CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS FEDERATION THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
Construction outlook: 2023 in review and future prospects MARK SPENCE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CEF NORTHERN IRELAND SHEDS LIGHT ON THE INDUSTRY’S CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, REFLECTING ON 2023 AND FUTURE PREDICTIONS…
T his past year has seen a welcome, gradual easing of the inflationary and material shortage pressures that blighted the sector during 2022. However, even as inflationary pressures have receded, they remain significantly higher than where they were in early 2021. This continues to
We have also welcomed a number of specific engagements with clients on their plans including CPD, the Department’s of Health, Education and Infrastructure, NIHE, the various bodies involved in the Belfast Region City Deal and Ireland’s National Transport Authority. In the continued absence of the NI Executive, a number
detailed engagement with SIB on how the PPN can better reflect the challenges and opportunities that social value in public contracts brings. LOCAL NEW BUILD REGS On housing, recent focus centered on forthcoming local building regulations for new builds. The next phase, estimated for late 2024, has been the subject of recent consultation on four key aspects: possible acceleration of the restriction on conventional oil heating for new dwellings in NI; potential impact of revised guidance timing on homebuilders; assessment of proposals affecting homebuilding costs amidst economic conditions and housing shortages; and integration of changes, especially PV and EV charging infrastructure, ensuring feasible grid connections. This consultation came shortly after one on the long-awaited and welcome fire safety changes which have already been implemented in GB with implementation of the new rules – all new buildings which contain flats and are more than 11m
have an impact – for instance on how far existing public sector
budgets can go as well as, increasingly, on the new
of industry-critical consultations were taken forward by government departments. Among these, we began the year by engaging with members
build housing market both from the point of view of completions and affordability – and has therefore remained a major focus of our work throughout 2023. In that context, the importance of a clear pipeline of works has remained clear. That is why we have continued to work closely with all Government clients and look forward to furthering those links in 2024 as we seek to identify the best models of procurement for different types of projects and contracts.
to respond to a mid-term review of the social value
Procurement Policy Note that was implemented in 2021/22. This engagement has led to a welcome pause by government in increasing the minimum of 10% of the total award criteria to 20% as was due to happen in June. This has allowed us to lead more
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