Specify May 2013

Page 1

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

APRIL/MAY 2013

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AH Cladding: Transforming Exterior Façades

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comment |03

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

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Switching on to green energy can brighten up future

T

HE UK is committed to producing 15 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. It is a hugely ambitious target that will require considerable expertise and investment from the construction industry. The UK’s renewables sector is diverse, including wind -- both onshore and offshore -- biomass, tidal, wave, solar and energy from waste. With worldwide fossil fuel resources becoming increasingly depleted, fuel prices rising year on year and the need to commit to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to combat global warming, renewable energy has become an important field within the construction industry. A renewable energy resource is a naturally occurring energy resource that will replenish itself if used to produce energy. Key renewable energy resources include solar, water, wind, geothermal and biomass. These renewable energy resources can be harnessed by a range of different renewable energy systems governed by factors such as climate and location. It has also been found that more jobs can be created through renewable energy than traditional sources. Compared with fossil fuel technologies, which are typically mechanised and capital intensive, the renewable energy industry is more labour-intensive. This means that, on average, more jobs are created for each unit of electricity generated from renewable sources than from fossil fuels. In addition to the jobs directly created in the renewable energy industry, growth in renewable energy industry creates positive economic

Steve Holland Editor,

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“ripple” effects. For example, industries in the renewable energy supply chain will benefit, and unrelated local businesses will benefit from increased household and business incomes. Generating and using renewable energy can help to reduce a company’s contribution to climate change and avoid using carbon intensive resources such as fossil fuels. Many of the products that capture these renewable sources are manufactured by the construction products industry. Renewable energy is low carbon and tends to be generated close to usage, making it a more secure form of energy than oil and gas brought from more volatile parts of the world. Demand for oil and gas from rapidly emerging economies as well as from the expected global population increase mean that fossil fuel prices will inevitably rise over time, especially as they are a finite resource. Renewables represent a low carbon, more secure resource. The UK government has a major focus on increasing the percentage of renewable energy that contributes to

the energy needs of the UK. As part of its obligation to the EU 2009 Renewable Energy Directive it has a target of achieving 15 per cent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 compared to 1.3 per cent in 2005. The government has also produced a Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) In March 2011, the Government announced details of the Renewable Heat Incentive policy aimed at incentivising the use of renewable heat in buildings and homes. In order to meet the ambitious renewable energy targets it is essential that everyone plays their part. The construction industry has had to adapt and take on board the major changes it needed to embrace on the road to a greener future. But there is still a long way to go for the current targets to be met. With sustainability firmly on the agenda, the construction industry can play a crucial role in tackling renewable energy, and therefore developing expertise that will be in growing demand throughout the world.

APRIL/May 2013

contents... 6

Digest

Several pages of news from across the industry starts here.

32

CEF News

44

CITB

72

Product News

61

Directory

74

Price Watch

The Construction Employers Federation update on activities.

Your essential guide to products and services for construction in Northern Ireland. VB Evans delivers its regular update on material prices.

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14 Hilti

A new approach to rebar

NO HOLE CLEANING THANKS TO HOLLOW DRILL BITS A further step towards the cordless jobsite has been taken. Now, for

the first time, there’s a cordless tool available with the power and performance necessary for this application – the new Hilti TE 30-A cordless combihammer. But that’s not all. Hilti has also developed a special hollow drill bit (Fig.1a &b) that allows the dust from the hole to be extracted and collected by the attached vacuum cleaner while drilling is in progress. Thanks to this innovative system, the tedious and time-consuming job of cleaning the holes by brushing and blowing out the dust becomes unnecessary, thus greatly reducing exposure to harmful dust, contributing significantly to improved health and safety as well as making the work more pleasant to carry out. At the same time, expensive equipment such as compressors and other accessories or consumables needed for hole cleaning are no longer required. Removal of dust from the holes through the hollow drill bit is facilitated by the new VC 40-UM-Y hybrid wet/dry cordless vacuum cleaner (Fig. 1), the first of its kind to offer the choice of cordless or corded operation. When connected to a power outlet, this vacuum cleaner also serves as a charger for two batteries.

HILTI HIT-HY 200 INJECTABLE ADHESIVE MORTAR FOR MAXIMUM LOADS

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As hole cleaning takes place automatically while drilling is in progress, in compliance with approval requirements and without any need for reduction of permissible loads, the rebar can be set in the hole immediately after drilling and mortar injection, without any need for further cleaning. Hilti HIT-HY 200 injectable adhesive mortar offers extremely high bond strength for maximum loads. The innovative HDE 500-A22 cordless electric dispenser provides high working comfort and raises efficiency as mortar injection is done considerably faster than with a manual dispenser.

Simply out of this world – No more need to clean holes

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26| energy, waste & environment

energy, waste & environment |27

Saint-Gobain Weber Multi-Coat Render system for groundbreaking award-winning Zero Carbon Development T he high performance weber.rend MT multicoat render system from Saint-Gobain Weber, the leading UK formulator and manufacturer of innovative materials, systems and solutions for the construction industry, has been specified for the construction of Hanham Hall, a zero carbon development in South Gloucestershire.

Barratt Homes have recently been awarded winner of the ‘Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year’, in the Housebuilder Awards 2012, for the Hanham Hall project owned by the Homes & Communities Agency. The properties will offer a bespoke selection of one to five bedroom stylish, energy efficient homes. Set in acres of open space, the 185 spacious dwellings will be constructed around the Grade II listed Hanham Hall centrepiece. The innovative designs, created by HTA Architects, London, provide unique houses with light and airy first floor lounges benefitting from south facing balconies, large double glazed windows that provide maximum natural light for wellbeing, energy efficient construction that will lower energy consumption and CO² emissions, and rainwater harvesting to minimise fresh water consumption. Rory Bergin, HTA’s head of sustainability and innovation, comments: “Design analysis on this project started in 2007 which met the requirements of the Code Six

standards in existence at that time, as well as the zero carbon design criteria. Approval was achieved in 2009. The buildings are super-airtight and use mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) and some renewable energy sources. The airtight standard is 1.5, more than eight times better than the requirements of current Building Regulations’. Rory continues: “The timber frame and SIP panel construction method determined that we chose a clean, simple aesthetic finish for the properties and the light weight of the weber.rend MT system is of benefit here. 50% of the cladding is timber finish and 50% white render. The site design also picked up on the traditional exterior finish of the original Hanham Hall building which is situated at the heart of the development and will become a community centre.â€? The weber.rend MT system is a high performance, multi-coat system, incorporating glass fibre meshcloth, and a resin-rich adhesive coat that carries a choice of textured finishes in a wide range of colours. The system is designed for application into an appropriately framed and panelled background which creates the drained and vented cavity required for NHBC certificated new-builds and is designed for large areas of application. Network Weber-recommended façades applicator Harbour Render Systems, of Lydney, Gloucestershire, is carrying out the render application at Hanham Hall. Phil Bailey, director,

says: “The Bluclad construction boards give a good, stable surface and adhesion. We have developed a good technique by spraying on the first coat of high quality weber.rend LAC basecoat. We then apply the meshcloth and spray-apply a second coat of weber.rend LAC. This is dry-sponged to achieve a smooth, flat finish. When dry, weber PR310 pigmented primer is applied which is the effective method of preparing substrates by reducing suction and providing a colour wash prior to the application of the chosen textured finish which we also spray-apply. The weber.plast P textured synthetic coating in white gives an excellent cover and the buildings look great. With this number of units, Hanham Hall is a two year project for us.� David Bond, technical director for Barratt Homes Bristol commented: “Having specified the Saint-Gobain

Weber product for this site, we have found that it constantly delivers the highest quality finish that is demanded for this scheme, with the finished houses looking better than the CGI’s�. The Hanham Hall development is currently under construction, and is due for completion in 2015. For further information about Saint-Gobain Weber’s External Wall Insulation systems please call 08703 330070, or 028 9335 2999 in Northern Ireland and ROI, or visit www.netweber.co.uk or www.weber. ie and register for your personal copy of the Render Solutions Handbook. A free download of the new ‘Inspirational Renders Guide’ brochure is also available. Alternatively download the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users from the iTunes app store, and from Google Play for smartphones and tablets.

Winters warm up with eco-friendly heating systems A

S well as protecting the planet one Northern Ireland company can supply an energy source that is free and can actually enable clients to make money. Winters Renewables was set up by Gavin Winters in 2005 and specialises in the design and installation of biomass heating systems for commercial and domestic buildings. Under one recent contract carried out by Gavin’s company, a client with an annual oil bill of £25,000 will eventually receive an income of £7,000 a year from their new heating system. Winters Renewables carried out the two-week installation at the Slieve Na Mon care home in Omagh, which has taken advantage of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to gain lasting benefits from its carbon-friendly heating system.

Gavin’s company is a member of the WON Biomass Growers Group with a capacity to grow 1,500 tonnes of wood chip per year and is also a member of Biomass Energy NI. The RHI is a Government guaranteed initiative to promote the use of renewable energies under its European and Kyoto agreement undertaking. This essentially offers an allowance to stimulate this industry with potential savings of up to 100 per cent for up to 20 years.The company is Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), accredited. Since June 2012 the company was appointed agents for the Ny Varra range of willow harvesters, made in Denmark. With oil prices soaring to ever increasing highs, Winters Renewables offer cost-saving biomass technology expertise. With a range of competitive heat packages, Winters

Renewables are the only company with expertise in specification, installation, woodchip supply and maintenance of the Guntamatic biomass boiler system. The company can effectively slash heating costs by up to 100 per cent. which means you can recoup your capital investment cost within 15 months. The Government-run, RHI, means that with your biomass boiler you will earn 5.9p/kWhr. Winters Renewables supply the ultimate package. From specification, installation, woodchip supply, RHI application assistance and boiler maintenance.

WITH WINTERS RENEWABLES YOU GET: • Free on-site survey/consultation; • Tailored packages to suit each customer’s requirements; • Carbon Trust 0 per cent loan application assistance;

• Packages to suit all customers; • RHI allowance application assistance; • A fuel, boiler and maintenance supplier – all from one source! • Carbon neutral friendly solution • Local company – 24-hour callout service • Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer • Fully trained Guntamatic boiler engineers • REAL assurance scheme compliant • A boiler system with 20 yearsplus life expectancy Any business that converts from oil to biomass heating can benefit from the RHI. However the boiler must have been installed after September 2010 to be eligible. The client benefits by getting free heating and an additional income source. This effectively means you are being paid to heat your building. Applications will not close until March 2020.

17 Energy, Waste & Environment Getting to grips with green energy

IT’S A WIN WIN ‘ONE STOP’ SOLUTION Winters Renewables supply the ultimate package. We’re with you all the way - from specification, installation, fuel supply and boiler maintenance. With Winters Renewables you get:

Foster Announces details of first scheme to get renewable heat incentive

E

nergy Minister Arlene Foster has announced details of the first renewable heat scheme to receive funding under the recently launched Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The RHI is a mechanism that supports the uptake of technologies such as biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal panels by providing incentive payments over the lifetime of the technology. Sheridan & Hood, a Belfast-based building services company, has installed a 50KW wood pellet heating module, manufactured and project managed by BS Holdings, at its Belfast engineering facility and is now eligible under the RHI scheme to receive quarterly incentive payments based on their heat output.

Gavin Winters 17 Shaneragh Rd Dromore Co Tyrone Northern Ireland BT78 3EJ Mobile: +44 79 0171 1092 Phone: +44 28 8289 8414 Email: gavin@wintersrenewables.com

• Peace of Mind - Free Consultation • An on-site Survey • Carbon Trust 0% Loan application assistance • Packages to suit all customers • RHI Allowance application assistance • A Fuel Supplier, Boiler Supplier and Maintenance Supplier - all from one source! • Carbon Neutral friendly solution • A 24hr Service Contract • A locally based company - near to you! • Microgeneration CertiďŹ cation Scheme (MCS) • Fully trained Guntamatic Boiler Engineers • REAL Assurance Scheme Compliance • A boiler system with up to 20yrs life expectancy

www.wintersrenewables.com

30| AH Cladding

AH Cladding |31

D

RIVERS on the busy Knock Road in Belfast can hardly miss the eye-catching Spar store that has recently been completed. The colourful cladding that was used on the ÂŁ1.4 million contract was supplied by Anne Hurl of AH Cladding. Architects for the Spar Store were Whittaker & Watt while main contractor on the project was McGaffin Contracts of Belfast. John McGaffin, managing director of McGaffin Contracts, said: “It was an exciting contract particularly with regard to the building design, restricted site access and a challenging programme. It was key that all site operations were carefully planned to ensure we had a well-structured construction programme which led to a smooth handover to the client. AH Claddings supply of precut panels to site ensured the programme of work ran efficientlyâ€?. Whittaker & Watt commented that the contemporary, yet cutting edge design of the flagship store offers a market leading convenience retailing facility. The high impact façade panels

on the projecting eaves are rich in character and employ many environmentally friendly credentials and also offer solar shading to control and limit solar gain during summer months. High percentage glazed elevations maximise natural day lighting in store, and work’s in partnership with an intelligent low energy lighting system. Hence, this building has set the standard for a modern convenience retailing and petrol filling station facility. AH Cladding was the brainchild of construction industry veteran Anne Hurl. In addition to running AH Cladding she also is proprietor of Swiss Facades which is the sole distributor in Ireland of the exclusive Swiss Pearl façade panels. Anne Hurl said it was vital at the early stages of design that working closely with the architect assisted in providing a varied selection of products to choose from but also to meet the criteria needed with regard to environmental impact and waste management. Anne explained “Our approach regarding specifications is to find solutions for architects and to enable optimum usage of panels to reduce waste therefore minimising cutting onsite.

“WHITTAKER & WATT COMMENTED THAT THE CONTEMPORARY, YET CUTTING EDGE DESIGN OF THE FLAGSHIP STORE OFFERS A MARKET LEADING CONVENIENCE RETAILING FACILITY.�

Proud Shopfitters for the Henderson Group www.caemstoredesign.com phone: (028) 9084 9228 email: enquiries@caemstoredesign.com

30 AH Cladding

A new force in cladding

CAEM

N

EWELL Stores Ltd, a Tyrone-based familyowned company, has announced the opening of its second supermarket located in the town centre of Coalisland. The new 25,000 sq ft supermarket, built by main contractor Western Building Systems, will create 150 jobs and, as a direct result, will enhance the Dungannon store with a further 33 jobs through restructuring. The new store which opened recently is estimated to have cost ÂŁ8.5m overall and is reported to be the largest ever investment in the town. Western Building, a leading construction company in the Mid Ulster area, delivered the new 3.5m supermarket project in just seven months. Around 400 people were employed by Western during the construction of the new 25,000 sq feet supermarket. The company, which has been delivering construction projects across the UK and Ireland for over 30 years, has a wealth of experience in the commercial, health and education sectors. Martin McCloskey, chief executive of Western said: “We are very pleased to have been part of such a positive development for Coalisland town centre. Our expertise, project management skills and in-house manufacturing facilities enable us to deliver exceptional buildings within strict budgets and timeframes – and this new store is

testament to that. We are confident this development will bring many benefits to the town and people of Coalisland and we would like to wish Newell Stores every success with their new venture.� Eugene Conway, owner of Newell Stores, said: “We are very happy with the professional service provided by Western Building Systems in delivering this project, which will make a very positive contribution to the current retail offering in the town of Coalisland. Already this project has brought much needed employment to Coalisland and it will be instrumental in attracting more people into the town to support local retailers and businesses.� According to Newell Stores Director Colin Conway, the 9 million investment in the development supported by Danske Bank and the owners of Newell Store - is a vote of confidence in the Coalisland area and the investment that the town was lacking. Aaron Ennis, Danske Bank corporate banking manager spoke of Danske Bank’s investment and its commitment to the project. He said: “Newell Stores is an excellent example of the type of business we are keen to work with. Danske Bank is proud to support such a strong family business and play our part in stimulating both the local jobs market in the Tyrone area, and the wider economy as a whole.� Francie Molloy MLA, Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA and South Tyrone Mayor Phelim Gildernew and Michelle Gildernew

MP officiated at the official opening of the new supermarket. Welcoming the opening of the new store Mr Molloy said: “This is excellent news for the people of Coalisland, with a much needed injection of 170 new jobs and

ÂŁ8.7 million investment into the area. Newell stores have to be congratulated, they are a local business investing in a rural area and its people and they have transformed a derelict site, which was an eyesore into a modern Supermarket.

Peter Hughes Electrical contractor

“Pleased to be associated with Newell Stores Coalisland�

46 Aghareany Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT70 1RL Tel: 028 8776 7751, Mob: 07860463872

54 Newell Store

The latest and greatest products and projects.

Cordless system for post-installed rebar connections M

Western Building delivers ÂŁ8.5m Coalisland Supermarket

Building a future career in construction

14| Hilti

arch 2013 – At the beginning of the year Hilti presented a system of cordless products that revolutionizes the process of making post-installed rebar connections. Thanks to the combination of a cordless combihammer, hollow drill bit, hybrid vacuum cleaner, cordless dispenser and highperformance injectable adhesive mortar, the timeconsuming and unpleasant job of cleaning the holes after drilling now becomes a thing of the past. The mortar can be injected and the rebar set in place in the hole immediately after drilling, in compliance with all applicable approval requirements and without any need for reduction of permissible loads. When making post-installed rebar connections, lengths of rebar are set in adhesive mortar injected into holes drilled in existing steelreinforced concrete components. In order to meet the strict requirements of standards and approvals when using the corresponding injectable mortar system, this is a job that requires a high level of specialist knowhow and must be carried out with great care. At the beginning of the year Hilti presented a coordinated system of components that speeds up the process of making postinstalled rebar connections by up to 50%, greatly reduces exposure to dust, simplifies the application and makes it more reliable not only from the point of view of architects and engineers but also for those executing the work. An electric power outlet and extension cables are no longer necessary for this job as the combihammer, vacuum cleaner and mortar dispenser are all powered by high-performance batteries.

54| Newells

M cGaffin Contracts Ltd

McGaffin Contracts for over the past 25 years have been at the forefront of the construction industry in Northern Ireland, successfully delivering projects to all their clients on time and to budget and creating significant local employment. McGaffin Contracts have also built a strong reputation working in GB and have delivered on a number of signature projects. McGaffin Contracts have experienced staff in all areas of their business assisting them in creating seamless project management procedures within their organisation. Their ability to create and maintain relationships with their clients on all contracts has over the years contributed to McGaffin Contracts establishing an extremely impressive client base.

“Pleased to be the main contractor On the Shandon Park Filling Station� Registered Office: Quaker Buildings, High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8BB Company Registered No: NI 19110

82 Duncrue Street Belfast Northern Ireland BT3 9AR â– 028 9075 4940 â– 028 9035 2200

A new force in cladding

contents |05

Getting to grips with green energy The earth’s long-established energy sources are running out fast. But what are the alternatives? Northern Ireland currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. But fossil fuels are non-renewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve.

53 Adrian Kerr

A remote delay? John Grimes Partnership Limited V Gubbins

28 Anne Hurl

Let’s take a look at Facades!

Front cover

digest

06|

Northern Ireland firm named best in uk by McDonald's

Brick Bits... ONE Northern Irish town has officially opened a new primary school. Education minister John O’Dowd has declared Carrick Primary School in Warrenpoint open. The school, costing around £3 million, is one of dozens of new school projects that have been in the pipeline since 2010. The new school building has 14 classrooms and is on an extended site to cater for the long-term enrolment of up to 410 pupils.

Belfast Harbour Commission has submitted plans to develop a five storey office block at Clarendon Dock. The commission says that the scheme is needed because there is a "quantitative and qualitative" shortage of office space in Belfast. That shortage is in turn inhibiting foreign direct investment, it said. If it gets the go-ahead the building will be known as One City Quays.

The projected cost of Belfast City Council's proposed extension to the Waterfront Hall has risen by £10 million. Last year, the council said the expected cost would be about £20 million, however this has now risen to £30 million. It is planning to extend the Waterfront Hall by adding extra exhibition and conference facilities to the side of the building. The extension is aimed at attracting major international conferences to the city.

Pictured with the award are Mark O’Connor, Director, Marcon Fit-Out, Mark McElroy, Director, Marcon Fit-Out and Joanne Jones, McDonald's Northern Ireland Director of Franchising.

Antrim-based Marcon Fit-Out has been named as McDonald's UK Contractor of the Year at an awards ceremony in Birmingham. The local company, which employs 30 people at its Kilbegs headquarters in Antrim, was awarded the top prize for its work in reimaging McDonald's restaurants across the UK. Working with McDonald's since 2008, the fit-out firm has successfully reimaged over 30 restaurants in the last 12 months across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the North of England. The consistently high quality delivery and level of service in each project saw the firm scoop the top prize. Since 2008, Marcon Fit-Out

has delivered over 100 individual schemes for McDonald's. The Antrim firm's environmental credentials also helped secure the award. The company's specialist joinery manufacturing facility uses sustainably sourced materials in all of its joinery work. Speaking after collecting the award, Mark O'Connor, Director, Marcon Fit-Out, said: "It's a huge honour to be named as McDonald's UK Contractor of the Year and we're incredibly proud to have won the award. Everyone at Marcon Fit-Out has played a key role in winning the award and I'd like to thank our staff and suppliers for helping us achieve this success."

"We've carried out some fantastic projects for McDonald's since commencing work with them in 2008 and we're delighted that our work in the last 12 months has been recognised by the company." Joanne Jones, McDonald's Northern Ireland Director of Franchising, said: "It's fantastic to see a local company win the UK Contractor of the Year award and I'd like to extend my congratulations to Mark O'Connor, Mark McElroy and everyone at Marcon Fit-Out." The McDonald's UK Contractor of the Year awards aims to recognise and reward outstanding service from suppliers across the restaurant's business.

Castle snapped up for £1.2m

A LONG-awaited road widening scheme is now officially under way. Roads Minister Danny Kennedy cut the first sod of turf at the Shore Road in Newtownabbey, heralding the formal beginning for a two-year project to build a dual carriageway from the area stretching out towards Carrickfergus. Mr Kennedy said: “I am very mindful of the impact that this scheme has had on landowners, businesses and >>

A dilapidated castle in Co Armagh has been sold at auction for £1.19 million. Killeavy Castle sits on the slopes of Slieve Gullion and has lain empty for more than 10 years. The Grade 1 listed building was put on the market, along with estate and farm totalling 134 acres, in October 2012 with a guide price of £975,000. The buyer has not been named. However, it is understood he does not live in Ireland but has relatives in, and connections to, the area. The castle is in need of complete restoration and the new owner has indicated he is keen to return the building and estate to its former glory.

"He has said he will take a long-term view, about five to ten years, and is keen to restore it," said Garry Best of Best Properties, who handled the sale. "It's very much a one-off type of property and in a very scenic spot. It also comes with 130 acres so it's not too surprising that it went for more than the guide price." The building started life as a farm house, built in a gothic style by the Foxall family between 1810 and 1820. In 1836, four stone towers, outbuildings and Tudorstyle windows were added and the house became known as Killeavy Castle.

digest

|07

Landmark buildings soar over budget THE cost of seven landmark buildings in Northern Ireland including the showpiece MAC arts centre soared over budget by £25 million. Part of the increase was down to rising prices between plans being completed and construction taking place, the audit office said. Auditors investigated how seven projects performed against time and cost targets: the Grand Opera House, Ulster Museum, Lyric Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Centre, Public Records Office, Crescent Arts Centre and Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. Comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly said: “It is disappointing that most of the construction work did not go according to plan, with delays and cost overruns which resulted in all seven projects needing additional funding.” The combined final cost of the seven projects was £103.4 million, £24.8 million (31 per cent) more than the £78.6 million estimated in the original business cases. The rate of increase ranged from 3.2 per cent for the Public Records Office to 91.3 per cent for the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC). Costs for the MAC, which opened last year and has staged world-class exhibitions and theatre, rose from £9.2 million to £17.6 million. Most projects experienced delays when compared to initial forecasts. Changes in the business cases, the rising cost of construction and unclear objectives contributed to inflation across the projects, the audit office said. Six of the seven projects experienced delays ranging from seven months to two-and-a-half years. The business case for the Lyric provided no indication of an estimated completion date. Nigel Smyth, director of the CBI in Northern Ireland, said: “At a time when the Northern Ireland

MAC arts centre

Executive has a much more limited capital infrastructure funding pot than in recent years, there has to be a greater handle taken on spiralling costs even when, given its wider economic impacts, infrastructure development is in itself something we strongly support.” The firm behind the Lyric in Belfast, Gilbert Ash NI Ltd builders, made a £150,000 donation towards construction costs, which was disclosed immediately by the Lyric. The firm bid for and won the £10.9 million contract in a separate tendering process carried out by a different team from the Lyric’s fundraising department. Despite submitting the most expensive initial estimate, Gilbert Ash was given the job following adjustments because its bid was most “economically advantageous”. The audit office report said: “In the case of the Lyric Theatre project,

the investment decision maker did not identify the potential for conflict of interest and no action was taken to fully consider and record events and decisions regarding the Gilbert Ash NI Ltd patronage in an open and transparent way.” The original Lyric was built in 1968 but by the 1990s was unable to handle the expanding programme of activities and breached health and safety legislation. Its rebuild was funded by an Arts Council lottery grant, the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure and fund-raising by the Lyric itself. Mr Donnelly said his team had been unable to obtain any assurance that the tender evaluation process had been applied in line with best practice or that perceived conflicts of interest had been managed. His audit report noted a full and complete record of the process of weighing the various tenders was

unavailable and no representative of government was present at an evaluation meeting, the latter a “major breakdown” in the assurance process surrounding public expenditure. The audit office said the project manager of the Lyric Theatre rebuild worked with Gilbert Ash NI Ltd on the extension to the Grand Opera House from 2005 to 2007. “The department was unable to provide assurances that potential conflicts of interest had been managed appropriately,” it added. “We would not seek to discourage philanthropy in projects such as the Lyric Theatre, however, it is essential that public bodies identify and manage the potential for any perceived conflict of interest.” A spokesperson for the Lyric said the audit dealt with the department’s management of seven capital projects, including the theatre. “The Lyric notes that the Department has accepted the recommendations made in the report,” he added. “Any further queries about the Audit Office report should be directed to the Department.” The report noted that the contract was awarded to Gilbert Ash in March 2008 but the donation was not noted until seven months later. A spokeswoman for Gilbert Ash said: “We had no control over the adjustment to tender costs made during the procurement process - a practice that is standard in our industry to allow for like-for-like comparison of bids. “We are committed to positively impacting on the community around us. As such, we were delighted to sponsor the Lyric Theatre, a fantastic arts venue and a major contributor to cultural life in Northern Ireland. “We implemented a similar sponsorship partnership when working on the Waterfront Hall project and may follow similar practice in the future, should the opportunity arise.”

Skyway Facilities Services - Recertification and maintenance of Fall Prevention & Facade Access Equipment, Work Safely at Height Training, PFPE Recertification, Lightning Protection Certification, Lifting & Handling Certification, Consultation & Advice Skyway Safe Access Equipment (NI) Ltd, 76a Market Street, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT79 0AA Tel: 0800 9179932 Web: www.SkywayNI.com

08|

digest

Brick Bits... >> residents. “I thank them for their understanding and co-operation and I am confident that they will quickly realise the wide ranging benefits of this investment once the scheme is completed.”

A CALL has been made to start work on the Narrow Water bridge as soon as possible. Sinn Fein has said some of the £58 million in extra capital finding announced in the Budget should go to starting the project. MLA Caitriona Ruane said: “There already has been EU money secured and a commitment given for match funding from both the Irish government and the Assembly.” She said the project would create “much-needed work for the construction industry” and be an economic catalyst for the South Down/ North Louth area.

A £30 MILLION scheme on the Coleraine to Londonderry railway line has reopened ahead of schedule. Services resumed before Easter and in time for many of the major events in the City of Culture year. The line was closed in July 2012 to allow essential renewal and safety works, including completing essential bridge works and the refurbishment of the Bann Bridge. The works were contracted to McLaughlin and Harvey and a joint venture comprising two companies – BAM and FP McCann. Further works are planned on the line during 2014/15 and in 2021.

A major Co.Down property firm has recorded a further loss of £22 million in its latest set of accounts. The details are contained in the 2010 accounts of Bangor-based MAR Properties; the company lost the same amount in 2009. MAR's liabilities now exceed its assets by almost £40 million. The majority of the company's borrowings are now with the Irish government's National Assets Management Agency (Nama).

Pictured at the Hightown Quarry are Ricky Burnett, Policy and Operations Director, arc21 and Ian Smith, Project Director, Becon Consortium. Plans for new waste management infrastructure which will enable arc21, the umbrella waste body for 11 Councils in the East of Northern Ireland, to meet European landfill diversion targets and manage its waste more sustainably were recently unveiled. The announcement has triggered a programme of extensive public consultation designed to explain the proposals in detail, answer questions and provide the public and other stakeholders with an opportunity to provide their feedback ahead of submission of a formal planning application in the autumn. Representing a capital investment of £240m, the plans, if approved, will see the Becon Consortium deliver a Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility alongside an Energy from Waste (EfW) plant located in the existing Hightown Quarry on the Boghill Road, near Mallusk.

Executive told to get its house in order The Public Accounts Committee has accused the Housing Executive of being "out of control" in the way it managed maintenance contracts. It said it exposed the organisation to a significant risk of fraud. The report also criticised the Department for Social Development, which oversees the executive, for not being aware of issues within the organisation. It follows a number of critical reports about the Housing Executive. Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee Michaela Boyle said the report exposed a "catalogue of failures". "We know that most Housing Executive staff, overseeing those businesses contracted to respond to

maintenance needs, are diligent and hard working," she said. "However, we found that the management and oversight of this service has been abjectly poor so poor that it calls into question the capability and competence of management within the Housing Executive over many years, particularly at a senior level. "We would even go so far as to say that it would appear that some members of senior management actively undermined the systems of control that had been put in place." The report highlighted the fact that the committee had raised concerns about the performance of the Housing Executive's management after issues were raised by a whistle-blower and that these reviews had been on-going since 2008.

It found that there was a culture within the Housing Executive that discouraged staff from raising concerns, including the use of IT to attempt to identify an anonymous whistle-blower. Ms Boyle said: "The practices we found give the impression that staff who raise concerns in the course of their work or in a whistle-blowing capacity will not be supported or protected. "I want to put this on the record - discouraging whistle-blowing or creating the perception that whistleblowers are not welcome is simply unacceptable." Last year's audit came after the Housing Executive's contract with the Red Sky maintenance company was terminated in 2011. This followed claims of substandard work and financial irregularities.

digest

|09

Donnelly Group launches business van offers T

he team at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centres know how important cash flow and running costs are to van owners and small businesses.

Therefore, it is making its vans really affordable and easy to budget for with contract hire or finance lease offers until the end of September. These include prices starting from just £199 a month (plus VAT and initial deposit) with deposit contributions from Volkswagen of up to £1,000 + VAT. The finance offers are available on the entire Volkswagen van range. The Caddy is currently available from £199 a month (excluding VAT), a Transporter from £239 (excluding VAT), or the mighty Crafter from £309 (excluding VAT). These offers also include a generous initial rental contribution

from Volkswagen of £1,000 for customers financing a Caddy or Crafter, or £500 for the Transporter. Alternative finance options, such as traditional hire purchase or lease purchase methods, are also available with a competitive flat rate of 3.49 per cent interest, plus a £1,000 deposit contribution for Caddy and Transporter models, or a £2,000 deposit contribution for any Crafter models. ‘Low rate finance, stronger residual values, plus a choice of efficient engines using BlueMotion Technology, significantly reduce the whole life costs of our vans, and make them exceptionally good value,’ said Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Donnelly Van Centres also offer a large selection of Assured Used Vehicles at competitive prices. Currently all Assured Used Volkswagen vans or pick-up (which

come with 1 year warranty) financed through Volkswagen Financial Services at Donnellys will get the next four services absolutely free. To arrange a test drive, or a finance quote, visit your local Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centre at Dungannon, Eglinton or Enniskillen. For full details of the offers available from Donnelly Van Centres, log on to www.donnellygroup.co.uk/

vwcv The Donnelly Motor Group is Northern Ireland’s largest independent new and used vehicle dealership and has seven sites across the province. For the latest updates, follow Donnelly Group on Twitter: @DonnellyGroupNI or Facebook:www.facebook.com/ DonnellyGroupNI.

“Low rate finance, stronger residual values, plus a choice of efficient engines using BlueMotion Technology, significantly reduce the whole life costs of our vans, and make them exceptionally good value” Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

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digest

Foster announces 84 new jobs for Tyrone Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Dungannon company EDGE Innovate is undertaking a £3.4 million expansion, creating 84 new jobs. EDGE Innovate is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of a range of equipment used in the recycling, materials handling and quarrying industries. Its innovative machinery is designed for easy global transportation and is sold via a distribution network to customers throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, India , Australia , North & South America and Antarctica . Invest NI has offered EDGE Innovate £421,500 of support, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, towards capital investment and marketing activities. The 84 new positions range from skilled shop floor operatives to Design Engineers and International Sales and Marketing Personnel. Announcing the investment during a visit to the company, Ms Foster said: “EDGE Innovate is a recently established company with plans to roll out an extensive expansion strategy over the next five years. “The firm’s focus on export marketing and new product development will help to enhance its position within the global marketplace and achieve the sizable export sales it has forecast over the next six months. “EDGE Innovate operates within an important industry for Northern Ireland and its investment not only adds to County Tyrone ’s international standing in the Materials Handling sector but will provide skilled jobs across a range of positions in

this rural area.” Darragh Cullen, managing director of EDGE Innovate said: “We have experienced encouraging sales in our first months of trading and aim to take advantage of the strong demand for our machinery across a range of export markets. “Invest NI’s support will accelerate our capital investment and the availability of the technical skills needed to quickly establish our market position and drive sales.” Meanwhile, Ms Foster has announced that Craigavon company JW Kane Precision Engineering is undertaking a major investment, that will create 30 high quality jobs. The company is investing £6.57million in a number of business development activities to advance its technical, management, finance, marketing and skills capabilities. Invest Northern Ireland has offered almost £900,000 of support, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Announcing the investment during a visit to the company, Ms Foster said: “In recent years JW Kane has become recognised as one of Northern Ireland ’s foremost aerospace-focused precision engineering companies. “This investment marks the next step on its journey to becoming part of the global aerospace supply chain. “Aerospace is a rapidly growing industry and one that is a priority area for the economy. This project fits with the Northern Ireland Aerospace Strategy, which aims to move local companies up the supply chain by helping them build the capability required to undertake high value-added

activities.” The company’s investment will see it add 11,000 square feet of manufacturing space to its premises, purchase state-of-the art machining centres, undertake companywide training to address key skills gaps, and employ an additional 30 staff. Jim Kane, Chairman of JW Kane Precision Engineering, said: “This is a highly ambitious investment for the company aimed at substantially increasing our turnover and widening our customer base. With an improved manufacturing facility and highly trained staff we will be able to target top level aerospace manufacturers and be in a position to meet their exacting demands. “Invest NI’s support is essential in allowing the investment to go ahead at this level.” The company currently employs 55 staff manufacturing high precision machined components for a number of high profile clients including Bombardier, Thales, BE Aerospace, GE Hamble and Fokker.

Arlene Foster is pictured with Darragh Cullen, Managing Director of EDGE Innovate, during a visit to the Dungannon company.

12| Gyproc

The first Gyproc range to improve the air...

G

yproc, the market leader in plaster, plasterboard and drylining systems, is part of Saint-Gobain, a world leader in the design, production and distribution of construction materials. Gyproc, which has a long history of providing innovative, cost-effective and reliable products that meet the demands of the construction industry, have launched a new plasterboard product – Gyproc ActivAir. The NEW Gyproc ActivAir Plasterboard uses an innovative technology to improve indoor air quality by taking VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) out of the air and keeping them out. ActivAir’s technology takes the VOCs and converts them into safe, inert compounds that, once captured in the board, cannot be released back in to the air. It reduces VOCs by 70% and keeps working for up to 50 years, based on tests and analysis, even after multiple renovations.

The benefits of ActivAir: ActivAir can be used in our daily environments to improve the indoor air quality and provide healthier environments where we live, learn and work.

What’s more, ActivAir works without you even knowing it’s there and continues to work after each renovation and redecoration – providing peace of mind for generations. • Permanently reduces VOCs even after multiple renovations • Provides at least 50 years of VOC absorption based on tests and analysis • Can be used with most water based acrylic and epoxy paints and breathable wallpaper • A passive system - more effective in reducing VOCs than additional ventilation. Gyproc ActivAir plasterboard is a lightweight gypsum plasterboard that is installed, finished and handles like other Gyproc plasterboards: • Does not require special tools • Easy to cut and install • May be finished or painted with most water based acrylic paints or covered with breathable wallpaper using conventional techniques Looking to the future Gyproc is determined to remain at the forefront, as market leader, continuing to provide innovative, sustainable design solutions for the buildings of the future.

Free Phone: 0845 3990159

Sustainable Development registration for Farrans Farrans Construction – the first construction company in UK to achieve registration to BS 8900: 2006 for the management of Sustainable Development.

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he list of registrations held by Farrans Construction has recently been extended by the addition of a sustainable development management scheme, ‘Sustainability Assessed’, provided by the certification body, NQA.

The Scheme is based on the British Standard BS 8900: 2006, ‘Guidance for Managing Sustainable Development.’ This achievement complements and further enhances the Company’s current recognised management system registrations, namely:• ISO 9001 Quality Assurance • ISO 14001 Environmental Management • ISO 50001 Energy Management • BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety

• Safe T Cert Health and Safety The key advantage of applying the Scheme requirements is that it provides the business with a strategic framework for managing all aspects of sustainable development at Farrans. The Scheme encompasses and focuses our existing management systems, maximising their value and enhancing them to form strategic sustainable development objectives for the business. Compliance with the ‘Sustainability Assessed’ scheme provides assurance that Farrans are implementing a recognised best practice model for sustainable development, which is described in BS 8900. This ensures that the Company engages effectively with stakeholder groups including clients and joint venture partners, employees, local communities where contracts are undertaken, investors,

regulators, government and nongovernment organisations as well as the media. Alex Anderson, the Farrans Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Manager, who played a pivotal role in achieving accreditation to the Scheme provided Sustainable Ireland with an overview of what it will mean to the business; “The enhanced stakeholder engagement required by the Scheme provides us with the path for a sustainable, balanced approach as to how we do business, meet our environmental responsibilities and helps us to apply best practice in how we satisfy our social obligations. It includes health and safety and well-being matters, engagement with the communities in which we work, consideration of the personal development needs of employees,

fair treatment of our suppliers, and in long term, relationship building with them. We know that innovation is key to sustainable development and to the sustainability of our business. This is true on social, economic and environmental terms. Achievement of the ‘Sustainability Assessed’ registration has assisted us in building our approach to continuous improvement. It has provided for the enhancement of our strategic focus on the management of the sustainable development issues relevant to us at Farrans.” Farrans are the first construction company in the United Kingdom, and the third in all industrial sectors to meet the demanding requirements of the ‘Sustainability Assessed’ scheme, a very significant achievement.

14| Hilti

Cordless system for post-installed rebar connections A new approach to rebar

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arch 2013 – At the beginning of the year Hilti presented a system of cordless products that revolutionizes the process of making post-installed rebar connections. Thanks to the combination of a cordless combihammer, hollow drill bit, hybrid vacuum cleaner, cordless dispenser and highperformance injectable adhesive mortar, the timeconsuming and unpleasant job of cleaning the holes after drilling now becomes a thing of the past. The mortar can be injected and the rebar set in place in the hole immediately after drilling, in compliance with all applicable approval requirements and without any need for reduction of permissible loads. When making post-installed rebar connections, lengths of rebar are set in adhesive mortar injected into holes drilled in existing steelreinforced concrete components. In order to meet the strict requirements of standards and approvals when using the corresponding injectable mortar system, this is a job that requires a high level of specialist knowhow and must be carried out with great care. At the beginning of the year Hilti presented a coordinated system of components that speeds up the process of making postinstalled rebar connections by up to 50%, greatly reduces exposure to dust, simplifies the application and makes it more reliable not only from the point of view of architects and engineers but also for those executing the work. An electric power outlet and extension cables are no longer necessary for this job as the combihammer, vacuum cleaner and mortar dispenser are all powered by high-performance batteries.

No hole cleaning thanks to hollow drill bits A further step towards the cordless jobsite has been taken. Now, for

the first time, there’s a cordless tool available with the power and performance necessary for this application – the new Hilti TE 30-A cordless combihammer. But that’s not all. Hilti has also developed a special hollow drill bit (Fig.1a &b) that allows the dust from the hole to be extracted and collected by the attached vacuum cleaner while drilling is in progress. Thanks to this innovative system, the tedious and time-consuming job of cleaning the holes by brushing and blowing out the dust becomes unnecessary, thus greatly reducing exposure to harmful dust, contributing significantly to improved health and safety as well as making the work more pleasant to carry out. At the same time, expensive equipment such as compressors and other accessories or consumables needed for hole cleaning are no longer required. Removal of dust from the holes through the hollow drill bit is facilitated by the new VC 40-UM-Y hybrid wet/dry cordless vacuum cleaner (Fig. 1), the first of its kind to offer the choice of cordless or corded operation. When connected to a power outlet, this vacuum cleaner also serves as a charger for two batteries.

Hilti HIT-HY 200 injectable adhesive mortar for maximum loads As hole cleaning takes place automatically while drilling is in progress, in compliance with approval requirements and without any need for reduction of permissible loads, the rebar can be set in the hole immediately after drilling and mortar injection, without any need for further cleaning. Hilti HIT-HY 200 injectable adhesive mortar offers extremely high bond strength for maximum loads. The innovative HDE 500-A22 cordless electric dispenser provides high working comfort and raises efficiency as mortar injection is done considerably faster than with a manual dispenser.

Fig. 1

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b

energy, waste & environment |17

Getting to grips with green energy The earth’s long-established energy sources are running out fast. But what are the alternatives? Northern Ireland currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. But fossil fuels are non-renewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve.

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he design and build industry needs to consider the many types of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar energy which are constantly replenished and will never run out. Our drive for more sustainable living needs to be an integrated combination of a sea change in user attitudes, more efficient buildings and a cleaner energy supply. Construction professionals have a steep learning curve ahead to competently manage, design and construct our future working and living spaces, using key renewable energy resources like solar, water, wind, geothermal and biomass. With worldwide fossil fuel resources becoming increasingly depleted, fuel prices rising year on year and the need to commit to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to combat global warming, renewable energy has become an important field within the construction industry. A renewable energy resource is a naturally occurring energy

resource that will replenish itself if used to produce energy. Key renewable energy resources include solar, water, wind, geothermal and biomass. These renewable energy resources can be harnessed by a range of different renewable energy systems governed by factors such as climate and location.

Solar The most commonly used renewable energy resource for domestic applications within the UK is solar. Solar heating systems utilise the sun’s power either directly or indirectly. Direct usage of solar power involves heating water directly with radiation from the sun, where as indirect heating utilises antifreeze type substances to transfer heat gained from the sun to the water. Flat plate solar collectors commonly provide a means of direct water heating, whereas evacuated solar collectors are an example of indirect water heating. Traditionally flat plate solar collectors were commonly used, however with developments in manufacturing and materials evacuated tube solar collectors have become a more efficient alternative and are now widely specified. Where solar collectors cannot

provide all hot water heating requirements they can be used in conjunction with conventional hot water heating methods to meet any short fallings. Solar energy can also be harnessed to produce electricity, known as photovoltaics, the process is referred to as photovoltaic electricity production. The technology requires photovoltaic panels, commonly referred to as PV panels, to convert solar radiation from the sun in to electrical current. The electrical current can then be consumed by an electrical appliance, fed in to the national grid or battery stored for later use. Photovoltaic panels are manufactured from silicon based semi conductors which produce a flow of electrons under sunlight. PV panels are generally used to supplement electricity supplies within the domestic environment to cut the usage of fossil fuels. They are ideal for off grid electrical appliances like lighting or the operation of small appliances such as electric water pumps.

heat or used to generate electricity indirectly. Although biomass materials produce carbon dioxide when burnt they capture and store carbon from the atmosphere during their life cycle. Examples of biomass materials include wood, straw, sawdust and waste paper. Waste materials such as sawdust and fine wood chippings are compressed to form biomass pellets for combustion. The pellets have a high volume energy density and are easier to store and dispense within a residential environment. In order to burn biomass pellet products specially designed biomass boilers are required. The boilers can be purchased to undertake both hot water and space heating, or as stand- alone units for single room heating. Other forms of biomass include the combustion of methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of animal, plant and human wastes. An example of a biomass fuel is ethanol derived from sugar cane and commonly used as an alternative to petrol in Brazil.

Biomass

Wind

The burning of biomass materials provide a renewable energy resource. Biomass consists of natural materials which can be harvested and burnt to produce

Wind energy is a key renewable energy resource within the rest of Europe and is currently undergoing rapid expansion with the UK. Wind energy can be con’t

18| energy, waste & environment harnessed on a large or small scale depending on the desired application. Wind turbines are used to convert motion resulting from wind speed in to electricity, which can be consumed directly or fed in to a battery for storage. A number of small scale wind turbines have been developed for the domestic market and are now readily available in kit form. These tend to produce power outputs of between 1 kW and 6 kW dependant on wind speed. There are also many larger heavy duty wind turbines on the market for industrial and commercial power generation, often used to export electricity to the national grid. The efficiency and the amount of electricity that can be generated from wind turbines depend hugely on their location and it is best to undertake a wind survey prior to installation.

Water A renewable energy resource often overlooked by many is that of water. Tidal forces can be harnessed to produce electricity on a commercial

scale. Tidal installations are costly and only applicable to coastal locations. Inland locations where a stream or larger water course runs down a gradient may be suitable for the installation of a small scale hydro energy project to generate electricity. Small scale hydro electric installations utilise the force of the water to turn rotors within a generator as it flows downhill from a higher gradient.

Heat Pumps A heat pump can be used to produce heat by taking advantage of naturally occurring temperature gradients relative to the temperatures of water, air or the ground. Heat pumps transfer natural heat contained within water, air or the ground to a heat exchanger which extracts the heat and uses it to heat air or water for home central heating. Heat pumps require electricity to drive the pump which circulates an antifreeze type liquid used to absorb the heat from the ground, water or air. For a heat pump system to be considered renewable the energy to run the

circulatory pump must come from a renewable source. In order to make the most of heat energy produced it is vital that the house is fitted with good thermal insulation. Ground source heat pumps extract stored heat within the subsurface where temperatures may typically be 10 degrees hotter than the air at depths below 1m. High operational efficiencies can be achieved if heat pump systems are used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems.

Domestic A key area within the domestic environment where both environmental and monetary savings can be made is in water usage. Water efficient sanitary ware should be considered such as low flush volume toilet cisterns and water conserving baths to cut water consumption. Even bigger savings can be made where water is reused. A number of systems are on the market, known

as greywater systems which collect and filter spent shower and bath water. This ‘grey water’ can then be used around the home for non-potable applications, such as flushing toilets, washing cloths or to water plants. A grey water recycling system will help to reduce water bills. Alternatively natural rainwater can be collected, stored and filtered for use within washing machines and toilet cisterns, this system is known as rainwater harvesting systems. A water butt, typically used for garden irrigation, represents a classic example of rain water recycling. Renewables have become a viable business for the construction industry. The Department of Trade & Industry has an ambition that Northern Ireland generate 40 per cent of it’s electricity from renewables by 2020. That offers significant opportunities for those firms that embrace the low carbon economy, turning good ideas and aspirations into real green projects in Northern Ireland.

Inta pumps up eco offering with Solarlogic station I

nta is simplifying heating installations with a new group of easy-to-fit Solarlogic pump stations from its recently expanded eco offering. The pump groups, which are available in two designs plus a Maxi version, ensure that glycol mixed fluid is circulated regularly and safely through solar thermal heating applications. The Solarlogic single line pump group is designed for return pipe connection and circulates by provision of the installation of a flow line to the heat exchanger and back. The twin line pump group offers a more advanced solution and comes complete with an air scoop, a flow side isolating valve and inbuilt flow and return lines between the solar collector and hot water storage tank. With an option of either 6 or 8 metre head pumps, the stations promise optimum flexibility in

installation and the pump group shells are insulated for compatibility with low energy pump designs. The groups also feature easy connections in the form of handy electrical leads that can be plugged in directly. For easier monitoring the Maxi version of the Solarlogic pump groups is supplied with Inta’s acclaimed Solarlogic controller which can be fitted onto the casing of the pump station. Stuart Gizzi, director at Inta, said: “Our Solarlogic pump stations simplify the installation and maintenance of solar thermal systems and offer real value for plumbers and installers. The range of features means there’s a pump group to fit every pipe connection in every application.” For more information on Inta’s Solarlogic pump groups, or any other Inta product visit www.intatec.co.uk or call 01889 272 180. Follow us on Twitter at @Intatec.

Power NI |19

Prices go down, standards stay up T

here’s a common misconception nowadays that energy prices just keep going up and up. But what are consumers to believe when all we ever seem to see are ‘price hike’ headlines every other week? However there is one particular area that currently bucks the trend and that’s electricity prices for small businesses. Take Northern Ireland’s leading energy supplier for example. Power NI cut its prices by 14.1% for small businesses last October and its Popular Tariff unit rate is the same today as it was in 2009; which allowing for inflation, means a reduction in real terms. Now more than ever, it pays to choose a supplier you can trust, that offers you ‘real’ value, understands your needs and tailors its packages to suit your business. That’s why around 30,000 businesses here make Power NI their number one choice. Alan Egner, Commercial Sales and Marketing Manager at Power NI said: “We know that straight talking, great service & big savings are what any business wants in an energy supplier. Over 1,000 of our customers are larger users and over the past year we have experienced huge growth in this sector, offering discounted, tailor-made packages including renewable ‘green’ energy options, cash back and loyalty discounts. “Our tailored contracts have helped us secure a series of major contract wins recently, including the Department of Finance and Personnel, Andor Technology, Premier Inn, Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Niche Drinks. “When we talk of great service, it’s not an empty promise. We’re talking about the 83% satisfaction level of our customers and recent Consumer Council NI research that showed Power NI has by far the lowest level

of complaints compared to any other supplier here.” Straight talking, great service & big savings come as standard with Power NI. Add even more value to your business with their innovative products like Energy Online, Power NI’s paperless billing service for direct debit customers. Businesses can manage their account 24/7, view bills and payments online, monitor usage and much more. Power NI also works closely with industry experts to provide specially tailored, energy saving products to suit most businesses including renewable technologies like solar PV as well as lighting and insulation. Interest in energy saving is at an all-time high and it’s just another area Power NI has covered for its customers. Alan concludes: “Real value, a high quality, local service and 0% empty promises. If you’re not getting this then you’re with the wrong supplier. We have been doing business in Northern Ireland for over 80 years and are confident in saying that no other supplier understands your business needs as much as we do.” To give your business our energy, visit www.powerni.co.uk/business.

20| energy, waste & environment

Sustainable Solutions manager awarded uk-gbc Gold Pin M

itsubishi Electric’s sustainable solutions manager, Martin Fahey has been honoured with a special Gold Pin Award from the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) after his sterling work supporting the Council’s activities.

The UK-GBC issues Gold Pin Awards to individuals from within the membership who have gone ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty in their support to the UK-GBC. Gold Pins are sparingly issued, with only two or three awarded each year. “Martin is always one of the first to stick his hand up to volunteer and help despite having a very busy job for Mitsubishi Electric,” explained Paul King, Chief Executive of UK-GBC. “In particular, he was a very enthusiastic and active member of the advisory group working on our new Pinpoint online resource, due to launch at Ecobuild.” Pinpoint will bring together a

host of online resources and allow environment professionals to search, filter and post reviews about sustainability tools, courses and guidance, plus access benchmarks, case studies and more. The new site aims to provide the best resources, tools and guidance available. “At Mitsubishi Electric, we realise that only through collaboration will we help create a more sustainable built environment, so I am really touched to have received this recognition for what I see as part of my job,” said Martin Fahey.

seeks to engage all in the built environment in the debate on how we can all reduce energy use and emissions. Further information on Green Gateway can be found at the company’s dedicated website www.greengateway.mitsubishielectric. co.uk. The company also has a dedicated Green Gateway Linkedin discussion group and Martin Fahey’s Green Gateway Twitter account (@ green_gateway) will allow anyone to

Sustainable Solutions Manager awarded UK-GBC Gold Pin

“At Mitsubishi Electric, we realise that only through collaboration will we help create a more sustainable built environment, so I am really touched to have received this recognition for what I see as part of my job”

“I am also grateful to Mitsubishi Electric for allowing me the time and for making this commitment to work with others to examine all possible ways of tackling climate change,” he added. Fahey’s role is part of Mitsubishi Electric’s Green Gateway, which

receive up-to-the-minute news and views from those within and outside the industry. Further details on the Pinpoint initiative can be found on the UK-GBC website at the following link: http://www.ukgbc.org/content/pinpoint.

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

energy, waste & environment |21

Sipfit, meets LCTP construction needs S

ipfit, based in Warrenpoint, was formed to meet the need for environmentally friendly construction driven by UK legislation, the Low Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP), as well as international protocols such as Kyoto which are leading legislation worldwide. This body of legislation has put in place a defined timeframe to ‘zero carbon’ in 2016 in the UK. This is creating the biggest change in the construction market and ‘built environment’ in many years. The LCTP is the business plan for construction over the next 40 years and will drive growth in our sector as the industry has to adhere to these new regulations. Sipfit has been at the vanguard of delivering proven solutions that adhere to and exceed the new and impending Building Regulations. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a composite panel that provide superior insulation and air tightness combined with a lightweight

structural frame. Our panels are bonded in a press and form a beam. Certification and accreditations are crucially important from a risk and performance perspective as there are many closed panel systems claiming to be Sips when they are not so and there are also some uncertified SIP systems. Sipfits system has a BBA, ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 18001 (Health & Safety) and multiple awards. Our typical build process sees us engage with the client and share our National Buildings Specification, Design Guide, Standard Details and portfolio of proven test data as appropriate. The Sipfit design team convert plans to SIP friendly design that is production ready and

structurally certified. We offer both large format kit type structures and turn-key volumetric modular solutions. Whether large format or modular we espouse a simple message through a “fabric first” build methodology. This means the building envelope is constructed in a well insulated manner and it has to be air-tight to prevent heat loss. It doesn’t make sense to generate new energy from a renewable source if it is largely lost through an energy inefficient building. We engage with stakeholders to develop a bespoke optimal delivery programme as scheduling and inter-dependencies can be planned better in off-site factory controlled conditions. Programmes are usually shorter as we were not subject to weather interference and can

measure / test outputs in a quality controlled environment 24/7 as projects progress. Our Off-site production is engineered to exacting dimensions and standards that are not achievable on-site. This allows specific build performance to meet the most challenging performance benchmarks. We pride ourselves in market leading air-tightness results and exemplar U Values, Y Values and Psi Values. Our ability to manufacture in factory quality controlled conditions leads to improved Health & Safety, reduced waste and reduced logistics. The ability to deliver a turn-key room to site eliminates fire risk on site. The primary challenge facing the sector is the evidential gap between claimed design performance and actual “as built” performance. We eliminate that risk with our accreditations, technical library and proven performance. We have manufactured a Carbon Zero store for Tesco, Northern Irelands’ first certified Passive private house, A Rated energy buildings and Scottish Gold Standard unit for the new B.R.E. Innovation Park.

SIPFIT LTD

1 Milltown East Industrial Estate Upper Dromore Road Warrenpoint Northern Ireland BT34 3PN Tel: +44(0) 28 417 59310 Fax: +44(0) 28 417 54526

22| energy, waste & environment

Co. Down Company comes out on top at ‘Green’ Awards

The Full list of 2013 winners with category sponsors is as follows: Best School, Renewable Energy Awareness Award, sponsored by Action Renewables: 3rd place: Omagh County Primary School 2nd place: Limavady Central Primary School 1st place: Dromore Primary School, Co. Tyrone Best Training Provider Award, sponsored by Action Renewables: 3rd: Transport Training Services, Crumlin, Co. Antrim 2nd: Northern Regional College, Ballymena, Co. Antrim 1st: North West Regional College, Derry Best Community Project, sponsored by brites: 3rd: Drumlin Wind Energy Cooperative, Belfast 2nd: Skainos and the East Belfast Mission, Belfast 1st: Power NI, Belfast Best Promotion of Sustainable Transport, sponsored by BATTERIE: 3rd: Oaklee Homes Group, Belfast 2nd: Belfast MET, Belfast Joint 1st: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Hospital Parker Green International & The Quays Shopping, Leisure and Office Complex, Newry

T

he Action Renewables Association Awards took place in Belfast last week and local firm Alternative Heat celebrated success after being named Best Export Company. The awards (sponsored by Tughan Solicitors) are the NI industry’s largest event and are designed to celebrate the success of local companies in the renewable energy industry. With a high number of entries, judges this year faced an even

encouraging to see entry levels to our awards growing each year, which in turn demonstrates the increasing commitment by local organisations within the public and private sector to improving their ‘green’ credentials,” he added. During the event, judges commented that the company had, “grown rapidly from 2003 to become one of the leading MCS registered suppliers and installers of renewable heating systems throughout the UK and Ireland...securing the UKs largest ever biomass contract. Alternative

“We are very proud to be a local company, using local materials, labour and skill to create unique renewable and biomass products for Ireland and the UK.” tougher challenge in selecting winners and in some cases, joint honours were given in categories where the finalists were too close to call. Alternative Heat (Castlewellan) was named joint first for Best Renewable Export Company. Michael Doran, Director of Action Renewables commented: “It is very

Heat is a great example of what can be achieved when a business takes the step to export.” Eamon Clarke, Alternative Heat General Manager, said they were delighted to have been rewarded with such a prestigious title. “We are very proud to be a local company, using local materials, labour

Most Innovative Renewable Installation, sponsored by Dimplex Renewables: Joint 3rd: H.I.S Group, Belfast Green Energy Technology Ltd., Waringstown Joint 2nd: Williams Industrial Services, Newtownabbey Nutech Renewables Ltd., Warrenpoint Joint 1st: Oaklee Homes Group, Belfast The National Trust and Bennett Robertson for Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Saintfield Best Planner, Renewable Energy Project, sponsored by the Department of Environment 3rd: McAdam Stewart Architects, Banbridge Joint 2nd: Clyde Shanks, Belfast / Simple Power, Belfast and Strategic Planning, Holywood 1st: Ross Planning, Cookstown Best Energy Saving Small Medium Sized Enterprise sponsored by Electric Ireland 2nd: The Harvey Group Plc, Newtownabbey 1st: Lo Heat Homes, Lisburn Best Renewable Export Company sponsored by Action Renewables Joint 1st: Alternative Heat Ltd, Castlewellan Dimplex Renewables, Craigavon Outstanding Work in the Renewable Sector sponsored by Tughans Joint 2nd: Solmatix Renewables, Lisburn Willis Heating and Plumbing Co Ltd., Belfast Joint 1st: The National Trust, Saintfield Ecars, Department of Regional Development, Belfast and skill to create unique renewable and biomass products for Ireland and the UK. This award reflects the hard work of everyone involved in winning major contracts, from the initial paperwork, the design and build stages, to the logistics of delivering

and commissioning biomass cabins for our clients. The whole team are delighted with news of this award,” Eamon added. For further information visit www.alternativeheat.co.uk or www.actionrenewables.org

24| energy, waste & environment

Kni secures intelligent lighting agreement A local ICT systems, structured cabling and engineering services company has been appointed as a UK and Ireland partner of one of the world’s leading companies in Intelligent Lighting solutions.

Kedington NI (KNI) has secured the agreement with award winning Californian based Redwood Systems to develop sales and manage the design, installation and maintenance of the company’s intelligent and energyefficient lighting systems across the UK and Ireland. Recognised as a technology leader in energy efficiency lighting technology, Redwood Systems has developed a ground breaking smart building network platform that integrates lighting with the monitoring of space utilization, temperature and power consumption. Particularly appropriate for high volume usage public and commercial buildings, the system typically provides 75 per cent

savings on energy bills and has already been installed by many internationally recognised blue chip companies. Commenting on the agreement with Redwood, Lawrence Flavelle, general manager, KNI said that the partnership offered significant opportunities for growth for the local business. “The partnership has already resulted in the creation of four new jobs in sales and engineering and we are confident that as we build the profile of this technology we will experience further growth. Quite simply the Redwood Systems technology has taken lighting performance to the next level, making it considerably more costeffective and controlled and, in doing so, making a major contribution to reducing a building’s carbon footprint” said Mr Flavelle. The Redwood Systems LED lighting system which delivers power, monitoring and control over a single Cat5e cable, normally associated with data networks, brings

simplicity, intelligence and advanced control capabilities to lighting. The breakthrough combination of affordable distributed sensor network and controls, a superefficient low voltage DC power system distributed over structured cabling, and a powerful software “brain” to manage building data and performance, provides the technology base that can serve as the “central nervous system” required for true

high performance buildings. The lights and associated sensors become the Trojan Horse to capture rich building performance data and allow the user to make informed decisions about how buildings are lit, heated, occupied and managed. At the heart of the system is the software which auto discovers lights and controls the cohesive lighting network of fixtures and sensors through a web based dashboard or smartphone.

Brent Boekestein, VP, Global Markets, Redwood Systems and Lawrence Flavelle, General Manager KNI announce the agreement between the two companies which sees KNI promoting and designing, installing and monitoring customer applications for Redwood’s Intelligent Lighting system in the UK and Ireland.

Why Not Make the Green Deal Work for You? L ittle over a month after its launch in January, the Green Deal saw encouraging levels of early uptake. According to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey, 1,803 Green Deal assessments have already been carried out and £26.9m of ECO (Energy Company Obligation) contracts have been signed, demonstrating genuine interest from consumers across Great Britain. Nevertheless, many who could be taking advantage of the business opportunities presented these initiatives either remain cautious about becoming a Green Deal Registered Installer or Advisor – or simply don’t know how. So why should you get involved and how can you make the most of the Government’s flagship initiative to revolutionise the energy efficiency of British properties? First, not all Green Deal ‘measures’ are created equal. Although the best energy

efficiency measure will be dependent on the context – the type of property and the needs of its occupants – some of these home improvements will be more popular than others. One survey carried out by the Energy Saving Trust for example, found that more than half of homeowners were interested in getting double glazing, just one of more than 40 measures available under the Green Deal. With average annual savings of £635 per year, solar PV is also likely to be very popular.As is loft insulation, a simple but effective measure that could save around £180 per year and pay for itself within two. Green Deal finance now means occupants are able to recoup the cost of these installations and many more via savings on existing energy bills. As consumers become increasingly aware that they can improve their homes and save themselves money in the long run, with potentially zero net costs month to month, demand for the Installers and Advisors to carry out Green Deal plans can only grow. To get involved in the Green Deal you must join the Green Deal Certification Scheme – as

only measures approved and installed by members of this scheme are eligible for Green Deal finance. You may also need additional training to get qualified. Both training and certification are provided by official Green Deal Certification Bodies like NAPIT. With NAPIT you can train to become a Green Deal Advisor and/or gain certification for your business to operate as a Green Deal Assessor Organisation. You can also make the most of existing renewables and energy efficiency installation skills – or learn to install new green technologies with a NAPIT training course – and join NAPIT’s Green Deal Certification Scheme as an Installer. Existing NAPIT certificated MCS installers can achieve Green Deal approval with minor changes to their existing approval and at no additional fee. NAPIT Director of Standards, David Cowburn, said; “Although it’s still early days for the Green Deal, we’ve seen significant interest in the scheme and already had some real success stories among those who have gained accreditation. One of our members has reported receiving more than 40 enquires in just under a month, 36 of which

lead directly to assessment work. The domestic renewables and energy efficiency markets have seen real long term growth in the past few years, even without this incentive. As consumer awareness of the benefits on offer under the Green Deal grows, the amount of work this could generate – particularly for those who already have a background in related trades or the green economy – really is an exciting prospect.” Between 2011 and 2012 the green economy grew by 19.6 per cent to account for 11.3 per cent of the UK’s total energy output, representing over a third of the UK’s economic growth over the same period, and supporting around a million jobs. [9] With the Green Deal making green home improvements accessible to more people than ever before, the potential benefits of to making the Green Deal work for you should not be underestimated. To learn more about the Green Deal and find out how you can get involved, visit: www.napit.org.uk/greendeal.asp.

energy, waste & environment |25

Getting into the recycling cycle Winning T

he construction industry is responsible for producing one third of the UK’s total waste every year – some 120 million tonnes. It is estimated that 85 per cent of this waste can be reduced, reused or recycled.

The construction industry uses many different types of materials in large quantities. This means there are many opportunities for construction businesses to increase the amount of waste they reuse or recycle. There are many benefits associated with recycling waste from construction projects. Recycling waste reduces disposal costs and carbon emissions. It also helps you comply with environmental legislation and restrictions on what can be sent to landfill. Often the materials used on construction sites are a mixture of virgin materials and those that already contain a level of recycled materials. However, there are simple, yet effective changes you can make to your operations to allow more waste to be recycled. The industry needs to be aware of which materials can be recycled as well as how they can be recycled and reused. Construction professionals also need to be aware of the more common sources of waste, the limitations of recycling and modifications you may need to make to your site to improve your recycling rates. Bricks have a lifespan of more than 200 years. You can reclaim or recycle bricks and blocks which have previously been used in the construction of buildings, walls, paving and infrastructure, such as bridges and sewers. These include clay bricks, concrete precast, aerated blocks and stone blocks. You can also buy them from other businesses which sell reclaimed bricks. The most common sources of brick and block waste include items that are damaged during unloading, storage and cutting, and excess due to over ordering. You can reclaim undamaged bricks and blocks and use them in new building projects or sell them to other businesses which deal in reclaimed bricks. You can recycle damaged bricks and blocks and use them to make aggregate for use as general fill or road sub-base, in landscaping, to produce new bricks and blocks or

to make sports surfaces such as tennis courts and athletics tracks. However, there are some limitations on using recycled bricks and blocks. Bricks can be contaminated by other construction waste, such as plasterboard and new aircrete blocks are cheap to buy. Cleaning bricks is time-consuming and not always possible and it is hard to assess the load-bearing capacity of recycled bricks Reclaimed bricks are worth more than bricks which are recycled as aggregate. It is easier to source reclaimed bricks left over from newbuild projects, but more difficult with demolition projects. You can make simple yet effective changes to your site’s operations to reduce wastage and allow more waste to be recycled by providing dedicated storage areas to reduce damage during storage. Training staff in the handling of materials is also advisable, as is planning during the design stage to minimise the need for cutting bricks and blocks. Brick and block waste should be separated to avoid damage and contamination, and a lime-based mortar rather than a cement-based mortar should be used. This allows the bricks to be recovered and reused at building deconstruction. Floor and wall coverings can also be recycled. Materials include carpet, carpet tiles, vinyl and linoleum, laminate flooring, wood, ceramic and terrazzo tiles and wallpaper. These items may become waste if they are damaged during handling and storage, cut to fit during laying, not considered properly at the design stage or wrongly selected and therefore not used. You can sell waste from floor and wall coverings to social enterprises which recondition and refurbish floor and wall coverings and specialist recycling services which recover carpet fibres as plastics recyclate and sell on to the plastics and horticultural markets Among the uses for floor and wall covering waste are road cone manufacture, animal bedding material, polypropylene bead manufacture.

LIMITATIONS

However, there are some limitations on using recycled floor and wall coverings, including there is no market for recycled ‘gluedtogether’ laminate flooring and there is little market for recycled carpet.

Plasterboard and gypsum from construction projects can also be recycled. Gypsum is manufactured into plasterboard, plaster and other specialist boards, such as fire protection sheeting. Plasterboard wastage of 10 to 35 per cent can be generated on site during installation. The main causes are offcuts, damaged stock, poor design, poor storage and handling and over ordering and disposal of unused materials The options for recycling waste plasterboard produced on your construction site include returning off-cuts to the manufacturer for recycling through take-back schemes, sending waste to independent plasterboard recyclers to make into new plasterboard and cement, sending waste to household waste recycling centres and using gypsum as a soil conditioner. Most types of timber used on construction sites can be recycled. Waste wood can come in a variety of forms from medium density fibreboard (MDF) to tree branches. The main causes of wood waste include pallets, crates, beams, window and doorframes, doors, floorboards and panels, such as chipboard. Reclaimed wood can be used in applications and materials including chipboard, oriented strand board and fibreboard manufacture, bedding products for animal, play surfaces and pathways and biofuel for combined heat and power plant. Most glass waste is produced by demolition projects and the replacement of windows in refurbishment projects (flat glass). It also comes from fluorescent lighting, PC monitors and TV screens and structural glass. The main causes of glass wastage are over-ordering of materials, breakages during installation and damage during storage. You can recycle waste glass produced on your construction site by crushing, screening to remove contamination and washing and drying. Among the uses of recovered are aggregates, decorative materials, insulation and abrasives. Finally, there are many benefits to your business of using recycled materials in your construction project, including reducing material and waste disposal costs, increasing your competitive advantage, reducing your CO2 emissions and complementing other aspects of eco-design.

the war on waste

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HE construction industry is a major generator of waste, generating more waste than the household sector.

Construction waste can account for up to 50 per cent of rubbish generated in a typical landfill site. The cost of waste disposal is rising as more stringent controls and taxation are imposed on landfill sites. In a 10-year period from 1990 to 2000 the cost rose four-fold. The disposal of construction waste is becoming a major cost in building projects. In today’s increasingly competitive market, ways of cutting waste disposal costs need to be found. These ways exist - throughout Northern Ireland there is a growing number of examples in which waste has been minimised or eliminated, to the benefit of both the environment and the client. Some techniques involve the latest technology and others rely on methods that have been around for a long time. In all instances, however, advance planning is required. This needs to be a commitment by client, consultant and contractor to minimise waste. Waste management is now a carefully controlled and regulated process. These controls have been introduced in response to environmental damage and significant costs have been imposed on communities by the illegal disposal of waste. People handling waste need to know the law and abide by it. Anyone uncertain of their position should contact officers of their waste disposal authority, who will be able to give help and advice. More than two billion tonnes of waste are generated in the European Union each year, of which about 500 million tonnes are generated in the UK. The UK’s waste industry empoys 100,000 people and has a turnover of £5 billion a year. Household waste recycling has been under the spotlight in recent years, yet construction waste, which makes up a far greater proportion of all waste, has not attracted the same attention, at least among professionals in the construction industry. Around half the waste that goes into landfill comes from construction. A major construction project can completely overwhelm a local landfill site. Faced with increasing costs of removal, the construction industry needs to focus on better waste management, if only to cut down on soaring overheads and increase competitiveness.

26| energy, waste & environment

Saint-Gobain Weber Multi-Coat Render system for groundbreaking award-winning Zero Carbon Development T he high performance weber.rend MT multicoat render system from Saint-Gobain Weber, the leading UK formulator and manufacturer of innovative materials, systems and solutions for the construction industry, has been specified for the construction of Hanham Hall, a zero carbon development in South Gloucestershire.

Barratt Homes have recently been awarded winner of the ‘Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year’, in the Housebuilder Awards 2012, for the Hanham Hall project owned by the Homes & Communities Agency. The properties will offer a bespoke selection of one to five bedroom stylish, energy efficient homes. Set in acres of open space, the 185 spacious dwellings will be constructed around the Grade II listed Hanham Hall centrepiece. The innovative designs, created by HTA Architects, London, provide unique houses with light and airy first floor lounges benefitting from south facing balconies, large double glazed windows that provide maximum natural light for wellbeing, energy efficient construction that will lower energy consumption and CO² emissions, and rainwater harvesting to minimise fresh water consumption. Rory Bergin, HTA’s head of sustainability and innovation, comments: “Design analysis on this project started in 2007 which met the requirements of the Code Six

standards in existence at that time, as well as the zero carbon design criteria. Approval was achieved in 2009. The buildings are super-airtight and use mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) and some renewable energy sources. The airtight standard is 1.5, more than eight times better than the requirements of current Building Regulations’. Rory continues: “The timber frame and SIP panel construction method determined that we chose a clean, simple aesthetic finish for the properties and the light weight of the weber.rend MT system is of benefit here. 50% of the cladding is timber finish and 50% white render. The site design also picked up on the traditional exterior finish of the original Hanham Hall building which is situated at the heart of the development and will become a community centre.” The weber.rend MT system is a high performance, multi-coat system, incorporating glass fibre meshcloth, and a resin-rich adhesive coat that carries a choice of textured finishes in a wide range of colours. The system is designed for application into an appropriately framed and panelled background which creates the drained and vented cavity required for NHBC certificated new-builds and is designed for large areas of application. Network Weber-recommended façades applicator Harbour Render Systems, of Lydney, Gloucestershire, is carrying out the render application at Hanham Hall. Phil Bailey, director,

says: “The Bluclad construction boards give a good, stable surface and adhesion. We have developed a good technique by spraying on the first coat of high quality weber.rend LAC basecoat. We then apply the meshcloth and spray-apply a second coat of weber.rend LAC. This is dry-sponged to achieve a smooth, flat finish. When dry, weber PR310 pigmented primer is applied which is the effective method of preparing substrates by reducing suction and providing a colour wash prior to the application of the chosen textured finish which we also spray-apply. The weber.plast P textured synthetic coating in white gives an excellent cover and the buildings look great. With this number of units, Hanham Hall is a two year project for us.” David Bond, technical director for Barratt Homes Bristol commented: “Having specified the Saint-Gobain

Weber product for this site, we have found that it constantly delivers the highest quality finish that is demanded for this scheme, with the finished houses looking better than the CGI’s”. The Hanham Hall development is currently under construction, and is due for completion in 2015. For further information about Saint-Gobain Weber’s External Wall Insulation systems please call 08703 330070, or 028 9335 2999 in Northern Ireland and ROI, or visit www.netweber.co.uk or www.weber. ie and register for your personal copy of the Render Solutions Handbook. A free download of the new ‘Inspirational Renders Guide’ brochure is also available. Alternatively download the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users from the iTunes app store, and from Google Play for smartphones and tablets.

Foster Announces details of first scheme to get renewable heat incentive

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Pictured, left to right, Stewart Hood, Chairman, Lorna Hood, Director, Energy Minister Arlene Foster and Brian Hood, MD, Sheridan & Hood.

nergy Minister Arlene Foster has announced details of the first renewable heat scheme to receive funding under the recently launched Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The RHI is a mechanism that supports the uptake of technologies such as biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal panels by providing incentive payments over the lifetime of the technology. Sheridan & Hood, a Belfast-based building services company, has installed a 50KW wood pellet heating module, manufactured and project managed by BS Holdings, at its Belfast engineering facility and is now eligible under the RHI scheme to receive quarterly incentive payments based on their heat output.

energy, waste & environment |27

Winters warm up with eco-friendly heating systems A

S well as protecting the planet one Northern Ireland company can supply an energy source that is free and can actually enable clients to make money.

Winters Renewables was set up by Gavin Winters in 2005 and specialises in the design and installation of biomass heating systems for commercial and domestic buildings. Under one recent contract carried out by Gavin’s company, a client with an annual oil bill of £25,000 will eventually receive an income of £7,000 a year from their new heating system. Winters Renewables carried out the two-week installation at the Slieve Na Mon care home in Omagh, which has taken advantage of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to gain lasting benefits from its carbon-friendly heating system.

Gavin’s company is a member of the WON Biomass Growers Group with a capacity to grow 1,500 tonnes of wood chip per year and is also a member of Biomass Energy NI. The RHI is a Government guaranteed initiative to promote the use of renewable energies under its European and Kyoto agreement undertaking. This essentially offers an allowance to stimulate this industry with potential savings of up to 100 per cent for up to 20 years.The company is Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), accredited. Since June 2012 the company was appointed agents for the Ny Varra range of willow harvesters, made in Denmark. With oil prices soaring to ever increasing highs, Winters Renewables offer cost-saving biomass technology expertise. With a range of competitive heat packages, Winters

Renewables are the only company with expertise in specification, installation, woodchip supply and maintenance of the Guntamatic biomass boiler system. The company can effectively slash heating costs by up to 100 per cent. which means you can recoup your capital investment cost within 15 months. The Government-run, RHI, means that with your biomass boiler you will earn 5.9p/kWhr. Winters Renewables supply the ultimate package. From specification, installation, woodchip supply, RHI application assistance and boiler maintenance.

With Winters Renewables you get: • Free on-site survey/consultation; • Tailored packages to suit each customer’s requirements; • Carbon Trust 0 per cent loan application assistance;

• Packages to suit all customers; • RHI allowance application assistance; • A fuel, boiler and maintenance supplier – all from one source! • Carbon neutral friendly solution • Local company – 24-hour callout service • Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer • Fully trained Guntamatic boiler engineers • REAL assurance scheme compliant • A boiler system with 20 yearsplus life expectancy Any business that converts from oil to biomass heating can benefit from the RHI. However the boiler must have been installed after September 2010 to be eligible. The client benefits by getting free heating and an additional income source. This effectively means you are being paid to heat your building. Applications will not close until March 2020.

IT’S A WIN WIN ‘ONE STOP’ SOLUTION Winters Renewables supply the ultimate package. We’re with you all the way - from specification, installation, fuel supply and boiler maintenance. With Winters Renewables you get:

Gavin Winters 17 Shaneragh Rd Dromore Co Tyrone Northern Ireland BT78 3EJ Mobile: +44 79 0171 1092 Phone: +44 28 8289 8414 Email: gavin@wintersrenewables.com

• Peace of Mind - Free Consultation • An on-site Survey • Carbon Trust 0% Loan application assistance • Packages to suit all customers • RHI Allowance application assistance • A Fuel Supplier, Boiler Supplier and Maintenance Supplier - all from one source! • Carbon Neutral friendly solution • A 24hr Service Contract • A locally based company - near to you! • Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • Fully trained Guntamatic Boiler Engineers • REAL Assurance Scheme Compliance • A boiler system with up to 20yrs life expectancy

www.wintersrenewables.com

28| Swiss Collection

The Swiss Collection Competence Excellence and innovation

S

wiss Facades owned by Anne Hurl are the sole distributors in Ireland of the legendary Swisspearl exterior façade panels. The Fibre Cement composite panels are produced in very modern state of the art facilities in Switzerland and are the foundation of remarkable panels installed worldwide. Swisspearl unique formulations and revolutionary colouration processes were pioneered by Eternit Switzerland. Over more than 25 years, the Swiss research and development teams have continuously expanded their unique expertise regarding core coloration and application of high end cement composite systems and not just painted panels with a solid colour. These huge technological advances are the backbone of the Swiss quality and the physical properties of the panel are unmatched. The guarantees and 40 year life expectancy of the panels are proven and documented guarantees which sets apart the Swisspearl panels outstanding reliable long-term quality, giving it the highest class rating , 5A to meet European CE conformity (EN 12467). In addition to the panels guarantees

Swisspearl issue a 10 year warranty on the installation when fitted to manufacturers instructions, which gives the clients extra security in the knowledge that the panels have been installed correctly. The natural appearance of the panel creates elegance and authentic sober material in various finishes. This offers much flexibility and tremendous design possibilities all the more as the seductive colours and textures can be easily combined and also blend harmoniously with other material creating a stunning visual impact for any building. Anne Hurl, of Swiss Facades explains, “Our expertise of the cladding industry has been gained through working directly

with architects and contractors to understand their needs and expectations. All projects are embedded with the need to know how the panels are made, delivered and installed.” Our approach to each project is to assist our clients to achieve efficient and effective solutions, in particular to identify ways to minimise the environmental impact on site by reducing waste through calculating best optimisation of panels, its cutting services, material selection, and installation process. The management of the Swisspearl panels are seen as a crucial part of the added service provided. The company uses a JIT (just in time) process whereby panels can be ordered and held in

• Value chain:

Involvement is from the early stages, with the Architect’s specification, right through to the installation on site. Project managing each job by working closely with all key people, from manufacturers to installers, Swiss Facades achieves clients’ objectives within cost and time scales.

• Specification:

The company assists with NBS specifications and pre-tender budgets.

• Estimating service:

Prices are calculated from planned drawings or bill of quantities.

• Optimised solutions:

The company calculates from plans the amount of panels required for each job. Through efficiency analysis, it can identify the potential waste and if required, give advice on the layout of panels to increase maximum panel yield.

• Site calls:

Supervision of work in progress, on-site measuring and guidance on installation.

• Packing:

Pallets come shrink-wrapped and can be packed per area on request to facilitate ease of use on site.

stock; panels can then be cut to size and delivered to site within a few weeks, Advantages of this service means less cutting on site is required; it improves schedule of works, through flexibility in cutting time scale for finished projects and it also limits exposure to dust on site, therefore, reducing impact on the environment and health and safety. Using state-of-the-art computerised beam saws and CNCs, the panels can be cut to a variety of shapes and sizes to a client’s specific requirement. Holes can be drilled at back of panels to facilitate secret mechanical fixed systems. The Swisspearl panels can have a variety of applications such as: exterior and interior over cladding, soffits, fascia, Infill panels, partitions and balconies. The range of sizes and thicknesses available will accommodate various applications, budgets and design possibilities Anne Hurl of Swiss Facades adds, “We are delighted to be selected as the authorised distributors for Swisspearl Façade panels in Ireland and we aim to continue to have a collaborative approach to understanding the needs and expectation of our clients.” Our offerings are proving very attractive and favourable with both architects and builders enabling us to win more contracts. We are currently working on Ballybofey Leisure Center and Derg Valley Leisure Centre, with further projects being specified with Swisspearl panels in upcoming projects, For more information please contact...

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

SWISSPEARL CARAT SL

SWISSPEARL REFLEX

SWISSPEARL XPRESSIV

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

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

Panels with a very vivid cement composite structure

www.swissfacades.com

30| AH Cladding

A new force in cladding D

RIVERS on the busy Knock Road in Belfast can hardly miss the eye-catching Spar store that has recently been completed. The colourful cladding that was used on the £1.4 million contract was supplied by Anne Hurl of AH Cladding. Architects for the Spar Store were Whittaker & Watt while main contractor on the project was McGaffin Contracts of Belfast. John McGaffin, managing director of McGaffin Contracts, said: “It was an exciting contract particularly with regard to the building design, restricted site access and a challenging programme. It was key that all site operations were carefully planned to ensure we had a well-structured construction programme which led to a smooth handover to the client. AH Claddings supply of precut panels to site ensured the programme of work ran efficiently”. Whittaker & Watt commented that the contemporary, yet cutting edge design of the flagship store offers a market leading convenience retailing facility. The high impact façade panels

on the projecting eaves are rich in character and employ many environmentally friendly credentials and also offer solar shading to control and limit solar gain during summer months. High percentage glazed elevations maximise natural day lighting in store, and work’s in partnership with an intelligent low energy lighting system. Hence, this building has set the standard for a modern convenience retailing and petrol filling station facility. AH Cladding was the brainchild of construction industry veteran Anne Hurl. In addition to running AH Cladding she also is proprietor of Swiss Facades which is the sole distributor in Ireland of the exclusive Swiss Pearl façade panels. Anne Hurl said it was vital at the early stages of design that working closely with the architect assisted in providing a varied selection of products to choose from but also to meet the criteria needed with regard to environmental impact and waste management. Anne explained “Our approach regarding specifications is to find solutions for architects and to enable optimum usage of panels to reduce waste therefore minimising cutting onsite.

“Whittaker & Watt commented that the contemporary, yet cutting edge design of the flagship store offers a market leading convenience retailing facility.”

CAEM

Proud Shopfitters for the Henderson Group www.caemstoredesign.com phone: (028) 9084 9228 email: enquiries@caemstoredesign.com

AH Cladding |31

M cGaffin Contracts Ltd

McGaffin Contracts for over the past 25 years have been at the forefront of the construction industry in Northern Ireland, successfully delivering projects to all their clients on time and to budget and creating significant local employment. McGaffin Contracts have also built a strong reputation working in GB and have delivered on a number of signature projects. McGaffin Contracts have experienced staff in all areas of their business assisting them in creating seamless project management procedures within their organisation. Their ability to create and maintain relationships with their clients on all contracts has over the years contributed to McGaffin Contracts establishing an extremely impressive client base.

“Pleased to be the main contractor On the Shandon Park Filling Station” Registered Office: Quaker Buildings, High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8BB Company Registered No: NI 19110

82 Duncrue Street Belfast Northern Ireland BT3 9AR ■ 028 9075 4940 ■ 028 9035 2200

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief... SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS PLANNING APPROVAL The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with Environment Minister, Alex Atwood toward the end of February 2013. The meeting was arranged as a follow-up to discussions on the prioritisation of shovel-ready projects in the planning system. At a meeting last autumn CEF highlighted to the Minister the need to get shovel-ready projects through the planning system as a priority. The Minister invited CEF to provide him with a list of construction and civil engineering projects which could start on site very quickly if they were granted planning permission. Following engagement with members, CEF provided the Minister with 12 schemes which included private housing and commercial developments. The Minister has advised CEF that more than half of the schemes we have brought to his attention have now received planning approval and work is progressing on the remainder.

CHANGES TO STATUTORY REDUNDANCY PAYMENT LIMIT The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013 came into effect on 10 February 2013. The main changes are: • The maximum ‘weeks pay’ for the purpose of calculating a redundancy payment has increased from £430 to £450. • The Guarantee Payment has increased from £23.50 to £24.20 More information on the calculation of redundancy payment can be found on the CEF website. Advice is also available to CEF members on the CEF legal hotline in partnership with Carson McDowell.

BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS BREAKFAST SERIES LAUNCHED

T

he 27 March 2013 marked the launch of the Building Better Business series, which will see some of Northern Ireland’s most successful business figures speak at a series of Masterclasses, created specifically for the local construction sector. In response to the current challenges facing the construction industry, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and Podiem have designed the Building Better Business series to give leaders within the sector the opportunity to listen to and learn from business owners and managers from other industries. Launching the series, John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director explained: “The speakers will share their stories and experiences of doing business and will outline the Professor Michael McQuillan (event speaker); John Armstrong (CEF Managing Director); George lessons that they have learned along McMurray (Terra Firma) and Edward Wilson (Botament) at the launch of the Building Better Business series. the way which have helped them in their own business pursuits. It is hoped that by hearing from those who have weathered economic storms in the past, attending firms will take away valuable insights and actions that will better equip them to deal with the current business climate in the construction sector”. Professor Michael McQuillan, best known for co-founding ‘the streat’ café franchise, was the first business leader to speak to the gathered group of owners and managers from the construction industry. Professor McQuillan is pictured alongside John Armstrong (CEF) and series sponsors George McMurray (Terra Firma) and Edward Wilson (Botament). The five breakfast events are taking place between March and July and will include talks from Patrick Hurst MBE, MD of Munster Simms (Whale) and Professor Feargal McCormack, Managing Partner of FPM Chartered Accountants, amongst others. Managers within the construction sector can reserve places at the remaining events by contacting Kathryn Webb from CEF on 028 9087 7143 or at kathrynw@cefni.co.uk.

POSITIVE NEWS IN BUDGET 2013 FOR CONSTRUCTION in NORTHERN IRELAND

T

he Budget 2013 was announced on 20 March 2013 and contained a number of positives for the local construction industry. Welcoming the Budget announcement John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said, “Once again the Chancellor has recognised the overriding need to invest in infrastructure and public buildings in order to grow the economy both in the short term and more importantly, in the long term.” “The Northern Ireland Executive’s capital spending power has been increased by £36.8m in 2013-14 and £56.9m in 2014-15. Beyond that, Northern Ireland will also get its share of the additional £3bn per year for infrastructure providing that the next Government honours these spending commitments.” “We also give a cautious welcome to the funding allocated to help people trying to buy new homes. It is not yet clear how this funding will be administered in Northern Ireland but the need for help here is even greater than in Great Britain. House building levels are at an all-time low and this continues to hold the local economy back.” “All employers will welcome the cut to their National Insurance bills but this £2,000 saving will be particularly good news for our many smaller members.”

AUTO-EXCLUSION OF ABNORMALLY LOW TENDERS

PLANNING PERFORMANCE IMPROVES BUT APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO FALL

T

T

he Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) has published proposals for the auto-exclusion of abnormally low tenders in public sector works. The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is now seeking feedback from all members on this important policy initiative. John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said: “In recent years the downward pressure on tender prices in the Northern Irish construction industry has been intense. As a result, members have been calling on the Federation to engage with Government to explore what measures the public sector clients could take to put a brake on this ‘race to the bottom’ in tenders for public works.” “Through Federation Council, the Federation Committees and the Local Associations, CEF has consulted widely with our members on the principle of automatic exclusion of Abnormally Low Tenders (ALTs). There has been overwhelming support for the introduction of measures to automatically reject ALTs. Over the last 18 months CEF has been working closely with CPD to agree how this could be achieved.” CPD has now developed a methodology for the identification and automatic exclusion of ALTs for projects up to £4m. The proposed process is contained in Draft Procurement Guidance Note 3 which has been issued to CEF members. Mr Armstrong said: “CEF is seeking feedback from every full and associate member on the details of this proposed mechanism to automatically exclude ALTs. We understand that this is a sensitive issue and therefore call on all members interested in public works to take the time to consider these proposals and to respond using the feedback form that was issued.” “CEF believes that this policy can only proceed if there is the same overwhelming support for the detailed mechanism as there was for the general principle of automatic exclusion of ALTs.” “These proposals are ground breaking and could help make our industry more sustainable. I must stress that the feedback of members is essential.”

he latest quarterly DOE Development Management Bulletin shows that the total number of planning applications being submitted in Northern Ireland for Q3 2012/13 fell by 11% compared to the same period last year. Planning applications for residential developments experienced an even more significant drop of 16% between the equivalent quarters. However, DOE Planning has seen improvements in its performance for the third successive quarter. The planners are set targets to process applications to decision or withdrawal within a certain number of weeks depending on the type of application. Their performance is summarised below Application Type

Target (weeks)

Q3 2012/13 (weeks)

Q3 2011/12 (weeks)

Improvement (weeks)

Target Met

Major

23

27

34

7

No

Intermediate

20

18

22

4

Yes

Minor

14

12

16

4

Yes

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “The overall decline in planning applications is a reflection of the broader problems facing the local economy. The greater fall in residential planning applications is down to the fact that the housing market is still very flat. Whilst house prices are now affordable and transactions are really picking up, many people are still struggling to get a mortgage.” “New private housing output in Q3 2012 was one-fifth of the volume recorded at the peak in Q1 2007. This collapse has had a devastating impact on the local economy. The Executive now needs to have a clear focus on facilitating an increase in the number of new houses being built”. “We warmly welcome the improvement in DOE Planning’s performance. It is a good start but there is a long way to go before our planning system is fit for purpose”.

cef meets sinn fein mla DELEGATION

C

onstruction Employers Federation (CEF) was invited to Stormont recently to meet a delegation of Sinn Fein MLAs. CEF updated the MLAs on the current state of the industry, our proposals for the automatic exclusion of abnormally low tenders and prompt payment issues including the introduction of Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) on jobs valued in excess of £1m. CEF expressed concern that the schools capital works programme is being delayed. The MLAs agreed to raise this matter with their colleague John O’Dowd, the Education Minister. CEF also discussed the Planning Bill and the need for the caseloads of individual planning officers to be efficiently managed. This will be the subject of further discussions with the MLAs. The MLAs in attendance were Cathal Boylan (Newry & Armagh), Cathal O’hOisin (East Londonderry), Barry McElduff (West Tyrone), Francie Molloy (Mid Ulster), Daithi McKay (North Antrim), Sean Lynch (Fermanagh & South Tyrone), Maeve McLaughlin (Foyle) and Phil Flannagan (Fermanagh & South Tyrone).

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief... HEALTH ESTATES PROGRAMME AND PROCUREMENT The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met recently with the Health Estates Investment Group (HEIG) to discuss its capital works programme and some procurement issues. CEF expressed some concerns that the prequalification process for major capital works in the health sector can be quite restrictive. HEIG has indicated that it would welcome further discussion with CEF on this matter and CEF is preparing some proposals. HEIG indicated that the use of private finance through the Revenue Finance Initiative (RFI) has not yet been approved, however, there remains a political will to implement RFI. Since the meeting two RFI projects have been approved. CEF members can view the details of the capital works programme at www.cefni.co.uk.

ELBs PROCUREMENT PLANS The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with representatives from the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) in February 2013 to discuss proposals that would allow the Boards to efficiently deliver the increased capital funds that have been made available to them over the next two years. The Western, Southern, South Eastern and Northern Education and Library Boards currently have approved lists for two bands of construction work, namely Band A up to £250k and Band B from £250k – £750k. For each job in these Bands, six tenderers are chosen using random selection. The Boards are now proposing that from 2 April 2013 a third band will be created, namely Band C for works from £750k to £2m. The same random selection process will be used to generate the tender lists for Band C works.

CEF MEETS THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER

O

n 18 February 2013 the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with Danny Kennedy MLA the Minister for Regional Development. The key point of discussion was the delay in the A5 project and the need for contingency plans in the event that the project was further delayed by legal action. Since the meeting the courts have ruled that the Department of Regional Development had not carried out a proper Habitats Directive Assessment for the A5 project and the project has been postponed. CEF is now (L-R): John White, Director of Roads Service Strategic Programmes; Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development; Derek Martin, CEF President and John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director. seeking a further meeting with the Minister to discuss how the significant funding originally allocated to the A5 project in 2013/14 will be spent. At the February meeting CEF asked the Minister to review the way NI Water calculates its bond values for sewers and drains. NI Water requires a bond based on 40% of the estimated cost of construction while all of the utilities companies in the rest of the UK who adopt sewers use a 10% calculation. The Minister agreed to review the matter. Regarding the Regional Development Committee’s report on unadopted roads CEF reiterated its view that the Minister should not introduce new legislation as the existing arrangements were adequate.

PENSIONS AUTO-ENROLMENT UPDATE

M

ost employers are now aware that pensions auto-enrolment is fast becoming a reality. The process began in October 2012 when the largest UK employers (those with over 120,000 employees) were required to automatically enrol eligible staff into a qualifying workplace pension scheme. Many of Northern Ireland’s major employers are already well advanced with their auto-enrolment planning as companies with between 500 and 2,000 employees have staging dates ranging from September to November this year. Companies with between 90 and 249 employees are required to comply with the legislation by April or May 2014. The reality is that preparation for auto-enrolment can be a long and complicated process. The Pensions Regulator has issued guidance for employers which highlights

the seven key steps which must be undertaken to comply. • Know Your Staging Date. • Assess Your Workforce. • Review Current Pension Arrangements. • Communicate to your Workforce. • Automatically enrol Eligible Jobholders. • Register with the Pensions Regulator and keep records. • Contribute to your Employees Pension. Enhance – Construction Pension Scheme Northern Ireland is the pension solution tailored to the needs of the local construction industry. It is overseen by the Joint Council and the Trustee Board includes representatives of both employers and trade unions. The Enhance team is already working with many employers who have registered with its AutoEnrolment Delivery Programme, a service designed to ensure construction companies are fully

ready to meet their legal obligations under auto-enrolment. John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said: “Your staging date for autoenrolment is the end of the process – the time by which employers are legally bound to comply with the legislation – so early preparation is key. I would encourage everyone to speak to the Enhance team and let them help guide you through the auto-enrolment process.” In addition to the Enhance scheme, a complementary pension product is now being offered through Workers Pension Trust. Workers Pension Trust is a basic workplace pension scheme that can be used for non-construction elements of your business. Both schemes make compliance with auto-enrolment simple and straightforward. To sign up to the FREE Autoenrolment Support Programme contact Iain Ferguson at iainf@cefni. co.uk or on 028 9087 7143.

CEF MEETS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

T

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with the Department of Education at the end of March 2013 to discuss its capital and maintenance works programmes. The Department advised CEF that while several of the schools in the major capital works programme have slipped in the procurement timetable, the Department was confident that most of these schools would commence on site before the end of the calendar year 2013 or early in 2014. A full update on the programme is available to CEF members on our website www.cefni.co.uk. The Department confirmed that these schools will all be procured using NEC 3 Option A or Option B. If Option B is used this will include a robust Bill

of Quantities. In order to speed up the procurement process, the approval of the business case and the preparation of the PQQs are being run in parallel. The Department indicated that it is on track to spend over 99% of its current capital allocation for 2012/13 (£110m). The budget allocation for 2013/14 is £108m. Half of the capital budget in 2013/14 will be allocated to minor works and the Schools Enhancement programme. There will be an increase in the maintenance budget in 2013/14 to £37m. The capital budget will increase significantly in 2014/15 to £190m. With regard to the 22 schools announced in February 2013 that are to progress through internal planning, any decision on whether to proceed with them to procurement will be assessed on a case by case basis and will be subject to the availability of funding.

Courses & seminars programme

NVIR-O-CERT Open for applicationS

APRIL 2013 - JUNE 2013 Course/Seminar Title

Date(s)

Duration

Building Better Business – Making Things Happen (with Dr Bill McGinnis CBE)

24 Apr

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

26 Apr

½ day

Renewable Energy: Worth Considering?

1 May

2 hrs

An Estimator’s Guide to the NEC3

7 May

1 day

Success at Tender Interview

8 May

1 day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

9 & 16 May

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers’ Refreshers

10 May

½ day

An Introduction to Effective Marketing in Construction

15 May

½ day

Quality Submissions – Substance and Style

15 May

½ day

Building Better Business – The Attributes of Successful Firms (with Patrick Hurst MBE)

22 May

2 hrs

Extracting Maximum Value from Your Waste

23 May

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

24 May

½ day

Behavioural Safety Workshop for Directors

28 May

½ day

Behavioural Safety Workshop for Managers

29 May

1 day

Behavioural Safety Workshop for Supervisors

30 May

1 day

Spill Kit Training

5 June

2 hrs

Environmental Law Update

7 June

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Managers’ Refreshers

14 June

½ day

Building Better Business – What is Required to Emerge from a Recession (with Prof Feargal McCormack)

19 June

2 hrs

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

21 June

½ day

• Please visit our Events Calendar at www.cefni.co.uk for further information on forthcoming courses/seminars • We would be pleased to discuss any other management or professional training requirements you might have • For further information phone 028 9087 7141 or e-mail: cfts@cefni.co.uk

N

VIR-O-CERT, the new construction specific environmental management system, has now gone live. The scheme is officially inviting companies to apply to become one of the first to get NVIR-O-CERT certification. John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director, said: “NVIR-O-CERT has been developed by the industry with a clear focus on outcomes rather than process. We see this initiative delivering significant and measurable improvements in the industry’s environmental performance. This will include industry wide performance indicators tracking waste going to landfill, energy used on site and water usage. It will also reduce incidents of pollution.” “The initiative was designed to be of benefit to companies of all sizes but with a particular awareness of the need to cater for smaller businesses. We have kept it practical, focused on performance on site, kept the paperwork straightforward and kept the costs down.” “We hope to mirror the success of Safe-T-Cert, the industry’s health and safety management system, which has driven a significant reduction in deaths and injuries on construction sites over the last ten years.” Jan Chmiel, Chief Executive of IEMA said: “As the leading professional body for environment professionals, we are delighted to be supporting NVIR-O-CERT in its aim to improve the environmental performance of Northern Ireland’s construction industry. The robustness of the scheme is underpinned by IEMA’s well recognised and respected professional qualifications. The auditors approved via NVIR-O-CERT will be certified as having superior knowledge and experience of business-environment issues, giving clients of accredited organisations confidence that when they see the NVIR-O-CERT logo that the company’s environmental performance has passed a rigorous assessment.” “Ultimately NVIR-O-CERT places a strong emphasis on improving the environmental awareness and competence of people working within the industry, which is an organisational approach we support. As with any system, it is the knowledge and skills of people – acting individually or collectively – that really make the difference.” For more information on NVIR-O-CERT and to download an application form visit the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk. To contact the scheme please email NVIROCERT@cefni.co.uk.

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

143 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SU

•

Tel: 028 9087 7143

•

Fax: 028 9087 7155

•

www.cefni.co.uk

digest

|37

Saint-Gobain Weber Monocouche render brings new life to gosford castle

Modern monocouche render by Saint-Gobain Weber, the leading manufacturer and formulator of innovative materials for the construction industry, has been specified in the exceptional restoration project of 19th century Gosford Castle, County Armagh. Once the largest private house in Ireland, the castle has been rescued from dereliction and is now an exclusive community of 23 individually designed homes created within the fabric of the original building. A+ Green Guide rated weber.pral D by Saint-Gobain Weber has been spray applied to the interior walls of the three-storey Bastion Gate which has an imposing portcullis entrance,

high arched ceilings and fine, intricate detail work. This through-coloured render incorporates innovative OneCoat Technology which is recognised for its contribution to minimising programme works. By reducing the drying time associated with a traditional two coat system by as much as 50 per cent, on-site labour and the cost of equipment is greatly reduced which has helped with the demanding completion schedule of the Bastion Gate. Saint-Gobain Weber is the first producer of monocouche renders to be awarded an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification. These audited materials help specifiers to make selections that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings. Main contractor Samuel Millar, of Randalstown, Co Antrim, has undertaken the interior refurbishment of the walls and ceilings in just five months. Sam Millar, managing director, comments: “This has been a really labour intensive project

but it looks magnificent and my applicators are very proud of the finish we have achieved. We normally work on new, modern buildings where dimensions are true and walls are straight so this has been a challenging project.” “Everything about this render is perfect for us – it’s quick and easy to apply, suitable for spray application, and achieves a perfect finish. Just brilliant, we can’t fault it,” says Michael Martin, render applicator, Millar Construction. “We’ve used other brands but they are unworkable by comparison and couldn’t have been used in this specialist application, especially on the ceilings.” In the Bastion Gate, authentic colours of Chalk, Sand, Earth Red and Stone Grey have been used to replicate the original colour schemes in the principal rooms which have recaptured the bright atmosphere of the Castle in its prime. Leading London architect Thomas Hopper was commissioned to create Gosford Castle in 1819. This family home, which has 197 rooms,

took 20 years to complete and was designed in the Norman Revival style. The castle walls are finished in granite while pink marble was designed into much of the interior. Local masters were responsible for the construction of the marble columns; local craftsmen and materials were employed for the wood panelling and carvings; the vaulted ceilings were picked out with gold paint and Italian plasterers created many of the magnificent ceilings. Gosford Castle has seen a variety of uses over its lifetime, from a military billet to the winter base of a travelling circus. It remained derelict until 2006 when it was rescued by a local businessman who, with specialist architects and the Northern Ireland Heritage Service, saved the fabric of the building, restoring it to its former glory. Saint-Gobain Weber’s renders are manufactured in Bedfordshire and Shropshire providing local manufacture, while reduced transportation mileage and CO² emissions contribute to the company’s sustainability and environmental policies.

digest

38|

Shot in the arm at medicine centre

Pictured at the announcement of O'Hare and McGovern as the contractor for Queen's new £32M Centre for Experimental Medicine are (L to R): Prof Patrick Johnston, Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's, Norma Sinte, Queen's Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Cathal O'Hare from O'Hare and McGovern and Queen's Director of Estates, Gary Jebb. Work begins on site this week and will support 400 constructionrelated jobs over the course of the build.

Queen’s University has appointed O’Hare & McGovern as the main contractor for its £32 million Centre for Experimental Medicine (CEM). At the peak of construction the building of the Centre will support 400 jobs in the sector, including O’Hare & McGovern staff and other construction-related jobs. Work has already begun on site and is due for completion in spring 2015. More than 110 new jobs will also be created for scientists and allied professions when the centre opens. The new CEM is being built on

Queen’s Institute of Health Sciences campus on Jubilee Road, Belfast, where a number of dedicated, high quality research centres focused on cancer, infectious disease, public health and population genetics are already based. The facility, which will have an internal area of 9,000 sq m, will provide accommodation for some 330 members of staff specialising in research into finding cures for eye disease and diabetes, and the development of a global programme to aid understanding of the genetics of complex chronic diseases.

Mivan moves back in the black The Antrim-based construction group Mivan has returned to profit after a major restructuring. Mivan (UK) showed a total operating profit of £3.3 million, before exceptional items, for the year to June 2012. That compares to a £19 million loss in the 18 months to June 2011. Mivan employs around 390 people. The directors said the core fit-out and contracting business had 'performed as expected.' The group has also reduced its net liabilities from more than £11 million to £3.4 million. Mivan had been badly hit by a disastrous foray into property development in Romania, which prompted the restructuring. The directors state that although the group has returned to profit it continues to face 'extremely challenging circumstances.' The group's specialisms include cruise ship fit-out and acting as contractor on 'super prime' residential developments in London.

The work of the centre is a focus of Queen’s ambitious £140M Beyond fundraising campaign which will provide philanthropic funding to support research of global significance and importance. The four storey-building will be co-located with the existing Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology to encourage joint working and discovery between researchers. Gary Jebb, Queen’s director of estates, said: “O’Hare & McGovern is one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction firms, and as such, Queen’s is delighted to appoint it as lead contractor for our new Centre for Experimental Medicine. In the last year, the University has invested over £35 million in building projects, creating over 700 constructionrelated jobs in the local economy, and we are proud that today’s announcement reinforces Queen’s continuing commitment to supporting the Northern Ireland economy and especially the local construction sector.” Eamon O’Hare, managing director of O’Hare & McGovern, said: “The construction industry is currently a very difficult sector to be operating in. We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to continue our longstanding relationship with Queen’s. The new centre will offer world class facilities for the University with exceptional design, construction and engineering. This announcement

will help to secure jobs and offers an impetus to the local construction industry.” Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences added: “This new Centre will be a key driver for change in a range of health and biotechnology activities in Northern Ireland and further afield. Today’s announcement that construction is due to begin is good news for everyone in Northern Ireland as we can all look forward to benefitting from improved diagnosis and treatments of debilitating diseases." Other companies who will be working on the CEM build as part of the design team include: Ostick and Williams, Belfast, and Ashen and Allen, London (architect and lead consultant); WYG, Belfast (mechanical and electrical engineer); Albert Fry Associates, Belfast (civil and structural engineer); Turner and Townsend, Belfast (quantity surveyor); Faithful and Gould, Belfast (CDMC co-ordinator); and Delap and Waller, Antrim (BREEAM assessor). The CEM is being funded through a series of grants and philanthropic donations from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), The Atlantic Philanthropies, The Wellcome Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, Insight Trust for the Visually Impaired and The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation.

Translink on track for new station plans The Londonderry public has been asked to give its views on their preferred option for a replacement train station. Rail operator Translink is looking at four possibilities. One option is relocation to the original Waterside station. Other options are the refurbishment of the existing station, a complete new build at Ebrington or a new 'Waterside Link' station. "There has been considerable investment in the railway line in the north west over recent years securing the long-term future and sustainability of the Londonderry/Derry line," Translink's Clive Bradberry said. "Further infrastructure work is planned for 2014 which will see the implementation of a passing loop between Derry/ Londonderry and Coleraine due for completion in 2015. "This will allow us to extend our hourly train services from Belfast to Derry/

Londonderry and meet expected growing passenger demand - 1.5m journeys were made along this line in 2011/12. "In addition to significant track improvement and safety works, we also want to provide attractive passenger facilities and have identified a series of options for a potential new train station." Foyle MLA William Hay has championed refurbishment of the Victorian building that was the original Waterside station and said this was still the sensible option. He said: "There is such affection for this old building in the city and we believe getting it restored and back to its former glory is doable and is the sensible option." Derry City Councillor Martin Reilly encouraged people to attend the events. "I hope Translink will be able to secure the necessary funding for this proposal, and a robust response from the people of this city to the new consultation will help in that regard," he said.

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES digest |07

Fall Arrest Cable System Skainos Building Belfast

AKM

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First established in 1985 as a sheet metal work and fabrication business, over the last 12 years it has developed a niche in the “working at height” market, these are Evo Safety Solutions. After years of research &

development and experience in manufacturing, engineering and site installations, AKM have brought to market the - Evorail and Evowalk systems to provide turnkey solutions to all Roof Maintenance and Access issues.

What sets their products apart from the competition is the simplicity and speed of installation. This provides significant savings on labour costs, particularly on large projects.

We are delighted to be working with Pro-Net Safety Services, NI's Leading Fall Arrest Safety Netting and Edge Protection Specialists. Tel: 028 9337 3967 • Fax: 028 9335 3518 • Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com• Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com

40| ultraflo®

University of Ulster puts to the test!

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recent comparative study undertaken by the University of Ulster has conclusively demonstrated the superior thermal performance of ultraflo® over traditional screeds. This involved the construction of two experimental simulated rooms. Both simulations were built up with insulation and underfloor heating components prior to applying a 50mm layer of ultraflo® and a 100mm layer of sand/cement screed respectively, typical of current building practices. The two samples had been encapsulated within fully insulated boxes to simulate a typical room atmosphere. In both cases the same water source was used. With a water flow temperature of 42°C the system was run for a set period of time until it was considered that the temperatures had stabilised. Data was collated electronically, measuring the temperatures as the screeds heated up. Data received from thermocouples placed on the screed surface produced results as represented in Graph 1.

The various experiments demonstrated conclusively that ultraflo® has a “much faster thermal response than the traditional sand/ cement screed”. Based on results received from thermocouples placed in the air above the screed samples, it was noted that the ultraflo® sample achieved a 10°C increase in air temperature within three hours. By contrast, the sand/cement screed sample required almost 10 hours to achieve the same effect. This 10°C increase was deemed to represent a realistic temperature increase requirement in real life conditions to arrive at optimal room temperature (Graph 2). Further tests showed that the surface equilibrium of the ultraflo® sample was 4°C higher than for the sand/cement sample. This would allow an underfloor heating system with ultraflo® to be run at a lower temperature while achieving the same surface temperature. Ultimately this benefit will provide a saving in energy bills. The phenomenal success of ultraflo® hemihydrate liquid screed by RTU continues to defy construction market trends with the brand now firmly established as Ireland’s market-leading liquid screed. ultraflo® hemihydrate liquid screed is increasingly being perceived by specifiers as an essential and integral part of any underfloor heating system. This is largely due to the rapid heat reaction time of up to four times faster than would normally be achieved by traditional screeds. Due to their material composition and the variability of on-site compaction, traditional screeds tend to contain voids and air pockets. These voids lead to poor thermal contact between the screed and underfloor heating pipes, thus diminishing the thermal response of the screed. By contrast, ultraflo® is factoryproduced and is laid in liquid form. This ensures product consistency and provides a screed which achieves complete encapsulation of the underfloor heating pipework. A further advantage of ultraflo® is that it may be laid at reduced depths, typically 50mm with underfloor heating. Thermal efficiency is therefore greatly enhanced, allowing for superior control of underfloor

heating, providing much quicker heat reaction times and significantly reducing heating bills. An additional advantage of ultraflo® hemihydrate liquid screed is that, unlike most anhydrite liquid screeds, ultraflo® does not dry with a surface laitance. This means that ultraflo® does not require any surface sanding or buffing after installation, thus saving time and labour. ultraflo® offers a perfect key to accept any specified floor covering. ultraflo® provides further advantages over traditional floor screeds for projects with or without underfloor heating. There is no shrinkage cracking with ultraflo® and the much shallower laying depth means drying times are reduced, facilitating quicker application of floor coverings. In addition, ultraflo® can be laid over ten times faster than traditional sand/cement screeds, with RTU approved installers capable of laying up to 2,000m2 per day. ultraflo® is Ireland’s only factoryproduced hemihydrate liquid floor screed, and is installed by approved ultraflo® installers. ultraflo® is available throughout all of Ireland. For more information and distribution details, please contact the sales team on +44 (28) 9085 1441.

42| recruitment and training

Brianna gets Innovation Award at Ulster Business School

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rianna Cassidy from Maghera, a final year student in Business Studies at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, has been named a winner of the Ulster Business School’s Placement Innovation Awards 2012 in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics. Brianna spent a year in marketing with the Keystone Group in Cookstown launching and implementing a major national promotion supporting sales of Keylite roof windows. Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster Business School, said: “During any academic year the Ulster Business School has over 300 under graduate students in both local, national and international placements. As a School, we are actively engaged with the business community and student placements and internships are an integral part of our business. We place a very high value on the excellent relationships that we have with employers and through

placement, we have an excellent opportunity to develop employability skills, and for Ulster Business School graduates to secure employment and hit the ground running. “Brianna is to be congratulated on how she rose to the marketing challenge with the Keystone Group designing and implementing systems to monitor and control a nationwide promotion. She not only enhanced her own skills but her organisational skills and ability to generate new ideas helped the company roll out the promotion with ease.” Established in 1989 in Cookstown the Keystone Group has established a reputation across the UK and Ireland as manufacturers of steel lintels and Keylite roof windows. Congratulating Brianna on her award, Mareanne Bradley, marketing controller, Keystone Group, said: “Brianna has had an incredibly positive effect on the Keystone Marketing department and has taken ownership of the ‘Flick ‘n’ Win’ promotion which was a national promotion with a £30,000 prize fund. She implemented the Keylite Challenge days in Keylite branches

Bright Idea Wins Maghera student an innvation award

which has also had a very positive impact on sales in these branches. “Builders get the opportunity to interact with our product and see the benefits for themselves and this would not be possible without the

work Brianna has done. I have been extremely impressed with the work Brianna has done to roll out the promotion and the ideas she has generated when different issues and challenges have arisen.”

New drive to attract more female engineers T he ‘Voices’ Project, has been launched in which women engineers offer insight and advice to teenage girls into how they made their career decisions.

The project, funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, was conceived following conversations with women undergraduates about their courses and career options during a recent study, SET to Lead, and at the WES Annual Student Conference. WES - the Women’s Engineering Society - has brought information together to produce an engaging and perhaps surprising poster and supporting website (which is being developed as part of the project). Early career role models Neruja Srikantharajah and Gemma Whatling will be joined on-line by Yewande Akinola from Shanghai. Profiles of role model engineers and students,

offering advice and providing inspiration will feature on the ‘engineering girls’ part of the WES website - http://engineergirl.wes. org.uk Over half of all state schools fail to send any girls on to study A-level physics Students reported that careers software suggests that an A-level combination of physics, maths and art could lead to architecture but doesn’t mention engineering Girls continue to outperform boys at school and women secure more first class and upper second degrees in engineering and technology than their male counterparts Proportionally girls from Asian or Black backgrounds are more likely to study engineering / technology degrees than their white counterparts WES and its members are always being asked for careers advice, and in conjunction with the STEM

Ambassador programme we send many professional women engineers into schools. The ‘Voices’ project helps to further answer this demand from girls and parents about exciting career options. Milada Williams, WES President says: “Engineering course titles, content and the style of delivery are evolving to meet the demands of industry - it’s great to see the experiences of early career women and students being shared in this way.” The poster design was based on work with girls in years 7 to 10 and undergraduate engineers from Cardiff, Aston, UCL and Sheffield Hallam universities. They found that a big passion of teenage girls is baking and cupcakes. Their concerns focused on climate change, poverty and sustainability. Knowledge of what engineers do was limited in year 7 to fixing things such as cars and domestic goods, but in year 9 and

10 had expanded to be wider and included design and making things, but remained vague. The study was undertaken for the Women’s Engineering Society and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Founded in 1919, the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a professional, not-for-profit network of women engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration, support and professional development. Although the world has changed since a group of women decided to band together to create an organisation to support women in engineering, the need is still there. WES works in a number of ways to support women in STEM, to encourage the study and application of engineering, to promote gender equality in the workplace, and to award excellence and encourage achievement through awards and grants schemes. www.wes.org.uk

recruitment and training |43

Super skilled construction apprentices compete to be the best

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round 100 competitors from all over the Province tested their skills at Skillbuild 2013 which was held at Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey Campus. Skillbuild NI is held annually each spring, with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in 12 different construction craft areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK Skillbuild Finals and potentially the UK at WorldSkills. The Skillbuild NI competition not only encourages trainees to

improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations and colleges across NI. The Skillbuild test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices, testing skills within tight timeframes and the competitors are being continuously assessed throughout the 2 day competition. The competition has the support of local construction employers who sponsor each category and has the overall support from CITBConstructionSkills NI, Department for Employment and Learning, Construction Employers Federation, Haldane Fisher, Snickers Workwear and Colleges NI. Presenting trophies to the

Bryan McGurk, SWC Omagh, was awarded gold medal in carpentry and the Haldane Fisher cup for the Overall Young Apprentice of the Year at the annual Skillbuild NI competition at NRC, Newtownabbey. Congratulating him on his event was Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning and Sarah Travers

winning competitors Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning said: “Skills competitions are a very positive news story for Northern Ireland. They are a great way to showcase our vocational skills and demonstrate to employers and future investors the high standard of training provision which exists in our colleges and training organisations. “We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. Northern Ireland’s strong representation on Team UK is testament to the high standards of technical and professional training in our colleges. We look forward to building upon past successes, and hopefully bringing home more medals from WorldSkills in Leipzig, Germany this summer.” Raymond Whiteford, Chairman of the Skillbuild Advisory Group said: “The Skillbuild NI national competition is a superb event which enables participants to benchmark themselves against their fellow competitors in NI. The apprentices have been preparing hard for this event and credit must be given to them and the trainers involved. Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and in this economic climate we thank the local employers for investing in the future of the construction industry.” The next WorldSkills event is

to be held in July in Leipzig in Germany and we are hopeful we can achieve the same outstanding result that NI competitors achieved in 2011. We had the best medal haul of all the UK regions, with a gold medal in bricklaying, silver in landscape gardening and a bronze in Refrigeration & air-conditioning. Two out of the three WorldSkills medal winners progressed to this stage via Skillbuild NI which first showed their potential of talent within their trade ” Ronnie Laverty, NRC Head of Faculty Built Environment said, “We were delighted to host the SkillbuildNI National Finals Competition 2013 at our Newtownabbey campus which offers the most up to date construction facilities completed recently as part of a £10 million new build project. Of course the competition wouldn’t be a success without competitors who are enthusiastic and committed to achieving the highest standards possible. Taking part in these competitions is not easy and the competition has been an intensive two days which involves working to a tight timescale but striving to maintain the highest standard of work. On behalf of NRC I would like to wish all the winners every success as they go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK and further afield.”

Top GCSE Construction Students recognised at building awards

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ITB-ConstructionSkills NI has acknowledged the academic success of the top three local students who achieved the highest grades in GCSE construction & Built Environment in NI for 2012.

This subject has been developed by CCEA to give students a realistic understanding and experience of construction that will enable them to develop an authentic working relationship with the real world-ofwork. First place with the highest grade was John Forsythe from Ballymena Academy, second place was awarded to Chloe Hutchinson, St Columbanus

College, Bangor and third place to Niall Cox, Abbey CBS, Newry. By way of recognition the students were invited to the annual Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards hosted by CITB-ConstructionSkills NI which awarded those professionals who gained CIOB status throughout the year and included a presentation on the Regional Sports Stadium Development programme, by Noel Molloy, Stadium Director and Mark Haslett, Hamilton Architects. On presenting the awards, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITBConstructionSkills NI, said, “Tonight I have the pleasure of awarding certificates of achievement for construction qualifications ranging

GCSE students with Tom Heaney and Barry Neilson

from GCSE, through FE/HE up to full Chartered Professional status. There can be no better example of an unbroken chain of Life-Long Learning. This is a strength of the construction industry and I hope we will see these GCSE students here again to receive higher level qualifications. The construction sector in NI has suffered in recent years but it is still

an employer of some 60,000 people. It is the industry that provides the infrastructure and facilities for every other activity known to mankind. And it’s an industry that never stops training and developing its people to achieve the best results they can. That is an important message to give out to young people considering their future life and careers.”

44| CITB

Building a future career in construction However construction is still a big industry with an estimated 60,000 currently employed in Northern Ireland.

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here is no doubt that the recession has hit construction extremely hard and the industry is changing at a pace.

Construction is crucial to the success of our economic revival, there are on average 660 required to enter the industry every year for the next five years. Weakening demand for construction services means this demand will be solely to fill vacancies by those leaving the sector. It is therefore very important for skills to be developed over the next few years in order to prepare for the upturn. Indeed research has indicated that construction could be facing an ageing workforce with around one in six workers due to retire within ten years. It is also significant to note that the local construction industry is also losing people to other countries and therefore depleting our skills base.

How can CITB ConstructionSkills NI help?

As the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council for Construction, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI are working hard to promote the range of careers that are available in the industry ranging from trades such as bricklaying and joinery to professional occupations including architecture and civil engineering. The majority of trades within the industry require a minimum NVQ Level 2 or above and professional occupations normally require at least a degree level qualification or equivalent.

What steps are CITBConstructionSkills NI taking to promote construction careers? CITB-ConstructionSkills NI is involved in a series of activities which promote career options in construction; • We have a dedicated section of the website www.citbcsni.org.uk/ careers which focuses on the routes into construction and highlights

the career options available. This is promoted to the youth market to encourage interest in construction as a career choice. • We work alongside Business & Education partnerships to promote career options, this involves exhibiting at careers fairs and providing careers talks. • We attend and exhibit at the local University Open days and provide up to date information on the routes available and career options once qualified. • We have a team of construction ambassadors who are working in industry and provide careers talks to local schools and colleges. This gives a personal insight into what is involved in the real life job and allows the students to ask relevant questions. • Construction careers are promoted through our publications; careers booklet and case study booklet highlighting careers routes and real life examples of working in the industry alongside relevant contact information. The Labour

Market Intelligence (LMI) and careers factsheet give the industry growth forecasts and facts that help support those who are interested in pursuing a career in construction. • We also engage with local school teachers at the annual NISCA conference so they are fully aware of the options and career choices available and have the most up to date information. • We also address the Department for Employment & Learning careers advisors to ensure they are fully up to date and aware of the latest information. • We work in partnership with the Institute of Civil Engineers raising awareness of engineering careers in construction. • We advertise and promote construction as a career choice as part of our work with Positive Image which coincides with GCSE and A-Level results.

What Next?

So if you are a young person wanting to find out more about construction careers or someone would like a construction ambassador to talk to your school or college about their career path experiences then please log on to www.citbcsni.org.uk/careers and follow the links for information for careers teachers or telephone 028 90 825466.

Gayle Beckett, Barry Neilson, Amanda Stevenson, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI with ambassadors Emma Gilmore, TAL and Samuel Clingen, Gilbert Ash

46| Training Solutions

Training Solutions NI Limited move to larger premises

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raining Solutions (NI) Ltd, one of Northern Ireland’s leading training and employee development companies, has continued to grow with a move to substantial new premises. It has relocated to the New Horizon’s complex on Steeple Road, Antrim. Training Solutions provides training for more than 40 of the top 100 Northern Ireland companies and a substantial number of public sector and independent organisations. Their main areas of focus are in health and safety, construction, employee skills training and management

development. This well-established company has been in business for almost nine years and has a reputation for providing top quality health and safety training delivered by highly qualified and experienced tutors. What exactly do these premises mean for your training experiences? These larger and improved premises include new classrooms for training, a fully fitted workshop, a canteen and administration offices to provide you with the most comfortable and well equipped facilities to receive training. Jim Stewart, who founded the company in 2004 said: “The new premises give us an excellent opportunity to take the company to

the next stage of its development. We will now have excellent facilities all under one roof with adequate car parking that will allow us to continue our growth.”. What can training solutions provide for you? The company is an accredited training provider for NEBOSH, IOSH, CSR, City and Guilds, ILM, RTITB Driver CPC and Safety Pass Alliance, to ensure that the optimum level of training is provided for their customers. As well as accredited training, they deliver a wide range of skills training which fully comply with the HSE’s Approved Codes of Practice. Nicola Penman, the company Sales Director, said: “We are

all excited with this substantial investment by the company. We will be able to further advance our reputation as one of Northern Irelands leading training organisation with these new facilities. Our aim is to provide high quality training and satisfy the needs of our clients.” Company administration is very capably managed by Donna McCarthy and Josie Wright. Their aim is to back up the training with efficiency and excellence. The team’s understanding of the CSR Scheme means they can offer advice and information on the full range of CSR cards including labourers, skilled workers, supervisors and managers. They also deliver the IOSH Managing

Training Solutions |47 Safely for Construction Managers and the Safety for Senior Executives courses. These enable senior managers to know their responsibility and allow construction managers to achieve the Platinum and Black CSR Cards. As a Nebosh centre they deliver the Nebosh General Certificate, Nebosh Fire Certificate, Nebosh Environmental Certificate and Nebosh Construction Certificate. These essential qualifications for Health and Safety practitioners are delivered by experienced tutors and the company has a record of exceptional achievements. Training Solutions (NI) Ltd is also an IOSH Centre and provides the Managing Safely course. This risk management based course is an extremely popular course for supervisors and managers to help them understand their responsibilities for the health and safety of their employees. As a City and Guilds centre they deliver the essential electrical courses such as the17th Edition, PAT and 2394/2395. With excellent tuition in these subjects they have exceptional results. Training Solutions (NI) Limited has a dedicated engineering training unit

that is used to enable safe multiskilling for electricians or mechanical operators to give greater efficiency and flexibility. They also deliver the Safe Pass Alliance training required for people that work on a Petroleum forecourt and RTITB Driver CPC. Management courses are also a priority with ILM and bespoke management training courses can be tailored to customer needs. Training Solutions (NI) Ltd is able to help with any of this training. Centrally positioned in Antrim and close to train and bus services, with new facilities and experienced staff. Jim Stewart, Nicola Penman, Donna McCarthy and Josie Wright will deal with any enquiries and give sound advice if you are interested in training.

“We are all excited with this substantial investment by the company. We will be able to further advance our reputation as one of Northern Irelands leading training organisation with these new facilities. Our aim is to provide high quality training and satisfy the needs of our clients.” Nicola Penman, the company Sales Director

Hawthorn Contracts Electrical Services

“We are delighted to be associated with Training Solutions NI, having been the main contractor for the new training facilities in Antrim. We wish Jim and all the team every success for the future”

Unit 9, Building 15, Central Park, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, BT36 4FS T: 028 9084 2724 F: 028 9084 0074 E: info@wrmoore.com

Hawthorn Contracts have been trading for over 35 years in the electrical business. We work in domestic, commercial and industrial installations & as well as maintenance repairs. We are specialists to the licensed trades such as bars, hotels, clubs & restaurants. We can supply certification on electrical installations for insurance companies and entertainment licenses in the trade. We also work on a lot of large one off homes with the latest in smart wiring, sound systems and lighting. Prior to all projects I will always meet with clients and ensure that they are involved from the start. We are delighted to have been involved in the relocation of Training Solutions and wish Jim and all the team the very best in the future.

Hawthorn Contracts Electrical Services 12b Stoneyford Road Lisburn, BT28 3RG moblie 07710 338629 office 028 92 648292 email martinfitzsimmons@hotmail.co.uk

48| Skill Build

Super Skilled construction apprentices compete to be the best

Bryan McGurk, SWC Omagh, was awarded gold medal in carpentry and the Haldane Fisher cup for the Overall Young Apprentice of the Year at the annual Skillbuild NI competition held last week at NRC, Newtownabbey. Congratulating him on his event was Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning and Sarah Travers.

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round 100 competitors from all over the Province tested their skills at Skillbuild 2013 which was held at Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey Campus on 20 & 21 March.

Skillbuild NI is held annually each spring, with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in 12 different construction craft areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK Skillbuild Finals and potentially the UK at WorldSkills. The Skillbuild NI competition not only encourages trainees to improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations and colleges across NI. The Skillbuild test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices, testing skills within tight timeframes and the competitors are being

continuously assessed throughout the two day competition. The competition has the support of local construction employers who sponsor each category and has the overall support from CITBConstructionSkills NI, Department for Employment and Learning, Construction Employers Federation, Haldane Fisher, Snickers Workwear and Colleges NI. Presenting trophies to the winning competitors Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning said: “Skills competitions are a very positive news story for Northern Ireland. They are a great way to showcase our vocational skills and demonstrate to employers and future investors the high standard of training provision which exists in our colleges and training organisations. “We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. Northern Ireland’s strong representation on Team UK is testament to the

high standards of technical and professional training in our colleges. We look forward to building upon past successes, and hopefully bringing home more medals from WorldSkills in Leipzig, Germany this summer.” Raymond Whiteford, Chairman of the Skillbuild Advisory Group said: “The Skillbuild NI national competition is a superb event which enables participants to benchmark themselves against their fellow competitors in NI. The apprentices have been preparing hard for this event and credit must be given to them and the trainers involved. Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and in this economic climate we thank the local employers for investing in the future of the construction industry.” The next WorldSkills event is to be held in July in Leipzig in Germany and we are hopeful we can achieve the same outstanding result that NI competitors achieved in 2011. We had the best medal haul of all the UK regions, with a gold medal in

bricklaying, silver in landscape gardening and a bronze in Refrigeration & airconditioning. Two out of the three WorldSkills medal winners progressed to this stage via Skillbuild NI which first showed their potential of talent within their trade ” Ronnie Laverty, NRC Head of Faculty Built Environment said, “We were delighted to host the SkillbuildNI National Finals Competition 2013 at our Newtownabbey campus which offers the most up to date construction facilities completed recently as part of a £10 million new build project. Of course the competition wouldn’t be a success without competitors who are enthusiastic and committed to achieving the highest standards possible. Taking part in these competitions is not easy and the competition has been an intensive two days which involves working to a tight timescale but striving to maintain the highest standard of work. On behalf of NRC I would like to wish all the winners every success as they go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK and further afield.”

ETT |49

Electrical Industry calls for Voluntary Licensing Scheme Electrical Training Trust chief executive Derek Thompson (front) and electrical apprentice Ryan Johnston, from Hunter Electrics, launch the SparkSafe initiative, which is aimed at promoting the benefits of employing qualified and licensed electrical workers.

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he Northern Ireland electrical contracting industry has launched a campaign to highlight the need for a licensing scheme for all electrical workers.

SparkSafe, an initiative by Electrical Training Trust, is aimed at promoting the benefits of employing qualified and licensed electrical workers. The system will help electrical contractors and clients to make an informed choice about the quality and standard of electrical workers based upon qualifications and competence. ETT estimates there are around 3,000 qualified electricians in Northern Ireland but are concerned that without an accredited licensing scheme anyone can trade as an electrician and, in doing so, put unsuspecting clients at risk from work not meeting current electrical safety standards. Launching the SparkSafe initiative, Derek Thompson, Chief Executive, ETT, said a voluntary licensing scheme would raise standards across the industry, enhance the professional

credibility of the qualified and experienced electrician and give clients greater confidence that work will be carried out to the appropriate technical installation requirements. Central to the operation of the SparkSafe licensing scheme will be the development of a website where all electrical workers will be invited to register and detail their qualifications, experience and skills. Information on the website www.sparksafeltp.org - will then be made available to commercial and public sector clients to enable them to check the credentials of individual electrical workers, whether they are working on their own or as part of a team provided through an electrical contractor. Over the next three months ETT is planning to consult widely throughout the industry and with all key stakeholders to develop and agree a way forward towards the introduction of the licensing scheme. The initiative has already received support from the Unite union and Construction Employers’ Federation. Mr Thompson said: “Given the

dominant role electrical systems, equipment and appliances now play in our homes, workplaces and public buildings, the need for transparency regarding the qualifications and competencies of electrical workers has never been greater. “Today’s electrical worker needs a high level of technical knowledge and a wide range of skills to meet UK and European standards. The absence of licensing often means that unqualified and unskilled individuals enter the supply chain, increasing risk and lowering standards. Without a licensing scheme in place homeowners and commercial and public sector clients, as well as contractors, are at risk of employing individuals without the necessary competencies. “The current economic climate has made us all very cost conscious and when price is the critical factor standards often decline. Through the SparkSafe initiative the electrical industry will continue to provide clients with a competitive service and also ensure that quality and standards are raised.” Mr Thompson pointed out the

absence of licensing in the electrical industry is in stark contrast to that of the gas industry where all gas workers have to be registered under the GasSafe scheme to operate. “While GasSafe is regulated by the Government, we are not calling for a statutory licensing scheme to be put in place and the lengthy process that would involve. Instead we are launching the SparkSafe campaign today to raise awareness of the need and the benefits of a voluntary licensing scheme,” he added. Registration under the SparkSafe licensing scheme will be open to all electrical workers, including apprentices, working in Northern Ireland. Electricians will be required to provide verifiable details of qualifications and training courses undertaken and completed as well as a record of their work experience and skills. The scheme will be fully inclusive and workers who gained their qualifications outside the UK, provided the courses are internationally recognised, will be able to register. For further information log on to www.sparksafeltp.org.

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50|

Green light for hospital’s £70m radiotherapy unit.

The environment minister, Alex Attwood, has given his approval for plans for a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin hospital. Health Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed the decision for the £70 million project. The new facility will provide a radiotherapy service to the people of the north west including from Co Donegal. The planning application has been turned around in just 11 weeks. The Department of the Environment is currently consulting Derry City Council on its decision. Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "This is great news for the local community and means we are one step closer to opening this important facility. It means more patients can be treated closer to home, rather than have a long journey at a stressful time. "The new facility is expected to cost in the region of £70 million including enabling works and is planned for completion in late 2015/

early 2016 with the facility becoming operational in mid 2016 following a period of commissioning," he said. "It will complement the service provided at the Belfast Cancer Centre and will receive financial support from Ireland's government." Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "This is a development that will provide vital services for people in the local area. This is why I made sure that we were in a position to turn it around very quickly. "Economically this will also provide a boost for Derry securing real jobs in the long term and construction jobs in the short term," he said. The centre was put on hold in March 2011 after the previous health minister, Michael McGimpsey, said there was not enough money in his budget to run it. Current health minister Edwin Poots reversed the decision when he took up the post. People in Londonderry have to make a 200-mile round trip to the cancer centre in Belfast for treatment.

Work to tee off on golf resort site The developer behind the £100 million golf and hotel resort near the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim said he hopes work will start this autumn. The National Trust failed in a court challenge to block the resort at Runkerry, because of its proximity to the Unesco world heritage site. It brought a judicial review after Environment Minister Alex Attwood granted planning permission. Dr Alastair Hannah is delighted the project will go ahead. "We are very excited indeed," he said. "We think the judge did a tremendous job. He was able to very quickly get to grips with all of this and he didn't keep us waiting a long time. "We had expected it would be another month before we had the result". He has said it will be one of the "most spectacular golf developments ever seen in Ireland". "Not only will the resort provide a world-class golf links course and facilities attracting thousands of visitors each year, it will also protect the vulnerable topography of the coastal area which has been left vulnerable following decades of neglect," he said. Mr Attwood approved the plan to build the complex in February 2012. The development, on a 365-acre site, is to be known as Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa. The plan includes an 18-hole golf course, a five-star 120-bedroom hotel and 70 golf lodges. Last year, it was reported that the project could create up to 360 new jobs. However, the trust had argued that the minister should have consulted Unesco before making his decision as it could affect the Causeway's status as a world heritage site. During the judicial review hearing a lawyer for the trust claimed the minister had been improperly advised. Then, Mr Justice Weatherup rejected all grounds of challenge to Mr Attwood's decision.

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|51

Cat’s on the prowl with 200 new jobs Manufacturing giant Caterpillar is to create 200 new jobs in Belfast, the company has confirmed. The high quality shared services positions will be based at its plant in the west of the city. Invest Northern Ireland is to contribute £1.275 million towards the jobs boost. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster described the announcement as good news and said it showed confidence in Northern Ireland. Ms Foster said: "Last year, Invest Northern Ireland's Alastair Hamilton and I travelled to the US and met with Caterpillar senior management to specifically discuss the company's future plans in Northern Ireland. This investment project was discussed as part of that meeting. "Since then the team at Invest NI has worked tirelessly to secure the shared services positions for Northern Ireland and ensure that they were not lost to other potential locations in Europe." Caterpillar, which produces construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and dieselelectric locomotives, has had a presence in Northern Ireland since its acquisition of local engineering firm FG Wilson in 1999. This latest investment comes just months after FG Wilson axed 760 jobs and said it was transferring production of about 70 per cent of its small generator sets to China. In January the FG Wilson plants in Newtownabbey, Belfast and Larne were re-branded as Caterpillar (Northern Ireland). Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar Northern Ireland operations director said: "As a global company, Caterpillar has to regularly evaluate key areas of business in order to remain

internationally competitive. "With the support from Invest NI and the government departments as well as the availability of key, essential skills in the professional shared services area, we are pleased to announce Northern Ireland as the location of choice for this expansion of services." Creation of the new jobs

have also been welcomed by Employment Minister Stephen Farry whose Department has offered training support of ÂŁ440,000 under its Assured Skills programme. Dr Farry said: "This investment by Caterpillar demonstrates confidence in our local skills base and will offer important employment and training opportunities in a variety of key

business areas including finance and human resources. The flexibility that my Department's Assured Skills programme offers to companies like Caterpillar gives Northern Ireland an edge when competing with other regions. Assured Skills funding will ensure that the company has the support necessary for essential training initiatives and skills development activities."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Employment & Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry have announced that Caterpillar is to create 200 new high quality shared services jobs in West Belfast. They are pictured with Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar Northern Ireland Operations Director.

52| Wienerberger

Showroom paves the way to Wienerberger’s development

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he company that put bare brick interiors firmly on the architectural map, supplying the Belfast Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), is expanding.

Wienerberger has been one of the foundation stones of the building trade in Northern Ireland for decades, and is now bucking the economic trend by investing in new premises to better serve the sector in the future. Senior executives joined Gary Blair, the local sales director in late March at the new the showroom and distribution centre at Scullion’s Road, Mallusk with an informal launch for the 227sq metre facility. Gary said the new showroom will allow Wienerberger to expand its business across the whole of Ireland. “This creates a space for the sales team to meet with customers,

including architects, housing developers and merchants.” He noted how close it is to the M2 motorway, adding that it was a new hub for the growing business. Keith Barker, commercial director and Annette Forster, director of marketing were also on hand to meet customers, old and new. Mr Barker said that while no new jobs were being created, the move underpinned existing staffing and did indeed represent a ‘vote of confidence’ in the future. Speaking to Specify, he said: “We already had a very significant presence and have now taken the three existing brands into the long-established and respected Wienerberger name.” Questioned on the current trends in the building sector, he added: “We are a leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping solutions already

and intend to uphold that position, despite difficult trading conditions.” Taking Specify staff on a guided tour of the new premises, Annette Forster pointed out the success already enjoyed. Specifically she said the Belfast MAC was a showcase for the company, with the bricks being part of the aesthetic environment of this top-ranked Belfast centre. “The showroom will offer visitors from across the country a hands-on experience, where they will be able to view and handle Wienerberger’s products and range of colours on offer, as well as being able to see how the range works together to form a complete building solution,” she said. “We have on display the same bricks that were used in the Belfast MAC and many more such products.” The investment by Wienerberger is a great shot-in-the-arm for the

local building sector. It was formed in the 19th century in Vienna and has grown into a leading global provider, with more than 225 plants l counted across 30 different countries. The leading brands in the portfolio include major names such as Porotherm and Terca in walls, Sandtoft in roof solutions and Penter in landscaping. Commenting on the economic downturn, Ms Forster added the company is no stranger to success in the current climate: “Our brick product range has increased by 150% in five years and we offer the largest range of traditional plain tiles in the UK and have also increased the clay paving range by 15% to satisfy demand.” Concluding on a high note, she said: “We have 1,000 staff in the UK and 15,000 employees worldwide so are in a very positive position.”

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A remote delay? John Grimes Partnership Limited v Gubbins

O

n the 5th February 2013, the Court of Appeal gave judgement in John Grimes Partnership Limited v Gubbins [2013] EWCA Civ 37, a case in which a developer successfully sued an engineer for the reduction in value of properties because that reduction happened during a period of delay caused by the engineer. While the Court of Appeal held that the reduction in value of the developer’s properties came as a direct result from the property crash in 2008, the reduction would not have occurred had the engineer in the case not delayed the overall completion of the development. Therefore, the Court of Appeal upheld the developer’s claim for damages rejecting the engineer’s arguments that the delay was too remote to be the cause of the loss.

Alastair Todd Partner, Belfast +44 (0) 28 90 26 2658 alastair.todd@arthurcox.com or visit our website: www.arthurcox.com

Facts

Mr Gubbins obtained planning permission to develop a field for private mixed-used housing. John Grimes Partnership Limited (“JGP”), a firm of consulting engineers, was engaged in September 2006 to design an access road and drainage for the site and to arrange for the road to be adopted by the local authority. JGP was engaged for a fee of £15,000 and it was an express oral term of the contract that the works would be completed by March 2007. The works were not completed by March 2007. In April 2008, Mr Gubbins engaged another consulting engineer who commenced works in May 2008. Having redesigned the road and drainage works, the replacement consulting engineer received local authority approval for the road to be adopted on 18 June 2008. A fee dispute arose between

Mr Grubinns and JGP and JGP commenced proceedings. Mr Gubbins counterclaimed for: • The fees previously paid as JGP’s work had been defective and needed to be redone; and • Damages for nearly £400,000 due to JGP’s failure to complete the work by March 2007, comprising: • A reduction in market value of the private residential units to be built; • A reduction in an offer from a housing association for the units; and • An increase in building costs. At first instance, JGP was successful in its claim for unpaid fees. However, it was also held that JGP was in breach of contract. Applying the Hadley v Baxendale (1854) 9 Exch. 341 test for remoteness, the Judge concluded that the loss suffered by Mr Gubbins was not too remote to be recoverable. The Judge said that JGP had known from the outset what Mr Gubbins was intending to do with the land and the timescales he set to have the works completed. As commercially minded engineering consultants JGP had accepted that a delay of 15 months brought with it the risk that the property market might fluctuate to the detriment of Mr Gubbins. The Judge found that, had the works been completed by March 2007, the development of the site would have been completed by June 2008. He went on to conclude that Mr Gubbins could recover the difference in the property values. JGP appealed, arguing that the Judge was wrong in his reasoning and that the claim for reduced value was too remote. JGP claimed that it was necessary to decide whether JGP could have been said to have accepted, at the time of the contract, responsibility for that type of loss, were it to occur.

Decision

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. A key element was that the Judge found that JGP had brought no material before the Court to demonstrate that there was some

Adrian Kerr

general understanding between Mr Gubbins and JGP that it would not be taken to have assumed responsibility for losses arising from a fall in the property market where there had been delay. The Judge noted that, where there is no express term for the loss in the contract, the law will imply a term for losses which can reasonably be foreseen at the time of contract to be not unlikely to result if the contract is broken: it is well known that the property market fluctuates. The Court of Appeal was also dismissive of JGP’s argument that the scale of loss would be disproportionate to the modest size of the fee payable under the contract.

Comment

By implying a contractual term regarding responsibility for reasonably foreseeable losses, the Court of Appeal in this case has given consultants a clear warning that they should expressly exclude types of loss when making the contract. If they fail to do this, an assumption of responsibility may be implied, unless they can demonstrate circumstances that make this inappropriate for the type of loss in question. This case serves as a clear reminder that losses incurred as a direct result of a consultant’s delay may be enforced by the Courts, including reduced value claims. Legal advice should be sought if consultants or employers are affected by this case, or if drafting is required to address the issues arising in the case. ■ Adrian Kerr is an Associate in the Construction Department of Arthur Cox, Belfast

Adrian Kerr Associate, Belfast +44 (0) 28 9026 5899 adrian.kerr@arthurcox.com or visit our website: www.arthurcox.com

54| Newells

Western Building delivers £8.5m Coalisland Supermarket

N

EWELL Stores Ltd, a Tyrone-based familyowned company, has announced the opening of its second supermarket located in the town centre of Coalisland. The new 25,000 sq ft supermarket, built by main contractor Western Building Systems, will create 150 jobs and, as a direct result, will enhance the Dungannon store with a further 33 jobs through restructuring.

The new store which opened recently is estimated to have cost £8.5m overall and is reported to be the largest ever investment in the town. Western Building, a leading construction company in the Mid Ulster area, delivered the new 3.5m supermarket project in just seven months. Around 400 people were employed by Western during the construction of the new 25,000 sq feet supermarket. The company, which has been delivering construction projects across the UK and Ireland for over 30 years, has a wealth of experience in the commercial, health and education sectors. Martin McCloskey, chief executive of Western said: “We are very pleased to have been part of such a positive development for Coalisland town centre. Our expertise, project management skills and in-house manufacturing facilities enable us to deliver exceptional buildings within strict budgets and timeframes – and this new store is

testament to that. We are confident this development will bring many benefits to the town and people of Coalisland and we would like to wish Newell Stores every success with their new venture.” Eugene Conway, owner of Newell Stores, said: “We are very happy with the professional service provided by Western Building Systems in delivering this project, which will make a very positive contribution to the current retail offering in the town of Coalisland. Already this project has brought much needed employment to Coalisland and it will be instrumental in attracting more people into the town to support local retailers and businesses.” According to Newell Stores Director Colin Conway, the 9 million investment in the development supported by Danske Bank and the owners of Newell Store - is a vote of confidence in the Coalisland area and the investment that the town was lacking. Aaron Ennis, Danske Bank corporate banking manager spoke of Danske Bank’s investment and its commitment to the project. He said: “Newell Stores is an excellent example of the type of business we are keen to work with. Danske Bank is proud to support such a strong family business and play our part in stimulating both the local jobs market in the Tyrone area, and the wider economy as a whole.” Francie Molloy MLA, Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA and South Tyrone Mayor Phelim Gildernew and Michelle Gildernew

MP officiated at the official opening of the new supermarket. Welcoming the opening of the new store Mr Molloy said: “This is excellent news for the people of Coalisland, with a much needed injection of 170 new jobs and

£8.7 million investment into the area. Newell stores have to be congratulated, they are a local business investing in a rural area and its people and they have transformed a derelict site, which was an eyesore into a modern Supermarket.

Peter Hughes Electrical contractor

“Pleased to be associated with Newell Stores Coalisland”

46 Aghareany Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT70 1RL Tel: 028 8776 7751, Mob: 07860463872

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Berlingo – a balance of performance, practicality and economy Specify recently got behind the wheel of the famously hard-working Citroen Berlingo 1.6 HDi van, no stranger to Northern Ireland building sites, at Donnelly Citroen Business Centre, Dungannon. This latest version of the Berlingo, much favoured by the local building industry, is bigger where it really counts, more accommodating, and more secure. A big uninterrupted load floor and a comfortable three-seater cabin packed with neat modular functions mean that this is a hard-working van that adapts to your needs. Two europallets can be loaded straight in, and the rear doors swing out to 180 degrees, perfect for backing up to loading bays. For ultimate easy loading, a nearside sliding side-loading door is available on some models, as well as a twin side door option. Mobile office Once behind the wheel you quickly appreciate the quality and finish of your surroundings. On our model the ‘Bluetooth’ phone system let you take and receive calls without your eyes leaving the road, while the satellite navigation system gets you straight to the job. The middle seat backrest can be folded forward to provide you with a desk on the move, while the passenger seat base can fold up cinema style to accommodate a large fragile load in the footwell. There is also a number of well-placed storage compartments above and below the driver for easy access. The responsive performance of Citroen’s new HDi direct injection engines also add a new environmental dimension with a smooth and simple Stop and Start system, resulting in a dramatic reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With the Berlingo range starting from £8950 plus VAT, the Berlingo will be a common sight on our roads for a long time to come. Contact Dean Hetherington or any of the team at Donnelly Citroen Tel 028 8772 2887 or log onto Donnellygroup.co.uk

Bid to ease fears over road scheme

Full steam ahead for new tourist attraction

NERVOUS motorists have been reassured as preparations begin for one of the oldest and potentially trickiest road schemes to be carried out in the Province. Plans to dual the infamous section of the A2 Shore Road between Whiteabbey and Carrickfergus have been on the cards since the 1980s in a bid to end the bottleneck that runs from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown to the outskirts of Carrickfergus. The narrow, single-lane road has been operating at capacity and above since that time, frustrating commuters in particular as they attempt to get in and out of Belfast. However, the prospect of the scheme, which is expected to last for two gruelling years, has alarmed drivers with rumours of single lane traffic and the potential for horrendous queues gathering along the route. But that is not the case, said Roy Spiers, the DRD’s eastern division deputy divisional manager, Roads Service, and the man responsible for driving through the Westlink widening scheme in the late 2000s. “This scheme has been on the cards in some form or another for the past 30-odd years,” he said. “I picked it up really and initiated the process back in 2005 and I’m very pleased not to be moving into the delivery phase.” He was happy also to dispel any myths about traffic having to share one lane. He said: “The terminology is that there will be one lane in either direction and that is what exists at the moment. That will be the minimum standard that will be maintained throughout the contract.”

Millions of pounds is to be spent turning a steam engine depot at Whitehead, Co Antrim, into a tourist attraction. The depot is currently used by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RSPI) to carry out work on their 10 locomotives. RSPI plan to create an interactive museum and said it will become an essential stop on the tourist trail. The money has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the EU-backed Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme. The RPSI was established in 1964 and is an all-island voluntary organisation dedicated to the conservation and operation of heritage trains. They hope improved visitor facilities will draw more people into the Whitehead area to learn about railway heritage. Denis Grimshaw from the RSPI said: "We plan to run more frequent train services for visitors in the future. "Whitehead itself will become a visitor attraction where people can go on guided tours and actually see locomotives and carriages being rebuilt." Edward Friel who volunteers on the project said the money had been a real boost. "There is a mood of optimism developing in this place, now that we have a future," he said. "It's very important to tell people about what we have and what we do here because there is a real fascination with people of all ages for steam and trains of the past.

56| NI Housing

NI Housing Professionals Shine at the CIH Housing Awards T

he CIH Northern Ireland 4th Annual Housing Awards took place on Thursday 28 February, showcasing housing’s ‘best of the best’ over the last year. The evening was hosted by BBC’s Tara Mills and Inside Housing’s Editor Stuart MacDonald at Belfast’s City Hall.

The Housing Awards is now in its fourth year in Northern Ireland and has been revitalised this year to include new nomination categories such as Landlord of the Year, Best Housing Story of 2012 and Sustainable Development of the Year Award. Over 200 guests attended this prestigious event headlined sponsored by Oaklee Homes. The sheer breadth and quality of this year’s entrants has once again surpassed all expectations of the judges. The CIH aims each year to maximise excellence, innovation and recognise Housing Professionals who are making a difference. Ian Elliott, Group Chief Executive of Oaklee commented: “Oaklee were delighted to be the headline sponsor of the CIH Awards for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious award ceremony recognises truly inspirational examples of social

housing and professionalism within the social housing movement. The Awards are also a great opportunity for housing professionals to develop partnerships and is an excellent platform to raise the profile of Oaklee Homes Group and the services we provide throughout Ireland. I would like to extend my congratulations once again to all the deserving winners of the night.” Jim Dennison, Head of Operation at CIH NI said “We have been absolutely delighted with this year’s Annual Housing Awards! The quality of nominations has been outstanding. Many and well deserved congratulations to those shortlisted for Awards and to those who won them. We owe a huge thanks to our sponsors, our members, our supporters and the judging panel – all of whom made the Awards a night to remember!” CIH NI would like to make special mentioned of our other sponsors for the NI Housing Awards, Fold Housing Association, Fusion 21, WJ Law, Insight HR, NIHE, Learning Pool, Tughans Solicitors, Willis Insurance Brokers, AgendaNi, The Big Lunch and Trinity Housing Association. Our sponsors continuing endorsement of the awards is testament to its importance to the sector.

Tara Mills, BBC and David Law, WJ Law winner of the Working Together Award

The CIH Award winners have been honoured in 11 categories Landlord of the Year Sean Donnelly, Smartmove South Region

More Than Bricks and Mortar Award Trinity Housing

Excellence in Customer Service Award Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Working Together Award WJ Law & Co LLP

Raising Standards Award NHBC Sustainable Development of the Year Trinity Housing Association / O’Hanlon & Farrell Contracts Ltd Rising star award Sarah Corrigan, Housing Rights Service

Housing Hero Award Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd Effecting Efficiencies Award Fold Housing Association Best housing story of 2012 Michael Kelly, Omagh District Council Chairmans Award Michael Kelly, Omagh District Council

Tara Mills, BBC, Sarah Corrigan, Housing Rights Service Winner of the Rising Star Award, Stuart Macdonald, Inside Housing

Tara Mills, BBC, Award Sponsor Ian Kirkpatrick, Trinity Housing, with Teresa McDonough Winner of the Housing Hero Award, Cecilia Keaveney, Director of CIH and Stuart Macdonald, Inside Housing

Robin Lawler, CIH President, Tara Mills, BBC, Winner of the Effecting Efficiencies Award Accord Procurement Group with Award Sponsor Fusion 21 – Janis Simpson Mahoney and Dave Neilson CEO and Stuart Macdonald, Inside Housing

NI Housing |57

Robin Lawler, CIH President, Tara Mills, BBC, Award Sponsor Maeve McLaughlin Learning Pool, Winners of the Raising Standards Award NHBC, David Little, Director NHBC, Phil Rogers, Technical Projects and Communications Manager, NHBC Eddie Ryce, Learning Pool and Stuart Macdonald, Inside Housing

Claire Foley, Monica Haughey and Michelle White, Ulidia Housing Association

Tara Mills, BBC, Sandra McKeague Winner of the Undergraduate of the Year, Stuart Macdonald Inside Housing

John Mills, Tughans Solicitors, Sponsors of the Working Together Award, Cecilia Keaveney, Director of CIH NI, John-George Willis, Tughans Solicitors

John McPeake, CEO NI Housing Executive, Ann Gallagher, Chair of CIH NI, Robin Lawler, President of CIH

Quintin Oliver, Director of Stratagem, Dr Jennifer Donald, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor CIH NI, David Law, WJ Law and Conor Mulligan, Managing Director Lagan Homes

Colette Moore Clanmil Housing Association, John Gartland Ulidia Housing Association, Carol Ervine, Ulidia Housing Association

Savoy House Committee, Vivian Clulow, Rosemary MacDonald, Sam Girvan, Denise Wilson and Margaret Stewart

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Prominent Local Businessman a breath of fresh air for nicfc THE new year has brought a fresh face to Northern Ireland Cancer Fund For Children (NICFC) in the shape of prominent Northern Ireland and international businessman Ronnie Foreman. The Crawfordsburn man assumed position of chairman at the charity, which offers practical and emotional support to young people with cancer and their families, at the beginning of January. NICFC chief executive Gillian Creevy was delighted to welcome Ronnie on-board and said he will bring a wealth of experience to the charity. “Ronnie will bring a great deal of governance experience to this organisation and a significant network of contacts within United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States. He is a great addition to the NICFC family and we are so excited about having him on-board,” she said. Ronnie has worked for and been a chairman of many major companies. He is currently Chair of SiteServ NI. Ronnie, with his strong knowledge in the construction industry will be a great asset to the charity as it embarks on building its £3m state-of-the-art therapeutic Daisy Lodge respite centre at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, Co. Down. The Sullivan Upper School-educated man is the founder and chairman of Foreman Consultants, which provides a business development service to organisations across the UK, Ireland and the USA. Other notable posts have included Belfast Harbour Commissioner and chair of organisations such as Fluor Corporation Ireland, Aervent Ltd, Dalkia (NI) Ltd, EAGA Plc and SIAC (NI) Ltd.

He is also a member of the NI Chamber of Commerce and Institute of Directors. On his new appointment, Ronnie who is married with two children and six grandchildren, said: "I am delighted with the opportunity to join NICFC at this critical time in the organisation. I hope to play a role in developing the charity

to provide wider services to a greater number of children and families affected by cancer. The construction of the Daisy Lodge centre in the Mournes and the establishment of a family facility within new offices in Belfast will be an enormous step forward in the services we currently provide.”

Newly appointed NI Cancer Fund for Children chairman, Ronnie Foreman, checks out plans for the charity's new Daisy Lodge respite centre in Newcastle with chief executive Gillian Creevy. Pic: Elaine Hill.

Shimna Valley Redevelopment Project – Key Facts • NICFC Shimna Valley, situated in a tranquil valley at the foot of the Mournes, has been providing respite breaks to families for 16 years • Although it has been adapted over the years, it was not purpose designed for diagnosed children and a detailed Options Appraisal, carried out by the Board in 2008, recommended that the site should undergo major redevelopment • The new Shimna Valley, which is to be known as ‘Daisy Lodge’, was designed by architects Michael McDowell Associates and will be built by Heron Bros. • It is a 16,000 sq ft, purpose designed therapeutic and wellbeing centre for families. • The new centre will feature six-double family suites, four therapy suites, a range of age appropriate play centres, two lounge areas as well as a restaurant, cinema and outdoor play areas. • No similar centre exists anywhere else in the UK or Ireland. • It will cost £2.75m to construct, the build period will be 14 months from January 2013. • As in previous years, short breaks at Daisy Lodge will be offered to families referred from Our Lady’s Hospital in Dublin; with the completion of Daisy Lodge this will be extended during 2014 with referrals to be accepted from the other major Paediatric oncology centres across Ireland.

NICFC Key Facts • Leading, local cancer charity for children, young people and their families. • Established 1973, 40 years’ experience in the field of cancer support for children and families. • Provides a broad range of services from the point of diagnosis • Helps families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives, and to support them through life after treatment and, sadly, in some cases, bereavement. • One-to-one support for diagnosed children, young people and their families delivered by a team of qualified childhood cancer specialists working in hospital, at home and in the community • Free therapeutic and respite short breaks available to all families, away from the everyday challenges of childhood cancer treatment. • Every week in Northern Ireland, three children, teenagers or young adults, aged between 0-24 years old, are diagnosed with cancer – NICFC works with around 300 families at any given time • A cancer diagnosis is a very frightening experience and the emotional, practical and financial implications of treatment are challenging for the whole family. • Cancer affects families in many different ways and NICFC’s aim is to ensure that each family member – diagnosed child, brothers and sisters, mum and dad - receives the support which works best for them.

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Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios’ planning application for the University of Ulster’s Belfast city campus has been approved A Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios design for the University of Ulster’s new Belfast City Campus has received planning permission. The campus is part of a £250m higher education project to provide 70,000 sqm of central teaching, faculty and social learning accommodation across three linked sites in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast city centre. This high density urban university campus blurs the boundaries between the University environments and the city by providing publically accessible thoroughfares and facilities across the lower three floors. The internal arrangement of faculties and shared facilities will blur traditional boundaries encouraging collaboration across faculties and research disciplines. The buildings will accommodate up to 15,000 students and staff and has the potential to influence regeneration of this area of central Belfast and act as a catalyst for significant investment into the local economy. The architectural proposal evolved out of an interest in the geological forms defining Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscape. This led to a stratification of the form; strongly defining a base, middle and top. The

glazed base reveals the activities of the University to the city while a middle masonry band houses inward facing classrooms and the upper most level, a combination of glass and brick, contains the facilities owned by the individual faculties. Equally, the historic context of the site influenced the building mass resulting in variations in height from twelve to four storeys thereby creating a dramatic addition to the city’s streetscape and skyline. Taken as a whole, the three new buildings form a sculpted set piece marking the entrance to the city core and reinforcing the traditional grain of the city. Belfast City Council's Town Planning Committee unanimously backed Environment Minister Alex Attwood's recommendation that the planning application for the new city campus be approved. The Vice-Chancellor said: "The University of Ulster is delighted that both central and local government have given their approval for this significant investment in higher education, the future of Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. The granting of planning permission for the £250 million Belfast City Campus will usher in a thrilling new chapter in the development of the University,

the city and the region - providing a state of the art teaching and learning facility for future students and a first rate centre for research and innovation in the heart of the city. However, the University is also anxious to ensure that the entire city and province benefits economically, socially and culturally from the development - especially those communities bordering our campus. This will be an open and accessible campus without iron gates or surrounding walls. We are keen that the entire community views this as their building, as their gateway into the city centre and not just the preserve of academics and students.” Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, said "I

welcome the granting of planning approval of the new University of Ulster development at York St. This will allow the university to move forward with its plans to create an excellent environment for students and staff alike. It is great news too for Belfast. The economic potential for the area is enormous, not just with the jobs associated with the building phase, but with the spending power of the huge number of people visiting the campus on a daily basis, and the opportunity for local businesses to serve the needs of the university." The Department for Employment and Learning has contributed £16 million towards the new campus. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios won the competition in January 2012.

Attwood Gives Campus redevelopment green light A £250 million redevelopment of the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus has been given the green light by the planning minister. But an associated application by the university for a multi-storey car park and retail unit on Frederick Street close to the rebuild on York Street has been recommended for refusal by Alex Attwood and his planning officials. If councillors ratify the campus approval, work could get under way by early summer. The university welcomed the decision on the redevelopment application and pledged to revisit the car parking issue. When operational, the new campus facility would be used by around 11,290 full time students and

around 1,280 staff. Mr Attwood said the decisions had not been easy. “I appreciate that the nature, scale and character of the proposal has prompted concerns,” he said. “I am also fully aware and sympathetic to the concerns and objections on the local residential communities. “On balance however the scheme will contribute positively to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the north and west of the city while bringing much needed construction jobs.” The minister said he felt the proposal for the car park and retail space was too big. “I have taken concerns on board so I have recommended refusal for the mixed use scheme at Frederick Street car park,” he said.

“I feel that a 487-space multi storey car park and over 700 square metres of retail space are too large and would have too great an impact on local residents.” Mr Attwood said the campus proposal and other applications to build in the area represented a once in a century opportunity to reshape the north of the city. “I realise there are still issues to be resolved around this proposal - not least the need for balanced development in terms of student and social housing in this area,” he said. “Car parking and potential longer term environmental impacts also need to be addressed. However my officials, Belfast City Council and other agencies and departments are working closely together to resolve these issues.” The five-year building project is

predicted to sustain thousands of construction jobs. The university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said the new campus would provide benefit to all of Belfast and Northern Ireland. “In March 2012, the University of Ulster submitted a planning application for its new £250 million Belfast city campus which will provide our students and staff with a dynamic, state of the art learning and research facility in the heart of the city,” he said. “We believe our vision of an open and publicly accessible city campus will also have significant benefits for the city of Belfast and for Northern Ireland as a whole, including those communities around our campus creating educational, economic, social and cultural opportunities for people of all backgrounds.”

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Cookstown precision engineering firm carves its niche Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster joins Glen Dimplex Group Chairman and CEO Sean O'Driscoll (left) and Managing Director Neil Stewart at the launch of the company's 'Quantum' system which will create 37 new jobs. The world-leading electrical heating company has invested £2million in the project which has been developed by the company's Portadown-based subsidiary Seagoe Technologies.

Foster welcomes R&Ddriven jobs boost at Glen Dimplex Invest Northern Ireland chief executive Alastair Hamilton has announced an expansion by Cookstown-based Sperrin Tube Supplies, creating 15 new jobs. The company made a multimillion pound investment in a highly automated steel tube mill last year and is now undertaking a £1 million expansion to secure a competitive edge in the industry. Sperrin Tube Supplies’ plant is the first of its kind in Ireland and has enabled the company to offer its customers across Great Britain and the Republic a more competitive offering with quicker lead times and enhanced customer services. Mr Hamilton welcomed the expansion during a visit to the company’s premises. He said: “Sperrin Tube Supplies was established last year to exploit a gap in the steel processing market. This investment will ensure the company has the resources in place to secure new export sales. Invest NI’s support is helping the company implement its development plans in a timely manner and create important skilled jobs in Cookstown.” Invest NI has offered the company assistance towards its expansion plan over the next three years.

This includes marketing activities, the construction of an additional workshop, new product testing equipment and a staff recruitment programme. Invest NI’s support is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Sperrin Tube Supplies currently employs 15 members of staff, five of which have been recruited as part of the expansion plan, including a Sales and Marketing Manager. The remaining ten positions will be skilled manufacturing and product engineering roles. Damien Convery, owner of Sperrin Tube Supplies, said: “This expansion will help us establish a manufacturing operation with a significant competitive advantage over the existing chain of supply, which mostly comprises of imports. “Our products have been well received by customers and encouragingly January was our most successful month of trading to date. This growth will be accelerated by Invest NI’s support, which is allowing us to improve our capabilities so that we can secure new business particularly in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.”

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has commended the Glen Dimplex Group’s continued investment in research and development which has led to the creation of 37 jobs. Glen Dimplex is a world leader in the development of electrical heating products. The Minister was speaking at the launch of the company’s new Quantum Energy System. The new Quantum system was developed by Glen Dimplex subsidiary Seagoe Technologies, with a £2 million direct investment in the project. Invest NI has offered £157,000 to support the R&D project, which includes part funding from the European Regional Development Fund and an additional £195,000 to support capital investment and the associated creation of the new jobs. Ms Foster said: “This is a very significant investment by the Glen Dimplex Group in Northern Ireland and one which will help to increase the company’s already strong position in international markets, with a new and highly advanced space and water heating solution. “Through its subsidiaries, Glen Electric and Seagoe Technologies, there is a strong emphasis on R&D which has helped the Glen Dimplex Group to remain a global market leader. “The creation of 37 advanced

manufacturing jobs is welcome news for the sector and will help to deliver an additional £500,000 annually in salaries into the local economy. “All manufacturing of the new product for global distribution will take place in Portadown which is an important development for the manufacturing sector and a clear demonstration of how investment in R&D can help companies to develop and maintain a competitive advantage.” The Quantum Energy System is a unique and efficient heat storage system that can be programmed to fit the lifestyles of end-users thanks to intelligent controls. It also offers the potential for energy savings and associated reduction in home heating bills. Neil Stewart, managing director of Glen Dimplex in Northern Ireland, said: “Quantum is a ground-breaking technology that we’ve been working on for two years. We are incredibly proud that this unique technology was driven by the R&D department here in Northern Ireland, with the help of our colleagues in Dunleer. We see it as a real game-changer in the future of Glen Dimplex as we, and society in general, strive to create a more sustainable future. “Quantum offers consumers up to 25 per cent cost savings through accurate comfort temperature control and efficient heat storage.”

directory |61

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ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Door Hardware

Construct with Confidence We combine our extensive technical knowledge with a wide range of the finest brands in air & wind tightness, ventilation, drainage, fixings, roofing and other construction products. • SIGA Air & Windtightness Products • Gildevale Membranes • Airtightness Buildtight™ Range • Roofspace Ventilation • Passivent Natural Ventilation & Daylighting Solutions • Suitable for timber frame, traditional build and all commercial construction

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

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

Automatic’s & Access Control Swing Door Operators Sliding Door Operators Curved Sliding Bi-Folding Sliding Revolving Doors Under floor Swing Drive Operators Electronic Locking Systems Intercoms CCTV Access Control

Automatic doors DORMA offers a total package of solutions for around the door and beyond. This includes door hardware to glass fittings, automatic doors and movable walls, all backed up by a nationwide team of service and maintenance engineers. Suitable for a wide range of projects including retail, workplace, health, commercial, residential and leisure, DORMA products offer performance, reliability and innovation. DORMA UK Limited Wilbury Way Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 0AB Tel: 01462 477600 Fax: 01462 477601 Email: info@dorma-uk.co.uk Web: www.dorma-uk.co.uk

Facades, Partitions & Doors

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERS

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

Stainless Steel Fabrications

Bollard automation

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

Service & Maintenance

Walkway Systems Scaffold Tower Systems Edge Protection System Fall Arrest & Personal Protection Equipment Promoting ‘Safe Working Platforms’ Ridgeway 103 Airport Road Belfast, BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

Maintenance agreements Emergency callouts Repairing parts Replacing parts bELFAST Unit 20-21a, Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham, Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE. Tel: 028 904 69914 Fax: 028 904 69915 www.kccarchitectural.com salesbelfast@ kccarchitectural.com

dublin cork London

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

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

62| directory Builders

BuSINESS information

Cavity trays

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

•

Manufacturers of preformed cavitrays, caviclosers, cavivents, caviweeps, dampcourses, arches, lintels, airbricks, membranes, barriers, flashings, ventilators; cavibricks. Radon and Methane protection systems. Wide range of preformed systems from the largest and longest established specialist. Products with Agrement certificates to British Standards. LABC Product Type Approval. Free design and advisory service. For high performance products with warranty. Cavity Trays Ltd is the only tray manufacturer awarded European Technical approval.

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

Building information

Products • Planning Applications • Public Sector Tenders • Contracts awarded

Carpenters & joiners

Level threshold isolation dpc's and compatible vertical closers now available. Immediate distribution from stock Cavity Trays Limited Contact: Stephen Leyland Ltd, Castings House, Quarry Heights, North Road, Newtownards BT23 7SZ Tel: 028 9182 2522 Fax: 028 9182 2558

ORE® is an all Ireland construction information service. We deliver invaluable, up to date information on construction projects at every stage. Opportunities are tailored to the exact requirements of your business, you decide what information you need and how you want to receive it.

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

Contact us for further information or visit www.unearthore.com where you can gain immediate access to all projects by taking our 10 day free trial. See what your business can unearth, given Ore.

Telephone: Belfast: 02890 755100 Dublin: 01 496 4999 Email: info@unearthore.com Web: www.unearthore.com

• • • • • • •

Reduced CO² footprint Faster application Less Labour intensive Superior surface finish Reduction in curing time Reduced thickness and weight Elimination/reduction of joints

Call 01 865 8700 (ROI) 02890 616611 (NI) e: ireland.info@cemex.com w: www.cemex.ie

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications. New range to suppress sound transmission with up to fours hours fire integrity rating

Services • www.unearthore.com • Reports tailored to your exact requirements

Ore Unit 8 North City Business Centre 2 Duncairn Gardens Belfast BT15 2GG Northern Ireland

CONCRETE

CIVIL ENGINEERS

Nicholas O'Dwyer Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers Project Managers, CDM Co-ordinators

DIFFERENT BY DESIGN 15 Downshire Road, Newry, Co. Down, N. Ireland, BT34 1EE Tel: 004428 3026 6915 • Fax: 004428 3026 4810 Email: newry@nodwyer.com • Web: www.nodwyer.com

• Above ground Slurrey Stores • Below ground Slurrey Tanks • Cattle Slatt • Cattle Cubicles • Retaining wall systems • Rocket walls, Drinkers • SB jack • Pipes and super H pipes • Bridge beams • Tunnel segments • Box culverts. Macrete Ireland Ltd. 50 Creagh Road, Toomebridge Co. Antrim BT41 3SE Tel: 028 796 504 71 Fax: 028 796 500 84 Email: info@macrete.com Web: www.macrete.com

Supplying Northern Ireland’s leading architects and builders

...a new generation of liquid screed! Major benefits over traditional sand: cement screed. Visit our website for more information.

www.rtu.co.uk RTU LTD Cloughfern Avenue, Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 0UZ Tel: 028 9085 1441 Fax: 028 9085 1226 Email: sales@rtu.co.uk

directory |63 Fire protection

Firesafe

Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction

PROTECTION SYSTEMS LTD

• Asset BEBO Bridge Arches • Redi-Rock Wall Systems • Box Culverts • Bridge Parapets • Manhole Rings & Slabs • Heads & Sills, Copings and Edgings • Above Ground Post-Tensioned Tanks

• Passive & Active Fire Stopping • Dry Wall Partitions • Suspended ceilings • Fire Safety Surveys & Advice • Smoke & Fire Dampers • Specialist Fire Prevention Measures

Moore Concrete Products Caherty House, 41 Woodside Road, Ballymena BT42 2QH

Maintenance plans starting from

only £39.00 • Sectional Garage Doors • Roller Garage Doors • Up & Over Garage Doors • Wooden Garage Doors

Tel: 028 2565 2566 Fax: 028 2565 8480 Email: info@moore-concrete.com Web: www.moore-concrete.com

Construction

2 Woodstock Link, Belfast. BT6 8DD Tel: 028 90737255 email: firesafeps@gmail.com

FABRICATED METALS

Fixings and fastenings

Ireland’s largest Fixings and Power Tool distributors including:

Our product range includes: Trespa Meteon Trespa Virtuon Trespa TopLabplus eco-fibre Trespa TopLab Trespa Athlon

GARAGE DOORS MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

• Bosch • Panasonic • Milwaukee • Bridges BRIDGES • BALUSTRADES • PLATFORMS • STAIRS • Stanley Balustrades • •ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK FA B R I C AT E D M E TA L S

• • • •

Finish Specialist Construction Products 73 Liminary Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland BT42 3HN Tel: 0800 232 1706 Fax: 028 2564 7499

Demolition

George House, 9 Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, NI, BT36 4GX Tel: 028 9083 7211 Fax: 028 9034 2307 Web: www.pfcopeland.com

FACADES

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

Henkel Elch Rawlplug Heller

• Platforms • Stairs Distributors of GRP composite P.F COPELAND LTD • Architectural Metalwork George House, 9 Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, Co.Antrim, doorsets, glass products, fire doors & Northern Ireland BT36 4GX Telephone: 028 9083 7211 • Fax: 028 9034 2307 P.F Copeland LTD Web Site: www.pfcopeland.com

Dallat Group 077 9341 6154 028 9075 1188 garagedoors@dallatgroup.co.uk

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

uPVC panels. Visit our website www.acefixings.com

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

GAS

FORKLIFT TRUCKS Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited

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

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

Award Winning Facade Specialists:

• EWI - External Wall Insulation Systems from renowned manufacturers STO & Weber. • External Rainscreen Claddings • External SFS Metal Framing • Traditional Plastering & Screeding • Established 30 Years M Clarke & Sons Contracts Ltd 9 Main St Portglenone, Co. Antrim BT44 8LA E-mail: mclarke001@aol.com Web: www.mclarke.co.uk

Combilift Ltd manufactures a range of 4-way all-wheel drive forklifts for the safe, space-saving handling of long and awkward loads. Combilifts work as a 3 trucks in 1 - counterbalance truck, sideloader and narrow aisle forklift, inside and out, on semi-rough terrain, in aisles widths of 2m. Capacities from 2.5 – 14 tonnes are available, with various power options.

Combilift Ltd Gallinagh, Co. Monaghan, Ireland Tel: 00353 47 80500 Fax: 00353 47 80501 UK Tel: 07815 314990 Email: info@combilift.com Web: www.combilift.com

Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast, BT3 9EE. Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: info@calorgas.ie Website: www.calorgas.ie Type of Business: Supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in both bulk and cylinder. Delivering an energy solution that is effective and economical. Full design service and technical advice and guidance. 24-hour emergency call out. PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Commercial Catering, Water Heating, Space Heating, Air Handling, Alfresco Catering, Outdoor Heating Solutions, - Living Flame Fires, Tumble Drying.

64| directory Glass / Glazing

As an energy solutions specialist and a leader in the LP Gas market, our business goes far beyond simply managing and supplying your gas requirements. Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only opens the door to a versatile, highly efficient energy source with affordable installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy solutions specific to your application. The technical expertise of our Energy Solutions Team affords customers peace of mind in entrusting us with the design and installation of their gas system, whatever the application. Our experience covers a comprehensive range of markets including domestic (both single dwelling and metered estates), catering, commercial, industrial, agricultural and automotive . Whether an end user, architect, developer or planning consultant, Flogas has the knowledge and expertise to ensure you get the most effective energy solution for your project, large or small. Flogas Airport Road West, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

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

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

GATE AUTOMATION MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

Supplying commerical glass solutions to the UK and Ireland's leading architects and developers • In-house Technical Team • Commercial Sealed Units • Available with Super Spacer TriSeal • Structural Units • Special Glass - Spandrel Panels Camden Glass Units 4-7, Steeple Industrial Estate, Antrim, BT41 1AB Tel: 028 9446 2419 E-mail: info@camdenglass.co.uk Web: www.camdenglass.co.uk

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

Heyn Handling Solutions comprises 4 Operational Divisons, offering bespoke solutions for all your handling needs. • Engineering Solutions (cranes & hoists) • Forktruck Solutions • Shipping Solutions • Waste Solutions 1 Corry Place, Belfast Harbour Estate BT3 9AH

Industrial Doors

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

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

Mats and matting

N. Ireland distributors and stockists for Coral mats and matting. Nuway entrance matting systems, threshold matting and tiles, rubber, plastic, coir and anti-fatigue matting, Gradus stairnosings, safety flooring, Flexi tiles, Studded rubber and Jaymart products. Matrex Mats and Matting 24B Portadown Road, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 8QX Tel: 028 3832 8857 Fax: 028 3832 1058 Mobile: 07831 141305 E-mail: matrex@btconnect.com Web: www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

Metal Finishing

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

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

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

Insurance Intermediaries

METAL MESH

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms Willis & Company provide a wide range of Insurance products to protect your business as well as Health & Safety and Risk Management Services. • Employers & Public Liability Insurance • Contractors "All Risks" Insurance • Motor Fleet Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Property & Business Interruption Insurance • Latent Defects Insurance • Bonds

Maintenance plans starting from

only £128.00 Receive a complimentary remote handset with every plan Dallat Group 077 9341 6156 028 2076 3333 gass@dallatgroup.co.uk

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

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

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

directory |65 PUMP DISTRIBUTORS

PAVING Hire Centres Acheson & Glover has been in business for more than 50 years. As well as in-depth experience we offer the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from manhole covers to decorative walling and paving. Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

• • • • • •

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970

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

PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

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

The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco • Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts

PLANT AND MACHINERY HIRE

Contractors: • Access Equipment • Mixers • Compressors • Dumpers • Concrete Equipment • Generators • Rollers • Mini Diggers • Site Accommodation • Skid Steers • Telescopic Forklifts • Welders Home - Owners • Gardening • Sanding • Heating & Drying • Decorating • Scaffolding • Saws • Drills

Site Survey

Design

Supply

Installation

Spares

Maintenance

• 'Chopper' Pumps for Arduous Sewage & Effluent Applications. • Water & Sewage Centrifugal Pumps & Package systems. • External High Efficiency Tank Mixing Systems. • Lightweight Portable Lifting Davits & Gantries. • Turnkey Wastewater Pumping Stations. • Static and Pump Action CSO Screens. • Screenings Conditioning Equipment. • Inlet Fine Screens for WwTW. • Storm Tank Flushing Systems. • Static Bag Screens. • Odour Abatement. • Flow Regulators. • Macerators.

All BPF operatives are fully trained to current Health & Safety Regulations, including 'Confined Spaces' Entry as required.

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

If you wish to advertise contact:

(NI) T: 028 4461 5777 F: 028 4461 4250 (ROI) T: (01) 4780665 F: (01) 4780678 W:www.bpf-ltd.com E:info@bpf-ltd.com

DEPOTS AT: Coleraine • Ballymena • Belfast • Mid-Ulster • Derry • Banbridge • Magherafelt 102 Bushmills Road, Coleraine, BT52 2BT 'lo-call' 0845 603 33 44 Web: www.cphire.com

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218 carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

People Solutions

• Recruitment & Selection of Sales Personnel • Redundancy Management • Discipline & Grievance Issues

BPF Distributors & Pumps Ltd Industrial Estate, Killough Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down. BT30 6LJ

• Employment Investigations • Introduction and Revision of Employment Contracts/Company Handbook

For more information on the above Outsourced HR Services please do not hesitate to contact MPS using the details below:

5 Mallard Drive, Downpatrick, Co. Down BT30 6DZ Tel: 028 4461 9687 Email: kieran@mcmahonps.com Website: www.mcmahonps.com

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD Are one of the foremost pump distributors in Ireland, holding agencies for some of the worlds leading pump manufacturers. We offer a complete design / supply / install service with the technical expertise and product range to support everything from domestic / commercial packaged pump stations to bespoke systems for municipal applications. Our specialities include: • Hot / cold water boosting • Rainwater harvesting • Food and pharmaceutical • Sewage and storm pumping systems • Leachate systems Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

66| directory REcruitment

SPECIALIST PERMANENT RECRUITMENT

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

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

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

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

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

REtaining walls

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

SAFETY

STEEL STOCKHOLDING Coen For Cares Coen Steel Services the 32 counties

Specialists in: • Emerald Synthetic Grass Surfacing • Conipur Athletics Track Systems • PolyTop Polymeric MUGA Facilities • Playground Equipment & Safety Surfacing

HEAD OFFICE Woodside Road Industrial Estate woodside Road Ballymena BT42 4QJ T: +44 (0)28 2563 8666 F: +44 (0)28 2563 8555 e: info@crawfordgroupireland.com w: www.crawfordgroupireland.com

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

The Reinforcement People We supply reinforcing stock bars and coil cut to length cut and bent. Fabric reinforcement standard sizes and non-standard sizes. Plastic spacers and accessories: construction wire, PC strand and wire. We also supply I.P.E's H.R: H.R.P.O: C.R: Galvanized Coil:  Slit coil: Tight tolerance blanks: Cut to length, sheet or plate. Northern Ireland Office Tel:  02890 844087 Fax: 02890 832521 Oranmore Office, Co. Galway Tel: 0035391 790044 Fax: 0035391 790288 Dublin Office: Tel: 0035312 786009 Warehouses at Greenore, Galway

STreet Furniture

Providing on-site safety for: • Construction • Maintenance • Engineering Environmental Street Furniture is the UK and Ireland's leading suppliers of external street furniture, exterior lighting including LED's and highways products.

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

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

security FENCING • • •

Security Fencing - Business Parks - Warehouses - Residential Sports Fencing - Tennis Courts - Soccer - Multi-sport Facilities Manufacturing - Custom Mesh Panel - Manufacturing at the right price

JN Cummins & Co. Ltd. is a leading industrial security fencing specialist. The company operates a one-stop-shop in fence-manufacturing and distributes all over Ireland, the UK and parts of Europe & Africa. We believe in offering our products at the best competitive prices and terms available, and with our own transport and delivery system and newly constructed purposebuilt offices, excellent customer service and care is ensured at all times.

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

Sports ground contractors

JNC Fencing Contact: Dermot Jones N. Ireland Contracts Manager 07585 776181 - Mob Tel: 00353 62 62214 - Head Office E-mail: info@jncfence.com Web: www.jncfence.com

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

STAINLESS STEEL

Valley Business Centre 67 Church Road Newtownabbey Belfast, BT36 7LS Tel: 028 90 552654 Fax: 028 90 551661 Web: www.worldofesf.com

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

Stainless Steel Products For The Construction Industry • PRO-LOC & PRO-TAC Masonry Support Systems • Cold Formed Angles & Channels • Windposts & Parapet Posts • Wall Ties / Restraint Fixings • Fasteners & Dowel Bars W.M.B. Stainless Ltd Block B1 Channel Commercial Park, Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT Tel: 028 9045 0464 (Press 1 for sales) Fax: 028 90 459140 Web: www.wmbstainless.co.uk

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

directory |67 Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

TRAINING

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

t: 028 9448 8100 f: 028 9448 8101 e: info@trainingsolutionsni.co.uk w: www.trainingsolutionsni.com

TRAINING WORKS Better Training Better Business

Company Name: ett Established: 1997 Business Activity and Core Functions: ETT offer a range of Better Business and electrical training courses. Our courses are delivered by experienced business and industry experts. Full course details are available on our website www.ett-ni.org

Tel: 028 2565 0750 Email: info@ett-ni.org

• A national brand presence • An industry-leading Ten-Year Insurance Backed Guarantee that homeowners can really trust. • Trained installers and surveyors • Global reputation of the VEKA PVC-U system Network VEKA Ltd Farrington Road, Burnley BB11 5DB Tel: (01282) 473170 Fax: (01282) 473175 E-mail: networkveka@networkveka.com Web: www.networkveka.com

waste management

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

TREE CARE SERVICES

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

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd.

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

Visual

Products: Protection Rails Handrails Wall Protection Door Protection Heavy Duty Protection Yeoman Shield provides a range of functional and attractive wall and door protection systems for new build and refurbishment projects. Our wide range of rails, wall sheet, corner and door protection systems are designed to prevent expensive and unsightly damage to the internal fabric of commercial and public buildings. We have over 45 years of experience of wall and door protection combined with a wealth of knowledge and a wide product range which is held in stock for immediate distribution.

If you wish to advertise contact:

Contact us for further information or visit www.yeomanshield.com where you can view the complete Yeoman Shield brochure. Contact our head office with regards to coverage for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Yeoman Shield c/o Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd Whitehall Estate Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 5JB Tel: +44 113 279 5854 Email: sallyann@yeomanshield.com

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218

carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

Caroline McClean 028 9078 3218 carolinemcclean@greerpublications.com

68| web directory

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

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgasni.com

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

web directory |69 www.jncfence.com

www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

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

www.ridgefence.com

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

70| web directory www.mccuskerdemolition.com

www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.cemex2go.com

www.mcmahonps.com

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.cphire.com

www.ett-ni.org

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

web directory |71 www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

www.balloohire.com

www.mclarke.co.uk

www.highwayplant.com

www.moorewelding.com

www.treemaintenance.com

72| product news HOT DIAMONDS ADD SOME EXTRA SPARKLE

SCHUECO IS SETTING NEW STANDARDS

E: info@nwd.co.uk W: www.nwd.com

E: mkninfobox@schueco.com W: www.schueco.uk

N

W

ew World Developments, manufacturer of the most advanced doorsets on the market, adds sparkle to its Diamond range with 24 new contemporary and traditional designs. Developed in response to growing demand for more contemporary styling, the much-expanded collection features a new locking system, bar pull handles and a host of new glass designs. “We’ve added six traditional and 19 modern styles to the existing collection of 12 doors to cater for both modern new build homes and also people buying replacement doors who want something a bit different,” said New World marketing manager Linda Tomb. Manufactured to the same specification as previously, the new Diamond door collection continues to carry a ten year structural guarantee on white, woodgrain and the full choice of standard, premium, heritage and bespoke colours.

ith the delayed publication of the new Part L of the Building Regulations now due, architects, specifiers and main contractors will be reassured to know that the Schueco ASS 70 FD – a tried-and-tested, thermally insulated folding/sliding door system from Schueco UK Limited – will meet the increased insulation standards expected. The system is ideal for commercial and residential use and offers a variety of fold and slide opening combinations, thus giving complete flexibility. Leaf sizes up to a maximum width of 1,200mm and a maximum height of 3,000mm are possible. A flush threshold option – which obviates the possibility of tripping – makes the Schueco ASS 70 FD the system of choice for commercial sites like car showrooms, restaurants and hotels where the slim meeting-stile sight-line of only 120mm (allowing the maximum area of glass) is another advantage. A turn-tilt door leaf to provide ventilation may also be specified.

HALO IS PROUD TO HIT A NEW LOW! E: salesenquiry@veka.com W: www.halo-uk.com

H

alo’s new window system is unlike anything else currently available on the UK PVC-U market. The pioneering window system supplier has unveiled the ‘TwinSash’ which can achieve a U-value of 0.38 W/m²K and reduce noise levels by around 50dB. This level of performance is reached by using triple-glazed, krypton-filled units and foam-filled sections. Amazingly, it can even achieve extremely low U values using what is considered to be the industry’s most cost-effective combination of components; using two 28mm double glazed IGUs (air filled, float glass and aluminium spacer bar) the TwinSash can still achieve an impressive U-value of just 1.2. Thanks to its enviable level of energy-efficiency, TwinSash is one of the only PVC-U window systems to meet the requirements for Passivhaus. Designed with versatility in mind, the TwinSash can offer a combination of open-in/ open-out casements – along with Tilt ‘n’ Turn windows.

NEW WALL COVERING GIVES OUTSTANDING FINISH E: contractuk@gerflor.com W: www.gerflor.co.uk

A

fter three years of research and development, global flooring and finishing brand leader Gerflor has released its new decorative wall covering range called Mural Calypso. Replacing Taradouche Mural with immediate effect, the new Mural Calypso range offers improved technical performance and is available in 19 colours from pastel shades to bright tones. Its colours coordinate with Gerflor’s Elegance and Brazilia anti-slip flooring for showers and bathrooms, as well as flooring ranges such as Tarasafe™, Taralay or Mipolam for use in other rooms, providing customers with a huge number of design combinations. The PVC wall covering uniquely comprises a transparent wear layer over coloured backing, which guarantees a perfect finish to the hot welding process. Available in 2m width rolls and with a thickness of 0.92mm, Mural Calypso meets fire safety standards and emits no harmful particles.

GLASS ACT FROM APEER

HILTI INTRODUCES 'ACTIVE HOLE CLEANING'

E: sales@apeer.co.uk W: www.apeer.co.uk

Tel: 0800 886100 W: www.hilti.co.uk

A

peer Doors is set to prove an even tougher act to follow after being granted BSI Kitemark certification for all of its door and entrance glass. Following certification of the door itself several years ago, it means everything within an Apeer entrance system can now be BSI approved. “There are very few door companies that carry official Kitemark certification across the whole of their system,” said Apeer MD Asa McGillian. “This further underlines our position as manufacturers of what many refer to as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of composite doors and provides our customers with an even stronger story for consumers and other end users.” Apeer glass has received Class A impact classification to BS 6206 and Class 1 BSEN 12600 following a full audit of its glass manufacturing processes and fragmentation testing. While many companies toughen glass to a 12150 standard, those who are independently certified are audited on a twice yearly basis to ensure standards continue to be met.

H

ilti has created a unique system that allows for immediate rebar and chemical anchor setting by removing the requirement for hole cleaning. Utilising the world’s first hollow drill bits, which feature small holes at the tip to perform drilling and bore hole cleaning in one step, the system allows dust to be removed from source direct to a vacuum cleaner which in turn increases productivity by 50 per cent. Working in conjunction with the TE 30-A36 cordless combihammer, it is claimed that the method improves health and safety as it removes the need for brushes, blow-out pumps or compressed air which releases dust into the working environment. ETA-approved and CE marked, the TE-CD and TE-YD product ranges have the same robustness, lifetime and drilling speed as traditional drill bits, with no catching or sticking when drilling into rebars.

To get your product featured in Specify's Product News section please contact Siobhan Kissward on T: 028 9078 3218 E: siobhankissward@greerpublications.com Don’t miss out!

business & economy |73

Directors & Officers Insurance - Are you leaving yourself exposed without it?

C

ompanies will be well aware of their requirement to insure their tangible property such as their plant, buildings and motor vehicles but there are many other less obvious exposures that should be insured against. One of these is the risks faced by directors and officers of a company in their role in running that company where claims against directors and officers can run into millions of pounds. Without the protection provided by a Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability insurance policy then this could cost the individuals everything they have worked hard to earn. The exposures for directors of publicly listed companies are very well publicised and reported in the press on an almost daily basis. The risks for directors of smaller, limited liability companies, whilst less widely publicised are just as wide and potentially even more damaging for a director. To protect against these exposures, Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance can provide protection for directors, officers and senior employees and the company in the event that a claim is made against them.

Where can a claim come from? Allegations of wrongful acts can come from a wide range of sources including:

Regulatory bodies – The death of an employee on a site or the release of a pollutant may lead to a regulatory body such as HSE NI or the NI Environment Agency launching an investigation into and a subsequent claim against a

company and the directors that run this company for an offence such as Corporate Manslaughter or breach of The Environmental Liability Directive. A D&O policy can help by paying the costs of a Director to defend themselves in court.

savings and any other assets they own may have to be sold to pay for the costs of defending themselves in court and paying any eventual award of damages. Without the protection of cover by a D&O policy they could be heading for bankruptcy.

Creditors –They may allege that the directors entered into contracts that they knew they would be unable to fulfil as the company was heading for administration causing extra costs to the claimant to get these contracts completed. Many directors who are also shareholders of a company believe they are protected by the limited liability status of their company but this is only true for their role as a shareholder and not if they are found to have been negligent in their duty as a director. D&O insurance can help to protect directors and their personal assets in these troubling times.

What does D&O insurance provide?

Employees or former colleagues could bring allegations of unfair dismissal, failure to promote, negligent evaluation, harassment or discrimination – there are thousands of claims brought against directors and officers each year.

The purpose of Directors & Officers Liability Insurance is to provide protection to directors and officers of a company for defence costs and legal liability incurred for claims and prosecutions against them in their role in the company. This includes the representation costs in investigations of them by regulators and other authorities.

Why buy cover now?

Claims against directors are on the increase: One leading Insurer has seen a 63% rise in claims made under their D&O policies since 2007. Despite this only very recently have insurance premiums started to increase. Now is the perfect time to purchase for the breadth of cover available and the competitive premiums available in the market place. Company liquidations in Northern

Keith Hynds

Ireland have risen by 20% since 2011 and more staggeringly by 250% since 2007 (source: The Insolvency Service). As administration and liquidation are trigger points for claims this should be a worrying statistic for companies without cover.

How much does it cost?

D&O insurance is competitively priced for low limit entry level coverage. This is likely to be less than the directors pay for their car insurance and provides a lot more coverage. Another benefit is that is paid for by the company! D&O Insurance can also be purchased in conjunction with protection for the company as well for risks such as Employment Practices Liability and Crime.

The Next Step?

If you wish more information or to arrange to take up the cover please contact Jonathan Gilmartin or Keith Hynds at Willis & Company.

Shareholders – A shareholder may allege that the directors of a company took negligent decisions that caused the company to become insolvent therefore making their shares worth nothing. This allegation can be coupled with a civil demand for damages against the individuals. Again a D&O policy can pick up the defence costs of these actions and also the damages if awarded.

What is at stake?

Everything that a director owns including their car, their home, their

For further information on Willis & Company, contact Jonathan Gilmartin, David Stevenson or Keith Hynds at:

Tel: 028 9032 9042

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

V B Evans & Company are pleased to have been chosen to undertake responsibility for the bi-monthly collation of this data and sponsor its publication. With over 65 years of experience in business the firm provides a wide range of quality assured professional quantity surveying and other consultancy services to Northern Ireland clients who seek value for money and appropriate contract advice for their building design or refurbishment proposals. The Specify Prices published here are representative of the market price of each building material, having been assessed from a variety of local sources which in the present competitive economic climate prefer not to be named. Readers are advised to verify individual prices with a local merchant for their particular needs since our prices are necessarily averaged for guidance purposes. We hope that these pages may be of assistance to readers but would welcome any constructive suggestions for amendment to include information which would be appropriate to your needs. Material prices at April 2013. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply. This information is compiled specifically for Specify periodicals and is copyright.

Building Materials Prices

74 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

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

per tonne £11.00 £11.40 £10.80 £10.80 £11.30 £15.20 £15.20 £12.10

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

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

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

per 1,000 £338.00 £347.00 £298.00 £323.00 £287.00 £283.00 £262.00

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

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

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £125.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £150.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

3 Pilot's View, Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 7000 Fax: 028 9045 7040

Web: www.vbevans.com Also at: Coleraine And Dublin

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE-RESISTING BOARD Prices are exclusive of delivery. Terms for SUPALUX non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

per tonne £323.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £21.00 Tinted mortar ref. Y4 £39.00 Y15 £46.00 Y135 £39.00 Y91 £48.00 Y10 £45.00

6mm sanded £46.60

9mm sanded £48.30

12mm sanded £64.00

MASTERBOARD Class O asbestos-free multi-purpose building board sanded finish. Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

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

Chartered Surveyors

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £401.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £391.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £344.00 2 4440x300x100 7Nmm £472.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £447.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £120.00 440x215x100 Tolite £766.00

6mm £58.10

9mm £69.80

12mm £87.30

PLASTERING MATERIALS Per tonne, ex-works (delivery by arrangement) Lightweight aggregate pre-mixed gypsum plaster to BS 1191, Part 2. Metal lathing undercoat Bonding Finish Gypsum plasterboard to BS 1230 per sheet (2400 mm x 1200 mm) 9.5mm thick plasterboard 9.5mm thick foil-backed plasterboard per bundle (6 Nr 1219mm x 406mm) 9.5mm thick plasterlath 9.5mm thick foil-back plasterboard per 100 lin. feet Galvanised standard angle bead Galvanised plasterstop (10mm) Galvanised external renderstop

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

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £60.10 1:2:4 by volume £73.30 1:3:6 by volume £65.50 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £59.50 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £63.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £65.00

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

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

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

SAWN REDWOOD Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths. 100x50 150x50 100x63 150x63 200x63 100x75 150x75 200x75

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. 114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

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

£80.30 £60.50 £69.90 £80.80 £94.00

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

Mild Steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449. High yield steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449/4461. One size, bent and labelled, per tonne, delivered to Central Belfast Diameter/mm Mild Steel High Yield 6 £605.00 £660.00 8 £605.00 £660.00 10 £605.00 £655.00 12 £605.00 £655.00 20 £605.00 £655.00 25 £605.00 £655.00 32 £605.00 £655.00 40 £605.00 £655.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references) per sheet BS reference A 98 £25.00 A142 £25.00 A193 £30.00 A252 £33.00 A393 £55.00 B503 £50.00 B785 £70.00

Exterior Lighting, paint & render finishes

Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T per tonne UC 152x152x23 £795.00 203x203x46 £1015.00 254x254x73 £1130.00 305x305x118 £965.00 356x368x153 £1135.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

Exteriors, Paving & Outdoor solutions Windows, Doors & Glazing

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£1015.00 £965.00 £965.00 £965.00 £965.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths. 50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

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

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2. 6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £45.70 £48.80 £65.21

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

£78.10 £93.30 £108.80 £163.20 £95.80 £127.60 £172.00 £233.00 £324.10

Pipes and fittings to BS 4600. List price ex-yard. Large quantities will attract considerable discounts. Plain sewer, per 6m Pipe coupler, ea Single oblique branch, ea Single swept branch, ea 45˚ short radius, ea 87½˚ short radius bend, ea 45˚ long radius bend, ea 90˚ long radius bend, ea Straight channel 45˚ curved channel, ea

110mm 160mm £9.80 £21.70 £3.15 £7.00 £10.50 £23.70 £11.50 £23.70 £5.80 £15.40 £5.70 £13.60 £16.00 £30.40 £17.80 £31.00 £17.15 £28.80 £20.90 £54.80

plus Life Underground Wheels in Construction May/June 2013

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