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About Today

The Construction Employers Federation is delighted to host its Annual Conference on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at Riddel Hall, Queen's University Belfast.

This inaugural event brings together stakeholders from across Northern Ireland's construction and built environment sector for a morning of insight, discussion and networking on the issues shaping the industry's future.

Hosted by Sarah Travers and featuring a keynote from Suzanne Hill, Business Strategist for AI, the conference will also mark the launch of CEF's 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly Election Manifesto, setting out the sector's priorities for the next mandate.

Join us for a programme of expert panel discussions spanning housing delivery, infrastructure investment, net zero, the future construction workforce, and the changing landscape of digital and AI in construction.

FULL AGENDA
ALL PANELLISTS
EXHIBITORS

CEF Manifesto Priorities 

Building the Conditions for Delivery 

CEF’s core manifesto priorities: 

Political stability: Agree a draft Programme for Government by May 2027 and consider institutional reforms to improve the functioning of devolved government. 

  • NI Water Funding

    NI Water Funding

    Deliver a legally binding commitment to NI Water’s PC28 funding and introduce an Infrastructure Levy to support development and environmental goals. 

  • Multi-Year Capital Budget

    Multi-Year Capital Budget

    Approve a three-year 2027–30 capital budget and explore additional funding through borrowing, governance changes, or alternative sources like tolling. 

  • Investment Strategy to 2050 

    Investment Strategy to 2050 

    Finalise a long-term strategy to enable major infrastructure projects and establish an independent Infrastructure Commission. 

  • Housing Delivery

    Housing Delivery

    With funding for NI Water secured, target completion of at least 10,000 new homes annually over the next fifteen years. 

  • Planning Reform

    Planning Reform

    Agree and implement an ambitious Planning and Infrastructure Bill to fix the planning system. 

  • Capital Funding

    Capital Funding

    Seek a regional deal with the UK Government for an Infrastructure Transformation fund to ensure continued confidence in NI Water’s capital funding. 

  • Political Stability

    Political Stability

    Agree a draft Programme for Government by May 2027 and pursue institutional reforms to improve the functioning of devolved government. 

  • Skills

    Skills

    Create a streamlined entry pathway that enables SMEs to take on apprentices and simplify the skills and qualification landscape. 

Download Manifesto