Top of the Class for NI Construction
12 September 2012: The very best of the Northern Irish construction industry was celebrated today as local companies showcased the exemplary projects and initiatives that have been shortlisted for the Construction Excellence Awards 2012. The event was held in the Belfast Boys Model School, the ground breaking building for which Farrans Construction won the Overall Award last year.
This year’s flagship projects include the restoration of the Guildhall in Derry, the MAC and Belfast Metropolitan College. They are competing with highly impressive but less renowned housing, infrastructure and general construction projects.
John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said, “The last year has been another difficult year for the local construction industry but the industry has once again shown its resilience. The projects on display today are a wonderful demonstration of that fighting spirit and the commitment of our construction companies to deliver buildings and infrastructure of the highest quality.”
“Equally remarkable are the examples of employers going to great lengths to improve the health of their workforce and the commitment to training both existing employees and the next generation. In terms of construction’s impact on the environment, the leading companies have moved beyond environmental protection to environmental enhancement.”
“The showcase really brings home the unparalleled economic and social benefits that are gained through investment in buildings and infrastructure.”
H&J Martin and Lowry Brothers have both been shortlisted for four awards whist T&A Kernoghan and Patton Group have made the shortlist for three different awards. A number of companies have been shortlisted for awards for the first time including Newtownstewart Construction, Glenview Contracts and Adman Civil Projects.
Mr Armstrong said, “From over 100 entries the distinguished judging panel of industry experts has identified the main contenders for each award category. The judges are visiting the finalists for a rigorous on-site assessment to determine the winners.”
“I warmly congratulate all the companies who have been shortlisted and wish them well in their efforts to win one of these highly coveted awards.”
“The fourteen categories in the Construction Excellence Awards recognise the industry’s contribution to society in providing clean water, new roads, new homes, modern hospitals, fit-for-purpose schools and places to shop, work, worship and socialise. They also celebrate the preservation of our built heritage and the efforts of construction companies to protect their workers, the environment and jobs. A new award category has been introduced this year in recognition of the ever growing role that construction is playing as an export industry.”
The Construction Excellence Awards have been running since 1999. The competition has grown in size and stature and now attracts entries from companies of all sizes and from all areas of Northern Ireland.
The 2012 winners will be announced at a Gala evening on 11 October 2012 in the Culloden Hotel.