The last 12 months has seen continued growth in the Irish construction industry and, with the recent publication of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040, the sector should see even further expansion in the years to come, as Aecom predict that the industry will grow by 14 per cent in 2018 alone.
Already we are seeing this prediction ringing true. Ulster Bank purchasing managers’ index (PMI) indicates that January saw businesses in the sector increase staffing for the 53rd month in a row, with growth in new orders among firms also at a six month high. It’s against this backdrop that the Irish Construction Industry Awards will return on June 14th, giving those in the industry the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on a busy year. These awards recognise the best in class and quite fittingly, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are returning as the title sponsor for the event.
Award winners in their own right, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles enjoyed a bumper year, with their new Crafter model winning International Van of the Year in 2017, as well as their Amarok V6 winning the International Pick-Up Award 2018. It comes as no surprise that they see the Irish Construction Industry Awards as the perfect opportunity to show support to the sector and showcase how they can be of help.
Alan Bateson, managing director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland says, "The construction industry is the largest customer segment for the brand in Ireland and has grown over the last 24 months at a rapid rate with further growth forecast in 2018. Our partnership with the Irish Construction Industry Awards as main sponsor gives us an excellent opportunity to celebrate and recognise their benchmark achievements within the Irish Construction Industry. The awards of Construction Project of the Year and Construction Industry Leader 2018 acknowledges exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the construction industry in Ireland and to be able to present these awards on behalf of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brand is a brilliant synergy, as they are values that we believe in within our industry. 2018 is our second year as main sponsor and we are really looking forward to the gala event."
About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland
On the 8th of March, 1956, the Volkswagen factory in Hanover, Germany finished production on its first transporter vehicle. Since then the company has grown across the world and today, the Volkswagen Caddy is the number one selling commercial vehicle in the Irish market.
They are the only commercial vehicle brand to offer personal contract plan (PCP) finance in the Irish market, at 0 per cent APR rates, and are now offering a vehicle lease solution, which is also one of a kind in the market. As well as that they are the only brand to offer the possibility of combining 0 per cent APR with up to €4,000 scrappage allowance.
“When you combine these with a specialist van centre network with trained brand managers in every location and a focus on delivering the best customer solutions, it delivers exactly what our customers want, a premium vehicle and service with maximum uptime to support their continued business growth,” says Bateson.
The awards include categories such as; Project Management Firm of the Year, Engineering Firm of the Year, Construction Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year and Construction Industry Leader 2018. Its past winners include the likes of Bennett Construction, Roadbridge, ByrneLooby, Ethos Engineering and CJK Engineering.
The awards are also sponsored by Crown Roofing Ltd, Ashview Consultants, CPAS, Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Ayrton Group, Fiontar Safety Management and Bunzl.
Event background
2018 will be the fourth year of the awards, which aim to celebrate small and large construction companies and individuals, at a national level. A team of 13 judges will make up a panel that will decide on winners for each of the categories. The event is organised and run by Business River, and there is still time to submit entries for the awards. You can fill out an entry here before 5pm on March 23rd.
For more information on Business River events, visit their news hub here.
To attend the Irish Construction Industry Awards, book here.
