Specify Magazine: September 2017

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CEF/BDO&SURVEY FINDS CONSTRUCTION O’HARE MCGOVERN SCORE TWICE! PATBURNS BURNS PAT Editor Editor TERRY CRAWFORD PAUL BRADWELL SalesManager Manager Sales SUBSCRIPTIONS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: (UK£18.00 £18.00Outside OutsideUK UK£27.50) £27.50) (UK PUBLISHERS: PUBLISHERS: James&&Gladys GladysGreer Greer James

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COMPANIES PERFORMING – BUT net balance of +48). Private work at the interface of the STRONGLY Commercial activity was also North East and North West WITH CHALLENGES ON THE rising relatively robustly (+23), stands to form a Quadrant.

This HORIZON

For the second year in a row, Newry-based construction company O’Hare & McGovern The first Construction have taken the ‘Overall Employers Federation Award’ at the Specify (CEF)/BDO NorthernCEF Ireland Half-Year State Construction Excellence of Trade Survey has Awards.

revealed the books were full or nearly full The two-thirds Awards Gala Evening saw for of local the firm win the award for construction companies its work on thefirst IFA National during the 6 months of 2017.

The Football Stadium at Windsor positive growth, Park.

The superb new seen 18,000 moststadium clearly in private seater received its official housebuilding and opening the day after the infrastructure work,awards took placeat at a thetime Culloden comes of Hotel.

Itsignificant was built within the confines political and economic of the existing uncertainty Windsor Park – some of which is which remained fully operational beginning throughout theto 98 feed week through into companies’ construction workloadsphase, andfacilitating business over 200,000 spectators planning. spread at of the 63 international and domestic fire. fixtures. The work involved the Four challenges are south clearly emerging demolition of the and – thestands, impact refurbishment on workloads from east andthe lack of a Northern Irelandand Executive; extension of the north west the impact a potential hard Brexit stands. could have on companies otherwise positive growth expectations; the

OHMG curved steel significantdesigned skills shortage across many

trades and; how substantial rises in labour, material and plant costs are impacting on margins and firms’ capacity to reinvest.

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

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curved design helped to create a which is beginning to once again play stadium viewing a full roleto in enhance unlocking the economic experience of the speactators growth and opportunity.” while at the same time Brian Murphy, mitigating thePartner impactatofBDO noise on Northern Ireland said: outside the neighbouring houses “While the construction sector is stadium. battling higher input prices and limited Our congratulations go to the public sector contracts, indicators team OHMG on their success. point at towards a quiet confidence and There wascause. also some with good Buildingcheer work from on the newlatest homesRICS in thereport. first quarter was up 16% year-on-year, major plans are Building activity is still rising underway for new office and retail despite uncertainty in the space and there is the to prospect economy, according the of a £400million capital investment from latest RICS (Royal Institution the Tory-DUP deal over the next two of Chartered Surveyors) and years.

Tughans Northern Ireland Commenting onMarket the challenges Construction Survey.ahead, John Armstrong said: Workloads were still rising in “There arequarter though four clear the third of the year, challenges that are emerging from according to Northern Ireland the survey: industry’s concerns at surveyors, onlysector a verywork a slowdownwith in public modest resulting slowdown from the lackinofactivity a Northern relative to Q2. the impact a Ireland Executive; potential hard Brexit could have on

companies otherwise positive growth Housebuilding remained a key expectations; the significant skillswith source of workload growth, shortage across many trades and; how private housebuilding activity substantial rises in labour, material and rising particularly strongly (a 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

according to the survey.

given that, in reality, there is a public sector capital budget there to be In contrast spent – and however, a budget that itself is infrastructure growing year onworkload year. Industry was also veryremained supportiveweak of the(+5), additional growth £400m of capital expenditure, over and significantly below the UK 2 years, announced as part of the average (+17).

Conservative-DUP deal. It has huge Looking ahead, Northern Ireland potential to create thousands of surveyors are upbeat aboutand the new jobs within the industry prospects growth,infrastructure with a develop keyfor economic net of +50% expecting thatbalance will enhance Northern Ireland’s competitiveness and attractiveness as workloads to be higher in a a region to horizon. do business and invest in.

12-month It is therefore vital that we see those monies allocated soon to make sure Infrastructure spending is still they are spent to their maximum relatively economic low effect.in Northern

Ireland and the latest “We must also face head on the developments in the ongoing uncertainties of Brexit. Invisible York Road Interchange doestrade not barriersconfidence are already becoming evident inspire for the big within the construction industry as government spending projects. some companies question whether Economist John they should tenderSimpson for worklooks in the at the Programme Government Republic of Irelandfor whose build Strategic Investment Boards programmes last beyond March 2019. We cannot and must aspirations for next year not and allow thesesee issues to exacerbate beyond… pages 36 and 37. over the coming months as these concerns could extend further into Pat Burns materials transportation and costs Editor 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.”

Pat Burns -Editor

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017

contents...

10 DIGEST

Co Tyrone family receive a special CIOB commendation, while the BIFM Summit returns to Belfast.

12 COVER STORY

Workpal goes Stateside with Envision Intelligent Solution.

16 ULSTER BUSINESS TOP 100

Graham Construction is the top ranked building company in N Ireland, according to Ulster Business magazine.

18 JOHN SIMPSON

The Northern Ireland economy is growing but at a slower rate than the UK. Growth of about 1.7% pa is less than significant progress…

20 WOODLAND NI

Woodland celebrates 30 years in business with the launch of their new state-ofthe-art Product Development and Marketing Suite.

22 CORE M&E

Core M&E Services Limited was founded in November 2013 by two friends Philip Miley and Stephen Hollinger and is a young company with ambition.

29 CEF / SPECIFY AWARDS

The Construction Industry celebrates excellence as Specify features all the finalists in our special preview.

63 INTERNATIONAL SYNERGIES

The Industrial Symbiosis Service, funded by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered

by International Synergies Ltd Northern Ireland, has achieved economic benefit of over £40million with associated environmental and societal benefits for businesses in Northern Ireland.

66 CITB

CITB NI recently launched a campaign to encourage 100 new apprentices into the local construction industry in an effort to meet a demand for an average of over 700 additional people per year over the next five years and to address the skills shortages in traditional trades such as bricklayers, joiners and roofers.

68 CONCRETE FEATURE

When concrete isn’t just concrete with RTU, while Creagh develops it’s offsite concrete technology.

86 MOTORING

Fiat’s new 4x4 pick-up, the Fullback.

90 INTERVIEW

Specify talks to Michele Atkinson, of Michele Atkinson Surveying…

• 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

07 DIGEST

CITB NI INVEST £100K TO ENCOURAGE 100 APPRENTICES INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CEF Awards

page 29

18 JOHN SIMPSON

The Northern Ireland economy is growing but at a slower rate than the UK. Growth of about 1.7% pa is less than significant progress…

90 Interview

Specify talks to Michele Atkinson, of Michele Atkinson Surveying…

• 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

06 06|

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MAJOR NEW acquires HOMESSolmatix INVESTMENT PLANNED Harvey Group as part of 5 year FOR NORTH WEST growth plan in UK and Ireland.

“These projects and additional long

Braidwater has unveiled plans to build over 400 new Derry NIhomes M&Einservices over the next three Newtownabbey-based years.

The new houses will more than M&Esupport services company, 750 direct and Harvey Group, hasindirect acquired jobs during therenewable build Northern Ireland phase an investment energy in specialists, Solmatix totalling over £60m.

Renewables in a move the companies say will transform For more than 40 years Braidwater the renewable sector has been designing energy and building a in Northern Ireland and act range of high quality homes across as a springboard further Northern Ireland, withfor a strong focus on designinto build, efficiency expansion the multi-and enhancing million lifestyles. pound UK and Ireland renewable energy markets.

LocalThe suppliers will provide acquisition, for an the building materials, and it is expected undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 that more than 30 sub-contractors the the number of people employed from surrounding area will be directly by the Harvey Group employed during the build phase.inThe Northern Ireland and Greatdate Britain. new units have a completion of a turnover 2020With and are part of of the£30 firstmillion phase of £300m worth of long term Group projects and over 80 staff, Harvey Braidwater hasyears’ planned for the north has over 30 experience west area. in the design, installation and maintenance of building services Joe McGinnis, Managing Director every said: conceivable kind£1of ofwithin Braidwater, “For every building type throughout spent in construction £2.84NI, willGB be and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ generated in the local economy. This Cleanrooms, Laboratories, will support a strong local supply chain maintained and grown Education, Government andsince the recession, alongside the and trickle-down Healthcare . Richard Noraheconomic for services, Anne Belleffect founded Solmatixsuppliers etcRenewables generated in through localsince spending 2008, and then when new homes are occupied.

term projects will deliver significant company acquires renewable energy specialists benefits to the local economy

including developer led contributions the company has grown to achieve a to roads of improvements, public turnover £6 million, with 30 staff transport, play parks, neighbourhood operating from its Nutt’s Corner centres, landscape maintenance premises. in conjunction with the Council, As a resultand of retail the deal, Solmatix commercial areas and will continue an for schools.

Thisto willoperate give theasability autonomous independent the district toand maintain a competitive and affordable company withinhousing Harveymarket Group in the long term, providing communities Brian Harvey, managing directorand economic activity that will of Harvey Group, said thereleave was a legacy. ” alasting perfect fit between the two Mr McGinnis added: “We have built organisations. and strengthened our relationships “We planning to with thehave localbeen Council and planners grow our renewables involvement who understand the underlying need for time, either organicallyactivity for some new homes and economic or acquisition of an team in through the norththe west.

The planning within the Council from the top down established player. Having worked haveSolmatix shown their commitment with Renewables on to their services.

We hope to aimproving number of contracts, we’d continue working with the Council to always been impressed with build upon this positive approach and their and long term moveengineering forward onrigour additional professionalism.

In fact, there planned projects in the area. seemed to“This be aaligns natural synergy betweeninward with new planned our two companies in the terms of investment as part of Council’s Strategic Growth Planwe 2032.

WeI plan what we do and how do it. to offer a wider range tenures approached Richard Bellofabout a and product to meet year ago offerings to float the idea ofchanges our in demographics.

Thistogether, will helpbut giveonly the companies coming City a competitive edge in contrast if there was a good fit. After careful with competing areas that are already consideration we stress both agreed suffering housing in regions of that this and would indeed the UK Ireland. ” be mutually

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

Maura Fox,From the Head of Planning beneficial. my perspective, with Derry Cityasand Strabane District having Solmatix part of Harvey Council says her team have been Group gives us a level of expertise working in close partnership with a that would taken us years to the number of have developers from both acquire otherwise. social and private housing sectors, “HarveyBraidwater, Group and including onSolmatix a wide range of development projects across the share similar values, by which I mean Citycommitment and District. to professionalism, our “Collaborative working our desire to deliver ourbetween services the to planning team and the developers the very highest standards, and the is essential to successfully delivering importance we place on treating our sustainable communities throughout customers, suppliers andtransfer our staff the Councilour area.

Since the with courtesy and consideration. of Planning powers from Central” Government thefounder local Council Richard Bell,tothe and two years ago,director the Council has overseen managing of Solmatix the approvaldescribed of approximately 3000 Renewables the acquisition units, while in the past year alone,

havenews successfully delivered aswegreat for Solmatix, its on 367 social suppliers housing units, the highest customers, and staff. number in any Council “In many respects, it’sina Northern case Ireland. of ‘business as usual’. However, in real being part of this with larger “By terms, working in partnership organisation will give the us access to all our stakeholders, Council enhanced technical skills,tofinancial can continue to strive oversee the development of well-planned resources and purchasing power. neighbourhoods with varied Ultimately I believe thisa will leadmix of housing developments and utilities to greater growth and investment that cater for local need and are within our operations, as well as well placed to create exciting and more jobs and jobplaces security.

It’s a to sustainable living for years win-win relationship goodsocial come. The provisionthat’s of quality andour private is a keyaspriority for wholehousing organisation, set out in the Council’s Community well as the economy of Northern Plan/Inclusive Growth Plan,” she said.

Ireland. “

MARTIN & HAMILTON TO START CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SET the Lisburn firm TAL awarded first major construction TO DELIVER 3,000 EXTRA HOTEL WORK ON NEW BALLYMENA contract at Randox Science Park CHURCH BUILDING AND LEISURE

BEDROOMS IN DUBLIN BY 2020 production of Randox’s pioneering The construction industry in Ireland is set to deliver a number of key hotel development projects over the next three years, paving the way for a significant tourist influx and boost to the economy.

WItH a reputation for In 2016, tourism in Ireland brought excellence in constructing highin a revenue of 4.7 billion Euro, a 10% quality projects, tAL Limited increase on 2015 and the demand for has been awarded a significant competitively priced hotel bedrooms contract by global is on a rise(£3.1m) as a result. medical diagnostics company Over the past 12 months, Randox.

Construction Information Services (CIS), leadingisprovider This Ireland’s initial contract for the of researched real-time construction of a newconstruction facility for

project leads, has witnessed an will medical diagnostic products and increase in activity commencing also include associated administrative on-site across the country with many functions.

Theprojects works are the firstor in construction underway phase of a major capital expenditure planning. project

by Randox to develop According to CIS, Dublin’s hotelthestock will riseMassereene by an additional hotel former Army3,000 Barracks bedrooms 2020, aPark’ 15% –increase of into ‘RandoxbyScience a the total R&D current futuristic andstock. 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

FACILITIES

this contract with Randox, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic and exciting businesses on a local Martin & Hamilton has and global level.

Through thewith quality signed a contract ofGreen our workPastures and the dedication and for the professionalism of our TAL has construction ofteam a new Church steadily grownbuilding over the lastand 34 years leisure facilities. and this contract award reinforces the strength of our expertise in the The project will ”comprise a main healthcare sector. auditorium, classrooms, meeting The project will be delivered spaces, studio, cafe, crèche, ancillary to BIM level in partnership offices, gym, 2fitness studio as well as with the design team alterations to the car Ostick parkingand and Williams Architects, Rainey & work.

Best, other ancillary development The scheme will be phased.

Phase Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller 1 is expected to takeand 24 Charles months to Consulting Engineers complete. The Church building will Hutchison Consulting. have seating for 1600 people and will Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing be built over three levels which will

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Director at Randox commented: “The development of Randox Science Park coreplan to our plans to create have isopen malls.

There will also innovative diagnostics, to improve be a GP kids’ facility over two levels. manufacturing The complex isefficiency expectedtotoexport open in autumn 2019. high-value healthcare capabilities to David markets.

Hamilton,This Managing Director world state-of-the-art of Martinwill & Hamilton premises become acommented, centre of “We would like to thank Green cutting-edge research, development Pastures for appointing us as main and diagnostic covering contractor for manufacture, this prestigious project. conditions such as in cancer, stroke On our 50th year business, thisand will bedisease. a landmark project the a heart We will alsofor provide company. We aretolooking forward significant boost the local economy to commencing on site through new jobwork creation.

Weand very engaging with local supply chain much look forward to working with companies. This announcement is TAL this for initial to deliver goodon news thecontract local construction the high quality infrastructure industry which will help sustainweand require. ” employment in the area.” create new

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CITB NI INVEST £100K TO ENCOURAGE Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part100 of 5 year APPRENTICES INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY growth plan intheUK from very startand right throughIreland. to CITB NI has launched a campaign to encourage 100 apprentices into NInew M&E services the local construction Newtownabbey-based industry in an effort to M&E a services company, meet demand for an Harvey Group, has acquired average of over 700 Northern Ireland renewable additional people per year over the next five energy specialists, Solmatix years and to Renewables in aaddress move the the skills shortages in companies say will transform traditional trades the renewable energysuch sector as bricklayers, joiners in Northern and roofers.Ireland and act as a springboard for further expansion into the multiThe initiative comes as factors such poundand UKanand Ireland as million skills shortages aging renewable energythe markets. workforce are putting industry at risk,The creating opportunities acquisition, for an to encourage growth undisclosed sum,amongst will bringemployers to 110 andtheapprentices within sector. number of peopletheemployed With this in CITB NIGroup has in directly bymind the Harvey enhanced apprenticeship grants Northern Ireland and Great Britain. available to CITB NI registered With meaning a turnover of an £30employer million employers that 80 staff, Harvey canand gainover £4000 during the 3Group year hasofover 30 years’ experience cycle training an apprentice in an theadditional design, installation andthe plus £1500 from Department forofthe Economy for maintenance building services employers whoconceivable take on apprentices within every 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

completion of NVQ Level 2 and 3.

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI said, “Construction Employers theNorthern companyIreland has grown to achieve in are not taking a turnover of apprentices £6 million, with 30 staff on enough to help sustain thefrom future the industry. operating its of Nutt’s Corner The recent £400m investment premises. from fordeal, infrastructure AsGovernment a result of the Solmatix will give a well needed will continue to operateboost as anto the sector in the short term but autonomous independent employers canand help develop the company within Harvey growth of the workforceGroup by taking director on Brian much Harvey, neededmanaging apprentices. of Harvey saidcomes there in, was That’s wereGroup, CITB NI we want to help employers a perfect fit between therealise two the importance organisations.of apprenticeships, their value andhave make sureplanning they know “We been to how to go about taking on a young grow our renewables involvement person in an apprenticeship role. for some time, either organically We have ring fenced £100k for 100 or through the acquisition of training an new apprentices in the next established player.

Having worked year. We want employers to make Solmatixretain Renewables on awith difference, the apprentices a number of contracts, we’d make beyond level 2 and potentially them overall part of with the workforce. alwaysanbeen impressed Apprenticeships nurture their engineeringhelp rigour and and develop a skill, that is why weseemed have professionalism.

In fact, there boosted the grants funding to help to be a natural synergy between improve the apprenticeship uptake our two companies within our sector.” in terms of what we do and how we do it. I approached Richard Bell about a year ago to float the idea of our companies coming together, but only if there was a good fit. After careful consideration we both agreed that this would indeed be mutually

company acquires renewable energy specialists

AG ACTIVELY PROMOTING WELL-BEING WITH NEW ACTIVE8 SCHEME TO BETTER TOTAL HEALTH

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

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

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

Richard Bell, the founder and managing director of Solmatix Over thedescribed next few Renewables the acquisition

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

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

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

BELFAST’S ‘JEWEL IN THE CROWN’ TO SPARKLE ONCE AGAIN! months Belfast’s Grand Opera House will be enveloped in scaffolding while the brickwork of the exterior is cleaned, and the iconic masonry repainted. Throughout this time the Theatre this contract with Randox, of will remain open one and Northern Ireland’s most dynamic continue to welcome audience members as and exciting businesses on a local normal. and global level. Through the quality

“The Trust’s investment in enhancing the appearance of the Theatre’s façade reinforces its desire to protect the rich and colourful heritage of this iconic building for future generations. The Trust is also working on ambitious restoration plans that Director at Randox commented: “The will see the Theatre’s auditorium development of Randox Science returned to its glory in time Park is core to former our plans to create for the Grand Opera House’s 125th innovative diagnostics, to improve anniversary in 2020.” 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.”

survey inawarded which the firm’s 431-strong the first major construction Lisburn firm TAL Acheson + Glover is staff were asked to identify the areas pushing the boundaries of most concern to them regarding of its Health & Safety contract at Randox Science Park responsibilities to deliver their health and well-being.

The findings unveiled eight key areas production of Randox’s pioneering which employees, both men and medical rated diagnostic products women, as key to theirand well-will also include associated administrative being: cancer awareness, healthy functions.

The activity, works are the first eating, physical weight management, smoking, alcohol, back phase of a major capital expenditure The Fivemiletown headquartered pain andbystress. project Randox to develop the firm has invested considerable former Massereene Army Barracks time, effort and into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a money in its futuristic R&D and manufacturing ambitiousa aims WItH reputation for facility. The award-winning, by launching a excellence in constructing high international biotechnology firm, specially tailored quality projects, tAL Limited unveiled its plans for an innovative programme has been awarded a significant hub on the 43 acre site earlier this geared toward contract (£3.1m) total physical and by global year. mental health medical diagnostics company Laura Magee, fromWelcoming HR and the (R)announcement, Daniel and well-being.

Randox.

Damien Hughes, Director of TAL McCavery, from Marketing launching the AGThis Activ8 initial contract new is for Active8 the Limited commented: “Wedesigned are scheme for employees, follows a construction of a new facility for delighted to have awarded comprehensive to promote its workforce’s totalbeen well-being.

a dedicated year-long programme designed to promote its workforce’s total well-being.

of our work and the dedication and The Grand Opera House professionalism of our teamwas TAL has designed by the steadily grown over the last 34 years foremost theatre and this contract architect of the award reinforces the strength Victorian era,of our expertise in the healthcare sector.”

Frank Matcham, and opened The projectitswill be delivered doors 232 in partnership to BIM on level December 1895.team Ostick and with the design Today the Theatre Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, is managed by Doran Consulting, the Grand Opera Delap & Waller Consulting House TrustEngineers which and Charles also oversees the Hutchison Consulting. stewardship of the Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing landmark building.

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10 NEW JOBS PROVIDED BY NATIONAL Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year CONSTRUCTION growth plan in UK andSKILLS Ireland. ACADEMY ANI newly-launched M&E services National Construction Newtownabbey-based Skills Academy (NCSA) inM&E Portadown is to services company, provide 10 full-time Harvey Group, has acquired jobs for its first renewable intake of Northern Ireland students. energy specialists, Solmatix Renewables in a move the The NCSA, based at Industry companies say will transform Training Services (ITS), provides the renewable energy tuition across several tradessector in Northern Irelandjoinery, and act including groundworks, as a springboard for further bricklaying, plastering, tiling, structural steel erection into and steel-fixing. expansion the multiItsmillion initial course groundworks, a poundinUK and Ireland unique qualification for markets. the industry, renewable energy already several employers Thehas acquisition, for an pledging to provide jobs for the 10 undisclosed sum, will bring to 110 participants. the number of people employed directly by was the established Harvey Group The centre as ain Northern Ireland and Northern Great Britain. sister-company to ITS, Withlargest a turnover of £30 million Ireland’s provider of health and to andsafety over training 80 staff, solutions Harvey Group the utilities and civil hasconstruction, over 30 years’ experience engineering sectors and beyond. in the design, installation and ITS Managing Director Brendan maintenance of building services Crealey said the commitment from within every conceivable kindfrom of employers illustrated a desire building type throughout NI, GB companies in the construction and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahAnne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

industry to company acquires renewable energy specialists boost the size

and company quality has grown to achieve a the of their of £6 million, with 30 staff turnover workforce.from its Nutt’s Corner operating He premises. commented: As a result of the deal, Solmatix will continue to operate as an “The Academy autonomous has been set and independent up because company within Harvey Group many of Harvey, managing director Brian ourHarvey clients,Group, said there was of some aincluding perfect fit between the two of Northern organisations.

Ireland’s “We building have been planning to largest Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth grow our renewables involvement Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group). and utilities for some firms, havetime, toldeither organically as great news for Solmatix, its beneficial. From my perspective, or us through a major the acquisition of an customers, suppliers and staff. having Solmatix as part of Harvey skills shortage established player. Having worked “In many respects, it’s a case Group gives us a level of expertise is hampering with Solmatix Renewables on of ‘business as usual’. However, in that would have taken us years to growth atheir number of contracts, we’d plans. real terms, being part of this larger acquire otherwise.

Jordan always been impressed with McGeown from Lurgan with Terry McCrum, (Morrow Contacts) organisation will give us access to “Harvey Group and Solmatix their rigour andand Brenden Crealey, ITS “Ourengineering first enhanced technical skills, financial share similar values, by which I mean professionalism.

In fact, there seemed intake of resources and purchasing power. our commitment to professionalism, to be a natural from employers.” Among firms AG Wilson, NuLine students will synergy between Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to our two companies in terms of to have committed to take on Utilities, Mills Contracts, RMG now have a clear pathway into a to greater and growth investment the verygraduates highest standards, and the course are McNicholas contracts Coleand Groundwork job atwe thedoend the we groundworks what andofhow do it. I within our operations, as well as Construction, Contracts. importance weMorrow place onContracts, treating our course, suchRichard is the interest approached 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

UFORM COMPLETES MAJOR £3M EXPANSION CREATING 40 NEW JOBS

A Toomebridge-based kitchen component supplier has completed a £3m expansion of its premises, creating 40 new jobs in the last year. Part of the investment was funded

by Danske Bank.

1,000 kitchens a week for retailers in the UK and Ireland.

The latest expansion is part three of a four phase development to help the business reachpioneering production of Randox’s this contract with Randox, one of Director at Randox commented: “The the targets set outproducts in its and will medical diagnostic Northern Ireland’s most dynamic development of Randox Science strategic plan. also include associated administrative and exciting businesses on a local Park is core to our plans to create Simon Oliphant, functions. The works are the first and global level. Through the quality innovative diagnostics, to improve Managing Director at phase a major capital expenditure of our work and the dedication and manufacturing efficiency to export Uform,ofsaid: “Three project by Randox to develop the professionalism of our team TAL has high-value healthcare capabilities to years ago we started former steadily grown over the last 34 years world markets. This state-of-the-art workingMassereene on a long Army Barracks Brian Shane, Corporate Banking Danske term‘Randox plan toScience grow Park’ – aPictured (l-r) into and are this contract award reinforces premisesManager will becomeata centre of the business.

Bank; Eamon Donnelly, Chairman; Oliphant, Managing Director futuristic R&D With and manufacturing the strength of our expertise inSimon the cutting-edge research, development phase three recently facility.

The award-winning, healthcare sector. ” diagnostic manufacture, covering and Paul Donnelly, Director (all Uform) withand Geoff Sharpe, Head of completed, we have international biotechnology firm, The project will be delivered conditions such as cancer, stroke and Corporate at Danske Bank added another 60,000 unveiled its plans for an innovative to BIM level 2 in partnership heart disease. We will also provide a sq. ft of additional hub on the 43 bringing acre site earlier this with the design team Ostick and significant boost to the local economy factory space, increase our efficiencies, capacity and additional land surrounding our year.

Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, through facility new jobsocreation.

Welooking very our premises to 122,000 sq. ft. quality whilst adding significantly to current we will be We’ve carriedthe outannouncement, two major factory Doran Welcoming Consulting, Delap & Waller much look forward to working with our product portfolio.” to further extend the factory and extensions and invested Damien Hughes, Directorinoftwo TAL new Consulting TAL on this contractcentre. to deliver He added: “Engineers and Charles improve ourinitial distribution We state of commented: the art paint“We lines.areThe The company has grown rapidly with have alsoquality set ourselves a target Limited Hutchison Consulting. the high infrastructure weof technology is a first for our sector in turnover increasing from £8.6m to reaching delighted to have been Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing require.” a turnover of £34m by 2019 the UK and Ireland andawarded will greatly £22.8m in four years. We have some which we feel is a realistic goal.”

Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction contract at Randox Science Park Uform was founded in 1993 by the Donnelly family and specialises in the manufacture and wholesale of kitchen furnishings. Today, the business employs 165 staff and recently received the award of WItH a reputation forBrand.

Best Overall UK Kitchen A longstanding relationship with excellence in constructing high manufacturers in Italy Uform quality projects, tALmeans Limited imports materials has beena majority awardedofaits significant before customising them to meet contract by global the needs (£3.1m) of the retailer.

The medical company company diagnostics works in tandem with the Randox. manufactures to design and innovate anThis aspirational and inspirational initial contract is for the product portfolio.

Currently the construction of a new facility for business is distributing upwards of

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digest digest

06|

|09

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year BODY FOR INTEGRATED APPROACH growthCALLS plan in UK and Ireland.

AS SOLUTION TO FLOODING

NI M&E services Against the backdrop ofNewtownabbey-based significant flood damage in the north M&E services company, west in Group, recenthasweeks Harvey acquired and future predictions Northern Ireland renewable ofenergy morespecialists, heavy rainfall, Solmatix the Professionals Council Renewables in a move the ofcompanies the Northern say will Ireland transform Construction Groupsector the renewable energy (NICG) highlighted in Northern Ireland andthe act benefits of an integrated as a springboard for further catchment-led expansion into theapproach multitomillion water management at pound UK and Ireland arenewable recent conference for energy markets. members in Belfast.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will bring to 110

The umbrella group representing the 18 number of people employed over different professional directly by the Harvey Group in bodies within the construction Northern Ireland and Ireland Great Britain. industry in Northern has a turnover of £30 million said With greater integration in how the andstaff, private sectors andpublic over 80 Harvey Group work can alleviate the increased has over 30 years’ experience threat flooding the and province in thefrom design, installation is maintenance facing. of building services At the event expert speakers within every conceivable outlined the need for kind of building type to throughout GB interventions improveNI, land andwater RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ and management with Cleanrooms, Laboratories, sensitivity to our river catchments.

“AEducation, top-down approach and and an Government awareness responsibilities Healthcareof. the Richard and Norah- of Anne Bell founded Solmatix Renewables in 2008, and since then

company acquires renewable energy specialists all stakeholders is a pre-requisite

to tackling of the companythe haschallenges grown to achieve a flood management,” said NICG turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff Chairman Martin Hare. “This operating from its Nutt’s conference proves the Corner benefits premises. of an integrated approach and Aswe a result theskills deal,within Solmatix that haveofthe the will continueto to tackle operate as challenges an profession the we face.” and independent autonomous The audience company within which Harveyincluded Group public private sectordirector Brianand Harvey, managing construction professionals from of Harvey Group, said there was architects and landscape designers, atoperfect fit between the two heard engineers and planners organisations. about best practice examples have of “We getting it been right planning such as to the grow our renewables involvement confluence of the Mourne and Finnsome catchments at organically Strabane / for time, either Lifford in the known or through the area acquisition of as an ‘Three Rivers’. Not onlyHaving do some of the established player. worked largest flood Renewables flows on the with Solmatix onisland of Ireland converge here, but the a number of contracts, we’d interests of many stakeholders always been impressed on both sides of the with border their engineering rigourduring and the had to be balanced professionalism.

In fact, there seemed project carried out by consulting engineers, RPS.synergy between to be a natural Thetwo work carried inout by local our companies terms of floodwe riskdospecialist, what and how McCloy we do it. I Consulting, Richard at two Bell Urban renewal approached about a sites by Sheffield City Council and year ago to float the idea of our London Borough of Hammersmith companies coming but only and Fulham Localtogether, Authorities also ifdemonstrates there was a good fit.

After careful multiple benefits 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).

can be achieved applying an beneficial.

From mybyperspective, integrated catchment having Solmatix as part ofmanagement Harvey and sustainable drainage approach Group gives us a level of expertise as part of the design process. that would have taken us years “These schemes show that to acquire otherwise. adopting a green infrastructure “Harvey to Group andmanagement Solmatix approach water can reduce flooding and inI turn share similar values, by which mean the commitment number of properties at our to professionalism, risk.desire Rather taking space to our to than deliver our services from water, it makes space for the veryand highest standards, and the water in doing so enhances importance we place on treating our biodiversity, recreation and local customers, suppliers our staff character. our Creating theand structures to realise these is the with courtesy and synergies consideration. ” realRichard challenge for founder water managers Bell, the and and policy makers the future,” managing director of into Solmatix Renewables described the acquisition

continued Martin Hare. its as great news for Solmatix, Conference speakers customers, suppliers and included staff.

Andrew Jackson, a Director with “In many respects, it’s a case RPS who has experience in all of ‘business usual’.

However, in aspects of asflood risk management; real terms,Quigley, being part this larger Brendan anofexpert in organisation will giveand us access to flood risk analysis hydrology; Peter Mullin, a Chartered enhanced technical skills, financial Landscape Architect and Chair of resources and purchasing power. the NI Environment Land Ultimately I believe this Links will lead Matters Task Force; as well as the to greater growth and investment sustainable drainage and flood risk within our Anthony operations,McCloy as well as specialist MD of more jobsConsulting. and job security. It’s a McCloy win-win good Caption:relationship Floodingthat’s caused damage to our the whole main A6 Belfast toasDerry for organisation, roadasinthe August well economy of Northern Ireland. “

Wirefox, companypioneering behind the productionthe of Randox’s

redevelopment be around this contract withwill Randox, one of

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

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

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

projects Northern Ireland.

Director across at Randox commented: “The Commenting onScience the development of Randox plan, Wirefox Investment Park is core to our plans to create Director, Steven Flannery, innovative said:diagnostics, to improve

WIREFOX UNVEILS PLANS FOR £45 MILLION BELFAST Lisburn firm TAL awarded the firstDEVELOPMENT major construction CITY CENTRE GRADE A OFFICE will be able to Science accommodate development which was founded £45 million. Wirefox has already Plans by Wirefoxat to Randox contract Park around 2,000 office workers. in 2014, says the cost of the invested over £225 million in redevelop the Oxford & Gloucester buildings on Chichester Street in Belfast, went on public display recently as part of a consultation process.

The revised and updated CPD The buildings and adjacent WItH a reputation for lands, which will be renamed `The Paper in Exchange’, will behigh excellence constructing redeveloped to create 200,000 quality projects, tAL Limited square feet of state-of-the-art has been awarded a significant Grade `A’ office space in central contract (£3.1m) by global Belfast. It is expected that medical diagnostics company around 100 jobs will be created Randox. during the construction phase contract is for the ofThis the initial project.

It is estimated construction of athat newonce facility for complete the Paper Exchange

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manufacturing efficiency to export high-value healthcare capabilities “The shortage of GradetoA office space in Belfast has world markets.

This state-of-the-art been well publicised. premises will become a centreThe of proposed development cutting-edge research, development will provide a best-in-class and diagnostic covering office inmanufacture, a core Central conditions such as cancer, stroke Business District area ofand heart disease.

We willbelieve also provide the City.

We the a design prime significant boostand to the localcentral economy be hugely throughlocation new job will creation.

We very attractive to and much look forward todomestic working with international corporations, TAL on this initial contract to deliver and a major draw for the the highcalibre quality of infrastructure employee we they require.will ” seek to attract.”

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

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

06| 10|

digest digest

Harvey Group acquires SolmatixCOMMENDED as part of 5 year CO.TYRONE FAMILY growth plan in UK and Ireland.

Special acknowledgement was paid to Co.Tyrone M&E contractor Michael Nugent and his family who received one Newtownabbey-based CIOB membership, M&E services company, two Fellowships and Harvey Group, has acquired a Chartered Building Northern Ireland Company (CBC) renewable award energy specialists, Solmatix recently in the historic surroundings the the Renewables in of a move Mansion House intransform Dublin. companies say will

NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists

the renewable energy sector In in all Northern nine Members, fourteen Ireland and act Fellows and one Chartered Building as a springboard for Company were conferred.further expansion into welcomed the multiThey were warmly by million pound UK and Ireland Michael Gallagher, Chairperson of the renewable energy CIOB Dublin Hub who markets. commended the new on The members acquisition,and forfellows an their commitment undisclosed sum,to willprofessionalism bring to 110 and which is theachieving number excellence of people employed imperative today’s construction directly byin the Harvey Group in industry.

Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Mrs Bridget Bartlett, Deputy Chief With of a turnover £30 million Executive the CIOBofcongratulated over 80 and staff,she Harvey Group theand conferees acknowledged has over 30 years’ experience the part that families had played the design, in in assisting theminstallation to achieveand their charterships andoffellowships.

In her maintenance building services address emphasisedkind the of within Bridget every conceivable importance of good ethical NI, practice building type throughout GB and a commitment to quality in all and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/ aspects of delivery as Chartered Cleanrooms, Laboratories, professionals.

Education, Government and Healthcare . Richard and NorahCllr Ruairi McGinley represented founded Solmatix theAnne LordBell Mayor of Dublin and spoke about the valueinof2008, quality Renewables andconstruction since then to the city of Dublin.

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

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

“We have been planning to grow our renewables involvement for some time, either organically or through the acquisition of an established player. Having worked with Solmatix Renewables on a number of contracts, we’d always been impressed with their engineering rigour and professionalism. In fact, there seemed to be a natural synergy between our two companies in terms of Members Raftery what weAhern do and how we do it. I Ronan Brett Richard Bell about a approached Brianago Kane year to float the idea of our Michael Kerr companies coming together, but only Marc Nugent ifTerence there was a good fit. After careful O’Neill consideration Kevin Reilly we both agreed that this would Cormac Smyth indeed be mutually Nick Whelan

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

as great news for Solmatix, its beneficial. From my perspective, customers, suppliers and staff. having Solmatix as part of Harvey “In many respects, it’s a case Group gives us a level of expertise of ‘business as usual’. However, in that would have taken us years to real terms, being part of this larger acquire otherwise. organisation will give us access to “Harvey Group and Solmatix Ryansimilar , Brenda, Michael, Michaela, Marc Nugent being technical presentedskills, with financial their enhanced share values, by which I mean accreditations by to Bridgett Bartlett, Deputy Chief Executive of the CIOB.power. resources and purchasing our commitment professionalism, Ultimately I believe this will lead our desire to deliver our services to James O’Connor Fellows to greater and investment the very highest standards, and the John Reid growth Aubyn Thompson David Mark Hanna Traceyour Gregory Wilsonas well as within operations, Barry Keenan importance we place on treating our Michael Keogh more jobs and job security. It’s a customers, our suppliers and our staff Brigidcourtesy McGuigan win-winChartered relationship that’s good with and consideration.”

Building Bernard McLoughlin Company (CBC) for our whole organisation, as Richard Bell, the founder and Robert Millar Michael Nugent from well as the economy of Northern managing director of Solmatix Brendan Moley Ireland. “ Michael Nugent Ltd Renewables described the acquisition Michaela Nugent Ryan Nugent

Lisburn firm TAL awarded first major BIFM IRELAND SUMMIT the RETURNS TOconstruction BELFAST industry expertsScience to give unique Keith Halliday, The British Institute contract atof Randox Park insights into the new and best BIFM Ireland Facilities Management

(BIFM) Ireland FM Summit will return to Belfast on 17th November 2017, when facilities management professionals gather at the newly refurbished National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

WItH a reputation for Now in its 21st year The BIFM Ireland excellence in constructing high FM Summit has become one of the quality projects, tAL Limited highlights in the calendars of FM has been awarded a significant professionals and those working on contract (£3.1m) by the periphery of the FMglobal industry from medical diagnostics company across Ireland and beyond.

Featuring both local and international Randox. speakers andcontract exhibitors thethe This initial is for summit will bring together facilities construction of a new facility for management professionals and

practices ofoffacilities management, production Randox’s pioneering ensuring the efficient and profitable medical diagnostic products and will running of businesses. This year’s also include theme, ‘The associated Internet ofadministrative Things’, will functions.

The works are the first examine facilities management as it phase of a new majordigital capital expenditure embraces communications technologies. project

by Randox to develop the former Massereene Army Barracks The ‘Randox Internet Science of ThingsPark’ examines into –a how devices can be used beyond futuristic R&D and manufacturing the traditional computing norms facility.

The intelligence award-winning, to provide everywhere international biotechnology around us. Automation can firm, allow us to adjustits thermostats, doors, unveiled plans for anopen innovative monitor health, and site simplify tasks hub on the 43 acre earlier thissuch as to do lists at the touch of a button year. or even the flick of a wrist. Removing Welcoming the announcement, simple chores from our everyday life Damien Hughes, Director of TAL enables us to maintain better focus at Limited commented: “We arerelax with work or gives us more time delighted have been awarded family andtofriends.

Region this contract with Randox, one of Director at Randox commented: “The committee Northern Ireland’s most dynamic development of Randox Science member said, and exciting businesses on a local Park is core to our plans to create “We are and globalto level. innovative diagnostics, to improve delighted be Through the quality of our work manufacturing efficiency to export bringing our and FM the dedication and Summit back of our team TAL has professionalism high-value healthcare capabilities to to Belfast for over the last 34 years steadily grown world markets. This state-of-the-art 2017this to contract such and award reinforces premises will become a centre of an iconic venue. the strength of our expertise in the cutting-edge research, development The Internet of healthcare sector. ” and diagnostic Things will most Ray Taylor of Aramaik with Keithmanufacture, Halliday, BIFMcovering Ireland.

The project conditions such as cancer, stroke and certainly be thewill be delivered driving force2ofin partnership to BIM level heart disease. We will also provide a Aramark returns as the chief sponsor change possibilities for the with theand design team Ostick andFM significant boost to the local economy this year, with Compass, H&J Martin and services industry in the coming Williams Architects, Rainey & Best, through new on jobboard creation.

We very and Sodexo as supporting years. FM as an industry continues to Doran Consulting, Delap & Waller much look forward to working with sponsors. grow rapidly throughout the UK and Consulting and Charles TAL on this initial contract to deliver Ireland andEngineers the profession has come For high further information or booking Hutchison Consulting. the quality infrastructure we a long way locally thanks to BIFM and visit https://www.regonline.com/ DrIreland Peter FitzGerald, Managing ” our region, which has in excess require. irelandconference2017 of 400 members.”

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12| WorkPal

WorkPal goes Stateside with Envision Intelligent Solutions

Amanda Campbell, General Manager at Envision Intelligent Solutions with Ben Magowan and Ian Megahey from WorkPal Envision Intelligent Solutions, who design, install and monitor a range of security products and services throughout the UK, Ireland and the US has increased productivity and generated greater profits all while getting rid of its paper based system thanks to WorkPal. WorkPal is a mobile and desktop app which streamlines workflow, with job management, time tracking, job reports and invoicing all from the palm of your hand.

Using the mobile app, workers have access to customised job sheets, can be guided easily through their tasks and can report back instantaneously on the progress. WorkPal manages jobs from assignment to invoicing, which can all be done from anywhere, even out in the field.

Envision stand out not only in

the security sector, but also in the world of business. They take a unique and innovative approach to provide customers with increased security protection at a reduced cost. WorkPal’s customisable reporting tool allows Envision to create reports in minutes, rather than days, allowing for quicker communication with customers.

to ensuring customer needs and requirements are met to the fullest potential.

“Installing WorkPal has transformed the way we operate, from job scheduling to reports,

everything is more efficient, allowing us to spend more time developing the business and less time trawling through paper work.

“Since using the system WorkPal has made a huge difference in the

Philip Murdock, Managing Director of Envision said: “At Envision, we aim to deliver affordable and innovative security solutions that meet our customers’ needs, and provide ultimate protection.

“We are experts in security, and use our extensive knowledge to provide the highest quality protection to our customers’ assets.

“Our dedicated team give 100% Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

WorkPal| 13 company for the last 4 years, utilising a multi-network roaming SIM for enhanced network connection on our alarm systems.

“This partnership has benefited our clients ranging from businesses such as Lookers, to Charles Hurst and Trust Ford.

“Having this transparency and trust with our clients is so important to us, and implementing WorkPal has strengthened these relationships. We’re excited to see how it will grow our business as we develop in US markets.”

Ben Magowan, Business Development Manager at WorkPal said: “With sites right across the UK, Envision’s highly skilled engineers are constantly on the go, working to ensure their customers receive top quality maintenance and care.

WorkPal can be uniquely integrated with a company’s own internal systems, way our company operates, and the team morale reflects that.

signatures and asset management all from the app.

“The transition from our paper based system has been seamless, WorkPal’s dedicated project management team has guided us through every step, and I wouldn’t look back at a paper based system now.

“Our clients benefit from less paper, less admin time, more profit and overall a more transparent experience between them and their customers.

“WorkPal has allowed us to free up time previously spent on admin and put this directly back into the business, making our workforce more productive and ultimately benefitting our customers.”

Ian Megahey, Head of WorkPal Sales said: “WorkPal can be uniquely integrated with a company’s own internal systems, and is extremely user friendly, with completely bespoke packages available.

“Envision was using a number of paper-based forms for each job, the delay in getting job reports and information back to the office, as well as the time taken for data re-entry was proving inefficient and expensive.

“With Workpal, Envision is able to manage their business remotely through online job allocation, job sheets, KPI reporting, photos,

“With features including GPS, time tracking and management, WorkPal increases productivity and allows our clients to capture costs more accurately, putting an end to under billing or under estimating job times by improving quotes.

“One of the most attractive aspects of WorkPal for our customers is WorkPal forms.

When setting up your WorkPal install your paper based forms will be developed as part of the system. Data captured from the app will automatically sync back to the desktop providing your forms for email and export, meaning documents can’t be lost.

“Using WorkPal, businesses have saved up to £30,000 per year in administration costs, allowing the money to be put back into the business.

“The bespoke nature of WorkPal means it’s as affordable and flexible as companies require, ultimately

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saving money and growing profits.”

In the past year, Envision has expanded into the US market, working primarily in Boston.

Envision has ambitious growth plans for this area and is currently working at phasing WorkPal into US operations by 2018.

Amanda Campbell, General Manager at Envision said: “Since implementing WorkPal, we’ve noticed a massive improvement in our time management and obviously a reduction in paper consumption.

“We’ve utilised WorkPal across our installation teams, monitoring teams, control room team and our site surveyors. We can now send out incident reports via our client portal on the app, as opposed to manually emailing each customer, meaning our customers are receiving these reports in real time.

“Envision has been an Internet of Things (IoT) customer with Barclay Communications, WorkPal’s sister

“Envision needed to ensure mobile workers and customers had a transparent way of working together, and be able to push out information in real time – which WorkPal enables them to do.

“With mirrored company values of service, delivery, exceeding expectations and a client focus, Envision is the perfect example of how WorkPal can work within a company.

“Our sister company, Barclay Communications already provide over 500 sim cards for Envision’s mobile monitoring devices, some of which are already used in the US, so it’s an interesting time for WorkPal to see how we can aid Envision’s growth.

“We’re delighted with the results Envision has achieved with WorkPal so far, and are excited to see how this will develop in 2018.”

For more information on how WorkPal can transform your business and put an end to your paperwork, contact one of the WorkPal team on 028 9027 1777, info@ yourworkpal.com or visit yourworkpal.com

14| Top 100

Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies break revenue record The 100 biggest companies in Northern Ireland have shrugged off political turmoil and economic uncertainty to post record turnover in the last year.

Those are the findings of the latest Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies listing, sponsored

by A&L Goodbody, which has revealed a jump in revenue of £322m for the collective to an alltime high of £23.3bn.

It ranks companies by turnover to give an indication of how much they put in to the Northern Ireland economy.

Profit also climbed by 16% to £932.7m from £804m.

The stellar performance shows the resilience and energy of Northern

Ireland companies, according to Ulster Business editor David Elliott.

“To have posted such a solid performance in light of the uncertainty created by Brexit and the stalemate at Stormont highlights the robustness of our biggest businesses,” he said. “They have concentrated on growing their businesses in the prevailing conditions and proved once again to have the talent and industry to compete with the best in the world.”

When it comes to individual performance, the agri-food sector has once again dominated the leaderboard with meat processor Moy Park taking the top spot for the sixth consecutive year.

It recorded turnover of £1.437bn

last year, up from £1.379bn the previous year.

Construction companies in the Top 100 were headed up by Graham Construction at number ten,

with McLaughlin & Harvey rising 26 places to take 15th spot. NI Water was just behind them at 16 with quarry and plant handling manufacturer Terex at 17.

Andrew Richards, Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Moy Park, is pictured with Ulster Business Editor David Elliott. Moy Park took the top spot in the listing for the sixth consecutive year.

Rank

Company Name

Latest turnover

Previous turnover

1

Moy Park Ltd

1,437,400,000

1,378,800,000

2

W&R Barnett Ltd

946,092,628

815,089,180

3

Dunbia Ltd

787,512,000

826,523,032

4

Glen Electric Ltd

723,228,000

765,491,000

5

Short Brothers Plc

706,036,000

744,883,000

6

John Henderson (Holdings) Ltd

699,321,556

659,118,922

7

Ballyvesey Holdings Ltd

612,921,303

561,170,171

8

Lcc Group Ltd

541,367,508

528,203,434

9

Caterpillar (Ni) Ltd

537,045,000

600,126,000

10

John Graham Holdings Ltd

507,891,000

490,941,000

Construction Companies in the Ulster Business Top 100 Rank

Rank

Company

2017

2016

10

14

John Graham Holdings

15

41

McLaughlin & Harvey

16

16

17

20

28

Year Ending

Turnover £000s

Profit/Loss

Net Worth

Latest Sales

Previous Sales

£000s

£000s

31/03/2016

507,891

490,941

17,168

44,397

31/12/2016

427,095

81,202

5,537

38,709

NI Water

31/03/2016

413,525

425,598

99,141

1,238,924

Terex GB Ltd

31/12/2015

387,061

377,711

23,440

40,420

23

Northstone NI

31/12/2015

261,408

298,247

4,354

100,840

35

46

FP McCann

31/12/2016

226,955

168,681

18,457

33,306

36

36

Lagan Construction Group

31/03/2016

225,598

202,180

7,554

29,779

42

41

Trench Holdings (McL&H)

31/12/2016

179,871

200,882

2,878

14,904

58

63

Gilbert-Ash

31/12/2015

117,328

73,092

201

8,860

59

85

O'Hare & McGovern

31/12/2015

117,080

78,571

-4,225

9,173

64

54

Brett Martin

31/12/2015

109,813

109,960

4,732

38,677

67

68

Kingspan Environmental

31/12/2015

97,058

99,291

2,752

34,278

73

74

Haldane Shiells

31/12/2015

89,061

88,231

3,115

26,486

79

83

MacNaughton Blair

31/12/2015

83,038

79,326

5,264

9,742

82

94

Creagh Concrete

31/03/2017

79,926

69,796

3,288

14,088

Severfield (formerly Fisher Engr)

31/03/2016

69,662

52,719

5,701

23,085

Vaughan Engineering

31/03/2016

68,567

62,582

-852

3,502

McCloskey International

30/09/2015

67,645

51,740

6,400

16,027

94 95 97

100

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Top 100 |15

Graham Construction – ready for the challenges ahead…

Michael Graham, Group Executive Chairman of Graham Construction at the top of one of the company’s current projects, the Grand Central Hotel on Belfast’s Bedford Street

The top of what will soon be The Grand Central Hotel on Belfast’s Bedford Street offers surely one of the best views in the city.

There is no corner hidden from atop the tallest commercial building on the island of Ireland but, while the vista is impressive, the building would need to be much, much taller were it to encompass the full geography of Graham Construction’s project base.

The company which is developing Northern Ireland’s largest hotel – currently at 304 bedrooms - for Hasting Hotel Group is involved in jobs throughout Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and in the Republic.

It is headquartered in Dromore but has offices in Belfast and Dublin as well as in nearly every major city in GB from Aberdeen down to London.

As well as its construction division, it also encompasses an Investment Project arm to manage public private partnerships and an asset management arm which includes facilities management, highway

maintenance and environmental services.

It’s that spread which has stood it in good stead for a very long time, with the company able to trace its roots back to before 1778, and remains in private ownership by the Graham family.

It has been involved in countless landmark projects throughout Northern Ireland but it wasn’t until 1985 that it made its first venture into England, then Scotland and Wales.

In 1997 it started picking up business across the border in the Republic, initially working on the Dun Laoghaire/Dundalk bypass.

Now it is now one of the biggest infrastructure construction companies in the UK and Ireland and, as the Top 100 listings shows, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest companies.

It has got to that position through hard work and a providing a high level of service to clients, according to Michael Graham, the Group Executive Chairman.

“We understand that it is incumbent on us to help our customers achieve their aims,” he

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commented in the Graham site office at the Grand Central Hotel.

“That comes down to trying to find clever ways of doing things so that we can take unnecessary costs out of achieving their aim.

“We find that the earlier we get involved in the process, the more opportunity there is for us to do that.”

It must be working given the company’s forward order book is standing at around £1.1bn but such an approach will only work if implemented properly.

“We structure the business appropriately and have really strong teams in place with technical people who work hard to get it right and who are ambitious,” Mr Graham said. “Our people understand it’s about building places people can enjoy.

“We have a hands-on approach with a really strong team made up of people who have come through the trade or university.

We spend a lot of time developing the team through training in the Graham Academy and make sure we structure it so it works for everyone.”

In addition, he said providing opportunities for ambitious people is key to the longer-term future of the firm.

“People are ambitious so you have to create opportunities for them.

If you do that they will drive the business forward and all of the directors recognise that we need to encourage others to take the mantle.

“More importantly you have to be there to provide support and guidance where appropriate because I understand clearly that the value we create is on site. While I have to turn up and get my picture taken it’s the guys out on site which are the really important people and I never forget that.

“If we don’t offer opportunities to those guys then they’ll go somewhere else, it’s as simple as that.”

So what does the future hold?

“We’re in a good place right now but we need to make sure we keep creating opportunities and provide the right environment to keep doing what clients want. That’s a challenge, but we like challenges.”

Petal’s world of colour As a leading washroom cubicle manufacturer, Petal continually review and refresh the pallet of colours and texture available within their range.

Now, with the launch of two new colour collections, Petal’s standard range has extended to almost 100 colour options selected from leading laminate manufacturers including Formica.

Performance options Each of the colour options has been chosen for their practicality and is available in a range of material options which provide the ability to perform in the most demanding applications. Compact grade laminate is the best choice for use in areas experiencing high levels of humidity and wear and tear.

For less demanding applications the use of High Pressure Laminate on a range of core boards also provides excellent performance.

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petal.co.uk

Design Assistance The new colour cards contain useful technical details and include Light Reflectance Values for those seeking to comply with DDA guidelines. The colour cards are available to download instantly from the Petal website, however full sample cards are also available on request via the contact us button on the site or by contacting Petal directly.

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

Contact Petal Tel. 028 6862 1766

Email. sales@petal.co.uk

18| JOHN SIMPSON

UNCERTAINTY IS UNHELPFUL AND IS INCREASING.

by John Simpson

Hagan Homes have started work on a ÂŁ4.8m development. Pictured are Trevor Kennedy, Brendan Mallon and Jim Burke.

The Northern Ireland economy is growing but at a slower rate than the UK. Growth of about 1.7% pa is less than significant progress and the overall UK position is lagging that of some of the other main European countries.

Ten years ago the financial crisis hit the UK and Irish economies hard and harshly. Property developers and their construction industry clients were hit by the significant erosion of confidence in property values, linked to the emerging gap between property values and the level of outstanding borrowing.

In Ireland, NAMA was born. In the UK the government took unprecedented steps to avoid the failure of some of the banks.

NAMA served its purpose more successfully than some expected.

Of course there were casualties

but fewer than predicted.

Ironically, some of those with barely adequate resources have survived and recovered from the embrace of NAMA. Repurchasing property at written down values against reshaped lending gave a softer exit to some (but not all) developments that initially might have been fatally damaged.

After ten years of sustained support for the financial institutions, there has been progress in rebuilding bank balance sheets and the ability to seek funds for new projects on a more normal commercial basis. But‌ normal business has not

been restored and the economic landscape is far from stable.

In Northern Ireland, the property landscape remains uncertain:

uncertain because (a) there is still a hangover of negative equity, particularly in the housing market, (b) there is major uncertainty on the path towards Brexit and,

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JOHN SIMPSON | 19 indeed, (c) in the likely final shape of a Brexit deal.

On top of that mix of uncertainty there must be added the emerging decision making difficulties in a regional Government with devolved responsibilities which, as we write, lacks an agreed budget for the public sector for this financial year, 2017-18. This budget uncertainty is slowly but surely leaving a series of unanswered policy issues as well as a slowdown in the development of public sector capital projects which await Ministerial endorsement.

In that context, there has emerged as a new additional complication, the lack of clarity (to put the thought at its lowest significance) on how and when the political deal between the DUP and the UK Government might allow some of the extra spending scheduled over the next 2/3 years to take place.

technical standards, and business linkages. Whatever shape that that outcome generates, there is a more significant longer term concern for both parts of this island.

When the UK leaves the EU there will be considerable uncertainty on how this will impact the flows of trade and investment, into and out of the UK. Although early assessments of these effects have largely been made on the basis of aspirational logic, with Brexiteers talking about new opportunities (largely unspecified) and former remainers concerned about a diversion of FDI (or international investment) away from the UK and, therefore, NI.

Recent evidence, from reports about business expectations, points strongly to the UK being a net loser of FDI and employment.

The world of financial business is already showing interest in partial relocation and movement either to Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin.

Manufacturers and distributors are showing more interest in continued locations in the EU than remaining in the UK. In the short-term, after a Brexit agreement is signed (or in its absence) Northern Ireland is more likely to experience a fall in inward investment activity.

In turn, cautious pessimism about investment and jobs will spill into

other sectors. The housing market remains scarred by the carry-over of negative equity. House building is still well below what should be sustainable levels and seems likely to remain so.

Put all these factors into the mix that generates the level of economic activity and then adjust for the lack of an Executive Budget and a delayed capital programme and the prospects for 2018-19 are worrying.

What, now, could make this conclusion less worrying? Perhaps there is now an unavoidable loss of momentum at least until the Brexit deal is finalised.

To minimise the possible disruption or distortion that may follow the Brexit negotiations, as the Irish Prime Minister has argued, ideally the UK-Ireland relationship should be supported in its present form by a special trade and payments agreement between the EU and UK that gives the UK the continuing benefits of the equivalent of participation in the EU Single Market and the Customs Union.

The Irish Prime Minister would presumably make that case in Brussels and, at a financial cost, the EU might be prepared to agree.

However, the UK Government has, at least for the present, taken the contentious stance that continued EU participation on that basis would be too constraining on other options that may be developed by the UK in relation to trading agreements elsewhere in the world.

Treating these as mutually exclusive options appears to be an unnecessary constraint: logically both might be sought, but the terms may be difficult to negotiate.

For Northern Ireland the terms of an agreed, or even a disagreed, Brexit outcome will be of major significance. An agreed outcome would, ideally, find a solution that avoided the creation of an economic border and the legal consequences for tariffs,

The recent visit of the Antiques Roadshow to Stormont brought some life back to an otherwise silent building

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CEL EBR AT ING

YE A R S IN B U S INE S S

DESIGN IS OUR THING. Woodland design, build and install kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom furniture across the hospitality spectrum:

Hotels | Apart-hotels Student accommodation Nursing homes Residential

Our detail driven approach to the design and manufacturing process lets us bring three key benefits to our clients: Flexibility There is no such thing as one size fits all. Being a privately owned business with a 105,000 square foot facility, we have the scale, capacity and the mindset to react quickly and deliver projects of all sizes.

ISO 14001 certified

OHSAS 18001 certified 078

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

078

Functionality We prioritise design, but like any good designer, we never compromise functionality in the pursuit of aesthetic excellence. All of our products are created by craftspeople but are manufactured by industryleading precision equipment.

ISO 9001 certified

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

078

Future Proof We create and design with one eye on the future. We are inspired by experiences, industries and geographies.

It's this enthusiasm that fuels our interest in creating furniture that reflects the vision of the client's projects and remains relevant both now and in the future.

WOODL AND 4 PORTNA ROAD R ASHARKIN ANTRIM BT44 8SX +44 (0)28 2957 2222 INFO@WOODL ANDNI.COM

WO ODL ANDNI.C OM Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Woodland | 21

WOODLAND CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS WITH MAJOR INVESTMENT Managing Director of Woodland, Brian McCloskey said: “After a considerable amount of market research and many hours of design, we are delighted to launch our new suite, which coincides with our thirtieth year in business.

The product development function within our marketing suite will stimulate the innovation that underpins our competitive advantage within the industry.

Design is at the heart of what we do; and this is a testament to that philosophy.”

“Our growth strategy in recent years has focused on positioning Woodland as a complete design and solutions provider. As a result, we have made encouraging progress in securing contracts to design, manufacture and supply cabinets to major distributors throughout Great Britain.

Woodland celebrates 30 years in business with the launch of their new state-of-the-art Product Development and Marketing Suite.

The suite was officially opened last month by CEO of Invest Northern Ireland, Alastair Hamilton and Managing Director of Woodland, Brian McCloskey.

Woodland will also create 57 new jobs over the next four years as part its ambitious growth plans aimed at doubling the company’s turnover.

Brian McCloskey founded the company in 1987 and began supplying one-off kitchens and wardrobes to the end-user from their showroom in Ballymena.

Fast forward thirty years and the company has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers in Ireland of complete kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture solutions and operates from its newly extended 105,000sq ft facility at its base in Rasharkin.

The current investment will see Woodland increase not just its capacity, moving from 5,000 units per week to 10,000 units per week, but also its capability in terms of new manufacturing techniques which will underpin the company’s innovation and product development strategy as it forges ahead to be the “supplier

of choice” across its two main divisions. The first division, services its major retailers and distributors throughout the UK, as well as independent retailers throughout Ireland.

The second division, its Contracts division, provides the complete design, manufacture and installation service for its kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture to its hotel, residential and student accommodation clients through a network Brian and Conor McCluskey with Alastair Hamilton of Invest NI Centre of main contractors. suppliers to create new furniture The £2.16million “We have also experienced strong concepts that will deliver on its investment will also see the growth in the hotel sector for our promise of being a design-led upgrade of the company’s I.T contracts division by delivering company. infrastructure, strengthening of projects in London, Edinburgh its management team and the and Dublin. I am particularly The marketing suite has unveiled implementation of its marketing delighted and proud to have a raft of contemporary, “traditional plans which will centre around secured the contract to “supply but fresh” and ultra-modern its flagship marketing & product and fit” bedroom and bathroom displays that the company hopes development suite. furniture for the 304 bedroom will both challenge and excite The suite, Ireland’s most modern Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. It its customers to think beyond, showroom, will be a hub of is such a prestigious project to be what may be considered, “the innovation that will generate involved in. norm” in furniture design. As fresh, new product ranges for the well as having a number of “fitted” as well as “stand alone” “This new investment, will give exciting kitchen displays the furniture market. Woodland’s us the additional resources and suite, presents complete room team of designers and product capabilities we need to implement displays for the hotel and student engineers draw on inspiration an aggressive marketing campaign from the intensive research carried accommodation markets. The first to help us win new business.” out across different sectors as well floor is dedicated to its bathroom furniture, presenting the latest in as the emerging trends coming www.woodlandni.com furniture design as well as having from major international furniture Email: info@woodlandni.com its prototyping and product design exhibitions. The company Tel: 028 2957 2222 also work closely with a myriad of development zone.

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22| CORE M&E

Core M&E, a young company with ambition…

Core has been awarded a number of accreditations namely NICEIC GasSafe Constructionline SafeElectric (RECI) BSRIA ISO 14001 - Environmental OHSAS 18001 – Health & Safety ISO 9001 – Quality -------------------------core’s extensive list of mechanical services include: HVACR – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Heat Recovery Systems Water Systems Boiler Installation Renewable energy Flue applications BMS & Control Systems Underground MDPE services Boiler & Plant Rooms -------------------------Electrical services include: Complete electrical installation Disabled Access systems Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) Data cabling & networking CCTV Systems Audio / visual LV distribution & networks Electrical testing & inspection Lighting – Internal and external Fire & Security systems HVACR – Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning & Refrigeration Full electrical installations from HV to LV systems Access Control Systems Photo Voltaic Systems Final commissioning and certification Maintenance and reactive maintenance D.D.A. systems P.A. Voice Alarm systems Energy Solutions Sustainable technologies

Core M&E Services Limited was founded in November 2013 The company’s principal activities include mechanical and electrical contracting, design, installation, maintenance and technical services for both public and private sector in commercial, industrial and residential markets.

From its infancy Core M&E had a vision of a modern, dynamic, fresh and forward thinking approach to the business model. The initial strategy concentrated on the design and look of the business, which can be clearly seen in the company logo, and the integration of highly skilled individuals that matched their vision.

From sketching out the earliest ideas, the strategy was to provide a comprehensive bespoke fully integrated service to their clients’ ever increasing mechanical, electrical and maintenance needs both nationally and internationally.

In March 2014, Managing Director, John Funston set about building a team of highly skilled individuals to facilitate the continued sustainable growth of the business.

The company commenced trading in April 2014 and in the space of a few years increased its office based staff and management to 17 full time employees and by its second year of trading the company had a turnover of over £2.5 million.

Core M&E may be a young company but it is comprised of individuals who have all at least fifteen years’ experience in the industry constituting a combined knowledge base of over 100 years in mechanical and electrical services.

What makes Core unique is the level and scope of experience they can bring to any job. Core M&E has the practical skills, industry knowledge and professionalism to deliver the highest quality end product. Many of their team developed their skills as trade persons and as such they can offer an unparalleled understanding of a clients’ aim and objectives.

Core’s experienced team deliver through a co-ordinated pricing and design process developing through to an efficient site management programme, resulting in completing contracts on time and budget.

The Directors of Core M&E believe that the service the company offers is of the highest standards a belief which supported by the management team, all of the staff and most importantly Core’s installers out in the field.

It is this philosophy that has been fundamental in helping the company to expand and make transitions into new market areas. All staff are valued members of the Core team and the Directors have signed the skills pledge to ensure high quality training for all levels.

Core prides itself in working with prestigious clients across multiple sectors within the building services industry and Core has been awarded a number of significant contracts namely: • The British Embassy - Mechanical & Electrical refurbishment of the British Embassy in Colombo Sri Lanka.

This services oriented contract proved to be both interesting and challenging.

• Thriving Life Church, Crawfordsburn Rd, Newtownards.

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CORE M&E |23

Thriving Life Church (TLC) is a two storey building which is a new build construction for the use of the Church and local communities.

The works carried out to Thriving Life Church were delivered in accordance with the Mechanical and Electrical Consultants Specification together with the main builders’ contract and programme. Core carried out the works to the Church over two phases and worked on this project which was design and build and included the installation of air handling units.

• Langlee Primary School, The project was commissioned by Scottish Borders Council to deliver a new build primary school in Langlee, Galashiels. Works involved the design and construction of a new three storey primary school and nursery Retail & Commercial Working with bluechip companies

across the UK and Ireland, Core M&E undertake refurbishments, remodelling and fitout of existing retail stores and commercial offices.

Residential Core have been awarded a number of Government Contracts for the fit out and refurbishment of social housing and residential schemes and provide multi-disciplinary mechanical and electrical systems such as HVAC, lighting systems and disabled access.

Planned & Preventative Maintenance Core M&E carry out planned and preventative maintenance to retail, residential and commercial clients ensuring that the fabric and infrastructure of the properties and buildings are kept running smoothly and efficiently at all times.

Managing Director John Funston told Specify that, “Although we are a relatively new business, our success

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in contracts including those with high calibre customers has been attributed to the quality of our experience, the relationships with our customers and the diversity and flexibility of services that Core provides.

“The key to our success is our complete lifecycle approach to contracts offering our client everything from initial consultation, to full design to the final outstanding mechanical and electrical installation services.

“Core has built an enviable reputation for high-quality delivery and engineering excellence, and we put the experience we’ve gained over many years in the industry to work for our clients.

“We feel that Core has achieved a high level of business acumen and achievements and have a brought a new dynamic presence into the sector providing quality and

bespoke services to the national and international markets. We further believe that our vision and Core principles will ultimately enable us to develop further and become a strong market leader.”

To find out more about Core M&E Services, or for any mechanical and electrical projects and to discuss your requirements please get in touch with Core M&E Services at hello@ coreconnections.co

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

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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 clients.

Working with architects and specifiers, STANLEY Security’s systems design team collaborate across projects to deliver “best in class” security systems for clients locally and across Europe. The security systems design is factored in at the early stage of project development, ensuring better co-ordination and integration resulting in more efficient overall systems design.

STANLEY Security’s designers use Revit™ software to include security equipment on plans as CAD elements so that system layout and video surveillance camera field of view are visible at the earliest stages of the design process. The benefits of working with STANLEY Security’s systems design team at the project planning stage include: • improved security systems device placement • minimised incompatibility issues with other build elements • enhanced security system design efficiency

Engaging with a competent security systems design team is key to the overall success of any project.

STANLEY Security’s design team has recent and relevant experience in security systems projects for major banking clients and data centre operators, as well as various other local retail and commercial projects. STANLEY Security partners with industry leading manufacturers to select the best security products that will secure the building or environment, including access control, video surveillance, intruder detection and perimeter protection.

As well as security system design, STANLEY Security has an award winning team of engineers who work to the highest standards delivering installation, commissioning and maintenance of security systems, with high level technical integration support.

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

26| Moffett Thallon

OPENING NEW DOORS WITH CULLODEN Moffett Thallon doorways delivers top class service

Over the 50 years of trading, Moffett Thallon Doorways has worked on some prestigious projects and one of the most recent was the refurbishment of the Culloden hotel, owned by Hastings Group. Moffett Thallon Doorways worked closely with the architect, HD Design from Banbridge to ensure the solutions the company offered met the desired criteria.

Herby McAleer, HD Design, commented, “with a high-end brand like the Hastings Group, we needed to ensure we supplied quality and fit-for-purpose products. When it comes to doors and ironmongery, you need to ensure the product meets the client’s standards and will last the test of time. “Moffett Thallon Doorways met these criteria. Their service, knowledge and understanding of the project was of the highest standard. This included scheduling a service of the products needed.”

Moffett Thallon Doorways also received praise from the building contractor on the project. John McCarton Ltd from Castlewellan

said, “The supply was on time, the quality of the product matched the client’s expectations. This made the project run smooth from start to finish.” As the leading distributor and supplier of flush, panel and specialist doors – along with associated second fix products – Moffett Thallon Doorways offers wide-ranging expertise to the Northern Ireland construction industry. Working with market-leading manufacture’s, the company also has its own joinery workshop for bespoke requirements. This combination provides a fast turnaround on orders, regardless of the requirement. As the construction sector in Northern Ireland and, in particular Belfast, starts to gain momentum, Moffett Thallon Doorways continues to work closely with architects on specifying the right solutions.

Whether it is for schools, hotels, hospitals, and student accommodation, safety is all important.

Moffett Thallon Doorways provide a door and scheduling service. We ensure every product meets the correct specification. With a new system in place, a personable

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approach, quick service, and an understanding of large commercial projects, Moffett Thallon Doorways ensures a smooth specification service. The team understands the construction of a door, so is perfectly positioned to advise on the key areas of functionality and quality. After the specification process is complete, Moffett Thallon Doorways also offers a full project management service on-site.

For a specification or further details telephone 028 9032 2802, e-mail liam.mallon@moffett-thallon. co.uk or visit the website at www. moffett-thallon.co.uk

143 Northumberland Street Belfast, BT13 2JF

028 9032 2802

Bespoke pre-hung doorsets

NBS & BIM Models available

Acoustic Ratings available up to 41dB

CE Marked & QMARK Fire doors

All doorsets conform to BS 476 Part 22

FD30, FD60, FD90 & FD120 available

Commercial Fire Doors

Health Care

Leisure

For full specification service contact Liam Mallon 078 0342 6592 Checkliam.mallon@moffett-thallon.co.uk us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Education

doorways.co.uk

digest

28

PETAL ADVANCE THE WASHROOM FIT OUT PROCESS Fitting out the duct panelling in washroom and changing areas has traditionally involved a lot of site work, framing out in timber to accept the laminated panelling.

Several factors are driving interest But now, leading local manufacturer, Petal Postforming has invested in a new factory finished system which consists of a preassembled metal framework which is sent to site with the panels already attached.

The new system reduces the installation time on site, leads to greater accuracy and by removing timber from a damp environment it also potentially improves the hygiene in the installation throughout its use.

Petal’s Barry Boylan commented on this development ‘Our APS advanced panel system delivers the solid performance of steel framing that is required in the most demanding applications. The steel frame facilitates the flexible manufacturing process that facilitates the widest material options including glass, allowing us to produce practical solutions that deliver exactly the style and performance that an individual client needs.

We understand that every duct

panel application is different.

The demands of an executive washroom, hotel spa or school locker space will each be very different to a health center treatment room or a visitor’s washroom in a hospital.

With APS we can focus on the design and performance, matching the materials and panel configurations that will best meet the special needs of each project.

Clients who want to be assured of this level of performance will when they include a metal framed system within their specification from the outset.’

Petal combines the frame system with literally hundreds of material specification and colour options ensuring the performance will match the environment into which it will be installed. The company stresses that the clients who start their planning early in respect of colour and material will always have the most choice since some of the specialized options such as glass are often on an extended delivery schedule.

Further information is available on the Petal website or by contacting Petal directly on 028 68621766

A CAREER IN PROPERTY - ‘IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE BOYS’, SAYS RICS The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has issued a fresh call to female A-level talent in Northern Ireland to consider a career in the land, property and construction sectors, and help meet increasing demand for a more diverse workforce and profession, whilst bridging the skills gap.

Dr Patrice Cairns, RICS Policy Manager in Northern Ireland, said: “Unfortunately women only account for just 24% of our student membership. This is a great shame, as there are equal opportunities for women in the industry. But we do recognize that one of the biggest obstacles in attracting more talent from under-represented groups is the influencers, such as teachers, parents and careers advisors who are not aware of the vast range of surveying

careers available for all.

“With this in mind – along with the need to alleviate the skills epidemic - we’re taking steps to raise awareness of the surveying profession amongst young people and its appeal for both sexes. We are about to launch our Inspire 2020 programme, which will involve going into schools and talking to children aged 13-15 about the roles and opportunities available for all in the industry.”

RICS is also working with vloggers to showcase how an interest in technology, fashion or retail can lead to such a career in surveying.

Dr Patrice Cairns adds: “The Dr Patrice Cairns, RICS increasing use of technology, such as Building Information professionals to the sectors. However, Modelling (BIM), drones, virtual reality more needs to be done. We need to and augmented reality, is changing the ensure that an industry that is shaping skill set necessary for many roles in the world around us is not being the property industry. This is helping decided by one group of people.” to attract a more diverse range of Download a copy of the RICS

Surveying Careers Guide to find out more about the diverse range of roles available in the land, property, construction and infrastructure sectors, including the Apprenticeship routes available: www.rics.org/careers

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Construction Celebrates Excellence T

he competition to win the highest accolade in the local construction industry will take a step forward at the start of September as the Showcase of Shortlisted Finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2017 takes place at the IFA National Football Stadium on 13 September.

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

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director commented, “The Awards recognise the very diverse and excellent work carried out by the industry that we represent. Last year O’Hare & McGovern won the Overall Award for the hugely impressive IFA National Football Stadium and we are delighted to return there for this year’s Showcase.

“The Showcase is an uplifting opportunity to discover more about some of the best projects and initiatives that the local industry has delivered over the last year. The thirteen categories in the Construction Excellence Awards recognise the industry’s contribution to society in providing clean water, new roads, new homes, modern hospitals, fit-for-purpose schools and places to shop, work, worship and socialise. They also celebrate the preservation of our built heritage and the efforts of construction companies to protect their workers, the environment and jobs.

“I warmly congratulate all of those companies who have been shortlisted for an award. Over the summer our distinguished judging panel has been visiting each of the shortlisted projects to identify the 13 category winners and the overall winner. They now have some very difficult decisions to make.”

CEF/Specify awards

Sponsor

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The winners of the Construction Excellence Awards 2016 will be revealed at a Gala Dinner on 12 October 2017 in the Culloden Hotel.

CEF/Specify awards

30| sponsors • Trustee training • Member communications • Documentation and technical support • Windup and discontinuance advice JLT Benefit Solutions provides advice and services designed to meet all the requirements of UK pension scheme trustees.

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

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

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

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

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

CRESCENT SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT

Crescent Specialist Recruitment (CSR) Ltd is a specialist Recruitment Consultancy that works within the Construction & Technical markets in Northern Ireland, mainland UK, and ROI. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, CSR is made up of a team of specialist recruiters with dedicated Consultants for the industry.

CSR put a high value on both our clients and candidates that work with us. Through our high level of service, working in partnership and finding the right jobs for the right people, our business has continued to grow from strength to strength.

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

We offer both permanent and contract roles in the following areas: o o o o o o o o o

Construction & Technical Appointments Site, Project & Contracts Management Site Engineering Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management Professional Quantity Surveyors/ Cost Managers Project Managers – Consultancy Estimating Buying Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality

o Bid Management & Bid / PQQ Writing o Mechanical & Electrical Contracts Management / Coordination o Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers/ CAD Technicians o Resident Engineers o Trades & Labour o International Opportunities o Security Services Our aim is to offer a tailored service every time we recruit for a client. We understand every company and role is vastly different to the next and therefore requires the attention to detail that has become synonymous with CSR.

CPD/DFP

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

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

Department for Infrastructure Planning Policy Division

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

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CEF/Specify awards

sponsors |31

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

NHBC

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

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

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

OHRD

Occupational Health, Risk & Disability Management Consultancy provides comprehensive occupational health services to all sizes of enterprises be that small, medium or large organisations in NI. We also provide expert medical advice to occupational pension funds and the legal profession. OHRD support both private and public sector organisations across all sectors in NI including Telecommunications, Manufacturing, IT, Hospitality, Transport, Construction, Education, Health, Emergency Services, Retail, Central and Local Government, General Services and Finance are just some examples. OHRD remains the first private sector provider in Northern Ireland to achieve SEQOHS accreditation, the industry gold standard ‘quality mark’ - Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service.

Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company with over 50 associates in working from our office in Belfast linking to Willis Towers Watson associates throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimise benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

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

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

This objective underpins DAERA’s overall vision: “A thriving and sustainable economy, environment and rural community.”

The NIEA comprises around 450 staff in two divisions. It has broad ranging responsibilities for the regulation of activities relating to waste, water and industry within its Resource Efficiency Division; and the designation and protection of habitats and species within the Natural Environment Division. The Agency Chief Executive is David Small, who also leads the Environment Marine and Fisheries group, within the Department, of which NIEA is part.

The NIEA seeks to deliver a number of key outcomes to protect and enhance the environment through the targets and activities outlined in the business plan: a) To ensure industry is fully environmentally compliant and regulated b) The freshwater and marine environment is at “good status” c) A compliant, crime-free waste sector d) Good habitat and landscape quality with species abundance and diversity e) Promote environmentally sustainable development and infrastructure

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32| CEF/Specify awards

Meet the Judges...

Housing Awards

Aileen Nelson

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

Dan Corr

Chair of Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland.

Neil Dunlop

Past Chair Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland

General Construction Awards

David Little

Former Regional Director of NHBC

Martin Hare

Past President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Robert Colvin

Former Chair Building Control NI

Paul Crowe

President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Health/Safety & Training Awards

Barry Neilson

Chief Executive of CITB Northern Ireland

Richard McIvor

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

Keith Morrision

Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland

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CEF/Specify awards |33

Health & Education Infrastructure Awards

Gerard Graham

Chair of the CIOB in Ireland – Northern Centre

Ciarán Mackel

Board member of PLACE - The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Awards

Alan Skates

Past chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland

Ronan Boyle

Steven Caldwell

Past chair of the Engineers Ireland Northern Region

Past chair of the NI Branch of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Environmental Sustainability Award

Terry Waugh

Deputy Director of Action Renewables

Patricia Smyth

Client Manager at Invest NI

GB & ROI Construction Award

Ciarán Mackel

Board member of PLACE The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

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Paul Crowe

President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Neil Dunlop

Past Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland

Finalists announced in the 2017 Construction Excellence Awards This year’s Showcase will take place at the IFA National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, the 2016 Overall Winner, on 13 September and will give finalists the opportunity to demonstrate the excellence of their project to customers, suppliers and industry professionals.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Evening on 12 October at the Culloden Hotel.

General Construction

Commercial Construction Award

O’Hare & McGovern Belfast Harbour Film Studios QMAC Construction Rivers Agency Headquarters, Cookstown Tracey Brothers Concourse III, Belfast Woodvale Construction LacPatrick Lactex – new dairy technology centre, Strabane

Fit-Out Award

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

Gilbert-Ash The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London The McAvoy Group Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Berkshire GRAHAM Lagan Construction Group Joint Venture Green Port Hull, East Yorkshire Portview Fit-Out LUSH Offices, Beak Street, London

O’Hare & McGovern Castlecourt Offices Refurbishment, Levels 2, 3 & 5, Belfast Barrett Contracts The Lincoln Building Refurbishment, Belfast GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out Dunnes Stores, Forestside, Belfast GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out Cayan, City Quays 1, Belfast

Housing

Restoration Award

Lowry Construction 19-21 Castle Street, Comber Hagan Homes 720-728 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast Donaghmore Construction North Queen Street, Belfast Cunningham Contracts Sloan Street, Lisburn

Lowry Construction Sion Mills Presbyterian Church Mascott Construction (Europe) Portaferry Market House Connolly & Fee Westlight Lighthouse, Rathlin Island O’Hare & McGovern John Bell House, Belfast

Social/Community Construction Award

Brendan Loughran & Sons The Seamus Heaney Interpretive Centre, Bellaghy QMAC Construction Enniskillen Castle Heritage Gateway Redevelopment Farrans Construction Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast JPM Contracts Clonard Boxing Club, Belfast McAleer & Teague Museum of Free Derry

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:

Private Housing Award

Antrim Construction The Hamptons, Portadown DB Building Contracts Harberton (Phase 1) BT9, Belfast Hagan Homes Ilford Park, Crossnacreevy

Social Housing Award

Education Infrastructure Award

Felix O’Hare & Co Main Site Tower & Peter Froggatt Centre, Queen’s University Belfast O’Hare & McGovern Computer Science Building, Queen’s University Belfast Woodvale Construction Arvalee School and Resource Centre, Omagh Connolly & Fee John Paul II Primary School, Belfast

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Award

Adman Civil Projects Brockaghboy Wind Farm, Garvagh Adman Civil Projects NIE Cluster Sub Stations Farrans Construction Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast GEDA Construction Holywood Sewer Network

Quality Performance

Health & Safety Award Adman Civil Projects FLYNN Gilbert-Ash Heron Brothers

Training Award

Farrans Construction Adman Civil Projects FLYNN Heron Brothers

Environmental Sustainability Award

Lagan Construction Group Farrans Construction David Jameson Roofing Services Adman Civil Projects

Infrastructure

Health Infrastructure Award

FLYNN Belfast City Hospital Intensive Care Unit McLaughlin & Harvey Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex McLaughlin & Harvey Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership Ulster Hospital, Phase B2 Inpatient Ward Block

SPONSORS:

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Full Page Advert 240mm x 330mm(B) 2017 Shortlist.indd 1

26/06/2017 21:10

21:10

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

General Construction:

Commercial Construction Award The Finalists: • QMAC Construction • Tracey Bros

• O’Hare & McGovern • Woodvale Construction Co

Concourse III, Belfast Tracey Brothers C

oncourse III is a New Office Block construction on brownfield site with limited footprint and occupied offices to three boundaries and Thompsons Dock to fourth boundary combined with many construction issues, including ground contamination, live services and poor ground conditions made this a challenging project. The two phase contract offered further challenge with Phase 1(40w) – shell core construction and Phase 2(10w) tenant fit out. Phase 2 presented challenge of late interpretation & implementation of tenant requirements in period of intense collaboration between tenants, (9Nr), their designers, client’s designers and our construction team.

Having built the sister building, Concourse 2 in 2012, Tracey Brothers were very aware of client and their typical end users’ needs and built on their excellent working relationship, engaging the same construction management team and key supplychain for Concourse 3, ensuring it benefitted from lessons learnt, enhancing client confidence from the outset.

However they were conscious that complacency could slip in and recognised the most significant challenge was the 10 week fit out duration. From contract award they immediately engaged with the client and their team, continuing this throughout with fortnightly meetings.

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

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

O’Hare & McGovern

LacPatrick Lactex, Strabane

HMG’s Project Execution Plan (PEP) noted the end users: Belfast Harbour Commissioners/InvestNI/NI Screen and Belfast City Council/European Regional Development Fund, OHMG’s vision for the Film Studios was to achieve their needs:

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Belfast Harbour Film Studios

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These included: • Provide stimulus for the overall 340 acre Giant’s Park redevelopment • Construction of 11,000m2 of film studio space/workshops & offices • Capitalise on NI’s reputation as a place to make films/TV series • Enhance NI’s economic infrastructure/attract inward investment • Deliver a world class film/production studios development capable of flexibility of use • Provide jobs for up to 500 people • Meet demand for an industry which spends £70m+ a year in the local economy • OHMG delivered on time and within budget and to highest quality

Woodvale Construction

onstruction 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.

General Construction: Commercial Construction Award

Rivers Agency Headquarters, Cookstown QMAC Construction

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he new Rivers Agency administrative Headquarters was successfully delivered within permissible time and budgetary parameters by QMAC Construction and is an exemplar Design and Build project comprising a two storey high specification, sharply presented, commercial facility delivered to current NICS office best practice and standards.

QMAC established a robust Client relationship involving early end user engagement with the supply chain to gain nuanced understanding of the client goals.

The Management Team dedicated itself to addressing the technical complexities of the scheme. This manifested in a series of Supply Chain workshops focused on the interfaces of the major sub contracted packages in pursuit of exemplar buildability. Additionally, the project was taken forward as a BIM pilot project encouraging collaborative working underpinned by digital technologies alongside robust supply chain management techniques and enforced by the use of Power Project software reinforced by a strict KPI driven improvement agenda ensuring a high standard of finish.

General Construction: Fit-Out Award The Finalists: • Barrett Contracts • Graham Interior Fit-out

• Grahams Interior Fit-out • OHMG

The Lincoln Building Refurbishment Barrett Contracts

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he Lincoln Building is a period landmark structure located on 27-45 Great Victoria Street, Belfast providing more than 60,000sq ft. over 7 floors. This Fast Track project included a total strip out to original shell followed by a £5M refit to provide state of the art, Grade ‘A’ office accommodation setting high standards in Northern Ireland.

The Client team included employer Andras House and 3 blue chip tenants (Regus, Deloitte & Axiom). Each client had bespoke ‘fit-out’ requirements which equated to 3 separate schemes.

The fit-out was complex with numerous challenging structural alterations to meet current standards/client needs including: o Moving the entrance from Hope Street to Victoria Street & creating high specification extended frontage with aluminium framed glazing, ceramic tiling & feature open stairwell o Forming a new entrance lobby with two high speed firefighting lifts, feature ‘MF’ ceilings & LED mood lighting o Alterations to an NIE Substation on the Ground Floor & addition of a new purpose built switchroom to accommodate new power & service capability needs Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

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

Cayan, City Quays 1, Belfast Graham Interior Fit Out

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ity Quays 1 is a flagship office development, aimed at the regeneration of a historic maritime area in Belfast. Today CQ1 is fully occupied by investors including Cayan, Baker McKenzie, MACOM and BRS Golf, all projects where delivered by GRAHAM Interior Fit-out Cayan are a Smart payments company originating from Boston Massachusetts who have been operational in Northern Ireland since 2013. Due to their growth they had a requirement for additional office space taking 22,500 square foot within CQ1.

Living up to its reputation as an employee-focused business, Cayan wanted a radical office design to reflect its pivoting culture, personality and values. The aim was to create friendly, informal working spaces which promoted collaboration and idea sharing across departments.

The result is Cayan have a new sci-fi themed headquarters, which comes complete with Wi-Fi stations and Xbox room fitted out with gaming chairs. The online gaming area allows employees to create ‘across-the-pond’ comeradery with their Boston counterparts, while the board room table converts into a table tennis table to allow business and play. The investment has achieved the brief of making the Cayan office “house” feel more like a “home” with living room-styled meeting spaces complete with funky armchairs and vast kitchen/deli dining areas fitted out with full-size pool tables and relaxation areas.

General Construction: Fit-Out Award

Dunnes Stores Forestside Graham Interior Fit Out

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RAHAM 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.”

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

Castle Court Offices Refurbishment – Levels 2,3 and 5, Belfast

General Construction:

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Westlight Lighthouse, Rathlin Island

Restoration

The Finalists: • Lowry Construction •Mascott Construction (Europe)

O’Hare & McGovern

his project comprised the restoration of the Westlight Lighthouse on Rathlin Island. The restoration works were delivered using traditional building methods to ensure the integrity of the building was not compromised and the asthetics of the Lighthouse and grounds around it remained true to the original design (Connolly & Fee constructed new dry stone walling in traditional fashion and hand restored the existing sliding sash windows.

The scheme was delivered on time and within budget and such was the success that Connolly & Fee secured further work with the Comissioner of Irish Lights. The Environmental & Social Benefits on this scheme are most noteworthy - with increased bird habitation & the reintroduction of breeds like choughs who have returned after a 20yr absence, together with increased tourism (facilitated in part by the public now being able to safely access and explore the inside of the lighthouse).

This has provided a welcome boost to the local economy providing additional jobs, increasing income, necessitating further development & infrastructure; incidentally the Ballycastle community has also derived benefit (being the ferry crossing point).

General Construction: Restoration Award

• Connolly & Fee •OHMG

Connolly & Fee

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his project comprised the restoration of the Westlight Lighthouse on Rathlin Island. The restoration works were delivered using traditional building methods to ensure the integrity of the building was not compromised and the asthetics of the Lighthouse and grounds around it remained true to the original design Connolly & Fee constructed new dry stone walling in traditional fashion and hand restored the existing sliding sash windows.

The scheme was delivered on time and within budget and such was the success that Connolly & Fee secured further work with the Comissioner of Irish Lights. The Environmental & Social Benefits on this scheme are most noteworthy - with increased bird habitation & the reintroduction of breeds like choughs who have returned after a 20yr absence, together with increased tourism (facilitated in part by the public now being able to safely access and explore the inside of the lighthouse).

General Construction: Restoration Award

Portaferry Market House

John Bell House, Belfast

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Mascott Construction (Europe)

ortaferry Market House is an 18th century Grade B listed building and the town’s earliest surviving public building. This £350,000 project is part of Portaferry Townscape Heritage Initiative, a £1.3m scheme to regenerate buildings within the historic town centre. It is joint funded

by Ards and North Down Borough Council and managed by Portaferry Regeneration Limited.

The guiding principle behind the restoration was to conserve and re-use wherever possible including conservation repairs to floorboards and plaster lath linings. Insulation works were carried out within the roof space without the need to remove the tiles. External works included the repointing of brickwork using lime mortar and replacement of damaged bricks.

Salvaged slates and individual bricks were re-used and carefully matched for colour and suitability in consultation with the NIEA officer. During structural works, Mascott took a de-construction approach to modifications which allowed them to carefully salvage bricks and other materials for re-use elsewhere.

The works were carried out to modernise the exterior of the building including providing glass doors to the front arches that open into the Square to allow it to be used as an extension to the market square and in turn reinstate the farmers’ market and other events.

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O’Hare & McGovern

he 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: • • • •

•

•

Ornate window features restoration Courtyard brickwork repairs Retention of existing steam heating system Methodologies submitted to NIEA for approval prior to works included: Paint details/ systems for all historic joinery/ plasterwork Heating/ ventilation system servicing/fuel storage proposals

CEF/Specify awards |39 General Construction: Restoration Award

Sion Mills Presbyterian Church Lowry Construction

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ion Mills Presbyterian Church has been sympathetically and painstakingly renovated to facilitate modern worship and community inclusion. Lowry Construction received control over a dilapidated, sorry looking building. The aura and spirit of the building was clearly ebbing away.

From the very start of this project client engagement was constant, such as the importance of this building to the community. An all-encompassing renovation on the church shell, began in January 2016. A careful process of stripping slates, trusses, stonework began, with the intention to reuse as much material as possible.

As the works progressed it was deemed necessary to source traditionally crafted trusses to ensure the structural integrity for next hundred years, or more. The building was stripped down to bare stone and mortar.

External scaffold, and an internal bird’s nest scaffold was erected to facilitate all the skilled stonemasonery work at close quarters, in-situ. repointing using traditional lime mortar mix, and brushing of mortar residue with brass wire.

The spire was renovated, the roof replaced, stonework pointing refreshed, and windows refurbished.

General Construction:

Social/Community Construction Award The Finalists: • Brendan Loughran & Sons • Farrans

• JPM Contracts • McAleer & Teague • QMAC Construction

Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast Farrans Construction

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he 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.

General Construction: Social/Community Award

The Seamus Heaney Interpretive Centre, Bellaghy Brendan Loughran & Sons

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he Seamus Heaney Interpretive Centre in Bellaghy delivers genuine local community benefit, income and social value extending to the wider national/international Heaney community.

30 Carncorn Road, Castlederg. BT81 7RH Tel; 028 816 70263

The building is a combination of modern architecture with a nod to the site’s historical past and includes an elevated viewing platform with views across the surrounding countryside allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape which Heaney wrote about so often. In addition to the exhibition space, the centre boasts a performing arts space, education and learning spaces, a café, shop and an annex for community use.

Brendan Loughran & Sons successfully delivered the designer’s vision and skill into a high quality user friendly world class facility which fully reflected the identified end user needs. Brendan Loughran & Sons coordinated and managed the Interpretive Fit Out with no slippage in programme or quality.

The company supported the design team in collaborative construction stage engagement with the Client/Stakeholders to best deliver a building offering broad appeal from primary age children through to Heaney followers with extensive specialist knowledge.

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LOWRY CONSTRUCTION are delighted to have 2 projects shortlisted for this year’s CEF awards www.lowryconstruction.co.uk Email; info@lowryconstruction.co.uk

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

Museum of Free Derry McAleer & Teague

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ocated 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.

General Construction: Social/Community Award

General Construction: Social/Community Award

Clonard Boxing Club, Belfast

Enniskillen Castle Heritage Gateway Redevelopment

JPM Contracts

QMAC Construction

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his single storey 75 year old building located at the end of a street of terraced housing attracted anti-social behaviour and was an eye-sore in this densely populated residential area of high social deprivation.

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Early investigations revealed the Substation was encased in a thick reinforced concrete slab that was cut through to allow the creation of windows, doors and openings. The existing concrete flat roof was removed mostly by hand and replaced with trocal roof. The extension was blockwork construction with insulated roof panels. Various internal walls were demolished to facilitate new layout. The existing internal walls were drylined and the building fitted out. JPM’s team of restoration specialists meticulously cleaned the outside to get rid of graffiti and paint without damaging this historic brick using a non-abrasive method using steam known as ‘doff ’ cleaning system. All brick was repointed and preserved. Internally JPM retained the existing brickwork, showing a high standard of finish while the new extension and roof coupled with new openings in the building’s envelope allow a new lease of life to the building.

The project witnessed the restoration, refurbishment and rebuilding of a number of historic buildings, combining museum, tourism and genealogy resources. It created a state of the art visitor centre incorporating tourist information, a genealogy service and a history and heritage gateway serving the local area and beyond. QMAC fully embraced the brief and delivered a redevelopment which was sympathetic not only to the past and the history of the buildings but which was also commensurate with the needs of a 21st century tourism facility.

The boxing club honoured one of its most famous sons through an art installation.

JPM erected a 6m x 4m perforated metal image of Michael Conlon flooding the boxing club with natural light with the ceiling to floor window and bringing the outside in.

MAC approached the scheme at Enniskillen Castle by incorporating the latest approaches to construction and project management techniques.

QMAC’s inherent company ethos is a combined passion for preserving our heritage, close attention to detail, traditional values of craftsmanship and a sustainable approach to major redevelopment works and restoration.

The new Visitor Centre includes a combined tourism and heritage information service, café, shop and improved visitor amenities. The relocation of the Visitor Information Centre within the Castle enabled an extension of visitor services throughout the year.

A notable feature is the first floor picture window providing fabulous panoramic views across the castle complex, into Enniskillen town and beyond.

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Building & Civil Engineering Contractors 41 Main Street Dromore Co. Tyrone BT78 3AG

Tel: 028 8289 8535

| Healthcare | Educaon| Restoraon | Residenal | Commercial | Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

Community & Leisure

42| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Infrastructure:

Education Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Connolly & Fee • Felix O’Hare & Co

• O’Hare & McGovern • Woodvale Construction Co

Main Site Tower and Peter Froggatt Centre, Queen’s University, Belfast Felix O’Hare & Co

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elix 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. 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).

Proud to be nominated for the

CEF Specify construction excellence awards 2017 for the

Education Infrastructure Award 88 Chancellors Rd, Cloughoge, Newry, BT35 8NG Email: admin@felixohare.co.uk | Phone: +44 28 3026 1134

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CEF/Specify awards |43 Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

Arvalee School and Resource Centre, Omagh

Computer Science Building, Queen’s University Belfast

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Woodvale Construction

rvalee school and resource centre is a single storey, purpose built school for children aged 3 to 19 years with moderate and severe learning difficulties. It is made up of four distinct pods which house specialist facilities including sensory therapy rooms and courtyards, hygiene and hoisting facilities, and specialist teaching areas for art, technology, design and home economics. The new school provides cutting edge facilities for its 140 Pupils including a media suite, 3D art and ceramics studios. External facilities include a multi-use games area and a woodland walkway.

The staff and pupils were closely involved in the design brief of the new building with engagement between the design team and the users to reflect how the pupils learn in the design of the new building. 4 distinct pods - Inspire, Create, Explore and Perform - have been designed to cater sensitively to the children’s’ needs and to help them achieve their potential. The involvement of the school pupils and staff continued throughout construction through a series of community initiatives and special projects.

The school staff and pupils are delighted with their new school. Jonathan Gray, the principal has said “It’s a lovely, state-of-the art building, and we are all absolutely thrilled to get into it… We’re very pleased with it.”

Infrastructure: Education Infrastructure Award

John Paul II Primary School, Belfast Connolly & Fee

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his scheme comprised new build education facilities for primary 1-3 pupils. It showcases a diverse range of technologies, aesthetically excellent finishes and intricate design – cleverly tying together to provide a high-end facility exuding fun and incentivising learning for its young students – the myriad of bright colours, textured finishes and natural lighting make this a wonderful school for pupils to attend, staff to teach in and parents to send their children to.

Siberian larch cladding graces the external façade and a roof garden cleverly marries into the fabric of the backdrop mountains, providing a focal point for the primary 4-7 children in the existing school building; perforated acoustic ceilings and sound absorption brickwork have been introduced in the internal fabric.

The scheme was subject to an initial/ongoing consultation with a focus group of teachers and parents to optimise outturn. The school is filled with colour and light to encourage happy, active learning. Communal spaces are constructed to maximise sound absorption with acoustic brickwork, ceilings and insulation. There are soft play areas, bicycle parking and green spaces to encourage outdoor enjoyment. During the works Connolly & Fee ran an art competition for the senior students, buried a time capsule with the students for future generations and delivered talks on construction safety.

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O’Hare & McGovern

his £700m Capital Investment Programme for Queen’s University Belfast involved the delivery of an iconic world class Computer Science / Electronics / Electrical Engineering school. Sponsors included the Garfield Weston Foundation, First Derivatives and Allstate.

OHMG’s vision for the building was to achieve their needs: • Delivery of an iconic/world class CS hub • Double the size of existing facilities to meet demand for 1000 CS students • Establish identity for CS integrating teaching/research • Providing a stimulating environment for staff/students • Meet aspirations to empathise with ‘Google Architecture’ • Handover of BIM L2 Asset Information Model Challenges on the project included: • Working in confines of existing Bernard Crossland Building with low storey heights • All services were constructed within individual linear aerofoil frenger ‘chilled beams’ • Services were suspended from existing floorslab soffit creating spatial relief • Maintaining integrity of listed features in adjacent 14-16 Malone road.

Infrastructure:

Health Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • FLYNN • GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership

• McLaughlin & Harvey

Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit McLaughlin & Harvey

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cL&H successfully handed over the £35m Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit last November. The state of-the art, cross-border treatment centre provides access to radiotherapy services to patients from the Western Trust area and the Republic of Ireland. This was a live site and the functions of the hospital were maintained throughout construction.

Early input during the 2-stage tendering process allowed the Client and Design Team to benefit from McL&H’s buildability expertise. The project involved Prefabricated M&E items e.g. plant cages were prefabricated off-site, brought to site ‘just in time’ and lifted straight onto plant deck. This reduced on-site welding and increased quality. The rigorous sign-off system including ‘self-snag’ and ‘de-snag’ sheets.

The outstanding feature in this unique cross-border health service project facility improves patient travelling times, providing more locally accessible services. The building is designed to create a relaxing environment for patients/relatives attending cancer treatments, through integrating external landscapes with the internal design.

44| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

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

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he £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 stateof-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 mockup 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.

The latest ‘Corian’ solid surface material was utilised for walls and surfaces installations within all en-suite bathrooms due to its hygiene properties and life cycle durability.

wI

Delivering HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIPS

Inpatient Ward Block, Ulster Hospital

+44 (0) 28 9068 4800 Ulster Hospital Redevelopment

Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility, Belfast City Hospital

WWW.GBHP.CO.UK

Photo credit Avanti- Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects

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Building Excellence.

Flynn are delighted to be nominated for

3 CEF / SPECIFY Construction

Excellence Awards 2017 - Health Infrastructure Belfast City Hospital

- Health and Safety - Training Award

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46| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

Belfast City Hospital Intensive Care Unit FLYNN

his bespoke critical care project was delivered successfully to the highest T standard by FLYNN on behalf of the client BHSCT in 2016 at a cost of £700,000. Each ward has 7 beds (2 isolation rooms) and are designed to

aid recovery in a safe environment. Staff rest area and training rooms were included to a high standard. Fire and ventilation works were also upgraded to highest standards.

The project was conducted within the iconic Tower Block of BCH and required skilful logistical management based on years of experience in acute settings.

Detailed Construction Phase Plan identified routes for materials delivery and waste removal by service lift and stairs, and out of hours to minimise disruption.

The programme minimised period until new wards could be commissioned.

New beds have key features such as dual gas supplies, battery back-ups, no trailing leads creating more space and less scope for infection. Isolation rooms are glass pods to reduce sense of isolation and to maintain staff surveillance.

Stunning graphics on all walls to provide aesthetic space.

All staff inducted to site understanding of patient and visitor needs, aware of infection control measures and general awareness of acute setting.

Professional dust containment measures and noise minimisation.

Biodynamic lighting aids restful recovery; pendant lighting and in headboard gases etc led to spacious, trailing lead-free surroundings

Infrastructure: Health Infrastructure Award

Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex McLaughlin & Harvey

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cL&H successfully handed over the £61m Omagh Hospital in May. The new hospital provides a state-of-the-art environment for staff to work in, offering clinical care and treatment to patients using the latest technologies and equipment.

It provides a wide range of hospital and community healthcare services, previously offered across various locations, all conveniently on one site, including a Clinical Support Building for the entire Western Trust.

McL&H worked closely with Trust staff to identify equipment needs, including identifying existing equipment to be transferred to the new hospital. They promoted good working relationships with the Trust through team-building exercises and sponsoring their Annual Staff Awards.

The Spatial design offered flexible working areas to accommodate staff from other Trust facilities, while Bedroom and consulting room mock-ups were constructed to give Trust staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves and give feedback with regard to layout, fittings and equipment and provided aftercare support during Trust commissioning and building occupation, resulting in improved performance.

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award

GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award: The Finalists: • Gilbert Ash • Graham Lagan

• Portview Fit-Out • The McAvoy Group

Lush Offices, Beak Street, London Portview Fit Out

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USH appointed Portview to relocate its offices on Carnaby Street to a 4-storey, 9,000 square foot office on Beak Street.

We introduced an online document management system to manage information and processes across the entire project team. Monthly financial meetings were held to update the Council on any additional expenditure or cost savings. We proposed alternative products to the Council, resulting in savings of £180,000, with no impact to the high quality finish. The Council made in excess of 130 variations, totalling over £3m, which we delivered within the original contractual completion date.

All works were measured through our lean initiative against quality, programme, and cost. A snagging database, rolled out to our supply chain and the Council, was used in an open book manner and our Project Manager, Paul McClements, took the “Right First Time” approach to quality, all of which ensured all finishes were completed to the highest standard with services fully commissioned and demonstrated prior to handover.

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

The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London Gilbert-Ash

The Bartlett School of Architecture is one of the best in the world.

The project involved doubling the amount of teaching and research space while retaining the building’s existing structure with the retrofit of 1970’s building stock.

Central to the design philosophy was opening up the façade of the building to reveal the activity within. This was achieved by placing formal and informal exhibition spaces at ground floor level, inserting a new staircase to open up the building’s circulation and re-orientating the entrance to give strategic views of London. Works included demolishing one floor of the building and adding another two, to give eight storeys in total. The entire floor-plate of the existing building was also increased. The building façade was stripped back and a full new façade was created using hand-cut brick.

Gilbert-Ash faced numerous technical challenges: retention of the existing structure; structural raft foundation and the pot and beam floor make-up created weight restrictions not found on a new build.

The original design for the main stairs was somewhat traditional and the client wished to investigate proposals which enabled the stairs to become a feature. Extensive workshops were undertaken with designs tabled. A new design was approved for a bespoke ‘floating’ steel stair with clad to the soffit, treads and landings in timber.

GB & Republic of Ireland 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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Project delivery from conception to design, through to completion.

Off-site Modular Construction Modular Build Modular Hire

The McAvoy Group are proud to be shortlisted for the CEF GB & ROI Construction Award.

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Dungannon

T +44 (0)28 8774 0372 Dublin

T +353 (0)1 690 5734 buildsmart@mcavoygroup.com mcavoygroup.com

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

Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Berkshire The McAvoy Group

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ynch Hill Enterprise Academy is a state-of-the-art educational campus and a true stand-out project that could not have been achieved in the required timescale and budget without McAvoy’s proven offsite expertise. Understood to be one of the UK’s largest ever post-Primary modular schools, the 8750m2 building was delivered 17 weeks early - despite a three-month delay and the need to start works on a live site housing another school. It now stands literally as a best in class model.

This £20m school is a prime example of how high-quality, permanent offsite solutions

can help address the UK’s acute need for educational accommodation.

The school boasts remarkable aesthetics, first-class functionality and a genuine feeling of quality. 75% of the gross building floor area construction was designed for off-site modular construction.

Designed with standardised grids and room layouts and further supplemented with off-site build external walls to the traditional frame allowed the project to maximise lean potential and significantly reduced buildability issues without impacting enduser requirements.

Housing:

Social Housing Award The Finalists: • Cunningham Contracts • Donaghamore Construction

• Hagan Homes • Lowry Construction

19-21 Castle Street, Comber Lowry Construction

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his project was for the construction of 16 new build, varied accommodation, social housing units on a brownfield site within Comber town centre.

Works included site clearance of partially demolished buidlings, as well as extensive siteworks and the construction of retaining walls and various boundary treatments.

The end users would eventually be the tenants occupying the new premises, however, Lowry’s client was Habinteg Housing Association with whom they worked extremely closely with from inception to completion to ensure that the needs of the eventual tenants were not only met but exceeded. With welfare reform truly on the agenda, this project is able to satisfy the needs of single person housing, through to larger family accommodation.

Not only was a high quality end product achieved, but close liaison and a common sense approach to all issues arising on the site resulted in a building that is not just fit for purpose, but has greatly enhanced this area of Comber.

This project was treated in the same way as all of Lowry Construction’s projects, where they put their years of experience/expertise forward to assist the design team with the construction details and project dynamics, pre-empting conflicts of build and design. The project team has been successful in developing this particularly tricky, split level site, revitalising this once derelict plot of land.

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52|CEF/Specify awards Housing: Social Housing Award

North Queen Street, Belfast Donaghmore Construction

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orth 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-of-the-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.

Housing: Social Housing Award

720-728 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast Hagan Homes

Housing: Social Housing Award

Sloan Street, Lisburn Cunningham Contracts

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or too long, “social housing” has been allowed to become a term that conjures up low-cost, poor quality housing. Hagan Homes saw the site at 720-728 Upper Newtownards Road as an opportunity to break new ground and break down old preconceptions. With 37% of identified housing need for Castlereagh falling within the Dundonald area and with a particular need identified for social housing for single persons, small sized families and the active elderly, the challenge to provide urgently required housing to meet the needs of these sectors of the community in a quality setting was formidable.

Whilst it would have been a simple task to simply replicate the traditional social housing model on this site, Hagan Homes rejected such a simplistic design approach and instead sought to ensure that the housing provided was located in an interesting and vibrant setting. This was achieved through the central positioning of the access road and siting a large feature building at the end of the road to close the vista and create a focal point. Small scale residential blocks were positioned either side flanking the street scene.

Secondary courtyards were created to the rear corners of the site with buildings carefully orientated to supervise the same.

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he project involved the construction of four 1bed and nine 2bed apartment block to lifetime homes /social housing standard with secure site complete with private parking, landscaping and associated works. The apartment block is of traditional construction with steel frame section to the undercroft allowing access to a rear carpark. The building is finished in rendered blockwork with aluminium windows and timber entrance doors, roof covered in fibre cement slates with zinc clad dormers used extensively to break the roof line.

The apartments are situated in a prominent site near Lisburn town centre, Sloan Street being the main link road to the M1 motorway offering close proximity to local amenities including schools, shops and parks as well as a warm sense of community.

Once a derelict and run-down landscape the site has now been developed to encompass bright and inviting properties which were much sought after in the area.

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CEF/Specify awards |53 Housing: Private Housing Award

Housing:

Private Housing Award The Finalists: • Antrim Construction • Hagan Homes

• DB Building Contracts

The Hamptons Antrim Construction

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he Hamptons is a private residential housing development adjacent to the Ballyhampton and new Spine Roads in Larne. Comprising some 134 properties, it has a blend of house types ranging from 850sqft semi-detached to 1700sqft detached 3-storey homes. Commenced 2009, the final phase is under construction and all properties are currently reserved. The development posed unique challenges not least of which was a steep incline spanning two main roads with a further link road into an existing housing development. The Hamptons was also one of the first new residential developments in Larne to incorporate a children’s play area/amenity space. Located on Larne’s permitted development limit, it was vital to retain existing trees and hedges. ACC’s principle of ensuring a development looks as complete as possible from the first handover added to these challenges.

Ilford Park, Crossnacreevy Hagan Homes

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Ilford Park”, located towards the western edge of the hamlet of Crossnacreevy enjoys a country idyll in the middle of the Carryduff, Comber, South Belfast triangle. The development site which had been identified as being suitable for residential development in dBMAP is located to the south of Crossnacreevy / Ryan Park Local Landscape Policy Areas and is set in an unspoilt landscape of hedgerows, pasture, hill and woodland.

The development comprises 32 beautifully designed 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Crossnacreevy is a picturesque hamlet which although rurally based is a convenient commuter location with easy access to a variety of work, leisure and shopping opportunities.

The key guiding principle behind the creation of “Ilford Park” was the desire to create a development with a unique and distinctive sense of place which reinforces the hamlet form of Crossnacreevy whilst ensuring that existing trees and vegetation are protected.

Housing: Private Housing Award

Infrastructure:

Harberton Phase 1, BT9

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Award

DB Building Contracts

The Finalists:

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lending 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 Ireland’s 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.

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• Adman Civil Projects • Adman Civil Projects

• Farrans • GEDA Construction

Connswater Community Greenway Farrans Construction

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he 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 co muting and leisure 7 new bridge crossings over the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers Public realim 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.

54| CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Award

NIE Cluster Sub Stations Adman Civil Projects

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dman Civil Projects Ltd were responsible for a NIE Cluster Sub-Stations scheme which required the simultaneous construction of 3 major regional substations (Gort, Rasharkin & Dromore) which form a key part of the NI clean energy transmission & distribution system. •Engineering solutions to overcome constraints included: o The installation of irregular electrical equipment required bespoke foundation design & positioning to carry load & ensure operational efficiency o Across each sub-station it is estimated that there were on average over 80 separate plinths, equipment platforms & walkways each of which required setting out & aligning in unison/perfect symmetry o Ground levels & drainage imposed specialist/ bespoke waterproofing solutions to the underground basement on each sus-station o Due to the visual impact of each site, solutions were required to reprofile the surrounding land but with full consideration to topography & which involved significant earthworks Adman’s contribution to buildability included undertaking comprehensive value engineering to improve buildability with critical success e.g. Adman recommended new innovative precast cable trenching troughs which were used for the first time and which were cost effective in the short term and long term.

Large arrays of plinths and platforms were required and these were delivered to high standards of line and level tolerance.

Head Office: 4 Bankmore Way East, Doogary, Omagh, Co.Tyrone, BT79 0NZ Dublin Office: 6E KCR Estate, Kimmage, Dublin 12 t. +44 (0)28 8224 2166 | e. info@adman-ltd.com | w. adman-ltd.com

Celebrating 10 years in business WE ARE A FINALIST FOR 4 AWARDS, WITH 2 OF OUR PROJECTS BEING SHORTLISTED FOR THE UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Health and Safety Award Training Award Environmental Sustainability Award Utilities Infrastructure Award - Brockaghboy W.F. Utilities Infrastructure Award - NIE Cluster Stations

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CEF/Specify awards |55 Infrastructure: Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Award

Brockaghboy Wind Farm, Garvagh Adman Civil Projects

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dman Civil Projects Brockaghboy Wind Farm represents one of the largest single Wind Farm construction projects in Northern Ireland with 19 turbines generating 47.5MW of renewable energy.

Adman Civil Projects developed engineering solutions to overcome constraints: o The site is in a rural location & a major constraint was heavy site traffic causing congestion/damage to small country lanes not suitable for large volumes of heavy lorries/plant.

The project was engineered to use large volumes of site-won material which was used as fill for site access roads & bases thus negating imported fill. o Several turbines were located in areas of deep peat which required bespoke contractor designed fill solutions to make up levels.

The end users are the owner/operator maintenance staff responsible for the turbines & site sub-station/control building.

To ensure smooth operation Adman: o Facilitated effective handover with provision of detailed O&M manuals including training for operation of building controls & provision of specialist equipment e.g. tools for lifting inspection grids o Installed all infrastructure to facilitate 24/7/365 operation e.g. clear signage, installation of emergency contact equipment, road markers/snow poles for winter work o The project was design & build and Adman worked with their supply chain to plan & deliver an unprecedented 19 turbine foundations in 8 weeks which involved 9,500m³ of concrete poured & over 1300 tonnes of rebar thus ensuring completion on time/budget.

Infrastructure: Transport & Utilities Infrastructure 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 UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD 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.

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Quality Performance: Training Award The Finalists: • Adman Civil Projects • Farrans

• Flynn • Heron Bros

Farrans Construction arrans have always invested in employees’ professional development F but the changing pace of the industry and competition for the best employees has seen their focus turn to engaging people in new and innovative ways.

1)

Performance Management

2)

Training And Development

3)

Organisational Development

Through creating a performance management system to drive individual, team and company performance through the normal processes of management, we have initiated a culture change with major long-term benefits.

Recognising that sustainable growth relies on our multi-disciplinary project management, built upon a diverse employee skillset, Farrans core skills review was completed in accordance with this.

Achieving their first IIP Silver Accreditation, Farrans have analysed feedback and are making business improvements in: - Visible Leadership - Management development - Graduate development - Recognition and celebration of success 4) CPD

Farrans support their people through mentoring, coaching and classroom based CPD programmes to ensure all employees can avail of opportunities to become chartered in their chosen profession

56| CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Training Award

Adman Civil Projects Adman Civil Projects Ltd ongoing commitment to Training can be demonstrated by: o A costed & approved training plan for 2017/18 o A recent application to join the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) which requires implementation of a programme of Continuous Professional Development o Investment in training systems. The company is currently investigating how the innovative Group Learner product can be fully integrated within their management systems. The software provides a full range of industry tailored/ compliant learning courses available online & also facilitates the creation of interactive group training courses o Site based training for every project which is tailored directly to the nature of works & includes all directly employed operatives and labour only sub-contractors o Investing in the future of the company. Adman have employed several apprentices across the business within the last 12 months across key disciplines i.e. Civil Engineers/Site Managers & Quantity Surveyors • Evidence of Holistic Training can be demonstrated by: o The inclusion of Supply Chain Partners (SCP’s) in all training programmes e.g. under Adman’s current Civil Engineering framework contract for NIE Networks it is a requirement that all SCP’s are affiliated to Adman. As such they not only arrange for all mandatory training (i.e. NIE D1 &D2 modules) but also extend this across all in-house training i.e. behavioural based safety training & site-specific training thus ensuring a fully holistic approach.

Quality Performance: Training Award

Flynn

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lynn’s holistic ‘Boost’ initiative runs parallel to the L&D Strategy, ensuring H&S and Training objectives, support and training delivery are communicated coherently and consistently to 100% of their workforce and Supply Chain who wish to upskill as the company grows.

Flynn training strategy focuses on three main areas: Developing value-for-money service; Investing in the environment/culture; Providing good customer service.

Flynn develop the best people by ensuring access to training (technical and business skills), support to plan individual career paths and so create the future leaders of the organisation and the industry. Individual training plans and KPIs cascade down from departmental and company-wide business objectives. Individual contribution to company goals as evidenced in management reports showing efficiencies being made and H&S KPIs improving.

Quantifiable results include: • Reduced recruitment cost – due to less attrition • Reduced absence – this has reduced from 1.8% to 0.6% improved retention (up from 96 to 98%) Improved morale - regular positive feedback via the employee forum and through performance appraisal discussions • Better succession planning – Internal promotion has doubled • Clear company goals cascaded down to individual KPIs • Better communication in multiple formats to reach whole workforce and supply chain • Better financial performance enables investment in staff retention to maintain a competitive position Flynn have established a dedicated HQ Training Hub offering both in-house and external training for staff and supply chain, convenient, yet distanced from their desk/daily workload to enable them to focus on their studies. 25% of the workforce have undertaken or completed study in 2016/17.

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CEF/Specify awards |57 Quality Performance: Training Award

HERON BROS raining and people development is high on T Heron Bros corporate agenda and is led by HR Manager Grainne O’Kane and dedicated Project

Skills Coordinator Shauna Young. To enable Herons to provide the most appropriate services to their staff and supply chain they engage with external Health professionals including HSENI’s focus group Build Health. Through Build Health, employees 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 subcontractors and apprentices are invited to all onsite health and safety training workshops from face fit testing to fire marshalling.

Heron Bros take an holistic approach to training to get the best out of people and business while upskilling the industry. Internally, they improve technical, vocational and personal competencies through mentoring. Their training needs are informed by our business intelligence, continual review and two-way communication. Heron Bros 250 employees attended 93 different training courses in 2016, from CDM Regulations to BIM Supply Chain Management. Staff were also supported through CIOB and RICS Charterships. Time allocated to training was 10,000+ hours and £60k+ in external training fees.

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.

Heron Bros is proud to be shortlisted as finalists in the Health & Safety and Training categories of the Construction Excellence Awards 2017.

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58| CEF/Specify awards

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award The Finalists: •Adman Civil Projects • Flynn

• Gilbert-Ash • Heron Bros

Adman Civil Projects

A

dman’s ongoing commitment is demonstrated by: Using proactive awareness systems whereby Total Recordable Incident Rate stats are collated monthly & shown on prominent boards on every site for which they are responsible thus ensuring continual awareness for all staff & influencing behaviour o Implementation of a comprehensive, 3rd party accredited risk management system which is constantly evolved based on learning from completed projects. This enables Adman to plan ahead for new works and more effectively identify risk at the earliest stages. Adman also encourage active participation of operatives in the process through completion of daily ‘task based’ risk assessments at site level therefore ensuring innate understanding of the risks involved on an ongoing basis and in relation to other site activities/conditions o Operating an incentivised Good Catch/Near Miss reporting scheme which encourages employee involvement, promotes a good H&S culture & ultimately reduces accidents on site Adman consider the H&S impacts on the community by: o Undertaking community based risk assessments which consider the wider impacts for every project o Actively engaging with the local community at multiple levels to ensure we are aware of all impacts & that these are addressed e.g. we recently mail dropped all residents in the locality of a Wind Farm project. This highlighted concerns re. traffic & children trying to explore the site. We not only implemented preventative measures i.e. traffic management & site security but proactively visited all local schools & gave talks to children about the risks

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

FLYNN

W

ith 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, Precontract 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 site-focussed KPIs. Site hoardings have been upgraded, creating more aesthetic sites with improved signage

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CEF/Specify awards |59 Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Gilbert-Ash

H

ealth and safety (H&S) remains high on the Gilbert-Ash (GA) corporate agenda. GA are committed to ensuring the H&S of everyone involved in their projects. They continue to challenge the industry norm, go beyond compliance and create an environment that ensures all stakeholders know that their safety and well-being is central to everything we do.

Gilbert-Ash have invested in their employees, supply chain and clients to improve their H&S performance. This investment has resulted in significant improvements.

GA’s H&S team visit and audit each project to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, contract / client and OHSAS18001 requirements. Each project is scored and GA have increased their overall KPI rating from 86% to 88% in 2016. GA currently achieve an absenteeism rate of 1.9 days (national average 4.3 days) and have increased staff retention to 85% and increased average length of service for employees to 8.5 years. GA’s insurance company has acknowledged their good health & safety performance by placing them in their low risk level category.

GA are committed to improving the image of the industry and therefore register projects with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). GA achieved an average score of 39/50 across all projects in 2016 and an average score of 8/10 in the H&S section of the assessment. One CCS auditor stated: “Clear protected routes around the site and all areas felt safe despite significant amounts of work taking place. The public are protected by the hoardings, secure site access, the traffic marshal, the barrier in place etc. The appearance of this site was excellent” (RCoP project)

DON’T WALK BY If you had an accident at work, who would hurt the most?

Gilbert-Ash expects everyone working on our sites to return home each evening, injury free.

If you feel that an unsafe work practice is putting you, your co-workers or the public in danger you have the authority to take action or report it immediately to the site manager.

DON’T REMAIN SILENT DON’T WALK BY

Gilbert-Ash.com 15795 GA A1 Poster_final.indd 1

25/03/2015 15:21

Quality Performance: Health & Safety Award

Heron Brothers

H

eron Bros is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of their employees, supply chain and the communities in which they work. While achieving record turnover levels, workplace accidents, injuries, medical health absence and the associated costs have all decreased. Their H&S performance has been reflected commercially in loss prevention, reduced insurance premiums and claims. H&S management is crucial in combating loss of productivity, legal proceedings and insurance premium hikes.

Heron Brothers recognise the impact their operations have on the communities in which they work and they therefore strive to leave behind a positive legacy. Heron Brothers partnered with Waterside Health Forum to sponsor three campaigns to raise awareness for: alcohol abuse, diabetes and the importance of physical activity. Due to the lack of a safe traffic-free greenway for the children to use to get to school, Heron Brothers funded a bus to ensure pupils from Ebrington PS had a safe journey. They also engage with local schools using Ivor Goodsite to educate children about safety in construction.

Heron Brothers H&S management is an approach that is driven by our Integrated Management System, which is accredited to ISO 9001, 14001 and OSHAS 18001. Recognising that our workforce is our greatest asset, we make their health and well-being our top priority. In 2015, they launched their Start Smart campaign to drive business improvement across H&S, and environmental and quality (HSEQ) management performance.

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60| CEF/Specify awards

Infrastructure:

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

• Farrans • Lagan Construction Group

David Jameson Roofing Services ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

D

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

Adoption of measures to minimise, reuse and recycle waste at DJRS: • In their yard they have 6 segregation skips (Timber, two General, Plasterboard, Metal and Glass/paint tins) to help with recycling needs and also to help keep our costs down.

• DJRS currently have a staff member undergoing the Nebosh Environmental course, in the hope we can learn new solutions to improve our Environmental footprint.

Protection and enhancement of the surrounding environment and its biodiversity and the avoidance of pollution: • DJRS has 2 divisions, Roofing and Asbestos. Both occupations can be hazardous to the environment, to ensure they are fully prepared for worse case scenarios on the job DJRS have control procedures put in place.

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

• On asbestos jobs the risk of removed asbestos coming into contact with our environment would be a great public danger. As again DJRS have procedures in place and detailed method statement for all types of emergencies that may arise on an asbestos project.

• Our main recycled material would be our roofing felt. The cuttings from large jobs are suffice for smaller repair jobs. These cuttings are kept in our stores and are constantly used on repair works.

Infrastructure: Enviormental Sustainability Award

Lagan Construction Group ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

T

he Lagan Construction Group top management have recognised that sustainability is critical to the future success of our business. Their Sustainability Vision is documented in the company’s Sustainable Business Strategy. LCG is a family company with family values.

They seek to magnify their positive influence by pushing beyond their borders.

Industry engagement includes: ICE Sustainability Group, Harbour Biodiversity Group and CEEQUAL Technical advisory Group (TAG). The CEEQUAL TAG is currently reviewing the standard and combining it with BREEAM infrastructure to create a new standard for infrastructure for the future, hence LCG can positively influence over £2billion of current projects.

Richard Robinson worked with the Northern Ireland Construction Employers Federation to draft the user-friendly ‘Nvir-O-Cert’ standard. This enables SMEs to obtain environmental certification.

LCG operate a 3rd Party Accredited ISO 14001 EMS & ISO 50001 Energy Management System.

LCG have shared best practice with the Highways England supply chain meaning they can positively influence £6 Billion of construction over the next 3 years.

They have recently introduced a One Planet Living Project Assessment Tool, which covers all 10 aspects of One Planet Living and will identify improvement opportunities through benchmarking our projects. Current performance certificates are prominently displayed to increase awareness.

LCG use environmental assessment methodologies to reduce our project footprints. These include CEEQUAL, BREEAM and the Considerate Constructors scheme. Notable achievements include, our Suffolk energy-fromwaste facility which achieved an ‘outstanding’ BREEAM rating.

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CEF/Specify awards |61 Infrastructure: Enviormental Sustainability Award

Adman Civil Projects

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

A

dman Civil Projects Ltd adhere to their strict environmental sustainability regulations including: •Adoption of measures to minimise waste: o A Site Environmental Plan (SEP) is produced for every project & is continuously updated/reviewed during the life of the project.

•Protection & enhancement of the environment: o All staff are issued with spill kits o Adman operate an energy efficient plant fleet where equipment is regularly serviced/maintained & fitted accordingly e.g. fully bunded fuel tanks and plant nappies o Adman minimise the risk of water pollution by undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments which identify how to reduce surface water run off & silty waters. o Material storage is controlled to negate damage & all fuel, oil, chemicals are stored on an impervious base within a bund/drip tray with a capacity of 110% of the volume of the products. All tanks and containers are kept in a secure compound & located at least 10 metres from watercourses o Adman operate an EMS which is 3rd part accredited by to ISO14001:2004. The system was audited in May 2017 & received zero non-conformances o Adman provide environmental training for all staff on every project i.e. ISO 14001 Awareness & bespoke Tool Box Talks & employ external consultants to carry out audits & offer guidance on best practice.

•Use of recycled building products & renewable energy •Minimising energy use •Mitigating climate change

Infrastructure: Enviormental Sustainability Award

Farrans Construction

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

F

arrans 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;

30 Carncorn Road, Castlederg. BT81 7RH Tel; 028 816 70263

•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.

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LOWRY CONSTRUCTION are delighted to have 2 projects shortlisted for this year’s CEF awards www.lowryconstruction.co.uk Email; info@lowryconstruction.co.uk

62|INTERNATIONAL SYNERGIES

BUILDING A RESOURCEFUL FUTURE

The Industrial Symbiosis Service, funded by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered by International Synergies Ltd Northern Ireland, has achieved economic benefit of over £40million with associated environmental and societal benefits for businesses in Northern Ireland.

But what is Industrial Symbiosis?

Elaine Kerr, Deputy Director at International Synergies NI Ltd explains.

“Put simply, industrial symbiosis challenges the business world to operate in the same way as our natural eco-system where everything has a place and function, and nothing goes to waste. This means that surplus resources generated by one business are captured instead of being thrown away or destroyed.

These valuable resources can then be redirected for use as a ‘new’ input into another process by one or more businesses, often in completely different industry sectors. This collaborative approach provides mutual benefit or symbiosis, a genuine win-win

solution.

“The team at the Industrial Symbiosis Service facilitate this process, providing expert advice and introductions between businesses. Since 2007 we have helped businesses to reduce business costs by £25million, achieve additional sales of over £16million and divert almost 400,000 tonnes from landfill.

“The application of Industrial Symbiosis within a business and the projects it undertakes has the potential to unlock powerful processes that encourage a more sustainable business model.

“To date, the IS Service has found resourceful solutions for major refurbishment projects and new build construction projects. Examples include carpet and floor tiles, furniture and fittings, concrete and soil, postconsumer and industrial uPCV. With the construction industry showing positive signs of growth in Northern Ireland we want to remind construction businesses that we are here to help them to achieve their zero waste targets as well as to find economic benefit.

“One of the key ways that we identify potential resource

matches is through our Resource Matching Workshops. These events provide the perfect opportunity for businesses to: • help find innovative solutions for materials, water, assets and energy.

• find ways to reduce costs on raw materials and waste disposal • generate new business opportunities and develop business networks, and; • reduce carbon footprint “These events are a must for any business wanting to make significant changes to their processes, outgoings and costs.

Our last workshop in the North West identified over 120 potential

resource matches that could achieve £5million in cost savings!

“We are committed to supporting Northern Ireland businesses and help them achieve cost savings and become more resource efficient.

Innovation is key to successful synergies as is determination and vision in achieving progress towards a true circular economy.

Contact us today to see how we can help make sustainable improvements to your business.

For more information or to book your place at a Resource Matching Workshop telephone 028 38333438 or email info@ international-synergiesni.com

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Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group Pump in More Artillery Another major investment in Kubota excavators signals the Group’s commitment and serious intent to focus on delivering the newest and best fleet of machinery available to customers today. With such a vast product range, and a network of 26 service locations across Ireland, they have continued to galvanise their position as the only nationwide supplier at the top of the Irish hire industry.

Agile Approach

The Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group recently completed a major investment in Kubota excavators to add to their commercial hire portfolio. The new range of mini excavators from the leading manufacturer offers high performance excavation, operator safety and comfort.

Michael Killeen, Managing Director of the Laois Hire Group commented on the impressive rate of fleet expansion.

“Even though we consistently invested in new fleet, we have decided to increase the pace of our fleet expansion ahead of schedule to match the demands and expectations of our existing and future customers”.

Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group Financial Controller Nicky Hearne with Michael Killeen, Manageing Director Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group

The Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group, Ireland’s largest plant and tool Hire Specialist, have recently made another major investment to further expand their plant fleet as part of the company’s growth strategy.

We have found Kubota to be an excellent brand, trouble free, very popular with our customer base and backed up by an excellent service.

We have also found that certain customers will request Kubota equipment for certain projects.” states Killeen.

Customers are also benefitting from the new investment. Killeen informs us that, customers are responding well to the excellent quality of the new machines, and fully hydraullic hitches.

“A trouble free machine means no customer down time and undue costs to contracts that need to be completed on tight schedules. We have noticed big demand all most immediately for these machines.

They were just rolled out in our depot when they went straight out on hire!”

And the investment for the Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group doesn’t end there. “The new fleet of Kubota excavators are currently running at a very high utilization, which will result in us returning to the market to further expand in a wide range of products this year,” says Killeen.

Visit us at this years Ploughing Championship, stand 398 Visit our new website, laoishire.com

“Our excavator fleet continues to be dominated by Kubota, which has been part of the fleet since the outset.

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Michael Killeen, Managing Director Laois Hire Group, Raymond Kelly, Group Services Director KN Group, Damien Delaney, National Key Account Manager Laois Hire, Alan Shevlin, Group Plant Manager KN Group

Available from 26 branches across Ireland

To ensure the expanding fleet is available to all customers, the Group is also focused on a program of branch expansion in Ireland. With a new supercenter recently opened in Limerick and another new branch due to open in Waterford in September, this adds to the Group’s established network of 26 hire branches and super centres across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

They are part of a blueprint of “selling” branches being implemented by the group, designed to provide an ever more customer-centric hire experience and supporting their revolutionary operating network which is driving best in class service and availability in the market.

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Agencies

Apart from major investment in the latest range of plant equipment, the group has also won a number of specialist agencies, including Selwood, Western Global, Husqvarna, and most recently CompAir.

Pictured L to R: Ben Conroy, Hire Consultant, Laois Hire, Niall Brennan, Laois Hire Portlaoise Branch Manager and Daire Croke, Hire Controller, Laois Hire

“As a market leader, Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group’s nationwide reach and dedicated customer service have secured the Irish agencies for top brands such as CompAir compressors, Western Global tanks, Selwood pumps Husqvarna,” added Michael. “This, along with their dedicated divisions in pumping, variable messaging solutions (VMS), powered access, site welfare, road traffic management and generators allow Laois HIre and HSS Hire Group cover the needs of their huge customer network, from the day they enter a site until the day they leave it.”

HSS Hire Limerick Manager Ger Punch, Munster, Ireland & Lions star CJ Stander and Laois Hire / HSS Hire Group Managing Director Michael Killeen

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE PRESENTS

2017 A Chamber Odyssey

Exploring intelligent drainage solutions?

Mission accomplished with Brett Martin’s Adoptable Chambers. Designed and tested to EN 13598-1 and in accordance with Sewers for Adoption 7 (SfA7) and Building Regulations, our Adoptable 450mm Inspection and 315mm Shallow Access Chamber Assemblies are suitable for use in drainage applications which demand technically superior performance. In a universe of possibilities, Brett Martin has the right solution.

For more information on Brett Martin’s Adoptable Chamber Assemblies: Tel 028 9084 9999 or 048 9084 9999 Email sales@brettmartin.com

16+ Connection Possibilities

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Advanced BSI Kitemarked Design

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KM 635998

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BRETT MARTIN|67

BRETT MARTIN ADOPTABLE CHAMBER ASSEMBLIES MEET REVISED STANDARDS

Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage is now offering a new range of high-performance Adoptable Access and Inspection Chamber Assemblies which are designed to meet the requirements of Sewers for Adoption (SfA7) whilst offering specifiers and water authorities a robust, cost-effective and superior drainage solution.

Following the revised performance criteria and installation standards for all adoptable drainage networks, Brett Martin’s new range of Adoptable Access and Inspection Chamber Assemblies, carrying the BSI Kitemark KM 635998, are tested to EN13598-1 and satisfy both the requirements of Sewers for Adoption (SfA7) and Building Regulations.

With enhanced sealing capacity

using captive seals to prevent dislodgement and five inlets offering built-in falls to prevent blockages, Brett Martin’s Adoptable Access and Inspection Chamber Assemblies are available in 315mm and 450mm diameters. Both offer superior structural strength, enhanced loading capability for long-term serviceability and improved heavyduty risers.

“This combination of strength, loading capabilities and exceptional sealing means that our high performance chamber assemblies offer a wide range of benefits to the installer and meet all of the latest regulatory requirements,” said Joe Doyle, Brett Martin Divisional Director.

Designed with the installer in mind, the lightweight chamber assemblies offer ease of installation due to watertight push-fit assemblies and a solid, stable

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connection using the additional connection points in the form of lugs featured on both base and riser. A stronger base allows for over 16 connection possibilities, reducing merchant stock-holding requirements for multiple base variants.

The 315mm Shallow Access Chamber Assembly complies with Building Regulations to a depth of 600mm and SfA7 to a depth of 900mm. Pedestrian covers for foot traffic areas or driveway covers to withstand heavier loads are available, while a height and tilt adjustable frame can accommodate a surface incline of up to 15°.

For deeper applications, the 450mm Inspection Chamber Assembly complies with Building Regulations to a depth of 3.0m and SfA7 to a depth of 1.2m.

They are available with two base

options for 110mm and 160mm drainage layouts and feature enhanced cross foot design for added stability. Ideal for tarmac, grass or gravel areas, the cover and frame is available in round or square options, with a safe and secure lid for compliance with Building Regulations.

Brett Martin also offers a range of Non-Adoptable Access and Inspection Chamber Assemblies in 280mm, 315mm and 450mm diameters.

All of Brett Martin’s products are underpinned by exceptional sales and technical support, ensuring that every merchant is guaranteed the highest quality of service.

For further details on Brett Martin’s range of Adoptable Inspection and Access Chamber Assemblies visit www.brettmartin. com

68 | RTU

WHEN CONCRETE ISN’T JUST CONCRETE

RTU is a market leader and the first-choice provider for most of Northern Ireland’s leading architects, construction companies and builders. The full product range now on offer, including concrete, decorative concrete, mortars, plasters and floor screeds, also makes RTU a popular choice for the self-builder, being able to offer a complete building package.

Earlier this year the company won the contract for the supply of concrete for the new Henderson’s Warehouse in Mallusk, which required large volumes of concrete to be delivered in accordance with the customer’s schedule. The large scale production capacity at the RTU Newtownabbey plant, in addition to the size of the RTU fleet, meant that delivering on

an order of this size was never a problem. Main contractor, Tracey Bros had worked with RTU in the past and had every confidence in their ability to deliver as and when required.

A pour of around 3500m3 of concrete was required for the warehouse floor alone, representing approximately 40% of the overall job. The first RTU lorry arrived on site each day during the pour at 5.00am with 7 dedicated RTU lorries leaving the plant and arriving on site at Mallusk every 8 minutes. RTU delivered 60m3 of concrete every hour with up to 350m3 poured every day, representing a total of 470 deliveries of 40 newton concrete, consistently mixed to the client’s specification.

Mathew Rodden from M.R. Concrete commented: “When you work with RTU you just know the concrete is going to get delivered consistently and on time, and the product will be as per the design mix specified. The drivers are professional and there was

a good feed of lorries during the pour, every hour, every day.”

Seamus Mulligan from Tracey Bros. commented: “The service, quality of product and the expertise of staff at RTU made my job as Site Foreman a lot easier. RTU is a great supplier, easy to work with and always dependable.”

Another unique product within the RTU portfolio is Exposa®, a highly durable range of decorative concrete which can be used as an alternative to traditional paving, asphalt, tarmac and loose gravel.

With a natural aggregate finish, Exposa® has the

durability and structural integrity of concrete. It is designed to withstand heavy traffic and extremes of weather

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RTU | 69

without shrinking or heaving. With the added benefit of a slip resistant low maintenance finish, Exposa® also inhibits the proliferation of weeds and moss.

RTU was delighted when Exposa® was recently recognised within the industry, having been awarded the Environmental Improvements Award from the Concrete Society for the Portstewart Promenade project.

The £1.5 million environmental enhancement of the promenade

by Geda Construction included the upgrade of the seafront promenade using Exposa decorative concrete.

The flexibility of design afforded

by Exposa was evident in the eye catching red wave, created using two different colours of Exposa along the promenade.

RTU has also recently completed an exciting installation at Hilltop

Holiday Park, Portrush working in conjunction with Landscape Architect David Dalzell, who specified Exposa for the hard landscaping around the camping pods, parking spaces, the pathways between the pods and the communal barbecue area.

David commented, “At Hilltop, the layout for the new camping cabins flows with the natural slope of the ground in an intricate pattern with no straight lines! We wanted a flexible, attractive and hard wearing paving material with the warmth and colour of natural gravel. Exposa fitted the bill and is the perfect foil to the adjacent planting, turf lawns and cabins. ”

9085 1441 and we will be delighted to discuss your requirements.

A welcome addition to our fleet in

as it minimises manual handling and labour requirements on site. There is also no need for additional hired equipment such as concrete pumps,

If you are looking for concrete for a large or small scale project, or decorative concrete for something a little bit different, then contact the RTU Sales Department on 028

2016, the RTU Concrete Conveyor Lorry, assists in placing concrete into difficult to reach areas on site. The concrete is dispatched from the lorry along a conveyor arm which has an 11 metre line of sight reach from the back of the lorry. This means concrete can easily be placed directly into foundations, subfloors, slurry pits, silos, shuttered walls or formwork. This in turn saves time Check us out on social media www.specifymagazine.co.uk

skips or dumpers.

So if you are looking for concrete for a large or small scale project, or decorative concrete for something a little bit different, then contact the RTU Sales Department on 028 9085 1441 and we will be delighted to discuss your requirements. www.rtu.co.uk

CONCRETE, MORTAR, PLASTER & SCREED At RTU our focus on quality and innovation, combined with continued investment in new technology, keeps us ahead of the field.

A state of the art production plant, an ever-growing fleet and of course great people, mean we always deliver a quality product on time, every time.

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Creagh | 71

CREAGH AT THE FOREFRONT OF OFFSITE CONCRETE

Toome based producer Creagh Concrete is making waves in the UK’s offsite construction market where the current pace of change in offsite technology and the emergence of new construction options is unprecedented.

Creagh is in that mix, representing a combination of innovation with a solid track record in offsite manufacturing.

Several factors are driving interest in offsite in many sectors and now increasingly in the accommodation sector. The shortage in skilled construction labour on sites in the UK and in Dublin is predicted to increase and the latest stats from the UK suggest that the supply of European labour is already starting to slow ahead of Brexit. The acceleration in offsite is also partly explained by the continued growth in the pool of investment available for apartment schemes in the private rental sector.

Creagh are championing the use of precast concrete through the application of their Rapidres fastrack build system, which is currently winning residential apartment projects of up to 22 storeys. According to MD, Seamus McKeague, the funding arrangements for the private rental sector favour offsite for faster turnaround on projects. ‘We are seeing strong interest in our rapid build concrete systems because developers now understand the true value of slashing programme times. Investors not only benefit from revenue gained by the early occupation of units but, also, from

the mobility of their capital resource.

Quite simply, shorter build times mean developers can complete more projects with the same pot of finance. The market for custodial accommodation has also been open to offsite for some time now and we are engaging there too.’

Rapidres is a good example of the application of structural cross wall design, which is ideally suited to multistorey projects where the layout is replicated consistently across each floor. While most projects will have variation of layout in mixed use spaces on the ground floor, this is routinely dealt with by the use of a structural podium which forms the base for the off-site structure.

While precast structures have been around for a long time, it is the development of more choice in high quality exterior finishes which is contributing to their current popularity. The factory applied, exterior finishes of high performance, insulated concrete, sandwich wall panels can match that of virtually any other build type. These now include various brick finishes plus an array of smooth, etched, patterned and even printed concrete finishes with additional options for profiles and textures.

These choices unlock the market for systems like Rapidres because developers are now able to break free from the idea that offsite manufacture is a limiting factor in the design, an important fact as individuality is increasingly an important factor when creating desirable living spaces.

The panelised factory manufacture facilitates the rapid rate of assembly on-site however the reduced programme times are also driven by additional features in this style of construction. As each floor is

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assembled, it creates a safe, contained workspace for follow on trades which can commence work whilst the subsequent floors are still being installed. The envelope will also be weathertight early in the build, as doors and windows can be pre-fitted offsite.

Like many of the alternative offsite construction options, Rapidres also dramatically reduces the need for wet trades on site. The high quality finish on the interior walls are pre-painted with a mist coat while pre-fitted electrical conduits, back boxes and the use of bathroom pods reduce the workload for trades on site.

Externally, the factory finish and preinstalled windows negate the need for scaffolding, further boosting efficiency, and making an important contribution to enhanced health and safety on site.

The inherent structural characteristics of concrete enable Creagh to prefit items such as balcony supports.

This facilitates the fast installation of balconies which can be pre-assembled on the ground prior to being craned into position and secured. The

advantages of a concrete precast offsite, however, go far beyond just the speed of construction, creating differentiation from most other systems.

Precast concrete brings big acoustic benefits, as its characteristics provide excellent barriers to sound, providing acoustic separation between living spaces and from external noise.

These inherent features can result in cost savings as they reduce the need for supplementary noise control measures. Similarly, concrete’s thermal mass can make a significant difference to how a building performs, particularly with regards to reducing the risk of overheating and the potential to reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling.

Another area where concrete excels is in fire performance, as its noncombustible nature reduces potential spread of fire, providing an important safety benefit for residents and protection for the building itself. This risk reduction can be an attractive selling feature to both the developer and their clients.

Creagh Concrete’s latest Rapidres projects in construction include several large residential developments going on site this summer.

Arena Central in Birmingham comprises two buildings, with 17 and 22 storeys respectively, providing a total of 323 apartments.

The scale of the Arena Central development demonstrates the efficiency offsite brings through the factory manufacturing process, as it handles some 14,000m2 of facade walls and over 18,000m2 of floors.

Two further apartment blocks, at Glasgow Harbour will also go on site this summer and incorporates underground car parking over two levels, with 12 and 16 storeys of apartments above.

Contact – Structures@creaghconcrete. co.uk

72 | Concrete

CONCRETE PAVING HELPS P & K MCKAIGUE CREATE ‘HOME FROM HOME’ When P & K McKaigue Ltd was appointed the job of managing the construction of Holly Lane – a new care facility designed by McGirr Architects at Gransha Park in Derry/ Londonderry – it was vital that the contractor sourced a hard landscaping solution that was in keeping with the traditional style and character of the project. Having worked with Tobermore Products on a number of occasions previously, the contractor was confident that Tobermore would have a product to suit.

Tobermore provided P & K McKaigue Ltd with an attractive block paving solution consisting of Roma, a rustic three-sized product, Tegula Setts, an antique style bordering product, and Turfstone, a ground reinforcement paving system, which completed the project beautifully.

Johnny McKaigue, Commercial Director at P & K McKaigue Ltd, explained the contractor’s role in the project: “The client’s objective was to provide an independent care facility for adults recuperating from complex and enduring mental illnesses and we were assigned with the task of constructing 16 self-contained units to accommodate living space for patients, staff facilities and communal areas. The units were built to provide a warm, country feel, creating a ‘home from home’ for patients residing within Holly Lane.”

Johnny noted that the likes of tarmac would not have sufficed as a hard landscaping solution for the facility due to the distinct traditional theme

FACTORY-BUILT HOMES – ARE THEY THE ANSWER TO THE HOUSING CRISIS? London needs 50,000 new homes a year to meet its growing needs.

To reach this target, an innovative approach is vital. In the seventies, prefabricated housing contributed significantly to supply. The new model of factory manufactured homes is light years away from this.

Today’s builders and manufacturers are producing offsite manufactured homes (OSM), characterised by high quality, digital design, precision engineering and eco-efficient performance.

• The wide variety of homes that OSM now produces can meet the needs of families with children, older people and single households. The business model is particularly suitable for rental accommodation at all income levels.

• Their shallow foundations, lightweight construction and acoustic performance lend themselves to constrained sites.

• OSM buildings can be built and occupied in half the time of conventional buildings, requiring fewer vehicles to transport materials to site.

Nicky Gavron AM, report author, said: “Meeting London’s housebuilding target is a huge task and traditional construction techniques will only take us so far. Offsite Manufactured Housing is an innovative, forwardlooking and exciting way to close the gap. These buildings are high quality and outstanding in terms of performance. Their construction is more environmentally-friendly than traditional construction methods and they are a far cry from their prefabricated predecessors. Few will disagree that using vacant public land to build homes quickly and with less pollution and disruption could be great news for London, tailored to demands at every price point.

“The lack of a single design standard or mass market demand has held back the sector’s growth. This is a once in a generation opportunity to work collaboratively with investors, developers and policy makers at a time where experts, central and local government are all calling for the same thing to happen.”

of the project. Johnny commented: “We knew that concrete paving would offer the appropriate aesthetics for Holly Lane and after the Tobermore team presented a variety of block paving options, we were totally sold on Tobermore’s Roma and Tegula Setts for the pedestrianised areas on site.”

P & K McKaigue was keen to provide

continuity between the pedestrianised and trafficked areas on site, so the contractor also sourced Turfstone, a ground reinforcement paving system, from Tobermore. Johnny noted: “Turfstone was a great choice for the entrance at Holly Lane as it met the essential SuDS requirements for the project and was also a very costeffective solution.”

CONCRETE EXCELLENCE SHORTLIST THE CONCRETE SOCIETY has announced the shortlist for its 2017 Excellence in Concrete Awards, the longestrunning awards event in the UK construction industry.

Now in its 49th year, this prestigious awards initiative showcases the use of concrete as a structural material. The final winners from this impressive list will be announced by charming broadcaster and former BBC Breakfast Host, Bill Turnbull at the Awards ceremony, being held on Thursday 16 November 2017 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

The 15 projects that have been shortlisted: 40 Chancery Lane, London Battersea Power Station Chimney Reconstruction, London Birmingham Gateway Project

Broadmoor Hospital Redevelopment Eastern Bay Link - A4232, Cardiff Forth Replacement Crossing London Bridge Station Redevelopment Scheme Milford-on-Sea Beach Huts, Hampshire Plymouth Energy from Waste, Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester The Corniche, London The Nobu Hotel, London The Templeman Library, University of Kent, University Locks, Birmingham V&A Museum of Design, Dundee

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Concrete |73

KME GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Pictured at KME Steelworks are Jason Quinn, Director; Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE and Director Seamus Murchan.

One of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of precision sub-contract fabrication services and manufacturer of steel precast concrete moulds, KME Steelworks Ltd is going from strength to strength with the announcement of their expansion which will lead to the creation of 20 new jobs.

At the first of the ‘Made in Lisburn Castlereagh’ business visits Directors Seamus Murchan and Jason Quinn revealed their ambitious growth plans to Alderman Allan Ewart, MBE (Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s

Chairman of the Development Committee).

Seamus explains: “We are excited to share our vision with the Council on how we see the business grow over the next 2-3 years. When we moved to Lisburn almost six years ago we had a total of 13 employees, we now have 72 with plans to add a further 20 during the next 12 months. We are constantly investing in leading edge technology to service our everexpanding customer base in both Sub-Contract and Precast Mould Divisions and are now starting the next phase of our expansion plans with an extension to our facility and more employees.

We have won several large contracts

recently, including bespoke form work used for the construction of main support tusks for the £130 million Wear Crossing in Sunderland; the highest bridge to be built in Britain in years. We are moving forward at a fast pace and are happy to work with the Council in ensuring we contribute to the growth of our local economy,” he continued Alderman Allan Ewart, MBE, said: “Following on from the success of our ‘Made in Lisburn Castlereagh’ showcase event in May the Council is undertaking a series of business visits. This means getting on the road and meeting our business base, learning of their growth plans and raising awareness of the vital business

support the Council can provide at all stages of their business.

“We are extremely proud to have an esteemed business such as KME within our Council area and their development plans are really impressive. Seamus and Jason have achieved so much since relocating the business six years ago from Banbridge and it is encouraging to learn that the central location of Lisburn has played a pivotal role in this success. Not only do they see the value in investing in their site and equipment, they also see the value in investing in their employees and this has paid dividends.

I wish KME every success with their expansion plans and look forward to working with them in supporting their growth.”

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SIKA | 75

NAVIGATING THE OPTIONS FOR WATERTIGHT TECHNOLOGY Specifiers are confronted with a dilemma of which of the two main options – hydrophobic or crystalline to choose when providing watertight concrete for below ground structures.

As Steve Armfield, Product Development Manager for Sika UK, explains, a complete systems approach including sealing can offer the best of all worlds.

In modern constructions, concrete is the material of choice when it comes to basement structures, thanks to its proven durability and strength. However designers should be aware of the options for specifying basements waterproofing solutions to prevent the ingress of groundwater from surrounding soil which can damage the structure over time.

For habitable areas such as urban basements or areas containing plant or other technology an even higher degree of concrete waterproofing may be required. On the other hand a structure such as a below ground swimming pool adjacent to other habitable areas may be required to keep water in.

British Standard BS 8102:2009 gives recommendations and guidance to designers on how to deal with and prevent the entry of water in both precast and in situ structures, and describes four grades of waterproofing from some seepage being tolerated in Grade 1 to a totally dry environment in Grades 3. The standard also outlines three main types of waterproofing; Type A – a barrier applied to the structure internally or externally, Type B – a waterproofing system integrated into the concrete structure and Type C – a cavity drainage/water management system.

BS8102:2009 also suggests that consideration be given to combining systems (for example using Type A & B, Type A & C or Type B & C together) to provide further protection for the structure.

Recently, the construction industry has been trending towards a dual protection approach when keeping water in a structure or protecting the structure from water ingress.

In this article we are focusing on Type B construction, which relies on

watertight concrete to provide the protection required. This is simply a concrete with high water penetration resistance, low water conductivity and a dense microstructure, produced with an optimised mix design that is improved using a choice of waterproofing admixtures.

Choosing one which will be most effective for their project can present a confusing challenge for specifiers. It is more likely that a complete system approach including all the options available will be the best way to achieve a fully watertight structure.

Watertight Concrete Technologies The options available for watertight concrete admixtures break down into two main categories - crystalline or hydrophilic pore blocking.

Although both ultimately achieve the end goal of blocking capillary pores within the concrete matrix to prevent water passing through a structure, they both realise it in different ways.

While concrete appears a dense material, all concretes contain microscopic voids known as capillaries, which are left behind by excess water used to aid workability when the concrete is in its fresh state. Of a typical 155 litres needed for a watertight concrete mix; 90 is for the chemical reaction (cement hydration) and 65 litres is for workability only.

The quantity of capillaries is initially reduced by reducing the quantity of mixing water required for the desired consistency via the use of superplasticisers. Following this the second step of blocking the remaining capillaries can begin.

The hydrophobic pore blocking technology method blends a watertight concrete powder with a liquid admixture to develop a polymer barrier inside pores during the hydration process. At the molecular level a hydrophobic pore blocker consists of long chain fatty acids such as stearates and oleates which chemically react when in the presence of calcium hydroxide in the fresh concrete. As well as repelling water the hydrophobic layer performs well when water exposure is inconsistent.

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Hydrophobic pore blocking Alternatively crystalline technology comprises a non-soluble crystalline structure formation in the capillaries.

This results from chemicals reacting in the presence of calcium hydroxide CaOH (and other hydration by-products) and moisture, the structure filling and blocking the capillary structure, as well as small voids and micro cracks.

Although a lack of moisture will stop the reaction occurring, it will be reactivated when wetted, and offers high performance in consistent water exposure conditions. The formation of non-soluble crystalline structures also enhances concrete’s abilities to self-heal cracks, further reducing the concrete’s permeability and providing a fully watertight concrete structure.

Crystalline structure formation When it comes to mix design for both methods, all aggregate sizes are possible, and any cement conforming to local standards can be used. Test data from Sika as shown in the diagram below demonstrates a significant reduction in water penetration depth using both the hydrophobic pore blocking waterproof powder mixture method (Sika Watertight Concrete Powder) and the crystalline method (Sika WT200P).

Sealing structures Under BS8102:2009 guidance for Type B construction consideration is made to the concrete mix design and the practicalities of placing and compacting the concrete.

Consideration also needs to be made to products and methods for sealing the structure. Using crystalline or hydrophobic

technology will ensure a watertight concrete, however to create a fully watertight structure soft PVC waterbar seals should be used to protect all joints and penetrations.

Examples of typical waterbars used for non-movement joints and movement joints are as follows: Waterbars for Non – Movement joints

Waterbars for Movement joints Dual/multiple systems In accordance with best practice and BS 8102:2009 additional waterproofing protection for the structure should be considered in addition to watertight concrete, including combining cementitious coatings with tanking membranes or cavity drainage systems to provide a complete solution which provides multiple layers of defence.

As well as continuing to develop and evolve advanced waterproofing solutions to meet the increasingly demanding challenges of the construction industry, leading manufacturers also have the expertise to advise specifiers on the range of options they might wish to consider to deliver on their individual requirements. This plus enabling increased design flexibility and choice via providing a wide palette of proven high performance systems to meet regulations will ensure they can achieve a completely effective, robust and long-lasting waterproofing solution.

Contact us today to discuss your project and benefit from our know how. Tel: 00353 1862 0709 Web: www.sika.ie

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At Moore Concrete we are committed to meeting the needs of our customers and aim to offer the highest quality precast concrete products, across numerous markets. Drawing on nearly 40 years experience, combined with an ethos of constantly evolving our products to create a diverse innovative range, we aim to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations in todays modern world.

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CEF/SpecifyCEF awards |29

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

APPRENTICESHIPS IN NORTHERN IRELAND – A GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS The Department for the Economy has recently published advice on the current apprenticeship programme in Northern Ireland as well as an FAQ on the Apprenticeship Levy.

MEMBERS’ LEGAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE THROUGH A&L GOODBODY Legal Patron A&L Goodbody have established dedicated contact details for members who have legal Federation queries.

Through our Patronage partnership with A&L Goodbody we are delighted to provide Federation members access to legal advice and support across a range of issues pertinent to local contractors.

By visiting the CEF website, you can view an overview flyer of the services they will provide members as well as key contacts within the firm. Our arrangement with A&L Goodbody entitles all members to a free 30-minute consultation on any legal issue they have: https://www.cefni.co.uk/news/members-legal-support-and-advicethrough-al-goodbody For specific queries, please phone 028 9031 4466 or email CEF@algoodbody.com.

A&L Goodbody will also run legal seminars in the autumn – more information will follow in the next few weeks.

The apprenticeship programme guide and the FAQ on the Apprenticeship Levy is available via the CEF website: https://www. cefni.co.uk/news/apprenticeshipsin-northern-ireland-a-guide-foremployers Should members have any queries on the above, then please contact David Fry on 028 9087 7143 or davidf@cefni.co.uk.

A6 ADJOURNMENT ‘INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING’ Commenting on the adjournment of the hearing into the A6 Randalstown – Castledawson road dualling scheme at the end of June, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said: “This latest delay is incredibly frustrating. The Graham/Farrans Joint Venture that has already started works on one half of the scheme has already faced a substantial and, undoubtedly, costly delay to delivering the complete project. 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 main contractors’ extensive supply chain.

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS REGISTER – THREE YEAR PLAN C

onstruction Skills Register (CSR) has announced a 3-year plan to further raise standards and improve health and safety across the construction industry in NI.

The CSR 3-year plan has been developed to reflect the industry’s commitment to qualifying the workforce, coupled with the need to ensure continued mobility and acceptance of CSR cards across the UK. The planned changes will affect all new cards issued and will be phased in over the next 3 years to include the removal of occupational assessments, introduction of a minimum standard of NVQ Level 2 for skilled occupations and further enhancement of the Smart technology of the scheme.

Phase one - the removal of assessments for new manager cards from April 2018.

Phase two - the identification and implementation of further SMART solutions appropriate for the Industry in NI. This may include consideration of a SMART card and the introduction of online testing for renewals. Firm proposals will be in place from January 2018.

Phase three - the removal of supervisory/ occupational assessments from September 2019.

CSR is committed to keeping the industry fully updated and further communication will follow.

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CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WELCOMES LATEST PATRON A

t the start of July, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) announced its latest Patronage partnership agreement with leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, Willis Towers Watson, to provide CEF members with a dedicated insurance package which offers competitive rates and wide policy covers.

The CEF Patronage Scheme gives companies in the construction industry access to specialist support, guidance and expertise from a range of market-leading sectoral experts.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Willis Towers Watson as the latest Federation Patron. Through the members-only insurance package CEF Full and Associate Members can make savings on insurance costs. The relationship is a key element in our strand of work which seeks to reduce costs for our members”.

Harry Weir, Head of Office – Belfast for Willis Towers Watson, said: “I am delighted that Willis Towers Watson can be of service to CEF members in relation to their insurance needs including credit Insurance and construction related bonds”.

Speaking about the next steps in developing the partnership, Mr Armstrong said: “We encourage all of our members to engage with the team at Willis Towers Watson when it comes to your insurance renewal time, when you next need a bond or when you need advice and support on insurance related matters. Full details of the insurance package will be issued to members in the coming weeks”.

CEF Full and Associate Members interested in availing of the members-only insurance package should contact Conrad Smyth at Willis Towers Watson on 028 9089 1810 or email conrad.smyth@willistowerswatson.com

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COMMENTS ON SECRETARY OF STATE STATEMENT Commenting on the Written Statement in Parliament by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to Northern Ireland Finances on 19 July, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said: “Three months on from the Secretary of State’s initial statement relating to departmental allocations it is a source of immense frustration that a similar holding statement has had to be made again. Over a third of the way into the financial year and it is simply unacceptable that Northern Ireland does not have an agreed Budget nor, frankly, does it look like it will until halfway into the financial year.

“That being said, the set of figures published today must be used by government clients to further plan, prioritise and deliver their capital expenditure programme over the coming months. Since the Secretary of State’s statement on 24th April we have not seen the progress we would have wished in this regard and, given that the figures announced today are going to be broadly in line with a final agreed Budget regardless of who sets it, it is incumbent on officials to deliver the capital spending allocated to their departments accordingly.

“It is also regrettable, if however understandable, that today’s statement does not include the financial package agreed between the UK Government and the DUP on 26th June. The additional capital funds agreed as part of that deal would come as a huge boost to the local construction industry. However, without the allocation of the £200m to be spent this year and questions around whether this allocation will happen before the autumn, then there are undoubtedly concerns as to whether it can be spent if it is subject to the normal financial year-end Treasury rules.”

FEDERATION COMMENTS ON ‘MIXED’ ECONOMIC DATA Commenting at the end of July on the publication of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin and the Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index for Q1 of 2017, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said: “The two data sets published today indicate a very mixed picture for the local construction industry and activity within Northern Ireland. The Construction Bulletin reflects the outcomes of more recent surveys by both RICS and the Ulster Bank PMI where the volume of construction output within Northern Ireland is undoubtedly experiencing a decline.

“While the period between 2014-16, as the NICEI also reflects, was a period of sustained if modest growth it is now of significant concern that, within Northern Ireland, contractors are once again feeling the pinch. Key factors such as political instability, the lack of an agreed Northern Ireland Executive Budget and wider economic challenges are unquestionably having an impact and that impact is nothing other than negative.

“It is though positive to see that most survey work conducted in recent months shows a strong return to growth within the private housing sector. Delivering significant numbers of new homes is an absolutely vital requirement if Northern Ireland is to meet its economic potential and the increasing recognition of this is to be welcomed. However, the growth that we have seen over the last year must only be the start. The gap between the number of new houses Northern Ireland needs and the number of houses that are actually completed remains stubbornly high. Therefore, it is vital that our home builders do not face undue delays in delivering the significant number of homes that many within the sector are currently planning on delivering”.

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News in Brief...

2018 INDUSTRY HOLIDAYS – PROMULGATION NOTICE – FLEXIBILITY INTRODUCED At the end of June, The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) promulgated the Industry Holidays for 2018.

An additional day of holiday was agreed on 31 October 2016 bringing the total holidays to 30 days from the beginning the 2018 Leave Year (4 December 2017).

The Joint Council has also agreed to introduce some flexibility into the industry holidays to meet the changing needs of both employers and employees.

Please visit the CEF website to view the Promulgation Notice: https:// www.cefni.co.uk/news/2018industry-holidays-promulgationnotice. Working Rule 5 - Holidays with Pay will be updated in advance of the new Leave Year.

WAGES AND OTHER BENEFITS INCREASE Industry is reminded of the increase in the industry wage rates and other benefits which come into effect on 7 August 2017. The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) previously promulgated the changes on 31 October 2016.

Industry wage rates will increase by 2% along with the following other changes: • Fare Allowance (Working Rule 9) will increase to 25p per mile up to a maximum of £6.50 per day.

• Industry Sick Pay (Working Rule 7) will increase to £60 per week.

Please visit the CEF website to view the Promulgation Notice: https:// www.cefni.co.uk/news/wage-otherbenefits-increase . The Working Rules Agreement will be updated to reflect the changes outlined above as they come into effect on 7 August 2017.

FLEET FINANCIAL DRIVES HOME NEW AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR NI BUSINESSES Federation Patron Fleet Financial has kicked off a major awareness-raising campaign to bring Northern Ireland businesses right up to speed on the range of vehicle management solutions now available to them which are designed to underline growth and create new operational efficiencies.

The information-driven campaign is designed to put an end to some of the costly misconceptions and myths among business decision-makers which are preventing them from steering their way to new and innovative solutions that could transform their businesses.

Research undertaken by Fleet Financial showed that more than half (56%) of SMEs in Northern Ireland recognised that managing their fleet effectively and efficiently should be a priority, less than one third (27%) had enquired about the solutions available or acted on the information available to them.

Almost two-thirds of NI businesses (67%) believed embracing a fleet management company for solutions might cost them more money and time.

Damian Campbell, Sales Manager, Fleet Financial, said: “We encourage business managers in Northern Ireland to regularly think about the vehicles they use, about how they can manage them better and increase efficiency to reduce outgoings. The survey highlights most businesses know what they need to do to tackle these issues but aren’t confident about their knowledge of this area.

“Our campaign is designed to urge NI businesses to realise that fleet management is a critical area within a modern, forward-looking business and needs to be reviewed regularly. We would like local businesses to know their options, move towards engaging the services offered by Fleet Financial and fully understand the benefits and savings to their business.

“We have evolved to be much more than a contract hire provider. Our business model continues to change and innovate, keeping us at the forefront of our sector and providing local businesses choice and flexible options when managing their company vehicles.”

The survey showed that most NI businesses (92%) wanted clear and costed solutions to upgrading and managing their fleet, including full certainty around servicing, maintenance and repairs.

“We recognise that Northern Ireland’s business owners have multiple priorities but many remain in the dark about the advantages we can offer on vehicle procurement, management or how our innovative new technology can be easily deployed to save thousands of pounds in time and energy.

“It’s why we’re embarking on a focused campaign to inform and educate the sector on the options available to them and how practically they can be utilised for their benefit. Using clear explanations and simple calculations, we want to dispel the myths that many business owners have so that they can make decisions based on fact.”

As Northern Ireland’s leader in contract hire and vehicle management with more than 1200 business users and over 4,200 vehicles under management across the UK and Ireland, Fleet Financial delivers solutions for businesses of any size – from one small van or company car to larger fleets.

For more information, visit www.fleetfinancial.co.uk.

INDUSTRY COMMENTS ON OUTCOME OF CONSERVATIVE-DUP NEGOTIATIONS

C

ommenting on the outcome of negotiations between the Conservative Party and the DUP in late June, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director John Armstrong said:

“The announcement today of an extra £400m of infrastructure expenditure over the course of the next two years is to be strongly welcomed.

Infrastructure spending has significant direct and in-direct economic benefits and, as industry has long said, it is critical that it is directed towards projects which have the highest economic yield. The focus therefore on the York Street Interchange Project, as well as other major schemes, is one we welcome and it is crucial we now navigate the remaining hurdles on the project speedily so that the financing announced today can be used to its fullest effect on the up to £165m scheme.

“It is welcome too that the UK Government has agreed this financial package for the Northern Ireland Executive to be spent flexibly. Despite the best intentions, infrastructure delivery can often be subject to unforeseen challenges and delays and it is important that the additional financial support announced today takes cognisance of this.

“It is now absolutely critical that a Northern Ireland Executive is formed by Thursday’s deadline. Nearly half a year has now passed since the collapse of devolution and everyone within the business community is united behind the absolute need for this impasse to be resolved.”

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

Ridgeway • Perspex 103 Airport Road • LexanBT3 solid9ED polycarbonate Belfast, • Marlon multi 4599 wall polycarbonate Tel: 028 9045 • Engineering Fax: 028 9045plastics 4596 • Machined Parts Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com 24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: plastics@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

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service

CES Liquid Screed

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Ashbourne

Unit 1pump & 2 Greene Park Are one of the foremost Ratoath Road distributors Belfast: in Ireland, holding agencies Co. Meath for 103 some of the worlds Airport Road West leading pump A84 XD98 manufacturers.

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Moore Concrete Products AchesonHouse, & Glover has been in business for Caherty more than 50 years. As well as in-depth 41 experience WoodsideweRoad, offer the widest range of Ballymena BT42 2QH concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from manhole covers to decorative walling and paving.

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CPD sessions are now available from Tel: +44 (0)7554 056930 Flogas assist planning Office Tel: to +44 (0)28 79632026 Flogas goes far architects, beyond simply consultants andsupplying other specifiers Email us info@swissfacades.com managing and bulk andin updating their core learning and www.swissfacades.com cylinder LP Gas requirements. knowledge. more Choosing LPFor Gas frominformation Flogas not visit only www.flogasni.com/cpd. opens the door to a versatile, highly efficient energy source with affordable Flogas installation and running costs – we Airport Road West create Harbour and implement Belfast Estate tailored energy solutions BT3 specific BELFAST 9EDto client applications.

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

Calor a leading supplier Calorisgas Northern of cleaner, efficient LPG Ireland Limited energy solutions in Northern Ireland with RTU LTd Cloughfern Avenue, Airport Road West, • Fire Detection & Alarm specialist knowledge Newtownabbey, BT37 0UZ • Fire Suppression Systems Sydenham, covering all sectors • Integration T: Industrial, +44 (0)28 • IntruderBT3 Detection &9085 Alarm1441 Belfast, 9EE. Including E: info@rtu.co.uk • CCTV Commercial, Hospitality, Tel: 028 9045 5588 • Access Control www.rtu.co.uk • Remote Monitoring Agriculture, and E-mail: info@calorgas.ie • Emergency Communications Systems Domestic.

Website: www.calorgas.ie We DESIgN offer our customers: INSTALLATION

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

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Flogas goes far be managing and sup cylinder LP Gas re Choosing LP Gas opens the door to efficient energy so installation and ru create and implem solutions specific Our experience c comprehensive ra including domesti dwelling and mete catering, commerc agricultural and au

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Calor is a leading supplier Calor is a leading supplier Fax +44 (0)2892682929 •of Tailored energy LPG of cleaner, efficient LPG cleaner, efficient Email: sales@bcpjcb.com solution energy solutions in energy solutions in •Northern Full design service Northern with Web:Ireland www.bcpjcb.com Ireland with specialist knowledge • Technical support and specialist knowledge MAINTENANCE COMMISSIONINg covering all sectors covering all sectors guidance Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd Unit 1a Harbour Court, Including Industrial, Including Industrial, • 24-hour 5 Heron Road, Belfastemergency BT3Commercial, 9HB Commercial, Hospitality, call out Hospitality, Tel: 028 9020 7207 Agriculture, and Agriculture, and Email: info@diamondsystems.co.uk www.diamondsystems.co.uk Domestic.

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Calor Accredited CPD K Contracts are a specialist contractor servicing the construction and rela WeKoffer our customers: We offer our customers: Contracts are a specialist sectors who specialise in the design, supply and installation of safety & he programme available.

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Content includes LPg construction and related • Tailored energy • TailoredKnowledge, energy DESIGN,who SUPPLY , INSTALLin AND Product sectors specialise the MAINTENANCE OF solution solution gas Regulations and design,-supply and installation HORIZONTAL LIFELINES • Full design service • Full designCourses service ACCESS & LADDERS of -safety height Standards.

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FALLGUARD LADDERS comprehensive range of markets Content includes LPg Content includes LPg GUARDRAILS including domestic (both single Product Knowledge, Product Knowledge, dwelling and metered estates), - ABSEIL SYSTEMS catering, commercial, industrial, gas Regulations and - SAFETY EYEBOLTS gas Regulations agricultural and automotive. and Standards.

Courses AND - INSPECTION Standards. Courses CPD Learning MAINTENANCE are FREE of charge and are FREE of charge and CPD sessions are now available from Flogas to assist architects, planning available by arrangement available arrangement consultants and by other specifiers in updating and with one of our Calor withtheir onecore oflearning our Calor knowledge. For more information visit Business Development Business Development www.flogasni.com/cpd.

Engineers. Contact Flogas Engineers. Contact Airport Road West cpd@calorgas.ie cpd@calorgas.ie Belfast Harbour Estate

www.kcontracts.com

BELFAST BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

Belfast: 028 9064 3706 London: 02037447359 www.kcontracts.com cathal@kcontacts.com

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

Celebrating 45 years since the first CIS Report was published in 1972 Construction Information Services (CIS) is the market leader in supplying All-Ireland construction opportunities to the industry. We provide fully researched real-time information on construction projects from pre-planning through to on-site stages. *This project listing was generated on 17th August 2017.

Sign up to CIS FREE to get 10 project views each month and receive a tailored email alert of projects specific to you. Contact us on: Phone:

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CIVIL AND UTILITIES ProjectID Title

Stage

Category

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

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

COMMUNITY AND SPORT ProjectID Title

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

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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web directory

54| web directory

www.mclarke.co.uk www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk www.wilplas.com

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Terry Crawford, Siobhan Kissward |55 to advertiseweb directory Sales Manager 028 9078 3218 ContaCt...

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86| Fiat

Fiat’s new Fullback

FIAT Professional has launched a new Fullback pickup truck.

Engineered to meet the broad needs of business users – both professional and recreational - the new Fiat Professional Fullback offers the kind of flexibility and dependability its name suggests.

In terms of styling, the front of the

FIAT Professional Fullback adopts the upmarket appearance of a sports SUV with its swept-back fascia, chunky front bumper and roomy cab-forward layout.

Standard equipment on the entry level SX version includes remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio and a host of safety features including seven airbags, advanced ESC with ASR, TSA (Trailer

Stability Assist), DRLs, hill start assist and cruise control with a speed limiter.

The Fullback SX is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 150hp and 380Nm of torque yet its official combinedcycle fuel economy figure is 44.2mpg and its CO2 emissions are 169g/km. The power and torque outputs of LX version are increased to 180hp and 430Nm, while the fulltime four-wheel drive system has four electrically-controlled settings: 2H, 4H plus 4HLc and 4LLc with a locking central differential for improved traction. In addition to the SX the LX gains the refinements of; full leather

interior with electrically adjustable heated front seats, Keyless Entry & Go, Bi-Xenon Headlights with LED daytime running lights, 6.1” touchscreen satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, rear view camera, lane departure warning system, rain & dusk sensors, alarm, tinted windows & 17” diamond cut alloy wheels.

All Fullback models include a onetonne payload (1045kg) with a bed length of up to 1.52m and a 3,100kg braked towing capacity.

Available as a double cab only and with all-wheel drive standard on all versions, the Fullback range starts at £21,990 + VAT for the 150HP SX but Donnelly Fiat, who are always big on value, are offering the top of the range 180hp LX for £19,995+VAT picking up a significant £4,145 + VAT off the list price. Contract Hire is also available with Donnelly Fiat for the LX model from £199+Vat on a 6x23 payment profile with 10,000 miles per annum – ideal for short term contracts coupled with the potential efficiencies regarding Benefit in Kind Tax. The Fiat Fullback may just find a place on your team.

Available from Donnelly Group.

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

Hays |87

Meeting the public sector skills demand: Hays The latest construction output figures continued an upward trend dating back to late 2014.

Output volume reported in Q1 2017 represented the second highest level achieved over the last five years.

Significant private sector investment - particularly in the hotel and hospitality sectors - and new public sector infrastructure projects coming onstream is driving demand for talent.

Transport projects, led by Translink, is proving to be one of the main drivers within the public realm.

PROJECT PIPELINE The design and planning process continues on the Belfast Transport Hub - a major flagship redevelopment of the Europa Bus Centre and the Great Victoria Street Railway Station.

In addition to the new station concourse, there will be a new public square, office space, commercial and retail development. Once completed, the hub will act as a catalyst for regeneration - drawing in new investment and increasing the city centre population.

The £90 million Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT), due for completion in 2018, will connect East and West Belfast, Titanic Quarter and key locations of economic and social activity in the city centre. Work has just begun on the new £30 million Milewater Service Centre.

But transport projects are not limited to Belfast. The North-West Multimodal Transport Hub represents a £30 million investment opening up a new gateway to the North-West. In Portrush, Translink is planning to spend £5.5million on redeveloping Portrush Train Station in time for the Open Golf Championship in two years’ time.

ATTRACTING TALENT There are many challenges facing public sector organisations seeking specialist skills. According to Translink

Head of Project Delivery John Glass, the organisation is able to attract talent due to “the scope and range of our projects portfolio”.

“Yes, there is high demand for skilled professionals in the local market.

But the work that we’re doing excites people and we’re seeing ambitious professionals returning to Northern Ireland and contributing to these projects,” he said.

Formerly board director with McLaughlin & Harvey, John understands the pressures of construction from both the public and private sector. He has gained extensive experience in a wide variety of civil engineering projects including marine and harbour works, railway works, road schemes, bridge construction, offshore and onshore energy projects, and building works throughout the UK. “The CEF has found that by 2015 the level of construction activity in Northern Ireland had fallen by nearly 40% from its peak in 2008. The new infrastructure activity that I’m seeing will do much to support local firms and the local construction here,” he said.

DRIVING CHANGE Following a competitive procurement process, Translink has filled some key project management roles working with Hays Northern Ireland to meet the organisation’s talent requirements.

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According to Hays Director Mark Wade, with heightened demand across the private sector, the onus is now on public sector organisations to improve their attraction strategies, positively promote the employer brand and review an often lengthy recruitment process.

According to Hays Director Mark Wade: “Many find that the best people are often tempted away by employers who are able to engage with them more effectively and respond more swiftly. Many public sector organisations understand this and have already reached the ‘tipping point’ where they are ready for change.”

In order to compete, the key for public sector organisations is being able to engage the highly-skilled, passive jobseeker.

“Passive candidates are individuals who are already in employment with

in-demand skill sets. In addition to our database across local and international offices, we’ve worked hard on developing a range of digital tools and candidate attraction techniques to ensure that we can source the right people,” said Mark.

Hays Northern Ireland is partnering with the representative bodies to address key issues relating to skills shortages, returning talent to Northern Ireland and promoting retention within businesses. In addition to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Hays work closely with the Chartered Institute of Builders (CioB), the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA).

To find out more about opportunities available in Northern Ireland or to meet with a Hays professional, log on to www.hays.co.uk/northern-ireland/ or call 028 9044 6900.

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

56 | 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

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

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

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER

DRAINAGE & SEWAGE

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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CEF SPECIFY CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 WINNERS

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

58| INTERVIEW

Name: Michelle Atkinson Position: Owner, Michele Atkinson Surveying, and RICS Member

Q: Did you plan to get involved in the Construction Industry?

Originally I wanted to be an architect but my final year studies at secondary school did not work out as well as I wanted and needed. As it turned out that was the best thing that happened to me as I enrolled at Dundalk Institute of Technology on their two year Construction Studies Course and then onto their Diploma in Building Surveying. Both courses were very practical in outlook and the lecturing staff were excellent.

These two factors combined gave me a sparked a keen interest in building pathology and building conservation. I then completed the final year building surveying degree course at Birmingham University with a First Class Honours degree specialising in Building Conservation.

Q: How did you start off?

I knew that good work experience as early as possible was important.

I took a year out from college and

joined Hamilton Osborne King (now Savills) in Dublin. The exposure to the property market there in the mid 1990s was valuable and the experience really helped seal my degree qualification. Once I completed my degree in Birmingham, another great position with Lambert Smith Hampton allowed me to continue building a superb platform of experience and helped galvanise my Chartership.

enjoyable challenge to date!

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

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

It needs hard work but bears great opportunities! Getting experience is key to help enhance ongoing studies and to increase employment opportunities after qualification.

There have been several – no two days are the same in my job which is great! I had a fantastic year of secondment with Northamptonshire Police Property Department and another with British Telecom, both while working in LSH. Undertaking the pre-acquisition survey of 160 Piccadilly and 1 Leicester Square in London’s West End also feature. Back here in Belfast, the relocation of the Belfast Telegraph to their new Clarendon Road office both under budget and within programme has been my most

Not so much a piece of advice but rather a motivator – ‘the comeback is always stronger than the setback’ Q: What would you say to any students considering a career in construction?

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

Absolutely! I am aware of the work that Dr Patrice Cairns, Northern Ireland Policy Manager for RICS, and other RICS representatives undertake at local government level.

Their constant efforts to engage on

policy issues with the Departments of Communities and Finance and Strategic Investment Board are made more difficult by the current start / stop action of our local government and if that continues it will be very concerning for the local economy.

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

Clearly the sector needs more investment. While there are some worries about house prices and the UK economy in general, financial stimulation from government is needed to encourage further investment. This investment needs to extend to our education sector to ensure a rapid increase in the number surveying graduates. And there are huge merits in apprentice schemes which also need financial support.

Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself…

I recently bought a scooter……hard hat swapped for a helmet!

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