Sub Contractors Urged To 'Think Big'

Belfast City Council has launched a new programme targeting building sub-contractors who have shied away from pursuing opportunities with major contractors on large-scale construction schemes and other regeneration projects.

The Construction Sales Growth Programme will involve the recruitment of up to 50 representatives of local sub-contractors in the city working in a wide range of areas from mechanical and electrical engineering to landscaping, shop fitting and interior design.

Shirley McKay, Head of Economic Initiatives at Belfast City Council with Simon Devlin from Full Circle Solutions and Janis Simpson Mahoney from GEL said: "The construction sector has suffered greatly over the last few years but we are determined to do everything that we can to breathe new life into the sector.

"More specifically, we see the Construction Sales Growth Programme as a great way of bringing buyers and suppliers together, thereby creating mutual opportunities," she said.

The Construction Sales Growth Programme will be delivered by Full Circle Management Solutions Ltd and GEL Ltd, whose Managing Director, Simon Devlin said: "We are delighted to be involved in the initiative and we anticipate that this will create a host of real new business opportunities for the participants.

"Our priority now is to roll up the sleeves, get the businesses on board and to then begin work with them to get them ready to meet with the key decision makers higher up the local construction supply chain."

The Construction Sales Growth Programme is funded by Belfast City Council and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

Belfast City Council runs a number of business programmes and events to support local business in the city.

Owner-managers of Belfast-based sub-contractors who wish to find out more about the programme should contact Eamonn Cavlan at Full Circle on 02890 691027 or eamonn@fullcircle.eu.com

(BMcC/GK)