ISEA Solar Ireland Conference 2021

Tandem attended the ISEA Solar Ireland conference on 14th to 15th October. Some of the topics covered in the conference included energy policies, future planning, solar finance and zero carbon networks. Case studies on a utility and commercial scale showed some of the challenges and successes of solar projects undertaken in the last few years. Each topic was well presented and generated an engaging Q&A session at the end. Some of the main points highlighted at the conference:

  • Renewable electricity generation commitment increased from 70% to 80% as outlined in the National Development Plan.
  • Micro generation support scheme to be rolled out over the next year.
  • Relaxed glint and glare assessment requirements to be announced for 2022.
  • Electrification will be the most effective method for meeting commercial renewable energy targets.
  • Solar arrays should be sized to accommodate future demand which will increase as heat pumps and EV charging is integrated into commercial and residential settings.
  • Energy storage becoming more viable with potential feed in tariffs and the current high prices of electricity.
  • Larger PV systems should incorporate smart PV management with battery storage to avail of grid price variations throughout the day.

The conference was an excellent opportunity for networking and showcased some of the leading solar suppliers in the Irish market. Innovative solar systems were discussed along with the challenges involved in their planning and installation. One key positive is that Ireland has World leading renewable grid integration capabilities and there are ample solar projects already in operation around the world that Ireland can replicate and improve upon.

2021 Advance Graduate Programme

Tandem Project Management extends a very warm welcome to Anne-Marie Leahy, Brian Flahive, Matthew Davidson and Daniel Walsh who recently joined our 2021 Advance Graduate Programme.

Anne-Marie graduated from Munster Technological University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Bio-Pharmaceutical Engineering and joins Tandem as a Graduate Process Engineer. Brian graduated from Munster Technological University with a Bachelor of Business Information Systems and is working as a Digital Transformation Graduate. Matthew graduated from National University of Ireland Galway with a Bachelor of Science in Project & Construction Management and joins Tandem as a Graduate Project Controls Assistant. Daniel graduated from University College Cork with a Master of Engineering degree in Energy Engineering and joins Tandem as a Graduate Energy Engineer.

Advance is a three-year programme that aims to give graduates an insight into all aspects of the business in a structured and measured manner, to ensure graduates achieve as broad an experience as possible, on both a professional and personal level in these crucial first years of their career.

At the end of the programme, graduates will not only have gained significant experience in their chosen discipline, but they will also have gained exposure to other disciplines, client sites and many aspects of the project life cycle. This rounded approach will equip the graduates to advance their careers in the direction of their choice, while building on the knowledge they have gained to date.

Pharma Industry Awards 2021

Tandem is delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Pharma Supplier of the Year category of the Irish Pharma Industry Awards for the second year in a row.   

The Pharma Supplier of the Year award, sponsored by H2 Compliance, recognises the supplier that has provided a ‘best in class’ service, solution, product or goods to Ireland’s Pharmaceutical industry.

Congratulations and best wishes to the shortlisted nominees across all categories of the 2021 awards. Tandem looks forward to the awards ceremony on November 11th and participating in this celebration of excellence in the Irish pharmaceutical industry. 

ATMP / CGT Training in NIBRT

Tandem staff recently completed NIBRT’s ATMPs/CGT Training Course. Held over two days, the training was divided between classroom learning and practical sessions.

NIBRT delivered a solid grounding in the basics of ATMPs and CGTs and their advantages over existing treatments as well as the challenges that exist in manufacturing. The training then continued to offer deeper understanding of how these treatments provide benefit to the patients, their delivery methods, and their manufacturing process.

The practical sessions allowed trainees to apply the theory to a laboratory environment and demonstrated the entire process of scaling up cells from Cell Culture to Final Downstream Purification. The sessions delivered hands on experience of processes to simulate growing cells from cell culture through scale up in a Rocker up to a Stirred Tank reactor. Trainees then set up Downstream Bioprocessing equipment including Chromatography columns, Depth Filtration and UF/DF Skids to simulate the complete purification process.

The NIBRT ATMPs/CGT Training Course was hugely beneficial to the trainees, the skills and knowledge learned will enhance their future project work.

Cork Chamber Large Company of the Year Finalist

Tandem is thrilled to be selected as a finalist in the 2021 Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards.  To receive this recognition from the Chamber is a great honour and we are privileged to be counted amongst the finalists.


Congratulations to all of the finalists, we look forward to the ceremony on the 26th of May.

Spotlight on Services: Project Controls

The Tandem Project Controls team provides specialised expertise across project lifecycles to reduce client risk, improve value and deliver positive outcomes in all sectors of the built environment. Services include cost control, procurement, contract administration, risk management, scheduling and document control.

Through cost estimates Tandem will establish project viability and a robust baseline. It delivers value management and value engineering, lifecycle costing and cost forecasting. Tandem will estimate and plan costs to proactively manage the project budget, optimising cost performance from inception to completion. Tandem delivers and manages cost reports throughout the project lifecycle and manages cash flow forecasting.

Tandem will expertly schedule each phase of a project from concept, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning through to qualification, validation and operational readiness.  It delivers man-loaded schedules and S-Curves with weekly earned versus actual progress reporting. Tandem’s critical path analysis, progress updates, identification of slippage and development of recovery plans delivers clarity and transparency. Tandem develops portfolio scheduling for PMO’s and micro-schedules for complex areas of work where detailed coordination is required.

Tandem offer procurement services and will prepare tender packages for trade contractors and equipment vendors, it will perform tender walkdowns and lead bid clarification meetings. Tandem will undertake commercial and technical bid analysis, issuing award recommendations on tender reports, managing vendors and leading final negotiations.

Tandem will identify the most appropriate procurement and contracting strategies to minimise risk to time, cost and quality. It will prepare contractual documentation, ensuring all parties are familiar with their contractual obligations and remain compliant at all times. Tandem employs timely communication to ensure the smooth progression of the contract. Tandem will implement change management procedures that facilitate well informed decisions and ensure effective financial management. It will deliver certification of monthly valuations, assessment and agreement of contractual claims, assessment of contractor claims for delays and provide advice when assessing claims for any time extensions and costs for delays.

Tandem’s expertise in risk management delivers analysis of potential project risks. Tandem will develop risk mitigation strategies, maintain a Risk Register and regularly communicate the mitigation status with stakeholders. Tandem also implement controlled processes and practices for the creation, review, modification, issuance, distribution and accessibility of documents.