NIBuilder 34-5 Oct-Nov

CEF 2023 EXCELLENCE AWARDS

JONATHAN PAYNE, CHAIR OF THE CIOB NORTHERN IRELAND COMMITTEE, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CEF 2023 EXCELLENCE AWARDS…

I attended the annual CEF Excellence Awards at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast, and was struck by the number of people – around 600 – who had gathered to recognise the work of the people in the construction industry in Northern Ireland. Like everyone, I enjoyed the meal, entertainment and atmosphere which is generated when so many like-minded people come together, and particularly enjoyed bumping into so many CIOB members who were there representing different companies and organisations. The climax of the event was the awards, which was well hosted by the ever- capable Sarah Travers and George Clarke. A recurring theme that stood out among the finalists and winners was the prominent presence of CIOB members throughout the event. Here are some noteworthy examples: Farrans, a three-time award recipient, had Felim Blaney, a Contracts Manager and Chartered member of the CIOB, celebrated for his outstanding work. Tracey Bros. earned two awards for their contributions to St. Mary’s University College in Belfast. As a CIOB Chartered Building Company, their Commercial Manager, Peter Maguire, a Chartered member of the CIOB, was honoured. Additionally, the event saw the attendance of their Managing Director, John Tracey, a Fellow Chartered member of the CIOB and the immediate Past-President of the CEF. Jim Henry, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award from Henry Brothers, exemplified how integrity has propelled their family business to a leading position. Jim’s professional qualification is Fellow Chartered membership of the CIOB, and their business holds the distinction of being a CIOB Chartered Building Company. Woodvale Construction clinched the Excellence in Sustainability award. The company’s Chairman, Desmond Scott and their Managing Director, Robert Ewing, are both esteemed Fellow Chartered members of the CIOB. The top prize went to Heron Bros. for their restoration of the Templemore Cream rises

Jonathan Payne FCIOB is Chair of the CIOB Northern Ireland committee.

Baths. They not only hold the title of a CIOB Chartered Building Company but are also engaged in a training partnership agreement with the CIOB, currently shepherding a cohort through their applications for Chartered membership.

conclusion is that cream always rises. In other words, over time, the best projects will come to the fore. The annual event focuses primarily on the eye-catching construction projects, but really the event is all about the people who make the projects a success. Well done to the CEF for a successful night, but also, well done to all those CIOB members who helped showcase what fantastic work the construction industry does. Here’s to next year! Jonathan Payne FCIOB is Chair of the CIOB Northern Ireland committee, and is Managing Director of Incrementum, a new specialist construction consultancy. He can be contacted on jonathan@incrementum.ltd

Several other companies, such as GRAHAM, Ganson UK, McKelvey

Construction and Felix O’Hare, emerged as winners. It’s worth noting that each of these companies boasts Directors who are esteemed Fellow Chartered members of the CIOB. The judging panel, consisting of a diverse group of industry leaders, notably included three former regional Chairs of the CIOB Northern Ireland committee. As I reflect on the successful night, my

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