CEF Holds First Annual Conference and 81st Annual General Meeting
3rd June 2026 Business Environment
CEF brought members together on Tuesday 2 June for a landmark day at Riddell Hall, Belfast, combining the Federation’s 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the launch of CEF’s first-ever Annual Conference.
The AGM marked the beginning of a new leadership for CEF, with Gareth Loye assuming the role of President and Janet Deane as Vice President
The morning marked an important moment for the Federation, with stakeholders from across Northern Ireland’s construction and built environment sector gathering to reflect on the year, approve governance appointments, and take part in a new flagship conference focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
Leadership Changes and Election of Board of Directors
Members paid tribute to outgoing President Bryan Vaughan (Vaughan Homes), who completed his two-year term as President following a period of significant industry engagement and leadership. In a formal handover, Gareth Loye (Mascott Construction Europe) was elected President for 2026/27 after completing his term as Vice President.
Members also thanked Martin O’Kane (Heron Brothers) as he completed his term as Past President and stepped down from Federation Council. Janet Deane (Deane Public Works) was elected as the Federation’s new Vice President.
The AGM also saw Peter Maguire (Tracey Brothers Ltd) appointed as a new Council Director to the Board following the completion of Dominic Lavery’s (Farrans) term.
The AGM marked several changes to Federation Council, balancing continuity with new representation from across the industry.
Members thanked Aidan Flynn (FLYNN) and Aaron Hughes (GEDA Construction) for their service following completion of their terms on Council, alongside Damian Gill (Felix O’Hare) and David Henry (Henry Brothers), who also stepped down this year.
Five new members were welcomed to Federation Council:
Noel Mullan – Heron Bros
Suzanne Nicholson – Farrans
Jody Wilkinson – Henry Brothers
Mark Campbell – Felix O’Hare
Ray Hutchinson – Gilbert-Ash
The updated Federation Council for 2026/27 is:
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President
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Gareth Loye
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Mascott Construction (Europe)
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Vice President
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Janet Deane
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Deane Public Works
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Treasurer
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Mark Kelly
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Kelly Brothers
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Past President
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Bryan Vaughan
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Vaughan Homes
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Council Director
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Peter Maguire
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Tracy Bros
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Council Director
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Ian Lowry
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Lowry Building & Civil Engineering
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Jody Wilkinson
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Henry Brothers
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Declan McLogan
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Sacyr
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Ryan Tierney
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Adman
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Courtney McCormick
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GRAHAM
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Noel Mullan
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Heron Bros
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Mark Campbell
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Felix O’Hare
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Suzanne Nicholson
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Farrans
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Ray Hutchinson
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Gilbert-Ash
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Members approved appointments to the Federation’s sector committees for the year ahead, covering housing, asset management, civil engineering and general contracting.
New and returning committee representatives from member firms across Northern Ireland will continue to help shape CEF policy positions, member engagement and industry priorities throughout 2026/27.
Key new committee appointments included representation from firms such as Nicor, CivCo, CTS Projects, Avove Ireland, Mannings Northern and Cleary Contracting, reflecting the continued breadth and diversity of engagement across the Federation.
CEF would like to thank all members who attended and contributed.