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BRIGHT SPARKS: ABB investing $35 million in new U.K. earthing and lightning protection factory

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ABB Installation Products facility in Nottingham, U.K. to open in early 2025. Will increase production of high-demand Furse earthing and lightning protection solutions.

LIGHTNING strikes and electrical surges disrupt critical operations and cause billions of dollars in damage to structures and equipment each year.

With the growing reliance on electronics and data centres, ABB is investing more than $35 million (£27 million), in a greenfield facility in Nottingham, United Kingdom, to meet increased demand for Furse® earthing and lightning protection solutions.

The new state-of-the-art site is expected to open in early 2025 and will integrate advanced technology, flexible automation, R&D and testing, and digital processes to boost production capacity and enhance efficiency and sustainability.

More than 100 employees will relocate to the new 9,500 m2 facility from the existing 6,300 m2 ABB Installation Products Nottingham foundry, which has continually operated for over a century in the area where Furse originated in 1893.

In addition to an expanded footprint, the site will be constructed in line with the BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable building standards and include efficient equipment and technology, photovoltaic rooftop cells, electric vehicle charging stations, and processes centered on reducing waste and energy. The space will be designed to support collaboration and training, accelerate R&D, and drive automation to serve European customers and increase available inventory globally.

Worldwide, an estimated 1.4 billion lightning flashes occur annually, equal to over 42 strikes each second. Even indirect lightning strikes up to a kilometer away can create transient overvoltages and have devastating consequences such as fire, shock hazards, equipment damage and costly outages, resulting in downtime and financial losses.

Furse solutions from ABB Installation Products are engineered to provide reliable earthing, lightning risk, and electronic systems and surge protection, helping safeguard structures and the electrical systems within.

The products are used in more than 20 countries across a broad range of applications and environments, from data centers and medical facilities to essential infrastructure, utilities and renewable energy.

“This important investment builds on 130 years of Furse technology, enabling us to remain at the forefront of earthing and lightning protection and deliver solutions that improve safety and reliability for our customers. As part of our global growth strategy, we continue to expand our capabilities and capacity, further strengthening ABB’s manufacturing footprint and supply chain and regionalizing production of high-demand electrical solutions customers, installers and distribution partners need,” said Khalid Mandri President, ABB Installation Products Division. “Building this site in Nottinghamshire further reinforces our commitment to the industries we serve and to the community where we have operated for more than a century and want to continue to be a leading employer.”

The UK investment adds to more than $165 million in ABB Installation Products global expansions and improvements since 2020 to increase manufacturing capacity, drive innovation and sustainability, and bring needed products closer to customers.

ABB Installation Products currently has six locations in Europe in Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and the UK where it employs more than 100 associates in Nottingham who develop, test and produce a broad range of Furse solutions. The new campus will occupy nearly five acres in Fairham Business Park, within close proximity of ABB’s existing Wilford Road site and is accessible for employees, customers, suppliers and distribution partners.

“We are continually advancing solutions across electrification, and the earthing and lightning protection lifecycle. Our new facility is a leap forward in design and technology, positioning us for the future while enabling us to preserve resources and reduce energy and water consumption aligned with circularity and sustainability priorities across ABB’s operations,” stated Andrea Castella, Europe Region Leader, ABB Installation Products.

Building on its long history of pioneering in electrification, ABB Installation Products creates solutions to safely connect and protect electrical systems that power businesses, cities, homes and transportation.

With more than 200,000 products under 38 premium brand names, ABB Installation Products, formerly Thomas & Betts, solutions are found wherever electricity is used around the world and in space.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

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ALL TO PLAY FOR: Lilidorei at the Alnwick Garden shortlisted for three construction awards

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SINCE its opening 12 months ago, Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden has attracted nearly 200,000 visitors from across the UK and overseas. This month it has been revealed that the attraction has been shortlisted for a trio of construction awards since opening.

Having already won the Judges Choice Award at the regional North East RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2024, earlier this month, Lilidorei will progress to the prestigious national RICS UK Grand Final Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in the autumn.

The project also received a second nomination, for Building Project of the Year at the Constructing Excellence Awards for the North East in June. Additionally, the project received a third nomination for Best Project of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards, with the awards ceremony taking place in late June.

At 26-metres high, the timber play structure is the largest in the world, designed and constructed by playground specialists, Monstrum (Denmark).

Charlie Aviston, senior quantity surveyor at AtkinsRealis, who supported The Alnwick Garden team throughout the project, said: “We joined the Lilidorei project from the outset, committed to delivering this unique initiative while overcoming many challenges along the way. Our dedication to the project ensured that we navigated various obstacles, ultimately achieving our goal of bringing this ambitious project to life.

“The success of Lilidorei hinged on a unique team dynamic. The specialists involved not only exhibited technical excellence but also respected and supported each other’s roles, creating a culture of mutual assistance.

“The final outcome is a fantastic family facility that will be enjoyed by many communities for years to come. We are incredibly proud of what the whole team achieved in realising the Duchess’ vision to create a sustainable and magical village that inspires children from all walks of life to play.”

The £15.5m mythical play village was created with primary school children in mind by the Duchess of Northumberland to encourage them to play outside and use their imaginations to uncover the secrets of Lilidorei and the nine clans who reside there.

Mark Brassell, chief executive of The Alnwick Garden said: “After many years of planning, Lilidorei started its transformative journey in 2019, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, and opened its doors to the public in 2023.

“The design of the play structure, Elfwin Drin, was ambitious and there was no blueprint for creating a unique experience like Lilidorei. Enlisting the expertise of our partners, including AtkinsRealis, helped us navigate the design and build phases, enabling the creation of this special and truly individual attraction.

“We feel very proud to be nominated for these awards and it is a testament to the skill of our designers, management and construction teams. We are delighted to see they have all been recognised regionally and nationally for their talents through these awards.”

Since opening its doors last May, Lilidorei has welcomed over 200,000 visitors and 3,500 primary school children with its Free School Friday initiative.

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STORE THE MERRIER: Energystore acquires majority share in Scottish specialist flooring contractor ATS

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INSULATION manufacturer and installer energystore have acquired a majority share in award-winning Scottish specialist flooring contractor Advanced Traditional Screeding (ATS) for an undisclosed sum.

Headquartered in Holywood, Co Down, energystore designs, manufactures, and installs insulation systems for floors, walls and roofs and is the leading supplier of high-performance EPS (expanded polystyrene) bead insulation products to the UK and Irish construction industry.

Fife-based ATS was established in 2014 and works with commercial customers across Scotland and the rest of the UK on all aspects of pre-construction and construction flooring installation, with experience of all types of screeds, resins and underfloor heating systems.

ATS has been a long-term installer of energystore TLA®, a flagship energystore product which combines eps beads coated in an innovative additive with cement to create a pourable insulation. This unique poured insulation offers a non-combustible alternative for use in floor and roof construction as a high strength void former or insulation.

Following the acquisition, ATS will continue to operate as a standalone company within the energystore group and all 17 staff will be retained.

Connor McCandless, Managing Director of energystore, said: “We have known Jason and his team at ATS for a number of years and have been impressed by their work for tier one construction firms across a wide range of projects. We have been looking at opportunities to grow energystore’s footprint across the UK and we felt that ATS’s culture, values and growth ambitions were very aligned with our own. Like us, they are a company that is committed to delivering quality work and to supporting the communities they work in. We were already working together on some exciting development opportunities, so it has been an easy move to formally join forces.”

Jason Lister, founder and Managing Director of ATS, will continue to lead the business following the acquisition by energystore.

Jason Lister said: “I’m really proud to be able to announce this partnership with energystore at a time when ATS has been enjoying significant growth and has a very healthy order book for the year ahead. In the most recent financial year ATS grew our turnover to a record £5m and I am confident we will increase that again this year.

“As a customer and installer of energystore TLA®, we know they are a company committed to innovation and sustainability. ATS now has a great opportunity to expand the range of products and services we provide to our customers as part of the energystore team. It is a very positive day for the company, our people and our customers.”

Energystore, which is celebrating 50 years in business in 2024, currently operates from six locations across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, employing 90 people and supplies homeowners and commercial customers, including construction companies, new build developers and housing associations.

Last year the business launched its Emission-less Mission, a far-reaching strategy that will see energystore invest £2m across the business to reach net zero emissions from its operations by 2028.

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HOT TOPIC: ASSA ABLOY Door Group highlights fire door safety issues in Educational environments

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DOOR Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is highlighting the lack of fire safety in education environments, calling for urgent action to improve fire door standards, after new Home Office figures show an alarming lack of fire safety systems.

Between the financial year 2022/23, 673 educational buildings in the United Kingdom were affected by blazes. Additionally, these statistics also reveal that 627 of these establishments did not have a fire safety system in place.

Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, and regular product specifications or dedicated fire door inspections are essential to fully ensure health and safety measures are met.

Doors in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are subject to extremely high levels of traffic, and subsequently a higher level of misuse and abuse, which can then lead to functional problems resulting in non-compliance.

As a leading provider of compliant fire doors, Door Group emphasises the urgent need for enhanced fire door standards to safeguard the lives of students, educators, and staff members.

Robust fire door systems play a pivotal role in containing fires, limiting their spread, and facilitating safe evacuations in emergency scenarios. By advocating for stricter regulations, promoting advanced fire door technologies, and offering comprehensive inspections, Door Group strives to mitigate the risk of fire-related incidents in educational settings.

Fire Rescue Services attended over 622,000 incidents in the year ending March 2023, marking a significant 7.8% increase compared to the previous year[2]. Alarmingly, just over 1,000 school buildings are believed to contain combustible materials similar to those used in Grenfell, encompassing 923 school buildings and 80 university buildings.

Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group states: “Through our fire door inspections service, our BRE qualified engineers have found the level of compliancy in schools to be extremely low. In one school, for example, we inspected 164 fire doors and reported that 163 were not fire compliant.

“The concerning presence of fires in schools stresses the necessity for comprehensive fire safety measures with a holistic approach. It’s not just about specifying compliant solutions, they need to be managed correctly with regular inspections and maintenance. This information should be accurately recorded, in line with the ‘Golden Thread’ approach outlined in the Building Safety Act.”

Door Group is committed to raising the standard of fire door safety in schools, providing a fully comprehensive inspection which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.

Following inspections, Door Group then offer detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving.

If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program. Door Group inspectors are BRE-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations.

Home Office Official Statistics: Fire statistics incident level datasets: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fire-statistics-incident-level-datasets

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WORLD BEATERS: Skills in the Spotlight as WorldSkills Ireland 2024 launches

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WorldSkills Ireland competitors, Lee Davison, Sean McLoughlin, Ciara O’Sullivan, Willow Swire and Daniel Kearns

WELCOMING over 24,000 students, across 300 secondary schools, through its doors last year, WorldSkills Ireland returns this September to promote skills and apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people as they navigate future options following secondary education.

A Government and Industry led event, WorldSkills Ireland 2024 is taking place from the 25th – 27th September 2024 at the RDS, Simmonscourt, and will build upon the success of previous events, when thousands of visitors, including students and their parents, gathered to see first-hand the wealth of career options available.

Announcing the return of the event, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, was joined by past WorldSkills Ireland competitors. Minister O’Donovan comments: “Once again WorldSkills Ireland will celebrate the best of Irish skills opportunities, with competitors from up to 30 disciplines showcasing the best of their skills and professions.

It is a brilliant opportunity for young people from all over the country to explore the variety of skills-based career paths available to them, from traditional fields, like construction and mechanics, to newer areas, such as financial services, green skills and retrofitting.

WorldSkills Ireland competitors, Lee Davison, Sean McLoughlin, Ciara O’Sullivan, Willow Swire and Daniel Kearns

I hear consistent messages from employers in areas of skills demand, so it’s great to see events like WorldSkills returning, benefitting both students and employers from across Ireland.”

Running concurrently with Higher Options, both events aim to raise the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of the future. Supported by industry partners, SISK, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus and Autodesk, the event is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government.

Commenting on the broader impact of the event, Ray English, WorldSkills Ireland-Chair/Technical Delegate, adds: “The skills shortage is one of the major challenges across all sectors today. Simply put, we need more skilled people across multiple sectors, and this event reflects the collective support from education, industry, and government.

“Skills drive the future, and WorldSkills Ireland 2024 will be a true showcase of the ‘best in class’ across many different disciplines, offering young people a wealth of options as they transition from secondary education into the workforce.”

Plans are underway for the 2024 event, and it’s been confirmed that the National Skills finals will be taking place at the event showcasing more than 30 varied skills in a competitive setting.

New for 2024, The Institute of Guidance Counsellors have been announced as the official education partner, commenting on the partnership, Tadhg Crowley, President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC), said: “Skill-based jobs and apprenticeships are the backbone of our economy, offering invaluable pathways to fulfilling careers. In the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, we firmly believe in empowering our youth through hands-on learning and real-world experience. Events like WorldSkills Ireland are crucial in celebrating and promoting the talent, dedication, and innovation of young apprentices, who are shaping the future of our industries.”

WorldSkills Ireland 2024 is set to inspire the next generation of skilled young people to follow their passions, interests, and talents. For further information on WorldSkills Ireland, please see www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow WorldSkills Ireland on social media.

Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of Construction Industry Federation (CIF); Michael Hourihan, WorldSkills Ireland Executive; Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan; Caroline Kinsella, ESB Networks; David Poynton Rowley, Apprenticeship Manager, Bus Eireann/Dublin Bus and Ronan Murphy, Training Centre Manager, SISK
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MASTER CHEF: RAK Ceramics wins coveted Red Dot Award in the Product Design category

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COOKING UP A STORM: CookingRAK impressed the Red Dot Award jury with its cutting-edge design and advanced features

COOKINGRAK by RAK Ceramics is honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” in the Product Design category, the competition’s highest recognition.

This recognition is reserved for the most outstanding product of each category that exemplifies design and quality. Additionally, CookingRAK has been awarded the “Red Dot” acknowledgement in the Product Design category, a testament to its superior design quality. This sought-after mark of quality is given only upon products showcasing outstanding design prowess by an international jury.

The Red Dot Awards, one of the most significant awards in the world of industrial design, is aimed at recognising the innovative capacity and excellence of the best designers in the industry. Celebrating its 70th year, the award ceremony is set for June 24, 2024, in Essen, Germany.

CookingRAK, a revolutionary addition to RAK Ceramics’ product lineup, impressed the Red Dot Award jury with its cutting-edge design and advanced features. An innovative design that integrates a hidden induction system fully into its countertop, offers a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. This unique feature transforms the kitchen into a multifunctional space that is ideal for daily use, allowing users to prepare, cook and dine in the same area. CookingRAK is exclusively produced with Maximus porcelain slabs in 14mm thickness. When utilised as countertop surfaces, these slabs exhibit impressive resilience against high temperatures and resists scratches and stains.

Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, said, “Receiving the Red Dot awards marks a significant milestone in RAK Ceramics’ journey towards excellence. This esteemed accolade stands as a testament to our steadfast commitment to pioneering innovation and setting new standards within the industry. It reaffirms our position in the global market, showcasing our ability to deliver unparalleled quality and developing groundbreaking solutions for our clients. At RAK Ceramics, we remain dedicated to driving growth, forging lasting partnerships, and inspiring continued confidence in our brand.”

Leonardo de Muro, Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Communications, RAK Ceramics commented, “We are thrilled to receive the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024 as well as the Red Dot: Best of the Best for CookingRAK by RAK Ceramics. Our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and design excellence has helped us reach new heights in product design and development. The creation of the CookingRAK was driven by a deep understanding of the evolving needs and desires of modern kitchens and their users. It embodies our commitment to providing our customers with products that incorporate new technologies into modern designs, elevating both the environment and the experience.”

With a legacy of craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of innovation, RAK Ceramics’ success at the Red Dot Awards 2024 underscores the company’s position as a global leader in the ceramic industry.

For more information, visit https://cookingrak.rakceramics.com/

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SEVEN HEAVEN: Ulster Bank backs Andras House with over £7million support for North Coast hotel expansion

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HUGE INVESTMENT: Pearse Mulvenna and Rajesh Rana from Andras House with Ulster Bank's Richard Lusty and Andy Tew

ULSTER Bank has announced over £7 million in support for one of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality and property development companies as it makes its largest investment in its hotel portfolio outside of Belfast.

The new 83-bedroom Marcus Hotel Portrush is being developed as part of an £11 million investment by Andras House, Belfast’s largest hotel operator, and will be operated under franchise from Hilton under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand.

Andras House was founded in Belfast in 1981 and today operates seven internationally-branded hotels with over 1,000 beds across Holiday Inn® Belfast City Centre, Holiday Inn® Express, three ibis Hotels, the Crowne Plaza, Hampton by Hilton Hotel in the city’s Hope Street, and Cordia Serviced Apartments.

YOU CAN BANK ON IT: Ulster Bank’s Richard Lusty (right) pictured with Rajesh Rana from Andras House

Its investment in Portrush – which will be the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel on the island of Ireland – represents the hotelier’s largest investment outside of Belfast.

Richard Lusty, Relationship Director at Ulster Bank, said: “Andras House has been a cornerstone of the hospitality sector in Belfast for decades and has contributed significantly to the advancement of the city’s tourism offering. Its latest investment is the culmination of over 40 years of industry expertise applied to the scenic North Coast which will serve as an important economic driver for the area, creating new jobs and further strengthening its domestic and international appeal.”

Construction on the new hotel is continuing at pace and is expected to complete in 2025 in time for The Open, which returns to Royal Portrush next year

Rajesh Rana, Director at Andras House, added: “This is a strategically important investment for Andras House and a continuation of our thriving relationship with Ulster Bank. It’s a reflection of the successes of our developments in Belfast and it represents an important milestone for the future of the company too. As visitors flock to the North Coast we see great opportunity to extend our reach and offer the same high-quality hospitality experience regionally.”

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STORMING AHEAD: Essential storm sewer Improvement work continues at Minorca Place, Carrickfergus

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS: NI Water’s David McClean, Paddy O’Boyle, and Sangeetha Iyyappan (both AG Wilson) assess progress on site in Minorca Place

NI Water is currently undertaking essential sewer improvement work at St Nicholas’ Primary School, as part of the Living With Water programme.

The project involves the construction of a large stormwater storage tank in the school grounds that will reduce the number of storm overflow spills, as well as a screen that will reduce pollution, by removing solid waste, such as wet wipes.

NI Water Senior Project Manager David McClean said: “We are pleased to be delivering this essential improvement scheme at Minorca Place, Carrickfergus. This project is part of a wider programme of works, that will deliver environmental improvements and has already seen a major upgrade to Lower Woodburn Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS), as well as other local network upgrades such as work coming up on the Belfast Road, which will help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding and improve the water quality in Belfast Lough.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Paddy O’Boyle AG Wilson, NI Water’s David McClean and Sangeetha Iyyappan AG Wilson

“We appreciate that work of this nature can be disruptive and would like to thank the school community for their continued patience and cooperation while we have been working in the school grounds, which has avoided disruption on busy nearby roads. Our project team, including contractor AG Wilson and Tetra Tech will strive to keep disruption to a minimum and aim to have work completed in the school grounds by the end of August.”

The NI Water project team has engaged with the school community and we appreciate the co-operation of the wider public in ensuring that children do not play in or around any site or machinery. Working areas will have warning signs in place to protect the public from any hazards. The public are advised to stay out of these working areas for their own safety.

NI Water is also due to commence work at the end of June to lay a new sewer on the Belfast Road, Carrickfergus. The installation of this new sewer – which will be carried out in three phases – forms part of a programme of measures that will create additional capacity in the sewer network to help support local development.

For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com

The Living With Water in Belfast Plan, aims to provide the drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure needed to help protect Belfast against flooding, enhance the environment, and enable the city to grow., Further information on the Living With Water Programme can be found at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/topics/living-water-programme

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CONSTRUCTION GROWTH HOPE: Dublin ranks fourth most expensive city in Europe to build in

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BUILDING BOOM: Ireland's unique position in the post-Brexit landscape and a cooling inflation rate have created a favourable environment for growth

TURNER & Townsend is optimistic about Ireland’s construction market as it begins to recover and move towards green investment opportunities.

Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges in Europe, Ireland’s unique position in the post-Brexit landscape and a cooling inflation rate have created a favourable environment for growth.

The International construction market survey (ICMS) 2024 report, from global professional services company Turner & Townsend, shows Switzerland remains the most expensive country to build in across Europe with Zurich and Geneva named in the top 5 most expensive cities worldwide.

Based on a global survey of 91 cities, Zurich is now the most expensive place to build in Europe, with an average cost of US$5,035 per m2, up 8.2 percent on the year. Geneva averages US$5,022 per m2 with Munich ($3,797 per m2), Dublin ($3,775 per m2) and Vienna ($3,615 per m2) following, and all ranked in the top 25 globally.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a GDP growth of 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent for Ireland in 2024 and 2025 respectively, positioning it ahead of many European counterparts.

This resilience is largely attributed to Ireland’s strategic market position and relatively lower impact from the Ukraine conflict. As a result, Ireland is expected to experience economic expansion, providing opportunities for construction, industrial development and green investment.

Dublin continues to see robust investment in both private and public sector housing projects, driven by an acute rental shortage. The average cost for apartments in the capital stands at US$3,666.9 per m², reflecting strong construction demand. Specialist rental accommodations, such as student housing, are also expanding.

Across the region, green investment is becoming increasingly important as carbon priorities shape development strategies. Significant commitments towards net-zero carbon are evident in major projects across Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, driven by stringent government regulations and rising consumer expectations.

RENTAL SHORTAGE: Dublin continues to see robust investment in both private and public sector housing projects, driven by rental shortage

Rankings of European markets:

Ranking

(/91 markets)

 Cost per m2

(US$)

 2023 construction cost inflation (%) 2024 construction cost inflation

(%)

 Wages / hour

(US$)
Zurich 3 5,035 2.6 2.0 124.9
Geneva  4 5,022 2.4 2.0 125.2
Munich 22 3,797 4.0 1.0 83.6
Dublin 23 3,775 3.0 3.0 48.8
Vienna 25 3,615 3.5 1.0 82.5
Frankfurt 27 3,451 4.0 1.0 77.9
Amsterdam 28 3,357 1.5 0.5 56.9
Hamburg 29 3,343 4.0 1.0 80.1
Paris 31 3,200 2.4 2.5 59.4
Berlin  32 3,189 4.0 1.0 76.0
Brussels 33 3,188 2.1 0.5 55.8
Stockholm 37 3,097 2.0 1.5 51.5
Milan 45 2,966 1.5 2.0 49.9
Madrid 59 2,205 2.0 3.0 34.7
Warsaw 60 2,186 5.5 5.0 22.3
Regional average / 3,428 2.96 1.8 68.6

Across the 15 European cities surveyed, including Dublin, labour costs average $68.6 per hour – boosted by the highs of Geneva ($125.2) and Zurich ($124.9) who lead the continent.

A significant factor driving inflation worldwide is a scarcity of skilled labour. A staggering 79.1 percent of markets, representing 72 individual markets, reported skill shortages.  This stands in stark contrast to just 9.9 percent, or 9 markets, with a labour surplus.

The remaining 11 percent, or 10 markets, indicated a balanced labour market. This imbalance between supply and demand for skilled workers is putting continued upward pressure on construction costs globally.

In the face of potential labour bottlenecks across Europe, Turner & Townsend is advising clients to prioritise identifying the right procurement strategies and to work collaboratively with the supply chain to mitigate the risk to delivery.

The data points to lowering construction price inflationary pressure overall. Turner & Townsend has modestly reduced its 2024 construction cost inflation forecasts compared with last year’s predictions. Construction inflation in most markets is driven by a backlog of projects, which are gradually moving forward as construction costs stabilise.

Philip Matthews, Managing Director of Turner & Townsend in Ireland, comments:

“After several years of economic turbulence and the significant impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is encouraging to see emerging opportunities within the European construction sector. With a 1.5 percent GDP growth forecast for 2024, Ireland is positioned as an outlier compared to the Euro area’s sluggish 0.8 percent growth. This resilience is due, in part, to Ireland’s active, post-Brexit market, which has been less impacted by the Ukraine conflict than many of its European neighbours.

“We are observing heightened activity across various industries; Dublin in particular has been buoyed by investment into both private and public sector housing developments on the back of the ongoing rental crisis. Nonetheless, we must remain vigilant regarding the rising cost of labour across the continent.

“Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on sustainability requirements for real estate portfolios is likely to alter investment patterns and asset values. Going forward, it will be essential to carefully evaluate contract models and carbon costs to effectively mitigate risks.”

Across Europe: With the Olympics approaching, leisure investment is on the up, especially in Paris ($3,200 per m2), where increased demand has caused the French capital’s cost escalation to increase by 0.1 percentage points to a forecast of 2.5 percent.

Furthermore, data centres and advanced manufacturing have seen booming demand across Europe with the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act looking to promote investment.  Demand is driving up prices with an advanced manufacturing facility in Amsterdam now costing $3,840 per m2.

Globally: The ICMS report’s survey of 91 global cities shows the US continuing to dominate the rankings of the most expensive places to build, with six US cities in the top ten. New York has retained its position as the most expensive market to build in for the second year running at an average cost of US$5,723 per m2.

Worldwide deglobalisation trends and nearshoring prompted by supply chain disruption and geopolitical tensions are seeing growth and investment in manufacturing, especially in emerging international markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico.

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A FIT OF ALL RIGHT: Marcon is a good fit for continued success as it celebrates 20th anniversary

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MARCON IS A GOOD FIT: Directors Mark McElroy and Mark O’Connor are pictured at one of the company’s clients, Titanic Belfast EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF BELFAST’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY AS TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR 17TH BELFAST MELA FESTIVAL Get ready for a spectacular nine-day programme of cultural celebrations across the city of Belfast from Saturday 17 August to Sunday 25 August as tickets for the Belfast Mela Festival, sponsored by Sensata Technologies, go live on www.belfastmela.org.uk Belfast Mela hosts U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly join Mela founder Dr. Nisha Tandon OBE with South African poet Nandi Jola, hip hop dancer Azeem Alahi and leader from the South Asian Dance Academy Lauren Martin, at Botanic Gardens, home of the magical Mela Day Finale to announce this year’s tickets are available online. Dr Nisha Tandon, OBE, CEO of ArtsEkta organisers of the Belfast Mela says: “Belfast will once again be transformed into a feast of world music, dance, food and art to celebrate our city’s growing cultural diversity. “Last year’s Belfast Mela was our biggest festival ever, attracting more than 60,000 people to family events over nine days and we look forward to building on that success this August and will announce our full programme in early August.” Tickets cost £10 adults, £8 concession (children aged between 5 - 15 and the over 60s) £20 family (2 adults and 2 children under 16) Children under 5 go free. Tickets must be booked in advance online. The Belfast Mela is principally funded by Belfast City Council, The Executive Office and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The principal sponsor is Sensata Technologies and Media Partners are UTV and U105. Friends of Belfast Mela include Allstate NI; BBC Northern Ireland; Belfast Harbour; Co-Ownership; Citi, Danske Bank; Department of Finance & NICS; Department of Justice; Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; FinTru, Grant Thornton; Hastings Hotels; HSBC, Labour Relations

MARCON Fit-Out is marking 20 years in business with the announcement that it has created 20 new jobs over the last two years in support of its sustainable growth plan.

The Antrim-baed company was founded by Mark O’Connor and Mark McElroy in 2004 after they noticed a gap in the UK & Ireland marketplace to service the interior fit-out market.

Initial growth led to the opening of a specialist joinery workshop in 2006 which has since grown into a standalone manufacturing space adjacent to Marcon’s Antrim headquarters. A second office was opened in Leeds in 2021 to support the increasing business in England and Scotland.

Over the last 20 years, Marcon has gone from strength to strength and firmly established itself across retail, hospitality, heritage and leisure sectors. Its impressive client list includes local businesses and global brands such as Titanic Belfast, Hinch Distillery, Guinness Storehouse, JD Wetherspoons, Luton Airport, Historic Royal Palaces, and North Face. The company has also undertaken over 600 projects for Global fast-food giant, McDonald’s.

WELL PLACED FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS: Directors Mark McElroy and Mark O’Connor

Mark O’Connor, Director of Marcon Fit-Out said: “Marcon started in 2004 with a workforce of five people and today we have over 75 employees and support hundreds of indirect jobs through our subcontractor network and supply chain across the UK and Ireland. Over the last three years we have added 20 people to our skilled workforce with the aim of supporting Marcon’s continued growth. We are proud to work with home grown businesses as well as some of the world’s biggest brands. We initially set-up as an interior fit-out contractor and we have steadily expanded our services to offer clients a full turnkey package to help deliver their vision.

Over the last two decades, we have faced many challenges, as a business and an industry, however we have incredibly talented and experienced teams, which enable us to grow, transform and continue to lead the way. We are delighted to partner with our forward thinking clients, and we enjoy watching their own incredible growth, they have each played a key role in our success to date and we thank them for their continued support.

Mark McElroy, Director of Marcon Fit-Out added: “We are delighted to be in the position to mark our 20th year in business and are confident that we’re well placed for continued success and have exciting plans in place. Whilst we are well known for the work that we carry out in the retail, heritage and leisure sectors – the hospitality and tourism industry is one that we see as a key area of growth for us and we look forward to building on the great work that we are doing for our current customers and increasing our client base in this area in the months and years ahead.”

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