3 February 2012. The spring round of CEF Local Association meetings will be taking place during March 2012.

2 February 2012: The CEF Private Housing Committee met today to discuss the major issues affecting private house builders at the present time and to agree its broad agenda for 2012.

The CEF Social Housing Committee met today to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the sector and to agree a broad agenda for 2012.

26 January 2012: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today delivered two workshops to help members avoid tax penalties. The tax workshops were presented by Liz Bridge, one of the UK’s leading experts on construction industry tax issues.

1 February 2012: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive tax newsline updates.

27 January 2012: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has decided to promulgate on Friday 27 January 2012 the following change to the Working Rules Agreement.

24 January 2012: Further discussions took place today between CEF and Northern Ireland Water on a variety of issues relating to the NI Water Scheme of Charges.

27 January 2012: The results of the CEF State of Trade Survey for Q3 2011 were released today.

27 January 2012: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is running a short seminar on one of the most important aspects of NEC3 contracts – compensation events.

27 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation, as part of the Assembly Construction Group, met with six ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive last week.

27 January 2012: The Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) recently published the revised standardised prequalification questionnaire template for 2012 which included changes to the health and safety section.

13 January 2012: Companies certified with Safe-T-Cert will now be exempt from any further health and safety prequalification for projects issued by Government Construction Clients.

19 January 2012: The Department of the Environment has published a consultation paper seeking views on a revised Waste Management, The Duty of Care, A Code of Practice for Northern Ireland.

20 January 2012: Places are still available for a very important workshop on ‘How to Avoid Tax Penalties’ in the construction industry.

17 January 2012: The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) has issued a call for evidence on the effectiveness of the TUPE regulations, asking whether they should be amended and if so, in what way.

17 January 2012: Poor standards and a failure to manage maintenance activities are major causes of accidents and occupational diseases.

16 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF), in conjunction with the Quarry Products Association (QPA), is establishing a working group with Roads Service to review the operation of their Term Maintenance Contracts.

20 December 2011: CEF has been in discussions with the Government Construction Clients Group over the course of the last year about various mechanisms to speed up procurement.

13 January 2011: With the continued rise of the NEC3 forms of contract and the intense pressure being placed on tender prices, the importance of the Compensation Event mechanism is becoming ever more significant.

13 January 2012: EU procurement thresholds are reviewed every two years. The new thresholds have been amended upwards and now apply from 1January 2012.

13 January 2012: Places are still available for a very important workshop on ‘How to avoid Tax Penalties’.

6 January 2012: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

6 January 2012: The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has prepared a consultative document containing proposals for new Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

21 Devember 2011: The latest update of the CEF Environmental Law Register is now available on the CEF website for member's only.

15 December 2011: CEF has made its response to the Regional Development Committee on the consultation on the draft Programme for Government and the draft Investment Strategy.

21 December: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) will be closed from 12noon on Friday 23 December 2011 for the Christmas/New Year break and will re-open on Tuesday 3 January 2012 at 8.45am.

21 December 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended a meeting of the Planning Forum at the start of December.

21 December 2011: Invest NI is inviting Northern Ireland construction companies to its Exploring the Baltics event which is on 11 & 12 January 2012 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, The Gasworks, Belfast.

The Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA, today attended the final meeting of the Civil Engineering Consultative Committee (CECC) in 2011.

16 December 2011: The results of the CEF State of Trade Survey for the second quarter of 2011 were published today.

16 December 2011:A comprehensive review of the CSR one day health and safety programme has been completed.

15 December 2011: HSENI has published a consultative document containing proposals for the Control of Asbestos Regulations (NI) 2012.

14 December 2011: CEF today met with the NI Law Commission to discuss problems associated with multi unit developments.

8 December 2011: The Construction Export Forum met today. The guest speaker was Mervyn McCall, former Managing Director of Mivan Limited.

8 December 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met today with the key players in the social housing sector to discuss social housing standards and value for money.

2 December 2011: Employers are reminded that employee pension contributions to Enhance – Construction Pension Scheme Northern Ireland will commence from Monday 5 December 2011.

9 December 2011: Adverse weather conditions have a well-documented potential to affect the progress of construction operations.

9 December 2011: The National Trust is inviting expressions of interest from contractors to tender for a single contract to the Grade I Listed Mount Stewart House.

2 December 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) would like to alert its members to the following consultation documents that were released by the Northern Ireland Executive on 17 November 2011.

2 December 2011: In order to assist those firms who are applying for Safe-T-Cert accreditation, CEF can arrange a mentoring session to help the firm in its preparation for audit.

2 December 2011: The CEF State of Trade Survey for the third quarter of 2011 has been issued to all full members.

25 November 2011: The Construction Export Forum was launched by CEF on Thursday 3 November 2011 with the purpose of helping local construction companies and construction related businesses to obtain work outside Northern Ireland.

2 December 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

2 December 2011: The Department of the Environment has made statutory regulations to increase planning fees on and from 12 December 2011.

25 November 2011. CEF met with the Divisional Managers of DOE Planning today to discuss how to minimise delays in the processing of planning applications.

2 December 2011. At the latest meeting of the All Party Construction Group at Stormont, CEF presented a paper that highlighted official statistics from the Office for National Statistics and the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency.

23 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is encouraging all members to ensure that health and safety standards on construction sites are not allowed to slip as a result of cost cutting.

18 November 2011: The autumn 2011 round of CEF Local Association meetings concluded last week with another strong showing from our local political representatives.

9 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today expressed its disappointment at the decision of the Irish Government to withdraw £400m funding for the A5 upgrade.

25 November 2011: The Department of the Environment (DOE) has made statutory regulations to increase planning fees on and from 12 December 2011.

21 November 2011: The Department for Social Development is currently funding a pilot scheme which aims to make more new affordable homes available on a shared ownership basis to eligible buyers normally priced out of the housing market.

21 November 2011: Initial reaction by John Armstrong, Managing Director, Construction Employers Federation to the publication of the draft economic strategy, as published in the Belfast Telegraph 18 November 2011.

21 November 2011: CEF is alerting its members to a three day workshop that CITB-ConstructionSkills NI is facilitating at its offices from 29 November 2011 to 1 December 2011 on the development of common qualification units for the Green Deal.

16 November 2011: Opinion from John Armstrong, Managing Director, Construction Employers Federation, as published in the News Letter 15 November 2011:

10 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation today responded in the Belfast Telegraph to a public letter from the Finance Minister in which he suggested that the Executive has done enough to help the construction sector.

11 November 2011: The Joint Council has agreed that employee contributions will be introduced from 5 December 2011.

11 November 2011: Northern Ireland Water has begun its winter publicity campaign to encourage all house holds to insulate water pipes against potential freezing. A leaflet has been distributed to all households.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) successfully launched the Autumn 2011 round of local association meetings last Friday in Ballymena and Limavady.

7 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is encouraging construction companies to make sure they are getting the most out of their insurances through a short seminar.

7 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) launched its Construction Export Forum last week.

7 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation’s (CEF) legal partner Carson McDowell has produced a short summary of a consultation paper on proposed changes to the Environmental Impact regulations (NI) 1999.

2 November 2011: The Construction Employers Federation's (CEF) legal partner, Carson McDowell, has produced a legal article exclusively for CEF members on understanding bonds and guarantees.

7 November 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

3 November 2011: CEF today launched the Construction Export Forum to assist Northern Irish construction firms in winning work abroad. The Forum is supported by Invest NI and CITB-Constructionskills NI.

26 October 2011: The autumn round of the CEF Local Association meetings will be held during November 2011 at various locations across Northern Ireland.

3 November 2011: The introduction of employee contributions from 5 December 2011 requires you to issue a revised contract of employment.

31 October 2011: A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for employers will be available on the CEF website by Monday 31 October 2011.

26 October 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today welcomed the announcement that the NI Executive has made an additional £10m available to the Co-Ownership housing scheme for this financial year and for the following 3 years.

26 October 2011: Constructionline is running a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event which provides an opportunity for all suppliers of construction services to network with local buyers.

21 October 2011: Employers are reminded that the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has decided to introduce employee pension contributions. Employees will contribute 1.5% of normal weekly pay from 5 December 2011.

21 October 2011: Under the Buildsafe 2011 Action Plan all employees with site management responsibilities must have received suitable health and safety training and be able to show evidence of this training through their CSR card or equivalent.

21 October 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is alerting its members to a Nuclear Supply Chain Awareness Seminar which has been organised by Invest NI.

21 October 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is launching a new initiative aimed at helping members to obtain work outside Northern Ireland.

19 October 2011: CEF has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Social Development to launch the FirstBuyNI scheme which will help first time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder and stimulate new house building.

14 October 2011: The autumn round of the CEF Local Association meetings will be held during November 2011.

21 October 2011: Recently published data shows that the repair and maintenance sector is bucking the downward trend in construction output.

14 October 2011: The Civil Engineering Consultative Committee (CECC) met last month to discuss construction budgets, work programmes and procurement.

12 October 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met today with representatives of the Assembly’s Education Committee.

7 October 2011: The winners of the Construction Excellence Awards 2011 were announced in Belfast last night. Farrans Construction was revealed as the winner of the Overall Award.

7 October 2011: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has decided to promulgate on 7 October 2011 the decision to introduce employee pension contributions.

7 October 2011: The Environment Minister announced a number of working groups to draw up proposals on how to bring improvements to the current planning system.

5 October 2011: The Construction Contracts (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 has required the payer under every construction contract to give two notices, a payment notice and (if it wants to withhold any sum) a withholding notice.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended a meeting of the All Party Construction Group at Parliament Buildings earlier this month.

7 October 2011: The risk of a bad debt is a constant concern for companies trading locally or further afield.

5 October 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

9 September 2011: The General Contractors Committee met earlier in September.

CEF, as part of a CBI delegation, met with the Environment Minister today. The meeting was very productive.

30 September 2011: The latest calculation for the definition of Prime Cost is now available covering the period from September 2011 onwards.

30 September 2011: The increases to the National Minimum Wage rates are effective from Saturday 1 October 2011.

22 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today met with the deputy chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Social Development.

29 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has recently received a number of enquiries regarding potential redundancy and the concept of protected notice.

29 September 2011: The latest update of the CEF Environmental Law Register is now available on the CEF website for member's only. If you are a member please login first which will enable you to download the document.

29 September 2011: There will be a small increase to the CSR card fee from 1 November 2011.

23 September 2011: Comment from John Armstrong, Managing Director, Construction Employers Federation: There is no doubt that the house building industry in Northern Ireland has been through a torrid time over the last four years.

21 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today attended the Planning Forum which is chaired by the Environment Minister, Alex Attwood MLA.

15 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today met with senior officials from Health Estates Investment Group (HEIG) to discuss the capital programme.

13 September 2011: The Buildsafe 2011 Action Plan, published earlier this year, contains a number of important changes to health and safety policy that may significantly affect construction businesses across Northern Ireland.

8 September 2011: The shortlisted finalists for the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2011 were showcased today at the Heritage Centre at the Belfast Sewers.

16 September 2011: Road traffic and safety legislation has changed significantly over recent years. CEF is giving companies the opportunity to find out about those changes and to ensure that they stay within the law.

9 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is warning employers that the Government is introducing changes making it compulsory for employers to pay money to a pension scheme for their employees.

5 September 2011: CEF continued its round of meetings with Ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive today as a delegation met with Jonathan Bell and Martina Anderson, Junior Ministers of OFMDFM.

9 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is hosting an information seminar on the NIHE Response Maintenance contracts which have been recently advertised.

9 September 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

9 September 2011: The need for all Full Member’s to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

9 September 2011: CEF's legal partner, Carson & McDowell, has produced a legal article exclusively for CEF members on the important new obligations imposed upon all UK commercial organisations in relation to the giving or receiving of bribes.

22 August 2011: This week CEF met Edwin Poots, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to discuss his department's planned building programme and how it will be funded.

1 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation's (CEF) legal partner, Carson & McDowell, has produced a legal article exclusively for CEF members.

1 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Private Housing Committee met today.

01 September 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has arranged a breakfast briefing on Business Continuity Planning to be held on Thursday 22 September 2011.

24 June 2011: The Department of Finance & Personnel has issued some guidance on the revocation of the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme (ALCS) in relation to individual contracts.

16 August 2011: CEF met John O’Dowd, Minister for Education this week to discuss plans for the building and maintenance of the schools estate

26 August 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has arranged an introductory one-day course on the NEC3 contract for those involved in estimating to be held on 12 September 2011.

26 August 2011: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched a public consultation on the potential introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in Northern Ireland.

26 August 2011: The CEF State of Trade Survey for the second quarter of 2011 has been issued to all full members.

5 August 2011: CEF is encouraging you to support a Queens University MSc student who is conducting a survey of the soft management skills of senior managers in the Northern Ireland construction industry.

19 August 2011: A new policy on the rating of empty houses has been introduced. From 1 October 2011 the same level of rates will be due on all domestic properties whether they are occupied or empty.

17 August 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with the Utilities Regulator last week to discuss problems relating to Northern Ireland Water and the private house building sector.

2 August 2011: CEF's legal partner, Carson & McDowell, has produced a legal article exclusively for CEF members on a beginners guide to Adjudication.

5 August 2011: There are significant insurance implications where the construction of new houses has been suspended.

12 August 2011: CEF is raising the understanding and awareness Health and Safety of Temporary works through a number of courses.

10 August 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is encouraging its members to help the Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) Build Big in Romania from 1 - 8 October 2011.

5 August 2011: The Federation’s Construction Directory of member firms has been launched on our website.

5 August 2011: The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has prepared a consultative document containing proposals for establishing Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).

5 August 2011: CEF’s new insurance partner Willis & Company has been named as a finalist in the 18th annual UK Broker Awards.

28 July 2011: CEF's legal partner, Carson & McDowell, has produced a legal article exclusively for CEF members on the problems and solutions relating to Intellectual Property Rights and Patents in the construction industry.

5 August 2011: Members are reminded that the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has a partnership with Action Cancer that enables the charity to offer their ‘Big Bus’ service to CEF members at a reduced price.

5 August 2011: CEF has arranged a contractual awareness course to be held on 5 September 2011.

3 August 2011: The Construction Holiday Pay Scheme is now online.

2 August 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive Tax Newsline updates. The full collection, together with special tax briefings can be seen here.

26 July 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

27 July 2011: Members are reminded that the Blue Book wage increase will take effect from Monday 1 August 2011.

28 July 2011: Phase 2 of proposals to replace the Building Regulations (NI) 2000 has been published. There will be 3 phased consultations in total.

28 July 2011: Members are reminded that the Federation provides a free consultancy service for Full and Associate members on all planning related issues.

27 July 2011: Making pension contributions for your employees is one of the most tax efficient ways of rewarding them.

20 July 2011: Figures published in the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin for Quarter 1 2011 show a major fall in construction output.

27 July 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is alerting members to Invest NI’s Trade Mission to Istanbul, Turkey from 18 – 22 October 2011.

25 July 2011: The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has prepared a consultative document containing proposals to amend RIDDOR.

22 July 2011: The Irish Academy of Engineering (IAC) has published a report entitled The Cost Effective Delivery of Essential Infrastructure.

15 July 2011: The Industrial Training Levy (Construction Industry) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 was made on 1 July 2011 and is due to come into operation on 31 August 2011.

5 July 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today met with Sammy Wilson, Finance Minister, to discuss the state of the local construction industry and measures that would boost activity.

22 July 2011: Enhance is the pension scheme for the construction industry in Northern Ireland. However that does not mean the pension scheme can only accept site workers.

22 July 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is alerting members to Invest NI’s trade mission to GREENBUILD 2011, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building, which takes place in Toronto from 4-7 October 2011.

22 July 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is alerting members to Invest NI’s trade mission to BATIMAT, an international construction convention which takes place in Paris from 7-12 November 2011.

1 July 2011: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has promulgated the Industry Holidays 2012/13

4 July 2011: The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has agreed that employer contributions to Enhance Construction Pension Scheme (NI) will change from the current flat rate contribution to a percentage rate.

1 July 2011: The consultation period on proposals to devolve the power to vary the rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland has been extended to 8 July 2011.

30 June 2011: The latest update of the CEF Environmental Law Register is now available on the CEF website.

30 June 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended a meeting of the Planning Forum on 29 June 2011. The Forum was chaired by the Minister for the Environment, Alex Attwood MLA.

The Construction Industry Forum established two task groups to undertake a review of the public sector construction procurement process.

24 June 2011: The need for all Full Member’s to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

24 June 2011: Nine local construction firms recently completed a unique high impact training programme entitled “Setting Direction” aimed at helping business leaders to set their strategic direction in the current challenging times.

24 June 2011: The are a few places still available on the CEF seminar ‘Environmental Law Update’ to be held between 9.30 am and 11.30 am on Tuesday 28 June 2011.

17 June 2011: The Northern Ireland Science Park has advised us of a tender opportunity for contractors with experience of marine works and working with or in proximity to scheduled buildings.

17 June 2011: Paladin Underwriting Agency has announced its withdrawal from the specialist construction market and will cease to accept new business or offer renewal with immediate effect.

17 June 2011: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has decided to promulgate on Friday 10 June 2011 the following Amendment to Working Rule 6.

17 June 2011: Places are still available for the CEF’s short seminar on the Bribery Act to be held between 9.30 and 11.30am this Tuesday, 21 June 2011.

10 June 2011: The Cabinet Office has published a UK Construction Strategy on how to achieve full value for money from public sector construction

10 June 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) collates a wide range of statistics relating to the Northern Ireland Construction Industry.

10 June 2011: The UK government has issued a consultation document to seek views on how greenhouse gas emissions caused by businesses should be measured and reported.

10 June 2011: There are a few places left on the Foundation Course in Sustainable Building for Managers which is being held on 20th and 27th June 2011.

CEF is warning employers that the Government is introducing changes making it compulsory for employers to pay money to a pension scheme for their employees.

9 June 2011: The CEF State of Trade Survey for the first quarter of 2011 has been issued to all full members.

9 June 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

3 June 2011: CEF has arranged a seminar ‘Environmental Law Update’ which will be held on Tuesday 28 June 2011.

The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has decided to promulgate on Friday 27 May 2011 the following decision on industry wages.

3 June 2011: The Department of the Environment has issued a consultation document entitled:

3 June 2011: The window of opportunity to enter this years Construction Excellence Awards is almost closed. However, we have extended the entry deadline for one category only – the award for Innovation.

3 June 2011: CEF has been notified by Roads Service that the method and procedures for providing electricity to developers’ street lighting control pillars will change from 6 June 2011.

3 June 2011: Invest NI is holding a seminar entitled Exploring Europe on Wednesday 8 June 2011 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

27 May 2011: The Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland has made a video recording with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Owen Patterson MP as part of the ongoing campaign to reduce corporation tax.

27 May 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Private Housing Committee met last week.

27 May 2011: The Department for Regional Development (DRD) has developed proposals for a revised draft Regional Transportation Strategy and is seeking your views.

The UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive have a common objective to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy, to increase the size of the private sector and to promote economic growth.

27 May 2011: A few remaining places are available on the popular CEF course Asphalt- Getting Best Value which will be held on Wednesday 8 June 2011.

27 May 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) recently wrote to the Utilities Regulator to complain about the lack of advance notice to the industry of an increase in the NIE connection charge for new housing developments.

20 May 2011: New offences created by the Bribery Act 2010 will come into force later this year.

20 May 2011: Members are reminded that the CEF Legal Hotline provides up to half an hour of free and prompt legal advice.

13 May 2011: CEF has launched a new insurance package for its members in co-operation with Willis and Company insurance brokers.

20 May 2011: Members are reminded that the Federation provides a free consultancy service for Full and Associate members on all planning related issues.

20 May 2011: As part of the reform of local government in Northern Ireland the Local Planning Division of the Department of the Environment has taken over operational responsibility for Development Plan and Development Management functions.

12 May 2011: The Consumer Code for Home Builders was introduced on 1 April 2010.

The CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2011 were officially launched today with the support of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP.

28 April 2011: The Federation has taken a very public approach as part of its lobbying campaign in the run up to the Assembly elections on the 5 May 2011.

6 May 2011: At the meeting of the Construction Industry Forum in February the Buildsafe NI Action Plan 2011 was approved. The plan is now available to download from the CPD website.

6 May 2011: Invest NI is inviting construction companies from Northern Ireland to participate in a Trade Mission to the Baltic States from 4 – 9 September 2011.

5 May 2011: The US Consulate in Belfast is seeking expressions of interest from companies that wish to bid for two separate small projects.

6 May 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

4 May 2011: As part of an awareness raising campaign in advance of the Assembly elections 2011, CEF has reviewed the manifestos of the five main political parties to establish where they stand on issues affecting the local construction industry.

4 May 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has been informed by the Apex Procurement Group about a number of tender opportunities available throughout Northern Ireland.

22 April 2011: CEF has launched a new Insurance Package and Advice Line which is exclusive to CEF members.

20 April 2011: The Construction Industry Group (CIG) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) today launched a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets out best practice guidance on archaeological matters relating to construction sites.

22 April 2011: A recent survey indicates that CEF members would like the Federation to provide support to expand in or enter markets outside Northern Ireland.

20 April 2011: CEF has issued a stark warning that the new Northern Ireland Assembly must take early and decisive action if it is to halt the devastating decline in construction activity.

22 April 2011: The Federation has arranged a seminar to be held on 24 May 2011 to update members on the forthcoming Bribery Act which will come into force later this year.

The Call for Entries for the Construction Excellence Awards 2011 is due to be launched next week to start the journey of identifying the best performing companies and most outstanding projects recently completed in Northern Ireland.

18 April 2011: At the Annual General Meeting of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) held today,

20 April 2011: The latest calculation for the definition of Prime Cost is now available covering the period from April 2011 onwards.

The Department of the Environment has announced that from 1 April 2011, the six Planning Divisions of the Planning Service have been reorganised into five Planning Areas.

15 April 2011: The first quarter update of the CEF Environmental Law Register is now available on the CEF website

15 April 2011: This week, the Health and Safety Executive highlighted a contractor’s legal duty to appoint a competent Temporary Works Co-ordinator.

15 April 2011: The aim of the Environmental Better Regulation White Paper is to set out a range of proposals to reduce the regulatory burden on business.

15 April 2011: The level of death benefit provided through the Enhance pension scheme has changed to £30,000.

15 April 2011: The Department of the Environment has published a draft Planning Policy Statement 2 (Revised): Natural Heritage.

12 April 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has had discussions with the Group Chief Building Control Officers (CBCO’s) in relation to the issue of type approvals for building control approval.

15 April 2011: New Planning Fees Regulations came into operation on 11th April 2011.

This week over ninety delegates from the construction industry learned how to prepare their company for the sweeping changes to pension laws.

11 April 2011: The Department of the Environment has recently published a discussion document on its proposed Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

11 April 2011: CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has announced the following two new grants to help employers with the cost of engaging apprentices.

11 April 2011: The Department of the Environment is seeking views on proposals arising from the publication of a White Paper on Enabling Legislation for National Parks.

11 April 2011: The Department of the Environment has published a draft Supplementary Planning Guidance to promote quality in sustainable building practices and architectural design in the countryside.

11 April 2011: The Annual General Meeting for Full members of the Construction Employers Federation will be held at the Federation’s headquarters 143 Malone Road, Belfast at 1.00pm on Monday 18 April 2011.

1 April 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has updated its Soil Exchange webpage. CEF is encouraging members to reuse surplus uncontaminated soil from construction activities in accordance with good environmental practice.

29 March 2011: The Civil Engineering Consultative Committee (CECC) met today to discuss construction budgets, work programmes and procurement.

1 April 2011: The final two Local Association meetings for Spring 2011 are scheduled for next Friday, 8 April 2011. Book your places today to one of these free events.

29 March 2011: The Federation’s General Contractors Committee met today. The main focus for discussion was the Federation’s initiatives for assisting members in finding work outside Northern Ireland.

The Spring round of Local Associations began today with meetings being held in both Newry and Omagh.

31 March 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

25 March 2011: CEF urges the industry to show leadership in keeping sites safe by training from the top down.

25 March 2011: The Federation responded to the government consultation on Site Waste Management Plans by the closing date of 11 March 2011.

25 March 2011: Invest NI is inviting construction companies to participate in a six day Trade Mission to Slovenia and Hungary from 19 – 24 June 2011.

25 March 2011: Following consultation with industry representatives from the Northern Ireland branch IOSH, CSR is introducing a new card for health and safety practitioners.

18 March 2011: CEF is warning employers that the Government is introducing changes making it compulsory for employers to pay money to a pension scheme for their employees.

25 March 2011: Members are advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Construction Employers Federation will be held in 143 Malone Road, Belfast, at 1.00 pm on Monday 18 April 2011 immediately after the Federation Council Meeting.

25 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has made a response to the public consultation on the 10 year review of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS).

18 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is encouraging all members to ensure that health and safety standards on construction sites are not allowed to slip as a result of cost cutting.

18 March 2011: As clients are increasingly using the NEC suite of contracts, the Construction Employers Federation is encouraging members to build their knowledge of the NEC3 Short Contract at a training course to be held on 6 April 2011.

18 March 2011: The Construction Employer Federation (CEF) has continued its work to reduce waste by hosting a workshop for designers on practical ways to design out waste in construction projects.

18 March 2011: CEF members are invited to attend a free workshop on the Aggregates Quality Protocol for Northern Ireland next week.

11 March 2011:The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has today issued clarification on the question of whether there will be an additional day’s holiday in 2011 due to the Royal Wedding.

8 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) gave a presentation today to a wide range of government construction clients on the industry’s view of public procurement.

4 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is seeking your views on working outside Northern Ireland.

11 March 2011: The need for all Full Member’s to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

11 March 2011: The Spring round of Local Association Meetings have been scheduled for 24 March 2011 and 8 April 2011.

11 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has submitted a response to the consultation on local government reform.

4 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has expressed its disappointment that the final budget does not provide a platform for sustainable economic growth in Northern Ireland.

4 March 2011: Invest NI is inviting construction companies to participate in a Trade Mission to Poland and the Czech Republic from 8-13 May 2011.

4 March 2011: The Department of Education has provided the following update on the schools projects contained in the Minister’s announcement of 5 August 2010.

4 March 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

25 February 2011: The Government is introducing changes making it compulsory for employers to pay money to a pension scheme for their employees.

3 March 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) met with Health Estates Investment Group (HEIG) on 10 February 2011.

3 March 2011: The Spring round of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Local Association meetings will be taking place during March and April 2011.

23 February 2011: The Construction Industry Forum met today for the first time in 2011. The Forum, chaired by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD), is the official structure for strategic liaison between government officials and the industry.

23 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation held separate meetings today with the policy advisors from three of the main political parties.

24 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today responded to the Northern Ireland Executive’s consultation on the Economic Strategy: Priorities for Sustainable Growth and Prosperity.

14 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) this week issued its response to the draft Budget 2011-15.

18 February 2011: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is spending over £26m this year in grant aid to home owners for extensions and adaptations to their homes.

18 February 2011: John Armstrong, Managing Director of CEF, has conducted a number of interviews with the broadcast media in the last week.

18 February 2011: The CEF State of Trade Survey for the final quarter of 2010 has been issued to all full members.

17 February 2011. The Federation’s Private Housing Committee met today. One of the items discussed was the recent meeting with the Regulator on the N I Water Statement of Charges for 2011/12.

16 February 2011. The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) attended a meeting today of the External Working Group on the Review of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS).

11 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has prepared its response to the draft budget 2011-15.

7 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today hosted a business awareness morning to promote the benefits of Action Cancer’s Big Bus facility.

8 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation today attended a specially convened meeting of the All Party Construction group at Assembly Buildings, Stormont, to discuss the draft budget.

11 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has updated its Environmental Toolbox Talks which can only be downloaded by CEF members.

20 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Social Housing Committee held its first meeting of 2011 today at which the agenda for the year ahead was agreed.

1 February 2011: A new coalition of eight of Northern Ireland’s leading business organisations has jointly produced a manifesto ahead of the Assembly Elections and the new Programme for Government.

11 February 2011: The Federation has launched a new one day course called NEC3 Short Contracts to be held on 24 February 2011.

4 February 2011: The Construction Employers Federation met today with Alex Attwood, Minister for Social Development to discuss the implications of the draft budget for social housing.

28 January 2011: Each of the twelve Government Departments was required to publish their individual draft budgets. The final Departmental budget was published on 21 January 2011.

4 February 2011: Ten of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies are taking part in a new training programme, which aims to improve business sustainability in Northern Ireland’s construction sector.

4 February: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has announced that it will be hosting the Project Management Fundamentals Programme in March 2011.

4 February 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee (JTC) which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

21 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today hosted the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, HE Mr. Iztok Jarc as he appointed Suzanne Hill as Honorary Consul for Slovenia in Northern Ireland.

28 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation is calling on members to review the NI Executive’s Consultation on Priorities for Sustainable Growth and Prosperity and provide feedback to help inform the Federation’s response.

21 January 2011: The new guidance on the regulation of greenfield soil, launched in June 2010 by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and CEF, has been updated.

18 January 2011: The General Contractors Committee met today to discuss the draft budgets from the Departments of Education and Health;

28 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) raised much needed funds for Action Cancer at the recent Construction Excellence Awards Gala Evening at the Culloden Hotel.

21 January 2011: The Federation has been asked for its comments on the enforcement policy of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations and the explanatory guidance.

21 January 2011. The Federation met recently with senior officials from the Planning Service to discuss proposals to address the current backlog of planning applications.

11 January 2011: This week CEF published the State of Trade results for the third quarter of 2010.

21 January 2011: All of the Northern Ireland Government departments have now published their draft spending and saving proposals.

21 January 2011: The Planning Service has published two important consultation papers.

12 January 2011: The Department of Education has provided the following update on the schools projects contained in the Minister’s announcement of 5 August 2010.

12 January 2011: Members are reminded that your CEF annual subscription is now due.

12 January 2011: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today attended the first meeting of the Planning Forum at Parliament Buildings.

7 January 2011: CEF has been advised by the Planning Service that Minister Poots has decided to prioritise actions to reduce the backlog of major planning applications in the planning system.

13 January 2011: The government proposes to make site waste management plans (SWMPs) a legal requirement for construction and demolition projects in Northern Ireland.

12 January 2011: The Department for Regional Development has published a consultation paper on the Review of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS).

7 January 2011: As we all begin to make plans for 2011, the Federation is alerting all members to forthcoming courses on two areas of training that remain at the heart of construction – Health and Safety and NEC contracts.

7 January 2011: CEF has welcomed the news that Enhance, the pension scheme for the construction industry in Northern Ireland, will not only meet but exceed the new pension requirements to be introduced from October 2012.

7 January 2011: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

7 January 2011: In November 2010 the Department of the Environment published a consultation paper proposing significant changes in planning fees.

7 January 2011: The UK Government has recently published a report of an investigation into how to reduce the costs of delivering civil engineering works for major infrastructure projects.

15 December 2010: The Construction Employers Federation has commended the Executive for taking a long term approach and for proposing measures which will deliver a tangible social and economic return.

17 December 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is seeking your initial response to a government consultation on Site Waste Management Plan Regulations.

17 December 2010: CEF reminds all members that annual subscriptions received by 21 December 2010 will only be liable for VAT at 17.5%. Subscriptions received after that date will be liable to 20% VAT.

10 December 2010: The Department of Education has provided the following update on the 13 new build schools announced on 5 August 2010.

10 December 2010: The construction Employers Federation (CEF) gave a presentation last week to the Environment Minister, Edwin Poots and the Better Regulation Board.

30 November 2010: CEF has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA that the Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to proceed with reforming the planning system.

3 December 2010: After 28 years of providing the industry with pension and death benefit the Construction Benefits Scheme (CBS) has been wound up in a solvent position.

30 November 2010. The Federation today met with members of the Assembly’s Health Committee.

3 December 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

26 November 2010: The CEF Sustainability Forummet on 16 November to review progress against its key aims for 2010 and to discuss current environmental issues.

26 November 2010: The Department of the Environment published a consultation paper proposing significant changes in planning fees.

23 November 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today had a private meeting with Tom Elliot, the newly appointed leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

19 November 2010: The suspension of the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme from 1st December 2010 raises particular issues for construction contractors.

25 November 2010: It is now over a month since the cuts to public expenditure were announced in the UK-wide spending review.

8 October 2010: The winners of the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2010 were announced last night. Guest of Honour, Minister for Finance & Personnel, Sammy Wilson, revealed Morgan Farrans Joint Venture as the winner of the Overall Award.

22 October 2010: So far the meetings have once again proved to be a useful opportunity for members to discuss the issues affecting their businesses with CEF staff and local political representatives.

3 November 2010: The CEF’s autumn Local Association meetings continue to attract a high level of political support.

12 November 2010: The Federation carries out regular visits to member firms.

11 November 2010:The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today gave evidence to the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

12 November 2010:The need for all Full Member’s to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

10 November 2010: It has been brought to our attention by Homes for Scotland that in July 2010 the Financial Services Authority (FSA) published a consultation on proposals to review the UK Mortgage Market.

12 November 2010: The final Local Association meeting of the autumn season was held today at the CEF Headquarters. There was an excellent turnout from members.

18 November 2010: The CEF Private Housing Committee met today to discuss the major issues affecting the private house building industry.

19 November 2010: It is important that every construction company is aware of all environmental legislation affecting its business.

19 November 2010: In the face of tough times for the construction industry in Northern Ireland, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is seeking to help employers reduce their costs whilst benefiting their employees at the same time.

19 November 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is urging the construction industry to fully comply with the new 'Guidance on the Sustainable Re-use of Greenfield Soil in Construction'.

19 November 2010: The Construction Industry Group (CIG) arranged a workshop attended by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) earlier in the year to discuss a Sustainable Construction Strategy for Northern Ireland.

29 October 2010: The Department of Education has provided the following update on the 13 new build schools announced on 5 August 2010.

5 November 2010: The renewal requirements for CSR cards have been reviewed by the Scheme.

26 October 2010: The Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, met today with the recently appointed construction spokespersons from each of the political parties.

5 November 2010: The tutors David McComb and Damien Cambell are pictured on the far left. Barry Neilson, CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland, and Mark Browne, CEF Project Manager, are pictured on the far right.

5 November 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

5 November 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has today welcomed the DUP’s proposals to boost capital investment levels in response to the reduction in the block grant announced as part of the Spending Review on 20 October 2010.

29 October 2010. The Federation has had further discussions with the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to develop a policy on Random Selection.

29 October 2010: The need for every Full Member to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

29 October. The Federation was advised by HM Revenue & Customs on 26 October that the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme (ALCS) in Northern Ireland is to be suspended with effect from 1 December 2010.

29 October 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has submitted a response to the consultation on phase 1 of the Building Regulations 2011.

26 October 2010: The CEF Civil Engineering Committee met today to discuss the current issues facing the civil engineering sector of the Northern Ireland construction industry.

20 October 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to take decisive action to minimise the impact of the cuts to capital investment which appear to be in excess of 30%.

14 October 2010: The autumn round of CEF Local Association Meetings commenced today in Newry. Danny Kennedy MLA and Councillor Jimmy McCreesh were in attendance to listen directly to members’ concerns.

15 October 2010: Last week each of the five main political parties in Northern Ireland nominated spokespersons for the construction industry.

15 October 2010: The Construction Employers Federation has today given a cautious welcome to the commitment given by Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, that capital investment levels of £18bn will be achieved over the ten years to 2018.

15 October 2010: The Construction Employers Federation will be responding to the first of three planned phases of consultation on changes to the Building Regulations by 27 October 2010.

5 October 2010: CEF, as part of a CIG initiative, has today contacted every MLA to impress upon them the need for collective responsibility and quick decisions as our Politicians engage in debate on the future Northern Ireland budget.

8 October: A group of 13 managers attended the first day of a new two day foundation course in sustainable construction on Monday.

1 October 2010: There has been a good response so far to booking places for the autumn round of Local Association meetings that will take place in October and November 2010.

29 September 2010: CEF met with three of the Northern Ireland Assembly Committees this week to heighten awareness of the social and economic impacts of cuts to public expenditure on building and maintaining our infrastructure.

8 October 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive Tax Newsline updates.

8 October 2010: Following consultation with industry representatives from the Northern Ireland branch of IOSH, CSR is introducing a new card for health and safety practitioners

22 September 2010: CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland and the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) today held the first workshop in a programme to help local construction firms steer a safe course through the current economic storm.

1 October 2010: Comment from John Armstrong, Managing Director, Construction Employers Federation, as published in the Newsletter 28 September 2010.

29 September 2010: The Winning Construction Contracts Abroad course commenced today with the first of six workshops.

1 October 2010: The increases to the National Minimum Wage rates are effective from today.

1 October 2010: A very successful seminar was held at the CEF on Thursday 30 September on best practice in the adoption of sewers in private housing developments.

28 September 2010: The Federation has made a submission to the DOE on the current review of PPS 15 recently announced by the Planning Minister, Edwin Poots MLA.

24 September 2010: The autumn round of Local Association meetings will take place in October and November 2010.

24 September 2010: The results of the CEF State of Trade Survey for the second quarter of 2010 were published today.

22 September 2010: The Federation recently met with the Utilities Regulator to express concern over the methodology used by Northern Ireland Water to calculate bond values, its unit cost charges and the connection charges for private housing developments.

Earlier this week CEF met with Alex Attwood, the Minister for Social Development. Issues discussed at the meeting included funding for social housing, procurement, product specification and sustainable housing.

24 September 2010: Construction companies interested in working in eastern Europe are invited to make contact with Invest NI about up-coming trade missions.

24 September 2010: To view a copy of the September Newsletter from the Construction Skills Register click on the Link below.

24 September 2010: The Planning Service has announced that it is continuing to roll out its ePIC computer system to its Divisional Planning Offices from 27 September 2010.

14 September 2010: The Federation today met with the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) and other senior officials to discuss the public funding outlook for Northern Ireland.

17 September 2010: The current deferral of all Joint Council agreed wage increases remains in place.

17 September 2010: The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has decided the holidays for the construction industry in 2011/12.

17 September 2010. The department of Education has provided the Federation with a progress report on the 13 schools recently announced by the Education Minister.

17 September 2010: CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland has joined with the CEF to launch a new foundation course in sustainable construction aimed at managers which starts on 4 October 2010.

9 September 2010: This week the Construction Employers Federation held its Showcase of Finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2010.

10 September 2010: The Federation, in partnership with CITB ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland, has arranged an 8 day programme called ‘Winning Construction Contracts Abroad” starting on Wednesday 29 September.

10 September 2010: The National Minimum Wage rates will increase from 1 October 2010.

10 September 2010: The Federation in conjunction with QPANI is continuing discussions with NIEA to improve the arrangements for the engagement of archaeologists, in order to fulfil planning conditions.

31 August 2010: The CEF has warned the devolved administration that swingeing cuts to the public building programme would most likely result in job losses from the industry topping the 30,000 mark.

3 September 2010: The Federation is running a half day course on 22 September 2010 in partnership with CITB ConstructionSkills NI to help firms increase their chances of prequalifying for construction tenders.

3 September 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

1 September 2010: The Federation met today with the Regional Development Committee at Stormont.

2 September 2010: Federation members are reminded that the CEF Legal Hotline provides free and prompt legal advice.

2 September 2010: You are reminded that the Federation provides a free consultancy for Full and Associate members on planning issues.

26 November 2010: CEF, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, met Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson.

6 October 2010: The Federation today gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Finance and Personnel Committee.

7 October 2010. We understand that the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme (ALCS) in Northern Ireland is under review.

27 August 2010: On 5 August 2010 it was announced that the Department of Education had been awarded an additional £23million for the schools building programme for the rest of the current financial year.

27 August 2010: The Federation launched the new Business Improvement Programme today in partnership with CITB ConstructionSkills.

27 August 2010: The Co-Ownership Housing Association recently announced that it will not be operating a quota based system for applications during September and October 2010.

27 August 2010: The Building Guarantee Scheme (BGS) has put its application forms online

18 August 2010: The Federation today met with Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to discuss the use of random selection at the prequalification stage of procurement

27 August 2010; The University of Ulster’s Real Estate Initiative has published a report on Mortgage Market Liquidity in Northern Ireland.

At the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) we are always looking at new ways of helping our members.

The Construction Employers Federation met with the Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, to discuss the role of the construction industry in the local economy.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced his intention to review planning policy for flood risk in PPS 15.

13 August 2010: A number of calls have been received recently enquiring about next year’s industry holidays.

CEF has welcomed the recent announcement by the Education Minister that an additional 6 August 2010: £23million has been made available to the Department of Education for school building projects during the rest of the financial year.

6 August 2010: The Federation’s Construction Directory of member firms was launched on our website at the beginning of June 2010.

6 August 2010: Employers can now access their employees’ CSR records on our on-line CSR database.

23 July 2010: Contact us on 028 9087 7149 to find out how we can save you up to 15% on your annual holiday pay bill.

6 August 2010: CEF Full and Associate members are reminded to take advantage of the Federation’s legal hotline if they require guidance on any construction related legal matter.

8 July 2010: The need for every Full Member to complete the CEF State of Trade survey is now greater than ever before. The survey results strengthen our lobbying on your behalf.

30 July 2010: The Federation would like to draw its member’s attention to possible job opportunities relating to the London2012 Olympic Games.

30 July 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

20 July 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) raised a number of issues of concern at today’s meeting of the Constructionline Advisory Forum.

8 July 2010: The Construction Employers Federation has launched itsGreening Construction programme to support companies in becoming certified with the international environmental management system standard ISO 14001.

5 July 2010: Following today’s meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council CEF has welcomed both Governments’ focus on the need to continue developing infrastructure on the island.

6 July 2010: The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) is consulting on a draft revised Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland – Success Through Skills 2.

6 July 2010: The Social Housing Committee of the Construction Employers Federation met with the senior officials from the Department of Social Development on 25 June 2010 to discuss issues regarding new build social housing.

2 July 2010: The short listed finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2010 were announced today following the first round of judging in which over 100 entries were rigorously assessed.

5 July 2010: CEF, as part of a Construction Industry Group (CIG) delegation, attended a meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly Construction Group last week.

11 June 2010: The Federation met last week with senior officials from DHSSPS Health Estates Investment Group (HEIG) and with The Department of Education last month to discuss their budget and programme.

2 July 2010: The Federation met with senior Officials from DRD Roads Service to discuss road bonds and other related matters

02 July 2010: Construction First Holiday Pay Scheme is now online as part of the roll out of our Web Enabled Systems.

1 July 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive Tax Newsline updates.

30 June 2010: Following on from our News Update article on 11 June 2010 ‘Opportunities to Help Rebuild Haiti’ the Federation has received notification that a briefing session for interested companies will take place on 8 July 2010 in London.

25 June 2010: Environment Minister Edwin Poots launched guidance yesterday that will help to safely reuse soil from construction sites.

23 June 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has today given a qualified welcome to the emergency budget delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday.

The Federation is launching full details of ‘Greening Construction, ISO14001 in easy steps’ on Wednesday 30 June 2010.

25 June 2010: The Federation’s Construction Directory of member firms has been launched on our website.

25 June 2010: Through the Joint Taxation Committee, administered by Liz Bridge in London the Federation has received a special Emergency Budget 2010 Briefing Paper.

18 June 2010: CEF has warned all Government Departments that cutting the budget for building and maintaining our infrastructure would not only result in further job losses but would stymie Northern Ireland’s economic recovery.

18 June 2010. The Federation would like to congratulate all those CEF members who recently picked up gold, silver and bronze awards at the recent Considerate Constructors National Site Awards 2010.

18 June 2010: 40 delegates attended a two hour quick overview of the NEC3 form of contact at the CEF on Tuesday 15th June.

18 June 2010. Members are advised that the Planning Service will be rolling out a new computer system to Belfast Division and Planning Service Headquarters during the week beginning 21 June 2010.

11 June 2010: Wages discussions are on hold until September 2010.

There are plans to spend £1.86bn on construction projects in Haiti over the next 18 months as work begins to rebuild the country following the devastating earthquake in January.

28 May 2010: There was an excellent turn out at the CEF Simplifying Procurement Roadshow which was held last week in Newry, Antrim and Omagh with a total of 330 delegates attending.

30 April 2010: At the Federation Council AGM, which was held on the 19 April 2010 the Federation elected a new President, Mark Lowry of Farrans (Construction) Ltd and also a new Vice President, Derek Martin of H&J Martin Ltd.

4 June 2010: The UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) launched a new competition last Tuesday 25 May called ‘Design for Future Climate’.

3 June 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

28 May 2010: The Construction Industry Group held an information workshop on Tuesday 25 May 2010 to discuss problems associated with Archaeological surveys.

28 May 2010: Acceptance of entries for the Construction Excellence Awards 2010 has now closed.

24 May 2010: The Department of Finance and Personnel has revealed that the cuts announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will mean that the Northern Ireland Executive will have to cut an additional £128m from the budget.

28 May 2010: A new service has been launched by Constructionline whereby main contractors can have all of their subcontractors in their supply chain assessed and accredited by Constructionline.

A number of training organisations in Northern Ireland are actively promoting the CSCS scheme as a ‘cheaper and quicker’ alternative to CSR.

21 May 2010: The Northern Ireland assembly Committee for Finance & Personnel will be considering the Construction Contracts (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly.

21 May 2010: CEF has today published the full results of the State of Trade survey for the first quarter of 2010. A summary of some of the key findings is provided below.

Don’t miss your chance to enter the 2010 CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards.

14 May 2010: Official Government figures published this week show that the increase in the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefits has come to a halt.

21 May 2010: The CEF and the Law Society have jointly developed a standard house building agreement for use by builders’ and purchasers’ solicitors for new build houses.

21 May 2010: The Construction Employers Federation is continually updating and improving its web systems for the benefit of its members.

21 May 2010: On 8 March 2010 CIG met with DOE Minister Edwin Poots MLA to discuss the problems experienced by developers and quarry owners when archaeological surveys are required as a condition of planning permission.

7 May 2010: The Construction Employers Federation is now accepting entries for the 2010 CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards.

7 May 2010: The Construction Employers Federation has prepared a short summary table showing the revised net capital investment budgets for each Government Department for 2010/11.

7 May 2010: Bookings for the three venues in Antrim, Newry and Omagh have been filling rapidly with contractors, consultants and clients. You will need to book soon to ensure you secure your place.

The four main political parties attended the CEF Bricks and Mortar Politics Public Debate on Wednesday evening at Queen’s University Belfast.

7 May 2010: The CEF is a member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive Tax Newsline updates. The full collection, together with special tax briefings can be seen here

30 April 2010: A reminder to all Full and Subsidiary members that completed State of Trade Surveys for Quarter 1 2010 must be returned to the Federation by 28 April 2010.

30 April 2010: Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA was the principal guest at the 2010 CEF Annual Dinner held at the Dunadry Hotel on 23 April.

CEF today launched its Bricks and Mortar Politics campaign to encourage all local political parties to spell out clearly how they intend to maximise the benefits of construction activity for the good of all the people of Northern Ireland.

22 April 2010: The Federation encourages everyone connected to the construction industry to put some of the following questions to the candidates for election in your constituency.

12 April 2010: The Construction Employers Federation met with Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development, to discuss budgets, future work opportunities and procurement issues.

16 April 2010: Applications will soon be invited for the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2010.

16 April 2010: As your Federation, it is essential that we maintain a close watch on developments in the local construction industry so that we can speak with authority, react to your needs and provide strong leadership.

16 April 2010: We are pleased to announce that employers can now access their employees’ CSR records on our on-line CSR database.

9 April 2010: CEF is asking everybody in Northern Ireland affected by the downturn in the construction industry what questions they would like to put to the leaders of the local parties in advance of the general election.

16 April 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is asking all members what questions they would like to put to the leaders of the local parties in advance of the general election.

8 March 2010. The Construction Industry Group met with the Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA to discuss the problems experienced by developers when archaeological surveys are required as a condition of planning permission.

8 April 2010: Action Cancer today praised the generosity of the members of the Construction Employers Federation as they thanked John Armstrong for the fundraising efforts of the organisation.

2 April 2010: The Minister for the Environment, Edwin Poots MLA published on Friday 26 March 2010 the Government’s Response to the Planning Reform Consultation.

2 April 2010: The following statement has been prepared by the Federation’s insurance partners, Kerry London.

1 April 2010: The CEF met recently with senior officials from Roads Service to discuss a number of issues affecting the private house building sector.

30 March 2010: The Civil Engineering Consultative Committee (CECC) met today to discuss construction budgets, work programmes and procurement.

1 April 2010: The final Spring Local Association Meeting took place today at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown. David Simpson MP, MLA, John O’Dowd MLA and Delores Kelly MLA attended the meeting.

The Antrim Local Association met today at the Galgorm Manor Hotel, Ballymena. Mitchel McLaughlin MLA and Ian Paisley Jnr MLA attended the meeting.

26 March 2010: The following commentary on the Budget has been prepared by Grant Thornton, the Federation’s Tax and Business Advice partners.

25 March 2010: A building firm has been fined £5,000 this month after a worker was injured and trapped for more than two hours when the trench he was in collapsed.

26 March 2010: The Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) recently published an update on the Buildsafe-NI Initiative on their website advising that new procedures for the assessment of contractors’ competence in health & safety had been developed.

17 March 2010: Official Government figures published today show a small increase in the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefits.

19 March 2010: CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland has produced a range of four occupation specific health and safety booklets for employees in the construction industry.

The following guidance note has been prepared for members by Carson McDowell on the myth of protected notice

The Consumer Code applies to Home Buyers who, on or after 1st April 2010, reserve to buy a new or newly converted Home built by a Home Builder under the insurance protection of one of the supporting Home Warranty Bodies.

12 March 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has welcomed the call issued by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson that the Executive needs to take some difficult decisions about economic policy.

12 March 2010: The government published a consultation ‘False Self Employment in Construction: Taxation of Workers’ in July 2009.

25 February 2010: There has already been significant interest in booking places for the next round of Local Association meetings.

11 March 2010: The Down Local Association met today at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Danny Kennedy MLA and Councillor Mick Murphy attended the meeting.

12 March 2010: The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) will take over €4.8b worth of Northern Irish loans from First Trust/AIB, Bank of Ireland, Anglo Irish and several other Irish financial institutions starting this month.

The Fermanagh and Tyrone Local Association met today at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen. Tommy Gallagher MLA and Tom Elliot MLA attended the meeting.

5 March 2010: The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) wishes to raise awareness of the management of mental health issues in the workplace.

26 February 2010: WARNING:- A number of training organisations in Northern Ireland are actively promoting the CSCS scheme as a ‘cheaper and quicker’ alternative to CSR.

5 March 2010: The CEF is member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London. Through the JTC we receive Tax Newsline updates.

23 February 2010: The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Finance and Personnel has published its report on the Inquiry into Public Procurement in Northern Ireland

Official government figures have revealed that during January 2010 the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit in Northern Ireland increased by 805.

19 February 2010: Employers should be aware that card schemes are operating in Northern Ireland which allow operatives to obtain a skills card without undertaking any health and safety training.

19 February 2010: Offshore Wind is creating some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world with a potential market investment of over £100 billion. With this comes tens of thousands of jobs.

19 February 2010: The Federation held its first seminar on Drugs and Alcohol in the workplace on Tuesday 16 February 2010.

As a result of the current upsurge in the theft of contractor’s plant, the PSNI Crime Prevention Branch has asked the Federation to draw attention to some simple guidance that can improve site security.

12 February 2010: Recently published figures from NHBC show that there were more new housing starts in 2009 than in 2008.

8 February 2010: The Utility Regulator has published its ruling on NI Water’s business plan for 2010 to 2013.

The results of the CEF state of trade survey for the final quarter of 2009 indicate that for many companies the downturn in construction is far from over.

In light of the growing unemployment within the construction industry CEF has called upon each of the political parties to inform the electorate of their plans to assist the industry.

5 February 2010: The competition for the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Apprentice of the Year Award 2010 has begun.

5 February 2010: CEF, in conjunction with DEL and CITB, has launched an Experienced Worker Practical Assessment Pilot Scheme to allow experienced tradesmen to achieve an NVQ Level 2.

5 February 2010: With the increase of drug abuse and alcohol dependence in our workforce, there is a legal requirement to manage this problem in order to protect colleagues.

Official Government figures released today show that the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit increased by a further 385 during December 2009. This brings the total number of construction claimants to 13,245.

29 January 2010: The CEF today met with the Permanent Secretary of the DFP and the Director of the CPD to discuss the potential to use private finance to deliver public construction projects.

1 February 2010: The CEF is member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

18 January 2010: The Construction Employers Federation has made an initial response to the draft standardised template for prequalification questionnaires.

18 January 2010: Last week the Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, published the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft revised spending plans for 2010/11.

22 January 2010: The spring round of Location Association meetings have been scheduled for March and April 2010.

22 January 2010: A reminder to all Full and Subsidiary members that completed State of Trade Surveys for Quarter 4 2009 must be returned to the Federation by 22 January 2010.

15 January 2010: On Friday 8th January 2010, NHBC revealed the ‘Pride in the Job’ Supreme winners for 2009 at a gala ceremony held at the Lancaster London, hotel.

15 January 2010: Titanic Quarter is one of Europe's largest waterfront developments situated on a 185-acre site on the banks of Belfast's river Lagan.

15 January 2010: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is supporting the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) drive to add to its register of people interested in becoming Voluntary Board Members for a housing association.

The Federation has written to the DOE Minister, Edwin Poots to propose that the time limit on concessionary planning fees is waived and to extend the lifespan of current approvals.

8 January 2010: As your Federation, it is essential that we maintain a close watch on developments in the local construction industry so that we can speak with authority, react to your needs and provide strong leadership.

8 January 2010: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is coordinating a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) working party.

8 January 2010: The CEF is member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

Wednesday 16 December 2009: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has decided to promulgate on Tuesday 15 December 2009 the following update on the deferral of the wage increase.

17 December 2009: The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland recently launched a campaign to raise awareness of the risks posed by Asbestos

17 December 2009. The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Pre Budget Report on Wednesday 9 December.

17 December 2009: The latest unemployment figures for the construction industry show an increase of 145 claimants since October.

The Government Construction Clients Group (GCCG) and the Construction Industry Group (CIG) have today published a draft set of standardised pre-qualification documents for consultation.

7 December 2009: The Civil Engineering Consultative Committee (CECC) met for the final time in 2009 last week to discuss construction budgets, work programmes and procurement.

7 December 2009: The Federation met Geoff Allister, Chief Executive of DRD Roads Service to discuss a number of current problems relating to private housing development.

11 December 2009: The Federation has written to the Planning Minister, Edwin Poots MLA to propose that under the current economic conditions.

11 December 2009. The Planning Service in conjunction with the CEF has developed updated guidance on the use of Pre Application Discussions to facilitate the efficient processing of planning applications.

11 December 2009: The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is appealing to all contractors to take appropriate measures to secure their plant and equipment particularly when sites are closed during the Christmas holidays.

11 December 2009: The CEF Legal Hotline provides members with free and prompt legal advice. This service gives members up to half an hour of practical advice on a wide range of topics relevant to the construction industry.

11 December 2009: Members are reminded that the Federation provide a free consultancy for Full and Associate members on planning issues.

11 December 2009. The CEF is member of the Joint Taxation Committee which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

4 December 2009: The Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry in Northern Ireland recently met with Reg Empy, the Minister for Employment and Learning, to discuss the industry’s proposals for revitalising construction apprenticeships.

4 December 2009: As a result of the Barker Review of 2004 and the Office of Fair Trading Market Study into the house building industry dated October 2008

1 December 2009: The Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report is currently being prepared with one major issue in mind – the general election.

The Federation met with Laurence McKenzie, the recently appointed Chief Executive of NI Water. The purpose of the meeting was to express the concerns of members involved in house building regarding the poor level of customer service from NI Water

4 December: The latest figures from the National House Building Council show that applications to build new homes rose by a staggering 134% in October 2009 compared to the same month last year.

27 November 2009: The Construction Employers Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, has briefed the SDLP Northern Ireland Assembly Group on the current state of the industry and the need for their support.

27 November 2009: The Federation met recently with DHSS Health Estates to discuss its capital construction programme and its procurement strategy.

27 November 2009: The Federation met with the Department of Education to discuss the current delays in releasing new school projects to the market.

The Planning Service has published a further consultation paper on a Review of Permitted Development Rights.

The Independent Commission on the Future of Housing in Northern Ireland was established on 8 April 2009 to set out a long term vision for the future role of the housing system in contributing positively to Northern Ireland’s future.

20 November 2009: The results of the CEF State of Trade Survey for the third quarter of 2009 show that 45% of firms are now operating at half capacity or less.

16 November 2009: The Construction Employers Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, has briefed the Alliance and DUP Northern Ireland Assembly Groups on the current state of the industry and the need for their support.

20 November 2009: It has come to the Federation’s attention that some member firms have been experiencing an increased level of theft from their construction sites over the last 6 months.

Official Government figures released this week show that the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit decreased by 40 during October.

The Federation has recently learned that the NIHE grants budget has received a welcome boost following the September monitoring round where Government departments reallocate surplus funds.

The Federation met with the new Environment Minister, Edwin Poots to discuss planning reform, the proposed introduction of developer contributions and third party appeals.

Published in June 2009, the Construction Industry Forum Procurement Task Group report identified a series of actions to improve public sector procurement processes.

The Belfast leg of the Autumn Local Association meetings took place at CEF Headquarters today with an excellent turn out from members and local MLA’s.

The Construction Employers Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, has briefed the Sinn Fein Northern Ireland Assembly Group on the current state of the industry and the need for their support.

A number of Federation members took advantage of an opportunity to visit the Storm Water Tunnel in Belfast, nearly a mile long and 40 metres below ground.

In response to the current economic downturn, earlier this year the First and Deputy First Ministers established a Cross Sector Advisory Forum (CSAF).

A report sponsored by the UK Contractors Group in Great Britain was published yesterday highlighting the vital importance of the construction industry on the UK economy, and specifically highlighting the benefits of investing in construction.

There was a very good attendance at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry where members had the opportunity to lobby their local political representatives about workload.

The Planning Service has published a consultation paper on the Department of the Environment’s proposals to extend householder permitted development rights

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) is hosting a workshop and seminar which will provide essential information on a range of health issues in the construction industry.

16 October 2009: Official Government figures show that the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit increased by 155 during September 2009.

There was a very good attendance at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, where members had the opportunity to lobby their local political representatives about workload.

23 October 2009: We are currently in the process of putting in place procedures that will enable us to issue individual Username/Passwords to all CEF members.

22 October 2009: A reminder to all Full and Subsidiary members that all completed State of Trade Surveys for Quarter 3 2009 must be returned to the Federation by 30 October 2009.

22 October 2009: In September 2008 the Office of Fair Trading published a market study into the home-building industry which found that in Great Britain the consumer was not receiving the appropriate level of after sales service.

16 October 2009: Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new website to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive has just issued a warning to scaffolding companies that they need to double check their structures are safe and secure.

The Federation is offering your company the opportunity to take a fast track route to qualifying some of your skilled workers to NVQ Level 2 at no cost to you.

The winners of the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2009 were announced in Belfast last night with Patton Construction winning the Overall Award for Wellington Street Presbyterian Church, Ballymena.

9 October 2009: As your Federation, it is essential that we maintain a close watch on developments in the local construction industry so that we can speak with authority, react to your needs and provide strong leadership.

The Federation has submitted a detailed response on the planning reform consultation on behalf of our members which is available to view on our web site.

The Construction Skills Register, working with the National Association of Shop fitters (NAS), has launched a new Gold CSR Card for Shop Fitters and Interior Contractors.

Miroslaw Barszcz, who was the deputy Minister of Finance and former Minister of Construction in Poland, will be visiting the Federation on 22 October. We have arranged a seminar where he will tell the industry here about opportunities in Poland.

2 October 2009: The National Minimum Wage rates have increased from 1 October 2009. The following rates now apply:

The consultation paper on planning reform ‘Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland: Your chance to influence Change’ contains a detailed section on the potential use of Third Party Appeals.

30 September 2009: The autumn round of Location Association meetings have been scheduled for October and November.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has welcomed the significant increase in capital investment by the NI Executive but is failing to see this translate in to work on the ground.

The OFT has fined a total of 103 firms in England £129.5m for colluding with competitors on building contracts.

25 September 2009: The Department for Employment & Learning is to make a statutory rule to increase the weekly limit used to calculate redundancy and unfair dismissal awards.

CEF today met with Sammy Wilson, Minister for Finance, to discuss funding, work flow and procurement issues.

As part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Construction Excellence Awards the Belfast Telegraph.

The Construction Employers Federation today met with Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development. The issues discussed at the meeting included social objectives in procurement and the NI Water Alliance framework.

18 September 2009: The Federation has prepared its draft response to the major consultation document on planning reform

16 September 2009: Official Government figures show that the number of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit increased by 200 during August 2009.

18 September 2009: We are currently in the process of putting in place procedures that will enable us to issue individual Username/Passwords to all CEF members.

The CEF kicked off a great celebration of the construction industry, of its people and its work, at the Showcase of Finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2009 which are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

18 September 2009: The autumn round of Location Association meetings have been scheduled for October and November.

The Federation ran 2 workshops on Monday 14 September on the implications of the proposals in the HMRC consultation.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce is organising trade missions to Italy and Turkey as part of a new initiative, Chamber Connections which is designed to utilise the worldwide Chamber network on behalf of local companies.

Click on the link to view the September 2009 edition of the Joint Taxation Committee Newsline.

Titanic Signature Project represents a significant investment in infrastructure which includes a number of substantial construction projects.

The Federation has established a working group to develop practical proposals on how Government Construction Clients could deliver social benefits through construction procurement

The Government is proposing that in 2011 all Labour Only Sub Contractors will have to be paid through the PAYE system.

The Construction Employers Federation has raised serious concerns over Northern Ireland Water’s recently advertised Alliance Framework.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today appealed to those with an interest in reform of the local planning system to make their voices heard.

A Government Working Party proposes that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are the preferred approach for managing the storm water discharges which arise from the development of land.

The latest training programme up to November 2009 is now available in a new format. You have a choice of a calendar view or to search for specific topics

18 August 2009: Members of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) can now avail of a new Environmental Law Register which is officially launched today.

Invest Northern Ireland has organised the NI Energy & Environment Conference 09. Due to take place at the Waterfront Hall on Wednesday 14 October 2009, it will be the largest event of its kind ever to take place in Northern Ireland.

The Joint Secretaries of the Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry remind all employers that the requirement to pay the national minimum wage overrides all other wage agreements.

HMRC has published a major consultation on the issue of ‘false self employment’ in the construction industry. Liz Bridge from the JTC will be at the CEF on Monday 14 September 2009 to make a presentation on the implications of this proposal.

From 27 July 2009 NI Water will introduce a new policy regarding the extraction of water from a public water main through the use of standpipes.

17 July 2009: The Federation is offering your company the opportunity to take a fast track route to qualifying some of your skilled workers to NVQ Level 2 at no cost to you.

14 August 2009: Official Government figures show that the number of construction workers claiming benefit increased by 40 during July 2009.

The Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects and consultant contracts to be tendered in the near future.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have compiled a matrix of the different types of financial support

The Department for Employment & Learning is to make a statutory rule to increase the weekly limit used to calculate redundancy and unfair dismissal awards

Payment of winding up lump sums underway.

For Full and Subsidiary Members only – please ensure only one survey is completed per company.

A number of construction firms have lost their Gross Payment Status (GPS) over the past year. In order to help protect members’ Gross Payment Status, a fact sheet has been prepared by Grant Thornton with additional guidance from HMRC

26 June 2009: Stage two of the wind up of Construction Benefits Scheme is now well underway.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has published a consultation paper on the proposed introduction of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) started in 1997. This important initiative operates voluntary Site and Company Codes of Considerate Practice, with which participating construction companies and sites register

As the spread of the swine flu virus (officially known as influenza A H1N1) continues, businesses in Northern Ireland are advised to take precautions to limit the risk in their workplace.

In the 2009 Budget, the Government announced that it remained committed to addressing the problem of ‘false-self employment’ in the construction industry. This consultation paper has now been published.

The long awaited consultation paper on planning has now been published by the Planning Service.

23 July 2009: The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) has released the report on the future of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

24 July 2009: The seemingly ever increasing toll of construction workers claiming unemployment benefit has suddenly come to a near halt.

For Full and Subsidiary Members only – please ensure only one survey is completed per company

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, praised the local construction industry’s continued commitment to quality as he officially revealed the shortlisted finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2009

The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland) has agreed to postpone until 1 January 2010 the wage increase that was due to come into effect on 3 August 2009.

The Federation has welcomed Finance Minister Sammy Wilson’s announcement that the Executive has agreed to redistribute a £20m capital allocation to social housing for disabled adaptation and renovation works.

The Strategic Investment Board (SIB) has launched a web-based Delivery Tracking System (DTS) portal for the NI Executive's 10-year infrastructure investment strategy.

The Federation has today received the following notice from NI Water

The summer months, with no school and long sunny evenings, provide a welcome opportunity for children to spend time outdoors having fun and adventure.

On 30 June the CEF Managing Director John Armstrong attended the second meeting of the Cross Sector Advisory Forum (CSAF) established by the First and Deputy first Minister to review the impact of the current economic downturn on the local economy.

The Construction Employers Federation sent out its first e-zine to all members today.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF), as part of a Construction Industry Group (CIG) delegation, attended the Assembly Construction Group today.

The CEF today congratulated a young member of the H&J Martin Team who received a ‘Medal of Excellence’ for his performance during his apprenticeship at an awards ceremony at the Belfast Metropolitan College, Millfield Campus.

22 June 2009: The Federation Council has today endorsed a proposal for the revitalisation of construction apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.

26 June 2009: The full results of the State of Trade survey for the first quarter of 2009 have been released.

The shortlisted finalists for the CEF Construction Excellence Awards 2009 have been announced following a record 107 entries and the strongest competition to date.

The Construction Employers Federation today welcomes the launch of the Good Practice Guide and e-Planning Initiatives aimed at improving the planning process in Northern Ireland.

17 June 2009: Official Government statistics have revealed that 345 construction workers lost their jobs and claimed unemployment benefit during April 2009.

Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has released the latest update on major injuries suffered in the construction industry.

The Federation is delighted to welcome JP Corry as our new sponsor for the Innovation Category of the Construction Excellence Awards 2009.

The Construction Employers Federation today hosted a major conference aimed at giving the local construction sector a clearer view of future work opportunities arising from the NI Executives building programme.

11 June 2009: The Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry (NI) has decided to re-promulgate the industry holidays for 2010/11.

The Call for Entries for the Construction Excellence Awards 2009 has generated an overwhelming response.

12 June 2009: The results of the CEF State of Trade survey for the first quarter of 2009 reveal that 7 out of 10 construction companies are expecting a lower workload over the next twelve months.

The Federation today met with Ed Vernon, the head of the Capital Realisations Taskforce (CRT).

Please click on the link below to view the Water Damage Guidance Notes supplied to the CEF by their insurance firm Locktons.

JUNE 09 The Federation has access to the Joint Taxation Committee, which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

June 2009 The Federation has access to the Joint Taxation Committee, which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

Approximately 11,000 letters have been issued to CBS pension scheme members who qualify for a winding up lump sum payment.

Written submissions for the first stage of judging in this year’s Construction Excellence Awards are due by Friday 5 June.

The Planning Reform Bill has not been published for consultation because it has run into political problems. Members need to lobby their local MLA's.

If you are interested in government contracts – don’t miss this half day conference. With less than two weeks to go – book now to avoid disappointment!

The CEF would like to draw member firms attention to certain Insurance problems which may arise in the current economic climate.

Applications are now invited for the 10th Annual CEF Construction Excellence Awards.

In March 2009, £27.1m was transferred to the Enhance scheme and invested in the Legal & General Liquidity Fund in respect of the 14,300 transferring members from Construction Benefits Scheme.

Key clients will present their procurement plans at the CEF conference on 11 June

Official Government statistics have revealed that 365 construction workers lost their jobs and claimed unemployment benefit during April 2009.

Members may be aware that the Social Housing Development Programme 2008/09 – 2012/13 has been delayed and has not yet received Ministerial approval.

We have been advised by NI Water that from 1 April 2009 members of the public are no longer permitted to excavate within the public carriage way. DRD will therefore no longer issue roads opening permits.

The Joint Taxation Committee have issued their May 2009 Newsline.

Members of staff at the Construction Employers Federation today had the opportunity go take a short health check provided by the Action Cancer Big Bus service.

The First Minister, Peter Robinson MP MLA was the principal guest at the CEF Annual Dinner held at the Dunadry Hotel Friday 24 April 2009.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) expressed concern and disappointment at the announcement of a proposed 20% increase in planning fees.

The Procurement Task Group Report has been finalised and will be presented to the Finance Minister at the Procurement Board next Thursday.

On 9 April 2009 CEF met with (DSD),(NIHE),(NIFHA) and the newly established procurement groups to discuss new build social housing issues.

The Patton Group featured prominently in one of the province's top business awards' ceremonies held on Friday 3 April 2009

The Construction Employers Federation today met with the Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, to discuss the local economy and a range of issues affecting the construction industry.

As your Federation, it is essential that we maintain a close watch on developments in the local construction industry so that we can speak with authority, react to your needs and provide strong leadership.

The Following Budget Analysis has been prepared by PWC LLP.

22 April 2009: Official Government statistics have revealed that 370 construction workers were forced to sign-on for unemployment benefit during March 2009.

The Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects and consultant contracts to be tendered in the near future

Lawell Asphalt based at the Work West Enterprise park, has been awarded Small Business of the year at the Aer Lingus/Business Eye Awards held in London.

The Federation has been instrumental in the establishment of the Procurement Task Group following the successful legal challenges on the major frameworks for the Department of Education and the Department of Finance & Personnel.

The CEF has welcomed the broad thrust the SDLP’s proposals that were announced on 7 April 2009 suggesting reprioritising of the Executives budget. These proposals will inject an additional £400m into the local economy.

On the 2 April 2009 McLaughlin & Harvey won the Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award at the Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland Business Awards.

The CEF, as part of a CIG delegation, attended the Assembly Construction Group today. CEF highlighted the devastating impact of the downturn and sought further support from the cross party grouping of MLAs for a range of actions to assist the industry.

The CEF has launched a new course covering the key roles and responsibilities of the Temporary Works Coordinator.

The Federation has access to the Joint Taxation Committee, which is administered by Liz Bridge in London.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency has instructed all Landfill sites not to accept any gypsum based products such as plasterboard from 1 April 2009. In this article we provide you with some useful contacts and some further background.

A unique housing seminar aimed at addressing the challenges in the Northern Ireland housing sector was held on Wednesday 25 March 2009 at the University of Ulster’s Belfast Campus by its property think-tank, the Real Estate Initiative (REI).

The Construction Employers Federation today welcomed the news that the Executive is to introduce a rates relief scheme for 16,000 small businesses in Northern Ireland.

The Federation met with the Council of Mortgage Lenders today to discuss a number of problems regarding the valuations set by RICS valuers for mortgage applications.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has instructed all Landfill sites not to accept any gypsum based products such as plasterboard from 1 April 2009.

The Federation met representatives from the DUP today to discuss the difficult budgetary decisions facing the Executive and to lobby for measures to assist the construction industry.

The fifth CEF Environmental Management Programme kicks off on Tuesday 5 May 2009.

At the end of February 2009 there were 11,270 construction workers claiming unemployment benefits. This is an increase of 108% since February 2008.

The Construction Excellence Awards are on the horizon again and behind the scenes teams are working hard on what is sure to be another memorable night.

Wind up of Construction Benefits Scheme

Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects and consultant contracts to be tendered in the near future.

During these recessionary times firms are facing pressure on cashflow and employment.

The first meeting of the CEF and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Archaeology will take place on Wednesday 25 March 2009.

The final session of local association meetings with MLA’s took place on Tuesday 10 March with the AGM of the Belfast Builders Association.

Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects and consultant contracts to be tendered in the near future.

Following considerable lobbying from the Construction Employers Federation, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has set up a Topsoil Steering Group.

The Construction Employers Federation met with Brian Doherty (Deputy Director) and Stephen Johnston from the Department for Social Development (DSD) to discuss Developer Contributions

Invest NI invites you to join our six day business Mission to Romania and Bulgaria

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects has arranged this seminar to be held on 26 March. This may be of interest to those involved in Design and Build.

The Federation met with the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, on 2 February to discuss the proposed introduction of developer contributions for social and affordable housing.

The Construction Industry Forum Procurement Task Group met today to advance the proposals on the future shape of procurement for Government construction clients.

The Federation met with Northern Ireland Water today to discuss how they intend to procure civil engineering works over the next few years.

The spring Local Association meetings are continuing. With local MLAs present at meetings held in various locations across Northern Ireland, members have had an opportunity to pose questions to those in a position to influence the decisions of Government.

Members of the CEF can now take advantage of the new CEF Environmental Legislation Register which will be updated on a quarterly basis.

From April 2009 policy changes mean that all timber and timber products used on public sector construction projects must come from independently verifiable, legal and sustainable sources.

The Federation hosted its Londonderry Local Association meeting on Wednesday 18 February at the Everglades Hotel. The meeting was attended by Local MLAs.

For the third month in a row an additional one thousand construction workers have signed on for unemployment benefit in Northern Ireland.

The Construction Employers Federation hosted an awareness event for 100 invited companies and organisations to promote the benefits of Action Cancer’s Big Bus service.

The Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects that will be tendered before the end of this financial year.

The CEF has arranged a number of meetings for its members in February to discuss the crisis in the local construction industry and update members on the work the Federation is doing on their behalf.

We have had a very good response so far from members wanting to attend their Local Association meeting.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to urgently adjust its priorities and redistribute revenue and capital funds into the building and maintenance of Northern Ireland’s public infrastructure.

The Construction Employers Federation has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to permit member states to accelerate public sector procurement.

The Construction Employers Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group (CIG) delegation, gave evidence to representatives of the NI Assembly Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee.

Over 30,000 jobs could have gone in construction, Northern Ireland’s biggest industry, before the summer due to the deepening crisis facing the house building, general contracting and civil engineering sectors, the CEF warns today.

The Construction Industry Group has put forward broad proposals for the future of public procurement to help start meaningful discussions with the Government construction clients and the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD).

By completing the State of Trade survey you will help us represent your interests more effectively.

The Federation has committed to keeping our members informed of the work being carried out by the Procurement Task Group established just before Christmas 2008.

The Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group (CIG) delegation, gave evidence to the NI Assembly Environment Committee today.

The Construction Employers Federation has received an updated list of public sector construction projects that will be tendered before the end of this financial year.

The Construction Employers Federation welcomes the announcement of a new recycling and incineration plant on the edge of Belfast

The CEF, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, met with the Minister for Social Development to stress the devastating impact on the construction industry of the Housing Executive’s decision to halt non-emergency repair and maintenance work.

At the end of November 2008 there were 8,200 construction workers claiming unemployment benefits. This is an increase of 90% since November 2007.

Capturing email addresses for Full & Associate members re the Weekly News Update

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) advised all their contractors on the 18 December 2008 that much of its work was being stopped over the next two months.

The Federation met with SDLP Policy Advisors today to input into their party manifesto for the forthcoming European elections.

The Construction Employers Federation has received a provisional list of public sector construction projects totalling approximately £400m that will be tendered in early 2009.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, last night, advised all their contractors that much of its work is being stopped over the next two months.

18 December 2008. Mr Justice Coghlin has published his decision on the remedies hearing between Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Limited, F B McKee & Company Limited and others v The Department of Education.

The Construction Employers Federation has received further detail of the Executive’s package to assist the construction industry and has voiced its broad support for the measures.

The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) tentatively welcomes today’s announcement by the Executive outlining measures to assist the construction industry but has called for greater detail.

The Abacus Procurement Group, a consortium of housing associations, has withdrawn its tender for framework contractors following pressure from the Construction Employers Federation and other bodies.

CEF welcomes the Finance Minister’s announcement that Government Construction Clients will pay invoices in 10 days. This follows a call from the Federation for the Government to help construction firms with cash flow.

Economy Minister Arlene Foster has been urged by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) to ensure that small businesses across Northern Ireland are given a fair deal in bidding for public sector contracts.

5 December 2008: At the end of October 2008 there were 7,100 construction workers claiming unemployment benefits. This is an increase of 70% since October 2007.

CEF welcomes the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and reiterates its call for the Executive to help keep people in jobs by getting public sector construction work on the ground urgently.

The Federation, as part of a Construction Industry Group delegation, met with two Assembly Committees this week to lobby for immediate action by the Government to prevent further job loses in the industry.

Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins MP was joined at the Lagan Lookout in Belfast by ACC Duncan McCausland and John Armstrong from the CEF for the launch of the theft from vehicles campaign – ‘If thieves see it, they’ll steal it’.

The 100,000th Construction Skills Register (CSR) card was issued today. Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning, congratulated the industry on the success of the scheme.

The CEF has joined CBI, the IOD and others in sending an open letter to the First and Deputy First Minister.

Over 8,000 Northern Ireland construction jobs have already been lost or are under immediate threat, according to an independent survey by Pricewaterhousecoopers. (Pwc)

France, the sixth largest economy in the world and the second largest trading nation in Western Europe after Germany, offers significant opportunities to Northern Ireland companies.

The NICC together with the DTCM and in conjunction with the Construction Employers Federation, will be holding a Dubai Business Briefing on Thursday, 20 November 2008 from 6pm until 8pm.

Following the court judgment handed down on 11 September 2008, a remedies hearing was held in the High Court on 21 October 2008. the judge heard representation from plaintiff and CPD’s counsel on what the remedies in the case should be.

CEF met with Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development to brief him on the current state of the construction industry and to highlight the need for urgent intervention by the Northern Ireland Executive to stem rising unemployment in the industry.

The winners of the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2008 were announced on Thursday 9th October at a special Gala evening at the Culloden Hotel. Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson presented the award to the overall winners.

The CEF welcomes the £35m deal between the Bank of Ireland and Co-Ownership to fund an additional 200 houses through the scheme between now and March 2009. This will help first time buyers to get on the property ladder.

The CEF hosted a seminar called ‘Banks: how to deal with them’ on Thursday 25 September 2008. In addition, the Federation has expanded its hotline (0800 1300361) in association with Grant Thornton to handle queries on this issue.

An increase in the national minimum wage from £5.52 to £5.73 an hour for adult workers has come into force. Click on the title to view article.

The Federation met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to call for urgent action to support the construction industry. The briefing is now available for members to use for meetings with their own MLAs. (click on title)

The Federation met the Finance Minister Nigel Dodds on Monday 1 September 2008 to discuss the state of the construction industry. (Click on the title to view the full article)

The Federation has compiled a list of contractors interested in building slurry tanks. 2000 tanks need to be built by the end of the year. This equates to a £100 M investment in only six months. Click the title to view the list.

The CEF met the Minister of the Environment, Sammy Wilson, on Wednesday 27 August 2008 to brief him on the state of the house building sector and to call on his support for the industry at this time.

The Federation calls for urgent action to start the recovery of the house building sector to stop job losses, support the wider economy and to meet housing need. Click on the title for full details.

The CEF is to gather objective evidence on the effects of the Credit Crunch.

The Construction Sector in Poland offers very good opportunites at present. Poland has secured over 25 billion Euro of EU funding to be spent on its infrastructure over the next five years.

The Federation has played a leading role in the establishment of a new lobby group for the construction industry, the Assembly Construction Group (ACG). At its first meeting MLAs were fully briefed on the difficulty currently faced by the industry.

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has congratulated the organisers of the seminar, “Give Tanks for £100m.” As a result of this seminar the CEF have compiled a list of builders interested in carrying out the FNMS work.

Recently the Federation met with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the Trade Unions, the Colleges and the Department of Education and Learning (DEL) to discuss the future of the apprenticeships programme.

The single biggest issue for the housing market is the lack of funding to support new mortgage lending. The Federation welcomes an initiative by the Council of Mortgage Lenders to stimulate market investment in the mortgage market.

We understand that HMRC is now focusing on removing gross payment status from contractors for non compliance under the CIS tax scheme.

Following the introduction of NI Water as a government company, some members have reported delays in obtaining Article 161 agreements, road bond inspections and reductions.

Members of the Construction Employers Federation(CEF)can now avail of free legal advice from the Federation’s legal partner, Carson McDowell.

The latest Calculation for the definition of Prime Cost is now available.

The Federation is in the process of meeting with the four main local Banks to discuss the downturn in activity in the construction industry and in particular the difficulties being experienced by house builders in the current market climate.

On 17 June 2008 the European Parliament decided to keep clean soil within the Waste Framework Directive.

The Federation has written to HMRC in Belfast requesting that blank monthly returns for the CIS Scheme be issued in plenty of time to enable firms to send back the completed return before the industry shuts down for the holiday period.

The Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning has published its First Report on Training for Success (TfS), the Department’s programme for apprenticeships that commenced in September 2007.

The serious downturn in construction activity was debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 21 April.

The Federation has joined with Minister for Agriculture, Michelle Gildernew, in calling on farmers, builders and suppliers to work together to deliver a £100m investment in slurry tanks within the next six months.

On 30 May 2008 twenty members of the Belfast Builders’ Association ventured into the sewers of the city.

An Energy Performance Certificate indicates how energy efficient a building is and must be accompanied by a list of cost effective improvements.

The Federation recently organised a site visit to Poundbury in West Dorset.

Chris Carvill, Managing Director of the Carvill Group, was elected as the new President of the Federation at the AGM on 21 April 2008.

The current issue of the serious downturn in construction activity was debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 21 April 2008.

The Federation has been engaged in an intense round of lobbying to ensure that the Government’s plans to introduce developer contributions for social and affordable housing do not make house building in Northern Ireland economically unviable.

The CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards have returned for 2008 and, for the first time, were launched at Stormont Buildings in recognition of the industry’s role in the regeneration of Northern Ireland .

Following the tragic death of a young man, the PSNI are warning employers against fitting seats in their vehicles without seatbelts.

Northern Ireland Water is reminding small businesses and other non-domestic customers that new charges came into operation from April.

To compliment the new CEF corporate identity the Federation launched this new website on Thursday 1 May 2008.

The Federation has been extremely active over the last few months in meetings with Ministers, MLA’s and senior Departmental Officials regarding the proposals to introduce developer contributions for the provision of social and affordable housing.

Members can now avail of half an hour free legal advice over the telephone on most areas of law affecting the construction industry.

CEEQUAL is an assessment and awards scheme for publicly-rewarding high environmental quality of civil engineering projects.

It is now official – the Tax Treatment Qualification Tests (TTQT) applied by HMRC have commenced.

Until 31 March 2007 developers provided a road bond surety through the DRD Bond Surety procedures

On 9 October 2007, the Chancellor announced that the National Insurance concession for centrally managed holiday pay schemes would be withdrawn on 30 October 2007 with the exception of the scheme for the construction industry

Another success for the Federation in the short term is the announcement by the Planning Minister Arlene Foster of the launch of a pilot scheme for streamlining the consultation process between the Planning Service and Derry City Council.

Members should be aware of important proposed changes regarding the provision of social and affordable housing arising from Sir John Semple’s report earlier in 2007