Suffolk: SJCC construction trades forum to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The group brings together together the professional construction bodies in the county including the National Federation of Builders, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Tomorrow’s event, at Trinity Park, Ipswich, will include the presentation of apprentice awards from the SJCC and craftsmanship awards from RIBA Suffolk.

Robert Norman, the current chairman of the SJCC and the managing director of Robert Norman Construction, based in Framlingham, said: “The SJCC awards supper has become the premier construction industry event for Suffolk.

“Each year, the number of entries for our apprenticeship awards grows, and what is particularly pleasing in our diamond anniversary year, is that we have received nominations from all of the colleges in the county running construction-based courses ? Lowestoft, Otley, Suffolk New and West Suffolk Colleges ? so many entries in fact that our shortlist stands at 30!”

John Norman, who retired as director for campus development for Suffolk New College in 2010 but still judges the RIBA Suffolk Craftsmanship Awards, a role he has played since 1993, added: “The SJCC awards supper presents the industry locally with an ideal opportunity to network and celebrate the best of Suffolk construction; both people and projects.

“Over the years, I have been immensely proud of excellent standards of skill and workmanship demonstrated by businesses and individuals in the county.”

As well as the annual supper, the SJCC acts as a collaborative forum at which industry-wide and local issues can be discussed, and where the collective opinions of its members can be represented and lobbied to national organisations, professional bodies, as well as the Government.