EVENT WELCOME
Construction sector embodies progress in NI at CEF Awards
Northern Ireland’s construction sector has played an integral role
crisis, the civil service
boss also highlighted opportunities. As well as supporting
in the region’s transformation since the Good
US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III’s
business delegation to NI, Jayne said she was
Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, according to the keynote speaker at CEF 2023.
working hard with NICS colleagues to produce a draft Programme for Government ready for the return of the Executive. “It includes consideration of infrastructure initiatives such as safeguarding water and land development infrastructure, housing maintenance and home retrofitting, renewable energy infrastructure, and sporting infrastructure such as the redevelopment of Casement Park,” she added.
And it will be a key partner in building our economy over the next 25 years, said Northern Ireland Civil Service Head Dr Jayne Brady. “There is, arguably, no industry that has made the dividends of our peace more tangible to people than the construction
Borough Council Crematorium, and Tracey Brothers for Cardinal Newman Library Refurbishment, St Mary’s University College, Belfast. There was also a double win for Babcock Rail who took home both the Infrastructure Project of the Year and the much-coveted Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award for the Lagan Junction to Yorkgate Track renewal project, Belfast. Our Construction Person Awards celebrated both seasoned professionals dedicated to excellence throughout their careers and rising stars. Three exceptional individuals were honoured. Firstly, this year’s Apprentice of the Year was David Reid at Charles Brand. Secondly, the Outstanding Contributor Award went to Maria Bradley, HR Director of Gilbert-Ash. Finally, our Lifetime Achievement Award went to the Founder and Chairman of Henry Brothers, Jim Henry CBE. Our Overall Award for the most outstanding project of the year went to the firm and project which also won our Restoration Award – Heron Brothers for Templemore Baths in Belfast. The restoration of the Baths, opened in 1893, impressed our judges. Meticulous repairs and a modern extension will give the community a cherished building for years to come. Congratulations again to all the winners and we look forward to launching our 25th Anniversary Awards in spring 2024.
industry,” said Jayne. “You literally provided the bricks and mortar for the transformation of our
“As we prepare proposals for the Executive that will
architecture and skylines, the upgrading of our infrastructure, the buildings that house our centres of commerce or education, and the projects that produced our shared housing communities – all of which embody the progress of our society and the potential of our people.” Jayne praised both winners and shortlisted entries for showcasing the strength and breadth of the local construction industry’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy and society. Identifying challenges for the sector such as Covid recovery, the Ukraine war, rising interest rates, material costs, the Capex budget and the cost-of-living
have significant benefit to the construction industry, we need to make sure that we adequately prepare the industry to capitalise on that benefit.” Jayne also outlined measures tackling the skills deficit including DfE’s Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland: Skills for a 10x Economy providing a framework to support businesses and the expansion of its All-age Apprenticeship. But more needs to be done to encourage young people and females to join the sector. “We must keep working hard to ensure that the doors into construction are as open and inviting as possible for our women and girls,” she concluded.
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