Take a seat in the Advice Theatre and hear from a panel of experts, hosted by Selfbuild Content Editor, Astrid Madsen. The Theatre offers an opportunity to gain invaluable insights from top experts and industry leaders on an array of crucial topics, curated to empower and guide you through your building, extending and renovating journey.
Features
See below topics which will be discussed by our panel of experts
Schedule
See below all the speakers who will be talking on the Advice Hub Theatre at this years Selfbuild Live Belfast
Panel Discussion
Gavin McGuire (FMB)
Neil Orr (Kudos)
Dainius Prakapavicius (iDomus Construction)
Panel Discussion
Micah Jones (Micah Jones Architect)
John Foley (Lifesize Plans)
Alfie Briggs
Alwood by Alfred Briggs
Lunch
Pete Cole
Pete Cole Consulting
Panel Discussion
Mark Chesney (Beam)
John Graham (Strathvac)
Andrew Acheson
Internorm
Damien Grant
DGC Speed Spray
Eoin Rylands
SIG
Panel Discussion
Mark Magennis (Unilin)
Andrew Rennie (Energystore)
Stephen Blakely
Blakely Interiors
Lunch
Mervyn McNeill
McNeill Architectural Consultancy
Panel Discussion
Neil Elliott (Future Renewables)
Stephen Lynam (Calor Gas)
Connor Couston
JP Corry
Sean Kinane
Myenergi
Mirek Podemski
Loft Style Ireland
Pete Cole
Pete Cole Consulting
Owen Clear
Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd
Lunch
Panel Discussion
Matt Kinlock (SONAS Bathrooms)
Darrel (Spectrum Bathrooms )
Panel Discussion
Openreach
Lisa O'Neill (NIE Networks)
Francis Magee (Viltra)
Neil Elliott
Future Renewables
Panel Discussion
Andrew McKee (Start Solar)
Neil Elliott (Future Renewables)
Advice Theatre Host
Astrid is the editor of Selfbuild Magazine and Selfbuild.ie and will be our theatre compere for the weekend.
Astrid previously held a similar role at an Irish trade publication, before that she worked at the National Standards Authority of Ireland. She graduated with a BA in Urban Studies from Columbia University in New York and holds an MBA from the Instituto de Estudios Bursatiles in Madrid. Originally from France, Astrid now lives in Portarlington, County Laois, where she has taken on the task of renovating a listed building!
Panel of Experts
See below our panel of experts who will be on stage to discuss areas of interest that will be of benefit to you and your project. Q&A will be offered in this engaging feature of the event.
McNeill Architectural Consultancy
Mervyn has over 40 years experience in Architecture, Planning and Project Management, both in the private sector for private bespoke dwellings, housing developments and commercial buildings, etc. Mervyn holds 4 chartered qualifications in Architecture, Surveying, Building Engineering and Project Management and is a Fellow of 3 of these professional institutes.
In private practice Mervyn became an associate of a Chartered Architects practice at the age of 25. He then moved to the public sector and reached the level of Head of Building and Assistant Director of Estates Services.
Throughout his career, his passion has always been architectural design, project management and building legislation including a particular interest in Planning legislation.
Internorm Windows UK Ltd
Andrew Acheson joined Internorm in 2020 and is responsible for the Ireland region. He has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry and has worked for several global companies, most recently for Saint-Gobain.
Viltra
Francis Magee is a qualified Environmental Engineer with 15 years experience of providing wastewater treatment and pumping solutions.
Through his knowledge of environmental regulations, he can assist clients obtain the required environmental statutory approvals for new build and renovation projects.
Once statutory approvals are granted, Francis can assist clients select the most suitable wastewater option for their site to ensure regulatory compliance.
Future Renewables
"Neil Elliott is one of Northern Ireland's pioneers in renewable energy systems having established his business, Future Renewables, in 2009. With a wealth of experience gained from thousands of domestic, commercial and agri-business installations and advisory consultations, Neil has the breadth of knowledge to cover the full renewable energy spectrum from solar PV, heat pumps, wind turbines to hydro systems.
For those on a self-build journey, Neil can provide timely advice on engineering a bespoke system into your project to future proof your energy needs."
Loft Style Ireland
Strathvac
My name is John Graham, I am managing director of Strathvac Ltd. I formed Strathvac in 2008 as supplying & installing central vacuum systems whilst working offshore as a crane engineer. I eventually left my engineers position & concentrated on the business by going Ltd company. In 2011 we expanded, supplying & installing laundry chutes in the UK and Ireland https://www.easylinelaundrychutes.com. In 2022 we installed our 1st laundry jet which has now progressed to all the UK & recently Ireland.
Energystore
Andrew has been working in the insulation business for almost 30 years. He has a broad knowledge of products and systems available in this sector. Andrew works in both Northern and Southern Ireland and specializes in Retrofitting of existing properties to bring them up to a higher standard.
Micah T Jones Architect
Micah Jones graduated from the University of Ulster in Belfast. Micah completed his Master of Architecture there before he studied for RIBA part 3 at Queens University Belfast. Establishing the practice in 2012, Micah T Jones Architect is registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and is a chartered member of the RIBA & RSUA.
Lifesize Plans Leinster Limited
John is a Director of Lifesize Plans Leinster Limited. John is a qualified construction professional with over 20 years’ experience in the built environment. He is passionate about people, business, construction & engineering. He has a vast range of knowledge gained from his international experience in the built environment over his career to date. These span an array of interlinked disciplines, namely Architecture, Surveying, Civil & Structural Engineering, Main Contracting, Specialist Subcontracting, Offsite Manufacture, Project Engineering, Project Co-Ordination, Design Management, Bid Management, Project Management & Contract Management.
Carlanto
CEO of Carlanto Tiles & Bathrooms based on the Boucher Road. Carlanto Tiles + Bathrooms takes pride in offering a complete bespoke service alongside some of the world’s leading tile brands. Our aim is to design a space that reflects each and every individual’s specific requirements.
iDomus - Engineered Timber Construction
Dainius Prakapavicius is qualified BTech Construction Site Manager, running his own company iDomus Construction since 2009. With experience in variety of different construction jobs and various project, Dainius now works only with Mass Timber construction for the last 6 years. He has completed extensive professional upskilling in Germany 2014 -2016.
Alwood
Alfie Briggs serves as the Manager at Alwood Kitchens in Lurgan. With an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Alfie has been instrumental in upholding and advancing the esteemed reputation of Alwood Kitchens. His management style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that every kitchen project not only meets but exceeds client expectations.
NIE Networks
Lisa O'Neill graduated with a First-Class Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queen's University. She has 12 years’ experience within the Electricity industry, with 10 years of that being in roles mainly focusing on facilitating Renewable Generation onto network.
Lisa is currently designated as Connection Strategy Manager. This role is responsible for Generation and Major demand projects from the initial application stage right through to construction. As well as this she is responsible for NIE Network’s Connection Development department which drives change internally and externally to ensure that NIE Networks is best placed to meet the evolving needs of customer connections.
myenergi Ireland
Extensive experience in the EV charging and Solar space having also worked for some of the worlds leading software and digital advertising companies (LinkedIn, TikTok and HubSpot to name a few). Currently the Head of Sales for myenergi Ireland working alongside incredible team of 15 people here in Ireland. Roles and responsibilities include working closely with Irelands leading electrical and solar wholesalers, installers, utility companies (Developing grid flexibility programs) and home owners as they look for guidance when it comes to installing charging and solar infrastructure.
Kilwaughter Minerals
Owen Clear has been working with K Rend for nearly 4 years gaining a vast array of experience and knowledge across all Kilwaughter group products which specialise in through coloured render and external wall insulation systems. For the past 4 years Owen has been delivering CPDs and providing technical specification support and advice to architects and specifiers across the Ireland South sales region, with a strong background in the self-build market
Sonas Bathrooms
Matt Kinloch is Retail Area Sales Manager for SONAS. He works with bathroom retailers across Northern Ireland to specify bathroom products for new home builds and commercial projects. Matt has become immersed in the bathroom industry over the past four years and is now an expert in all aspects of bathroom design and product selection.
If you are planning a new build or renovation of an existing bathroom, Matt will provide you with valuable advice and tips to take some of the stress out of the process. He will also direct you to your local SONAS stockist who you can place your order through.
SIG
Eoin is National Technical Manager and has worked for SIG for 5 years in the Technical Building Solutions team. He has expertise in Passive Fire Protection, Thermal calculations, Acoustics and Building Regulations. The Technical Building Solutions team and Eoin offer advice and assistance to both self builders and professionals in the construction industry on a wide range of issues.
Blakley Interiors
Stephen Blakely is the Creative Director at Blakely Interiors with over 25 years experience in residential and commercial interior design.
Recently featured as one of Northern Ireland’s top Interior design Companies on the BBC NI Beautiful Interiors, Stephen at his team are working on projects, large and small all over Ireland and the UK.
Known to be considerate of Clients taste, personality and Lifestyle would be one of the keys of success for Stephen and the team.
Coupled with extensive knowledge and a full in-house manufacturing facility provides the backbone for their success.
Thriving on simple room renovation or a complete new build, the team at Blakely believes that the relationship between the designer and the client unlocks the full potential of any project.
Pete Cole Consulting
If you could benefit from advice from Chartered Building Engineer, Chartered Builder, Chartered S & H Practitioner, Building Surveyor, Clerk of Works, Construction Inspector, or an Expert Witness then Pete can help you.
Pete Cole Consulting provides professional hands-on practical knowledge-based advice, to building contractors, property developers, designers and clients of the construction industry.
At the show Pete will offer the following advice:
• General Advice - advise on how to avoid the pitfalls when procuring the build, where to look for the best tradesmen, what red flags to look out for, how to best protect people working for you in terms of H&S.
• Contracts – what you need to have in place to ensure that you are best covered? Who can help with this?
• Plans - Review of your plans, a second opinion, thoughts on your project, how you intend to use the space, and thoughts on future proofing your home.
• Disputes - how to avoid disputes during and after your build. What contracts, checks and other things can you put in place to ensure the build goes as smoothly as possible.
• CDM Regulations NI – advice on the requirements and legal responsibilities you have under this legislation and how to make sure you comply.
• Clerk of Works Role – when you should employ someone to do this job, what does a Clerk of Works do and what are their responsibilities, who do they report to and how they can ensure that the build is being done within the regulations.
Pete will chat to Astrid Madsen in the Advice Hub Theatre on:
Friday at 2.45pm & Sunday at 11.45am
https://www.petecole.com/
https://snagyourhome.house/
info@petecole.com
02890 538253
Federation of Master Builders
REGIONAL director for FMB working for 25 years within the industry to raise standards and quality
DGC Speedspray
Owner founder at Dgc Speedspray with a background in domestic commercial and industrial coatings we have made the move to specialise in airless spraying of private new build properties, with an aim to provide an informative, high quality value for money service to self builder and contractor alike, we are well equipped with over 15 years of service under our belt and hundreds of happy customers you are in safe hands with Dgc speedspray.
Give us a call on 07825628462 to find out more about the service we provide or even just the best time to get us booked in. Alternatively drop us an email with you plans and site address to get the ball rolling.
Calor Gas,
- Working in the Energy Industry for the past 14 years
- Working with Calor for 12 of those years.
- Current position in Calor: All-Island Domestic Sales Manager.
- Background Experience in Industrial & Commercial Sales & Sales Management, and as a Home Energy consultant.
JP Corry
Specialist Sales Manager
Connor has over 25 years of experience within the construction industry and a wealth of expertise working closely with architects, specifiers, contractors and self-build customers to offer expert advice and technical guidance on a wide range of JP Corry’s specialist site products.
Overseeing the specification team, Connor has provided solutions for self-build, SME and large contractors helping them with SAP assessments to attain compliance for building controls utilising JP Corry's specification products.
Connor also specialises in brick and has been instrumental in bringing the Belfast Brick Bunker to Belfast!
