Specify Jan Feb 2017

Mount Charles Group,
New Headquarters Belfast
Another successful
handover by Mascott...
Featured on pages 12-13
NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE
JAN/FEB 2017 £3.00
SPECIFY is the official publication for the
Construction Employers Federation

PAT BURNS
Editor
PAUL BRADWELL
Sales Manager
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(UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)
PUBLISHERS:
James & Gladys Greer
Specify is published by
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DESIGNED
Shaun Byrne, Design Stics
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PRINTED BY
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may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photcopying, recording or otherwise without the
prior permission of Greer Publications.
Comments|03
PAT BURNS
Editor
PAUL BRADWELL
Sales Manager
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
(UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)
PUBLISHERS:
James & Gladys Greer
Specify is published by
Greer Publications,
Unit 34 Crescent Business Park,
Lisburn, BT28 2GN
Tel: (028) 9278 0108
Email:
Sales
paulbradwell@greerpublications.com
Editorial
patburns@greerpublications.com
Subscriptions
info@greerpublications.com
DESIGN
Shaun Byrne, Design Stics
Tel: (44) 7955745731
PRINTED BY
W & G Baird, Antrim
Tel: (028) 9446 3911
www.specifymagazine.co.uk
All rights reserved.This Magazine is Copyright ©
GREERS PUBLICATIONS 2016. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photcopying, recording or otherwise without the
prior permission of Greer Publications.
Comment|03
O’HARE & MCGOVERN SCORE TWICE!
For the second year in
a row, Newry-based
construction company
O’Hare & McGovern
have taken the ‘Overall
Award’ at the Specify CEF
Construction Excellence
Awards.
The Awards Gala Evening saw
the firm win the award for
its work on the IFA National
Football Stadium at Windsor
Park. The superb new 18,000
seater stadium received its official
opening the day after the awards
took place at the Culloden Hotel.
It was built within the confines
of the existing Windsor Park
which remained fully operational
throughout the 98 week
construction phase, facilitating
over 200,000 spectators at
63 international and domestic
fixtures. The work involved the
demolition of the south and
east stands, refurbishment and
extension of the north and west
stands.
OHMG designed curved steel
work at the interface of the
North East and North West
stands to form a Quadrant. This
curved design helped to create a
stadium to enhance the viewing
experience of the speactators
while at the same time
mitigating the impact of noise on
neighbouring houses outside the
stadium.
Our congratulations go to the
team at OHMG on their success.
There was also some cheer from
the latest RICS report.
Building activity is still rising
despite uncertainty in the
economy, according to the
latest RICS (Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyors) and
Tughans Northern Ireland
Construction Market Survey.
Workloads were still rising in
the third quarter of the year,
according to Northern Ireland
surveyors, with only a very
modest slowdown in activity
relative to Q2.
Housebuilding remained a key
source of workload growth, with
private housebuilding activity
rising particularly strongly (a
net balance of +48). Private
Commercial activity was also
rising relatively robustly (+23),
according to the survey.
In contrast however,
infrastructure workload
growth remained weak (+5),
and significantly below the UK
average (+17).
Looking ahead, Northern Ireland
surveyors are upbeat about the
prospects for growth, with a
net balance of +50% expecting
workloads to be higher in a
12-month horizon.
Infrastructure spending is still
relatively low in Northern
Ireland and the latest
developments in the ongoing
York Road Interchange does not
inspire confidence for the big
government spending projects.
Economist John Simpson looks at
the Programme for Government
Strategic Investment Boards
aspirations for next year and
beyond… see pages 36 and 37.
Pat Burns
Editor
Be wise when
you advertise
Look for the ABC stamp of trust. An ABC certificate provides accurate,
independently verified circulation figures giving you confidence
in your advertising investment. www.abc.org.uk
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ATTENTION
The York Road
interchange was in
the headlines at the
start of December,
with the estimated
cost of £160million
being discussed as
prohibitively expensive
for what is Northern
Ireland’s biggest traffic
headache. The project
is designed to alleviate
the bottleneck where
the M1/M2/M3 and
Westlink all meet
and puts Belfast as
the third worst city in
the UK for traffic jam
delays. Infrastructure
Minister Chris Hazzard
announced an ‘intention
to proceed’ though
where the funding will
come from remains
to be seen. The EU
originally would have
paid 40 per cent of the
cost but with Brexit that
appears unlikely.
Then came the Renewable Heat
Incentive (RHI) fiasco which saw a
figure of £400million being talked
about going up in smoke in grants
over the next twenty years.The
York Road interchange was quickly
forgotten about as the RHI scheme
put the whole future of Stormont
in jeopardy. The early days of 2017
still haven’t given us a definitive
answer on either scheme. In this
issue, John Simpson looks at the
Infrastructure plans in the Programme
for Government (PfG) and remains
unimpressed. You can read John’s
thoughts on pages 26 and 27.
House Sales Improvement
There was some good news as 2016
was brought to a close. House sales
activity in Northern Ireland rose at
the fastest rate in over two years,
according to the latest RICS (Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
and Ulster Bank Residential Market
Survey.
Sales activity dropped in May
following changes to stamp duty
for second homes and again in the
aftermath of June’s Brexit vote.
However, there has been a pick-up
since September, according to the
survey, with November recording the
most widespread rise in sales since
August 2014.
Prices also continued to edge
upwards in November, according
to respondents, whilst new buyer
enquiries remained relatively robust –
new buyer enquiries had also fallen in
the aftermath of stamp duty changes
and the EU Referendum but started
to pick up again in September.
Encouragingly, there was also a rise in
the number of new homes coming
onto the market in November. Supply
constraints have been a key issue in
the Northern Ireland housing market
during the last couple of years.
Looking ahead, expectations for sales
and price growth softened slightly,
but surveyors still expect both to rise
over the coming months.
RICS Residential Property Spokesman,
Samuel Dickey, commented:“A key
issue for the housing market has been
the impact on transaction activity
since the spring. But, there are signs
that the numbers have been edging
upwards in recent months, particularly
in November, and may continue to
do so into the New Year. However,
the combination of macro uncertainty,
the on-going supply shortfall - albeit
there was a rise in instructions in
November - and the myriad of tax
changes impacting on buyers, suggest
that any further pick-up in activity
will be relatively modest in the short-
term.”
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard with Chris Conway, CEO of Translink at a recent announcemet of £10 million funding for
45 new buses, but will NI get the road upgrades it so badly needs?

JANUARY 2017

contents...6
7
8
9
14
19
26
• Tailored energy solution
• Full design service
• Technical support and guidance
• 24-hour emergency call out
calorgas.ie
We provide CPD courses. TO FIND OUT MORE Visit calorgas.ie
• Email cpd@calorgas.ie • Contact: 028 9045 5588
37
41
46
58
DIGEST
CDE in Cookstown secures a multi million pound quarry contract in Australia
DIGEST
Springfarm Architectural Mouldings Ltd (SAM) has announced that it has acquired
Lincolnshire based SelectTimber Products
DIGEST
The new Chairman of Construction Industry Group (NICG) Professionals
Council says next two years are a bigger challenge than the recession
DIGEST
Twenty local apprentices representing the Built Environment travelled to NEC
Birmingham recently to compete at the WorldSkills UK Show and brought home
7 medals.
ENERGY
Invest NI gives timely advice on cutting back on heating costs
SIKA ADVICE
Sika looks at hot works on roofing projects, managing risk and complying with
CDM 2016
JOHN SIMPSON
The infrastructure details in the Programme for Government leaves John
unimpressed
CEF NEWS
CEF’s John Armstrong gives a positive response to the Autumn statement from
the Chancellor
ANNON HOUSE
Mascott refurbishes the old Maxol HQ for Mount charles
FLEET FINANCIAL
Fleet Financial has donated £31,000 to Hope forYouth NI as part of the ongoing
celebrations and major fundraising effort by the company to mark two decades in
business
INTERVIEW
Specify talks to Alex Longridge, Commercial Sales Manager,Acheson and Glover
Ireland

contents |05
26 JOHN SIMPSON
The infrastructure details in the
Programme for Government leaves
John unimpressed
08 DIGEST
The new Chairman of Construction
Industry Group (NICG) Professionals
Council says next two years are a
bigger challenge than the recession
58 Interview
Specify talks to Alex Longridge,
Commercial Sales Manager,
Acheson and Glover Ireland
• Tailored energy solution
• Full design service
• Technical support and guidance
• 24-hour emergency call out
calorgas.ie
We provide CPD courses. TO FIND OUT MORE Visit calorgas.ie
• Email cpd@calorgas.ie • Contact: 028 9045 5588
ANNON HOUSE
PAGE 41

06| digest
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.
CONCRETE
FUTURES Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni
NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 1 20/08/2014 16:45
Harvey Group acquires Solmatix as part of 5 year
growth plan in UK and Ireland.
Newtownabbey-based
M&E services company,
Harvey Group, has acquired
Northern Ireland renewable
energy specialists, Solmatix
Renewables in a move the
companies say will transform
the renewable energy sector
in Northern Ireland and act
as a springboard for further
expansion into the multi-
million pound UK and Ireland
renewable energy markets.
The acquisition, for an
undisclosed sum, will bring to 110
the number of people employed
directly by the Harvey Group in
Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
With a turnover of £30 million
and over 80 staff, Harvey Group
has over 30 years’ experience
in the design, installation and
maintenance of building services
within every conceivable kind of
building type throughout NI, GB
and RoI, including Pharmaceutical/
Cleanrooms, Laboratories,
Education, Government and
Healthcare . Richard and Norah-
Anne Bell founded Solmatix
Renewables in 2008, and since then
the company has grown to achieve a
turnover of £6 million, with 30 staff
operating from its Nutt’s Corner
premises.
As a result of the deal, Solmatix
will continue to operate as an
autonomous and independent
company within Harvey Group
Brian Harvey, managing director
of Harvey Group, said there was
a perfect fit between the two
organisations.
“We have been planning to
grow our renewables involvement
for some time, either organically
or through the acquisition of an
established player. Having worked
with Solmatix Renewables on
a number of contracts, we’d
always been impressed with
their engineering rigour and
professionalism. In fact, there seemed
to be a natural synergy between
our two companies in terms of
what we do and how we do it. I
approached Richard Bell about a
year ago to float the idea of our
companies coming together, but only
if there was a good fit. After careful
consideration we both agreed
that this would indeed be mutually
beneficial. From my perspective,
having Solmatix as part of Harvey
Group gives us a level of expertise
that would have taken us years to
acquire otherwise.
“Harvey Group and Solmatix
share similar values, by which I mean
our commitment to professionalism,
our desire to deliver our services to
the very highest standards, and the
importance we place on treating our
customers, our suppliers and our staff
with courtesy and consideration.”
Richard Bell, the founder and
managing director of Solmatix
Renewables described the acquisition
as great news for Solmatix, its
customers, suppliers and staff.
“In many respects, it’s a case
of ‘business as usual’. However, in
real terms, being part of this larger
organisation will give us access to
enhanced technical skills, financial
resources and purchasing power.
Ultimately I believe this will lead
to greater growth and investment
within our operations, as well as
more jobs and job security. It’s a
win-win relationship that’s good
for our whole organisation, as
well as the economy of Northern
Ireland.“
Celebrating the acquisition (from left) Norah-Anne Bell, Richard Bell, Brian Harvey, Gareth
Booth (Financial Controller, Harvey Group).
NI M&E services company acquires renewable energy specialists
Lisburn firm TAL awarded the first major construction
contract at Randox Science Park
WItH a reputation for
excellence in constructing high
quality projects,tAL Limited
has been awarded a significant
contract (£3.1m) by global
medical diagnostics company
Randox.
This initial contract is for the
construction of a new facility for
production of Randox’s pioneering
medical diagnostic products and will
also include associated administrative
functions. The works are the first
phase of a major capital expenditure
project by Randox to develop the
former Massereene Army Barracks
into ‘Randox Science Park’ – a
futuristic R&D and manufacturing
facility. The award-winning,
international biotechnology firm,
unveiled its plans for an innovative
hub on the 43 acre site earlier this
year.
Welcoming the announcement,
Damien Hughes, Director of TAL
Limited commented:“We are
delighted to have been awarded
this contract with Randox, one of
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
Director at Randox commented:“The
development of Randox Science
Park is core to our plans to create
innovative diagnostics, to improve
manufacturing efficiency to export
high-value healthcare capabilities to
world markets. This state-of-the-art
premises will become a centre of
cutting-edge research, development
and diagnostic manufacture, covering
conditions such as cancer, stroke and
heart disease. We will also provide a
significant boost to the local economy
through new job creation. We very
much look forward to working with
TAL on this initial contract to deliver
the high quality infrastructure we
require.”
digest06
CDE GLOBAL SECURES MULTI-MILLION POUND
AUSTRALIAN CONTRACT
CDE Global has secured
a multi-million pound
contract to deliver two
new waste processing
plants for Arrium Mining
in Australia.
The value of the contract has not
been disclosed but it is the company’s
biggest project in Australia to date
and will see CDE Global extending
its reach in one of its key export
markets.
The Cookstown-based company will
work with Arrium Mining to process
almost 17 million tons of low grade
iron ore fines which will be converted
into a high value saleable product.
The first new plant is to be located
at Arrium Mining’s Iron Knob mining
location processing the substantive
stockpiles of low grade iron ore that
have accumulated during years of
mining the Iron Monarch and Iron
Princess deposits. Mining of the Iron
Monarch first commenced in 1899.
The second plant will be installed at
the Iron Baron mining location and
will also process low grade iron ore
stockpiled since mining started in
1930. It will then progress into the
Iron Empress and Iron Baroness Scree
ore deposits in this region.
CDE Global designs and manufactures
materials washing and classification
equipment with applications in a
variety of sectors: sand and aggregates,
construction waste recycling, mining,
specialist industrial sands and
environmental.The regional office
network has a presence in Kolkata
(India), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Cary
(North America).
The project represents a new niche
for CDE in the large scale recovery of
valuable resources from mining waste
materials.
Chris McKeown,Technical Manager
with CDE Global said:“This is a very
significant project win for CDE as we
continue to embark on an accelerated
growth programme over the course
of the next five years.The modular
nature of our equipment has a
number of benefits which have been
recognised by our clients and this has
opened up great opportunities for us
in Australia.”
Gavin Hobart, General Manager
Development with Arrium Mining
said.“We visited several CDE
projects in Australia, Norway, the UK
and Brazil and observed how their
AggMax machine had been applied
successfully on similar projects.This
gave us confidence that it provided an
innovative way to tackle clay bound
materials.We were also impressed
by the fact that the time required
for installation and commissioning
of the plant is reduced as a result of
the integration of several processing
phases onto one machine.”
OVER 140 JOBS TO BE CREATED WITH £8.4M
BELFAST HEALTHCARE PROJECT
An £8.4million
specialist healthcare
facility currently under
construction on the
outskirts of Belfast is set
to create at least 140
new jobs.
Supported by Ulster Bank, the 80-bed
healthcare centre on a five-and-a-
half-acre site off the Knockbracken
Road, in the Castlereagh hills is being
developed by Maryland Healthcare.
It will cater for the needs of
vulnerable adults living with dementia,
a learning disability, or physical
disability, and is expected to be
completed by June 2017.
In addition to the 140 permanent
jobs, over 100 construction jobs are
being supported during construction.
County Down building contractor
Killowen Contracts is undertaking
construction work, and Maurice
McGivern, Director says:“This is a
truly significant healthcare scheme,
with over 100 construction jobs
sustained during the development,
peaking at around 200.We take great
pride and care in our work, and are
very pleased to be on schedule to
hand the scheme over to Maryland
Healthcare on time and on budget.”
Chairperson of Maryland Healthcare,Audrey Lockhead (centre) on site at Maryland Healthcare
with Kenton Hilman and Lisa Allen of Ulster Bank.

06| digest
CONCRETE
Newtownabbey-based
premises.
organisations.
acquire otherwise.
Ireland.“
Randox.
year.
require.”
digest |07
CONTRACTOR APPOINTED FOR £3 MILLION ROCK
MILLS REFURBISHMENT
Choice Housing has
appointed a Derry-
Londonderry based
contractor to complete
a major overhaul of its
Rock Mills scheme on
the Strand Road in the
city.
The newly formed AMSON
Consortium – a joint venture
between local construction firm
AMS Ltd and Omagh-based O’Neill
Electrics Ltd – commenced the first
phase of the 14-month refurbishment
programme in October.
The series of works will reconfigure
the Rock Mills site to provide 96
modern self-contained units with the
three largest each accommodating
families of four.The refurbishment will
include an overhaul of all electrics and
plumbing within the building and the
fitting of new kitchens and bathrooms
throughout, as well as a number of
other upgrades to the building.
Michael McDonnell, Chief Executive of
Choice said:
“Rock Mills is in great need of
renovation and refurbishment to enable
it to help address the urgent local
housing need.We engaged in a rigorous
search to find the best contractors and
it is pleasing to appoint organisations
that have the skills, experience
and resources for a job of this size.
We believe in investing in the local
communities where we operate and
it is an added bonus to support local
businesses with projects like this.
“This is an exciting new chapter for
Rock Mills.The reconfiguration of
the building increases the number
of homes we can provide and
incorporates the very best standards
and the latest in energy saving
technology. It will enable tenants to
make the most of quality, affordable
and secure homes rights in the heart
of the city.”
Gerry Donaghy from AMSON said:
“We believe people deserve well-built
and comfortable homes, whatever
their circumstances.That’s why our
social housing projects benefit from
the same expertise, attention to detail,
build and finish quality that we apply
to commercial developments.
“This is an exciting and timely
project for us to be involved in.
The first phase of works has already
started and we look forward to
seeing the first new tenants take up
occupancy next year. I believe our
appointment reflects our successful
record of delivering ambitious housing
refurbishment and regeneration
programmes in the region.”
Rock Mills was first opened by
SHAC Housing Association in the
late 1980s to serve the city’s student
population and a number of single
people. Approval for the upgrade was
granted at a meeting of Derry City
and Strabane District Council Planning
Committee at the start of October.
Matthew McLaughlin, Choice Senior Asset Management Officer, Shane O’Neill and
Gerry Dinghy from AMSON and Michael McDonnell, ChoiceGroup Chief Executive.
SAM ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION
OF SELECT TIMBER
Manufacturing company
Springfarm Architectural
Mouldings Ltd (SAM)
has today announced
that it has acquired
Lincolnshire based
Select Timber Products,
in a deal which will see
turnover at the Northern
Irish firm increase by 20
per cent.
Founded in 1990, SAM manufactures
high quality MDF mouldings, including
skirting and architrave, for use across
the UK, Ireland and Europe.The
Antrim headquartered family run
business embarked on an ambitious
Vision 2020 business strategy early
in 2016 in which it is targeting a 100
per cent increase in turnover within
five years.
Select Timber, which is based in
Spalding, has been supplying quality
interior mouldings products to the
construction industry since 1989. All
25 employees from Select Timber will
remain in their roles following the
acquisition, bringing the headcount at
SAM to more than 200.
SAM will now operate with a
distribution centre in the south
east of England, an area which the
company has identified as a key
driver for the UK economy and a
hub of activity for the construction
sector.The company will use the
facility to target further expansion
in its export markets, including
Europe.
The acquisition figure was not
disclosed.
Paul Lavery, commercial director
at SAM and managing director at
Select Timber, said:“The past two
years have been a particularly
exciting time for SAM as we have
doubled in size.We are keen to
build on this momentum and we
are looking ahead to the next
five years with a focused and goal
orientated strategy in place.
“In line with our strategy the
addition of Select Timber to the
SAM family will enable us to
continue as market leader and
maintain the increasing demand
for our unrivalled range of standard
and value added mouldings.The
presence of a manufacturing and
distribution facility in the heart of
England provides us with a fantastic
opportunity to enhance the SAM
product and service offer.”
Pictured (L-R) is Sam McCrea, founder and chief executive of SAM and Paul Lavery,
commercial director at SAM and managing director at Select Timber.

06| digest
CONCRETE
Newtownabbey-based
premises.
organisations.
acquire otherwise.
Ireland.“
Randox.
year.
require.”
digest08 |
DERRY ARCHITECT BUILDS ON
PORTFOLIO WITH FOUR LONDON
PROJECTS
An ambitious
architecture practice
has taken its first steps
into London, securing
a number of new and
varied projects across
the capital
Gradon Architecture, which is based
in Derry, as well as having studios in
the North East of England and Ulan
Bator, Mongolia, has been appointed
by Dubai-based cosmetic surgery
clinic CosmeSurge to work on its
flagship London premises in Harley
Street.
The move into the capital has been
made possible with the support of
Invest Northern Ireland, from which
Gradon recently secured just over
£30,000 in funding.
Work is already underway on the £2
million renovation, which marks the
exclusive aesthetic medicine chain’s
first venture into the UK and will
create a state of the art surgery.
The surgery design combines the
unique demands of a cosmetic
procedure practice, including
specialist lighting, flooring and medical
equipment, with detailed design
features that create a calming yet
contemporary environment for
patients.
Architectural Director Sean Furey
of Gradon Architecture, who has
managed the project on site, said:
“This project
marks a hugely
exciting time
for Gradon
Architecture. Not
only is it one of
our first projects
in London, it is
a flagship space
on one of the
capital’s most
famous streets.
“Through the
renovation
process we have
created a functional, contemporary
medical practice complete with all the
high-spec equipment required of the
business. At the same time as creating
a practical workspace, we have
brought in creative design elements to
create an environment that patients
and practitioners alike will enjoy
spending time in.”
CosmeSurge’s Alison Harvey, Chief of
Quality/Risk/Compliance at Emirates
Hospital Group, said:“We have been
delighted to have Gradon join us on
this challenging refurbishment project.
The work has required a number of
mechanical and engineering bespoke
solutions to ensure this facility meets
the required high standards for the
healthcare industry, whilst enabling
lovely purposeful finishes within an
entity that is fit for purpose.
“Gradon’s professional approach
and ability to work with the team to
create solutions has been a critical in
creating the optimum redesign of this
facility.”
The practice has also secured another
two additional projects in Harrow,
North West London, redeveloping
two apartment blocks in the region’s
St John’s Road area.
A fourth project for the firm in the
capital is the reworking of an office
space in the heart of Piccadilly.The
listed building, which faces
on to St James’s Park, will
be reworked into a flexible
office and meeting space.
Gradon has gone from
strength to strength since
opening in Ryton, Gateshead,
in 2009, picking up large-
scale contracts in Mongolia
as well as opening a studio
in Derry, Northern Ireland.
Recent recruitment in the
Derry studio has seen the
team increase to 22 people
across all locations, with
further recruitment planned.
The four London projects
mark the first venture into the capital
for the practice.
Graham McDarby, founder and
Managing Director of Gradon
Architecture, said:“Securing these four
London projects shows just how far
we have come over the last few years.
We’re delighted at the achievement
and excited to bring our brand of
personal and hands on approach to
architecture to projects in the capital.
“In these increasingly difficult times
for the industry, a few have cited
Brexit as a downturn in their fortunes.
From our perspective, there are huge
opportunities out there to be had.”
BIGGER CHALLENGE THAN RECESSION SAYS NEW
CHAIRMAN OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY GROUP
The new Chairman of
the umbrella group
representing 18
different professional
bodies within the NI
construction sector has
said that emerging from
recession and the next
two years are possibly
a greater challenge
than dealing with the
constant effects of a
suppressed construction
market for the last eight
years.
Martin Hare is the new Chairman
of the Construction Industry Group
Professionals Council which represents
the interests of construction industry
professionals with government and
policy-makers. He is a Chartered
Architect and a Director in McAdam
Design. Commenting on his priorities
as Chairman, he said,“Although
the Council is encouraged that
opportunities, commissions and actual
on-site construction is on the rise
we also believe the recovery process
requires careful management.The
focus of the Professionals Council
will be to ensure public sector
procurement extracts the best value
for NI customers by focusing on
building a quality environment which
supports economic recovery. Having
worked through recent austerity
measures we believe it is time for
collaboration and shared ideas.”
“We wish to ensure that payment
for construction professionals
accurately reflects the challenges
ahead.This includes appropriate fees,
reasonable payment schedules and
fair apportionment of risk which
allows construction
professional to add
real value.We have the
professional capacity to
meet emerging demands.
We represent the
widest grouping of NI
construction professionals
with the majority
educated & trained
locally.”
From this unique position,
Mr Hare believes that
the Council can provide
insight on current &
emerging trends.“The
Professional Council
has a strong record of
pro-active and effective
engagement with local
government and I look
forward to building on its
past achievements.”
Martin Hare
L-R Sean Furey, Graham McDarby, Liam Nelis

06| digest
CONCRETE
Newtownabbey-based
premises.
organisations.
acquire otherwise.
Ireland.“
Randox.
year.
require.”
digest |09
LOCAL APPRENTICES SHINE AT SKILLS SHOW
20 local apprentices
representing the Built
Environment travelled
to NEC Birmingham last
week to compete at the
WorldSkills UK Show and
successfully brought
home seven medals.
The Skills Show is the
UK’s largest skills and
careers event and is
designed to reward
talent and drive up
levels of expertise in
further education.
More than 500 talented young people
took part in competitions covering
61 different skills over three days
at Birmingham’s NEC in front of
thousands of visitors.
From South Eastern Regional College,
Jemual Chamos achieved Gold in
bricklaying,William Campbell, Gold
in carpentry and Luke Courtney and
Chris Hoy Gold and Silver respectively
in refrigeration. From South West
College, Stuart Graham achieved
Gold in electrical installation, Gareth
Elliott Bronze in joinery and Daniel
McAteer Bronze in plastering and dry
wall systems.
Highly commended in their
categories were Christopher
Jeffery, cabinet making, Richard
Shannon, joinery from Southern
Regional College and Jamie Howe,
joinery Southern Regional College.
Congratulating the Northern
Ireland winners, Economy Minister
Simon Hamilton said:“Northern
Ireland’s success at this UK
competition is testament to the
impressive talent, hard work and
commitment of our young people
coupled with the high standards
of training in our colleges. Our
competitors have once again
shown they have the skills to
succeed and excel against the UK’s
most talented apprentices and
learners.”
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive
CITB NI said,“I would like to
extend my congratulations once
again to all of those who were
competing at the Skills Show 2016.
The fact that Northern Ireland
has excelled again especially in the
construction and built environment
trades reflects the high standards
of training in our colleges and
the commitment to excellence
demonstrated by the competitors. All
these competitors are already winners
of local skills competitions, many of
whom have come through our own
Skillbuild NI regional competition
in order to qualify for this level.
Northern Ireland enjoys an impressive
track record at skills competitions at
regional, national and world level, and
our local competitors’ success at the
Skills Show builds on this outstanding
record of achievement”
Those who excel in the WorldSkills
UK Show competitions may be invited
to join the training programme to
represent the UK at the international
WorldSkills competitions, which take
place every two years in cities around
the world.The next WorldSkills
competitiion will be held in Abu
Dhabi in 2017.
Pictured is Jemual Chamos Gold medal winner in Bricklaying from South
Eastern Regional College with Oliver Farrell CITB GB
LOCAL FIT-OUT SPECIALIST SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD FOR
HARVEY NICHOLS STORE
Belfast-based Portview
Fit-Out has triumphed
at this year’s Retail
Week Interiors Awards
by winning the coveted
Best Department Store
title for its work on a
Harvey Nichols store in
Birmingham.
Working closely with interior
design specialist Virgile + Partners,
Portview Fit-Out received
industry-wide praise for their
precision and attention to detail
on the Harvey Nichols project,
which seamlessly integrated
cutting edge technology with
opulent design.
Simon Campbell, Managing
Director of Portview Fit-Out Ltd,
said:
“Our passion and experience
lies in crafting beautiful interiors
which captivate the imagination
of audiences and enhance the
overall visual experience.
Our work on the
Harvey Nichols store
in Birmingham was no
exception, with each
detail and specification
carefully thought out
to create a unique
and visceral shopping
experience like no other.
“The fact that we have
been awarded for our
efforts on a national
scale is a testament to
the talented team of fit-
out specialists we have
working in Portview.
From our Estimators
to Contract Managers,
CAD Designers to Site
Managers, everyone has
an equal part to play in Portview’s
success and I would like to
thank them personally for their
commitment and hard work in
delivering this exceptional project.”
Portview Fit-out Limited Managing Director Simon Campbell (second right) pictured
receiving the Best Department Store trophy at the 2016 Retail Week Interiors Awards
with Ewald Damen, Partner of Virgile + Partners; Carlos Virgile, Director of Virgile +
Partners; Barry Tallintire, Group Property and Facilities Director of Harvey Nichols; and
Stacey Cartwright, Harvey Nichols CEO.

06| digest
CONCRETE
Newtownabbey-based
premises.
organisations.
acquire otherwise.
Ireland.“
Randox.
year.
require.”
digest10 |
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT FOR
INNOVATIVE NI START-UP
An innovative Northern
Ireland start-up business
is set to create ten
jobs after securing a
significant injection of
capital from local and
international investors.
CADshare, which is based at the
Ulster Bank-powered Entrepreneurial
Spark Hatchery in Belfast, has raised
over £200,000, including investment
from techstart NI, private investors
based in Northern Ireland and the
US, and support from Invest NI.
Founded by mechanical engineer
Chris Acheson, CADshare is a
platform that allows manufacturers
of heavy machinery to bring their
aftermarket customer service online,
making it faster, more accurate and
more productive.
With the support of Entrepreneurial
Spark, Chris has been working
with Northern Ireland-based
manufacturing businesses to develop
the product, which he now plans to
launch fully to the market in the first
half of 2017.
He plans to
immediately
begin expanding
his team and
to leverage the
support of his
experienced
investors.
CADshare will
also benefit
from significant
support from
its technology
partners,
Autodesk.
He says that
CADshare
has significant
international
growth potential:
“Technology is
opening up new
opportunities
to transform
the aftermarket
business, and
CADshare provides a way to unlock
new revenue streams and better
service. It is a platform that offers
significant benefits to manufacturers
globally.”
Established by Invest Northern
Ireland as part of its £170m Access
to Finance initiative, techstart NI
provides support for early stage
technology businesses. techstart NI
is part financed by the European
Regional Development Fund under
the EU Investment for Growth in Jobs
Programme 2014-2020.
Chris Acheson, founder and CEO of CADshare, announces the investment with Lynsey
Cunningham, Entrepreneurial Development Manager at Ulster Bank.
THORNTON ROOFING ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW CHARITY
‘DRIVE’ IN SUPPORT OF CANCER CHARITY, CHARIS
Toomebridge based
specialist roofing and
cladding company,
Thornton has announced
its continued support
to Charis Integrated
Cancer Charity with a
new charity initiative.
Charis - situated at
the foothills of the
Sperrins - is committed
to supporting those
living with and families
bereaved by cancer.
Thornton has ten Charis branded
company vans, to show support
and help raise awareness for the
charity.
And the local company
announced a new charity initiative
that will see it donating 1p for
every mile driven in the Charis-
branded vans.
Speaking about the initiative,
Directors Stephen Thornton and
Jenny Neeson were delighted they
were able to support the charity.
Stephen Thornton commented,
“As a local family-owned employer
we are dedicated to giving back to
the local community and we want
to encourage support for Charis
because of their overwhelming
commitment to helping those
effected by cancer.”
Jenny Neeson said,“This initiative
has given us the opportunity
to make a difference to a very
important cause. So many people
are affected by cancer, and we
know how important it is to have
support in place for families.”
Director of Charis Cancer Care,
Imelda McGucken is delighted
with the continued support
the charity has received from
Thornton.
“The support
we’ve
had from
Thornton
over the past
two years
has helped
us made a
difference
to people’s
lives who
are going
through a
difficult time.
We are a
small, local
charity and depend solely on
public financial support to allow us
to give the necessary support for
those affected by cancer.To have a
company like Thornton behind us,
offering generous donations, is a
huge boost for the charity”.
Martin
(L-R) Enda McGurk, Operations
Manager of Thornton Roofing, Imelda
McGucken, Director of Charis Cancer
Care, Jenny Neeson, Finance Director of
Thornton Roofing and Stephen Thornton,
Managing Director of Thornton Roofing.

digest |11
n Hare
Education Minister Peter
Weir MLA has praised
both Quinn Industrial
Holdings (QIH) and
St. Michael’s College
Enniskillen on a visit to
the school. Speaking as
he was briefed on the
Quinn People School’s
Programme with St
Michael’s College, the
Education Minister
said he was delighted
to see such a deep
connection between
a well-established
local business and a
progressive college.
The five-year partnership involves
a range of initiatives to support
St. Michael’s, and is designed to
combat the ‘brain drain’ that exists
in the local area.The partnership
programme provides a clear pathway
for pupils to develop their educational
attainment as well as the option to
secure sustainable and highly skilled
employment at Quinn.
This partnership with St Michael’s
includes sponsorship of the new
Quinn Technology & Design
Department with financial assistance
towards the department’s capital
investment programme, as well as
a range of other support initiatives
such as bursary awards for the top
GCSE Engineering and top GCSE
Technology & Design, paid work
placements for year 13 pupils as
well as on-site support from the
experienced technical team in Quinn.
Over the summer the company
also launched its apprenticeship
and graduate programmes, all
part of its overall commitment to
developing Fermanagh into a Centre
of Excellence for manufacturing and
construction.
After meeting the Education Minister,
Kevin Lunney, Chief Operating Officer
of QIH said that the Minister had
encouraged both the school and
Quinn to deepen their relationship as
an exemplar on a national scale.
“The Minister was clearly supportive
of what we are trying to do with
St. Michael’s and believed that
the initiative can have a positive
influence on business engagement
with educational institutions here
in Northern Ireland and beyond.
He encouraged QIH to deepen
the relationship and to ensure that
we retain connections with the
department going forward.We feel
that this initiative highlights the deep
connection which Quinn has with
the local community and reflects our
desire to offer high quality careers
to young people from the local
area.We would like to thank the
Minister for his attendance and his
encouragement.”
EDUCATION MINISTER PRAISES QIH PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAMME WITH ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
Mivan Marine have
won Hospitality Fit Out
Project of the Year at the
annual all-island Fit Out
Awards 2016 in Dublin.
The Antrim-based specialist
contractor won the accolade for their
work in fitting out ten luxury carriages
for the Belmond Grand Hibernian
train.
Sixty skilled crafts people and 35,000
man hours were dedicated to
transforming the former Mark III Irish
Rail carriages into elegant cars with
interiors reflecting Dublin’s Georgian
architecture and the Irish countryside.
Inside 7 months, the Mivan team
refurbed 5 sleeper cars, 2 restaurant/
pantry cars, 1 observation/bar car, 1
crew car and 1 generator car. Work
included the design and installation of
metalwork, joinery, painting, fitting and
upholstery.
Neil Ward, Mivan CEO, said:“We
are delighted that our expertise in
completing this prestigious project
for Belmond has been recognised,
demonstrating yet again the superb
skills offered by Northern Ireland
trade and craft workers.
“Mivan has earned a reputation for
delivering superlative results on the
global stage, resulting in a 50% year-
on-year growth in 2016, an aspiration
to employ 200 skilled staff by the end
of 2017, and a strong forward order
book stretching into 2018.”
More than 850 industry professionals
attended the Fit Out Awards, which
celebrate excellence in the executive
of world-class fit outs and the people
and clients who drive outstanding
projects.
MIVAN WIN TOP AWARD FOR LUXURY
TRAIN FIT OUT
Tomás MacEoin (centre) MD of category sponsor McKeon Group, presents the Hospitality Fit Out Project of the Year Award
to Matthew Bott and Grace McCarron of Mivan.

Over the last four
decades Mascott have
helped deliver many
iconic structures which
are now part of Northern
Ireland’s collective built
heritage. The company
ethos is built on
dedicated professional
staff and a commitment
to delivering excellence
first time every time.
In 2011 Mascott became one of
the country’s most recognisable
construction firms when it
successfully delivered the MAC
Theatre, the signature project & focal
point in the regeneration of Belfast’s
now thriving Cathedral Quarter.
In August, this year Mascott
Construction was acquired by
EY Ireland Entrepreneur of the
Year finalist Gareth Loye. Gareth
also heads up M&M Contractors,
a 30-year-old business providing
turnkey telecommunication and
electrical infrastructures, in civil
engineering and construction
projects.
The multi awarded winning M&M
were also recently listed on the
Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100
list. Gareth’s plan was to grow both
businesses to a combined turnover
of £30m in the next year, and grow
his workforce to 220 employees.
“It came about as a strategy
from M&M” says Gareth.“Mascott
is a wonderful brand with some
wonderful projects. We are a
growing company and we believe
that we could save Mascott and
can return it to being the company
it once was. We are all now in
the same building and follow the
same vision. Mascott and M&M
have already tendered for joint
ventures between the companies, to
grow new business. The people of
Northern Ireland are resilient and
the appetite to do deals is still very
much here, however I want to take
this same integrated M&M Group
approach and roll it out to our
offices in Scotland, England & The
Republic of Ireland”.
Unrivalled Experience
The acquisition means Mascott are
now unique within the construction
industry to be able to offer the
complete construction management
solution ‘Build, Fit, Connect &
Maintain’ and this has been reflected
with five contract wins across both
the public & private sector in just
four short months.
It has also given Mascott the
chance to dip their toes in the
international market. Plans are
still at early concept stage, with
financial budgets being approved for
building repeater sites but Mascott
Construction Canada along with
M&M Group Holland remain a very
real prospect indeed.
Add to this the rich Mascott
history which has accumulated
millions of man-hours of experience
on a wide range of projects and
sectors, means there’s virtually
no problem they haven’t seen
and solved. Mascott’s skilled
craftsmen and women work by hand
using traditional methods with a
modern twist and their knowledge,
dedication and passion are part
of their vision to be a world-class
business generating long-term value
by creating successful, sustainable
places where people aspire to work
and live.
It’s clear that Mascott feel a real
sense of love and pride for the
buildings that they have built over
the years and this fervour informs
their approach to their projects.
They believe in putting together
highly skilled delivery teams, which
share this passion & can be ready for
the challenges that lie ahead
.
Mount Charles
One such recent project has been
the successfully delivered Annon
House for the Mount Charles Group.
Mount Charles are Ireland’s largest
indigenous foodservice and they
worked with Mascott to bring their
vision for their new headquarters
to life.
The 10,000-square foot Maxol
House on Ormeau Road, was the
former HQ of Botanic Inns and
is now home to about 50 of the
company’s 2,000-strong workforce.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology, with a focus on creating
an open plan environment with
shared spaces and break-out areas
that will encourage collaboration
between various Mount Charles
divisions.
The building was officially opened
Mascott Delivering
Excellence in construction
The lofts at Edenderry
The new HQ for Cleaver Fulton Rankin

in December by First minister
Arlene Foster who thanked Mascott
Construction Europe and praised
Mount Charles as a “huge Northern
Ireland success story”.
“The company’s strong position
in what is a very competitive
marketplace is indicative of how well
run and innovative the business has
become over the last three decades,”
she added,“with the opening of these
new headquarters, Mount Charles
is delivering a statement of intent,
a vote of confidence in Northern
Ireland, in its workforce and in the
future of the business.”
Cathal Geoghegan, Managing
Director of Mount Charles said:“We
are very excited about this move,
which we view as a gamechanger for
Mount Charles. Our revenues as
of September 2016, totalled £31m
and we have recently outlined our
ambitious plans for the ‘Road to
£50m’ whereby we aim to achieve
revenues of that amount by 2020.
We conservatively estimate that our
employee figures would rise from
2,000 to more than 3,000 when we
hit that target.”
Going Forward
As fellow Investors in people,
Mascott are also committed to the
development of a strong and effective
team by maximising the potential of
each employee. Their recruitment
process is designed to ensure the
best candidates are recruited with
the current or potential skills and
competence to do the job.
“We have been fortunate enough
that our endeavours over the years
have seen us win many awards and
this is the measure of success I
want our team to deliver on every
project we are involved in, which
is why I take a personal interest in
ensuring our teams are provided
with everything they need to deliver
to the highest levels” said Gareth.
“We want to concentrate not just
on technical excellence but also on
choosing the right people for the
task who are passionate about every
project they undertake like our
two new Contracts Directors Paul
Simpson & Mark Hanna.
The acquisition of new business
and the real sense of potential in
the firm has also seen the business
attract new blood from many of its
local competitors.The new staff all
bring with them years upon years of
experience and a genuine excitement
to progress both their careers and
the business.
We also felt a rebrand was
important, we haven’t changed the
name; however, a fresh identity
better represents our purpose and
the breadth and depth of work
we do. We’re going to introduce
a completely new website & social
media presence to make it easier
to view the impact and variety of
our services and we’ve spent a lot
of time thinking about how we can
make a lasting contribution to the
landscape and the communities we
help create”.
Whilst their ethos reflects the
company today and the future
direction that they are now taking.
Mascott remain as committed as
ever to working collaboratively and
strengthening their partnerships with
clients & supply chain both old and
new and anyone looking to work
both with or for the company should
contact their Business Development
Manager Brent MacFarlane at
info@mascott.co.uk
The Mac in Belfast
The building for Mencap
Caterpillar in Larne

Could you be saving money on
your energy bills?
As Winter closes in and
the heating goes on, many
businesses are looking
at ways to reduce their
energy bills. Replacing
inefficient lighting, heating,
air conditioning units and
refrigeration can be one of
the best ways to do this, as
can replacing older inefficient
manufacturing equipment.
Upgrading to more efficient
equipment can pay back within a
relatively short period of time, with the
savings achieved on energy bills being
used to offset the cost of the upgrade.
And over the lifetime of the equipment,
businesses can enjoy further year-on-
year savings.
However, we know that many
businesses struggle to come up with the
upfront capital needed to pay for new
equipment, even when they recognise
the opportunity.The good news is that
there is a great scheme which can help.
INTEREST-FREE LOANS
Interest Free Energy Efficiency Loans
are available from the Carbon Trust
using funds provided by Invest Northern
Ireland.
Businesses can borrow between
£3,000 and £400,000. These loans are
interest-free and unsecured and are also
designed such that in most cases the
monthly energy savings should exceed
the monthly repayments. [1]
CASE STUDY: BEVERAGE
PLASTICS
One business which has taken
advantage of the Energy Efficiency Loan
Fund to deliver real financial benefits,
is Beverage Plastics Limited, which has
been manufacturing plastic products in
Craigavon for over 30 years.
Beverage Plastics uses injection
moulding machines on the production
line to manufacture carbonated soft
drink packaging. Driven by an increase
in sales and a company mission to
reduce energy use and costs, the
business identified an opportunity to
replace three older machines with a
new generation blowing machine. While
being more efficient to run, the new
machine also reclaims the high pressure
air used to blow the bottles, and uses it
to supply the low pressure air required
to run the machine in an earlier part of
the manufacturing cycle. It also produces
bottles at a greater rate, significantly
lowering the energy consumption per
kilogram processed.
With the support of
an Energy Efficiency Loan,
the company invested
over £500,000 in the
new machine but due
to the savings on energy,
maintenance costs and
warehousing, the investment
is expected to payback in
under three years. Within
the first six months, the
company reported savings
of 55% on energy costs and
£12,500 on maintenance
costs. It has also led to a
reduction in warehousing
costs of £28,000.
And from an environment
perspective, the machinery
is expected to save an
estimated 700 tonnes of
CO2 a year.
Peter Larmour, Invest NI’s
Development Manager said
“Over the course of the last 3 years,
Northern Ireland businesses availing of
0% financial support to implement these
projects have realised estimated annual
savings in excess of £7.2m.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
THE SCHEME, VISIT THE CARBON
TRUST WEBSITE AT:
WWW.CARBONTRUST.COM/NI
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
AND ELIGIBILITY RULES
APPLY.
The Carbon Trust is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority for consumer credit.The Carbon
Trust is a company limited by guarantee,
registered in England and Wales (number
04190230) with its registered office at
4th Floor, Dorset House, 27-45 Stamford
Street, London, SE1 9NT.
Representative example of a
0% APR loan: £12,000 loan over 48
months = monthly repayments of £250.
Total repayable £12,000. [1] Note that
loans repayments will still need to be
made, regardless of whether the projected
savings are actually achieved.
14 |Energy Efficiency

Wanttosavemoneyon
yourbusinessenergybills?
EnergyEfficiency
LoanFund
Youroutofdatelighting,heatingorair-conditioning
unitscouldbecostingyoudearly.
TheCarbonTrustisauthorisedandregulatedbytheFinancialConductAuthorityforconsumercredit.TheCarbonTrustisacompany
limitedbyguarantee,registeredinEnglandandWales(number04190230)with itsregisteredofficeat4thFloor,DorsetHouse,27-45
StamfordStreet,London,SE19NT.Representativeexampleofa0% APR loan:£12,000loanover48months=monthlyrepaymentsof£250.
Totalrepayable£12,000.
Tofindoutmorevisit
www.carbontrust.com/ni
orcontacttheCarbonTrust
on02890734398.
Loansareavailablefrom
£3,000to£400,000*
*subjecttoT&Cs
Energy Efficiency Loans are provided by the Carbon Trust with funds from Invest Northern Ireland
WithanEnergyEfficiencyLoan
fromtheCarbonTrust,upgradeto
moreenergyefficientequipmentor
renewabletechnologytoreduceyour
energycostsconsiderably.

Northern Ireland’s largest
independent new and
used vehicle retailer,
the Donnelly Group,
represents Vauxhall
cars & commercial
Vans in Dungannon &
Omagh. Established in
2012 in Dungannon, the
relationship between
the Donnelly Group and
Vauxhall expanded in
2016 with the acquisition
of the Omagh business.
Specialising in offering the highest
levels of customer service across
new & approved used sales, service
and Parts of both cars & commercial
vans, Donnelly Vauxhall are pleased
to offer excellent value for money for
both private and business customers
– with options tailored to your exact
requirements.
With customer service at the
forefront of operations, Donnelly
Vauxhall Dungannon have been
awarded a number of accolades in
recent years including,‘Number 1
Manufacturer in the Market Area
2015’ for vehicle sales and ‘Number 1
for Customer Service’, following the
intensive customer survey undertaken
by the leading manufacturer.
Business users can avail of a range
of vehicles across various funding
options to include business lease
and contract hire – offering flexibility
to keep your business on the road.
With eight locations situated across
Northern Ireland, the Donnelly Group
claim they can respond to customer
requirements with more quickly and
with more convenience than anyone
else.
The Donnelly Group network
provides support for both the
public and private sectors across the
province, supplying vehicles to many
small and medium sized enterprises
across a diverse range of business
sectors.
Geoffrey Lamont, Site Director
at Donnelly Group Dungannon &
Omagh commented,“The Donnelly
Group has been proud to represent
the Vauxhall brand in Dungannon
since 2012 – adding Vauxhall Omagh
earlier in 2016 to strengthen our
presence in the greater Tyrone area.
“Customer service is always
the number one priority for us at
Donnelly Vauxhall, and across the
wider Donnelly Group as we aim to
‘keep the customer
central to everything
that we do’ in line
with our company
ethos.”
“Our state of
the art showroom
in Dungannon is
very impressive to
customers who
benefit from the
spacious environment
to view the cars &
commercial vans,
of which there is a
huge selection. From
smaller city cars like
the Adam and Corsa
to larger models
such as the Zafira
family car & Vivaro
Van range, there is a
vehicle to suit every
requirement, want
and budget.”
“In Omagh, our premises are
currently undergoing an exciting
renovation and expansion - we look
forward to the grand re-opening
in the coming months which will
provide us with the opportunity
to further enhance the overall
customer experience.”For more
information call into either Donnelly
Vauxhall showroom at the Donnelly
M1 Complex in Dungannon or at
Dromore Road, Omagh. Alternatively
visit our website at
donnellygroup.co.uk/Vauxhall
Donnelly Group Vauxhall
Dungannon & Omagh
Donnelly Vauxhall Omagh. Pictured following the addition of Vauxhall Omagh to the Donnelly Group portfolio are Fianche McCallion, General Manager at
Donnelly Vauxhall Omagh, Malcolm Kerr, Managing Director at Donnelly Group, Robert Fitzpatrick, Group HR Director at Donnelly Group,Terence Donnelly,
Executive Chairman at Donnelly Group, James Simpson, Sales Executive at Donnelly Vauxhall Omagh, Basil Virtue, Sales Manager at Donnelly Vauxhall Omagh
and Dean Martin, Sales Director at Donnelly Group.
Milo O’Hagan, Commercial Sales Specialist at
Donnelly Vauxhall
Donnelly Vauxhall Dungannon
16 | Donnelly Group

Hot works on roofing projects, managing risk and
complying with CDM 2016
New legislation
The Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 2016 came
into effect on 1 August 2016.
Whatever your role is in
construction, CDM 2016 aims to
improve health and safety within
the industry. One of the most
notable changes in the roles is
that the CDM coordinator will
be replaced by the Principal
designer.
A Principal designer is defined
as a designer appointed by the
client in projects involving more
than one contractor and they
must plan, manage, monitor and
co-ordinate health and safety in the
pre-construction phase of a project,
including identifying, eliminating or
controlling foreseeable risks.
The Principal designer must be
knowledgeable of the construction
industry and have the relevant skills
to oversee health and safety – this
may be the Architect, Building
Surveyor or another design team
member.
Managing risks with hot applied
roofing applications
Whilst working at height and
burns are the most obvious hazards
with roofing works, they are far
from the only dangers that the
Principal designer needs to consider.
If considering hot applied systems,
burn injuries and fire risks also have
to be considered yet these can be
eliminated straight away by choosing
cold applied systems.
It is important to remember
that the risk of hot works is not
only a health & safety threat to
the operatives, but could also have
implications for the building, its
contents and its users, particularly
during refurbishment projects. The
damage that even a minor fire can
cause from flames, smoke, water and
foam is both costly and disruptive.
In order to manage safety on
site, a contractor using hot works
may have to control access into and
around the building and dedicate
someone to perform a fire watch
long after the works cease each
day in case of smouldering embers
igniting the roof.
Forward thinking…
Traditionally, hot works have been
a feature of roofing projects because
there was no alternative. The UK
and Ireland’s flat-roofed building
stock is characterised by bituminous
systems. For many refurbishments
the default setting for designers is to
select a ‘like-for-like’ roof covering,
with patch repairs and/or an overlay
of a system requiring hot works.
There is now a wide array of
cold applied systems available
giving designers many zero-flame
options to consider, thus reducing
risk. Sika offers a choice between
liquid applied Sikalastic (also known
as Decothane)
systems and
single ply roofing
systems such as
Trocal or Sarnafil.
Sika’s liquid
applied and single
ply membrane
systems can be
used for warm
roof, cold roof
and ballasted
applications
giving the
designer multiple reduced risk
roof system options that also
offer durable, robust and reliable
waterproofing protection.
New technology
As market leaders in liquid
applied and single ply membranes,
Sika is constantly researching and
developing systems to address
common problems faced when
trying to waterproof roofs and
associated parts of the structure.
Some examples of the new
systems are outlined below:
‘Sikalastic Rapid’ - its function is
to quickly waterproof high traffic
areas e.g. walkways and balconies.
This system can cure in 30-40
minutes allowing the area to be
handed back quickly.
‘Sikalastic Low Odour’ – this
was developed to service sensitive
areas where odours from liquid
membranes can be a problem such
as in hospitals, schools and food
production premises.
‘Sarnafil Self Adhered’ single ply
membrane and a range of spray
applied adhesives for bonding
membranes and insulation boards
are now also being used to increase
speed of application.
Sika - Your partner in flat roofing
With all the challenges that
you face in selecting a suitable
roofing system for either new build
or refurbishment project, please
contact us today to make use of our
expertise. We can review your design
brief, and provide you with a low
risk zero flame solution to suit your
project requirements. Furthermore,
with a network of trained and
approved contractors and Sika Field
Technician site support, our aim is to
ensure that not only are our systems
safer propositions but they will be
competently installed, again helping
to reduce risk.
Tel: 028 9336 5868
Web: www.sika.ie/roofing
Email: mccullough.barry@ie.sika.
com
18| SIKA

SIKALASTIC LIQUID
APPLIED MEMBRANE
IT’S
BUSINESS
AS USUAL
Sikalastic Low Odour offers the same level of performance you have come to expect from Sika but with
significantly lower odour. This single pack system is perfect for use in highly sensitive areas, such as schools,
food manufacturing plants and healthcare facilities.
Sika has worked closely with a world leader in odour research and sensory analysis, to evaluate and establish
the low odour performance of Sikalastic Low Odour.
For more information visit www.sika.ie
For design, specification and survey assistance call 028 9336 5868 (Northern Ireland)
or 00353 1862 0709 (Republic of Ireland).
www.sika.ie
@SikaIreland

IMPROVED UNDERFLOOR HEATING
EFFICIENCY WITH ULTRAFLO® LIQUID
SCREED
Underfloor heating
is becoming an ever
popular heating system
option, however historical
preconception of underfloor
heating systems are that it
can take an exuberant time
to heat the room or building,
thus effecting long-term fuel
consumption. In order to
optimize the most effective
release of heat as possible for
long-term fuel cost savings
and heat release efficiency,
the type of screed used over
the underfloor heating pipes
should be considered
Advances in floor screeds from
RTU, Ultraflo® liquid floor screed,
means the time taken to increase
room temperature can be much less
than using traditional methods such
as sand: cement screed.
RTU Ultraflo® liquid floor screed
is a calcium sulphate, hemihydrate
liquid floor screed designed to
comply with BS EN 13813: 2002. It
is a pump applied, non-cement based
material and can be installed up
to 10 times faster than traditional
floor screeds due to its virtually
self levelling and self-compacting
qualities. It also has the advantage of
allowing light traffic after 24 hours,
which is aided by the much thinner
screed depth required, a benefit for
any project.With minimal drying
shrinkage, and a reduced risk of
cracking, the need for movement
joints are also reduced.
University of
Ulster conducted
a study comparing
the heat
responsiveness
of RTU Ultraflo®
liquid screed with
traditional sand:
cement screed and
the results were
quite outstanding.
Ultraflo® liquid
screed is shown
to have a much faster heat
responsiveness with underfloor
heating than sand: cement screed,
with the room air temperature
increasing by 10°C within 3 hours
as opposed to 9 and a half hours
it took for traditional sand: cement
screed.
Heat efficiency is a long term
desired benefit for any heating
system but with Ultraflo® it is
proven to provide a more heat
responsiveness surface when
used with underfloor heating.
This coupled with the benefit of
Ultraflo® not being a cement based
material, it dries within rather
than being dependent on ambient
conditions like sand: cement screed
and therefore force drying after
7 days will not cause any issue
to the finished floor. Ultraflo®
material properties reduce
the risk of cracking and
permit a smooth level floor.
The installation process Ultraflo®
is also beneficial for any project
with improved speed and tidiness of
installation compared with traditional
sand: cement screed.
Whilst traditional sand: cement
screed is the well-known option
for floors, it does however contain
air pockets in its material mix.
Since air is a poor conductor of
heat, this method consequently
does not permit the transmission
of heat as easily.Together with
British Standards requirements for
traditional sand: cement screed
laying depth at 75mm when used in
conjunction with underfloor heating
compared with 50mm laying depth
for Ultraflo®. Sand: cement screed
therefore must be laid at a greater
depth than Ultraflo® liquid screed
meaning more material and labour
travelling over and around pipework.
The labour intensive aspect to
the installation process involved
with sand: cement screed means
compared with Ultraflo® it is a
much slower process and Ultraflo®
allows installation at a rate 10 times
faster.
For more information on RTU
Ultraflo® hemihydrate liquid floor
screed email on info@rtu.co.uk, call
us on: 028 9085 1441 or visit our
website www.rtu.co.uk.
RTU Ltd supply sc
floors across No
Sand: Cement S
and Ultraflo®
Liq
• Reduced la
• Dramaticall
with underfl
• Virtually self
• Light traffic
20| RTU

RTU Ltd supply screed for both commercial and residential
floors across Northern Ireland. The range includes; Traditional
Sand: Cement Screed, Fibre Screed, Improved Drying Screed
and Ultraflo®
Liquid Screed.
• Reduced laying depths, weight and drying times
• Dramatically increases heat response times
with underfloor heating
• Virtually self-levelling for less labour intensive installation
• Light traffic allowed after 24 hours

PREVENTION BY PROTECTION
ProNet Safety Services Ltd | 68 Browndod Road, Larne | Co. Antrim | Northern Ireland | BT40 3DX
Tel : 028 2826 7823 • info@pronetsafetyservices.com • Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com
PRONET
SAFETY SERVICES
• Safety Nets
• Rope Access
• Guardrail Systems
• Temporary Guardrail
Systems
• Cable Systems
• Mobile Anchors
• Eye Bolts
• Demarcation
• Annual System Re Test
• Grip Systems
• Ladder Systems
• Platforms And Walkways
• High Level Building Maintenance
• PPE And Lifting Equipment
• Equipment Training
• Bird Netting
• Rail Systems
• Architectural Stainless
Fabrication
• Supply and Installation of
Structural Metal Decking

MAJOR WASTEWATER
PROJECT IN BANGOR
SCOOPS UK ENGINEERING
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Following on from
their previous success,
the NI Water team
working on the Bangor
Sewerage Improvement
Programme have been
named winners of the
prestigious UK CEEQUAL
2016 Outstanding
Achievement Awards
in recognition of their
project management
work to upgrade a
Pumping Station at
Luke’s Point, Ballyholme
in Bangor, as part of the
overall programme of
improvements.
The scheme which upgraded the
sewerage infrastructure in the Bangor
area will improve the water quality in
Ballyholme strand and help to meet
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
(NIEA) Standards.Work is currently
underway on a further stage of this
overall project to construct a pumping
station at Castle Park, Bangor
which involves the construction of
a large (25m diameter, 13m deep)
underground storage tank.This will
replace the existing Castle Park Waste
Water Pumping Station, as well as
providing additional stormwater
storage.
This CEEQUAL award aims to assist
clients, designers and contractors to
deliver improved project specification,
design and construction of civil
engineering projects. It celebrates
the commitment of the civil
engineering industry to achieve high
environmental, economic and social
performance. It rewards project and
contract teams that go the extra mile
to achieve distinctive environmental
and social performance in their
work.that aren’t coming forward for
construction.”
He adds:“In simple terms, we
want Northern Ireland’s property
professionals to see beyond
maximising profit in bringing forward
housing solutions.There are already
innovative and insightful ideas and
solutions out there that we can tap
into; we just need to collaborate
better to deliver them.”
digest | 23
The Luke’s Point project team receive their CEEQUAL Outstanding Achievement
Award 2016 at the Institution of Civil Engineers Head Quarters Westminster,
London. (Left to Right): Chris Gibson,Thomas Telford/ICE, David McCune AECOM,
Sam McManus AECOM, Joseph Martin AECOM, Grahame Millar NI Water, Samuel
Donaldson AECOM, and Davy McGrath NI Water.
CTS PROJECTS WINS
FURTHER MULTI-MILLION
CONTRACT WITH NI
HOUSING EXECUTIVE
Leading facilities
management and
heating installation
company CTS Projects
has announced it has
won a 3-year contract
worth £4m with the
Northern Ireland
Housing Executive to
carry out mechanical
and electrical
maintenance work
across
Belfast
and
other
parts of
Northern
Ireland.
The contract,
which spans
61 buildings
including
offices and
multi-stories,
will allow
CTS Projects
to create
ten jobs
while also
safeguarding
its supply
chain locally.
The news
comes at the
end of what
has been a
successful
year for CTS
Projects.The
contractor
won a
£77.6m
contract with
the Housing
Executive in
July and a £14m contract with four
housing associations in April.
Serena Hylands, Assistant Managing
Director of CTS Projects said:“This
contract increases our market share
and enables us to add 10 jobs to our
current workforce.We started 2016
with 35 employees and we finish the
year with 130 and still rising thanks to
our recent high value contract wins.”
WORK BEGINS ON £4MILLION
PROJECT AT METHODIST
COLLEGE
Education Minister, Peter
Weir, recently visited
Methodist College,
Belfast where Woodvale
Construction has
started work on a major
refurbishment project.
The project which is provided through
the School Enhancement Programme,
will see the refurbishment of the
McArthur Hall building involving
extensive repair and remedial work to
the listed building. Once completed,
the scheme will provide new
educational spaces to include an ICT
Suite, Business Information Systems,
Library, Careers Suite and general
classrooms. Ancillary accommodation
to include admin office, staff and pupil
toilets, and roofing over the main and
minor internal courtyard to provide
new accommodation.
The School Enhancement Programme
(SEP) was initially announced in
2013 for projects costing between
£500,000 and £4,000,000.The
programme is targeted to meet the
immediate and pressing needs in
schools, through smaller scale works,
where a new build is not deemed
deliverable.
Education Minister Peter Weir discusses the work at
Methodist College with two pupils.
CTS Projects secures further multi-million contract with NI
Housing Executive. L-R: Paul Isherwood, Director of Asset
Management (NIHE), Serena Hylands,Assistant Managing
Director (CTS Projects) and Ian McCrickard, Regional Manager
for Belfast (NIHE).

“A ROUND UP OF A BUSY
YEAR AT CLARKE FACADES!”
In 2016 Clarke Facades
celebrated their 20th year of
ongoing business success.
M Clarke and Sons Contracts
Limited was founded in 1996
by Michael Clarke Senior as a
family business. A successful
rebrand period has seen Clarke
Facades become a leading
building envelope company
throughout the U.K. & Ireland
whilst continuing to grow and
expand in every sector.
Expansion & growth-
Graduate Academy and
New London Office.
In 2016 Clarkes saw continued
growth and felt the need for expansion
and saw the opening of their new
office in greater London area. Another
notable milestone in 2016 saw Clarkes
launch their Graduate Academy. The
programme is designed to take on
between three and five new graduates
every year from a wide range of
academic disciplines.
Awards
• Best Full Service Building
Company at the BUILD
Architecture Awards - Winner
• Best Small Business of the Year at
the Ballymena Business Awards-
Winner
• Best Export Business at the
Ballymena Business Awards-
Winner
• Best Specialist Contractor to
Work for at the Construction
Enquirer Awards - Finalists
• Regeneration Project of the Year
at the London Construction
Awards- Finalists
• Project of the year at the
Construction News Awards
-Finalists
Notable Projects: 2016
• Premier Inn Archway
• Queen Elizabeth II Hospital
London
• Queen Mary University
• The Curtain Hotel Private
Members Club
• Crescent Place Student
Accommodation
• Austin House Student
Accommodation
• Northwood Secondary School
• Weybridge Business Park
• Halsville Quarter, Canning Town
Charity
Clarke Facades
choose a charity
each year with
personal significance
to the team. In
the year 2015/16
the chosen charity
was the Causeway
Down Syndrome
Association.With
an initial fundraising
target of £2,000,
the Clarke Façade
team surpassed their
target and raised a
magnificent £5573.
Tiny Life is the
2016/17 charity of
the year.Tiny life is
the only premature
and vulnerable baby
charity in Northern
Ireland. During our
year with Tiny Life
we aim to raise
£10,000 and we
are well on our
way to fulfilling
our target through
participation in
various fundraising
activities
throughout the
year.
Sponsorship
Clarke Facades
have sponsored
The Ballymena Bears
since early 2015.
The Bears provide
opportunities for
children and young
adults with disability
to enjoy rugby.
Clarke Facades
have also sponsored
the Bann Valley
Cycling club since
its founding in 1986
and Clarkes continue
to promote its ties
to the group, which
has a very personal
connection to the
Clarke family.As
Michael Clarke,
himself, was a
founding member
when it was first
established since then
it has grown to be one of the most
recognized clubs in Ireland.
Clarkes also began sponsoring The
Flyers F.C. in 2015 and will continue
throughout 2017.The club was
established in 2007 and was the first
and currently only Charter Standard
Community Club in Havering.
Clarke Facades Managing Director Eugene Clarke is pictured with graduate Architectural Technologist Jordan
Anderson and Philip Griffiths of Ulster University.
Members of the Clarke Façade team that took part in the Belfast Marathon relay.
Aaron Ennis of Danske Bank (Middle) presents the Export Business of the Year award to Company Chairman
Michael Clarke (left) and Business Development & Marketing Manager Mark Wiggins of Clarke Facades.
24| Clarke Facades

Northern Ireland needs an
improved inter-urban roads
network, improved use of
the roads system in urban
areas, better quality transport
services, more efficient use of
these investments and greater
flexibility for different users.
In each of these respects, to
sustain the economy, there is
work to be done.
On the trends of the recent past,
complaints will continue to grow
that the management of the arterial
roads is inadequate and inefficient,
and that there is an imbalance of
measures to deal with competing
demands. Unhappily, current
planning for improving these services
to assist rising living standards is too
complacent.
Official planning should focus
on better solutions to ease the
problems of inter-urban and intra-
urban connections and usage.
Now is the opportunity to do
better. The Ministerial Executive
is consulting with interested
organisations on the content of a
draft Programme for Government
(PfG) from which will emerge
an operational agenda on the
priorities for the expansion of
the economy along with plans for
social, environmental, health and
educational improvements.
Unfortunately, the proposals are
excessively modest.
To understand the official thinking,
interested parties must, first, find
and read the 100+ page draft
programme and, second, look for
the supplementary papers dealing
in more detail on each of the 14
thematic outcomes and examine this
with the supporting evidence from
47 statistical performance indicators.
For the best of motives, Ministers
have commissioned a series of
documents, probably exceeding
500 pages, to read if the full range
of ideas is to be challenged. The
danger is that the faults, flaws or too
unambitious operational outcomes
will go unnoticed until it is too late
to provoke constructive challenges.
Interested observers face a near
impenetrable maze of background
detail.
The Department for Infrastructure
is in a central role in tackling the
challenge of preparing a programme
around the stated outcome of
connecting people and opportunities
through our infrastructure. It is a
comprehensive 50+page supplement
to the PfG.
URBAN CENTRES NEED
BETTER CONNECTIVITY TO
SUPPORT BUSINESS BY JOHN SIMPSON
John Simpson26|
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.The PfG infrastructure plan is a near impenetrable maze...

Specify Jan Feb 2017

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