CIS were to delighted to be the headline sponsor the 25th Annual CEF Construction Excellence Awards! The CIS team was blown away by some incredible achievements from businesses presented awards throughout the night, which took place Thursday 3rd October. Dave Thompson, VP, UK and Ireland, also had the privilege to present this years ‘Overall Award’ which was taken by Newry-based Felix O’Hare for the Riddel Hall Management School, Queen’s University Belfast.

This year’s Awards, the 25th edition since they commenced in 1999, represented the biggest to date with some 28 Award winners on the evening and nearly 630 in attendance at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast. The event was this year hosted by Claire McCollum and Phil Spencer with entertainment from Heather Small, and also saw a keynote address from the Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd MLA.


In a highly competitive field, Riddel Hall Management School was selected by the panel of judges as this year’s outstanding project given its high complexity as well as responding to demanding client needs on a site with significant challenges in terms of level changes and environmental sensitivity.

Congratulating the winners, Mark Spence, Chief Executive of the Construction Employers Federation, said:

“Riddel Hall Management School is a worthy winner of this year’s ‘Overall Award’ and, as the judges themselves commented, the teamwork between the contractor, design team and client all striving to deliver a great project was evident in the execution of the fine details and finishes such as the insitu concrete finishes internally and precast concrete exterior finishes.

“In addition, particularly impressive was the quality of the internal joinery which demonstrated the significant advantage of having an in-house joinery team which could work collaboratively with the design team to develop details that added to the practicality and joy of the completed project.

“In conclusion the completed building blends perfectly into the curtilage of the original listed Riddle Hall with high quality landscaping and subtle use of materials to provide world class facilities for the staff and students at Queens University.

“Congratulations to Felix O’Hare for delivering a magnificent building that they, and the entire Northern Ireland construction industry, can be proud of as a symbol of what we can achieve”.

This year’s Awards also saw the continued recognition by the judges of a number of people in the industry for their talent, skills and leadership. To that end we are delighted to announce that Terina McDermott of McKelvey Construction is the winner of this year’s Outstanding Contributor Award while Harry McFarland of Dawson WAM takes home the Apprentice of the Year prize. Maintaining our Lifetime Achievement Award for its third year, the judges chose John McGinnis OBE of the McGinnis Group, for the accolade.

Commenting on John’s recognition, Mark Spence said:

“Over many decades, the McGinnis Group, under John’s leadership, has grown to become one of the most respected builders in Northern Ireland. Through that time, the Group has consistently strived to provide accommodation of the highest quality, providing competitive and progressive developments whilst adhering to the traditions of quality craftsmanship, construction, and integrity.

“Throughout his career, John has received numerous Government appointments having taken up board positions on the strategic direction of Northern Ireland and the Industrial Development Board. In recognition for his work in regeneration, John was awarded an OBE in 2001 and received an Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University in 2009 for his contribution to Industry in Northern Ireland.

“For all of this, John is a worthy winner of our Lifetime Achievement Award this year and he deserves our every congratulation”.

Pictures from the Awards can be viewed here.