NEWS
Solutions to the critical and complex challenge of funding Northern Ireland’s ageing wastewater infrastructure have been discussed at a meeting between the construction industry and local finance and infrastructure ministers on February 12. Representatives from the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) and NI Chamber met with ministers to highlight major shortfalls in capital funding, identified as the most significant, cross-cutting challenge facing Northern Ireland. In a joint statement, Suzanne Wylie (NI Chamber), Mark Spence (CEF) and Seamus Leheny (NIFHA) said, “The capital budget available to tackle significant capacity constraints remains wholly inadequate and is insufficient to address long-standing underinvestment in Northern Ireland’s ageing wastewater infrastructure. “We welcome the opportunity to discuss the critical challenge with Minister O’Dowd and Minister Kimmins early in their new ministerial positions. These issues, which cut across the aspirations of providing more social and affordable housing and growing a globally-competitive sustainable economy, both key priorities in the draft Programme for Government, demand the urgent attention of the Executive as a whole.” www.northernirelandchamber.com NEW MINISTERS URGED TO ADDRESS NI’S WASTEWATER FUNDING CRISIS
Omagh-based Adman Group has announced a new board of directors amid significant business growth since becoming the first Northern Ireland construction company to transition to an employee ownership trust (EOT) model. Following completion of its EOT deal in September 2024, Adman has been named as one of Scottish Power Energy Networks’ preferred partners for its record £5.4bn supply chain contract programme which will drive the UK’s largest- ever overhaul of the electricity grid. The leading provider of specialist engineering services has appointed a new board of directors, with Fiona Woods, Mark Diffin, Nick McGirr, Gary Gallagher and Ryan Tierney taking up new roles after long-time service on the Adman senior management team. They join company founders Martin Grimes and Adrian McCrory, who will retain a significant shareholding and remain in place as directors. The Adman Group employs over 150 staff directly and was recognised recently in the FEBE Growth 100 as the 29th fastest-growing company in the UK in the £3m-£200m turnover bracket. www.adman-ltd.com STRONG GROWTH FOR FIRST NI CONSTRUCTION FIRM TO ADOPT EOT MODEL L-R: Martin Grimes and Adrian McCrory, Adman Group founders (standing), are joined by Mark Diffin, Gary Gallagher, Nick McGirr, Fiona Woods and Ryan Tierney (seated), new members of the board of directors.
L-R: Seamus Leheny, NIFHA, Suzanne Wylie, NI Chamber and Mark Spence, CEF.
NI CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TO MARK 80TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA CELEBRATION
The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is set to mark its 80th anniversary with a Northern Ireland Construction Gala Dinner on March 27. The black-tie dinner at Titanic Belfast will celebrate Northern Ireland’s construction heritage and look to the future of the industry, with celebrity guest Kevin McCloud of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, comedy from Neil Delamere and live music. Deane Public Works is sponsoring the event, while Northstone is funding
attendance for 30 students or apprentices at the gala dinner. Mark Spence, CEO of CEF, said, “While the construction sector has come a long way in 80 years, one of the biggest challenges we face today is
L-R: Steven Oldham, Northstone, Mark Spence and Bryan Vaughan, CEF, Janet Deane and Stephen Deane, Deane Public Works.
the same as in 1945, attracting skilled workers into a career in construction. “We’re working closely with FE colleges and universities on our Construction
Futures programme, aimed at recruiting talented young people to take the sector forward.” www.cefni.co.uk
BUILDEX BELFAST : REGISTER TO ATTEND AT WWW.BEPEX.IE
NI BUILDER | 41
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online