FIVE years ago The Irish Post launched its annual construction magazine Building Britain.
Its aim was simple - to report on the impact the construction industry has on Britain and the Irish people who were leading the way with imaginative and far-reaching projects in towns and cities around the country.
Half a decade later and the Irish continue to play an essential role from site level to the boardrooms of some of Britain’s biggest building firms.
Building Britain Editor and Irish Post Editor-in-Chief Siobhán Breatnach said: "This can be seen throughout the pages of this year’s issue with projects such as Crossrail, the Farnworth Tunnel and The Stage in Shoreditch showcasing the incredible skill and work rate of the Irish.
"But while we celebrate this success we acknowledge too those who play a supportive role to people in need in an industry that, according to British Government figures, contributes £103billion to the economy and 2.1million jobs."
This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Lighthouse Club, a charity that has donated over £15million to thousands of construction workers and their families suffering from illness or the effects of an accident.
Building Britain 2016, out this week, features the charity's Chairman, and Managing Director of Canary Wharf contractors Ltd, Cormac MacCrann who speaks passionately about the challenges facing the construction industry.
We also interview Cavan man Seán Fitzpatrick, whose company VGC Group was one of a number of Irish-owned and founded companies taking pride of place this year in the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report.
In this year's Building Britain:
- Out and about with The London Irish Construction Network
- O'Donovan Waste Disposal recycling facility launch
- British Irish Trade Alliance picture special
- Report: How a Brexit could affect the construction industry
