

We first achieved certification to OHSAS 18001 for our H&S management systems in 2009, achieving update to OHSAS 18001:2015 in 2015. We are currently working through the transition process to achieve ISO 45001 by the end of 2018.

Throughout all our projects, H&S impacts on the community are considered, monitored and actioned.

We meet with local community centres and facilitate school visits to highlight construction site dangers to local residents and children.

H&S inspections are carried out on all sites by the HSE Department, with Site Managers completing weekly health and safety inspections for the duration of all projects. H&S is the first item on the agenda at all company meetings including Pre-Start meetings, Progress Review meetings, Senior Management meetings and Post Contract reviews.

Our HSE Manager sits on the Northern Ireland Safety Group Committee and chairs the ICE (NI Region) H&S Group, our HSE Advisor attends the Buildhealth NI Steering Group and Champion’s meetings and our Business Development Manager sits on the CEF H&S Committee. We encourage employees to participate in external committees to shape and promote H&S standards within the construction industry and beyond.

We take our health, safety and environmental responsibilities very seriously and are delighted to have been nominated for this year’s Health and Safety and Environmental Sustainability awards.

Telephone: 028 2765 7310 143 Tullaghans Road | Dunloy | Ballymena | Co Antrim | BT44 9EA

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We would also like to congratulate the finalists in all categories for reaching the short list.”

58|CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Colloide Engineering Systems

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olloide Engineering Systems is dedicated to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and contractors working with them.

The Company is accredited to BS OHSAS 18001:2007 standard. It is also registered with Achilles where they are audited against Health & Safety; in 2017 results for Health & Safety were 98% and 2018 was 100%.

Site procedures include the completion of a Daily Risk Assessment form to ensure hazards are constantly being assessed as the work process evolves. Staff are encouraged to report near misses in order to assess trends and identify improvement opportunities.

Colloide’s SHEQ coordinator visits sites on a regular basis and conducts site audits. They also employ an external Health & Safety Consultant firm in London to carry out safety audits.

The result of near misses, inspections, audits and feedback from suppliers are compiled in monthly reports to form part of management KPI’s and discussed at monthly management meetings.

The company have recently set up a Health & Wellbeing Committee. The Managing Director chairs the Committee and the SHEQ co-ordinator is the secretary. five employees from different departments in the company make up the Committee. Meetings are carried out bi-monthly.

Quality Performance:

Environmental Sustainability The Finalists: • Adman Civil Projects • David Jameson Roofing Services

• Combined Facilities Management • Dixons Contractors

Adman Civil Projects

A

dman Civil Projects Ltd believe in Environmental Sustainability and address key areas:

Adoption of measures to minimise waste: • A Site Environmental Plan (SEP) is produced for every project & is continuously updated/reviewed during the life of the project. The SEP contains site-based systems for the effective management of environmental matters during the construction phase including waste management & measures include: ‘just in time ordering’, working with supply chain to reduce unnecessary packaging, segregation of all waste & recycling e.g. Adman maintain designated washout areas for concrete wagon shoots & mortar bins on sites to collect concrete waste.

• Benchmarked against Northern Ireland’s most sustainable organisations to improve their environmental impact year on year on and better manage resources.

Protection & enhancement of the environment: • All sites issued with spill kits • Adman operate an energy efficient plant fleet where equipment is regularly serviced/maintained & fitted accordingly e.g. fully bunded fuel tanks & plant nappies • Adman use innovative design and minimise the risk of water pollution by undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments identifying how to reduce surface water run off & silty waters. Where dewatering has to be carried out, the assessment identifies the most appropriate method of disposal for the local habitat e.g. via discharge to land via settlement ponds, cut-off trenches or even transporting away from site directly via Tanker.

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CEF/Specify awards |59 Quality Performance: Enviormental Sustainability Award

Combined Facilities Management

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FM have developed and implemented successful waste management that centers around ‘Life Cycle Thinking’ in line with IS0 14001 certification.

This approach ensures that the best environmental outcome is identified and implemented. CFM believe waste management is influenced by having effective controls in place supporting specific assessments of each life cycle stage as detailed below. Our operational depots are strategically located to support the geography of our work, reducing fuel consumption and waste transfers back to our NIEA approved recycling facilities. Energy efficient buildings In 2017 CFM carried out two infrastructure investment projects minimizing energy use via environmentally-conscious design and construction.

CFM’sHead Office and Call Centre, Magherafelt was constructed using energy efficient products and materials with air tightness rating of 4.42 m3(h. m2) @ 50 Pa. Buildings works deliver energy efficiency: • Insulated wall and roof cladding • Energy efficient roof lights • Double glazed windows and doors • Low energy lighting installed • Wall and roof interfaces sealed improving air tightness Use of recycled building products and renewable energy • PV installed at Mid Ulster depot feeding surplus electric back into grid • Sourcing of materials having limited impact on environment through production and processing techniques • Utilizing locally sourced sustainable materials/suppliers example using FSC Certified timber products • IT systems for internal stores and van stocks maximizes “first time fix” jobs reducing unnecessary travel

Quality Performance: Enviormental Sustainability Award

Dixons Contractors

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ixons have been a licensed Waste Carrier and have held a Waste Management Exemption for our Head Office yard for over 15 years.

Following the investment our facility has now achieved status as a licensed Waste Transfer Station. This enables the trained operatives in our facility to receive and segregate non-hazardous and inert waste removed from sites. The segregated waste is held in a waste transfer station prior to onward transport for reuse, recycling or processing.

During one recent private housing project, we excavated in excess of 5000 tonnes of rock, which was crushed on site and reused throughout the construction process requiring no new materials to be purchased.

Our site teams are responsible for ensuring pollution prevention controls are implemented on site. We do not store fuel on any sites, instead refuelling using a mobile bowser. Spill kits are located on all sites with employees trained on spillage response.

One of our recent projects is located next to Belfast lough and we have implemented many additional control measures to protect the surrounding environment and its biodiversity e.g. cut off drains and bunds installed, tree protection zones established and plant nappies.

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Quality Performance: Enviormental Sustainability Award

David Jameson Roofing Services

D

avid Jameson Roofing Services Environmental Management System is the BS8555 and in July 2016 they were the first company in the world to achieve Level 6.

Adoption of measures to minimise, reuse and recycle waste at DJRS includes: • In their yard the company has six segregation skips (Timber, 2nr General, Plasterboard, Metal and Glass/paint tins) to help with recycling needs and also to help keep costs down.

• Company director David Jameson has Nebosh Environmental training to ensure the company maintains all environmental regulations.

• Installation of 44 solar panels on the 15/12/2017 at the HQ, to assist in bringing down the carbon footprint.

Protection and enhancement of the surrounding environment & its biodiversity and the avoidance of pollution includes: • The company has two divisions, Roofing and Asbestos. Both occupations can be hazardous to the environment, to ensure they are fully prepared for worst case scenarios on the job DJRS have control procedures put in place.

• On all roofing jobs the main hazard is liquid bitumen primer spilling, to combat this hazard DJRS have spill kits in all vehicles, they are used to contain the spill to prevent it spreading further and assist with the clean-up operation.

CEF/SpecifyCEF awards |29

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OPERATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME CITB NI has launched a free programme to train 15 new construction site operatives The programme will provide training in 25 skill areas over 3 modules essential for the competent site operative.

Employers who agree to participate in the programme will receive free publicity and acknowledgment. Commitment to supporting the programme is easy; all that is required is for employers to agree to interview the programme participants at the completion of the training with a view to potential employment.

The programme will commence in September and run for four months and incorporate thirty days of training.

Please visit here for further information: http://www.cefni. co.uk/downloads/General_ Constriction_Operative_ Training_Flyer_Employers_ Final.pdf

SAFETY FOCUS ‘A GAMECHANGER’ FOR SCAN ALARMS

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can Alarms engaged Safety Focus to review their health and safety processes and it has resulted in a completely different approach to health and safety.

Operations Director Stewart McQuinston commented, “As a company Scan Alarms has always taken health and safety seriously but as part of a review process we engaged Safety Focus to ensure we continued to improve. Following discussions with Jon we recognised the need to have a dedicated resource to manage the safety and quality aspects of our business. Ryan was brought in as Compliance Manager and with Jon’s guidance has made a fantastic start on improving our performance”.

Scan Alarm’s Compliance Manager Ryan McCurry added, “I have found Jon’s input invaluable as I settle into my new role. It has been hugely beneficial to tap into Jon’s extensive safety knowledge. With his guidance, we have developed safe systems of work which has enhanced our safety management system.

What I found really useful was that Jon was easily contactable if I had an issue and provided direction

when needed. I’d be more than happy to recommend Safety Focus to other companies”.

Safety Focus is the CEF health and safety service. It provides members with access to a highly qualified but practical health and safety expert. Safety Focus delivers a bespoke flexible service focussed on members specific health and safety needs.

The service is delivered by Jon Mowbray, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), who has in excess of twenty years’ experience as a construction health and safety practitioner.

For a free ten-minute consultation with Jon, to discuss how Safety Focus can benefit your business, please contact Janet Carson on 028 9087 7143. A half day consultation costs £250 plus VAT or £395 plus VAT for a full day.

CEF RESPONSE TO HSENI CORPORATE PLAN CONSULTATION

The Construction Employers Federation, at the end of June, submitted its response to the HSENI’s consultation on its draft Corporate Plan.

Overall the response it supportive of the draft plan. CEF believes the proposed key outcomes are achievable and welcomes the increased focus on occupational health.

HSENI’s key priorities for construction are to educate, inform and appropriately enforce the following key issues: • Work at height • Vehicle- Pedestrian Safety • Slips, trips and falls • Occupational lung disease and cancer • Demolition • Asbestos removal • Embedding principles of CDM CEF agrees that these are key issues within the construction industry and supports the collaborative approach HSENI plans to take to tackle these issues.

The CEF response can be viewed here: https://www.cefni.co.uk/downloads/20180622_HSENI_Draft_Corporate_ Plan_CEF_Response_FINAL1.pdf

FEDERATION COMMENTS AFTER DISMISSAL OF ARC21 JUDGMENT APPEAL

Commenting after the Department for Infrastructure’s appeal against the Arc21 judgment was dismissed at the High Court in early July, Construction Employers Federation Assistant Director David Fry said:

time that those options are made public and we hope that the Secretary of State will have given significant consideration to the proposals that the business community made to her on 29 May.

“Today’s judgment has huge implications for a number of major infrastructure projects that were either due to proceed imminently or are in the planning process.

Indeed, in commenting that, “It follows from our analysis of the constitutional position of civil servants that any decision which as a matter of convention or otherwise would normally go before the Minister for approval lies beyond the competence of a senior civil servant in the absence of a Minister”, the judgment asks serious questions about a significant part of the public sector construction programme and its ongoing deliverability.

“Given how dependent the local construction industry remains on public sector expenditure, and given how little leeway this judgment appears to give civil servants in the ongoing impasse, we are at serious risk of doing nothing more than playing around with people’s jobs and livelihoods.

“When speaking to business group representatives last week the Secretary of State said that the Government, in advance of the decision in this appeal, were looking at a variety of different options that would look to ensure the continued good governance of Northern Ireland should the appeal fail. Given this verdict, it is now

“The construction firms we represent are fed up with the lack of leadership and abdication of responsibility that the last 18 months has seen. We stand on the brink of a complete paralysis in decision making and it is simply not acceptable to just allow this to roll on in perpetuity.

As we have said on countless previous times, our preference is the establishment of a Northern Ireland Executive. However, failing that, we need to move to a position where the functions of government can be exercised in a way that any other part of these islands would expect as a matter of course.”

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FEDERATION COMMENTS ON ‘ALARMING’ CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN Commenting after the publication of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin for Q1 2018 in mid-July, which showed that the total volume of construction output in the first quarter of 2018 decreased by 6.5% compared with Q4 2017, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said: “Today’s alarming publication is yet more evidence, as if it were needed, of an industry suffering as a direct consequence of Northern Ireland’s political impasse.

“The lack of leadership and abdication of responsibility that the past 18 months has seen is now clearly impacting on the levels of public sector work coming to the market as well as the confidence of the private sector with regard to investing in new development.

“Looking purely at the public sector spend, these figures clearly show that, even though Executive Department’s capital budgets have been on the rise, the lack of Ministerial authority and accountability has left civil servants increasingly unable to progress works. Importantly, this slowdown in activity encompasses not just the large-scale Flagship projects that get so much attention, but also the smaller to mid-sized education, health and housing

works which are the lifeblood of local contractors, their employees and their supply chains.

“While Brexit completely consumes our political discourse, this survey is a pretty stark reminder of the actual reality of what contractors are having to deal with day to day.

“The Secretary of State promised a statement in the House of Commons before the summer recess in the wake of the Buick/Arc21 judgment on matters related to continued good governance in Northern Ireland. That must be a statement with clear options for moving forward contained within.

It is simply not acceptable for this impasse to persist any further”.

NEW ‘EMPLOYER TOOLKIT’ TO SUPPORT EU STAFF

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he Home Office has published an employer toolkit which is intended to give employers information on how EU citizens will be able to apply for settled status in the UK over the coming period. This is so HR teams are better equipped to answer potential questions and directly help their EU employees over the next few years.

The introduction pack (aimed at the person taking the lead on this within your company) and a briefing pack (key information to be shared with HR teams, senior management and EU staff directly) are key documents.

There’s also further information on the Home Office website: https://www. gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-employer-toolkit Please note that Irish citizens have a special status in the UK that is separate

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from their EU citizenship rights. This status and rights attached to it are enjoyed reciprocally by UK citizens in Ireland. Irish citizens will not need to apply for settled status to protect their rights in the UK, though they are able to do so if they wish.

A first beta testing of the settlement scheme is commencing on 28 August, for EU staff and students of several NHS trusts and universities in the north-west of England. The Scheme will be phased in later this year, and will gradually open more widely until it is fully open by the end of March 2019.

But there is no rush – those who are resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 will have until 30 June 2021 to make an application. Individuals rights will remain unchanged until then, provided that they were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

CPD CONSTRUCTION COPES DYNAMIC SHORTLISTING SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS CONTRACTS As agreed by CIFNI in June 2017, from 1 September 2018, all appropriate Building, Civil Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical construction projects which have an estimated value below the current EU Threshold of £4.5m and are procured by one of the CPD Construction CoPEs i.e. Construction Division or Health Projects Division will have a shortlist generated by the use of a Dynamic Shortlisting System.

Health Projects Register of Contractors will be migrated to the DSS. Information in relation to this process will be issued via eTendersNI in advance of 1 September 2018.

The use of the DSS will be broadly based on the CPD-Health Projects Register of Contractors.

Any queries in relation to the above notification can be submitted via ProcurementStandards.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk

The use of the DSS will initially be piloted for a 12-month period during which time its operation will be monitored and reported on by CIFNI. These reports will be used to inform and revise the approach to be adopted in relation to the DSS in the longer term.

Guidance on the DSS is available here: http://www.cefni.co.uk/downloads/ Dynamic-Shortlisting-System.pdf

An application process for contractors currently not listed will be published on eTendersNI in advance of 1 September 2018.

During the 12-month pilot period the DSS will not be used by any other construction CoPE apart from the CPD Construction CoPEs. Contractors currently listed on the CPD-

CSR INTRODUCES TRAINEE CARD The Construction Skills Register is introducing a new Trainee Card with immediate effect. The card is aimed at candidates with limited construction experience who are in the process of completing a construction related NVQ qualification.

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a card:

Be registered on a construction related NVQ qualification Complete the CSR one day health and safety course The CSR one day health and safety course can be completed at any of the accredited CSR training providers listed on our website. Please contact the training providers directly for bookings.

The new trainee card will be valid for four years from the date of completion of the CSR one day health and safety course. The card cannot be renewed. Candidates are expected to progress to a skilled card on completion of the qualification.

Apprentice cards will remain for those candidates who are registered on an Apprenticeship.

For further information please contact the CSR Scheme Manager, Jonathan Caughey on 028 9087 7150 or jcaughey@cefni.co.uk

INVITATION TO LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME

T

he Laying the Foundations for Mental Health programme is being delivered by Inspire Workplaces on behalf of Mates in Mind in partnership with CITB NI.

For further information please visit here: https://www.cefni.co.uk/news/ invitation-to-laying-the-foundations-for-mental-health-programme

This FREE half-day course will challenge the stigma associated with mental health, help construction workers better recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, help workers protect and promote their own mental health and where they can find help. The training will provide practical tips, action plans and self-help strategies.

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DELOITTE |63

HMRC TO CRACK DOWN ON ‘MISSING TRADER’ VAT FRAUD

BY BRIAN BIRT, MANAGER AT DELOITTE NI

newly constructed retail premises.

Also excluded are supplies of specified services where the Supplier and Purchaser are connected in a particular way, and for supplies between landlords and tenants.

What are the potential impacts?

Builders will need to take additional cautionary measures from 1 October 2019 when a VAT Reverse Charge is introduced for a wide range of construction services. This measure is aimed at eliminating the opportunity for fraudsters to charge VAT before absconding with the tax collected.

The introduction of the Reverse Charge in the industry means that businesses will need to adapt their systems and manage their cash flow differently. Fortunately, owing to the large number of small businesses potentially affected by a reverse charge for construction services, the government has given a long lead-in time to help businesses adjust.

The issue Organised crime gangs presently extend supply chains on an artificial basis solely with the intention of failing to pay VAT and make incorrect income tax deductions.

‘Missing Traders’ commit the fraud

while operating alongside firms which supply actual construction services. There are instances when sub-contractors provide groups of workers to the construction sector and charge VAT on the ‘supply of construction services’ but leave their VAT bills with HMRC unpaid.

How will the introduction of the VAT Reverse Charge eliminate ‘Missing Traders’ VAT Fraud?

Currently, suppliers in the construction industry charge and account for output VAT by either zero-rating their supplies or charging VAT at a positive rate (5% or 20%). Having collected VAT on their invoices presents the opportunity to fraudulent suppliers to abscond with the tax.

However, under the VAT Reverse Charge mechanism suppliers will not collect VAT on their sales invoices, with the burden of accounting for the output VAT shifting to the customers. In practical terms, for most transactions the VAT is simply netted off in the customer’s VAT return and is no more than an accounting entry.

The domestic reverse charge will only apply when: 1. Both the supplier and purchaser of the transaction are registered for VAT. 2. The Supplier is involved in standard

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rated construction services.

It does not apply to zero rated supplies of construction services.

The application of the Reverse Charge will be on the total value of the affected supply so, for example, if building and construction materials will be included when provided as part of the supply of construction services, the Reverse Charge will apply to all the supplies.

The types of construction services covered are as follows: • Construction, alteration, repair, extension, demolition.

• Dismantling of buildings or structures, of any work forming part of the land.

• Installation in any building or structure.

• Internal cleaning of buildings and structures.

• Painting or decorating the internal or external structures.

• Any service which form an integral part of, or are preparatory to, or are for rendering complete, the services just described.

The Reverse Charge excludes supplies of specified services that are made to non-construction businesses such as a high street retailer and to commercial property developers who are buying Reverse Charge construction services to make an onward sale or lease of

This measure will help level the playing field for businesses by ensuring that VAT fraud is removed from supply chains. This measure will impact on around 100,000 to 150,000 businesses in the construction and building sector. The additional administrative burden for all businesses affected may be significant and one off costs will include training staff on the new rules and adapting VAT accounting packages.

The charge will impact on small and micro businesses, particularly in respect of loss of cash flow where VAT is no longer charged. Some businesses, mainly smaller businesses, use the VAT they collect as working capital before they pay it over to HMRC. A number of sub-contractors in a Reverse Charge construction supply chain may shift from being quarterly VAT payment trades to monthly VAT repayment traders. This will be the case if they buy in materials in the course of making the Reverse Charge supplies.

Further difficulties can arise for suppliers in the construction sector as the intended use by the purchaser is often relevant to the VAT liability to be applied and the intention can change after the supply has been made. No clarity on this technical issue has been provided but it is useful to note that HMRC is undertaking a separate detailed technical consultation on these points.

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Energy Tailored to You - Whoever it’s for, MAINTENANCE COMMISSIONINg whatever solution is required, wherever Acheson & Glover has been in business for Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd it’s located, we are theasenergy more than 50 years.

AsCourt, well in-depthcompany Unit 1a Harbour experience we offer the widest range of that can deliver for your project.

5 Heron Road, inBelfast concrete products the UK and Ireland - from BT3 9HB Whether it’stoa decorative large development manhole covers walling and or a Tel: 028 9020 7207 paving. small residential unit, in a Quality busy urban Premium Swiss Then there’s our unique range of Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk environment or a remote rural location, problem solvers: www.diamondsystems.co.uk Panel for for High Flogas has Systems the right solution you • and SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALLS your clients.

Our experience, End Architecture • expertise ACOUSTICand BLOCKS flexible energy products • THERMAL BLOCKS combine to the most demanding of • PERMEABLEmeet PAVING believe in utmost safety • requirements.

PRESTRESSEDWe FLOORING • and BESPOKE (contact usan toeconomical discuss attentive service, your needs) product delivered by a team you can trust.

Discover & how we canLtd. transform your Acheson glover 64project OldFacades Moy Road us about our CPD or contact Swiss Dungannon courses.

Contact Anne Hurl.

Co. +44 Tyrone Tel: (0)7554 056930 BT71 6PU Office Tel: +44Airport (0)28 79632026 Address: Road West Belfast Tel: 028 8778far4208 Flogas beyond simply Email us goes info@swissfacades.com Harbour Estate Belfast BT3 9ED, Fax: 028 8778 4805 managing and supplying bulk and www.swissfacades.com Northern Ireland Email: solutions@acheson-glover.com cylinder LP Gas requirements.

Web: www.acheson-glover.com Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only Tel: opens028 the9073 door2611 to a versatile, highly

Transforming Exterior Facades

GAS

efficient energy source with affordable PAVInG Web: www.flogasni.com

installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy solutions specific to client applications.

Our experience covers a comprehensive range ofbusiness markets Acheson & Glover has been in for more than 50domestic years. As well as in-depth including (both single experience we offer the widest range of dwelling and metered estates), concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from catering, commercial, industrial, manhole covers to decorative walling and paving. agricultural and automotive.

Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

CPD Learning sessionsRETAINING are now available •CPD SEGMENTAL WALLS from •Flogas ACOUSTIC BLOCKS to assist architects, planning •consultants THERMAL BLOCKS and other specifiers in •updating PERMEABLE theirPAVING core learning and • PRESTRESSED FLOORING knowledge. For more information visit • BESPOKE (contact us to discuss www.flogasni.com/cpd. your needs) Flogas & glover Ltd. Acheson Airport Road West 64 Old Moy Road Belfast Harbour Estate Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT3 9ED BELFAST BT71 6PU 9073 2611 Tel: 028 Tel: 028 info@flogasni.com 8778 4208 Email: Fax: 028www.flogasni.com 8778 4805 Web: Email: solutions@acheson-glover.com Web: www.acheson-glover.com

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PuMPing

RECRUitmEnt FIrE GAS& SECUrItY DESIgN INSTALLATION

Office Tel: +44 (0)28 79632026

Tel:Email 028us info@swissfacades.com 9045 5588 www.swissfacades.com E-mail: info@calorgas.ie safEty Website: www.calorgas.ie GAS FALL PROTECTION PAVInG

Flogas goe managing cylinder L Choosing opens the efficient e installatio create and solutions Our expe comprehe including dwelling Produca The follo catering, c of what agricultur

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Calor is a leading supplier of cleaner, efficient LPG Acheson & Glover has been in business for energy solutions in as in-depth All Ireland Sales more than 50 years. As well experience we offer the widest range of Northern Ireland with concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from and Marketing manhole covers to decorative walling and you have specialist knowledge paving.

MAINTENANCE COMMISSIONINg Recruitment that isn’t KThen Contracts areservicing arange specialist K Contracts are a specialist contractor a there’s our unique of the construction CPD Lea covering sectors problemall solvers: “Northern Ireland’s Systems Leading FamilyDiamond Electronic Ltd sectors who specialise in the design, supply and installation of safe contractor servicing the CPD sess Specialists Owned Fire &Court, Security Specialists” Unit 1a Harbour • Horizo Including Industrial, Flogas to • SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALLS Diamond Systems equipment.

5 Heron Road, Belfasthave been providing Overh construction and related consultan Calor gas Northern • ACOUSTIC BLOCKS innovative and security solutions for • Mobile BT3 9HB fire Commercial, Hospitality, Calor gas Northern • THERMAL BLOCKS Providing on-site safety for: in updating • Eyebolt sectors who specialise the a range of clients, Tel: 028 9020 7207 throughout Northern DESIGN, SUPPLY , INSTALL AND • info@diamondsystems.co.uk Advertising/Media Ireland Limited • Demar Agriculture, and • PERMEABLE PAVING Ireland for overLimited 27 years, from commercial knowledg Email: • Construction Ireland MAINTENANCE OF design, supplyFLOORING and installation • Annual • PRESTRESSED and industrial premises to public sector www.diamondsystems.co.uk www.floga • Maintenance Domestic.

• Risk As • Building & Construction • BESPOKE (contact usLIFELINES to discuss and residential.

- HORIZONTAL of safety & height • Mainte • Engineering your needs) Flogas - ACCESS LADDERS We offer our customers: RTU LTd • Trainin • Chemicals - DAVIT ARMS Airport R equipment.

Airport Road Acheson & glover Ltd. LADDERS Cloughfern Avenue, • Fire Detection & Alarm - FABRICATED /West, FALLGUARD Airport Road West, Belfast Ha GAS 64 Old Moy Road GUARDRAILS Newtownabbey, BT37 0UZ • •FMCG/Foodservice Fire Suppression Systems Pronet Sydenham, Lifeline Air Bags BELFAST - ABSEIL POINTS / RAILS/ DAVIT Dungannon Sydenham, • Integration Tel: 028 028 9 9 ARMS/ SAFETY EYE BOLTS , Tel: Mobile: 07748 786 076 DESIGN, SUPPLY Co. Tyrone • Tailored energy • IT +44 (0)28 &9085 1441 Belfast, BT3 9EE. • IntruderT:Detection Alarm Fax: 028 Email: in BT71 6PU Belfast, BT3 9EE. Fax: 028 8772 9262 info@rtu.co.uk • E: CCTV INSTALL AND Email:ww inf KControl Contracts Ltd Web: solution Tel: 028 8778 4208 •• Access Marketing Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: malachymckee@me.com Web: ww Tel: 028 9045 5588 Fax: 028 8778 4805 www.rtu.co.uk MAINTENANCE OF Web:design www.lifelineairbags.co.uk Belfast: 028 9064 306 • Remote Monitoring Web: ww •E-mail: Full service info@calorgas.ie Email: solutions@acheson-glover.com •info@calorgas.ie Retail •E-mail: Emergency Communications Systems HORIZONTAL LIFELINES Web: www.acheson-glover.com Email: cathal@kcontacts.

London: 02037447359 •Website: Technicalwww.calorgas.ie support and • Telecoms Website: www.calorgas.ie - FABRICATED & guidance PlastER & LADDERS DESIgN INSTALLATION Flogas goes •farTechnical/ beyond simply FALLGUARD Pla managing and supplying bulk and • PlastERBOaRD 24-hour emergency GUARDRAILS cylinder LPConstruction Gas requirements.

Pla Calor is a leading supplier CalorLPisGas a leading call -out Choosing from Flogassupplier not only ABSEIL SYSTEMS of cleaner, efficient LPG opens the door to a versatile, highly of cleaner, efficientaffordable LPG - SAFETY efficient source with Unit 2, 1energy Edgewater Road, energy solutionsEYEBOLTS in installation and running costs energy solutions in– we Belfast Harbour, INSPECTION AND Calor Accredited CPD Northern Ireland with create and implement tailored energy Belfast, BT3 9JQIreland Northern with MAINTENANCE solutions specific to client applications.

Tel: +44 28 9077 0999 programme available. specialist knowledge COMMISSIONINg Our experienceknowledge covers MAINTENANCE a specialist E: glenn.mccormick@salesplacement.com comprehensive range of markets covering all sectors Content includes LPg Gyproc is the market leader in plaster, Web: www.salesplacement.com Nation Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd covering all sectors including domestic (both single plasterboard and drylining systems, Unit 1a Harbour Court, Counc Including Industrial, Product Knowledge, dwelling and metered estates), manufacturing in Ireland since 1936, with a 5 Including Heron Road, Belfast Industrial, Holyroo catering, long history of providing innovative, costBT3 9HB commercial, industrial, Commercial, Hospitality, gas Regulations and Belfast effective and reliable products that meet Commercial, Hospitality, agricultural and automotive.

Tel: 028 9020 7207 REtaining walls Agriculture, and Tel: 02 the demands of the construction industry.

Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk Standards.

Courses Agriculture, and Looking to the future Gyproc is determined www.diamondsystems.co.uk Fax: 02 CPD Learning Domestic. remain at the as market areto FREE offorefront, charge and leader, CPD sessions are now available from Domestic. continuing toour provide innovative, sustainable We offerby customers: Flogas to assist architects, planning available arrangement design solutions for the buildings of the future.

We offer consultants and our other customers: specifiers in GAS tREE updating their core learning and with one of our Calor knowledge. For more information visit sERV Belfast: 028 9064 3706 Retain provides a design supply & Business Development • Gyproc, Tailored energy www.flogasni.com/cpd.

Ireland installation serviceenergy for a range of earth • Tailored Unit 4, Kilcarbery Business Park, London: 02037447359 Engineers.

Contact solution Flogas retention systems. All of the systems Nangor Rd, Dublin 22, Ireland solution Airport Road WestThis ensures clients are class leaders. cpd@calorgas.ie • Direct Full design service Line 01-6298400 Belfast Harbour Estate that theservice most suitable •confidence Full design www.kcontracts.com www.gyproc.ie BELFAST BT3 9ED system is used in each given application.

• Email: Technical support and enquiries@gyproc.ie Tel: 9073 2611 support and • 028 Technical cathal@kcontracts.com Profes guidance • Email: Greenface • Andacrib • Modular Block info@flogasni.com Flogas goes far beyond simply guidance Crown l • Gabions • Installation • Permacrib Web: www.flogasni.com managing and supplying bulk and • 24-hour emergency Se cylinder LP Gas requirements.

• 24-hour emergency PVC BUilDing Dea call out Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only Storm PRODUCts out to a versatile, highly openscall the door Re Supplying Northern Ireland's leading architect and builders

www.kcontracts.co

efficient energy source with affordable installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy Calorspecific Accredited CPD solutions to client applications.

Our experience covers a programme available. comprehensive range of markets including domestic (both single LPg Content includes dwelling and metered estates), Product Knowledge, catering, commercial, industrial, agricultural and automotive.

gas Regulations and CPD Learning Standards.

Courses CPD sessions are now available from are to FREE of charge and Flogas assist architects, planning consultants and other specifiers in available by arrangement updatingSolutions their coreLtd learning and Retain knowledge.

ForBelfast more information 56 York Street, with one of our Calorvisit BT15 1AS www.flogasni.com/cpd.

Tel: 028 9031 3881 Business Development Flogasretain@retain.co.uk Email: Airport Road West Engineers. www.retain.co.uk Contact Belfast Harbour Estate cpd@calorgas.ie BELFAST BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

Calor Accredited CPD programme available.

Content includes LPg Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

Product Knowledge, gas Regulations and • FASCIA & SOFFITS Standards.

Courses • HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING are FREE of charge and • WINDOW TRIMS available by arrangement • RAINWATER SYSTEMS with one of our Calor Business Development Head Office: Unit 2 Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Engineers.

Contact 26 Stockmans Way, Belfast, BT9 7ET cpd@calorgas.ie TEL: 02890381990 www.wilplas.com E-mail Sales@wilplas.com

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380 Cookstown 028 86764422 Newry 028 30252499

Sect

Stum

Hi Shrub

C Fully

C Tr

TEL: 02 Ema Webs

UPCOMING CIOB EVENTS Thursday 30th August 2018 Summer Bowling Evening Odyssey Bowl, Belfast Thursday 30th August 2018 Holiday Inn Express Site Visit Londonderry/Derry Thursday 13th September 2018 Update on Building Regulations Londonderry/Derry Central Library Tuesday 18th September 2018 Procurement & Tendering Tips NOVUS Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Belfast Wednesday 19th September 2018 Meet the CIOB Crowne Plaza, Belfast Friday 21st September 2018 Hillsborough Castle Site Visit Hillsborough

Tuesday 23rd October 2018 Key Issues in Standard form of Construction Documents - NOVUS Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Belfast Thursday 25th October 2018 CV & Interview Skills Workshop (1) - NOVUS Hays Recruitment, Belfast Thursday 1st November 2018 CV & Interview Skills Workshop (2) - NOVUS Hays Recruitment, Belfast Saturday 3rd November 2018 CIOB Graduation Ceremony Titanic Belfast, Belfast Tuesday 20th November 2018 Adjudication Mediation & Litigation Seminar - NOVUS Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Belfast

Thursday 27th September 2018 Microsoft Project for Construction Managers Mullen Training, Belfast

Thursday 29th November 2018 Microsoft Project for Construction Managers Mullen Training, Belfast

Friday 28th September 2018 Modular Construction Site Visit NOVUS McAvoy Factory, Lisburn

Wednesday 23rd January 2019 CIOB/CITB Annual Lecture and Presentation Awards CITB, Antrim

Thursday 4th October 2018 Collateral Warranties Made Simple Seminar Tughans Solicitors, Belfast

Thursday 24th January 2019 Chartered Building Companies & Training Partners, Networking Event Crowne Plaza, Belfast

Thursday 18th October 2018 Contract Termination Seminar Tughans Solicitors, Belfast

Friday 22nd February 2019 Annual Gala Dinner Hilton Hotel, Belfast

Attendance at any event can be booked by visiting www.ciob.org Enquiries: Julie Fitzsimmons, CIOB Member Services and Events Coordinator Belfast t: +44 (0)1344 630847 - m: +44 (0)7760 164101- e: jfitzsimmons@ciob.org.uk - w: www.ciob.org/events

THE CIOB IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL PROFESSIONAL BODY FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP. Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Official Irish Agents for leading global brands - Hire & Sale Nationwide delivery available Warranty, parts & maintenance service Finance available on orders over 1000 Visit: www.laoishire.com Email: cstafford@laoishire.com | Phone: Conor Stafford (086) 1437878

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Doorways | 69

OPENING NEW DOORS AT DOORWAYS

The Macnaughton Blair owned businesses Moffett Thallon Doorways and MB Architectural have joined forces under the “Doorways Architectural Solutions” brand to offer a one stop for architects and building contractors requiring doors, doorsets, ironmongery, access control and door automation solutions.

Doorways also offers a complete service to both trade and retail customers.

Doorways primary focus is on the customer. The company operates to the stringent ISO9001 standard. It is also able to offer a full joinery service and is certified by BWF to cut and glaze into fire doors.

Doorways has experience of working with architects and contractors on a wide range of high profile projects such as the five star Culloden Hotel in Holywood, the Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy and Methodist College in Belfast. It is working with these highly prestigious contracts that sets Doorways out as experts in their field and the complete service that they offer includes: Doors and Doorsets: A wide range of

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both internal and external doors are available, as well as certified fire doors and matching doorsets.

Ironmongery: A specification and scheduling service is available on all ironmongery products from a wide range of reputable suppliers.

Access Control: Doorways can offer both an installation and a maintenance service for all access control and door automation requirements Joinery Service: This is available for bespoke projects as well as for glazing of doors and firedoors.

“Doorways has been established as the complete one stop shop for the

doors and ironmongery market,” says Sales Manager Robert McNeill.

“In addition to that we can also install and maintain access control systems and door automation.”

“With a focus on Healthcare, Leisure, Education and Domestic projects we hope to give our customers choice, quality, design, and service.”

Both Moffett Thallon and MB Architectural have a long and distinguished history of serving the Northern Ireland construction industry, with this year being Moffett Thallon’s 50th anniversary year. What better time to launch an industry leading service through Doorways and Doorways Architectural Solutions…

Sign up to CIS FREE to get 3 day's full access to our premium system. Contact us on:

Construction Information Services (CIS) is the market leader in supplying All-Ireland construction opportunities. We provide fully researched real-time information on construction projects from pre-planning to on-site stages. *This project listing was generated on 10th August 2018.

Phone:

Banbridge Office: 028 4064 8110 Dublin Office: 00353 (0)1 2999 200

Website:

www.cisireland.com

Email:

sales@cisireland.com

CIVIL AND UTILITIES ProjectID Title

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site On Site

Civil and Utilities Civil and Utilities

€23,700,000 £4,000,000

Co. Dublin Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site Contract Awarded

Commercial Commercial

£5,000,000 £45,000,000

Co. Antrim Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

Tender

Community and Sport

£9,435,400

Co. Londonderry

Tender On Site

Community and Sport Community and Sport

£7,000,000 £35,000,000

Co. Antrim Co. Armagh

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site Contract Awarded

Education Education

€70,000,000 €15,000,000

Co. Dublin Co. Limerick

On Site Contract Awarded

Education Education

€110,000,000 £7,000,000

Co. Dublin Co. Tyrone

On Site

Education

£21,500,000

Co. Tyrone

Stage

Category

Value

County

Contract Awarded

Industrial

£20,000,000

Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

Tender

Medical

£3,500,000

Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site On Site

Residential Residential

€9,964,000 €51,079,000

Co. Carlow Co. Dublin

Contract Awarded On Site

Residential Residential

€43,394,400 €13,555,740

Co. Dublin Co. Meath

948648 €125m - Residential Development 1002855 £8m - MTC for Servicing & Response Maintenance to Heating Systems 1003089 £6m - Housing Design and Build Contract 1002493 £45m - Housing Design & Build Contract 1002495 £4.6m - Housing Design & Build Contract

On Site Tender

Residential Residential

€125,500,000 £8,000,000

Co. Dublin Co. Antrim

Tender

Residential

£6,000,000

Co. Tyrone

Tender Tender

Residential Residential

£45,000,000 £4,600,000

Co. Down Co. Fermanagh

1003088 £26m - Housing Design and Build Contract, Phase 4 897652 £10m - Residential Development

Tender Tender

Residential Residential

971019 €23.7m - Reservoir Works 897405 £4m - Bus Lanes

COMMERCIAL ProjectID Title 935413 £5m - New Supermarket 902365 £45m - Office Development

COMMUNITY AND SPORT ProjectID Title 819552 £9.4m - Community Centre/Residential Development 1003102 £7m - Multi Use Community Hub 895647 £35m - Leisure Centre

EDUCATION ProjectID Title 828614 €70m - East Quad - Grangegorman 862045 €15m - School Development 828604 €110m - Central Quad - Grangegorman 796641 £7m Shared Educational Campus Phase 2 - Integrated Consultant Team 840151 £21.5m - School Development

INDUSTRIAL ProjectID Title 979716 £20m - Storage and Warehousing Facility

MEDICAL ProjectID Title 1002483 £3.5m - Demolition Works

RESIDENTIAL ProjectID Title 871134 €9.9m - Residential Development 822024 €51m - Residential Development 856020 €43m - Mixed Use Development 756686 €13.5m - Housing Development

Check us out £26,000,000 on social media Co. Londonderry www.specifymagazine.co.uk

£10,753,650

Co. Antrim

EHA GROUP |71

ED ALLINGHAM – ENJOYING LIFE AT THE DEEP END… “London has possibly gone off the boil,” comments Ed, “but there is still plenty of work around in places like Leicester and Plymouth. We’ve already signed up another project in Plymouth worth around £30million.

I’ve moved the company up another tier into a different league now; we are now well established with the big trust funds in London and have our sights on continued growth.”

EHA Group take the lead in Design and Build, Civil Engineering, Contracting and Specialist Joinery projects across the UK. The group pride themselves in the great working relationships they have built with their partners and clients, who appreciate the ability for direct contact within this family run business.

Subsequently developing lasting, multiproject relationships over the past 28 years.

EHA’s 22,800 sq. ft head office and joinery manufacturing is located at Campsie Business Park, Derry with additional offices in Belfast and London.

At 28 years old, Ed Allingham is the UK Construction Director for the EHA Group. The Irish branch of EHA Group is well known for its social housing projects here, building over 400 houses across Northern Ireland, but the UK arm is just as busy. The group is currently constructing two schemes in London as well as a major redevelopment project in Plymouth.

Responsible for EHA Group’s UK division, Ed admits that he didn’t originally plan a career in construction even though the company was started by his father, Edward, back in 1990…

“I was actually a professional motocross racer,” Ed told Specify.

“When I was a teenager that’s all I wanted to be and achieved that goal, but when I was around 17 or 18 I got a couple of nasty injuries. I had always worked in the family business after school and in the summer holidays, usually on the diggers and machinery.

With the motocross injuries I had a lot of downtime so I ended up working for my father’s uncle who owned a

ED Allingham

farm with a lot of buildings on it. I didn’t realise it at the time, but they were training me up!

From building sheds on the farm to my first scheme in London in my early twenties, I had to prove my worth, getting involved from the foundations, learning every aspect of the build.”

Ed was appointed UK Construction Director for EHA Group after that and he spent the next few years getting more work in the London area. Then two years ago he pulled in the biggest job of his career in Plymouth; the remodelling, extension and refurbishment of a 75,000 sq. ft.

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former department store and adjacent building in Plymouth, which Ed is overseeing. ‘Derry’s Cross’ Department Store closed its doors for the final time in July 2010. Then early last year (2017) EHA signed a construction contract to the value of £32.5m for the Plymouth Cross Project.

The two buildings will be refurbished with more retail and leisure space, a 110 bed Premier Inn Hotel and a 500bed student accommodation block.

EHA’s clients benefit from the expertise of their talented team of 90 staff members, a team that has been built over the past two decades, with vast experience at all levels of construction.

Find out more about the group at: www.ehagroup.co.uk

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74| INTERVIEW

Specify talks to Rachel Corbally Development Manager for Ireland with the CIOB. Q: Did you plan to get involved in the Construction Industry?

Not really it was more a question of my father having a structural steel business, so I was sequestered to work with him. I was fifteen when I started in steel construction and barring a brief stint as a publican’s wife and my years in Gunne estate agents I have always been in construction.

Q: How did you start off?

Well like I said my father started me off, but really my own career in construction started when I was working for Gunne Estate Agents in my twenties. Whilst covering the New Homes Division for a colleague on leave, a Developer approached me about working as a Site Liaison Officer and it just took off from there!

Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far?

I think the highlight for me is the fact I now get to work for the CIOB and help in some way to raise the standards of the industry I love and which has given me so much.

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

My father taught me at an early age “Never be afraid of the NO,” always ask, always try, if it’s a no …. Well at least you asked or tried. He also used to tell me just because I was a girl didn’t mean I couldn’t lift a 20ft length of Box Section!

Q: What would you say to any students considering a career in construction?

You will have absolutely no idea how rewarding Construction will be for you. Not alone financially but the

sense of achievement in taking a project from an empty piece of land to a completed structure, cannot be described.

To drive around and be able to see your achievements being lived in worked in and functioning within the environment is just immensely rewarding.

to mention in some cases poor build quality. I would love to see Stormont take an active role in creating a sustainable environmentally sound construction sector. Norther Ireland could lead the way in this I believe.

The CIOB are more than happy to work with Stormont in making this a reality.

Q: Do you think the Construction Sector needs more support from Stormont?

Q: What needs to be done to help the Construction Sector?

Absolutely! We are experiencing a housing shortage and rising rents not

I think firstly the process from planning to breaking ground needs to be made speedier.

I think investing in education of the trades to a higher standard is key. Proper building methods being taught and qualified is essential to the development of the industry.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself…

I am a Total Petrol Head! All my life I’ve loved two things: construction and cars.

My dream car is a Ferrari 250GTO I even have a Tattoo of the Ferrari horse “il Cavellino Rampante”

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Bespoke flashings and fabrications for design flexibility

Kingspan’s own complete range of structural steel products

Kingspan Insulated Panels RW Roof system is a factory-engineered single component system for very fast installation.

The system comprises a complete range of structural steel products, high performance panels, insulated gutters, superior polycarbonate daylighting, height-safety systems and a bespoke range of corners and flashings. As a manufacturer of the complete roof system including all components, we’re with you all the way with services to help save time and maximise project value and performance.

The system can be protected by the Kingspan Warranty.

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