Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has highlighted the importance of promoting best practice and innovation within the local construction industry.

Addressing building industry delegates at the launch of the Constructing Excellence Northern Ireland (CEni) Demonstrations Projects, in Belfast, he said: "Given the current uncertainties within the construction industry, it is more important than ever that innovation and continuous improvement remain central to business delivery."

Mr Dodds lauded the clients, contractors and designers involved in the four selected demonstration projects, which will share best practice within the industry and encourage local firms to share knowledge and learn from each other in order to perform better.

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He said: "By funding Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland for three years, Government is assisting the industry to develop and enhance the skills necessary to deliver innovative solutions that represent best value for money.

Mr Dodds encouraged the local industry to engage with Constructing Excellence and benefit from Government, industry and academia working together strategically.

In recognition of the importance of small and medium sizes enterprises to the Northern Ireland economy, a Construction Industry Forum Procurement Task Group was established last December to consider the principles to be applied to future public sector construction procurement including how to further maximise the opportunities for SMEs.

The Minister has recently revealed that locally owned firms secure over 90% of Government construction contracts in Northern Ireland.

He said: "I am always very impressed by the quality of the Northern Ireland construction industry - an industry with energy and resilience and I look forward to continuing to work with you all to develop the economy of Northern Ireland."

(PR/JM)