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CIF Membership Executive Bernardine Walsh outlines the benefits of membership for smaller contractors.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is your federation and it represents the entire industry. Small companies can access the same services as large businesses.
If you are a sole trader or small business owner, sometimes it can feel as though you’re on your own. Especially when it comes to things like knowing essential regulations, securing work through tendering and getting paid on time.
The CIF helps you to grow your business, prepare your business to compete smartly for work and to make sure your efforts are fairly rewarded.
The CIF can help your business by:
Saving you money by providing valuable information, expertise and insight in:
- Tendering and contracting
- Planning and development
- Industrial relations and HR Management
- Safety and Health
- Learning and development
Helping you secure work
Public and private sector clients seek out the CIF and CIRI logos if you’re tendering or operating in construction. CIF members benefit from being able to display the logo.
Getting you paid
If a difficulty arises during the contract period, whether on a public or private sector job, a small domestic refurbishment or a multi-million-euro scheme, we’ll help to sort it out. We offer a Payment Recovery Assistance Programme to help you get paid when you are getting nowhere on your own.
Explaining contracts
CIF staff have a detailed knowledge of the contracts in the industry including PW-CF, RIAI and IEI forms, associated sub-contracts as well as model forms and collateral warranty agreements.
Potentially saving you thousands in dealing with any Industrial relations issues
If you need us, we will represent you, free of charge, at meetings with the trade unions or at the Workplace Relations Commission or Labour Court at a fraction of the cost of a legal firm.
Connecting you with other companies in your region
As a CIF member, you’ll become a member of your local branch where you can network, access local knowledge and input into CIF national policy.
Informing you of the latest developments in the industry
Come to one of our briefings – we hold about 30 events each year on topics designed to help you and your business get ahead.
Providing you with mandatory training at discounted rates
You and your staff deal with lots of regulations and a competitive environment. Get access to quality training at reduced rates. Members get discounts off our core training programme.
Sourcing and Training Staff
CIF have extensive contact with Education Training Boards (ETB’s) and expertise in Apprenticeships and Traineeships and can assist in upskilling your workforce – also members have free access to advertising on www.cifjobs.ie and www.apprentices.ie
Covering the cost of your CIRI registration
We’ll pay your fee for registering on CIRI – the Construction Industry Register of Ireland. Soon, every company in the industry will have to become members, but the CIF membership will save you the €600 registration fee and you’ll be able to display the CIRI logo; a recognition of the competence of your business.
Managing your pensions and providing financial advice
The Construction Pension Administration Scheme provides CIF members with a comprehensive pension, life and illness cover at a price up to 60% lower than other pension providers.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the benefit of membership for your business further, please do not hesitate to call me on (01) 4066067 or drop me an email at [email protected]
