CIOB NEWS
construction PROFESSIONAL
CIOB’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, JENNA BELL REFLECTS ON HER FIRST 18 MONTHS WITH THE ORGANISATION… Building newprofessional relationships
H aving worked in account- Industry, I had a high-level understanding of the construction industry, but I had never actually worked for a construction- related organisation. I therefore approached it with a very open mind. Like most people, I was encouraged by my school teachers to pursue a career in what is viewed as the traditional fields including management for the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & law, medicine and accountancy. When I joined the CIOB I had a preconceived image of construction workers, but I quickly found out that there was an entire layer of construction professionals with the title ‘Chartered Construction Manager/ Builder’ that were doing amazing things. Highlights of my term to date include: CIOB GRADUATION In November 2021, I joined over 40 leading professionals along with the Lord Mayor of Belfast and other dignitaries to recognise their achievement of becoming Chartered. I met people who travelled from throughout Ireland and the UK to attend the event in Belfast. They had been working away quietly and diligently contributing to the reshaping of our built environment including schools, offices and civic amenities. Getting the opportunity to meet everyone was enlightening. BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS I have enjoyed meeting with the CITB along with other organisations to contribute to new mutual initiatives. Women in Construction asked me to open the careers webinar for NI Primary Schools. That was an honour I was delighted to fulfil.
Helping leading construction companies create a pathway to have a fully qualified workforce has been very rewarding. For example, I worked with Cookstown-based McAleer & Rushe to set a CIOB training partnership for their staff. I have also recently signed up Maghera-based P&K McKaigue as a new CIOB Chartered Building Company. This is a valuable qualification that signifies the company’s commitment to the development of its most important asset – its people. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE I am looking forward to the upcoming CIOB Annual Dinner event at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Belfast on Friday, May 20. This will be the first such CIOB event to be held in Belfast for over two years and will be hosted by popular TV personality Adrian Logan. Guest speakers will include Chris Henry, retired Ulster and Ireland rugby player, as well as Wilma Erskine OBE, the former General Manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club, and widely recognised as a key figure in securing the hugely successful Open Championship for Northern Ireland. There will also be an industry address by Mike Foy FCIOB, President of the CIOB, who will be flying in from London. Speaking to CIOB members, many have shared how much they are looking forward to attending and meeting up with friends and peers. It is important to remember that such events are where existing and new business relationships are developed. I am delighted to see that so many companies have booked a table; It is set to be a great night.
Jenna Bell, Business Development Manager (Ireland) for the CIOB.
“…helping leading construction companies create a pathway to have a fully qualifiedworkforce has been very rewarding.”
Jenna Bell is Business Development Manager (Ireland) for the CIOB. She can be contacted on JBell@ciob.org.uk.
Julie Fizsimmons, CIOB Member Services and Events Coordinator T: +44 (0)1344 630729 – M: +44 (0)7760 164101 – E: jfitzsimmons@ciob.org.uk www.ciob.org
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