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O’HARE & MCGOVERN SCORE TWICE! GRAHAM-BAM TAKE TOP PRIZE FOR net balance of +48). Private work at the interface of the For the second year in ULSTER HOSPITAL Commercial activity was also North East and North West a row, Newry-based construction company O’Hare & McGovern have taken the ‘Overall Award’ at the Specify CEF Construction Excellence Awards.

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

It was built within the confines of the existing Windsor Park which remained fully operational throughout the 98 week construction phase, facilitating over 200,000 spectators at 63 international and domestic fixtures. The work involved the demolition of the south and GRAHAM-BAM east stands, refurbishment and Healthcare Partnership extension of thethe north and west have taken ‘Overall Award’ for the Ulster stands.

Hospital Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block OHMG designed curved steel at the 2017 Specify CEF Construction Excellence Awards.

The Awards Gala Evening, held at the Culloden Hotel, saw the partnership win the award for their work on the latest £85m phase of redevelopment at the Dundonald site.

The six-storey building includes 12 in-patient wards comprising 288 single bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom; a day surgery department that incorporates four state-of-theart theatres and an endoscopy and cardio catheterisation suites; inclusive of support services including a robotic pharmacy department and café.

Not only does the building incorporate the very latest in clinical care, but also offers a combination of privacy and natural light to all patients in their single rooms thanks to the building being wrapped around a central courtyard.

Our congratulations go to everyone at Graham-BAM Heathcare Partnership and all the winners at the Specify CEF awards.

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

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

There was also some cheer from the latest RICS report.

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

Workloads were still rising in the third quarter of the year, according to Northern Ireland surveyors, with only a very modest slowdown in activity NI housing market outlook relative torelatively Q2. remains buoyant The outlook for the Northern Housebuilding remained a key Ireland housing market growth, remains with source of workload more buoyant than otheractivity UK regions private housebuilding despite a softening in the data for rising particularly strongly (a

activity in September, the latest RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey suggests.

Northern Ireland has the highest balance of respondents expecting prices and sales activity to increase in the next three months. The balance of surveyors saying that prices rose in the past three months was also significantly higher in Northern Ireland than the UK average.

However, there was a softening in the data for new buyer enquiries, newly agreed sales, and new instructions to sell. Anecdotally, surveyors reported that a lack of housing stock was a key factor behind this.

RICS Residential Property Spokesman, Samuel Dickey, says: “Overall, the latest survey paints a relatively upbeat picture for the Northern Ireland housing market. Indeed, Northern Ireland and Scotland are the only parts of the UK where surveyors are confident that prices will rise meaningfully over the near-term. With key indicators for the local economy continuing to show strong growth in the private sector, this optimism is perhaps unsurprising. The one key challenge though remains supply,

rising relatively robustly (+23), according to the survey.

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

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

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

Economist John Simpson looks at the for Government withProgramme surveyors continuing to indicate Strategic Investment that availability of stock Boards remains a aspirations problem.” for next year and Sean Murphy, Managing Director, beyond… see pages 36 and 37.

Personal Banking at Ulster Bank, says:

“As Burns we move into the final quarter of Pat 2017, what is clear is that this year to Editor

date has been a reasonably positive one for the Northern Ireland housing market. The latest data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders showed that the number of loans for home purchase was up 15 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to last year. Our own experience at Ulster Bank suggests that this positive activity trend continued into the third quarter, and surveyors remain confident in relation to the outlook for the final three months of the year.”

The main findings of the survey were as follows: The headline price balance for Northern Ireland was +39% in the latest survey, meaning that 39% more surveyors said that prices rose in the past three months than those who said they fell.

The price expectations balance, at +28%, remains positive and above all other UK regions. Meanwhile, sales expectations data (+23%) is also the most positive in the UK. However, data for newly agreed sales (-12%), new buyer enquiries (-16%) and new instructions (-6%) all moved into negative territory, albeit relatively marginally so.

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NOVEMBER 2017

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WILLIS INSURANCE

Bangor’s iconic Royal Hotel building, which has been derelict for 4 years, has been bought by Expedia Capital, a Northern Ireland development and regeneration company, who plan to turn it into 21 high quality apartments with four ground floor restaurant units.

Willis Insurance and Risk Management warn of the insurance fallout of using composite panels.

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JOHN SIMPSON

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SPECIFY / CEF AWARDS

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR

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CO-OWNERSHIP

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SPECIFY TALKS TO…

A £400 million urban regeneration scheme for central Belfast has been submitted to Belfast City Council following extensive public consultations. The proposed scheme will deliver a mix of retail, Grade A office space, city centre living plus new tourism amenities, all of which have been designed to attract world class occupiers.

The Northern Ireland commercial property market continues to be resilient despite the lack of a stable Government according to commercial property agency CBRE. Brexit is important, unique and all-embracing. That, alone, is unquestioned. But the complexity and the controversy have extended more widely and in greater degree of detail than was expected. Construction managers should think wisely about it…

GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership took the highly prized ‘Overall Award’ for the Ulster Hospital Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block at the 2017 Specify CEF Construction Excellence Awards. Photos and details of all the winners are inside…

Belfast’s Odyssey Pavilion is to undergo a £10 million refurbishment, following the submission of a new planning application. The news comes on the back of planning permission for the first phase of redevelopment.

Margaret Conway of McAleer & Rushe has earned a place in the record books as the first woman to win Construction Manager of the Year. Beating 84 finalists to the trophy, Margaret’s achievement is all the more spectacular because it was her first role as a construction manager. Her collaborative approach enabled the £22 million 9 Adelaide office building to accommodate substantial late design changes without losing valuable time from the schedule.

The demand for shared ownership housing is rising significantly in Northern Ireland, with Co-Ownership Housing revealing that applications have increased by 7% in the past financial year.

Gary Blair, Pre-Contract Manager with Farrans Construction and Vice Chair of the CIOB Belfast HUB.

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

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Contents |05

11 WILLIS INSURANCE

Willis Insurance and Risk Management warn of the insurance fallout of using composite panels.

CEF Award Winners page 25

18 JOHN SIMPSON

Brexit is important, unique and all-embracing. That, alone, is unquestioned. But the complexity and the controversy have extended more widely and in greater degree of detail than was expected. Construction managers should think wisely about it…

66 SPECIFY TALKS TO...

Gary Blair, Pre-Contract Manager with Farrans Construction and Vice Chair of the CIOB Belfast HUB.

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

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

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BANGOR’S ROYAL HOTEL BUILDING TO BE Harvey Group acquires as part of 5 year TRANSFORMED IN £3M Solmatix DEVELOPMENT PLAN growth plan in UK and Ireland.

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

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

With a turnover of £30 million Bangor’s Royal and over 80iconic staff, Harvey Group Hotel building, which has over 30 years’ experience has been for 4 in the design,derelict installation and years, has been bought maintenance of building services by Expedia Capital, within every conceivable kind of abuilding Northern IrelandNI, GB type throughout development and and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ regeneration company, Cleanrooms, Laboratories, who plan to turn and it Education, Government into 21 high quality Healthcare . Richard and NorahAnne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

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

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

“We have been planning to grow our renewables involvement for some time, either organically or through the acquisition of an established player. Having worked with Solmatix Renewables on a number of contracts, we’d apartments with four always been impressed with ground floor restaurant their engineering rigour and units. professionalism.

In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between Thetwo current frontageinofterms the existing our companies of building what wewill do be andretained, how wepart do it.of Ithe high quality regeneration plan for the approached Richard Bell about a project. year ago to float the idea of our companies together, but only The upper coming floors will be converted ifinto there a good fit.

After careful 21 was high-quality turn-key consideration we both agreed that this would indeed be mutually

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

beneficial. From my perspective, having Solmatix as part of Harvey Group gives us a level of expertise that would have taken us years to apartments with the ground floor acquire otherwise. transformed into four “Harvey Group andmodern Solmatix restaurant share similarunits. values, by which I mean The scheme is estimated to costs £3 our commitment to professionalism, million and 40 jobs are expected to our desire toduring deliver services to be created theour construction the very highest standards,jobs andcreated the phase with 50 long-term importance we place in the restaurant units.on treating our John Ferris our fromsuppliers the Expedia Capital customers, and our staff said,``We are and delighted to be able with courtesy consideration. ” to Richard bring lifeBell, backthetofounder an iconicand Bangor building, which enjoys terrific views managing director of Solmatix Renewables described the acquisition

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

“In many respects, it’s a case of ‘business as usual’. However, in real being this larger overterms, the Irish Seapart andofsustain it for future generations’’. organisation will give us access to enhanced technical skills, financial ``The scheme will help inpower. the ongoing resources and purchasing and successful regeneration of the Ultimately I believe this will lead Bangor sea front and bring further life to growth andquarter. investment to greater the town’s marine within operations, as is well ``A keyour part of the plan to as preserve more jobs andofjob It’s a the frontage thesecurity.

Royal Hotel building relationship and we are that’s confident win-win goodthat theour redevelopment will addasto the for whole organisation, commercial life of Bangor. ’’ well as the economy of Northern Ireland. “

GRAHAM INVESTS OVER £1MILLION IN ITS LisburnSTRONG firm TAL awarded the first major construction 1500 WORKFORCE The wellness programme, which Graham Construction, contract at Randox Science with human Park based in Hillsborough, is has been developed

implementing a leadingedge development programme over the next three years that will benefit its entire workforce across the UK.

The company’s £1.1million skills investment will help the company to attract and retain the talent needed to support the company’s WItH a reputation continued growth. for excellence in constructing Discussing the investment, high quality projects, tALMichael Limited Executive Chairman Graham, “We are has been said: awarded a significant implementing a bespoke contract (£3.1m) by global personalised development medical diagnostics company programme which focuses on Randox. the behavioural, emotional and This initial contract of is for the personal resilience every construction facilityteam. for member of of thea new Graham

performance specialists Support

production to Perform,ofisRandox’s leading pioneering edge and medical diagnostic productspositive and will has received extremely also includefrom associated administrative feedback participants during theThe pilot phase. functions. works are Invest the firstNI’s support enable usexpenditure to embed phase of awill major capital this holistic approach to personal project

by Randox to develop the development across our entire former Massereene Army Barracks workforce over the next three into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a years. futuristic R&D and “Our ambition is manufacturing to become facility.

The award-winning, an industry leader. Safeguarding the wellbeing of our employees international biotechnology firm, and supporting their unveiled its plans for an career innovative development will be vital this hub on the 43 acre siteaearlier component in achieving this year. objective.”

Welcoming the announcement, Damien Hughes, Director TAL Invest Northern Irelandofhas offered commented: graham over £318,000 Limited “We are towards to its have skills been investment. delighted awarded

this contract with Randox, one of Director at Randox commented: “The Northern Ireland’s most dynamic development of Randox Science and exciting businesses on a local Park is core to our plans to create and global level. Through the quality innovative diagnostics, to improve of our work and the dedication and manufacturing efficiency to export professionalism of our team TAL has high-value healthcare capabilities to steadily grown over the last 34 years world markets. This state-of-the-art and this contract award reinforces premises will become a centre of the strength of our expertise in the cutting-edge research, development healthcare sector.” and diagnostic manufacture, covering The project will be delivered conditions such as cancer, stroke and to BIM level 2 in partnership heart disease. We will also provide a with the design team Ostick and significant boost to the local economy Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, through new job creation. We very Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller much look forward to working with Consulting Engineers and Charles TAL on this initial contract to deliver Niall Casey of Invest NI with Michael Graham Hutchison Consulting. the high quality infrastructure we Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing require.”

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DEVELOPMENT PLANSSolmatix UNDERWAY Harvey Group acquires as part of 5 year FOR GEORGE BEST HOTEL growth plan in UK and Ireland.

Family and friends of football legend George Best have NI M&E services presented Signature Newtownabbey-based Living, the developers company, ofM&E hisservices namesake hotel, Harvey Group,items has acquired with iconic of Northern Irelandin renewable memorabilia, what isenergy intended to be the specialists, Solmatix start of a George Renewables in a moveBest the collection forwill thetransform new companies say George Best Hotel the renewable energy in sector Belfast city centre in Northern Ireland and act as a springboard for further The current frontage of the existing expansion intotook theplace multiThe presentation at a million pound UK and Ireland launch event at the former Scottish renewable markets.

Mutual building,energy which was attended by the family, Lawrence TheBest acquisition, for an Kenwright, Founder andbring Chairman undisclosed sum, will to 110of Signature Living the employed Lord Mayor the number of and people ofdirectly Belfast,by Councillor Nuala McAllister. the Harvey Group in The items included a signed shirt Northern Ireland and Great Britain. from the day of his funeral, replica With Cups, a turnover of as £30 million European as well a silver and over Ireland 80 staff,cap.

Harvey Group Northern has over 30 years’ experience the design,commented: installation and Mrin Kenwright “This is truly an excitingofday for usservices as we maintenance building receive of memorabilia within these everypieces conceivable kind of that will form beginningNI, of GB a building typethe throughout George Best collection at the hotel. and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ “This marks the next step in our Cleanrooms, Laboratories, journey to bring George and his Education, Government and At genius to life within the hotel.

Healthcare . Richard and NorahSignature Living, we’re passionate Anne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

about creating and sharing stories and this is a fabulous way to showcase Belfast’s most famous son. It will be a visual experience that will reflect his the companyprowess has grown footballing and to theachieve hero hea turnover £6 million, 30 staff was to soofmany peoplewith in Northern Ireland, Great andCorner further operating fromBritain its Nutt’s afield.” premises.

As a result of the deal, Solmatix Barbara McNarry, Mr Best’s will continue to operate as ansister, said: “We are delighted that George’s autonomous andareindependent life and career being honoured company within Harvey Group in such a stunning building and look Brian Harvey, managing forward to seeing it evolvedirector into the ofGeorge HarveyBest Group, said there was hotel. a perfect fit between the two “The recognition of Georgie in the organisations. city“We centre a very important havehas been planning to meaning to us and fills us with grow our renewables involvement enormous pride. We have every faith for some time, either organically in Signature Living’s ability to bring or throughstory the acquisition of an George’s to life within the hotel.” established player. Having worked with Solmatix Renewables on his plans Mr Kenwright, speaking about afor number of contracts, we’d the hotel earlier this year, said: “It’s about always beenunearthing impressed those with stories… not so much therigour main life their engineering andstories that everyone knows. about the professionalism.

InThis fact, isthere seemed stories you don’t know about. Every to be a natural synergy between room and guest space within the hotel our companies in of terms will two reflect the genius the of man this what we fans do and how the we world do it. love I city and around approached Richard Bell about a so much.” year ago to Nuala float the idea of our Councillor McAllister, Lord Mayor of Belfast, “This isbut anonly companies comingsaid: together, development in the careful city ifexciting there was a good fit. After consideration we both agreed that this would indeed be mutually

centre not just for the residents of Belfast who remember George Best with pride and affection, but for fans and visitors from across the world who also admired his outstanding football skills.

“We’re excited about the next 12 months as we continue to plan, prepare and deliver this new icon of Belfast. We feel we could have the doors open by June 2018.

company acquires renewable energy specialists “The commitment shown by Signature Living to Belfast and the promotion of one of its most iconic sons can only boost the city’s tourist appeal and the economic benefits that result from that.

“With record occupancy rates in Belfast of 83.5% last year, we remain confident that Belfast is the perfect location for continued investment from Signature Living.”

The Liverpool-born developer has previously said redeveloping the Scottish Mutual building, originally designed by Henry Seaver in the early 1900s, will result in around 80 bedrooms.

“Belfast City Council is looking to the future with its Belfast Agenda, a community development plan which aims to work with partners Celebrating including the theacquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group). private sector to attract From more my perspective, as great news for Solmatix, its beneficial. developments customers, suppliers and staff. having Solmatix as part of Harvey which gives aim tous a level of expertise “In many respects, it’s a case Group improve the of ‘business as usual’. However, in that would have taken us years to quality of life for real terms, being part of this larger acquire otherwise. everyone in the organisation will give us access to “Harvey Group and Solmatix city so that it enhanced technical skills, financial is andsimilar remains share values, by which I mean a great place resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, to work, Ultimately I believe this will lead our desirestudy, to deliver our services to visit or set up to greater growth and (Senior investment the very highest standards, and the George Best Hotel 1 (L-R): Matthew Primack and grow your within our operations, as well as Vice President, IMG Licensing), Barbara McNarry (George importance we place on treating our business. “ Best’s sister), Lawrencemore Kenwright (Founder & Chairman, jobs and job security.

It’s a customers, our suppliers and our staff Signature Living), Councillor Nuala McAllisterthat’s (Lordgood Mayor win-win relationship with courtesy and consideration. ” Mr Kenwright of Belfast) & Normanfor McNarry (George Best’s brothercontinued: our whole organisation, as Richard Bell, the founder and in-law) well as the economy of Northern managing director of Solmatix Ireland. “ Renewables described the acquisition

additional office space within the building.

The concept has proved hugely successful in other parts of this contract with Randox, one of the UK, having recently being Northern Ireland’s most dynamic introduced at Glasgow’s Savoy and exciting businesses on a local Tower, which is also owned by and global level.

Through the quality Castleforge Partners.

Belfast property landscape. It provides an environment for small businesses to grow at their own pace, safe in the knowledge that they have the facilities to expand when the time is right.”

MAC-GROUP SECURES RIVER HOUSE Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction REFURBISHMENT CONTRACT into 90,000 sq Science ft of retail and Newry-based mac-group contract at Randox Park top-end office space. Work being has secured a £11m contract to refurbish Belfast’s River House into premium grade A office space. The project will support 160 jobs throughout the construction phase.

The specialist firm is a contractor in the construction, refurbishment and fit-out of office space WItH a reputation for and commercial buildings.

Established excellence in constructing high in 2002, it currently has offices quality projects, Limited in Newry, Dublin,tAL London and has been awarded a significant Birmingham. contract (£3.1m) by global River House on Highcompany Street is medical diagnostics owned by Castleforge Partners, a Randox. property developer This initialinvestor contractand is for the based in London.

The 14-storey construction of a new facility for

office block will be transformed

carried outofincludes production Randox’sinternal pioneering core demolition, structuraland will medical diagnostic products reinforcements, new seamless also administrative glassinclude curtainassociated walling, high speed functions.

The works are the firstareas lifts, double height reception phase of a raised major capital and new floors expenditure and ceilings.

The fit by outRandox has already begun project to develop the by mac-interiors specialist former Massereenethe Army Barracks interiors division ofPark’ mac-group into ‘Randox Science –a and is set to be completed in May futuristic R&D and manufacturing 2018. facility. The award-winning, international firm, In a first forbiotechnology Northern Ireland, unveiled its of plans for an innovative five floors River House will be dedicated andearlier start-up hub on the to 43 SME acre site this businesses. Clockwise aims to year. support start-ups and mediumWelcoming the announcement, sized businesses by offering Damien Hughes, Director of TAL meeting rooms, hot desks and Limited “We As are shared commented: working space. delighted to have been awarded companies grow, they can let

of our work and the dedication and

Brendan MoleyofGroup Interiors professionalism our team TAL has Director of mac-group, said: steadily grown over the last 34 “This years is a major project in the office and this contract award reinforces sector in Northern Ireland and the strength of our expertise in the signals a major vote of confidence healthcare sector. ” in the Belfast market.

We anticipate thatwill thebeproject will The project delivered take 65level weeks complete and to BIM 2 in to partnership we onteam course for and our withare the well design Ostick target completion date of May Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, 2018.

Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller Consulting Engineers and Charles “The Clockwise concept has Hutchison Consulting. proven popular across the UK and an exciting addition to the DrisPeter FitzGerald, Managing

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Looking ahead, Mr Moley said: Director at Randox commented: “The “Traditionally, a small percentage development Science of our work of hasRandox been in Park is coreIreland to our but planswe to are create Northern innovative diagnostics, to upturn improvein seeing a real buzz and confidence in efficiency Belfast. We have manufacturing to export secured some significant contracts high-value healthcare capabilities to for themarkets. next 18This months in Belfast world state-of-the-art and there is no sign of work premisesdown. will become a centre of slowing ”

cutting-edge research, development and diagnostic manufacture, covering conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. We will also provide a significant boost to the local economy through new job creation. We very much look forward to working with TAL on this initial contract to deliver the high quality infrastructure we require.”

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

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CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SURVEYING Harvey Group acquires Solmatix IRELAND as part of 5 year ACHIEVEMENTS IN NORTHERN growth The RICS (Royal plan in UK and Ireland.

Institution of Chartered Surveyors) hasservices launched NI M&E a campaign to celebrate Newtownabbey-based and commemorate M&Eoutstanding services company, the Harvey Group, has acquired contributions that the surveying profession Northern Ireland renewable has made to shaping energy specialists, Solmatix Northern RenewablesIreland’s in a move the built and say natural companies will transform environment over the the renewable energy sector past 150 years.

in Northern Ireland and act asRICS a springboard further As celebrates itsfor 150th expansionin into anniversary 2018,the the multicampaign Ireland - million known aspound Pride inUK Theand Profession: renewable150 energy markets.

Celebrating years of surveying successes – is callingfor on an the wider The acquisition, surveying profession Northern undisclosed sum, willinbring to 110 Ireland to embrace this look back the number of people employed into its history by nominating directly by the Harvey Grouplocal in surveyors and surveying achievements Great inNorthern the regionIreland – bothand past and Britain. present.

With a turnover of £30 million and over design, 80 staff,value Harvey Surveyors andGroup protect 30 years’ allhas theover physical assetsexperience across the in the design, installation and maintenance of building services within every conceivable kind of building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and On 29th September 2017 Healthcare . Richard and NorahNewry-based contractor Anne Bell founded&Solmatix Felix O’Hare Co Ltd Renewables in 2008, and since then hosted a Chartered

region – from historic stately homes and castles – including Mount Stewart – to our leisure and tourism and attractions – such as the Waterfront the has grown to achieve a Hallcompany and Girdwood Community Hub – along with stadiums turnover of £6schools, million,sports with 30 staff and even from our infrastructure. operating its Nutt’s Corner premises.

Highlights of the campaign include the As a result of the deal, Solmatix first female chartered surveyor, Irene will continue to operate as an Barclay, who was a true champion autonomous and reform independent of social housing in the 20th company within Harvey Group the Century, and Derek Muldowney; BrianofHarvey, managing director saviour the Daytona 500.

But it’s of Group,ofsaid there notHarvey just projects epic scalewas that beingfitrecognised, but two also smaller, aare perfect between the carefully thought out initiatives that organisations. have hadhave a huge on to people’s “We beenimpact planning lives. grow our renewables involvement for some time, either organically Sean Tompkins, RICS CEO, or through the acquisition of an commented: “Northern Ireland’s established player. Having chartered surveyors haveworked made with Solmatix Renewables significant contributions to on shaping the built of andcontracts, natural environment alocal number we’d and how it isimpressed lived, worked always been withand played in over therigour last 150 their engineering andyears. professionalism. In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between our two companies in terms of what we do and how we do it. I approached Richard Bell about a year ago to float the idea of our companies coming together, but only “This was a great opportunity if there a goodtofit.see After careful for the was students first-hand consideration we both agreed how a major project is being that this would indeed be mutually delivered.

There is a terrific link

company acquires renewable energy specialists

CIOB SITE VISIT TO DOWN LEISURE CENTRE Institute of Building (CIOB) site visit to what will be the new Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick, Co. Down.

“The profession has helped society advance in a world that has seen huge new technological capability, rapid population growth and social shifts and throughout our 150th year. We want has helped to capture these stories and incredible shape and deliver the towns and moments and use them to inspire the cities in Northern Ireland that next generation professionals who Celebrating acquisition (from left)society.

Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brianof Harvey, Gareth reflect thetheneeds of modern Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group). will eventually be handed the baton The contribution of the profession to great shapenews Northern Ireland.”its cannot be From understated.

We want our as for Solmatix, beneficial. my perspective, profession to join in of revealing customers, suppliers and staff. having Solmatix as us part Harveythe For more information on the RICS impact it has had on the region and many respects, it’s a how case to Group gives us a level of expertise 150“Incampaign - including wider society, and to recommend of ‘business as usual’.

However, in that would have taken us years to nominate a local surveyor/surveying surveyors who have made a real real terms, being part of this larger achievements visit www.rics.org/150 acquire otherwise. contribution that can be celebrated organisation will give us access to “Harvey Group and Solmatix enhanced technical skills, financial share similar values, by which I mean resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to to greater growth and investment the very highest standards, and the within our operations, as well as importance we place on treating our In partnership with designer, McCUE Crafted Fit is Michael from It’s a more jobsMcKervey and job security. customers, our suppliers our staff celebrating afterandtheir Fresh Interior Design, wincourtesy at this NAS win-win relationship that’sMcCue good with andyear’s consideration. ” transformed the typical Design Partnership for our whole organisation, as Richard Bell, the founder and downtown deli cum sandwich Awards for their work well as the economy of Northern managing director of Solmatix shop into a traditional Irish offat ‘The Friend at Ireland.

Renewables described the acquisition licence,“ which sells only Irish

with this project in that Paul Maginn MCIOB, the Contract Manager, and Gerard Graham FCIOB, the regional Chair of the CIOB, are both past graduates of SERC. Getting the opportunity for the students to ask them directly about theirofcareer paths to date production Randox’s pioneering very much helps them see thewill medical diagnostic products and exciting opportunities that are also include associated administrative available in the construction functions.We Theare works are the first industry. extremely phase of a major capital expenditure grateful to the CIOB and Felix project by&Randox the O’Hare Co Ltdtofordevelop arranging and facilitating the Army event.Barracks ” former Massereene

McCUE CELEBRATES A FRIEND AT HAND Hand’ Whiskey Shop in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Whiskey. The ‘Friend at Hand’ also plays host to a mini museum upstairs, which pays homage to the history of distilling in Belfast.

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction The prestigious awards ceremony took place recently at the The award-winning ‘Friend at contract at Randox Science Park newly opened Postal Museum Hand’ Whiskey Shop, the first of The event, which attracted 18 in Phoenix Place, London. The attendees, included a presentation which focused on the main construction challenges of the £14.5m project along with a guided tour by Paul Maginn MCIOB (Contract Manager) and Gary Lennon MCIOB (Site Manager).

Students from South Eastern Regionala reputation College WItH for (SERC), who excellence in constructing high are enrolled on quality projects, the HNC and tAL Limited has been awarded a significant Level 3 courses contract (£3.1m) by global in Construction and the Built medical diagnostics company Environment also Randox. attended.

This initialSimon contract is for the Kinghan, Lecturer at construction of a new facility for SERC commented,

into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a futuristic R&D and manufacturing facility. The award-winning, international biotechnology firm, unveiled its plans for an innovative hub on the 43 acre site earlier this year.

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

this contract Randox, one of NAS Designwith Partnership Awards celebrateIreland’s collaboration between Northern most dynamic the exciting very best of interior and businesses on a design local andglobal innovative fit out contractors. and level. Through the quality of our work and the dedication and Les McCracken, Managing professionalism of our team TAL has Director of McCue Crafted steadily grown“We over are the incredibly last 34 years Fit explains: and this to contract award recognised reinforces proud have been by strength leading industry professionals the of our expertise in the for our work at” ‘The Friend at healthcare sector.

Hand’ Whiskey Belfast.

The project willShop, be delivered The NAS Awards are extremely to BIM level 2 in competitive, sopartnership this is just that with the design team Ostick and little bit sweeter.

We thoroughly Williams Rainey Best, enjoyedArchitects, working on this&project due toConsulting, its uniqueness Doran Delap and & Waller its wonderful story,and so to be Consulting Engineers Charles recognised for our work alongside Hutchison Consulting. that of Fresh Interior Design is Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing

humbling.”

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its kind in dedicated“The Director at Ireland, Randox is commented: to the memory of owner Willie development of Randox Science Jack’sislife-long friend and Park core to our plans to business create partner Bruce Kirk, a well-known innovative diagnostics, to improve Belfast man who passed away manufacturing efficiency aged just 62. The shoptoisexport a tribute high-value healthcareand capabilities to to to their friendship is meant world markets.

This state-of-the-art transport customers back to the ‘good oldwilldays’. premises become a centre of cutting-edge research, development and diagnostic manufacture, covering conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. We will also provide a significant boost to the local economy through new job creation. We very much look forward to working with TAL on this initial contract to deliver the high quality infrastructure we Willie”Jack, Michael McKervey require. and Les McCracken

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

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WESTERN BUILDING SYSTEMS INSTALLS MOBI ONE Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year COMBINED TIMBER FRAME ASSEMBLY STATION AS growth in UK and Ireland.

PART OFplan £1.6M INVESTMENT M&EIrish services ANI Northern construction firm has Newtownabbey-based injected £1.6m into its M&E services facilities company, production Harvey Group, hasto acquired and workforce drive Northern Ireland renewable GB and ROI market energy specialists, Solmatix growth in the education, healthcare housing Renewables inand a move the sectors. companies say will transform

the renewable energy sector Western BuildingIreland Systemsand is one in Northern actof the and Ireland’s leading build as UK a springboard for further solutions providers, specialising in expansion into the multithese sectors. pound and has Ireland Amillion new 30,000 sq ftUK factory been renewable energy built which includes themarkets. installation of TheOne acquisition, for an a Mobi Combined Timber Frame Assembly Station. latestto timber undisclosed sum, The will bring 110 innovation offers new systems for its the number of people employed design, cutting automation directly by theworkshop, Harvey Group in manufacturing of timber panels.

Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The complete system will accurately With a turnover of £30 million position frame components, nail andframe, over affix 80 staff, the the Harvey claddingGroup options has over 30 years’ experience and rout out the window and door in the design, installation and maintenance of building services within every conceivable kind of building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare andon NorahWork has. Richard started the refurbishment Anne Bell founded Solmatix and development of then Renewables in 2008, and since

openings – all at Western’s NI thisrenewable latest company acquires energy specialists headquarters. investment

the hasofgrown to achieve Thecompany installation the Mobi One a turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff is complemented by the addition operating Nutt’s Corner of a new from CNCitsmachine for the manufacture of doors and screens. premises.

The of the this deal, latestSolmatix fully As addition a result of automated to will continuetechnology to operate isasdesigned an minimise waste and increase factory autonomous and independent productivity. company Harvey Group As well aswithin investing in production Brian Harvey, managing director capabilities, Western has also installed ofa Timber Harvey Frame Group,design said there wasusing system, athe perfect between the two latestfittechnology to improve material scheduling, manufacturing organisations. drawings andbeen new planning automated “We have to machinery. grow our renewables involvement The improvements allow the for some time, eitherwill organically company to further continue its or through the acquisition of an expansion into the GB/ROI markets established player.itsHaving worked and strengthen outputs - £12m with Solmatix on already worth of newRenewables contracts have abeen number of contracts, serviced throughwe’d the new facility.

Declanbeen McCloskey, Operations always impressed with Director, Westernrigour Building their engineering andSystems, said: “The business is thriving and professionalism.

In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between our two companies in terms of what we do and how we do it. I approached Richard Bell about a year ago to float the idea of our companies coming together, but only for adigital ifsystem there was good connectivity. fit. After careful Wired Certification consideration we bothenables agreed agents and this tenants find accurate that wouldtoindeed be mutually

is going to propel us into the next stage of growth.

“We’re looking to capitalise on the current build appetite.

We have a proven Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth track Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group). record continually improving as“We’re great news for Solmatix, its how we in the beneficial.

From my perspective, work and suppliers what we and offer.staff.

The fact we education and healthcare sectors. customers, having Solmatix as part of Harvey do“Ineverything – windows, doors and many respects, it’s a case Group gives us a level of expertise interiors – as well as the structural “Housing, also, is presenting a huge of ‘business as usual’. However, in that would have taken us years to frame – and the fact we do it all opportunity at the minute and our real terms, partpoint of this acquire otherwise. offsite is abeing big plus for larger us and rapid-build solutions are proving organisation will give us access to in the “Harvey Group and Solmatix something that makes us unique popular due to both time and cost enhanced technical eyes of clients. ” skills, financial share similar values, by which I mean savings. resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to to greater growth and investment the very highest standards, and the within our operations, as well as importance we place on treating our more jobs and job security. It’s a customers, our suppliers and our staff win-win relationship that’s good with courtesy and consideration.” for our whole organisation, as Chichester House will be and potential tenants.

Richard Bell, the founder the first flagship for “Chichester House of willNorthern be an well as the economy managing director project of Solmatix Causeway Management’s office fit for the future, with Ireland.space “ RenewablesAsset described the acquisition

CHICHESTER HOUSE TO BE BEST CONNECTED GRADE A OFFICES IN BELFAST Chichester House in Belfast, which will be the first Grade A office project in the city to have guaranteed internet connectivity.

and detailed information about a building’s digital infrastructure and gives landlords an independent means of improving and promoting their buildings’ capabilities in a transparent way.

Damian Mitchell, property director at Causeway Asset production of Randox’s Management, said: pioneering medical diagnostic products and will “Internet speed and reliability one of the also includeis associated administrative three most functions.

Theimportant works are the first factorsoffor tenants phase a major capital expenditure searching for office project by Randox to develop the space, along with cost former Massereene Army Barracks and location.

In fact, into ‘Randox Science for many businesses,Park’ – a futuristic R&D and manufacturing digital connectivity is as important as facility.

The award-winning, mains electricity and international biotechnology firm, running water.

But unveiled its plans for up an innovative to now there has been hub on the 43 acre site earlier this very little information year. available to tenants in Welcoming the announcement, Northern Ireland about Damien Hughes, Director of TAL the quality of internet connectivity in office Limited commented: “We are spaces.” to have been awarded delighted

innovative ‘Future-Fit Space’ concept, which puts connectivity and technological building advancements at the forefront of building design. The site is being developed on-spec but the concept is already proving attractive to a number of

guaranteed connectivity. We are excited that it will be the first building in Belfast to provide this assurance to potential tenants and believe that rating buildings using this transparent system will set a new standard in Grade A offices in Belfast,” said Damian Mitchell.

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park Chichester House, which is in a prime central location fronting Chichester Street, will bring 46,000 sq ft of top quality office and 5,000 sq ft of modern retail space to the market following a full redevelopment of the building’s existing six storeys, an extension to the rear and the addition of two new floors.

The project represents an overall WItH a reputation for and will investment of £8 million excellence constructing create 150 in jobs in the build high phase, with completion expected in late quality projects, tAL Limited 2018. has been awarded a significant contract (£3.1m) by global Chichester House will also be the medical diagnostics company first building in Belfast to be rated Randox.

by WiredScore, an innovative, This initial contract is for the internationally recognised construction a new facility for commercialofreal estate rating

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

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

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing

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

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

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BA COMPONENTS ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT Harvey Group acquires SolmatixNEW as part of 5 year FROM H2 EQUITY PARTNERS growth plan in UK and Ireland.

Established in 1990 by twin brothers Brian and Kieran McCracken, BA NI M&E services Components is currently Newtownabbey-based one of the UK’s leading M&E services company, manufacturers of kitchen Harvey Group, has acquired and bedroom doors and Northern Ireland renewable furniture components. energy specialists, Solmatix Headquartered Renewables in inNorthern a move the Ireland the business has three wellcompanies say will transform invested manufacturing sites; one in the renewable energy sector Cookstown, one Ireland in Doncaster, in Northern and and act BA Clic Components in Rotherham, as a springboard further established in 2016 to for manufacture expansion into the multitheir tool-less assembly ClicBox million UK and Ireland kitchen andpound furniture cabinets. renewable energy markets.

BA has strongly Thegrown acquisition, for in anrecent years byundisclosed investing in sum, people processes, willand bring to 110 resulting in strong leadership, high the number of people employed quality products, a broad product directly by the Harvey Group in range and strong customer service, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. winning many industry and business With a turnover £30 million awards along the way.of The company and over 80 staff, Harvey Group have also featured prominently in hasBelfast over Telegraph 30 years’ experience the top 100 N.I. Companies for the last three in the design, installation andyears.

With some of of thebuilding most advanced maintenance services within every conceivable kind of building type throughout NI, GB and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahAnne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

currently exports to more than twenty countries.

Brian McCracken, Managing Director of BA said,

company acquires renewable energy specialists

the company has grown to achieve a turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff operating from its Nutt’s Corner “We chose to premises. partner with H2 As a result of the deal, Solmatix based on their good will continue to operate as an knowledge of our autonomous and independent sector and excellent company within Harvey Group track record built Brian Harvey, managing director up over twenty-six of Harvey Group, said there was years of working with family-owned a perfect fit between the two businesses. Both organisations.

Kieran and myself “We have been planning to Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth actively will remain grow our renewables involvement Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group). involved in the for some time, either organically business its and we as great news for Solmatix, beneficial. From my perspective, or through the acquisition of an look forward customers, suppliers and staff. to having Solmatix as part of Harvey established player. Having worked working with H2 “In many respects, it’s a case Group gives us a level of expertise with Solmatix Renewables on to build on the of ‘business as usual’.

However, would have taken us years to Simon Gilbert H2 Equity Partners, Brian &that Kieran McCracken BA Components core driversinof BA’s a number of contracts, we’d real terms, being part of this largerare a acquire otherwise. & Cathal H2 Equity success which always beenTurley impressed withPartners. organisation will give us access to “Harvey Group and Solmatix broad range of high their engineering rigour and quality products and manufacturing facilities in the UK expanded into new market areas both enhanced technical skills, financial share similar values, by which I mean professionalism. In fact, there seemed excellent customer service. ” and Ireland, BA have substantially in the UK and across the globe, and resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, to be a natural synergy between Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to our two companies in terms of to greater growth and investment the very highest standards, and the what we do and how we do it. I within our operations, as well as importance we place on treating our approached Richard Bell about a more jobs and job security. It’s a customers, our suppliers and our staff year ago to float the idea of our win-win relationship that’s good with courtesy and consideration. ” companies coming together, but only for our whole organisation, as Richard Bell, the founder and if there was a good fit. After careful well as the economy of Northern managing director of Solmatix consideration we both agreed Ireland. “ Renewables described the acquisition that this would indeed be mutually

McAVOY AWARDED £8.2M CONTRACT TO DESIGN AND BUILD NEW ROMFORD FREE SCHOOL ACADEMY OFFSITE The McAvoy Group, based in Dungannon, has been awarded an £8.2m contract for the design and offsite construction of a new 630-place primary school for Concordia Academy in Romford, Essex. The building will be manufactured in McAvoy’s factory in Northern Ireland.

will be operated by REAch2 Academy Trust – the largest primary only academy trust in the UK.

school which will provide much needed primary school places for the local community in Romford.

We will be using the latest advances in education design and offsite construction to create an inspiring environment for teaching and learning, and an outstanding this contract with Randox, of school to help every childone realise their highest aspirations. ” Northern Ireland’s most dynamic

money, greater quality control and programme benefits because the construction work can progress offsite in the factory while groundworks are put in place on site. Speed of construction is key when the demand for school places continues to rise.”

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction The use of a McAvoy offsite solution for theScience project is allowing Park contract at Randox the development of a highly

The start on site has been marked with a ground breaking ceremony and children planting a time capsule.

WItH a reputation for The 2,972m2 will create excellence in school constructing high an exemplar learning quality projects, tALenvironment, Limited reflecting the academy’s vision and has been awarded a significant ethos, increasing parental choice, contract (£3.1m) by global and providing a valuable facility for medical diagnostics company the community.

Randox.

Funded by the Department This initial contract is for the for Education Education constructionvia of the a new facility forand

Skills Funding Agency, the school

production ofbrownfield Randox’s pioneering constrained site.

The newdiagnostic buildingproducts will be just medical and will 1.5m from the site boundary also include associated administrative to the front functions.

Theelevation. works areModular the first construction will significantly phase of a major capital expenditure reduce disruption to the project by Randox to develop surrounding residential area the and former Massereene Army Barracks will cut the build programme to just months. into 12 ‘Randox Science Park’ – a futuristic R&D and manufacturing

The first ofaward-winning, 67 modules will arrive facility.

The on site in the autumn. McAvoy has international biotechnology firm, also provided a suite of interim unveiledbuildings its plans for school for an theinnovative academy, hub on acre siteopens earlier in this until its the new43building year.

September 2018.

Welcoming the announcement,

Raymond Millar,Director Construction Damien Hughes, of TAL Director of principal“We contractor Limited commented: are McAvoy, said, “We are delighted delighted to have been awarded to be building this wonderful new

and exciting businesses on a local

“Offsite construction offers clear and global level. Through the quality benefits for the delivery of new of our work and the dedication and education facilities. On this project, professionalism of our team TAL the solution from McAvoy is has steadily grown world markets. This state-of-the-art enabling the over the last 34 years development and this contract award reinforces premises will become a centre of of very of our expertise in the thea strength cutting-edge research, development restricted healthcare and sector.” and diagnostic manufacture, covering challenging The project will be delivered conditions such as cancer, stroke and brownfield site, to BIM level 2 in partnership heart disease. We will also provide a and with much withdisruption the design team Ostick and significant boost to the local economy less Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, through new job creation. We very to the local community.

Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller muchConstruction look forward to working Pictured is Raymond Millar, Director of The with ItConsulting offers theEngineersMcAvoy Group with a group of children local dignitarand Charles TAL on this initialand contract to deliver opportunity ies, marking the start ofthe construction work on site with we a Hutchison Consulting. high quality infrastructure for increased ground breaking ceremony and burying of a time capsule Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing require.” value for

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Director at Randox commented: “The

Due for completion forScience the start development of Randox ofPark theis2018/19 academic the core to our plans to year, create new state-of-the-art school will innovative diagnostics, to improve help to address the urgent need manufacturing efficiency places to export for additional primary in high-value healthcare capabilities to the South East of England.

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

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Willis |11

THE INSURANCE FALLOUT OF USING COMPOSITE PANELS

By David Sinnamon, Risk Manager, Willis Insurance and Risk Management

F

ollowing the Grenfell Tower tragedy, most Professional Indemnity Insurers are now issuing additional questionnaires asking for more information on design and specification of faรงade materials, including but not limited to cladding, insulation and wall panelling used on contracts over the past 10-15 years.

They also want to know about contracts previously undertaken in excess of 18 metres in height. Some Professional Indemnity Insurers have decided not to offer new quotes for contractors who have any

involvement with cladding, whilst other Insurers are imposing restrictive cladding combustibility exclusions.

Used extensively for external walls, internal structures and roof construction within a variety of industries, including cold storage, warehousing, food, hotels and other environments, composite panels are a popular building material.

This is due to several factors such as their insulation properties in reducing the transmission of heat and

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sound while they are lightweight and easy to construct, in turn reducing initial and ongoing costs.

However, there are also several major risks involved with the use of composite panels, principally as a fire hazard, dependent on the core used.

The potential dangers, especially in high rise buildings, are obvious.

The combustibility of composite panels depends on the material their core is made from with many made from expanded polystyrene, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate.

These are more prone to combustion and therefore pose several risks such as the potential rapid spread of fire which may also be difficult to fight due to the concealed nature of the panel core.

Other risks include liquid fire produced from melting cores and the creation of dense, corrosive and toxic smoke.

These risks are even greater in food

factories, where composite panels are commonly used internally to establish diverse environmental conditions in different rooms within the same building.

Non-combustible options include foamed glass, glass fibre and mineral wool, the latter of which is preferred by insurers while all three are considered the norm for most new building projects.

It is prudent to carry out an audit of every panel core installed in buildings on former and new projects and determine a classification for their fire rating.

Regular checks for damage to panelling which could increase the risk of fire should also be adhered to.

Where combustible panels are used, these could be replaced with non-combustible alternatives where appropriate.

Two-hour firewalls, which retard the spread of fire, to compartmentalise fire risk could also be installed, in addition to a sprinkler system and heat and smoke detectors.

Placing flammable materials near, or running electrical cables through panels should also be avoided.

The appointment of a manager or external resource with responsibility for creating a fire prevention programme and regularly conducting fire risk assessments may also be appropriate.

Following these steps, and seeking further professional guidance should ultimately help businesses improve operational efficiencies, minimising the risk of accidents and the impact of claims through strong health and safety compliance.

For more information on Health & Safety or Profession Indemnity Insurance, contact David Sinnamon or Keith Hynds on 028 9032 9042 or visit www.willisinsurance.co.uk

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PLANS FOR THE LARGEST-EVER SINGLE REDEVELOPMENT OF BELFAST CITY CENTRE RESUBMITTED

A £400 million urban regeneration scheme for central Belfast has been submitted to Belfast City Council following extensive public consultations. The development proposal has taken account of views expressed in the consultations and significant revisions have been made, which will help deliver a new forward-thinking vision for this part of Belfast City Centre.

The proposed scheme will deliver a vibrant mix of retail, Grade A office space, city centre living plus new tourism amenities, all of which have been designed to attract world class occupiers into the very heart of Belfast City Centre.

The project is the largest ever single redevelopment in Belfast City Centre and will support 6,000 permanent jobs once completed, in addition to 900 construction jobs per annum over the course of the build. It is estimated by Savills economics that the development will add £356m of Gross Value Added to the NI economy annually.

Castlebrooke Investments, the owner and developer, has re-submitted plans reflecting public opinion to include the re-use and refurbishment of several important listed buildings.

Castlebrooke has invested over £40m in acquiring the site, all planning work to date and the initiation of

construction which has commenced at Lower Garfield Street under the existing planning permission.

The project will include; a new connection between North Street and Donegal Street, as well as routes from Royal Avenue and Rosemary Street, promoting permeability and enhanced connectivity to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. Additionally, significant residential content, two hotels, the retention of more historic building stock on North Street and three new public realm spaces are included in the proposed scheme.

The new plans also include the re-orientation and reduction in height of the tall building and the conscious inclusion of smaller retail units for independent businesses.

A spokesperson from Castlebrooke comments; “We are conscious of the huge responsibility we face to regenerate this neglected part of Belfast and believe we’ve submitted a new plan that will move the city forward.

“The development is the cornerstone of a vibrant new vision for Belfast and it will go a long way to helping the city achieve the targets set out in the Council’s ambitious Belfast Agenda.

Now that the new application is submitted, we intend to give the scheme a new name and initiate an international marketing programme putting Belfast on the list for a large range of new occupiers who are not currently present in the city.”

Jonathan Millar, Managing Director of Colliers International, the commercial agent instructed on the scheme added: “By comparison to cities such

as; Dublin, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol, Belfast’s City Centre has for far too long been underperforming as a major European regional capital city. The scale, quality and content of this comprehensive regeneration scheme allied to its immediate proximity to the new University of Ulster campus will ensure that major international office users, and retailers along with ambitious domestic occupiers will be attracted to this transformational opportunity.

“Additionally, under the submitted new planning application, more buildings will be preserved than the current planning permission requires and the facades of 13-15 and 17-23 North Street will be retained and incorporated into the scheme.

The Central Catholic Club, Central Halls and Masonic Hall will also be

refurbished and throughout the scheme, materials will be used which reflect the area’s historic integrity.”

Dawson Stelfox MBE, Chairman of Consarc Design Group said, “As Conservation Architects who have restored over 100 buildings in recent years, we believe the proposals represent a major investment in the built heritage of Belfast. All seven of the Listed Buildings in the area are being restored and put back into use which includes the provision of cultural space. Three new streets, and a proposed laneway, increase permeability, improving the pedestrian connections between Cathedral Quarter and the City Centre. As a result of the public consultation, additional unlisted buildings and facades are now being retained and integrated into the new fabric to retain the vibrant streetscape.”

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WORK BEGINS ON £30M MOTORSPORT TRACK PREPARATORY work has now begun on an international motorsport centre outside Coalisland.

An estimated 700 jobs will be created in the 18-month construction phase of the £30m Lake Torrent development which will transform 163 acres of former clay pits in Coalisland, County Tyrone, into a world-class motorsport complex with a championship racetrack and motorsport training centre for Northern Ireland.

Mid Ulster District Council recently granted planning permission for the first phase of work which includes the race circuit, pits, medical centre, restaurant, hospitality suites, six business units and a crèche, as well as a new public ring road to bypass the town and facilitate easy access in and out of the Lake Torrent centre.

This first phase is due to be completed in early 2019 but the potential for further jobs within the overall complex is also huge with plans for the second phase of works submitted to build a further 90 retail and business units, and a range of community and leisure facilities including a hotel, cinema, theatre and more food outlets.

Talks are also ongoing to develop an apprenticeship programme that will offer specialist skills training on-site across a range of engineering disciplines including welding, fitting and

the building and servicing of motorcars and bikes.

Lake Torrent is the brainchild of Manna Developments founder and motor-racing enthusiast David Henderson, who lives in Islandmagee, County Antrim, but whose roots are in County Tyrone. Manna Developments is a private development company leading the funding and development of the Lake Torrent project. The Manna Developments team and its CEO, David Henderson, are the original founders of the project, creating the vision and concept behind the project from the outset. Manna Developments has over 30 years’ experience of major civil and construction projects throughout the UK.

Lake Torrent Racetrack Aerial View

Speaking about the development, Mr Henderson said: “This is an historic day for the town of Coalisland, the county of Tyrone and for the whole of Northern Ireland as we finally start preparatory work on Lake Torrent, a dream of mine that has been 15 years in the making but is now a reality.”

British motorsport design firm Driven International Ltd has been appointed as the race track designer, working alongside a number of local companies including Contract Ground Services (CGS), Clarman Architects, McWilliams & Co Quantity Surveyors, and Maneely & Co Estate Agents.

David Henderson Manna Developments

PORTVIEW COMPLETE FIRST KATE SPADE NEW YORK FLAGSHIP STORE IN PARIS Market leading specialist, Portview FitOut, has completed work on a new flagship store for American global, modern luxury accessory and lifestyle brand, kate spade new york, in Paris.

The opening marks the brand’s celebrated arrival to France, following the successful launch of its Regent Street store in London last year.

Located at 418 Rue Saint-Honoré and measuring 185 square metres over two floors, the design scheme created by kate spade new york and Househam Henderson radiates opulence, with contrasting white and grey terrazzo tiles, polished brass inlays and railings, and high gloss counter tops. The sophisticated white colour palette cleverly draws

the eye towards the colourful assortment of product categories including handbags, ready-to-wear and fashion accessories whilst boasting an air of Parisian finesse.

Simon Campbell, Managing Director of Portview Fit-Out said: “Working in partnership with kate spade new york and Househam Henderson is a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating exceptional spaces, experiences and solutions for people to enjoy.

“Our goal is to make our clients’ vision our mission and that’s exactly what we’ve done here.

The integrity of the kate spade new york brand is present throughout, with subtle splashes of colour and signature Sputnik lighting, and is integrated with Parisian elements to give the store individuality and cultural context.

“This is the second retail project we’ve fitted for kate spade new

york, with the completion of the Regent Street store in London last year and the Paris flagship location this summer. It was a real team effort from our outstanding employees and we take great pride in having completed another standout project in one of the

world’s fashion capitals.”

Joinery and cabinet work were designed in the U.S. and fitted

by Portview. The unique lighting scheme sourced “Sputnik” fittings from the U.S. which were rewired for local currents, giving the store a distinctive American ambience.

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The View From The Top ProNet Safety is the UK and Ireland’s only safety at height specialists offering safety netting, roof access, fall prevention and rope access solutions 68 Browndod Road, Larne Co.Antrim BT40 3DX T: 028 2826 7823 E: info@pronetsafetyservices.com Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

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digest

16 |

NI PROPERTY MARKET REMAINS BUOYANT DESPITE STORMONT STALEMATE The Northern Ireland commercial property market continues to be resilient despite the lack of a stable Government according to commercial property agency CBRE. However, CBRE’s Northern Ireland Quarterly Marketview report for Q3 2017 also states that the current political situation has already had a negative impact on the local economy and property market and will continue to do so should the Stormont stalemate persist.

On a positive note, as CBRE predicted in July, the investment market has seen a notable increase in the volume of transactions, with £237m invested in 11 separate deals. That brings the yearly total to date to £260m, and with a number of high value investments set to complete in Q4, that figure should surpass £300m by the end of the year.

Gavin Elliott, director at CBRE commented: “It is great that the local property market has remained robust during a time of political uncertainty, and it is encouraging to see a large number of transactions from the second quarter complete.

“The Belfast City Centre Fund has been well received by the market, and together with the £100m Northern Ireland Investment Fund should provide a further boost to the market.”

The office market performed well in Q3, with 18 transactions completing, bringing the total transactions and take-up figures year-to-date to 32 and 253,629 sq ft respectively.

Notable office deals completed include Instil at Linen Loft, Adelaide Street; First Derivatives at Weaving Works, Ormeau Avenue and ITV at City Quays 2.

Mr Elliott continued: “Interest in the office market remains strong and we expect to see this continue into a busy final quarter.

“Given the lack of new development in the city centre, it is not surprising that a large proportion of the new take up is going into refurbished properties such as Linen Loft. Other projects like Merchant Square will help deliver Grade A supply to the market quickly.”

The retail market has continued to perform well across Northern Ireland, particularly in Belfast and border cities/towns, with vacancy levels continuing to fall. CBRE predict an

Gavin Elliott, CBRE increase on cross-border spend given the current Euro/Sterling exchange rate.

Significant retail transactions in Q3 include The Range at Connswater Shopping Centre; Smiggle, Body Shop and Söstrene Grene at The Quays, Newry and SuperDry at Fairhill, Ballymena.

The retail warehouse sector continues to perform well with low vacancy levels and demand for units in established locations. Recent activity

includes a letting to M&S Simply Food in Marlborough Retail Park in Craigavon and a letting to EZ Living at Holywood Exchange.

CBRE also recently held a community consultation event on behalf of Michelin to gauge the public’s views on the future use of their industrial facility in Ballymena.

The hotel sector in Northern Ireland remains buoyant and Belfast experienced the strongest growth when compared against 22 of the

UK’s leading cities according to PwC. The opening of the luxury 119-bedroom Titanic Hotel at the former H&W Drawing Offices and HQ in the Titanic Quarter was a particular highlight in Q3.

“Whilst we remain positive that the market has maintained its resilience throughout the year so far, it is imperative that a political solution is put in place soon to reinstate the Stormont assembly, delivering confidence to a global investment market.”

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Hays |17

Returning skilled professionals to ‘a land of opportunity’

By Mark Wade, Director at Hays Northern Ireland NI construction remains in relatively buoyant mood at present.

programme is about “safeguarding the wellbeing of our employees and supporting their career development”.

Construction output in the region remains strong with industry Volumes from Q1 of 2017 representing the second highest level from over the past five years.

Furthermore, GRAHAM is engaged in major building and infrastructure works of the scale and complexity that will prove enticing for specialists considering a return to the region.

According to the CEF / BDO HalfYear State of Trade survey, twothirds of companies worked at full or almost full capacity over the first half of the year, driven particularly by uplifts in private housebuilding and infrastructure work.

An excellent example of this being the GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership (GBHP). This joint venture was formed to deliver innovative, strategic healthcare projects throughout the island of Ireland.

However, the report also highlighted the perennial issue of “skills shortage across many trades”.

Valuable work is being undertaken by local businesses, trades and professional bodies in engaging with young people in schools and third level education establishments to raise awareness of the varied and rewarding career paths on offer across construction.

But how do we encourage experienced professionals with specialist skillsets back into the region?

Many employers are responding to

Since its creation in 2013, GBHP has been appointed to deliver the projects for both the impressive Ulster Hospital redevelopment programme as well as the Belfast City Hospital Framework.

The joint venture has already completed the new £85 million (30,000m2) Inpatient Ward Block for the South Eastern Health & Social Care on time and to budget. The seven-storey building incorporates day theatres, endoscopy suites and a pharmacy department, with four floors that provide 288 ensuite single bedrooms.

The GBHP joint venture is now in the process of delivering the following key healthcare projects: •

skill shortages by ‘growing their own’ talent. GRAHAM Construction, for example, recently announced plans to invest £1.1 million in attracting, developing and retaining talent.

Executive Chairman Michael Graham said their personalised development

•

A £95 million Acute Services block at the Ulster Hospital complex which is due for completion in mid2019. The build includes a new emergency department, assessment unit, specialist wards, inpatient imaging department, and a total of 170 bedrooms via 146 ensuite single bedrooms and six four-bed wards.

A much-needed £28.5 million Replacement Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility for Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. A first for

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Northern Ireland, this purposebuilt inpatient facility at the Belfast City Hospital site will provide 80 acute mental health ensuite bedrooms, six of which will be psychiatric intensive care beds.

•

A £57 million contract for the Belfast Trust to construct the new Maternity Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital site. Works on this project are due to commence in November 2017.

Director of GRAHAM–Bam Healthcare Partnership, Peter Reavey, said: “With the current construction sector being so buoyant it has placed greater challenges in obtaining the correct skilled workforce within the supply chain to deliver projects. The volume and scope of healthcare projects under development results in a continuing demand for experienced design, supervisory and installation personnel to carry out and commission complex work packages.”

The good news is that work already completed by GBHP at the Ulster

Hospital has received UK industry recognition by winning the Most Considerate Site (for Projects over £50 million) at the recent Considerate Constructors Scheme’s (CCS) National Awards in 2017 as well as the Overall Award at the 2017 Construction Excellence Awards in Northern Ireland. The awards acknowledge the exceptional standards of construction expertise already available in Northern Ireland, something the project team is rightly proud of.

Northern Ireland is poised to continue to provide opportunity for those experienced industry professionals wishing to return home as well as locally based talent seeking new opportunities.

For employers seeking to attract talent from overseas, the Hays survey - ‘What Workers Want’ can offer insight and an up-to-date understanding of emerging trends within the labour market. To find out more about the ‘What Workers Want’ survey and to download a copy log on to https://www.hays.co.uk/whatworkers-want or call 028 9044 6900.

18| JOHN SIMPSON

BUILDING MOMENTUM IS NOW AT RISK OF DOWNTURN

by John Simpson

The Eolas Building in Maynooth was built by NI construction company Tracey Bros.

How will Brexit affect NI companies working in the South of Ireland?

Construction managers should carefully think about Brexit.

Trying to avoid thinking about Brexit is near impossible. Who could have anticipated that for so long and in so many diverse ways, daily news about Brexit would continue in never decreasing volume. Understandably, Brexit is important, unique and allembracing. That, alone, is unquestioned. But the complexity and the controversy have extended more widely and in greater degree of detail than was expected.

Perhaps this surprise is more a reflection on the failure of this writer to appreciate the complications and disputes rather than the degree to which the political processes are proving tortuous.

Critically, a feature of the evolving political processes is that the economy is hurting. The impact of Brexit, and talking about Brexit, is proving more and

more worrying. Some credibility must be given to independent observers such as the OECD as they offer comments and advice.

In an updated report on the UK economy the OECD identifies a number of adverse effects, even though there are some signs of UK resilience. ‘.. the vote to leave the EU highlighted growing uncertainties and a number of risks. This includes the hit on household’s purchasing power from higher inflation, declining savings rates, and a fall in net migration.’ OECD Survey of the UK. The OECD survey underlines the recommendation that the UK must maintain close ties with the EU if it is to meet the challenges of Brexit.

These sentiments have serious implications for all regions of the UK, particularly Northern Ireland, and extend to knockon effects for the construction

industry. The implications have both a general impact and also specific consequences in detailed regulation and trading arrangements.

At a general level, the prospect of Brexit and, more important in the short term, the debate about what Brexit means is a period of significant uncertainty.

There are ambitions by senior Ministers to ensure that, on the island of Ireland, there will not be disruption by whatever form of border emerges, between north and south, which will disadvantage businesses.

As the debate continues, there is still no certainty that the Brexit agreement will deliver as promised and, if some sort of border is reinstated, whether the commercial advantages or disadvantages fall more favourably on one side or the other.

Although a final judgement must await the ultimate agreement, the balance of evidence is weighted

in two ways that strike a note of caution.

First, even now decisions on investment are being delayed to await greater clarity. These delays can be about whether a new factory, a refurbished business block, or a development property investment in residential or commercial areas is a worthwhile investment. Decisions postponed to allow a better informed judgement to be made are also decisions that will reduce immediate demand in the construction sector.

Second, a longer-term appraisal process may work against capital spending in Northern Ireland.

Manufacturers, financial service providers and many potential investors in other sectors are or will need to reassess the balance of business advantage when Brexit is complete. More frequently than is comfortable for Northern Ireland, the attraction of remaining within the EU (of 27 countries)

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Will there be a return to a hard border outside Newry?

by remaining in (or relocating to) the Republic of Ireland is the common appreciation of the economics of a new situation. A location in the Republic of Ireland will combine the attraction of an English speaking environment, single market access to the 27 countries and the continuing 12.5% corporate taxation regime.

At this early stage the final assessment of the relative merits of a location, north or south, cannot be made with sufficient certainty but early signs and statements suggest a negative factor for Northern Ireland.

There is a range of other topics, stemming from Brexit, where the Northern Ireland construction industry has serious interests.

A wide ranging area of concern is the application of technical standards to products. In recent years, within the EU, most product specifications have been standardised. This process has almost taken the question of compatible standards and qualities off the agenda. If the UK gains a good trading agreement with the EU then the EU will ask

the UK to continue to maintain these standards. If the UK rejects a formal link of that kind then, almost inevitably, differences will evolve and this may make some trading arrangements more difficult.

Northern Ireland contractors will watch to see if the Brexit deal makes explicit provision for north-south (or vice versa) access to public sector contracts for firms crossing the restored border.

Top of the list of unwanted Brexit consequences would be any degree of limitation on the ability to recruit employees who will (daily) cross the border.

Of course the ‘common travel area’ concept points in this direction but only with reservations that may need to be resolved.

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There is an ambition by the UK Government to introduce controls to reduce the in-flow to the UK of non-UK nationals.

There is likely to be ready agreement to exclude Irish citizens from UK controls.

However, if non-UK, non-Irish people live, as immigrants, in the Republic will they be able to seek employment in NI? Ensuring an

open market for skilled workers crossing the border may call for specific endorsement.

For the present, Brexit is posing questions, raising doubts and risking distortion of the functioning of the construction sector across this island.

To the politicians: please handle with care!

John Simpson

Photograph by: Pacemaker

JOHN SIMPSON | 19

DEANE PUBLIC WORKS

Deane Public Works

Celebrates Fifty Years in Business Deane Public Works Ltd a very successful awardwinning family-run Construction Company with expertise in Design and Build Civil Engineering and Property Development are celebrating 50 years in business.

engineering projects that have gained national accreditation over the course of 50 years in business are:

History / Background Owner and Managing Director, George Deane aged 16, already used to hard work with his father, got his early industrial experience driving a digger on farming projects for well-known local man Jim Cathcart.

Seeing an opportunity to develop this business, in 1966 aged 20, George purchased his first digger and was hired by the Department of Environment to take corners off roads.

The following year in 1967 Deane Public Works Ltd was founded by George and his wife Liz Deane, as a small construction company initially to service the plant hire sector of the construction market.

Armed with character, determination, hard work ethic and the combined practical skills and experience of his trade, George set out to make a success of his new Company.

The late 1970s saw the successful completion of many Watermains projects for Hamilton and Preston, who were prominent at the time.

During the 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s the Company, incorporated in 1986, continued to undertake works for key clients DOE Road Service, DOE Water Service and Fermanagh District Council however commenced a period of rapid expansion into higher value major projects, with marine and harbour works infrastructure, demolition and property development being significant areas whilst doubling its staff and recruiting key members during this time.

As the twentieth century drew to a close Deane Public Works, with a reputation for excellence, had extended from its Fermanagh base and was successfully completing works throughout Ireland.

Under George’s leadership the company has grown steadily and significantly from humble beginnings and evolved into a multi-disciplined award-winning Engineering business

George Deane successfully delivering a diverse range of high profile civil engineering contracts and luxury property developments.

Today the company, with scenic headquarters overlooking Lough Erne, remains a family run business employing over 60 staff and hundreds of others indirectly through supply chain and subcontracting activities.

Deane Public Works legacy of 50 years can be seen throughout Ireland with landmark construction infrastructure works which both George and Liz, the founders of the company, are justifiably proud.

Next Generation The next generation of this familyrun business, George and Liz son Stephen Deane and his wife Janet, both whom have worked for the company for over 25 years as Plant Manager and Accountant respectively, look forward to taking the Company into the future, building on previous successes of the past 50 years.

Stephen and Janet are keen for future business growth by consolidating in existing markets, whilst further developing the awardwinning company through strategic opportunities in new markets.

The coming years promise to be very busy with the company appointed to a number of large Frameworks throughout Ireland.

In addition, they are currently progressing work on a number

of existing frameworks and contracts for key clients including the rehabilitation of 10 National Road Bridges for Donegal County Council, along with other projects to commence in the coming months.

Core Business The Fermanagh based company operate predominantly in the public, new work and productive infrastructure market sectors providing a range of comprehensive civil engineering services to Government Departments, Agencies, County Councils and private investors throughout Ireland.

With expertise across a wide variety of disciplines our core construction business is: Design and Construct, Water & Sewage Treatment infrastructure, Public Utility contracts, Marine and Riverworks, Roads and Bridges, Major Earthmoving, Environmental Improvements / Public Realm works, Playing fields, Sheet and Structural Piling, Demolition and Asbestos Removal, Aggregate Stone and Concrete supply, and residential and commercial property development.

Additional specialist works include: directional drilling, trenchless technologies, pipe jacking & tunnel boring, concrete repair, waterproofing to structures / buildings, natural stone construction, reinforced earth structures, soil nailing & rock anchors and guniting & grouting.

Among the broad range of successfully delivered major civil

Omagh Throughpass; A5 Victoria Road Realignment; Strabane Bypass; Enniskillen ThroughPass Stage 3; Cherrymount Link Road, Enniskillen; Mosstown Road and Bridge Realignment, Co. Longford; Ballyconnell Footbridge; Eske River Bridge, Donegal; Aghalane Peace Bridge; Derrychara Footbridge & Playing Fields, Enniskillen; Carrick Bridge, Co. Donegal; Newry Cathedral Corridor Public Realm; Letterkenny Environmental Improvements; Belleek and Pettigo Environmental Improvements; Fort George Barracks Urban Regeneration; Maze Remediation Phase 2; Devenish College Enabling Works; IDB Site at Carran, Enniskillen; Lisanelly Campus Demolition; Foyle College Demolition; Lough Rinn International Rowing Course, Co. Leitrim; Portora Sluice Gates Replacement, Enniskillen; Lough Swilly Slipways; Buncrana Pier Improvements; Ballyronan Marina & Caravan Park; Kinnego Marina, Bunagee Marine Development; Lough Key Boardwalk, Roscommon; Kilkeel Harbour; Ballinamallard River Diversion; Kesh Boat Marina; Sligo Port Jetties; Bush and Killyman WwTW; Dromore WwTW; Killyhevlin to Marble Arch and Tattinbarr Pumping Mains; Portglenone WwTW; Rathfriland WwTW; Irvinestown WwTW; Belleek WwTW; Ballyconnell Sewerage Scheme; Maguiresbridge Sewerage Scheme Award winning exclusive property developments Silverhill Manor, Silverhill House Apartments, Devenish Manor and Old Rossorry Drive in Enniskillen.

Client Partnership Deane Public Works are firmly committed to working in partnership with our clients and their professional teams operating a ‘can do’ approach in all operations. They strive to deliver the optimum return for clients in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding through collaborative working to achieve optimal construction solutions and to deliver best value.

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Our core values of Quality Product, Professional / Personal Service, Value for Money, Construction Time Predictability, Safety, Innovation / Value Engineering and Construction Excellence which are at the heart of our company underpins our passion to deliver excellence through expertise.

As a private family business, we are driven by the needs of our clients, partners and our people. We work with a likeminded supply chain that not only has the experience, skills, and capabilities that we need, but also shares our vision for continually striving to be better at what we do.

Investors In People Throughout the company’s history, one thing has remained constant, the dedication of Deane Public Works staff and operatives to deliver clients with quality works. The operational

strength of the company lies in the utilisation of skills across a broad range of working disciplines, to make projects come alive.

Our success and growth has been founded on solid management principles and the employment and retention of a long standing experienced professional management team and highly skilled labour workforce, many whom have been employed by the company for more than 25 years.

Both George and son Stephen Deane pride themselves on a ‘hands on’ approach to the business, and lead by example from the highest management levels to site operations, never afraid to deploy their extensive expertise and operate machinery when necessary.

Investors In People accredited since 2005 they promote the concept of “lifelong learning” and encourage

Deane Public Works Ltd is a very successful award-winning family-run company with a reputation for excellence.

The professional management team has been recognized with an Investors in People Award Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

DEANE PUBLIC WORKS staff development through continual training to achieve ever higher standards.

Innovation As a dynamic and innovative company, we continually explore new market opportunities to develop and expand our business. we provide our clients with innovative and imaginative solutions that meet their needs in a safe, sustainable and costeffective way With depots sited province wide, the Company has a vast range of specialist owned plant/equipment and materials to offer material purchase cost savings to their clients.

During the course of 50 years the company were the first contractors in N. Ireland to purchase an ‘Aliva” concrete guniting machine’, for a D.O.E Road Service Bridge Strengthening programme.

Deane Public Works were also the first contractors in N. Ireland to use directional drilling technology to complete a twin pipe crossing under Upper Lough Erne. This was a major development and innovation in the construction industry at the time and made local headline news on BBC and UTV. Deane Public Works has developed a niche specifically for sheet and structural piling, investing heavily in direct innovative Movax sheet Piling hammer plant and specialist squads. The company have reaped the benefits of this over recent years with their expert Piling Squads having added real value to many key projects and their services have been in high demand by both clients and the industry.

The company have recently taken delivery of a new Faymonville Max 8.6m extendable 4 axle step frame low loader and a Dennison sliding tipping trailer. One of the first in Ireland

Company Divisions Throughout the 1980’s, 90’s and 00’s the company did not confine themselves to civil works alone.

George expanded the business with the establishment of subsidiary companies to complement and support our core construction activities providing quality products and services including: concrete, Aggregate, Quarrying, Waste Management and Autoplant.

Deane Concrete has been supplying readymix concrete product range for almost fifteen years. Their Concrete production facility was introduced to meet the high demand within the local surrounding areas and border counties.

Supply of their readymix product range has proved very popular with local companies due to the very competitive prices on offer.

Using the state of the art Xact Volumetric concrete mixing system, a high-quality product is on offer to customers and the system is designed to enable the company to produce concrete ‘On the Go’.

Deane Aggregate division operates from two long established quarries in the Enniskillen area producing and supplying a high specification range of quality products to their customers.

They can provide a full range of unbound granular material, excavated and processed into various grades.

Deane Autoplant provides valuable plant servicing facilities to the Industry. Internally experienced mechanics ensure that all company plant, vehicles and equipment are inspected, tested and serviced at regular intervals.

The company operate two fully licensed and registered NIEA Waste Management facilities in the Enniskillen area for the legal disposal of construction waste products.

The Company also has long established family managed business hospitality interests in leisure management and retail.

Deane Public Works Ltd – ‘Building a Better Future’ 16 Tully Road, Killadeas, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland, BT94 1FB, Tel: 028 6862 1555, info@deanepublicworks.com, www.deanepublicworks.com

50 Years of Deane Public Works DEANE PUBLIC WORKS

Core Activities The following core activities are Deane Public Works primary business:• Water & Sewage Treatment Works • Public Utility Contracts • Road & Bridge Contracts • Major Earthmoving • Marine & Riverworks • Environmental Improvements • Playing Fields • Demolition & Asbestos Removal Contracts • Design & Construct Civil Works • Aggregate stone & concrete supply • Residential & Commercial Property Development Other Specialist works include:• Sheet and Structural Piling • Concrete Repair • Waterproofing to structures / buildings • Natural stone construction • Reinforced Earth Structures • Directional Drilling / Trenchless Technologies • Pipe Jacking & Tunnel Boring • Soil Nailing & Rock Anchors • Guniting & Grouting

1962 George Deane, age 16, got his early industrial experience driving a digger for Jim Cathcart of Monea, and started off with farming projects.

1966 George aged 20, purchased his first digger and was hired by the Department of the Environment to take corners off roads.

1967 Deane Public Works was formed by George and wife Elizabeth initially to service the plant hire sector of the construction market, progressing from small beginnings to an award winning national firm carrying out a diverse range of civil engineering projects.

1969 Working on Watermains for Hamilton and Preston.

1979 First major contracts for Fermanagh Rural District Council 1982

Deane Autoplant commenced business.

1986

Registered as a Limited company

1989 George’s son Stephen aged 17, joined the Company starting out on diggers moving onto to Foreman and Plant Manager.

Employed first Engineer

1990 First major Sewerage Treatment Works for DOE Water Service (Dromore WwTW) First Contractors in N. Ireland to purchase an ‘Aliva” concrete guniting machine’, for a Bridge Strengthening programme for D.O.E Road Service.

1991 Company Turnover topped the £1.0 million mark for the first time.

Reconstruction of historic world-famous landmark, Enniskillen War Memorial. Extremely sensitive project in middle of Enniskillen following the Poppy Day bomb in 1987.

1992 Deane Public Works celebrated 25 years in business 1993 million • • •

The Company won first contracts over £1.0 Ballyclare Water Scheme, Antrim Killyhevlin to Marble Arch Pumping Main Killyhevlin to Tattinbarr Pumping Main

First Contractors in N. Ireland to use directional drilling technology to complete a twin pipe crossing under Upper Lough Erne. This was a major development and innovation in the construction industry at the time and made the local BBC and UTV news.

1995 Purchased Roosky Quarry, Enniskillen 1997

Ballinamallard River Diversion was a key Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

DEANE PUBLIC WORKS

local project completed for Fisher Engineering and Georges long term friend Bertie Fisher.

1998 New Head Office in Killadeas overlooking Lough Erne 1999 First major contract in Southern Ireland: Eske River Bridge, Donegal Town, which won Irish Concrete Society Award The Company completed reconstruction of several high profile cross border bridges and won their first

Awards for Portglenone WwTW Investors in People Award Employed first full time Health & Safety and Compliance Manager Deane Concrete commenced business.

2006 Company Turnover reaches over £15.0 million for the first time Peak employment levels reached over 100 in this year.

Construction Employers Federation Excellence Award for Health & Safety Performance 2007 Deane Public Works celebrate 40 years in business 2009 Deane Aggregate commenced business Key Project: Maze / Long Kesh Former Prison Phase 2 Remediation NHBC Pride in the Job Award for Silverhill Manor property development 2010 NHBC Pride in the Job Award for Devenish Manor property development 2012 Brownfield Awards (Maze / Long Kesh Remediation Phase II) 2013 George’s grandson joins the Company 2014 Construction Employers Federation Excellence Award for Health & Safety Performance 2015 Key members of staff celebrate 25 years with the Company.

contract over £2.0 million: Aghalane Peace Bridge, Co. Fermanagh particularly high profile with the Bridge opened by Senator George Mitchell 2002 Won first Contract over £5.0 million: A5 Strabane By-pass, Stage 2, Co. Tyrone Specialist Movax Sheet Piling plant commenced.

Property Development division commenced

• •

• •

• •

2017 Deane Public Works celebrates 50 years in business

•

New specialist Movax Sheet Piling plant from the same company George bought his first digger back in 1966.

Roosky Waste Management Facility commences business

Construction Employers Federation Excellence Award

Company now well positioned for future growth by consolidating in existing markets whilst further developing through strategic opportunities in new markets.

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•

2016 Another of George’s grandsons join the Company

2004 The Company won their largest Contract Omagh Throughpass Stage III

2005 Civil Engineering Project of the Year at the Construction Employers Federation Excellence

Company Accreditations & Memberships Deane Public Works Ltd hold the following Accreditations and Memberships: • Health and Safety Management System to Safe-T-Cert (Grade A) • Quality Management System to ISO 9001 • Environmental Management System to ISO 14001 • Licensed Waste Broker and Waste Management Carrier • (Registered and fully NIEA Licensed Waste Faciliy) • Constructionline • Construction Employers Federation • Investors in People Award • Construction Industry Training Board • Federation of Small Businesses • NHBC Registered Developer • Member of British Safety Council • Considerate Constructors Scheme • Institution of Civil Engineers Approved Graduate Training Scheme

Company Awards Deane Public Works Ltd have been the recipients of some prestigious Industry Awards over the years, below are some of these awards:CEFNI Construction Excellence Awards (Health & Safety Award 2014) CEFNI Construction Excellence Awards (Health & Safety Award 2006) CEFNI Construction Excellence Awards Civil Engineering Project of the Year (Portglenone WwTW) Irish Concrete Society Award (Eske River Bridge) Brownfield Briefing Awards 2012 (Shortlisted - Maze / Long Kesh Remediation Phase II) NHBC Pride in the Job Awards in 2009 (Devenish Manor) NHBC Pride in the Job Award 2010 (Devenish Manor) Investors in People Award

DELIVERING HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

One of the UK and Ireland’s largest construction businesses, GRAHAM is committed to enhancing the provision of public spaces, supporting and connecting local communities, and building a sustainable future for all.

Delivering state-of-the-art healthcare in the public and private sectors, GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership’s live sites include the Ulster Hospital’s Acute Services Block, Belfast City Hospital’s Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility and the Royal Maternity Belfast.

GRAHAM Construction TEL: +44 (0) 28 9268 9500 EMAIL: info@graham.co.uk ABERDEEN | BELFAST | BIRMINGHAM BRISTOL | CAMBRIDGE | DUBLIN | DURHAM EDINBURGH | GLASGOW | HILLSBOROUGH LEEDS | LONDON | MANCHESTER | ST. ALBANS

www.GRAHAM.co.uk

GRAHAM-BAM take top prize for Ulster Hospital industry that is well beyond its low point of 2012.

“The next 6-12 month period is though absolutely critical for the local construction industry. The companies surveyed want to push on, they want to get beyond the stability phase that many have been in during recent years. The growth opportunities are there – the quarter on quarter increases in new housing starts and completions alone point to a housebuilding sector which is beginning to once again play a full role in unlocking economic growth and opportunity.

G

RAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership have taken the ‘Overall Award’ for the Ulster Hospital Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block at the 2017 Specify CEF Construction Excellence Awards.

performance.

The Awards Gala Evening, held at the Culloden Hotel, saw the partnership win the award for their work on the latest £85m phase of redevelopment at the Dundonald site.

Congratulating the overall winners, CEF Managing Director John Armstrong said: “GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership’s work in delivering the £85m project is an excellent example of how our local construction industry is pivotal to the development of so many important projects across a wide range of sectors in Northern Ireland each year.

Hosted by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) in partnership with Specify magazine, the awards also recognised an additional 13 category winners from across the construction industry in Northern Ireland for excellence in general construction, housing, infrastructure and quality

“The judging panel were particularly impressed at the very clear evidence of excellent collaborative working between client, user-groups, design team, principal contractor and subcontractors ensuring that design quality, build quality and continuous consideration of ‘build-ability’ led to a high standard of client satisfaction,

Sponsor

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and indeed, to an extremely important new health care building that sets the tone and quality threshold for future phases at the Ulster Hospital.”

Mr Armstrong also commended each of the 13 category award winners for their success against what he described as a ‘time of significant political and economic uncertainty’ for the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

“Our recent State of Trade Survey with BDO showed a local industry, over the first six months of 2017, working at its highest level of output in a decade. Taken in the round, and when added to the outputs of other respected surveys, we can confidently say that the survey results reflected a local construction

“There are though four clear challenges: industry’s concerns at a slowdown in public sector work resulting from the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive; the impact a potential hard Brexit could have on companies otherwise positive growth expectations; the significant skills shortage across many trades and; how substantial rises in labour, material and plant costs are impacting on margins and firms’ capacity to reinvest.

“These challenges are, though, not insurmountable. Indeed, the opportunities that lie in front of us are very much within our grasp. But, as ever, we need the political and economic environment to be right to maximise the potential of our industry.

A potential which is already on show in the reality of the projects that are on show at the Awards.”

Now in their 18th year, the Construction Excellence Awards continue to go from strength to strength with this year seeing a record number of over 110 entries across all 13 categories.

26| CEF / SPECIFY

Overall Award GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, Ulster Hospital, Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block

Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award GEDA Construction, Holywood Sewer Network

General Construction Commercial Construction Award

Woodvale Construction, LacPatrick Lactex – new dairy technology centre, Strabane

Fit Out Award

GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out, Dunnes Stores, Forestside, Belfast

Restoration Award

O’Hare & McGovern, John Bell House, Belfast

Social/Community Construction Award Joint Winners

Farrans Construction, Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast & McAleer & Teague, Museum of Free Derry

Housing Private Housing Award DB Building Contracts, Harberton (Phase 1) BT9, Belfast Social Housing Award Donaghmore Construction, North Queen Street, Belfast GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award GRAHAM Lagan Construction Group Joint Venture, Green Port Hull, East Yorkshire

Award Winners Infrastructure Transport and Utilities Infrastructure Award Farrans Construction, Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast Health Infrastructure Award GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, Ulster Hospital, Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block Education Infrastructure Award Felix O’Hare, Main Site Tower & Peter Froggatt Centre, Queen’s University Belfast

Quality Performance Environmental Sustainability Award Farrans Construction Training Award Heron Bros Health & Safety Award FLYNN

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CEF / SPECIFY | 27

Who was there...

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28 |CEF / SPECIFY

Who was there...

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DESIGN & BUILD CONTRACTORS | DEVELOPERS | TRADITIONAL BUILD ONLY CONTRACTORS

RESIDENTIAL | ECCLESIASTIC & HISTORIC BUILDINGS | LEISURE, EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE | | INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL & RETAIL | CIVIL ENGINEERING 7 DUNGANNON ROAD COALISLAND CO TYRONE BT71 4HP T: 028 8774 6235 E: INFO@DONAGHMORECONSTRUCTION.COM Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

www.donaghmoreconstruction.com

30| CEF / SPECIFY

Construction & Civil Engineering Experts 36 Moor Road, 9 High St, www.geda.co.uk Coalisland, Dungannon BT71 4QB

Kegworth, Derby DE74

NI: T: 028 8774 7600 UK: T: 01509 670878

Winner of

Health and Safety Award FLYNN are delighted to retain the CEF / Specify H&S Award for a second year running, reflecting the dedication and attention to detail of our workforce.

Currently delivering critical public sector buildings as well as residential, social housing and retail/ commercial, we are always seeking exciting new projects.

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

CEF / SPECIFY |31 TRANSPORT & UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE Connswater Community Greenway Farrans Construction The Connswater Community Greenway project has created an attractive, safe and accessible cycle and walkway through an urban area of East Belfast connecting over 40,000 people with; • • • • •

16km of continuous cycle and walkway for comuting and leisure 7 new bridge crossings over the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers Public relam works creating an event space for up to 2000 people New amenities including 2 new play parks and MUGA pitches £11m of added flood protection to 1,700 local properties

Traffic management plans were developed for each path/road closure or restriction, with diverted routes publicised to all affected stakeholders. Liaising with RNIB, those with sight loss were informed of diversions and the movement of bus stops.

Minimising disruption; access routes in parklands were maintained during works; working hours were adapted to 9.30am-3pm near schools; night and weekend works were undertaken on major arterial routes and public transport intersections.

Farrans faced multiple constraints working along the 3 narrow river channels. To overcome these constraints and contribute to buildability Farrans consulted landowners to agree access routes for plant and material deliveries, adapted working methods - using 779 CFA piles instead of sheet piles, worked at low tide for safe practise and introduced temporary works when permanent works threatened to disrupt 2 prominent drive-thrus.

FIT OUT AWARD Dunnes Stores Forestside Graham Interior Fit Out GRAHAM Interior Fit-out were appointed to deliver Northern Ireland’s first new Dunnes concept at Forestside Shopping Centre, successfully handing over in August 2016.

Dunnes had allowed for a 50% reduction of trade during construction however Graham’s phasing proposal and smart solution to hoarding/site entrance, meant there was limited impact. The outcome is a multimillion pound, 14 week project that had rebranded the store and given Dunnes 80% extra trading space, capturing imagination of N.I’s shoppers: “‘We’re going to Dunnes.’ Four little words to strike the fear of God into any child growing up in the 80s and 90s. These days though...no more!, the Dunnes experience is a very different one and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the newly refurbished Forestside store. Light, bright and airy, beautifully merchandised and carrying their premium brands, it’s a pleasure to browse.”

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION AWARD Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast Farrans Construction The Connswater Community Greenway has created a vibrant, attractive, and safe parkland for leisure and recreation, improving the lives of 40,000 residents, encouraging healthier and more active communities through: • • •

16km of continuous cycle and walkway 7 new and 5 refurbished bridge connections 2 new play parks and MUGA pitches

With wider social enhancement; • Increased tourism and investment from a new civic square featuring 7 Narnia themed sculptures • £11m of added flood protection to 1,700 local properties Farrans approach to delivering bespoke social value was based on a shared vision, clearly articulating the interrelationship with the client, stakeholders and the local community to empower and influence decisions that shaped the lives of locals; 551 meetings with homeowners, businesses and private land owners; 9 stakeholder forums and consultation with 6 local schools.

We integrated our thinking and approach to ensure our plans were aligned, driving economic growth with underrepresented groups and promoting diversity; 1 work experience student from Hydebank Wood College, site walkovers with 98 engineering students from QUB and UUJ, 5 Employability Skills Workshops; 5 long term unemployed returned to work; apprenticeships for 7% of the workforce; 700 weeks placement for 23 University students and 129 weeks placement for school students.

Adrian Grimshaw, Belfast City Council, said “I was very impressed with Farrans management of the Greenway project, finishing works within the agreed budget, to a very high standard and on schedule for 12 handover dates.”

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PRONET |13

We are pleased to be awarded the Quality Performance Environmental Sustainability Award at the CEF Specify Awards.

Connswater, Community Greenway Farrans was delighted to receive three awards at the Construction Excellence Awards recently, clinching the top accolades within the Social/Community Construction, Transport and Utilities Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability categories.

The awards highlighted Farrans’ outstanding Connswater Community Greenway project in East Belfast. The inspirational project, which saw the creation of 9km of green corridor and a network of open spaces, landmarks and public facilities, was completed earlier this year. Farrans, a leading figure within the UK construction market and a BS11000 accredited company, is committed to working collaboratively in order to create places of lasting benefit, making a genuine impact in local communities.With a history spanning more than 75 years and a company-wide commitment to undertaking works as a focused, approachable, caring and efficient contractor, the Farrans team is delighted with the recent awards.

Belfast 99 Kingsway Dunmurry Belfast Co Antrim BT17 9NU Tel: +44 (0) 2890 551300

www.farrans.com

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CEF / SPECIFY | 33 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Farrans Construction Farrans have a strategic vision to achieve the highest standards of environmental management, making a positive difference to the surroundings in which they operate.

A key project realising this vision is the recently completed Connswater Community Greenway; a project with specific focus on enhancement of a neglected, unattractive and polluted river channel in East Belfast, now transformed into a 9km ‘Living Landmark’ of continuous parkland, cycle and walkway with; • 1,105 new native trees, 17,434m2 native wildflower, 1,751m2 of bulbs and 7,267 new shrubs • Improved water quality in the Connswater, Loop and Knock rivers • A new wildlife corridor running from Belfast Lough to the Castlereagh Hills • £11m of added flood protection to 1,700 local properties Successfully operating an environmental management plan in accordance with ISO 14001, protecting the surrounding and wider environment was of constant focus; a high level of environmental awareness was achieved through 2,821 training hours and 889 site inductions; working with NIEA and a Fluvial Geomorphologist, turbidity and dissolved oxygen monitors were installed to avoid polluting watercourses; the Conn O’Neill Bridge - an archaeological focal point and subject of Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ was carefully restored.

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD FLYNN With relatively limited investment, but significant innovative thinking, Flynn prove SMEs can achieve Best in Class standards of H&S while improve results, reducing costs and enhancing wellbeing. Since the CEF Specify H&S Award in 2016, Flynn has continued to improve on the 12 Key Pillars to achieve a Successful Proactive Safety Culture.

This approach led to remarkable improvements in their H&S performance since implementation, specifically recognising that planning and contract management required more focus: Planning: H&S is now incorporated into project planning from Tender, Pre-contract engagement, CDM Compliance and Site Management to post-project reviews Contractor Management: All subcontractors have safety performance reviews producing a live league table which is their future appointment. S/Cs have been coached given tailored improvement plans.

COMMUNITY: Under the ‘BOOST Your Community’ strategy, Flynn undertake responsibility of monitoring and measuring S/C H&S KPIs, providing them with feedback and supporting improvement. Without compromising our won H&S Standards, we prefer to train S/Cs to address H&S shortfalls and improve these smaller businesses which are often overlooked within the industry. With 75% of our work undertaken in schools and hospitals, H&S engagement within the community is engrained in Flynn Proactively engage with local schools offering H&S and construction careers talks Participating in YEPNI Business Beginnings programme which incorporates child safety modules As CCS members, Site Managers must record sitefocussed KPIs. Site hoardings have been upgraded, creating more aesthetic sites with improved signage

GB & ROI CONSTRUCTION AWARD Green Port Hull, East Yorkshire Graham Lagan Construction Group Joint Venture In January 2017, the GRAHAM Lagan Construction Group JV successfully handed over the £114m Greenport Hull project to Associated British Ports on budget and ahead of programme.

This facility is a world class wind power manufacturing for Associated British Ports’ End User, Siemens.

Currently under the operation of Siemens Wind Power, Green Port Hull for the construction of its own off shore wind turbine manufacturing facilities.

GRAHAM Lagan Construction Group JV was responsible for all design and construction works to accommodate three offshore wind installation vessels. The key aspects of the project included the design and build of a new wind turbine loading out facility at Alexandra Dock on the River Humber. Works included infilling one third of Alexandra Dock with 780,000 m3 of material and reclaiming 7.5hectares of the river, the construction of a new 650m quay wall and a new Roll-on / Roll-off ramp. Dredging of the new berth pocket was carried out by the largest dredger in the world, the Manu Pekka on its maiden project.

Innovative planning prevented slip failure of deep alluvium during infilling works by re-sequencing until after the main piles had been installed. Spreader beam retrofitted to a multicat vessel, with a floating line pumping sand from a land-based pump to the spreader vessel.

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34 | CEF / SPECIFY PRIVATE HOUSING AWARD Harberton Phase 1, BT9 DB Building Contracts Blending traditional design with all the demands of modern living is quite an achievement. But then, Harberton BT9 is quite exceptional in every sense. An air of ‘casual formality’ graces every detail of this prestigious development - in its design, in its craftmanship and its ambience.

Harberton BT9 sits on the iconic historic site of the Balmoral Showgrounds. The picturesque, tree-lined Harberton Park is the exclusive setting for this carefully planned development. Located within one of Northern Irelands most affluent highly desirable residential suburbs, the area offers the perfect environment for quality family living.

The architectural brief was to create high specification luxury homes which follow the traditional aesthetics of this mature, established area with sympathetic detailing and features in keeping with the original residences. The homes have been designed to offer the highest specification for modern day living with excellent levels of energy efficiency and insulation, constructed with great attention to detail and workmanship using high quality building materials.

The development when complete will consist of 140 units comprising a variety of houses and apartments. Houses range from 1500 - 3300 sq ft, with penthouse apartments over 3000 sq ft with stunning views of Balmoral golf club. This is what makes Harberton BT9 different from any other private housing development.

Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award Holywood Sewer Network GEDA Construction The completion of ‘Holywood Sewers’ project was always going to be challenging given the various site constraints and project risks. In reality the project was far more complex than first appearance with numerous civil engineering, stakeholder and financial challenges thrown at the project team. What ensured successful delivery of this project was the maintaining of excellent relationships with NI Water (NIW), designers, specialist subcontractors and stakeholders with GEDA’s collective and continual focus and commitment to deliver.

The aim of this project was to significantly reduce odour nuisance delivering environmental and water quality improvements in Belfast Lough coastal waters. The original scope of works involved the construction of a dual foul and storm water PS and the construction of tunnelled sewers below key rail, road and gas infrastructure.

As works progressed constant challenges presented themselves to our project and design teams all of which were fully embraced and successfully managed. Unexpected poor ground conditions were encountered at shaft 1, requiring dewatering of the shaft to remove boulders. This caused settlement of 300mm to the main concrete collar. The team from GEDA had serious concerns of the possible impact this may have had on the 70bar gas main 5m away. Long term to resolve this GEDA proposed an innovative method of inserting a shaft 6.5dia into the 7.5m shaft to enable the tunnel drives to be completed at the desired levels.

RESTORATION AWARD John Bell House, Belfast O’Hare & McGovern The project at John Bell House involved the redevelopment and restoration of the existing Grade 2 listed Belfast Technical College into accommodation for 413 student units. It supports city centre regeneration delivering £4.4m per annum from its residents and helps meet the demand for purpose built student accommodation for the 43,000 students in Belfast.

The project Client satisfaction for Lacuna Developments / Watkin Jones / NIEA was top priority given the landmark project/overall £40m Belfast investment.

Much of the work carried out at John Bell House involved the retention and reuse of the original fabric. All retention/reuse work was monitored by the OHMG Heritage Consultant/NIEA and the project ensured compliance with listed building requirements including: o Ornate window features restoration o Courtyard brickwork repairs o Retention of existing steam heating system • Methodologies submitted to NIEA for approval prior to works included: o Paint details/systems for all historic joinery/plasterwork o Heating/ventilation system servicing/fuel storage proposals MATERIALS SOURCING • All materials were subject to approval by the NIEA Historic Buildings Unit • Implemented BES6001 for responsible material sourcing • Material Log maintained/coordinated with Clients Project Manager to ensure: o Procurement of long lead items including French manufactured bathroom pods o Sufficient time for inspections/approval of samples/consideration of alternatives

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CEF / SPECIFY | 35 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION Commercial Construction Award LacPatrick Lactex, Strabane; Woodvale Construction Construction of this £37m state of the art plant has more than doubled production capacity in the existing facility, which exports all over the world.

The new drying plant enables the site to extend their current product range to include instantized powder.

The plant is entered through the staff accommodation which includes rest and changing facilities and a hygiene station. A protected lobby leads to the hygienic food production facility and wet process room, evaporator plant, powder transport, bagging plant and lorry loading bay.

The facility was constructed in the existing operational site. Woodvale planned the works collaboratively with the client.

The building sequencing was built around the installation of the plant. In terms of buildability, the biggest challenge was planning lifting and cranage.

500t, 350t, 100t and 80t cranes were used to lift the larger and heavier plant.

The supply chain came from Denmark, Poland, Germany, France, England and Ireland. During the peak days of construction up to 290 people worked in discrete zones of the building. The project planning entailed early engagement with the supply chain – for example, appointing a steelwork subcontractor who could confirm capacity to meet the volume and speed of steel erection required to meet the fast track programme. The project demanded detailed coordination and space allocation between all major subcontract packages, and GEA, the installer of the specialist processing plant

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION AWARD Museum of Free Derry McAleer & Teague Located in the heart of the Bogside the “Museum of Free Derry” underwent extensive demolition, refurbishment & extension works to provide an iconic landmark that is fitting with its surrounding environment; enabling the Museum of Free Derry to fulfil its full potential and objectives.

McAleer & Teague worked closely with the client project manager having fortnightly meetings. There was daily correspondence with the Museum Manager and the adjoining shop owner to ensure minimal disruption and enhanced satisfaction throughout the works. Continual liaison helped develop good relationships with all parties. Members of the Bloody Sunday Trust were brought on-site regularly to see works progress.

All walls, roof and floors are reinforced in-situ concrete structure with a high standard bare face finish, white concrete was also utilised to enhance the finish.

High spec multi-media equipment such as speakers and projects were instrumental in providing the state of the art visual & audio systems. An interactive app was developed so that visitors could download and this will lead them round the museum like a guide.

Due to the rare nature of the structural ‘bubble deck’ floor system McAleer & Teague managed the programme around long lead in times & additional time required to manually install & tie the system to achieve required tolerances.

SOCIAL HOUSING AWARD North Queen Street, Belfast Donaghmore Construction North Queen Street (NQS) is a £3.3m regeneration scheme, comprising the construction of 26 social houses for Apex/Newington. Built on a 0.7 hectare brownfield site, the new homes are located on a busy arterial route and are adjacent to the Westlink. Given its location next to Clifton House, one of Belfast’s oldest listed buildings, the scheme includes a tree-lined boulevard to the front, creating an attractive streetscape on approach and protecting/enhancing a historically significant area. The new houses have a traditional look, complimenting adjacent housing developments.

In housing terms, North Belfast has long been an area of chronic housing need with an acute shortage of social housing. The re-development of this site to provide state-ofthe-art social housing has been instrumental in regenerating this area and improving the prospects of the families now resident there. Ultimately, delivery for the end-user was at the heart of this project. Donaghmore Construction, Apex/Newington & the design team worked closely with residents throughout to understand & fully meet their needs.

The re-development works at NQS presented many challenges, given: - the demolition of the PSNI station & asbestos contained therein; - the requirement for underpinning of existing boundary walls; - previously unidentified asbestos contamination & structures/tunnels/basements; None were insurmountable; Donaghmore Construction overcame them all to deliver a high quality, sustainable development on time/budget.

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36 | CEF / SPECIFY EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE Main Site Tower and Peter Froggatt Centre, Queen’s University, Belfast Felix O’Hare &Co Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd were appointed Main Contractor by QUB to carry out extensive redevelopment works at University Rd/University Sq in the heart of Belfast City. The project consisted of delivering a new 7657m2, ten storey facility accommodating immediate end user occupation; a new School of Law and student social facilities, including café and informal meeting and study spaces. This was delivered through a mixture of new build and extensive refurbishment including the recladding, refurbishment and extension of both the existing Library Stack and Peter Froggatt Centre, and the construction of a new three storey connection between these two refurbished buildings.

Requirement to demolish existing 3 storey facade on two elevations and re-construct same within QUB’s main “Quad” circulation and graduation ceremony space. Demolition works were planned immediately following end of term, within a 3 week period with waste being removed via crane and skip. Within a 6 week period FOH had the critical “quad” elevation demolished, re-clad and scaffolding removed for QUB graduation taking place.

Extension of an existing 8 storey concrete skeleton frame on all four elevations and construction of two additional floor levels on top of an existing roof level. Works took place in a restricted city centre site without causing any impact on Traffic / pedestrian restrictions, QUB daily teaching operations, QUB graduations (which take place twice annually).

TRAINING AWARD HERON BROS Training and people development is high on our corporate agenda which is led by HR Manager Grainne O’Kane and dedicated Project Skills Coordinator Shauna Young. To enable us to provide the most appropriate services to our staff and supply chain we engage with external Health professionals including HSENI’s focus group Build Health. Through Build Health, we learn from shared expertise, discussion forums and industry best practice. On average, each employee attended 5 days of technical and health and safety training which is above the industry average. Labour only sub-contractors and apprentices are invited to all our onsite health and safety training workshops from face fit testing to fire marshalling.

Due to the fast-paced nature of our industry, it is essential that our staff keep up with future changes for the benefit of the public, our company and our clients. In 2016, Heron Bros broke CIOB records with 7 employees obtaining professional chartership in one ceremony. This is the largest group to be conferred in one intake from one employer in Ireland. Heron Bros recently became the first construction company throughout the entire UK to be awarded with Investors in People Platinum accreditation

Overall Winner Ulster Hospital, Phase B2, Inpatient Ward Block GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership The £85M six-storey building includes 12 in-patient wards comprising 288 single bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom; a day surgery department that incorporates four state-of-the-art theatres and an endoscopy and cardio catheterisation suites; inclusive of support services including a robotic pharmacy department and café.

A principal feature of the design is access to natural light and the amount of privacy afforded to each patient in their single rooms. The four storeys of inpatient wards are wrapped around a central courtyard that enables the natural light concept to be retained for facilities in the centre of the building.

Individual rooms offer practical benefits regarding infection control, gender separation and patient safety, leading to reduced recovery times. Each floor has 3 wards and each ward has 24 en-suite single bedrooms with the floor to ceiling vision windows between the room and the corridor enable optimal observation of patients.

GBHP worked collaboratively with clinicians to decide on the clinical detail of each room. A fully equipped and functional mock-up room was constructed to provide staff and service users the opportunity to review the plans and approve the room prior to final decisions. Project date sharing was crucial, delivered by using VR/3D modelling.

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CEF / SPECIFY | 37

‘Delighted to have won the

Education Infrastructure award at this years

CEF/Specify Awards 88 Chancellors Rd, Cloughoge, Newry, BT35 8NG Email: admin@felixohare.co.uk | Phone: +44 28 3026 1134

Date

Event

9th November 2017

CIOB/CIAT seminar on the legal implications of social media misuse in construction. Hosted by Clever Fulton Rankin.

18th November 2017

CIOB site visit to Foyle College. Hosted by Heron Bros.

24th January 2018

CIOB/CITB NI annual lecture and presentation of awards. The lecture will be delivered by GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership. The project featured will be the £85m Ulster Hospital Phase B2, Inpatient Ward Block.

14th February 2018

CIOB Novus site visit to Altnagelvin Area Hospital. Hosted by Farrans Construction.

23rd February 2018

CIOB annual dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Belfast. With over 190 attendees at the last dinner, this event is set to attract a strong attendance. Corporate and individual bookings are welcome. Sponsorships opportunities are still available.

Attendance at any event can be booked by visiting www.ciob.org.

Enquiries: Karen Menagh, CIOB Member Services and Events Coordinator Belfast t: +44 (0)1344 630847| m: +44 (0)7760 164101| e: kmenagh@ciob.org.uk | w: www.ciob.org.uk

The CIOB is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership.

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CITB NI launches new series of Business Improvement Events for the Industry

PUBLIC CITB NI is hosting a series of business CTION MARKET improvement events to help construction firms

within the industry develop specific skills to help

deIreland) them thrive and grow. The first of these events is: Tendering in the Public Sector Construction Market - 1 Day Workshop in partnership with Intertrade Ireland

ost: £25* to all nch and refreshments.

Date: Monday 13 November 2017 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Venue: CITB NI, Nutts Corner Training Centre, Crumlin Cost: £25* not eligible for CITB NI grant

DERRY, NEWRY - Book Now

er

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for Construction Businesses that are targeting (or thinking about 2017, 9:00am-5:00pm targeting) the Public Sector Construction Market – in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Britain.

The programme of events runs into 2018, bookings can be made via the events section of the CITB NI website www.citbni.org.uk/Events.aspx Topics

Date

Venue

Recruiting Apprentices and Training Needs Analysis (in partnership with InvestNI)

Wednesday 17 January 2018

Lodge Hotel, Coleraine

Digital Marketing & Social Media Workshop

Wednesday 21 February 2018

Seagoe Hotel, Portadown

Tendering in the Public Sector Construction Market Workshop (in partnership with InterTradeIreland)

Friday 23 February 2018

Innovation Centre, Derry/ Londonderry

Credit Control & Cyber Security

Wednesday CITB NI, 21 March 2018 Crumlin

d Road, Crumlin, Co Antrim BT29 4SR Why consider this workshop?

g Go-2-Tender)

The workshop will highlight the opportunities Recruiting Apprentices emerging in public sector construction across and Training Needs the UK and Ireland – to clearly communicate the Analysis (in partnership with InvestNI) scale of the market opportunity.

And having flagged the opportunity, the workshop is designed to help construction 2018,businesses 9:00am-5:00pm improve tender performance and Digital Marketing & Social Media Workshop outcomes – tender awards can come down to ay Road, Derry/Londonderry BT48 7TG small scoring differences, and this workshop is Tendering in the Public focused on helping participants to ‘do their best Sector Construction work’ in preparing and submitting tenders for Market Workshop g Go-2-Tender) public sector construction contracts. (in partnership with

Wednesday Canal Court, 18th April 2018 Newry

Wednesday Silverbirch 23rd May 2018 Hotel, Omagh Friday 15th June 2018

Canal Court, Newry

Credit Control & Cyber Security

Wednesday 20 June 2018

Everglades Hotel, Derry/ Londonderry

Tendering in the Public Sector Construction Market Workshop (in partnership with InterTradeIreland)

Monday 1 October 2018

CITB NI, Crumlin

InterTradeIreland)

For information download a full detailed agenda from CITB NI home page www.citbni.org.uk/Home.aspx and to book a place contact:

9:00am-5:00pm Laura Kearney Email: laurak@envision-ni.co.uk quoting go-2nts Quay, tender Newry BT35 8HF T: +44 (028) 90452777 / 04890 452777 (ROI)

g Go-2-Tender)

Please note there is a charge of £25 to attend the ‘Tendering in the Public Sector Construction Market’ Workshops. All other events are FREE to registered employers and £25 for non CITB NI registered attendees.

Refreshments will be provided on arrival.

For further information contact CITB NI, 17 Dundrod Road, Crumlin, BT29 4SR

Tel: 028 9082 5466 email: info@citbni.org.uk

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OHMG | 39

OHMG WIN TOP ACCOLADE FOR JOHN BELL HOUSE RESTORATION

An O’Hare and McGovern scheme which transformed an iconic Belfast building into five star student accommodation was been acclaimed as Northern Ireland’s finest restoration building project.

cost of £16m to provide state of the art living accommodation for students attending Queen’s University and the University of Ulster.

As well as the 413 student rooms, the scheme also involves the provision of several study rooms, a management suite, laundry facilities, outside courtyards and a large common room.

The firm’s top management team, headed up by managing director Martin Lennon, was presented with the Construction Employers Federation award for the company’s work at John Bell House.

The refurbishment of the building, which was bought by Lacuna Developments in June 2014, was completed last year.

The former Belfast Met Building in College Square was refurbished at a

Mr Lennon, Eamon Laverty, the project design manager, Neil Moore, of Hamilton Architects, the project architect and Edward O’Hare, the OHMG project manager, stepped up

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to receive the accolade at the CEF annual awards night at the Culloden House Hotel.

Afterwards Mr O’Hare spoke of the huge challenges his construction team faced to ensure that the restoration of the original and ornate features of the building, blended in seamlessly with the type of modern style living expected by students in third level education.

He added: “It has been a massive undertaking by O’Hare and McGovern. But then, this is what our company is all about – meeting those challenges; providing top of the range accommodation, as well as a property that Belfast, and especially the two universities, can be really proud of.

“It really is something very special.”

It was another big night for OHMG which confirmed its position as one of the top construction firms in Ireland.

Three other projects made the shortlists in various categories.

The new £20m film studios at Giant’s Park on Belfast’s North Foreshore where the first production is under way, was named in the commercial category.

The spectacular new Computer Science Building at Queen’s was shortlisted for the Education and Infrastructure award, and the refurbishment of offices at the city’s Castle Court shopping centre at Royal Ave was recognised in the Fit Out category.

Spantherm insulated precast flooring proves a winning choice for local builders.

Spantherm is an innovative ground floor system from Creagh Concrete which is being adopted by a growing number of local house builders.

INNOVATION IN CONCRETE

As housebuilders increasingly explore the opportunities for new ideas to reduce labour onsite and boost efficiency in the build it makes sense that they start with the ground floor. The initial appeal of Spantherm is clear, because a typical floor on a detached house or a pair of semis is fitted onsite in less than two hours.

Most builders opt for the work to be completed by Creagh’s expert fitting team, requiring no labour from the house builder; however the floor can also be ordered on a supply only basis

is no requirement to stock or handle loose insulation. This feature also means that the installation of Spantherm is not weather dependant and creates zero waste onsite.

for installation by the builder’s own team. Once in place and grouted, the floor achieves its full structural capability with 72 hours but building activity can commence on perimeter walls within 24 hours.

PRACTICALITY

The speed of construction saves around a week off the total schedule when compared to the typical poured concrete floor alternative. A further advantage is that the factory made Spantherm floor come to site as single units combining the precast concrete and insulation material, so there

Each Spantherm floor is manufactured to the house plans provided, taking account of the required loadings and the positioning of services which penetrate the slab. Creagh’s technical team however, are on hand to measure the builder’s sub-floor works prior to manufacture, so any site issues are eliminated.

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13/4974

Thermal modelling of the Spantherm/wall junction (parallel to external wall)

20 [°C] 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The Creagh flooring team work closely with each site manager to ensure the floors are available to call off when required and this level of cooperation greatly simplifies the process for the builder.

PERFORMANCE

Everyone can understand the advantages of faster completion however Spantherm brings a second major benefit in the form of its excellent thermal performance and the impact that brings within the most recent building regulations. Getting off to a good start with an energy efficient floor system is essential to a strong fabric first solution.

Designing and building energy efficient homes to meet current regulations can be a complex process but installing a high performance insulated

ground floor is always a good start.

“a typical floor on a detached house or a pair of semis is fitted onsite in less than two hours” The regulations have been designed to make house builders consider more than just the physical performance of the structural envelope, they are now obliged to consider each individual component’s impact on the buildings overall energy efficiency and particularly the removal of thermal bridging.

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All of these factors are combined within Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations and this adds a further dimension for builders to consider as they seek the most cost effective specification for each house type.

REDUCING HEAT LOSS

The design of Spantherm insulated concrete floor is optimised to provide the maximum practical insulating effect by combining high performance EPS and structural precast concrete in a single factory built unit. This provides a thermally efficient system which rates favourably against building regulation requirements and provides U values which are superior to that achieved by many alternative flooring products.

COMBATTING THERMAL BRIDGING

Spantherm’s reinforced concrete structure has been designed in a way to minimise the thermal bridge at all the junctions between the wall and the floor units. It is this excellent thermal efficiency which gives the builder that good start to their total SAP calculation which can reduce the reliance on the use of expensive renewable technologies.

CREAGH CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD Tel: 028 7965 0500 ROI: 048 7965 0500 E: spantherm@creaghconcrete.com www.Creaghconcrete.co.uk

42 | BRETT MARTIN

BRETT MARTIN’S INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER FOCUS ENSURES BUSINESS RESILIENCE introduced legislation in Northern Ireland that all new sewers have to be offered to Northern Ireland Water for adoption. We were aware of this happening and future-proofed our products to ensure that they comply with the technical documents - Sewers for Adoption NI 1st Edition.

That’s all part of what we at Brett Martin call service. It’s not just about delivering on time. All these elements add to the general offering we can make.

What are the benefits to NI customers of Brett Martin being based in Northern Ireland?

Joe Doyle, Divisonal Director Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage

Interview with Joe Doyle, Divisional Director, Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage One of Northern Ireland’s most successful independent manufacturers, Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage is a division of Brett Martin, the UK’s largest independent building products manufacturer. The company remains at the forefront of the industry thanks to the continuous development of its range of plastic Underground, Rainwater and Soil & Waste above and below ground drainage systems, and a solid reputation that has become synonymous with quality, value and service.

How has Brett Martin been resilient to the changing and often challenging economic climate?

While the market suffered from the 2008 financial crash and reached a low point in 2012, we have seen a steady improvement since then to the present day.

This has mostly been driven by our ability to offer our customer base new products and services - from upgrading the rainwater range with new products as well as expanding the colour options

and diversifying the underground range with new products to suit changing compliance requirements.

We have also placed an emphasis on improving our service offering whether it is replacing vehicles, attention to detail in customer relations or our guaranteed local delivery of three days in Northern Ireland or five days in Ireland.

One of the main differentials for a company like Brett Martin is service - our ease of doing business, product accuracy and speed of deliveries all contribute to this.

How critical is product compliance for the business?

Future proofing our business through compliance is absolutely key and offers our business a great opportunity.

We have to ensure we comply with the rolling requirements of multiple jurisdictions whether it is Northern Ireland or Scotland, England or Wales.

In the Republic of Ireland, when

Irish Water took control of the sewer network, they introduced their own new code of practice.

This took everyone by surprise because no one knew it was happening. Now everyone will have to adapt to that new code.

Can you give us an example of how Brett Martin has been able to address ever-evolving regulations?

Some people are not aware that in 2016 the then local minister

Brett Martin is the largest manufacturer of plastic products on the island of Ireland. Being a large local manufacturer, means we hold a large stock of products which is good in terms of scale and scope. The fact we supply the rest of the UK as well has meant we can offer an advantage to NI customers as we carry the fullest range of products that our customers may require. They are always in stock here in NI whereas other suppliers would have to import these products from factories in Britain or Republic of Ireland. Our customer base in NI can be assured that if it is in our brochures and price list, it will be in stock here and can be delivered or collected easily.

Prostyle 106mm Gutter System in the new Anthracite Grey colour option

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BRETT MARTIN | 43 What does the future hold in terms of the marketplace?

In general, the market has improved since the low point of

2012. In NI, since the latter half of 2016, we have seen a noticeable improvement which has generated a lot of extra sales for Brett Martin across the private, public and RMI sectors. Due to the size

of NI, there is always a limit as to how much the market can grow.

England has seen good growth since 2014 but with BREXIT uncertainty,

New Adoptable Chamber from Brett Martin

Pictured Glenn Goodman – Sales Manager Michael Clarke – Sales Representative Joe Doyle - Director Bob King – Sales Representative Kerry Murphy – Sales Representative Stephen Cummings – Sales Representative Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

there has been a fall of confidence in 2017, although not much of a slowdown in the market. The Republic of Ireland has been hit by a sharper decline after 2008 but has shown a remarkable rebound and significant increase since 2015. We are slightly concerned about 2018-2019 but we will see if the market is robust enough to sustain itself. By investing heavily in our products and logistics infrastructure in both NI and GB, we can ensure we have the right products, at the right place and at the right time. We have increased storage space, increased our racking and barcoding, and improved our IT systems. These changes have also been driven by internet trading and changing demands from our customer base.

Despite the markets being in a state of flux, it still looks very positive and we are confident going forward. We continue to introduce new products and services to ensure we can cope with any outside forces. We are always seeking to future proof our business and long may it continue.

To find out more or for more information visit: www.brettmartin.com

Trendsetting washrooms for Retail, Office & Commercial At Petal we develop toilet cubicle and washroom systems specifically for the needs of each application. Our new and updated ranges for use in the Retail, Office and Commercial sectors set new standards in performance and value, backed up by our renowned service and support.

After more than 30 years in the market, we understand what works for each user group, enabling us to fine tune our designs to provide the performance and the styling guaranteed to satisfy your clients.

We bring the specifier a wide choice of systems with options in design, privacy levels and finish, each benefiting from the same assurance of quality. For the contractor we offer a full supply and fit service, ensuring efficient project management with the benefit of a single point of contact throughout.

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petal.co.uk

See the latest ranges Our new presenter, outlining the latest ranges for use in the Retail, Office and Commercial sectors is now available to view. It is backed up by our sample service which brings working system samples directly to your desk.

Please contact us now to receive the new presenter and discuss your forthcoming projects.

Design That Lasts Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Contact Petal Tel. 028 6862 1766

Email. sales@petal.co.uk

46 | Park Electrical

PARK ELECTRICAL SERVICES John McPhillips and Kieran Meehan, Almeric Limited, Rob McConachie, MD at Park Electrical, Gary O’Callaghan, CEO Siemens

Established in 1973 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today Park Electrical Services is a leading supplier of specialist electrical power, control and automation products.

A commitment to both quality electrical supplies and industryleading customer service has enabled Park Electrical Services to remain the UK’s fastest growing Power, Control and Automation technical distributor.

109 staff support our customers from a network of established branches in Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and Wrexham. In addition to this, we have just recently expanded, opening a new branch in Aberdeen.

The opening of the Aberdeen branch was born out of a gap in the market for a technical distributor who carried stock – no lengthy waiting times for key products. The support of marketleading manufacturers and the recruitment of true “Park people” to serve our customers is a proven recipe for success.

Value Added Reseller One of the advantages of dealing with the Park Electrical Services group is the seamless integration of quality solutions across the complete spectrum of automation, drives, power, switchgear, control gear, instrumentation and analytical equipment. As a Value Added Reseller for Siemens, Park Electrical Services receive training, support and certification in key technologies. This in turn allows us to combine leadingedge technology from the world’s largest engineering company with our legendary devotion to helping our customers. Siemens work closely with a select global network of partners – proven technology leaders and industry experts – to ensure that all of your automation, drive technology and power distribution requirements are met, everywhere and at any time Specialised Products We specialise in industrial control, automation and switchgear products and systems. Any products found within a modern control system can be found at

your local Park Electrical Services branch. All of our staff are fully trained to support the full range of products that we sell.

Today, Park Electrical Services is recognised as a major supplier of specialist electrical equipment, with all leading brands in stock available for purchase at our Trade Counters on site, Call our Sales Team, or purchase our products on our website www.parkelect. co.uk.

We are proud to have been the first technical distributor in the UK and Ireland to be awarded BS5750 in 1987 and have retained a third partyverified Quality Management accreditation ever since, now operating to ISO9001:2015.

This is in addition

to our ISO18001 and ISO14001 accreditation for Environmental Management and Health & Safety.

A commitment to both quality electrical equipment and industryleading customer service has enabled Park Electrical Services to expand across the UK and Ireland to service the needs of a much broader audience.

Alex Wright Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Park Electrical | 47

Eric Anderson, Aberdeen Branch Manager, James Lowe, Store Supervisor

Almeric Ltd Takeover In March 2017 Park Electrical Services completed the acquisition of a well-known company within the Automation industry in Ireland, Almeric Ltd. About Almeric Ltd Almeric Ltd is the Siemens distribution partner for the Republic of Ireland and gives Park Electrical Services the full support of Siemens on the island of Ireland for their full range of industrial control and automation products.

Almeric was established in 2003 as the authorised distribution partner for Siemens Automation systems in Ireland and specialises in the areas of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Scada systems, Operator Control Panels, Touch Panels, Industrial Networking Components and Wireless Networking Components.

Apprenticeship At Park Electrical Services we

support the development of students who wish to pursue a career within our Industry. We currently have an Apprentice working with us, Alex Wright.

Alex started with us in July 17’ and is currently studying Higher Level Mechatronics at South Eastern Regional College, meanwhile completing a 3-year Apprenticeship at Park Electrical Services.

During the 3-year Apprenticeship Alex will have experience in all the major departments within Park Electrical, becoming fully skilled in our Automation Department. Alex’s long-term career goal is to work within the Automation Industry. His time here at Park Electrical will prepare him for that by developing his skills and knowledge within that area.

Short-term Placement At Park Electrical Services we have had Students

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who have completed a short – term Placement with us. Lorenzo Stella, a third-year engineering student from Italy, has just completed a 3-month placement with us in the Automation Department.

During Lorenzo’s time with us at Park Electrical Services he has developed his knowledge within Automation by working

alongside our Automation Engineers creating a ‘Siemens Sinamics V20 Demo Rig’ that will allow us to provide application support and product training for our customer base and will be used across Ireland.

Learning these skills at Park Electrical Services will allow Lorenzo to have the practical experience and knowledge to help him complete his time at college and reach his long-term career goal for a career within the Automation industry.

Lorenzo Stella

STANLEY SECURITY IS A TRUSTED LOCAL PROVIDER OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS. WE DELIVER A COMPREHENSIVE SUITE OF SECURITY PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE AND INTEGRATED SYSTEMS WITH A STRONG EMPHASIS ON SERVICE. One of the largest and most reliable security experts in Europe, we have been supporting the needs of our clients across Ireland and Northern Ireland in banking, retail, logistics, healthcare, education and justice for over 20 years.

STANLEY Security partners with the industry’s leading product suppliers and manufacturers to offer a total solution that meets your complex security requirements with services including: • Risk assessment, security systems design and engineering • Project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance • Access control, perimeter protection, video surveillance and visitor management systems STANLEY Security, a division of Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK), is a provider of integrated security solutions for commercial and industrial organizations globally.

For more information or to discuss your project requirements please contact us today on 028 9079 9988.

A1 Calmount Park Calmount Road, Ballymount Dublin 12 Ireland +353 (0) 1 456 4544

Locksley Business Park 39 Montgomery Road Belfast, BT6 9UP Northern Ireland +44 (0) 28 9079 9988

www.stanleysecurityni.com

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Advertorial

Stanley Security | 48

SECURING THE BEST SOLUTION

S

TANLEY Security, a trusted local provider of integrated security solutions, has recently expanded it’s security systems design team. Due to increasing demand for security systems design service, STANLEY Security is growing their team to continue to provide exceptional service to will clients. needed for? How it be used or any organisation

F

hoping to implement within the organisation? If you can a new or updated specific about your security Working with architects andbespecifiers, STANLEY electronic security solution, system requirements, a tailored Security’s collaborate across the range of systems products design team solution can be designed with all available cantoseem perplexing. projects deliver “best in class” security systems for the key features you need.

Product manufacturers have clients locally and across Europe.

The security systems raised their game in recent 2. Understand your risks years and is there are now design factored in many at the early stage of project products out there providing Addressing your security ensuring better co-ordination andrisks a development, never ending array of requires an integrated approach features and functionality to moretoefficient integration resulting in ensure thatoverall systemssystems work improve safety and security. design.

together to deliver the best results. Security companies should With such a large number of to clients’software needs by STANLEY Security’s designersrespond use Revit™ options available, it can be difficult installing a flexible, well-designed toto findinclude the best security solution. However equipment on plans as CAD integrated solution with access more choice in the market elements so that system layout and video control, CCTV andsurveillance intruder should work to your advantage, alarms working together to deliver camera field of view are visible at the earliest stages offering more flexible solutions a better, more effective security of additional the design process. with functionality to The benefits of working with solution. best address your security needs STANLEY Security’s systems design team at the project for now and for any future planning stage include: 3. Prioritise your requirements requirements.

A new security system is a To guide you through the process, considerable investment for any improved security we• have outlined some of the systems device placement business and budget is often an key ensure • considerations minimisedtoincompatibility other issue. issues Compilingwith a list of essential you invest in the best electronic build elements and optional items helps to security solution. prioritise your budget.

If there • enhanced security system design efficiency is no flexibility in your budget 1. Determine your objectives you may want to consider other What is your security system

procurement options that are long term business needs will available. Security is now often allow you to choose a solution sold as a service, whereby your that is flexible to adapt to suit security equipment can be your business as it changes. installed and maintained as part of Considering any potential future a package with regular payments requirements now will allow you over an agreed term. This type to design the system with them in of solution will enable you to mind, allowing for easier upgrades Engaging with a competent security systems design benefit from the right security to adapt systems rather than team is key to the overall success of any project. solution now without having to having to look at installing new STANLEY Security’s design team hascompletely. recent and compromise on any features. systems

relevant experience in security systems projects for

4.

Maximise added-value Whatever you operate major banking clients and data centresector operators, from new technology, Recent in, security is of paramount as well as various other local importance retail andtocommercial developments in technology any business and projects.

STANLEYcosts Security partners withsecurity industry have seen equipment good physical systems leading manufacturers to select the best security coming down while system are an essential investment. If you functionality has increased. up with experienced products that will secure the team building or an environment, Security products can now costinstaller you can realise the including access control, video surveillance, intruder effectively assist other functions of benefits from a cost-effective detection and the businesses, suchperimeter as Health & protection. security solution, selecting the best Safety, productivity and personnel products and software to meet management. it’s still your business needsSecurity now and in As well as While security system design, STANLEY early days for some innovations, years to come. has an award winning team of engineers who work you should certainly consider to the highest standards installation, leveraging technology such as delivering For more information, please analytics and artificialand intelligence. contact on commissioning maintenance ofSTANLEY securitySecurity systems, Belfast 02890 799988 or Dublin with high level technical integration support.

5. Futureproof your solution 00353 1 4564544.

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If you would like to find out more about STANLEY Security, to make an appointment please call 028 9079 9988 (Belfast) or 00353 1 456 4544 (Dublin) or visit www.stanleysecurity.ie Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

digest

50

ODYSSEY PAVILION TO BE TRANSFORMED IN £10M REFURBISHMENT Belfast’s Odyssey Pavilion is to undergo a £10 million refurbishment, following the submission of a new planning application.

The news comes on the back of planning permission for the first phase of redevelopment, which includes a new main entrance to the Odyssey Pavilion, upgrade of public realm and reconfiguration of the existing retail units.

Phase two of the redevelopment will see further significant improvements to the Pavilion including improved visitor access to all levels and the greater use of the central open space.

The scheme is estimated to cost £10 million and hundreds of jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase as well as many long-term jobs created in the new units.

Guy Hollis from the applicant, Matagorda 2 Ltd said, “We are delighted to be able to rejuvenate the Odyssey Pavilion, bringing it back to being a key component of Belfast’s leisure and entertainment offering.

Our key objective is to improve the overall visual quality and tenant offering of the Pavilion, making it a more attractive and user friendly destination.”

“The scheme will help in the ongoing and successful regeneration of the Titanic Quarter and drive additional footfall to this part of the city.”

Wendy Langham from The Odyssey Trust Company said,“For some years , the Odyssey Pavilion has suffered from underinvestment in comparison to W5 and the SSE Arena. It is now very heartening to see the new owner make a strong long-term commitment to what is an extremely important asset for the people of Northern Ireland. The Odyssey Trust looks forward to this significant investment in the pavilion and the progression through planning to refurbishment.”

CIOB/RICS PRESENTATION AND TOUR OF TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST On 21st September members of the CIOB and RICS were treated to a presentation and tour of the new Titanic Hotel Belfast. The event was hosted by Kerrie Sweeney, CEO of Titanic Foundation.

Presentations were conducted

by James Eyre – Commercial Director of Titanic Quarter, Stephen Miskelly - Architect at

Robinson McIlwaine and Graeme Moore – Architect at Consarc.

The event gave attendees an overview of how the B+ Listed, former Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices have been restored and converted into a four-star hotel using the principle of maximum retention and minimal intervention. Attendees were also given a guided tour of the heritage rooms including the Boardroom, the Chairman’s office and Thomas Andrew’s Office – the naval Architect for RMS Titanic.

LAGAN PLANT INVESTS IN SECOND SR 95 PILING RIG IN 6 MONTHS Lagan Construction Group’s Plant division, Lagan Plant, have acquired a second stateof-the-art Soilmec SR 95 dual purpose Rotary Bored Piling Rig this year. The £1.2 million rig will be operated by the group’s piling division, FK Lowry Piling. This brings the total plant investment by the group to almost £6 million this year.

The new 100 tonne Rig was

immediately deployed to the A6 Randalstown to Toome Dualling Scheme in Co. Antrim.

Niall McGill, FK Lowry Piling Director, commented: “The new plant investment continues FK Lowry Piling’s strategy of having the most modern fleet of dual purpose piling rigs in the UK.” George Taggart, Lagan Plant Director, commented: “Lagan Plant are delighted to acquire this new rig to the existing fleet and to enable FK Lowry Piling to expand their works in the UK & Ireland market”.

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|51

digest

MARGARET CONWAY OF MCALEER & RUSHE NAMED CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Margaret Conway of McAleer & Rushe has earned a place in the record books as the first woman to win Construction Manager of the Year.

Beating 84 finalists to the trophy, Margaret’s achievement is all the more spectacular because it was her first role as a construction manager.

She completed the 80 week project two months early with a clean health and safety record and an Excellent BREEAM rating.

Margaret started working on 9 Adelaide, a nine storey office block in Belfast city centre, as bid manager for McAleer and Rushe.

Appointed project manager at precontract phase, she worked closely with client Belfast City Council on a major redesign, reducing the height of the building and saving the client £500,000. An even greater costsaving measure involved adapting the existing raft foundations for the new superstructure, saving a further £750,000. Her collaborative approach enabled the £22 million project to accommodate substantial late design changes without losing valuable time from the schedule.

In order to keep the programme

on track, Margaret showed great adaptability in the sequencing of work.

She divided floor plates into two work zones, enabling fitout to start in the central core area before the facade was completed. Her plant and access strategy kept work streams flowing and the budget under tight control.

Although new to construction management, Margaret has already become a trailblazer for her employer McAleer & Rushe. 9 Adelaide was the first project that the contractor carried out to BIM Level 2. Margaret also introduced a new software system to streamline the snagging process. It has proved so successful it is being rolled out across all McAleer & Rushe sites.

One of only four female finalists to reach CMYA this year, Margaret used her role to inspire and encourage young people – especially women to enter the industry. She fostered a close relationship with local non profit organisation Womenstec, arranging tours and lectures from local colleges as well as placements for joinery, plumbing and electrical students. Some have since gone on to find work in the sector. Others have enrolled in construction courses.

Margaret’s win follows that of McAleer & Rushe colleague, Paul

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Marlow who won CMYA in 2016 for a £29 million student accommodation project in Stratford, East London.

CIOB President Rebecca Thompson said: “Margaret is a true inspiration for anyone thinking of entering this exciting and challenging industry.

As well as remaining in control of the immense technical and logistical challenges of her day job, her inclusive style has encouraged young people to get involved in construction. Our sector badly needs a more diverse workforce and Margaret shines out as a young leader who is making a genuine difference. We will watch her career with great interest.”

manager to win CMYA. This is an extraordinary achievement, so early in her career, marking her out as one of construction’s greats.”

CIOB Chief Executive Chris Blythe said: “CMYA is a unique barometer for management talent in our sector, with professionals of all ages and backgrounds battling for gold and silver medals. Each of our 85 finalists has demonstrated to an independent panel of experts that they are working to industry-leading standards.

About the project: 9 Adelaide, Belfast

“As ever, competition was extremely fierce this year, but Margaret won our judges over with her surefooted leadership style that inspired incredible performance at every stage of the project. She goes into history as the first female project

Completion time:

Martin Doherty, project manager for client Belfast City Council said: “9 Adelaide was a challenging scheme in terms of programme, site logistics and budget. Margaret was intuitive to Belfast City Council’s needs, always focused on delivering the scheme on time, whilst never losing sight of the importance of safety or quality. Her ability to communicate all issues and foster a real sense of teamwork set a benchmark for the project.”

Project: A

100,000

sq ft nine-storey office block Value:

£22 million

80 weeks

Man hours worked:

206,000+ hours

zero

RIDDORS: BREEAM Rating: Excellent

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News in Brief...

FEDERATION UPDATES ITS POSITION PAPER ON BREXIT With negotiations ongoing as to the UK’s exit from the European Union, we have updated our policy position on the key industry related issues arising from Brexit.

To read the full paper, which will be further updated as the negotiations evolve, please visit the Federation’s website: https://www.cefni.co.uk/ news/federation-updates-its-positionpaper-on-brexit

SAFE-T-CERT ACCEPTED ACROSS GB AND IRELAND Safe-T-Cert is delighted to confirm its continued membership of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) Forum following a recent reaccreditation audit.

Companies that are certified

by Safe-T-Cert can continue to benefit from “Deem to Satisfy” arrangements with other SSIP registered members meaning there is no need to hold multiple health and safety accreditations particularly if working in GB. Safe-T-Cert certification also enables certified companies to meet the Buildsafe-NI Action Plan requirement that all main contractors and first tier subcontractors with 5 or more employees tendering for public sector works contracts must have a health and safety management system certified by a third party.

SSIP is a group of health & safety pre-qualification schemes supported by the HSE which aims to streamline prequalification and encourage straightforward mutual recognition between its Member Schemes. More information is available on the SSIP website.

For further information on SafeT-Cert or if you are interested in seeking certification please contact Jonathan Caughey jcaughey@cefni. co.uk

CEF/BDO SURVEY FINDS CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES PERFORMING STRONGLY – BUT WITH CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON

he first Construction Employers Federation (CEF)/BDO Northern Ireland Half-Year State of Trade Survey has Tof 2017. revealed the books were full or nearly full for two-thirds of local construction companies during the first 6 months The positive growth, seen most clearly in private housebuilding and infrastructure work, comes at a time of significant political and economic uncertainty – some of which is beginning to feed through into companies’ workloads and business planning.

Key survey findings: • Construction sector saw sustained growth over the first 6 months of 2017 • Two-thirds of companies worked at full or almost full capacity in first 6 months of 2017 • Much of this growth is within private housing – taking it back to its highest level since 2011 • Companies are cautiously realistic with next 6-12 month period expected to see higher costs and squeezed margins • That being said, the companies surveyed expect their workloads to be the same as now, if not greater • Four challenges are though clearly emerging – the impact on workloads from the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive; the impact a potential hard Brexit could have on companies otherwise positive growth expectations; the significant skills shortage across many trades and; how substantial rises in labour, material and plant costs are impacting on margins and firms’ capacity to reinvest The survey results are based on a sample of 60 CEF members that represent 50% of Northern Ireland’s construction output, weighted across its constituent parts – general contracting, civil engineering and housebuilding – and company turnover.

Comments on the survey results CEF Managing Director John Armstrong said: “The survey results reflect a local construction industry that is now well beyond its low point of 2012. Industry workloads are strong with the last 6-12 months having seen a substantial increase in new housing activity as well as encouraging growth in infrastructure work.

“The next 6-12 month period is absolutely critical for the local construction industry. The companies surveyed want to push on, they want to get beyond the stability phase that many have been in during recent years. The growth opportunities are there – the quarter on quarter increases in new housing starts and completions alone point to a housebuilding sector which is beginning to once again play a full role in unlocking economic growth and opportunity.”

Brian Murphy, Partner at BDO Northern Ireland said: “In a year of Brexit uncertainties and local political stalemate, the construction sector has remained for the most part buoyant. The half-year survey is characterised by cautious realism with most companies anticipating higher costs and squeezed margins.

“While the construction sector is battling higher input prices and limited public sector contracts, indicators point towards a quiet confidence and with good cause. Building work on new homes in the first quarter was up 16% yearon-year, major plans are underway for new office and retail space and there is the prospect of a £400million capital investment from the Tory-DUP deal over the next two years.

Comments on future prospects Brian Murphy said: “Realism, however, is not pessimism and the majority of firms expect to have the same or more work in 12 months’ time than they do currently. The optimists outnumber others by almost three to one on this front.

“There is no doubt that wider factors are having an impact. There is acknowledgement that labour, material and plant costs will rise and there is potential for a rise in interest rates, but the sector is beyond the point of merely surviving. Expectations are that order books will remain steady and workloads will be sustained in the main.

“Two-thirds of companies worked at full or almost full capacity in the first half of 2017 and many are prioritising growth. It’s vital that construction companies of all sizes have the right support to grow smartly and sustainably.”

Comments on the challenges ahead John Armstrong said: “There are though four clear challenges that are emerging from the survey: industry’s concerns at a slowdown in public sector work resulting from the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive; the impact a potential hard Brexit could have on companies otherwise positive growth expectations; the significant skills shortage across many trades and; how substantial rises in labour, material and plant costs are impacting on margins and firms’ capacity to reinvest.

“The lack of a Northern Ireland Executive and the lack of a fully agreed Budget have undoubtedly impacted on the tendering opportunities available in recent months. That is simply unacceptable given that, in reality, there is a public sector capital budget there to be spent – and a budget that itself is growing year on year. Industry was also very supportive of the additional £400m of capital expenditure, over 2 years, announced as part of the ConservativeDUP deal. It has huge potential to create thousands of new jobs within the industry and develop key economic infrastructure that will enhance Northern Ireland’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a region to do business and invest in. It is therefore vital that we see those monies allocated soon to make sure they are spent to their maximum economic effect.

“We must also face head on the uncertainties of Brexit. Invisible trade barriers are already becoming evident within the construction industry as some companies question whether they should tender for work in the Republic of Ireland whose build programmes last beyond March 2019. We cannot and must not allow these issues to exacerbate over the coming months as these concerns could extend further into materials transportation and costs or reciprocal arrangements around qualifications. For that reason and others, we need to get our act together, we need a Northern Ireland Executive unitedly fighting the cause of the entire business community in the negotiations that have now commenced.”

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INDUSTRY WELCOMES LONG OVERDUE A6 RULING

C

ommenting on this midSeptember’s Judicial Review Appeal Judgement on the A6, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said: “The construction industry strongly welcomes today’s long overdue ruling.

The original judgement in favour of the Department for Infrastructure has been upheld and it is now critical that nothing further delays the works on the A6 Randalstown – Castledawson scheme.

“Completion of the scheme is of significant strategic importance to the Northern Ireland economy as well as the direct and indirect benefits that will equate to hundreds of sustainable jobs over the course of the project as well as many opportunities for the GRAHAM/Farrans JV extensive supply chain.”

SAFETY FOCUS HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING HSENI INSPECTION CAMPAIGN

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afety Focus is highlighting an upcoming focused inspection campaign by the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and urging contractors to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure they comply with regulations.

HSENI will be undertaking a focused inspection campaign on woodworking businesses throughout Northern Ireland during October. The emphasis of the campaign will be on how woodworking businesses control risk from wood dust, maintain machinery guarding and have up to date Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) records to ensure that the system has been examined within the last 14 months, in compliance with regulations.

Wood dust is a known respiratory sensitisor and it is known that exposure to hard woods can cause cancer. HSENI Inspectors will expect that: Safety risks are controlled • Machinery is guarded adequately • Braking devices are fitted to ensure run down times are within 10 seconds unless it can be proved that this is not required Health risks are controlled • Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is provided to control wood dust • LEV has records showing that it has been thoroughly examined within the last 14 months, or evidence that it is planned for a specific date • Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) is provided to the correct standard Where Inspectors find the above are not in place, Enforcement Action, in the form of Improvement and Prohibition Notices will be issued.

Safety Focus can provide advice and guidance to ensure compliance should HSENI inspect your company.

Safety Focus is the Construction Employers Federation’s (CEF) health and safety service. The service provides members with access to a highly qualified but practical health and safety expert. Jon Mowbray is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and has in excess of twenty years’ experience as a construction health and safety practitioner.

Safety Focus can deliver a service bespoke to each company’s needs, allowing a tailored approach to improving users health and safety performance. The options available include, but are not limited, to: • CDM Compliance Check • Documentation review • Review of site practices • Site inspections • Accident investigation • Reaction to an improvement notice • Action plan development for health and safety improvement • Health & Safety mentoring Members can use the service as and when required providing flexibility in a constantly evolving area of the industry. A free ten-minute consultation is available for users to discuss their needs with Jon prior to arranging any further visits. Safety Focus will be charged on a half day (£250 plus VAT) or full day (£395 plus VAT) basis.

To arrange your free ten-minute consultation please contact Janet Millar on 028 9087 7143 or janetm@cefni.co.uk

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

CEF/SpecifyCEF awards |29

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

OCTOBER VERSION OF PROCUREMENT PIPELINE PUBLISHED The latest quarterly iteration of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Infrastructure Investment Pipeline was published at the start of October.

Members can view the preprocurement and in-procurement reports by accessing the Member Dashboard of the CEF website after entering their login details.

Copies are also available for members on request from David Fry: davidf@cefni.co.uk.

The next update of the pipeline is due in January.

FEDERATION WELCOMES LATEST PATRON – CPL NORTHERN IRELAND e are delighted to announce that W leading recruitment company, CPL Northern Ireland, have become the eighth Federation Patron.

CPL is the largest indigenous specialist recruitment company on the island of Ireland. The firm has offices in Belfast and the North-West and also has a presence throughout Europe and the US. They specialise in Construction & Property, Accountancy/Finance, Engineering (all levels), IT, Supply Chain & Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Office Support & Customer Service, Industrial, Professional Services and Executive recruitment.

If members would like to discuss recruitment opportunities with CPL, please contact Michael Hewitt, Senior Recruitment Consultant - Construction & Property, on 028 9072 5613 or michael. hewitt@cpljobs.com

John Armstrong (Manging Director, Construction Employers Federation), John Young (Director, BDO Northern Ireland), Sean Lavery (Partner, BDO Northern Ireland) and Brian Murphy (Partner, BDO Northern Ireland)

SHOWCASE EVENT CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

R

epresentatives from across the construction industry in Northern Ireland gathered in mid-September at a special celebration event to showcase the work of shortlisted finalists for this year’s Construction Excellence Awards.

The Awards – run by the Construction Employers Federation in partnership with SPECIFY magazine – celebrate the best construction, civil engineering and housebuilding projects delivered by Northern Irish companies over the past year.

Pictured (l-r): David Sterling (Interim Head of the Civil Service), John Armstrong (CEF Managing Director), David Henry (CEF President and Managing Director of Henry Bros) and Patrick Nelson (Chief Executive of the IFA)

The ‘Showcase of Finalists’ event was held at the IFA National Football Stadium. O’Hare & McGovern won the Overall Award at the 2016 Construction Excellence Awards for the stadium and we were delighted to return there for this year’s Showcase.

Speaking at the event, CEF Managing Director John Armstrong said: “The sheer scale and variety of the work on display is testament to the high level of quality, skill, and innovation that underpins the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

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

“Our panel of judges, who have been visiting each of the shortlisted projects to identify the 13 category winners and the overall winner, have been hugely impressed with the calibre of entries this year and now have very difficult decisions to make. I warmly congratulate all of this year’s shortlisted companies and wish them every success in the Awards.”

The winners of the Construction Excellence Awards 2017 were then revealed at a Gala Dinner on 12 October in the Culloden Hotel – please see the special section on the Awards in this edition of Specify.

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

DRIVERS OF CHANGE F

ederation Patron Fleet Financial put driver safety first with the launch of an Occupational Road Risk solution.

Fleet Financial, Northern Ireland’s leader in the procurement and management of company vehicles, has launched a new product which will help to ensure that business-owners and managers are protected in the face of road risk legislation.

According to the Department for Transport, more than a quarter of all road traffic incidents may involve someone who is driving as part of their work at the time.

In its mission to simplify the process for owners and drivers, Fleet Financial has partnered with road risk experts, Business Compliance Solutions, who have developed an Occupational Road Risk (ORR) system, supported by software company, AuditComply.

Their innovative and empowering new online tool enables businesses to identify employees who use a vehicle as part of their work and manage associated risks. This includes both companyowned vehicles and ‘grey fleet’ - those drivers who may use their own vehicle for work purpose, even for one-off journeys.

Although under health and safety law, employers have a clear duty of care to manage driving risk in the same way they manage other health and safety risks, not everyone is compliant – or as compliant as they believe themselves to be.

Pictured (l-r) are Aaron Wright, who owns Business Compliance Solutions Ltd, Kevin Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer (Audit Comply) and Damian Campbell, Sales Manager, Fleet Financial

Fleet Financial Sales Manager Damian Campbell said: “The challenges involved in running a business can be overwhelming – priorities and focus can change quickly and there will always be something that takes a back seat. However, in the area of legal compliance for vehicle and driver management, we’re delighted to be introducing a tech solution that will keep you, your company and staff both safe and legally protected.

“Surveying businesses across Northern Ireland to listen to their views and to understand their needs, it was clear that while most were aware of their responsibilities, few properly addressed them. Larger fleets were more acutely aware but even these businesses found this a tough area to tackle.”

Damian said Fleet Financial partnered with Business Compliance Solutions to advance the development of a solution that would accurately fit the needs of companies of any size. The information produced by a user now quickly provides clear guidance and the next steps required to ensure key areas are addressed.

“We provide a range of bespoke services and products which can be drawn upon at any time. We decided to focus on occupational road risk because there was a need for a simple solution to address this issue. Businesses wanted support to help identify risks and recommend the right action. We’re delighted with how it has been received so far.

“Not knowing is half of the problem and most of the worry. The online solution is not only pivotal in making things right but in fostering a culture of compliance and road safety which benefits everyone.”

Damian added: “Organisations have a legal duty to put in place suitable arrangements to manage health and safety. This is a wide-ranging requirement which encourages a common-sense and practical approach.

“It should be part of the everyday process of managing vehicles associated with your business. By offering Business Compliance’s ORR system developed with AuditComply, we believe we have a cost effective, online solution that helps a business identify who drives with work in any capacity, identifies and analyses risk with recommendations to reduce the risks.”

Employers have duties under health and safety law for on-the-road work activities. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states you must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work. You must also ensure that others are not put at risk by your work-related driving activities. Self-employed people have similar responsibilities.

For more information, visit www.fleetfinancial.co.uk or phone 028 9084 9777 to arrange a free demonstration.

CECC GETS LATEST UPDATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT CLIENTS The Construction Employers Federation’s Civil Engineering Consultative Committee met, in late September, with the Government Clients to review their procurement programmes over the coming months.

The three times yearly meeting saw updates from: • Northern Ireland Water • Transport NI • Translink • The Central Procurement Directorate • Rivers Agency To view the detailed updates please visit the Resources section of the Member Dashboard on the CEF website using your login details. Alternatively, members can request copies of the reports from David Fry: davidf@cefni.co.uk.

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

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CIVIL AND UTILITIES ProjectID Title

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Value

County

948649 £27m - Grounds Maintenance 934213 £22.5m - M and E Services First Response Managed Service Support Contract 850229 £18m - Multi Storey Car Park 917762 £160m - Dualling, Phase 1

Tender Tender

Civil and Utilities Civil and Utilities

£27,000,000 £22,500,000

Co. Antrim Co. Antrim

On Site Tender

Civil and Utilities Civil and Utilities

£18,000,000 £160,000,000

Co. Antrim Co. Londonderry

737500 £15m - Cruise Ship Berth 943874 £15m - Leakage Detection Services

Tender Tender

Civil and Utilities Civil and Utilities

£15,000,000 £15,000,000

Co. Antrim Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site On Site

Commercial Commercial

€90,000,000 €20,000,000

Co. Cork Co. Dublin

Stage

Category

Value

County

740615 £30m - Church and Community Leisure Facilities, Phase 1 On Site

Community and Sport

£30,000,000

Co. Antrim

888651 £25m - Leisure Centre

Contract Awarded

Community and Sport

£25,000,000

Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

On Site On Site

Hospitality Hospitality

€29,800,000 £4,794,319

Co. Dublin Co. Tyrone

Tender

Hospitality

£15,000,000

Co. Londonderry

Stage

Category

Value

County

Tender

Industrial

€60,000,000

Co. Kildare

On Site Tender

Industrial Industrial

£20,000,000 £14,000,000

Co. Londonderry Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

Tender

Medical

€19,000,000

Co. Waterford

On Site Tender

Medical Medical

€18,000,000 £13,356,000

Co. Dublin Co. Antrim

Stage

Category

Value

County

903867 €30m - Residential Development 848320 €19m - Mixed Use Development 948648 €125m - Residential Development 806862 £6.2m - Residential/Commercial Development

Contract Awarded Contract Awarded

Residential Residential

€30,431,560 €19,000,000

Co. Kildare Co. Dublin

Tender On Site

Residential Residential

€125,500,000 £6,289,881

Co. Dublin Co. Antrim

890116 £30m - Site, Design and Build, Social Housing Scheme 948144 £25m - Design and Build Contract 760719 £22.9m - Social Housing Development

Tender Tender

Residential Residential

£30,000,000 £25,000,000

Co. Antrim Co. Londonderry

Tender

Residential

£22,900,000

Co. Antrim

COMMERCIAL ProjectID Title 866698 €90m - Office Development 721993 €20m - Office Blocks

COMMUNITY AND SPORT ProjectID Title

HOSPITALITY ProjectID Title 903346 €29.8m - Student Accommodation Development 841045 £4.7m - Restaurant 876540 £15m - 4 Star Hotel & Spa Complex

INDUSTRIAL ProjectID Title 927804 €60m - Forensic Science Laboratory - Main Works 745517 £20m - Data Centre 948196 £14m - Tree Planting Services

MEDICAL ProjectID Title 862825 €19m - Residential Care Centre 819489 €18m - Community Nursing Unit 924244 £13.3m - Maintenance of Powered Doors

RESIDENTIAL ProjectID Title

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62 | ENVISION

ENVISION INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS

Envision Intelligent Solutions has extensive experience in guarding construction sites and businesses across the UK and Ireland. We deliver bespoke security solutions that work effortlessly alongside your daily routines, adding a resilient layer of protection to sites, properties and equipment. At Envision, we aim to deliver affordable and innovative security solutions that meet our customers’ needs, and provide ultimate protection.

testimony to the quality of service delivered by our team.

Envision offer a free survey of your site- our staff can conduct a drone survey to give an overview of your premises. Our engineers will the work closely with you, using their technical knowledge to design and install a bespoke, cost effective security system that suits your needs and provides ultimate protection.

ReconEyez

Envision will take on all your security needs, from the beginning stages of construction on your site, to when business is up and running.

During Construction

doesn’t miss an event. Instant reaction enables prevention of crime; and your assets or premises remain safe and protected.

Unique to Envision is the provision of the ReconEyez service as a package which includes design & install, maintenance and monitoring, charged to the customer through a simple pricing system of one bill per month.

Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) All security systems are monitored from our ARC in Craigavon, where we provide a 24/7 helpdesk service.

The ARC is built to BSEN50518 standards, combining the highest quality technical equipment with an excellent team of dedicated controllers, delivering first class customer service.

After Construction

Our engineers are highly qualified, and will use their expert knowledge and experience to provide you with the best possible protection. Our skilled engineers are constantly on the go, ensuring customers receive top quality maintenance and care.

We are delighted to have been awarded “Best Security System Design & Installation Contractor” in the SME NI Business Awards, bearing

While construction is underway, we understand it can be hard to find a security solution that doesn’t add to the chaos. Therefore, we offer a cost effective alternative.

Our ReconEyez system is wireless, demands no existing infrastructure and can be installed in a matter of minutes. Because of its versatility, it can be relocated around the site as you need it. The battery lasts over a year, and the camera itself is small and discreet. ReconEyez alerts to intrusion, only when the threat is real, and sends a series of photos instantly to the Envision ARC (Alarm receiving centre). This visual alarm can then be forwarded to security personnel or police. ReconEyez

Envision provide a range of services to ensure protection once construction is completed, and business is underway.

CCTV At Envision, we offer a variety of CCTV systems. The advanced

video analytics are used for alarm generation to the Envision ARC, from which our SIA trained and licenced Controllers can take necessary action.

Access Control Envision are responsible for controlling access to various premises. We monitor doors and barriers, ensuring secure access.

Envision can provide remote managed access control for your property by door, gate, or barrier, negating the need for any staff members to be responsible for holding keys. We issue, manage and control cards for your access control card system.

Once your equipment is set up, you’ll not be on your own. You will receive ongoing support and maintenance from the Envision team. Twice annual maintenance is performed by certified Envision engineers, including 24 hour emergency maintenance call outs.

Contact us for more information: 028 3834 7055, info@envision-is.co.uk, www. envision-is.co.uk

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|63

digest

DEMAND INCREASING IN NORTHERN IRELAND FOR SHARED OWNERSHIP HOUSING

Pictured (L-R) at the site of Windsor Developments’ latest housing development, Hadlow in Donaghadee, is Mark Graham, Chief Executive, Co-Ownership Housing; Glynis Hobson, Director of Customer Services, Co-Ownership Housing; and Tim McCauley, Contracts Manager Windsor Developments Limited.

The demand for shared ownership housing is rising significantly in Northern Ireland, with Co-Ownership Housing revealing that applications have increased by 7% in the past financial year.

Throughout the organisation’s almost 40-year history, it has successfully supported over 26,000 households to purchase the home of their choice and has funding in place to support a further 900 prospective home-owners in Northern Ireland get on the property ladder by March 2018.

Over 8,000 homes across Northern Ireland are currently Co-Ownership homes.

News of the year-on-year increase came as Co-Ownership Housing, Northern Ireland’s regional

body for shared ownership and the organisation that runs the Co-Ownership Scheme, marked September as its Shared Ownership Month – a month-long outreach campaign to communicate the organisation’s rich history and help prospective home-owners in Northern Ireland get on the property ladder.

The demand for new developments is evident in Northern Ireland and as the rejuvenation of the construction industry begins, Co-Ownership Housing acknowledges the successful relationships that they have nurtured with local developers throughout the organisation’s 39-year history.

Since 1978 the total number of new build properties purchased through the Co-Ownership scheme (at July 2017 month end) stands at 51%. Within the last five years (August 2012 - July 2017), 38%

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of the properties bought through Co-Ownership have been new build properties.

Co-Ownership is aware of the wider economic challenges people face due to low wages, temporary contracts and the higher levels of debt that often result. In many cases these are people who can pay a high private rent but cannot get a mortgage. It is for this type of person that the Rent to Own scheme has been introduced.

This pilot, funded by the Department for Communities, provides people with a three-year private tenancy with an option to purchase the house afterwards. Rent to Own is applicable to new developments only.

Mark Graham, Chief Executive at Co-Ownership Housing, said: “We know that struggling to raise deposits and lower incomes in Northern Ireland is fuelling demand

for Co-Ownership. Buying through Co-Ownership is cheaper than renting, and more affordable than placing a significant deposit on a property. Additionally, customers can buy Co-Ownership out at any time through the ‘staircasing’ process which we actively encourage.

“Gradually increasing a Purchaser’s share in their chosen property through staircasing not only guides that individual toward complete ownership of their home in an affordable way, but long-term this helps us to support more people make that first step toward homeownership.”

Co-Ownership Housing has a range of online resources available on their website including literature to download for further information, a budget planner and a repayments calculator.

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 70 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 MAY 2017 Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

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

Building Materials Prices

64 | prices 80| VB Evans AGGREGATES Full loads delivered Central Belfast 50mm Crusher run 100mm Crusher run Fine Blinding Coarse Blinding 6mm Stone 10mm Stone Building Sand Washed Sand

Web: www.vbevans.com

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 £424.00 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £433.50 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £434.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £513.50 440x300x100 7Nmm2 £535.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £410.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 803.00 440x215x100 Tolite

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine £63.00 20x8 £97.00 44x8 Whitewood £53.00 32x12 £84.50 69x12 £64.00 32x19 £75.00 44x19 £82.00 32x32 £142.50 69x32 £179.00 69x44 £230.00 94x44 £264.00 69x69

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

per 1,000 £380.00 £390.00 £345.00 £370.00 £370.00 £340.00 £335.00

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 £46.50 50x19 £69.00 75x19 £112.00 125x19 £42.00 38x25 £51.00 75x25 £99.50 150x25 £78.00 50x38 £118.00 100x38 £93.50 150x38 £93.50 50x50 £148.00 100x50 £168.50 125x50 £205.00 100x75 £460.00 200x75 £380.00 150x100

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

Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne £153.00 Ordinary Portland Cement £181.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement

per tonne £372.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast per tonne

£27.00 Standard 1 lime mortar Y4 £47.00 Tinted mortar ref.

Y15 £54.00 Y135 £46.00 Y91 £52.00 Y10 £57.00

6mm sanded £54.00

9mm sanded £57.00

12mm sanded £74.00

MASTERBOARD Class O asbestos-free multi-purpose building board sanded finish.

Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

CEMENT

Ordinary Portland Cement

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

per tonne £16.00 £16.50 £15.50 £15.50 £17.50 £20.50 £21.00 £18.50

BRICKS

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

Chartered Surveyors

CONCRETE BLOCKS

6mm £68.00

9mm £82.00

12mm £105.50

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

£322.00 £379.00 £336.00 £11.00 £15.00 £17.00 £11.50 £11.00 £14.00 £28.00

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Evans |81 of In theVB next issue READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre £68.00 1:10 by volume £83.00 1:2:4 by volume £74.00 1:3:6 by volume £69.00 20 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £73.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £77.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate

Thrutone Thrutone Relief

per 1,000 £1540.00 £1650.00

Concrete tiles delivered Central Belfast Interlocking flat tile Double roll tile Single roll tile

£890.00 £890.00 £890.00 per tile £5.00 £5.80

Half round ridge tile - 457mm long Angular ridge tile - 457mm long

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

£94.00 £69.00 £80.50 £98.50 £108.00

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

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Fibre Cement Slates ex-yard

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£224.00 £318.00 £243.00 £379.60 £519.00 £304.00 £457.00 £683.00

SAWN WHITEWOOD

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 £770.00 £865.00

8 £770.00 £865.00

10 £770.00 £865.00

12 £770.00 £865.00

20 £770.00 £865.00

25 £770.00 £865.00

32 £770.00 £865.00

40 £770.00 £865.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references)

per sheet BS reference A 98

£38.50

A142 £38.50

A193 £42.50

A252 £47.00

A393 £80.00

B503 £80.00

B785 £88.00 Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

per tonne UC 152x152x23 £1030.00 203x203x46 £1375.00 254x254x73 £1435.00 305x305x118 £1320.00 356x368x153 £1505.00 UB

305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

£1320.00 £1320.00 £1320.00 £1320.00 £1320.00

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

£40.00 £74.00 £102.50 £191.50 £120.00 £204.00 £260.00 £440.00 £227.50 £492.00 £753.90

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2.

6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £54.00 £56.00 £75.00

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

£83.00 £98.00 £115.00 £171.00 £101.00 £135.00 £180.00 £245.00 £340.00

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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 £23.00 £10.50 £7.50 £3.50 £11.00 £25.00 £12.00 £25.00 £6.20 £17.00 £6.20 £15.50 £17.00 £32.00 £19.00 £32.00 £31.00 £18.50 £23.00 £58.00

BRICK, STONE & AGGREGATE CONCRETE ARCHITECTURE

66 | INTERVIEW

Specify talks to Gary Blair, PreContract Manager with Farrans Construction and Vice Chair of the CIOB Belfast HUB Q: Did you plan to get involved in the Construction Industry?

Absolutely. My father was involved in it his whole career and I remember spending large parts of holidays going with him around the sites, smelling the cut timber, the fresh paint and recently laid tarmac. Of course those were the days before site inductions and daily task talks! I have been lucky enough to work for the same organisation as he did too meaning a Blair has been an employee of Farrans Construction for over 45 years of its 76 year existence.

Q: How did you start off?

I started off receiving a telex from our then HR director Major Boyd to attend an interview in Dunmurry the following day. At the time I thought, as a typical 17 year old, that it was going to ruin my golfing plans for the following day but I’m glad I went along. It was as an assistant to the Estimating Department for refurbishment works. Not an assistant Estimator, an assistant to the Estimating department.

Essentially I was putting enquiry packages together with BOQs, drawings, specifications and posting them out or hand delivering them to the market for pricing. Then later in the tender phoning around to chase up the price and on occasions going to collect a quotation (oh what has email done for the carbon footprint!). The daily post would invariably bring dozens upon dozens of quotes.

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

I graduated through the estimating department to assistant estimator and eventually got moved to site in a buying role. It was the original “Yorkgate” development of the old Gallaghers factory on the York Road in Belfast. This was a big job in Belfast at the end of the 80’s and is still standing albeit with a few facelifts over the years. My career

has been linked almost completely to one employer and I have enjoyed many other highlights with Farrans over the 30 years, my first lead commercial project at the Outlet in Banbridge, SERC in Lisburn also sticks out but for me, When I drive around the country and see the likes of the Odyssey, Victoria Square, Altnagelvin Hospital to name but a few of instantly recognisable projects across the NI skyline, I think to myself – I was part of that. I feel pride.

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

What a question. I have met so many wonderful people and characters throughout my journey its hard to single out any one bit of advice whether from a boss, (yes, line managers used to be called bosses) a colleague, a mentor or a parent.

However, it think the advice that has served me best, particularly in the last part of my career is “count to 10” I generally manage to get to 10 nowadays. The other one from my dad was always to question the status quo.

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

Get away from a computer.

Whether site or office based make a point of getting out there and experiencing the built environment.

Talk to people, don’t email when you can talk. Enjoy it, construction for all

its challenges is a hugely rewarding career.

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

Absolutely. Unfortunately the current situation is frustrating for NI across all walks of life. Major infrastructure projects are awaiting ministerial approval and until this happens and the bottle neck is relieved the industry continues to lag behind the rest of the UK. To me, the only way to bring our talent back to NI is to get these projects on to site.

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

In line with last answer, our industry is experiencing skill shortages in all areas, Project Management, Quantity surveyors,

Planners etc. This coupled with the exodus to GB needs addressed and only these projects starting will help this. We as an industry can also help ourselves along with input from the CEF and the professional bodies such as CIOB and the ICE by initiating talent identification, training, and mentoring programmes. I could go on about attracting investment and corporation tax affecting this but that’s subject matter for another forum and outside the control of our industry in any case. Personally, I think we still have to understand the full impact of Brexit on our economy and therefore on construction.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself…

Ask me ANYTHING about NASA’s Apollo space programme and I will tell you the answer. Most people who know me know about my love of sport but not a lot of people know I’m a Sci-fi nut!

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Calor CPD Courses Register today

It’s all about looking after the little things.

Calor Continuous Professional Development Courses are designed to keep you abreast of the latest developments in energy solutions, for every type of build. Whether you’re involved in planning, designing or building for the domestic or commercial sector, a course with us helps ensure you have the most up-to-date thinking at your disposal.

Call now to find out more 028 9045 5588 or visit calorgas.ie Email cpd@calorgas.ie

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