NI Builder 31-6

NI Builder 31-6

IN THIS ISSUE | CEF - THE VOICE | LATEST NI PROJECTS | NEWS UPDATE | PRODUCTS IN PROFILE

Vol 31 No 6 2020/21

FARRANS - Legacy building ATSOUTHLAKE

MAIN CONTRACTOR

wwwfarrans.com

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Inside this issue...

Issue 31-6 - Dec/Jan 2020/21

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News &Views 5 Jobs boost at Tobermore

Products 45 RTU launch Zircon

In Focus 14 Going for gold

£10m factory investment creates productivity uplift and new employment opportunities

Exciting new polished concrete floor product developed by RTU at their Newtownabbey headquarters

Brett Martin delivers a gold standard performance at Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena

9 CEF - The Voice

49 MacBlair Civils

17 South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon

Latest updates and the review of a year unlike any other from the Construction Employers Federation

As major projects start to speed up after the Covid-19 slowdown, MacBlair Civils strengthens their offering with cost-effective solutions and technical expertise

Farrans and their team of specialist contractors make a splash at Northern Ireland’s landmark sport and wellbeing project

16 Hagan Homes donates £100k for IEF Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes

57 Colinwell

35 Zero in on nZEB

Colinwell’s EchoCheck Acoustic Masonry Blocks help improve sound quality for St Mary’s Youth Club, Creggan

With nZEB regs soon to be implemented, Sean McGuigan from Kingspan outlines what you need to know to be prepared

pledges Integrated Education Fund (IEF) cash injection over four years

31 TODD delivers Nightingale Hospital

59 Doorways

50 Out of the ashes

TODD Architects, architect and lead consultant, deliver 100-bed

Doorways experienced technical team are on hand to solve all your access control and automatic door requirements

JP Corry Ballymena (Robert Guy) is rebuilt and open to customers after a devastating fire destroyed the iconic branch premises

Nightingale Hospital in Whiteabbey, Co Antrim

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh, BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: [email protected] www.northernbuilder.co.uk

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THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Heather Campbell Advertising Karen Jess Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Wilson Digital Content Editor Cathal Delea Photography Gordon McAvoy Printed by W&G Baird

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With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

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NEWS

L eading paving and walling manufacturer and operational creating dozens of local jobs and significantly increasing manufacturing capacity. This is Tobermore’s fourth block paving manufacturing facility and is projected to increase production capacity by over 30%. It houses another impressive HESS block paving machine which guarantees quality and efficiency. David Henderson, Managing Director of Tobermore, commented on the investment, Tobermore celebrates the completion of its state-of-the-art £10m factory, which is now live “I am extremely proud that our new factory is now operational. This is an astonishing achievement! This new plant will give us significant increased capacity to make another one million square metres of block paving per year. “Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, where many firms are struggling, we recognise how fortunate we are to be able to undertake this level of capital investment and job creation. We are already looking forward to 2021 when we will be able to take huge amounts of new business on board.” For more information visit www.tobermore.co.uk TOBERMORE’SNEW £10MFACTORY

BIGCHANGEFORBALLOOHIRE

B alloo Hire, one of Ireland’s leading tool and plant hire companies, has radically cut the resource required to manage its mobile operation while boosting customer service and minimising its environmental impact thanks to mobile workforce management technology from BigChange. With depots across Ireland offering an island wide delivery and service operation, Balloo Hire has saved hundreds of man-hours per week scheduling planned deliveries and responding to ad-hoc requests since implementing the 5-in-1 cloud based BigChange solution. Using BigChange, Balloo Hire has also transformed its customer interactions with real-time updates and intelligence sharing,

has achieved its goal of a paper free transport department and realised significant savings in fuel consumption. “Put simply BigChange has allowed us to do more with less!” commented Mark Grundy, General Manager at Balloo Hire Centres. “We’ve eliminated a huge amount of time-consuming admin work, reduced our paperwork production and saved miles with lower fuel bills and emissions. On top of this we are able to take on further logistic and delivery jobs, we can close sales more effectively and answer customer queries more efficiently.” For more information on BigChange, T: +44 (0)113 457 1000, E: [email protected] or visit www.bigchange.com

David Henderson and Trevor Smyth celebrate the first blocks produced in Tobermore’s new £10m Factory.

SURGE INREMOTEWORKINGBOOSTS SOFTWAREFIRM

W orkPal, a Belfast- workforce over the next two years to meet unprecedented demand for its unique communication software product, which allows businesses to communicate effectively and efficiently in remote working setups. The new jobs will span software development, consultancy and technical support roles that will allow a larger team to reach even more clients locally, nationally and internationally. Ian Megahey, Sales Director at headquartered software company, will double its

WorkPal said, “The quick move into lockdown earlier in the year has made us all aware of how important it is to be adaptable and have the right tools onboard. As a result of this new demand, we attracted a huge boost in customers, from not just local nations but globally, so we have invested £1million and embarked on a recruitment campaign to double our workforce in a programme that will allow that growth to continue at the speed and vigour it’s at now.” Visit: www.yourworkpal.com for more information.

Ian Megahey, Sales Director at WorkPal.

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FMB NEWS

“BUILD BACK BETTER, BUILD GREENER” - FMB ASKS GOVERNMENT TO CUT VAT AND ARGUES FOR REGIONAL RETROFIT STRATEGY...

Industry calls for a cut inVAT and a greener emphasis

I n the face of challenging times, never has there been a greater need for the construction industry to develop a sustainable recovery. We urgently need to be more energy efficient and sustainable, using environmentally friendly materials and processes. This only works if it is matched by building standards and guidelines to legislate better quality as a priority. At a UK-wide level, the FMB and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are campaigning to urge the UK Government to cut VAT on home improvement works to 5% to boost jobs and stimulate the economy. According to independent research conducted on behalf of more than 60 organisations in the sector, cutting VAT to 5% for the period 2015 – the date such a VAT cut was

“Build back better, build greener”

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first proposed – to 2020 would have generated an economic stimulus of £15.1billion and led to the creation of over 95,000 extra jobs. Gavin McGuire, director of the FMB in Northern Ireland said, “The Government must prioritise measures that create jobs in every community, and that will tackle climate change. Cutting VAT is a policy that will help to generate billions in economic stimulus and tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, having a hugely positive effect on the NI economy. “Local builders train almost 71% of the industry’s apprentices, so supporting the repair, maintenance and improvement sector will also help industry to train. Additionally, cutting VAT will help us decarbonise our homes, as we know

households prefer to do this as part of larger home improvement works.” RICS policy manager Dr Patrice Cairns, who is based in Northern Ireland, added, “As the UK continues to spend more time at home, for our work as well as leisure, the benefits of green home improvements will continue to gather momentum. Government must use this unique opportunity to work with the professional expertise of industry and implement a holistic approach to retrofitting that will achieve significant carbon savings, both operational and embodied.” The groups believe that committing to a more sustainable stock of housing would provide an opportunity to kickstart business activity and focus on the green agenda.

Dr Cairns added, “Government endorsing our call to reduce the VAT regime for home repairs, maintenance and improvement work would be a swift step in the right direction.” The FMB appreciate that reducing VAT is not a devolved matter for the Stormont Executive, yet this is something they could back as the Devolved Administration in Scotland have done. We would ask that the Executive look seriously at a regional retrofitting strategy for bringing existing buildings up to modern energy efficient standards and setting parameters for how we heat and insulate new homes. We need to think smarter if we are to deliver the housing our society deserves.

Federation of Master Builders, Unit 10, Kilbegs Business Centre, Plasketts Close, Antrim, BT41 4LY T: +44 (0)28 9446 0416 - E: [email protected] www.fmb.org.uk - www.findabuilder.co.uk

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CEF Managing Director, Mark Spence.

CEF MANAGING DIRECTOR WILL REPRESENT NI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON NEW CLC SENIOR ADVISORS GROUP... CEF joins ‘top table’ at Construction LeadershipCouncil C onstruction Employers Federation (CEF) Managing Director, Mark Spence, has

Advisors Group, CEF MD, Mark Spence, will be the sole representative of the interests of the Northern Ireland construction industry to the Task Force as well as providing advice and support. Commenting on the restructure, CLC Co-Chair, Andy Mitchell, said: “To support the Task Force, a CLC Senior Advisors Group has been established, along the lines of non- executives of a typical board. This group will provide an even wider representation of different parts of the industry, together with support, challenge and guidance. “We would like to thank all of those involved in supporting the efforts and achievements of the CLC in recent times, and wish the new members the very best of luck as we all work to see our industry flourish.” Mark Spence, Managing Director of the CEF said, “The CLC has played a central role in harnessing the successful efforts of the industry to stay operational during the pandemic as well as leading on

initiatives to improve efficiency, skills and growth in UK construction. “CEF’s appointment ensures that NI construction will be at the top table of policy and decision making in UK construction, as well as ensuring local issues can be heard and factored into advice to UK government. CEF welcome this appointment and looks forward to working with fellow members of the CLC.” The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is the certified representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ireland. The organisation has over 800 member companies ranging from micro businesses employing a handful of people to the largest construction companies in Northern Ireland. In total, CEF member companies account for over 70% of construction output in Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.cefni.co.uk or www. constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk

been appointed to join the Senior Advisory Group of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), following a significant recent restructure aimed at ensuring broader representation in devolved regions. The CLC works alongside government and industry organisations to promote the construction sector and deliver industry objectives on areas including sustainability, efficiency and skills as well as convening industry- wide responses to major issues such as Covid-19. The refreshed structure of the Construction Leadership Council follows the creation of the CLC Task Force in March in response to the pandemic. The CLC Senior Advisors Group was established to support the Task Force, which is at the heart of the drive to transform the industry as set out in the CLC Industry Recovery Plan. As a member of the CLC Senior

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C E L E B R A T I N G 7 5 Y E A R S O F T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N E M P L O Y E R S F E D E R A T I O N

L- R: Jonathan Caughey, CEF Federation Manager; Declan McLogan, CEF H & S Committee Chair and Mark Spence, CEF Managing Director, launch the Safety Reboot initiative.

JONATHAN CAUGHEY, FEDERATION MANAGER AT THE CEF, DISCUSSES THE UPCOMING SAFETY REBOOT INITIATIVE AND CHANGES TO CSR... CEF looks forward to SafetyReboot

F ollowing a year that everyone would like to forget, the Construction Employers Federation is looking forward to a new month-long initiative, Safety Reboot, in January 2021 as a chance to refocus on key areas of construction health and safety. Looking back 2020 got off to an awful start in Northern Ireland with

four fatalities as a result of falls from height very early in the year and, while statistics are often batted around, the reality is that this is four people who did not return from work one day as they had planned to, four families devastated by the loss of a loved one. According to HSENI, falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of death, disability and injury on construction sites in Northern Ireland. As the world reacted to Covid-19 and terms such as social-distancing became a part of our everyday lives, health and safety became the priority consideration and the construction industry came together to find ways of ensuring the safety of workers at the same time as continuing to operate, albeit at lower levels of activity. Made up of Federation members, the CEF set up a Covid-19 Taskforce in response to the virus which identified the need for safe ways of

working to be developed and led to the formation of the Health & Safety Subgroup. The H&S Subgroup reviewed and compiled guidance on best practices and resources to assist companies and provide a route to getting back to site safely. While the onset of a global pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live and work, the CEF has been proud of how Northern Ireland’s construction industry showed great collaboration and adaptability to ‘keep the show on the road’ during a time of extreme adversity. LOOKING FORWARD Safety Reboot will start the first week back after the Christmas break. The aim of the initiative is to encourage construction companies to stop work for about fifteen minutes, once a week throughout January, to take time to focus on key areas of health and

Workers from Combined Facilities Management (CFM) at a recent team talk.

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CEF carries out regular H & S training seminars for construction staff.

safety. Returning after Christmas can be difficult, people can be less focussed after all the festivities and it can take time to get back into the swing of things on site. It is times like this when there is an increased likelihood that accidents will occur. To help regain focus the topic for the first week will be site reinduction. The CEF Health and Safety Committee has compiled resources on seven additional topics which companies can choose from in the following weeks throughout January. The resources consist of questions to aid conversation and interaction between the workforce on each topic. Of course, given the current circumstances it is essential that social distancing is observed during any stoppage. Companies are encouraged to get involved and to use these short stoppages as a time for staff to really engage with each other on the important topics of health and safety. Now, more than ever, it is important to highlight the great work carried out by construction companies from Northern Ireland to keep their workforces and sites safe. With that in mind, please share what your company is doing as part of Safety Reboot on social media under the hashtag #safetyreboot. The CEF would like to take this

opportunity to wish all of our members a happy Christmas and a healthy and safe 2021. CSR CHANGES FROM 31 DECEMBER 2020 From 31 December 2020 all Construction Skills Register (CSR) skilled cards or above that were originally issued on the basis of an occupational assessment and Industry Accreditation will expire on 31 December 2024. The majority of valid cards are not impacted by this change. To be clear, from 31 December 2020, the cards impacted can be renewed in the normal way i.e., one day CSR health and safety course or applicable supervisor/manager refresher. The impacted cards will have a shorter than normal duration the closer they are issued to 31 December 2024. Once these cards expire on 31 December 2024, candidates will then have to be registered on or achieved an NVQ Level 2 qualification or higher

(applicable to the card level they are applying for e.g., NVQ Level 3 for gold craft card) based on their occupation. Candidates who already have an applicable NVQ qualification will continue to receive cards that are valid for 4 years from the date the relevant health and safety training is completed. There are also numerous other card types not impacted and these will continue to be renewed as they are now and will continue to be issued for the normal duration (usually four years). These changes are the latest in a series of amendments needed to ensure that CSR meets the Construction Leadership Council’s “One Industry Logo” requirements which will ensure CSR cards continue to be accepted in GB. Information on the cards available from CSR and the associated training and qualifications requirements can be found at www.cefni.co.uk/schemes/ construction-skills-register/card- types/

“TheCEF has been proudof howNorthern Ireland’s construction industry showedgreat collaboration and adaptability to ‘keep the showon the road’ during a time of extreme adversity.”

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C E L E B R A T I N G 7 5 Y E A R S O F T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N E M P L O Y E R S F E D E R A T I O N

MARK SPENCE, CEF MANAGING DIRECTOR, RECAPS A DIFFICULT YEAR AND SAYS IT’S TIME TO FOCUS MINDS ON THE RECOVERY... Time toBuild theRecovery T his has been, by any measure, a catastrophic year for economic performance, let alone the human toll which is incalculable to of procuring authorities. On a more positive note, the recent

particularly construction. We look forward to exercising our recently announced position on the newly constituted Procurement Board to reinvigorate effective, efficient and consistent procurement for the betterment of public services and fairer treatment of contractors. Once we get beyond the immediate Covid headlines, and as normality gradually returns hopefully in the spring and summer, it will be the practical realities of the funding available to the Northern Ireland Executive which must focus minds in order to deliver fit-for-purpose public services. Construction will, as it always does, adapt and embrace new ways of working and will be holding local administration to account if it does not keep pace. For more information on the Construction Employers Federation, visit: www.cefni.co.uk

decision to reform the Housing Executive was a massive step towards recognising the limitations of Block Grant funding and we believe similar considerations must urgently be tabled regarding the long-term governance and funding arrangements of Northern Ireland Water before the next Assembly election in 2022. Northern Ireland Water, on the face of it, needs to at least double its annual infrastructure spend going forward in order to make any tangible dent in its infrastructure deficit, without which there will be an absolute cap on the number of new homes, schools, hospitals and commercial premises that can be delivered. Perhaps what this underlines is the fragmented approach our local administration has over how it procures public services and

those impacted. We at CEF are proud of our members who led the way to safe and Covid-secure working which has enabled construction to continue after the initial lockdown period, while many other sectors have remained closed or been subject to cycles of closure. Whilst the focus of government and administration at every level has undoubtedly been on addressing the pandemic, this year has not been without some significant developments impacting construction, some positive, some sadly not. One disappointing example was the decision of CPD in February to abruptly abandon an industry-agreed evaluation methodology which was designed to avoid sub-economic pricing. The impact of this regrettable decision will surely be seen as work opportunities become more scarce and low pricing again becomes a feature of the public sector tendering landscape. This historically has resulted in business failures in previous recessions and the problem requires the urgent attention

“Constructionwill, as it always does, adapt and embrace newways of working andwill be holding local administration to account if it does not keeppace.”

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CASE STUDY

SPORT IRELAND’SNATIONAL INDOORARENA

BRETT MARTIN DELIVERS A GOLD STANDARD PERFORMANCE AT SPORT IRELAND’S NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA…... Light relief for National Indoor Arena development and construction phases, ensuring design intent was translated with material use, along with appropriate and robust detailing. As part of this, the

B rett Martin’s Marlon Clickfix VF polycarbonate glazing system is delivering exceptional natural daylight inside Dublin’s new National Indoor Arena. The system has been used to create a bright, appealing interior that will help provide the perfect environment for sports, whilst providing exceptional aesthetics. Built by contractor Buckingham Group, this 18,480m2 multipurpose facility features 2,300m 2 of Marlon Clickfix VF glazing for the roof gables and as part of the triangular-patterned façade on the front elevation, a key architectural feature

of this multi-sport arena. With aesthetics, light and U-values a vital consideration for the design of the arena, Brett Martin’s daylighting solution offered optimum light transmission, minimal installation time and an ability to accommodate building movement. Specified in clear and blue glass polycarbonate, the Marlon Clickfix VF system ensured a fast and straightforward installation for roofing and cladding contractor, Roofscape. Commenting on the project, Peter Hanvey of Brett Martin said, “Brett Martin was involved throughout the design,

17-metre high gable elevations were designed to maximise natural internal diffused light, and allow a cross flow of air to ventilate the internal playing environment.” The design of both end gables featured a course of 2m light blue polycarbonate panels to the base, central 10m long panels and maximum 5m panels finishing to the ridge. The Marlon Clickfix VF glazing bar system has been specifically

“Brett Martin products remain at the forefront of its chosenmarkets.”

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CASE STUDY

SPORT IRELAND’SNATIONAL INDOORARENA

“Brett Martinwas involved throughout the design, development and construction phases, ensuringdesign intent was translatedwithmaterial use, alongwith appropriate and robust detailing.”

developed for vertical installations such as façades, partitioning, rain screens and vertically-glazed northlights. Forming part of the 520-acre Sport Ireland Campus in north Dublin, the National Indoor Arena comprises a National Gymnastics Training Centre, National Indoor Athletics Training Centre and National Indoor Training Centre. Brett Martin’s Marlon Clickfix VF system has ensured this state-of-the-art sports destination provides an exemplary sporting experience for fans and athletes alike. BRETT MARTIN Established in 1958, Brett Martin is a privately-owned family business which has become one of Northern Ireland’s most successful independent manufacturing companies. With headquarters located on its founding site

in Co. Antrim, the company has grown in scale to employ over 1000 people at several locations throughout the UK and Europe. Brett Martin is a global player supplying specialist plastic products for the construction, fabrication, print and display sectors worldwide. The company’s product portfolio includes an impressive range of plastic sheets, factory-engineered rooflight systems and plumbing and drainage systems. A commitment to an on-going programme of investment in the latest manufacturing technology, innovation and product development ensures that Brett Martin products remain at the forefront of its chosen markets. Throughout its operations in the UK and Europe, the Group aims to be a professional, solid partner for distributors, customers and end users.

For more information about Brett Martin’s glazing system solutions: T: +44 (0)28 9084 9999 - E: [email protected] www.brettmartin.com

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NEWS

MPANI LAUNCHES 2020/21 JOURNAL ANDVIDEO

T he Mineral Products Association NI (MPANI) has published its eighth industry journal, MPANI 2020/21, in conjunction with a new promotional video, ‘Proud of our Past. Embracing our Future.’ In her foreword to the journal,

WESTERNHANDSOVER60-BED MEDICALBLOCK Pictured in one of the ensuite single rooms in the new 60-Bed Block at University Hospital Limerick were (left to right): Clodagh Hanratty, Estates Manager, HSE Estates; Joe Hoare, Assistant National Director, HSE Estates; Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group; and Martin McCloskey, CEO, Western Building Systems.

Diane Dodds, Economy Minister highlights the importance of the geoscience industry on the Northern Ireland economy. “The industry directly accounts for a total of 34,000 jobs”, she writes, “a GVA of £2.1 billion and 6,150 businesses, with the quarrying and construction minerals sector directly contributing to around 64% of employment in the geoscience industry and 75% of its GVA. “The Mineral Products Association played a vital role in enabling the Department to gather additional, more extensive >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68

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