A TYRONE man has become the youngest ever winner of one of the construction industry’s most prestigious awards at a ceremony in Belfast.
Paul Marlow of Cookstown-based builders McAleer & Rushe was named ‘Construction Manager of the Year’ by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) at their annual ceremony at the Hilton hotel.
The CIOB is the largest and most influential professional body for construction in the world.
Mr Marlow – at just 30 years of age – was bestowed with the title following the completion of a £29 million student tower block in London, for which he was the project manager for McAleer & Rushe.
More than 80 finalists were in the running for the accolade, before Mr Marlow – a former Tyrone minor Gaelic player and 2004 All-Ireland winner – snatched the prize.
Not only was the Tyrone man the youngest ever winner in the award’s 39-year history, his success also marked the first time the victor came from an Northern Ireland-based firm.
Commenting on the event, Gerard Graham, chairman of the CIOB Belfast hub said it was a "terrific achievement" which "helps illustrate how construction professionals are using their skills to help companies compete successfully outside of their local market."
Mr Marlow said the win had left him "speechless" and it was down to the team behind him.
"My management style is bringing people on side and listening to what they have to say. Sometimes you do not have to shout to get things done, but I think it’s more important to work together to find solutions," he said.
"You’re only as good as your last completed project - you have to look for continual improvement."
