Dodds promotes best practice within the construction industry

Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds today highlighted the importance of promoting best practice and innovation within the local construction industry.

Addressing representatives from the construction industry at the launch of the Constructing Excellence Northern Ireland (CEni) Demonstrations Projects, in the Harbour Commissioner’s Office, Belfast, he said: “Given the current uncertainties within the construction industry, it is more important than ever that innovation and continuous improvement remain central to business delivery.”

Mr Dodds congratulated the clients, contractors and designers involved in the four selected demonstration projects, which will share best practice within the industry and encourage local firms to share knowledge and learn from each other in order to perform better.

He said: “The demonstration projects on exhibition here today are a clear illustration of just what can be achieved if we rethink the way we do business. The benefits to be realised from adopting best practice cannot be overstated in the current economic environment.

“By funding Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland for three years, Government is assisting the industry to develop and enhance the skills necessary to deliver innovative solutions that represent best value for money.

“I would strongly encourage our local industry, to engage with Constructing Excellence and benefit from Government, industry and academia working together for the common good of the industry.”

In recognition of the importance of small and medium sizes enterprises to the Northern Ireland economy, a Construction Industry Forum Procurement Task Group was established last December to consider the principles to be applied to future public sector construction procurement including how to further maximise the opportunities for SMEs.

The Minister has recently revealed that locally owned firms secure over 90% of Government construction contracts in Northern Ireland.

He said: “By sharing knowledge and building relationships local firms can not only win the vast majority of the Executive’s record spend, but they can challenge for work beyond these shores and bring additional benefit to the Northern Ireland economy”.

Mr Dodds continued: “We would all recognise that Constructing Excellence is uniquely placed to independently promote innovation, share best practice and develop the construction industry right across Northern Ireland.

“I am always very impressed by the quality of the Northern Ireland construction industry - an industry with energy and resilience and I look forward to continuing to work with you all to develop the economy of Northern Ireland”.

Notes to Editors:

1. ‘Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) is a centre of professional construction expertise based at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. It supports all sectors of the construction industry in the pursuit of excellence. ‘Constructing Excellence’ is the banner under which the construction industry, its clients and Government are working to improve UK construction performance. It aims to showcase innovations in both products and performance and to highlight best practice. It also seeks to encourage the industry and its clients to adopt the principles of Constructing Excellence to their mutual benefit.
2. The 4 Demonstration Projects are: McLaughlin & Harvey – Royal Victoria Hospital Phase 2B for Design Quality & Sustainability. The Royal Victoria Hospital Phase 2B will deliver a truly sustainable building project containing innovative construction processes and design with world class healthcare provision. This Project will be an exemplar for sustainable design and construction throughout the UK. Belfast Education & Library Board – Strategic Partnering Projects for Procurement & Integration and Client Leadership. This project will deliver state of the art accommodation and facilities management services for many of the schools and associated buildings under BELB control. This major modernization of Belfast Schools estate and provision of exceptional learning facilities will allow BELB to fully meet its objectives in improving further the standard of education in schools. John Graham (Dromore) Ltd – Banbridge Academy for Health & Safety. The Banbridge Academy new build and refurbishment project is paving the way for innovations in Health & Safety Excellence. The combination of management driven processes and behavioural based safety strategies is driving a cultural revolution in site based health & safety. O’Hare & McGovern – The Obel Tower for Design Quality in using Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland’s tallest skyscraper. The Obel Tower is a landmark building rising majestically from Belfast’s Donegall Quay. Standing at the gateway to the city the iconic glass structure is a symbol of Belfast’s regeneration.
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