HBJV recently hosted a Meet the Buyers event for the National Indoor Arena project in Dublin.

The event took place on the 4^th June and provided an opportunity for local suppliers to meet face to face with the key decision makers from HBJV.

Throughout the day, those in attendance were introduced to the HBJV Team, the National Indoor Arena project and available work packages. HBJV Construction Director, Oran McCloskey and his project team provided attendees with information on the project’s construction plus how to tender for the various works packages on the National Indoor Arena and future projects for HBJV.  Ninety new supply chain members registered to attend. 94% of those companies are from Ireland with 68% from the local area.

Speaking about the success of the event Oran said,

“HBJV now has a detailed local supply chain database that will provide HBJV and NSCDA with maximum cost efficiency and allow local SME’s to capitalise on the economic benefit of this Euro 50m construction project. Today HBJV found local SMEs with the relevant professional experience, requisite accreditations and customer-focused ethos which will enable them to become our supply chain partners.”

Also at the event was David Conway, CEO, NSCDA who gave an overview of the current and future plans for the National Sports Campus in Dublin and how the 200 Acre site will be developed to provide an environment which will preserve and cultivate sport in Ireland.

Tom Molloy, MD, CIS Ireland spoke about the upturn in the construction industry stating,

“We are confident to say, based on our knowledge and experience, what is coming through the construction pipeline and planning applications shows a steady recovery in the industry. A 26% increase in granted planning applications for the first five months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Over 500 construction projects planned in 2015 with an estimated cost of 11 billion.”

Tom Lehane, Employer Engagement Manager from the Department of Social Protection discussed the current skills shortages within the post-recession construction industry due to immigration, reduced training and diminished entrants into the industry. Tom and his team provided the local subcontractors and suppliers with information on how the Dept. of Social Protection can help overcome this deficit and the range of support and services that are provided at no cost including Recruitment and Employment, Grants and Assistance and Workplace Support Schemes.

The HBJV project team is looking forward to working with our new supply chain partners over the coming months.