Belfast-based civil and structural engineering firm Doran Consulting has won the prestigious ICE National Communication Competition in Birmingham, beating 36 teams from all over the UK.

Organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the competition is aimed at under 35 year olds for developing good communication skills vital to success in today’s world of engineering. Based on the setting of a public meeting using a fictional scenario involving technical solutions, and the social and economic aspects of engineering work, entrants had to prepare a consultation strategy, produce a public information leaflet and present their case in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

All aged 26, the team of four from Doran Consulting chose the scenario of building a new parking scheme in a picturesque harbour town, which presented a range of social, environmental and sustainability problems to be overcome.

Commenting on the success, Simon Lamont of Doran Consulting said: "We relied less on fancy power point and gimmicks to get our points across.

"As it turned out, we did have the best solution and the judges seemed impressed with our in-depth understanding over a wide range of engineering issues. What you might call a good old fashioned presentation based on substance and good communication, rather than frills."

(NS/GK)