Leading NI construction firm to host ‘Groundbreaking’ Hydrogen Conference on 7 November 2024

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08/10/2024

The event will highlight hydrogen’s pivotal role in decarbonising the construction industry and explore some of the challenges and misconceptions associated with its use as a renewable fuel

Hillsborough-based GRAHAM has announced that it will host a hydrogen conference, set to take place on Thursday, 7 November 2024, at the company’s office in Hillsborough.

Entitled “Exploring the opportunities and barriers surrounding the use of green hydrogen within the construction sector”, the conference will run from 10 am to 12 pm and is free to attend.

This event will bring together industry leaders and experts from the construction, environment, sustainability, and renewable energy sectors to explore the critical role hydrogen can play in decarbonising the built environment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share insights into the sector’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

With the built environment accounting for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, GRAHAM recognises the urgent need for the construction industry to adopt alternative energy sources.

The conference will focus on its own pioneering hydrogen trial, conducted in partnership with Hydrologiq and Connected Places Catapult, which replaced diesel generators with hydrogen-powered alternatives on a live construction site.

As part of the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, GRAHAM’s replacement of those diesel generators with a 100kVA hydrogen generator from Hydrologiq, showed that in four weeks, the hydrogen-powered generator provided clean energy to the site compound, reducing CO2 emissions by 89% compared to diesel.

The project demonstrated hydrogen’s potential in decarbonising construction, cutting emissions while improving air quality and working conditions, and was recognised as a key demonstration of the hydrogen value chain by Connected Places Catapult.

The event will showcase the results of this innovation project, revealing how the reality of hydrogen is in its early stages of implementation and is complicated, with various challenges to overcome.

Lianne Taylor, GRAHAM’s Head of Environmental Sustainability, will lead the discussions and share the project’s findings. Commenting on the initiative, she said: “Green hydrogen presents a real solution to the challenges facing the construction sector as we work towards net zero. Our trial has shown that hydrogen can be introduced. However, whilst the findings we will present at the conference will demonstrate that hydrogen is a viable alternative for the future of construction, there are a number of barriers yet to overcome.”

In addition, the conference will feature Benjamin Lindley, Co-Founder and COO of Hydrologiq, and Stuart Blackburn, Technical Operations Manager at Hydrologiq, who supported GRAHAM in delivering the hydrogen trial. They will share their expertise on the deployment of hydrogen technology in construction.

Nathan Skillen, Co-Chair of the Research and Development Working Group at Hydrogen Ireland, and a Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, will provide academic perspectives on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising industry.

Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development at Invest Northern Ireland, will discuss how the local economy is positioning itself to embrace the green hydrogen revolution.

Additional speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

For those who wish to join GRAHAM and its partners as they explore the future of sustainable construction and share the results of this trailblazing hydrogen trial, book a place by emailing environment@graham.co.uk

Event Details:

Event: “Exploring the opportunities and barriers surrounding the use of green hydrogen within the construction sector”
Date: Thursday 7 November 2024
Time: 10 am – 12 pm (Registration and refreshments from 930am)
Location: GRAHAM, 5 Ballygowan Rd, Hillsborough BT26 6HX
To Book: Email environment@graham.co.uk

New Owners FOR Exclusive Flexible Workspace in Belfast City Centre

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08/10/2024

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Urban HQ is excited to today announces a change in ownership that promises to enhance its mission of fostering innovation and collaboration within the local business community.

The new owners, Justin Quirk and Conall Humston, bring a fresh vision to one of Belfast’s leading and most exclusive flexible workspaces.

Under the new ownership, Urban HQ aims to reinforce its offerings and strengthen its commitment to providing an inclusive, dynamic environment for its current and future Members. It will be business as usual as the new owners have expressed their confidence in the wealth of experience within the Urban HQ team. Justin and Conall are dedicated to building on the success of the brand while supporting the continuation of innovative programmes and services.

Justin Quirk is an experienced entrepreneur and property developer. Currently, he owns Wilton House Serviced Apartments in Belfast, offering 5-star self-catering residences. Justin is actively involved in various investments in startups and operational businesses, and holds board member and non-executive director roles, alongside managing multiple property developments.

Local investor and entrepreneur, Conall Humston has a diverse business portfolio, primarily in the hospitality sector. Conall has most recently invested in local pizza chain, The Pizza Co., investing in state-of-the-art technology and a complete rebrand of all six stores across Greater Belfast, with plans for future growth across Northern Ireland. Conall holds various non-executive director and board member roles, including The Boatyard Distillery and Tiny Life charity.

Justin Quirk, Urban HQ Owner, said: “We are thrilled to be taking the reins at Urban HQ. Our goal is to continue to enhance the Urban HQ Member experience and create even more opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

Jamie McCoubrey, Urban HQ Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to welcome both Justin and Conall as the new owners of Urban HQ . We have been really encouraged by how well received Urban HQ has been since opening in 2020, with our team on the ground offering the very best service and our building offering a truly design-led approach.

Conall Humston, Urban HQ Owner, said: “ We are looking forward to reinforcing Urban HQ’s position as the place to be for businesses who want to occupy the best quality space on flexible terms.”

£3.5 Million Water Pumping Station Completed to enhance Water Quality in North West

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08/10/2024

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NI Water is pleased to announce the completion of a £3.5 million investment to replace Avish Water Pumping Station, located within our Carmoney Water Treatment Works, which will be essential to the future resilience of the local water supply infrastructure.

The recently completed Avish Water Pumping Station, forms a key part of the first phase and is an integral part of the overall Carmoney to Strabane Strategic Trunk Main. This is an essential water supply system, including a new ongoing 28km pipeline between Carmoney Water Treatment Works in Eglinton and Castletown Service Reservoir in Strabane, that will ensure the resilience and ongoing provision of high-quality water to customers in the Northwest.

The Pumping Station is critical to improve operational flexibility; increase the resilience and robustness of the network and provide connectivity between the Northern and Western Water Zones (serving the wider Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas).

Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery said:

“We are delighted to announce the completion of this major Pumping Station, which plays a key role in improving the water supply infrastructure in the Carmoney area and wider Northwest. This pumping station and wider improvements to come in future phases will bring many benefits to our customers, including improved security of the local water supply.

“This investment will be particularly important during the winter months and other unplanned events, helping to reduce supply interruptions and restrictions, whilst enhancing water quality. This will future proof the local water infrastructure, providing people with an improved, more reliable service.

“We appreciate the support of local landowners and the wider community in helping us to progress the overall Carmoney to Strabane Trunk Main scheme, which, once complete, will deliver an improved water supply network and help safeguard the local water supply.”

The main contractor for this project is Murphy Dawson WAM, with Project Management support from McAdam Design.

Construction Students Site Visit to New School Build

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08/10/2024

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Students from the Level 2 Traineeship NI in Construction Maintenance at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus had the opportunity to visit to the new Down High School build on Strangford Road, Downpatrick recently.

Accompanied by SERC’s Skills Development Champion, Brendan Moore, the students were welcomed to the site by Project Manager, Gareth Brown and the Site Manager, Patrick McBride from Graham.

Following a health and safety induction on arrival, Gareth and Patrick escorted the students around the project, answering questions throughout the tour.

The students were shown a video of the site before construction began and the progress to date. At its peak, some 300 construction workers from all trades were involved in the project. This has reduced to 150 people as the build nears completion.

The students benefited greatly from the site visit as they had the opportunity to see firsthand the workings of a construction site, put their questions to the Site and Project Managers, and learnt about the variety of tradespeople involved in a major project in the local area.

The build which commenced in February 2023 is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

You can view an interactive aerial view of the new build from September 2024 @Alistair Leith GRAHAM – Down High School on Momento360.

All Aboard Trains set to get Green Light at Belfast Grand Central Station

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04/10/2024

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Translink is now making preliminary plans to commence rail services from Belfast Grand Central Station on Sunday 13^th October.

This will see the rail line between Belfast and Lisburn reopen for passenger services and Enterprise services will operate to/from Belfast Grand Central Station.

A new rail timetable will be in place and passengers will be encouraged to plan their trip using information on the website www.translink.co.uk or Journey Planner available from Monday, 7^th October 2024.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: “We are pleased to announce that good progress has been made on the Rail Safety Certification process. While our teams across Translink and Department for Infrastructure will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the completion of this process we are now taking appropriate steps to plan the start of rail services from Grand Central Station on Sunday, 13^th October.

“Over the coming days we will start to put plans in place to enable the timely start of rail operations, so everything is ready to go for customers as soon as the certification process is fully complete.

“We know this will be good news for many of our rail customers, who need to use this main terminus station for Belfast. The start of rail at Grand Central Station will bring enhanced connectivity and integration of the wider public transport network with bus, coach and rail connections across the island.

“The new train station will also see automatic ticketing gates introduced and passengers can purchase tickets which they can scan at gates to speed up journeys and enhance convenience.

“Passengers can buy their ticket from one of the rail ticket vending machines in the station, use the mLink mobile app or iLink Smartcard. You can also buy online and collect at the ticket vending machine”.

Chris added: “The launch of an hourly Enterprise service between the island’s two capital cities is being planned for Tuesday, 29th October.

“This development which will see 15 services leave Belfast every day – a total of 30 running in both directions – is a massive boost for people, communities, businesses, the economy and the environment.

“The launch of bus services from the new station has been very smooth and reaction from our passengers has been extremely positive. We are now very much looking forward to welcoming train passengers in the coming weeks”, Chris concluded.

Passengers are advised to check their journey in advance on the Translink website: www.translink.co.uk; Journey Planner, or by phoning the Contact Centre on 02890 666630.

HENRY GROUP STRIKES A DECADE OF PLATINUM SUCCESS AT DELOITTE BEST MANAGED COMPANIES AWARDS

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02/10/2024

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Magherafelt-based Henry Group Ltd has once again had its excellence acknowledged, having been awarded Platinum Standard at the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards 2024 for the 10^th consecutive year.

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards celebrate organisational excellence and leadership across various industries, recognising those businesses that go above and beyond to foster sustainable growth, create a positive impact on their communities, and build long-term value.

With offices across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Henry Group is a leading construction company, specialising in delivering innovative and high-quality projects across various sectors including education, healthcare, and commercial developments.

Speaking of this achievement, Ian Henry, CR Director of Henry Brothers, said:

“Requalifying at Platinum Standard for the 10th consecutive year is a remarkable achievement and testament to our unwavering commitment to our people, planet, and the places we serve.

“At Henry Group, we believe in being Altogether Stronger, striving not only to consistently deliver the highest standards of service but also to make a lasting, positive impact on the environment and our communities.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change and consistently pursuing excellence in everything we do.”

Earlier this year, Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, further cementing its position as a responsible business that strives to minimise its environmental impact while maximising positive social and business outcomes.

Ian added:

“Henry Group is honoured to have received this accolade, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the best results for every client, every time.”

For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk

Ballykelly Active Travel Scheme welcome, but bypass the only real solution – Sugden

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30/09/2024

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EAST Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has welcome a £2.6m Active Travel Scheme to be created between Ballykelly and Greysteel, but reiterated the need for a bypass for Ballykelly.

Work on the scheme has begun today (September 30) and will run for 33 weeks.

“This scheme will link the two towns, enabling cyclists, walkers and other users such as those with prams or who use wheelchairs, to travel safely between them,” Ms Sugden said.

“Traffic on this route can be extremely busy as it is the main link between Coleraine, Limavady and Londonderry, so will provide an important element of safety for those using these more active forms of transport.

“It is the level of this traffic – and the current road infrastructure – that does, however, underline the real and growing need for a bypass for Ballykelly. It often creates huge traffic jams in the town, with the impact of slower commuting times, increased pollution and frustration for locals who want to nip to the shops, do the school run or get to work.

“The need for a bypass around the village has been talked about for nearly 20 years, but this has been consistently paused because of budget constraints.

“Even the preferred route of this bypass was identified more than 10 years ago. That scheme went no further, but the need has since grown for commuters and residents of Ballykelly.

“I have had regular correspondence with various Ministers for Infrastructure over the years, and despite receiving a commitment from them to look again at Ballykelly within the scope of their long-term plans, confidence that we will see imminent movement on this project is lacking.

“This project really matters to people. I hope this bypass will soon be included in future plans for the A2, along with a commitment to seeing it happen in a timely way.”

AWARD WINNERS SETTING THE STANDARD FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW

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30/09/2024

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As a company that prides itself on the innovation of its Non-combustible Cavity Trays, Keyfix was delighted to win the Associate Supplier of the Year award at The Association of Brickwork Contractors Awards 2024. However, the drive to innovate and inspire means the company won’t stop there.

In fact, Keyfix is continually researching and investing in the latest technologies to deliver innovative and effective solutions that help clients across the built environment meet stringent buildability, sustainability, and quality standards.

It was this desire to develop a solution for use across the entire sector that prompted the design and manufacture of Keyfix’s market-leading Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT). The easy to install and simple to understand system was the deciding factor in Keyfix winning the Associate Supplier of the Year award, with members choosing them due to the huge number of brickwork contractors that rely on the NCCTs on their construction projects across the UK.

Indeed, this is the only award given by organisers, the Association of Brickwork Contractors, that is voted for by brickwork contractors and those working in and around the industry, making receiving this award an even bigger privilege.

Keyfix’s NCCT is an A1 fire rated product, fully BBA-certified and approved by both Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty. As cavity trays are the only component that passes through vertical fire barriers, it is essential that in the event of a fire, the products used don’t contribute to fire loading. Keyfix’s NCCT is manufactured from A1 fire rated, non-combustible, Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, ensuring that it will not contribute to fire loading.

Featuring a unique design that enables the stainless steel tray to be self-supporting across the cavity, this commercially-viable and rapid-build system requires no support from the internal structure.

Provided with split pins, Keyfix’s NCCT is designed to pin overlapping trays together to ensure efficient and simple installation, saving valuable time on-site as it removes the needs for tapes, sealants and mastics. In addition, as the NCCT has no connection with the inner skin, this highly trusted and innovative product system is thermally efficient and is not affected by issues associated with differential movement.

John Duffin, Managing Director at Keyfix, praised the dedication and expertise the company had shown to driving innovation and quality. He said: “Winning the award and being chosen by ABC members and brickwork contractors was an absolute honour. It is testimony to the hard work and dedication that everyone at Keyfix has put in over the years and the drive to design and manufacture truly innovative systems and products that genuinely help the industry.

“But we’ve not rested on our laurels, we’ve continued to invest and research in innovation to continue improving the quality and safety of buildings across the UK through Keyfix’s dynamic range of products.”

Eve Livett, Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Brickwork Contractors, said the award highlighted the absolute commitment and service provided to brickwork contractors and the sector as a whole.

She said: “Keyfix saw off 11 other entries, including the other three shortlisted finalists, to win the Associate Supplier of the Year award.

“Members chose Keyfix as their choice based on their award-winning Non-combustible Cavity Tray System, which brickwork contractors use on the majority of their projects up and down the country. The NCCT system, which is ‘the best on the market’, comes with a great service and a team of dedicated trainers who work tirelessly in colleges and on sites across the UK, demonstrating installation and its importance within the construction process.

“It’s an extremely high accolade to receive this award. It shows that the company who has won has demonstrated absolute commitment and great service to the brickwork contractor and to the sector as a whole.”

Local Cambridgeshire Contractor Shortlisted for Prestigious National Building and Construction Award.

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30/09/2024

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Cutting-edge design elements and construction techniques set project apart

from national competitors.

A Cambridgeshire based construction firm that places sustainable practices at the heart of its work has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA) 2024.

Spacemaker Developments Ltd, Trading as SMD Ltd, whose Headquarters is in St Neots, is in the running to win the Project of the Year (£10 million to £25 million) at the NBCA Awards 2024 that will be held at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel later this year.

SMD, who deliver projects across the East of England, have constructed Oak Field Gardens, a new Crematorium in Bedfordshire which uses sustainable systems, has minimal environmental impact and implements innovative resources.

The project also delivers a positive impact on the local community, by creating jobs, improving infrastructure and providing a sensitive public amenity.

“We are both honoured and delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards.” said Moomith Ullah, Operations Director at SMD. “The whole SMD team is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and using our wealth of experience to bring construction visions to life.”

“Our ethos is to leave a lasting legacy,” Moomith Ullah continued, “and that is why we are so proud to be in with the opportunity to win at what is recognised as one of the most prestigious building and construction awards in the UK.”

The National Building and Construction Awards 2024 lead the national vision to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising building and construction businesses from across the UK.

The Awards are made up of 21 categories with entries being judged by a panel of independent and professional judges.

“Sustainability is one of our passions and our processes ensure we do our utmost to minimise our impact on the environment.” said Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD.

Oakfield Gardens Crematorium provides a tranquil and open space with a range of memorial options that make the most of the open landscaping and setting within the Bedfordshire countryside.

It is a place where bereaved families are at the heart of everything with options that reflect the choices of the local community.

“Being shortlisted for such a prestigious Award is a massive vote of confidence in the work that everyone at SMD undertakes.” Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD said. “We are very grateful for everyone’s efforts and feel honoured for the continued commitment our clients continue to make in us.”

“We are hopeful to bring the Award home later this year.”

GRAHAM selected for fit out job at The Berkshire Golf Club

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27/09/2024

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GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out division has secured the contract for an extensive refurbishment project at The Berkshire Golf Club, one of the UK’s leading golf clubs.

The project will involve a comprehensive refurbishment of the clubhouse. The scope of work includes modernising the principal front of house spaces, updating back of house facilities and infrastructure, and enhancing staff accommodation. These improvements are designed to align with the club’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience and services for its members and guests.

Neil Dickson, Interior Fit-Out Contracts Director at GRAHAM, commented: “Securing the refurbishment project for The Berkshire, one of the UK’s premier golf clubs, is a great result for GRAHAM. Our objective is to modernise the club’s facilities, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of its members and guests. By upgrading both the clubhouse and the infrastructure, we are making sure that every aspect of the club is fit for purpose, combining comfort and functionality with the highest standards of quality. We look forward to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to bring this vision to life.”

Michael Newland, Managing Director of The Berkshire Golf Club, commented: “We’re thrilled to partner with leading contractor, GRAHAM, on the transformation of the facilities within The Berkshire Golf Club. We trust that the team will deliver to the highest standard possible, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our members, guests and visitors into our newly refurbished clubhouse.”

Alongside GRAHAM, the project will be delivered by a team including Fitzsimons (Project Management and Quantity Surveying), Unwin Jones Partnership (Architects), Helen Hooper (Interior Design), Thornley & Lumb (M&E), and Axiom (Drainage and Structures Consultants). Construction is expected to begin in November and be complete by Easter 2025.

For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk