The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has announced Danske Bank as its first patron of the construction industry in Northern Ireland.
Danske Bank became the first organisation to sign up to the new CEF Patronage Scheme today, which will see organisations from a range of sectors come together to support the local construction industry by providing specialist expertise and guidance to CEF members across Northern Ireland.
Danske Bank Head of Corporate Banking Shaun McAnee commented:
“Around 60,000 people in Northern Ireland work in the construction industry and therefore it is encouraging to see that the sector is in a stronger position now than at its lowest point a couple of years ago. Our forecast is for the construction sector to grow by 2.2 per cent this year and 2.1 per cent in 2016. Whilst significant challenges will remain in 2016, we’re confident that we will see more barriers to construction growth beginning to be eroded.
“Danske Bank is proud to count many of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies among its customers and we are committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth. Our new partnership with CEF will provide additional opportunities to help construction firms across the province seeking to strengthen their business and overcome any barriers to growth that they may be facing. We look forward to working with the Federation and its members over the coming months.”
CEF Managing Director John Armstrong welcomed Danske Bank’s support for the scheme, saying: “The construction industry in Northern Ireland is starting to emerge from what have been some of the toughest times it has ever faced, but there remain challenges ahead. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that the industry can call upon support and expert advice from advisors like Danske Bank who really understand the sector.
“As one of the largest industrial sectors in Northern Ireland, the economic impact of the construction industry is far reaching – with every £1.00 invested in construction generating around £2.84 in the wider economy. It is therefore essential to have an effective organisation like CEF to the be ‘the voice of the construction industry’ and I am very confident that our voice will only be made stronger by Danske Bank and our other industry patrons as they come on board.”
The CEF is the certified representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ireland. The organisation has over 1200 member companies ranging from micro businesses employing a handful of people to the largest construction companies in Northern Ireland. In total, CEF member companies account for over 70% of construction output.
The Federation represents in the industry’s views across a wide range of issues, including procurement, planning, infrastructure investment, housing, environment, training, health and safety, and employment.
