The 80th anniversary of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is set to be marked next month at the Northern Ireland Construction Gala Dinner.

The star-studded black-tie dinner at Titanic Belfast, which will take place on March 27, will celebrate the country's construction heritage and look to the future of the industry, with celebrity guest Kevin McCloud of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, comedy from Neil Delamere and live music.

Launching the event, the CEF announced that the Gala will be proudly sponsored by civil engineering company Deane Public Works.

Janet Deane of Deane Public Works said: "We are a home-grown, family run business founded in 1967, with nearly 60 years in the industry. We are extremely proud to have been a part of the Northern Ireland construction sector for so long.

"We are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate the heritage, the successes and the achievements in 80 years of our sector, at this prestigious Gala Dinner. It will be a tremendous event."

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While reflecting on eight decades of historic construction, development and innovation, the event will also have an important forward-look to the future of the industry.

Mark Spence, CEO of CEF explained: "While the construction sector has come a long way in 80 years, one of the biggest challenges we face today is the same as in 1945; attracting skilled workers into a career in construction. We're working closely with FE colleges and universities on our Construction Futures programme, aimed at recruiting talented young people to take the sector forward.  

"We wanted to ensure that young people have a place in this Gala celebration, so we sought a sponsor to cover the cost of 30 places for students or apprentices attending the dinner. We were thrilled that Northstone jumped at the opportunity."

Steven Oldham of Northstone added: "We're really pleased to support the next generation of students and apprentices to attend this landmark gala event. Young people will be essential to the future of the construction sector in Northern Ireland. 

"They’ll play a vital part in shaping the future landscape of this place and it is essential that they see their place alongside the big names and businesses who have carved out the industry so far. We are looking forward to being the Next Generation sponsor at the Construction Gala Dinner, it’s set to be a fantastic celebration."

Tickets for the Gala Dinner are available by contacting the CEF on 02890 877143 or email Tracy Windrim: [email protected]