Construction Industry commentary by Gerard Graham for publication in Specify Magazine, June 2023 edition.
Northern Ireland Updates:
CPD register of contractors: Construction & Procurement Delivery (CPD) maintain a Dynamic Shortlisting System, which is like being on a framework. Many local contractors are registered on this for building and civil engineering work. There is also a separate register for mechanical and electrical contractors. Companies should be mindful that their registration has an expiry date. It is up to each company to check their expiry date and reapply well in advance of the expiry date otherwise you drop off the list and will miss out on potential new work.
Education Authority new projects on hold: I notice there are many school projects that have been put on ‘pause’ due to the unavailability of funding because of the recent budget cuts. This has ranged from refurbishment projects to new-build school buildings. Some of the projects have been at PQQ stage while others have been at tender stage. I know of one project where the contractor was within days of starting on site, but to be told the project was on hold due to unavailability of budget. This is having a ripple effect on the construction industry as companies turn to quickly pursue work in other sectors, which puts pressure on already thin margins.
The need for redevelopment in Belfast: I attended a meeting in Belfast city centre during June. The city has been genuinely transformed, particularly the Lagan area where the impressive Waterfront Hall continues to act as a focal point for the redeveloped waterfront area. However, what caught my attention was the number of streets that urgently need redevelopment. Cromac Street is an obvious example of a prominent road which is overlooked by run-down buildings, many in severe disrepair. Other streets include North Street and Lower Garfield Street. Hopefully initiatives like the Belfast Region City Deal can provide opportunities for new ventures which will hopefully lead to redevelopment and much-needed new infrastructure.
NEC4 Alliance contract: With so many contractual challenges nowadays, I remain surprised that the NEC4 Alliance contract is not considered more widely for use. The contract is based on all parties involved signing up to the same single contract therefore risk is more evenly proportioned. Some people say it is more suitable for large projects. Perhaps we might see more of it in the future.
Rep. Ireland Updates:
New procurement portal: For companies bidding for work in Rep. Ireland there is a new procurement portal which was launched in May. It is very similar to the eTendersNI portal in Northern Ireland. My tip is that companies should register their interest in the types of work they might want to tender for to be notified about potential opportunities. Users need to click on ‘EO Management / Edit CPV Codes’. An automated email will then be issued to alert users when a suitable contract is published.
Professional qualifications becoming more important: Increasingly more PQQs and ITTs in Rep. Ireland are asking companies to declare a CV for their key personnel including generally Contracts Director, Contracts Manager, Site Manager, and Health & Safety Manager. I notice that points are awarded directly for team members who hold a professional qualification. To clarify, a professional qualification is different to an academic qualification, such as a degree. A professional qualification is typically Chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or for example the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
Enquiries:
Gerard Graham FCIOB is a past regional Chair of the CIOB and is Principal of Gerard Graham Consulting. He can be contacted at gerard@gerardgraham.co.uk.
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