Irish Post Companies 100 2023

Contents Success stories

04 Irish rms that are leading the way in Britain Companies100 2023

20-21

The business of baking Dee Rettali reveals how she cultivated a successful culinary career

26

Golden celebrations

Major milestone for Gallagher Group after 50 years in business

38 Who, what, where…

All the details for the companies featured in this year’s list

Founded in 2021 by Hugh Sheehy, John Goodbody, Professor Robert Shorten, Dr Pietro Ferraro and Andrew Cullen, the electric vehicle charging start-up Go Eve has an ambitious and optimistic outlook.

The joint University College Dublin (UCD) and Imperial College London (Imperial) spin-out, plans to revolutionise the charging of electric vehicles – and it has the technology to do it.

WELCOME back to your annual Companies 100 magazine.

For 2023 we have no less than 19 new entries to the list, showcasing a vibrant mix of organisations with a wide range of o erings that have been making an impact across the country.

Some are start-ups which have spotted a gap in the market and provided a solution.

Others are longer standing rms who have achieved sustained growth within their sectors over many years.

They join our already weighty list of businesses run or owned by Irish people providing market-leading services across a range of industries.

For our cover star Dee Rettali, her business was destined to be in the world of baking.

With a passion for her craft, the west Cork native was determined to follow a path that would allow her to do what she loved for a living.

Today, after years of training and many more years working as a professional baker, the culinary entrepreneur is on her third business.

Her Fortitude Bakehouse is based in London’s Bloomsbury.

There, she and her partner, business co-founder Jorge Fernandez, are doing a roaring trade, with Rettali’s innovative approach to baking keeping the customers ocking to their doors.

Established in 2018, it weathered the Covid crisis and is now looking forward to expanding with additional branches.

Elsewhere a similarly innovative but far longer standing Irish rm is celebrating a milestone year in 2023.

The Gallagher Group has now been operating for 50 years.

Having completed a successful pilot installation of their product at the Imperial campus in November 2022, earlier this year the firm secured £3million in their first funding round.

“For EVs to replace fossil-fuel cars, charging needs to be faster, lower cost, more widely available and most efficiently use available grid capacity,” says CEO Hugh Sheehy.

Founded by visionary Leitrim native Pat Gallagher in 1973, the rm, which operates within the construction, aggregates and property development sector, has gone from strength to strength ever since.

“Our technology does all these things, which is why we see a future with rapid charging in every space.”

Editor:

Production: Joe

Advertising: Dara

It continues to pride itself on its achievements and the team it has built over ve decades.

It continues to pride itself on its achievements and the team it has built over ve decades.

“I have been fortunate to employ some of the best people in the industry,” Mr Gallagher admits.

industry,”

Regarding their anniversary year, he adds: “I’m extremely proud of our history and excited for the future.”

Our 2023 list con rms, once again, that whether it’s in construction, retail, hospitality, or any of the many other sectors in between, when Irish rms are founded success is never far behind.

Regarding their anniversary year, he adds: “I’m extremely proud of our history and excited for the future.” other sectors in between, when Irish rms are founded success is never far behind.

Fiona Audley Contributing Editor

The Irish Post

Cover image by Sophie Davidson

Go Eve CEO Hugh Sheehy

Companies100 2023

Addington (Formwork) Ltd

AJE Facades Ltd

Amplify Donations Ltd

Ardent Tide Ltd

Ardmore Group

Ballymore Group

Barhale Ltd

Brady Mallalieu Architects Ltd

Byrne Group Ltd

Cara Personnel Employment Ltd

Cara Stationery and Office Supplies Ltd

Carey Group Plc

Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd

The Clancy Group Plc

Cleshar

Clifford Devlin Ltd

Coffey

Coinford

The Color Company (TM) Ltd

Conneely Group – Drylining & Facades Ltd

Cully & Sully

Danny Sullivan Group Ltd

Dornan Engineering Services Ltd

Eastgate Engineering Services Ltd

Element Pictures Ltd

Etag Fixtures Ltd

Eulogy Ltd

Evans Mockler Ltd

Fortitude Bakehouse

Foundation Developments Ltd

Gallagher Group Ltd

Galldris Group

Galvin Restaurants

Glencar Construction Ltd

Glenman Corporation Ltd

Go Eve Ltd

Green & Fortune Ltd

Greencoats Ltd

Ground Construction Ltd (GCL)

Horohoe Construction

ID-PAL

The Irish Post

JB Structures

J Coffey Group Ltd

J Ffrench Ltd

JJ Rhatigan & Co. Ltd

John Reilly (Civil Engineering) Ltd

John Sisk & Son Ltd

Joseph Gallagher Ltd

JRL Group Ltd

Kaybridge Construction (Barnet) Ltd

Kelly Group Ltd

Keltbray Group (Holdings) Ltd

Kiely Group

Kilhan Construction Ltd

George Killoughery Ltd (Killoughery)

KMCO Group Ltd

Kylemore Services Ltd

Laing O’Rourke Plc

L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage Ltd

Masterson Holdings Ltd

Maylim Ltd

McGurk Group Ltd

MGBC Ltd

MPB Structures Ltd

MPD Civils Group

MPG Contracts Ltd

Munnelly Support Services Ltd (Munnelly Group)

J. Murphy & Sons Ltd (Murphy Group)

Myrtle Restaurant Ltd

O’Connell Building Contractors Ltd

O’Donovan (Waste Disposal) Ltd

OHOB Holdings Ltd

O’Kane Irish Foods

Oliver Connell & Son Ltd

O’Neill and Brennan Construction Ltd

O’Shea’s Butchers Ltd

Paul Costelloe and Sons Ltd

P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd

PF Cusack (Tool Supplies) Ltd

PHD Access

PJ Hegarty & Sons Ltd

Platt & Reilly UK Ltd

Pod-Trak Ltd

Powerday Plc

Pump Technology Ltd

Richard Corrigan Restaurants Ltd

Rochford Construction Ltd

Rocks Oysters

ROL Construction Ltd

Roskerry Building Services Ltd

SR Studio 93 Ltd (Simone Rocha)

Stonebridge Contracting Solutions

Super 8 Restaurants Ltd

Tacos Padre Ltd

Tallow & Ash Ltd

Toureen Group Ltd

Trullo Ltd

Ufurnish

VGC Group Ltd

Providing people, delivering projects

Maylim is a leading landscaping contractor dedicated to delivering outstanding projects where people and nature can thrive. We are expanding our team and looking for talented individuals who share our vision.

We have a range of exciting opportunities available across various roles, all of which contribute to the successful delivery of our projects. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, we would love to hear from you!

Email careers@maylim.co.uk to find out more.

ADDINGTON (FORMWORK) LTD

SECTOR: Specialised Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Michael Corcoran

FOUNDED: 1979

STAFF: 650

TURNOVER: £23m

Addington (Formwork) Ltd is a family-run reinforced concrete frame and substructure contractor that provides services to both large and small-scale projects. The company operates predominantly across the south east, south west and the midlands. Addington undertakes all forms of concrete frame construction and associated groundworks operations in all sectors, including commercial, residential developments, hotels, schools, shopping centres, hospitals, and leisure facilities. In its most recent nancial report, the rm claimed it was positive for the anniversary year that lies ahead. “As we enter our 45th year in business, we continue to expect the strength of our company, with its strong and liquid balance sheet, and our dedicated and experienced team and reputation in our sectors to continue the delivery of a consistent, timely and quality service to our valued customers and to generate pro t and positive cash ows going forward,” they stated.

AJE FACADES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Joel McInern

FOUNDED: 2012

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

AJE Facades Ltd continues to provide clients with a unique source of specialised facade services, allowing the latest technology and cladding nishes to be adapted and integrated into any size of project. The senior management team has a wealth of experience and continues to expand their specialised capabilities. AJE’s clients include, amongst others, Ballymore Group, Bennett Construction, Formation Design & Build, the BBC, and Berkley Group. Current and recently completed projects include White City, Brentford Waterside, Ashley Gardens and Eden Grove. AJE Facades celebrated its 10th Anniversary in November 2022. “We wish to thank all our sta , supply chain

partners and our loyal client base who have all played a part in the company’s growth and success over the last decade,” they state. “We look forward to further exciting times in the years ahead.”

AMPLIFY DONATIONS LTD

SECTOR: Finance

FOUNDERS: Conor O'Laoire, David Beaky

FOUNDED: 2021

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Formally launched in 2021, Amplify is on a mission to transform the climate action of every sustainable purchase. The brainchild of Irish co-founders Conor O'Laoire and David Beaky, the donations app allows shoppers to earn free, personalised, climate donations from their spending. Explaining the inspiration for their business, Mr O’Laoire said: “The impact the climate crisis is having on us today is both disheartening and worrying. We launched Amplify with an overall goal of putting the donation power in the hands of the customer.”

He added: “One silver lining from the pandemic has been the increased shift towards conscious consumerism, which showed us that so many people and businesses alike are already taking action against climate change. Giving back now also plays an important role in corporate social responsibility strategies for businesses of all sizes, and so creating a customer-driven donation app that supports climate causes seemed like the perfect t to assist both enterprises and individual consumers.”

The rm, which was launched in Dublin and is supported by Enterprise Ireland, also has an o ce in London.

ARDENT TIDE LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTOR: Dermot O’Grady

FOUNDED: 2010

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Ardent Tide is one of the largest CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) outsourcing companies in the UK. Its senior management team are all

professional accountants with each having over 30 years’ experience as accountants and tax advisors for the construction industry. The company provides a nationwide service to construction businesses ensuring legal compliance and tax certainty when engaging subcontractor temporary labour. Directors Dermot O'Grady, David Power and Brian Byrne are responsible for client relationships and new business development, operations and compliance and nancial control respectively, supported by six heads of operational departments within the north London company. Dermot O’Grady is actively involved in many not-for-pro t organisations including BITA, the Lighthouse Club Construction Charity, the Kerry Association and the West London Irish Society.

ARDMORE GROUP

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS/MANAGING DIRECTORS: Cormac Byrne, Patrick Byrne

FOUNDED: 1974

STAFF: 360

TURNOVER: £435m (to Sept 2021)

Family-owned and operated, Ardmore was established in 1974. The Irish rm specialises in unlocking large scale complex projects through their direct delivery capability, technical and engineering expertise, and proactive approach to managing risk. To date, Ardmore has designed and built some of the UK’s most signi cant projects while establishing an unrivalled reputation as one of the country's leading residential and hotel builders. Their traditional, hands-on approach to construction puts them at the heart of the action, meaning clients bene t from Ardmore’s direct supply chain control; cutting down on waste, saving time, and making their money go further. Sta also bene t from the stability, commitment and exibility of a family business, the extensive technical and specialist support of the rm’s direct supply chain, and the opportunity to help shape some of the country's most exciting construction projects. While their record-breaking turnover of £435million for the year to September 2022 was an increase on their 2021 gure (£404million) it was less than the £550million they had predicted for the year. They attribute the shortfall to delays on four of the rm’s pipeline projects – with delay to start dates or “construction delayed by others".

BALLYMORE GROUP

SECTOR: Property Development

FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN: Sean Mulryan

FOUNDED: 1982

STAFF: 800

TURNOVER: N/A

Sean Mulryan’s property development rm continues to go from strength to strength with multiple projects underway across Britain and Ireland. The Kildare native, who founded Ballymore Group in 1982, named his family-owned rm after the small Co. Kildare town of Ballymore Eustace, where he designed and built his rst house. Earlier this year the rm gave an update on its Guinness Quarter project in Dublin. Ballymore is working with Guinness owners Diageo to open the gates at the St James’s Gate brewery to the people of Dublin for the rst time in over 200 years, with one of the most exiting regeneration schemes in Europe. Their planned mixed-used residential/commercial development represents the second chapter for St James’s Gate, which has been the home of Guinness since 1759. Located in central Dublin, just stops away from the city’s great landmarks, entertainment venues, education centres and key transportation hubs, this project is set to create new public spaces for this area of the city while preserving new life into valued heritage assets. “It is unusual for a drink to mean so

much to so many, but Guinness has become far more than a brand,” Mulryan said. “It has become a symbol for Ireland: an icon of heritage for people all over the world. St James’s Gate has over 260 years of history, and so, we have a unique responsibility to ensure that when that famous gate opens, it opens to a place synonymous with good times and memorable experiences.” Sustainability is at the core of Ballymore’s Guinness Quarter project, with the rm planning to see it become the rst zero carbon district in Dublin.

BARHALE LTD

SECTOR: Civil Engineering

CHAIRMAN: Dennis Curran

CEO: Martin Brown

FOUNDED: 1980

STAFF: 900+

TURNOVER: £109m

Founded by Dennis Curran more than 40 years ago, Barhale is a civil engineering and infrastructure specialist which was initially set up as a specialist tunnelling contractor.

Tunnelling remains a core service o ered by the rm, and repeated success in several other sectors has seen it grow to become one of the largest privately owned infrastructure specialists in Britain. Earlier this year, the rm published its 2022 gures, revealing that in the 12 months to June 2022, it turned over £109million. Since then, it has continued to win and complete lucrative contacts across Britain and earlier this year the rm was recognised for its health and safety commitments. In April 2023 Barhale won a RoSPA President’s Health and Safety Award, which is given to those rms who have achieved 13 consecutive Gold awards, for “its commitment to health and safety excellence and dedication to ensuring its sta get home safely at the end of every working day”. Regarding their award, Andy Dodman, Barhale’s HSEQ Director, said: “The con rmation of this award, for the 13th consecutive year, demonstrates the positive safety culture within our business where our people continue to maintain the highest standards in health and safety practice consistently, year on year. This award shows the commitment our people have every day in keeping our standards at the highest possible levels, ensuring everyone working for the business returns home safe and well after every working day.”

BRADY MALLALIEU ARCHITECTS LTD

SECTOR: Architecture, Urban Design & Interior Design

FOUNDERS: Robin Mallalieu, Angela Brady OBE

FOUNDED: 1987

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

With over 30 years in business, Brady Mallalieu Architects continues to win plaudits for its high-quality projects that lead on sustainability, from new-build and retro tting projects, to high end o ce t out projects and master-planning town and village projects in the UK and Ireland. Brady Mallalieu Architects have o ces in London and West Cork. Current work includes new housing and special needs projects for Islington Council and regular private clients in London. In Ireland BMA are working on innovative housing projects for Carberry H A and on the Myross Wood House CECAS centre with Green Skibbereen in West Cork and are also working on a number of local projects.

BYRNE GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Construction, Project Management

FOUNDER: Johnny Byrne

CEO: Michael Byrne

MANAGING DIERCTOR: Paul Foley

FOUNDED: 1973

STAFF: 1,500+

TURNOVER: £153m

Recognised as one of Britain’s premier concrete frame contractors, the

Barhale Chairman Dennis Curran

Byrne Group’s Philip Beausang

Ballymore Group’s Sean Mulryan (right) pictured with Diageo Ireland’s Managing Director Oliver Loomes at their Guinness Quarter project Pic: Ballymore

Byrne Group was founded by Irish brothers Johnny and Patsy Byrne in 1969 as Byrne Bros. In 1973 Byrne Group was formed to support the activities of Byrne Bros. This was subsequently joined by the Group’s new build, refurbishment and t-out contractor Ellmer in 1977, allowing the rm to o er the full spectrum of construction services. Today the group of companies work across a multitude of sectorsincluding commercial, retail, residential, infrastructure, stadia and leisure and hospitality, for public and private clients. Earlier this year Byrne Bros appointed Philip Beausang as its new Managing Director. The 40-year-old has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, working across the civil engineering, building and infrastructure sectors. Mr Beausang rst joined Byrne Bros in 2011 as a Project Manager on the Heathrow Terminal 2B development. Since taking up his role on the Board of Byrne Bros he has led the construction of complex commercial, infrastructure and residential contracts including; The Peninsula Hotel, Wood Wharf, One Nine Elms and Euston Station. Byrne Group CEO Michael Byrne said of the appointment: “It is with great pleasure that Phil Beausang has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Byrne Bros. For more than a decade he has been an integral part of our success and has the energy and skills to lead the business going forward. His experience will be invaluable in delivering on our long-term strategy and in continuing to provide the highest standards of safety, quality and e ciency for our clients.”

CARA PERSONNEL EMPLOYMENT LTD

SECTOR: Recruitment

DIRECTOR: Julie O’Neill

FOUNDED: 1988

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Established in 1988, Cara Personnel has grown steadily over the years to become one of London’s leading privately-owned recruitment agencies. The rm prides itself on its expertise in recruitment in the accounts, administration, banking and construction sectors. “Our success is a result of our professional approach, combined with a genuine interest in the needs of our clients and the careers of our candidates,” the rm states. “Many of our clients have been working with us for over 20 years – they come back to us again and again because our priority is nding the right solution (not just any solution) to their sta ng requirements.”

CARA STATIONERY AND OFFICE SUPPLIES LTD

SECTOR: O ce Supplies, O ce Fitout

FOUNDER: Gerry Keany

FOUNDED: 1996

STAFF: 15+

TURNOVER: N/A

Chartered accountant Gerry Keany established Cara Stationery in 1996. Initially the rm was a traditional o ce supplies business, but it has gradually broadened its scope. This year the rm celebrates 27 years in business. A sister company Cara Furniture Services has won numerous accolades for its o ce furniture installations, especially on the prestigious HS2 site in Denham which was completed on time in May 2021. Although still a traditional o ce products business, diversi cation means that Cara Stationery may be supplying branded golf products on Monday and installing a water cooler system for a client on Tuesday. Other services provided include printing and promotional products. Some 75 per cent of their clients are involved in the construction industry and recruitment. The rm counts numerous Irish companies among its clients and is a proud supporter of the Aisling Foundation.

CAREY GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Design, Demolition, Enabling, Civil Engineering, Sub and Superstructures, Public Realm, Dry Lining

CHAIR: Fiona O’Donnell

FOUNDED: 1969

STAFF: 850

TURNOVER: £354m

Founding brothers John, Tom and Pat Carey, from Ballyporeen in Co. Tipperary, established the Carey Group over 50 years ago. Their aspirations at the time were re ective of the values of the Carey

Group today – to care about everything they did, to act with humility in all interactions, to be passionate about their work and be authentic at all times. The Carey Group remains a family-owned construction business, operating across the UK. Throughout the years, the Carey Group have remained committed to delivering on their promises, respecting clients, o ering innovative solutions and producing the highest-quality work in safe environments. These are the core principles set by their founders, ones the group has never wavered from which help them to ful l their ultimate vision to be the most trusted and socially responsible construction company, that people are proud to work with.

This year the Group has worked across a range of projects which are fundamental to the fabric of the UK’s infrastructure. Highlights include Shepperton Studios, Gravenhill, 1 Leadenhall, Port of Tilbury, West eld and Skelton Grange Energy from Waste Facilities and Perry Barr. The Carey Group’s strong approach is underpinned by robust nancial management, continuous investment in their people, specialist equipment and strategic assets and their long-standing culture of teamwork - creating the very best environments for their people.

CHARLES STREET BUILDINGS (LEICESTER) LTD

SECTOR: Property Development, Investment

CHAIRMAN/CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Hugh P Murphy

FOUNDED: 1961

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The Charles Street Buildings Group grew out of Murphy Bros Ltd, a civil engineering business created by Armagh-born brothers Hughie and Paddy Murphy in 1945. Now led by Hugh P Murphy, son of Paddy and nephew of Hughie, the business comprises Charles Street Buildings and nine fully owned subsidiary companies, which together own over 6,300,000 sq ft of investment property spread across all sectors and throughout the UK. Their property portfolio includes prime locations such as Curzon Street in London, Grafton Street in Dublin and the Great Central Square development in Leicester, which consists of two hotels, prestigious o ce space and a stylish conversion of the former Great Central Railway Station.

THE CLANCY GROUP

SECTOR: Infrastructure

CHAIRMAN: Kevin Clancy

CEO: Matt Cannon

FOUNDED: 1958

STAFF: 2,200+

TURNOVER: £293m (to April 2022)

With over sixty years’ experience and a workforce of over 2,200, Clancy is one of the largest privately owned construction rms in the UK. Founded by Irishman Michael Clancy in 1958, today it is headed up by Chairman Kevin Clancy and CEO Matt Cannon. Earlier this year the rm was awarded a multi-million pound contract with Gigaclear to deliver a bre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network upgrade to approximately 7,000 properties across Surrey - marking the civils specialist’s rst major contract award in the sector. Clancy will manage the installation of bre from Gigaclear’s telecoms exchange to customers’ premises, delivering new connections to households across the county. Technicians are being trained through Clancy’s in-house skills platform Clancy Academy as the business expands its work in telecoms. The family-owned business further plans to form a specialised training centre at its site in Dartford to develop the telecoms skills needed for the ambitious bre roll-out – which would make the business one of just a handful in the UK with this in-house training capability to lead the way in industry standards. Ronan Clancy, executive director at Clancy, said the new contract re ected the growing prioritisation of telecoms as an essential service and would complement the business’ longstanding partnerships in water and energy utilities. “Clancy’s more than 60 years of expertise in utilities and civils, together with our direct employment and training model, means we’re well placed to support the large-scale expansion of bre across the UK,” he said.

CLESHAR

SECTOR: Rail

FOUNDERS: Michael Horgan, Damien Tiernan

FOUNDED: 1993

STAFF: 1400

TURNOVER: £75m

Cleshar is a principal contractor delivering a wide range of multi-disciplinary services across the rail infrastructure. Founded in 1993, the rm’s highly experienced workforce delivers rail infrastructure services which include track, welding, power, mechanical and electrical, signalling, civils and planned and reactive maintenance services. “We are committed to working with our clients and partners to ensure a reliable, safe, and e cient network,” they con rm. “Our in-house training department, Infrastructure Training Services, delivers specialist Network Rail, London Underground, construction and health and safety training.”

CLIFFORD DEVLIN LTD

SECTOR: Demolition, Building, Asbestos Management

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Tim Cli ord

FOUNDED: 1962

Clifford Devlin were awarded the prestigious RoSPA Gold Award this year

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £10.2m

Cli ord Devlin was co-founded by Cork man Peter Cli ord and Tyrone native Alphonsus Devlin in 1962. While Peter passed away in 2010, two of his ve children are still actively involved in the company – Tim, who is managing director, and Siobhan, who is head of administration. The rm prides itself on providing a portfolio of specialist services to support the construction and regeneration sector. In June of this year, it was awarded the prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for the eighth-consecutive year, con rming its Gold Medal status. The award is the 15th gold achieved by the rm since it started entering the RoSPA awards in 2008. It is presented to those organisations which have achieved ve or more consecutive Gold Awards - which are achieved for a very high level of performance, demonstrating well developed occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk and very low levels of error, harm and loss.

“We are very proud of this achievement where RoSPA recognise those organisations that have gone the extra mile, raising the bar for the delivery of safety in the workplace,” Cli ord Devlin’s HSQE Director, Ian O’Connor said. “Our employees, wherever they may be, should be able to go to work safe in the knowledge that they will return home unharmed and healthy at the end of each day,” he added. “I would like to dedicate this award to all those on site that contributed in setting the high standards of health and safety that we all work to.’’

COFFEY

SECTOR: Civil Engineering – Water & Wastewater

FOUNDERS: Paddy Co ey, Tom Co ey

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Odran Madden

FOUNDED: 1974

STAFF: 280

TURNOVER: €94.5m (year to Dec 2022)

Founded in 1974, Co ey is a family-owned civil engineering rm operating in all major construction sectors. Passionate about delivering quality projects safely, on time, and on budget through a directly employed workforce, its hallmarks are innovative solutions, engineering ingenuity, professional project management, and adherence to the highest safety and quality standards.

“Co ey helps clients gain competitive advantage through an analytical, innovative approach to design and construction,” the rm states. “We encourage and reward critical thinking and creative problem-solving. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive and exible.”

The range of construction services it provides include water supply and wastewater collection infrastructure, road and bridge construction, utilities, renewable energy and power and civil engineering projects.

“Our people are our most important competitive resource and determine our reputation and vitality,” the rm admits. “We are committed to creating a safe place for our employees to work, grow and prosper, and we respect and value their input and opinion.”

COINFORD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTORS: Gerry Hickey, Paul Timlin

FOUNDED: 1981

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £90m

Since its foundation in 1981 Coinford has grown to become one of the leading groundworks and RC frame companies in the southeast of England. The Surrey-based company has built up a reputation of experience and professionalism, which has enabled them to successfully complete many di erent contracts, which range in value from £750,000 - £50million, throughout the south east of England. Working with their clients, as an integral part of their projects, they o er services and expert advice on areas such as bulk excavation, infrastructure/civils, groundwork, underpinning, basements/ underground car parks, drainage and storage systems and concrete frame superstructures.

THE COLOR COMPANY (TM) LTD

SECTOR: Printing, Publishing

DIRECTOR: Elgin Loane

FOUNDED: 2003

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The Color Company – a leader in reprographics - o ers all types of printing and creative services, including exhibition graphics, 3D printing, secure on-site and o -site printing – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the UK and North East USA. The company is just one in a substantial collection of rms owned by Elgin Loane, whose various business interests have a common theme of being in either printing or publishing.

CONNEELY GROUP – DRYLINING & FACADES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

CHAIRMAN/CEO: Eamon Conneely

MANAGING DIRECTOR: John Cockerton

FOUNDED: 1985

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £25.8m

The Conneely Group is considered one of the largest specialist subcontractors in the supply and installation of interior nishes and exterior facades. Its client base includes the UK’s most progressive developers and prestigious main contractors. The company has regularly featured in the London Stock Exchange’s list of 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain and is proud of their project pro le, which includes the prestigious developments of 190 Strand, One Blackfriars and St Mark’s Square, Bromley South.

CULLY & SULLY

SECTOR: Retail

FOUNDERS: Cullen Allen, Colum O’ Sullivan

FOUNDED: 2004

STAFF: 13

TURNOVER: €15m

Founded in 2004 by Cullen Allen and Colum O’Sullivan, Cully & Sully is a leading fresh soup brand. Headquartered in Cork, the business has grown exponentially since it was rst launched by the friends, who met at secondary school. In 2012 the brand was purchased by the Hain Celestial Group, but Allen and O’Sullivan still remain at the head of the business, as directors at Hain Celestial Ireland. In 2018 the brand launched in the UK, where their soups became best-sellers within a matter of months. Today Cully & Sully soups are stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Ocado and Co-Op.

DANNY SULLIVAN GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Labour, Civil Engineering

FOUNDER: Danny O’Sullivan

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Timothy O’Sullivan

FOUNDED: 1986

STAFF: 2000

TURNOVER: N/A

Danny Sullivan Group (DSG) is the leading supplier of skilled, professional labour in the UK, and has been serving the civil engineering, rail, transportation, and construction industries since 1986. Some of the rm’s notable projects include HS2, the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the UK’s new nuclear power station. “DSG exists to build better lives; enhance communities; and put people at the heart of everything we do,” the company explains. “Through teamwork we have achieved extraordinary capability and exceptional performance within the built environment.” Recently DSG was awarded the honour of ESR GOLD status by the Ministry of Defence for the work it does in helping ex-armed forces personnel transition into employment in the construction industry. “We pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking, inclusive, and diverse organisation and are currently on a journey of growth with lots of career opportunities for all,” they add. “With DSG, it's not just a job, it's a career.”

DORNAN ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

CEO: Brian Acheson

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR: Micheál O’Connor

FOUNDED: 1966

STAFF: 1400

TURNOVER: £108m (to December 2021)

Founded more than half a century ago Dornan Engineering was rst solely committed to serving the chemical and petrochemical industries in Ireland. Since then, it has expanded to provide mechanical, electrical and instrumentation services all over Europe to an increasing range of sectors and currently boasts 1400 employees across sites in Ireland, the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. In 2023 the rm has won several accolades and awards, including a Great Place to Work Certi cation for its Irish o ce. The branch was also included in the top 30 list of Ireland’s Best Employers, compiled by the Sunday Independent earlier this year. In the UK the rm has received Gold Certi cation with Investors in People. “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved the IIP Gold Certi cation with

Fresh soup brand Cully & Sully is a hit in the UK

N/E

the Investors in People accolade in the UK,” a Dornan representative said. “This prestigious recognition acknowledges our relentless pursuit of excellence in people management, leadership, and continuous improvement. It re ects the dedication and hard work of our team in creating a high-performance and nurturing environment at Dornan,” they added.

EASTGATE ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

Managing Director: David Brennan

FOUNDED: 2006

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £9.5m

Founded in Waterford, Eastgate Engineering has grown consistently over the years to become a leading international engineering rm. This year the company, which has its UK base in Middlesborough, won a signi cant contract on the world’s largest o shore wind farm. It has been awarded the contract on the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. GE Renewable Energy has selected the rm to provide mechanical and electrical activities for the pre-assembly of the towers and nacelles for the Haliade-X turbines to be used at Dogger Bank, which is located over 130km o the north-east coast of England. The contract is expected to support approximately 90 local jobs, including electrical and mechanical technicians, supervision and project management. Work began in January 2023 and is expected to continue throughout all three phases of the pre-assembly of the wind farm, which is set to conclude in 2026. Speaking of the contract, Managing Director David Brennan said: “Eastgate Engineering is delighted to work in close partnership with GE to deliver the world’s largest o shore wind farm. Our highly skilled, locally based workforce is excited to support such a historic project with such an important role to play in bringing more clean, renewable o shore wind online in the UK.”

ELEMENT PICTURES LTD

SECTOR: Film/Television

FOUNDERS: Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe

FOUNDED: 2001

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Co-founded by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe in 2001, Element Pictures has grown to become one of Europe's top drama producers, with o ces in Dublin, London and Belfast. The company is behind the likes of the BBC/Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People, which was a hit when it aired in 2020, and Academy Award-winning lms The Favourite and Room. In May 2022 the award-winning production company sold a majority stake in its business to the global production and distribution giant Fremantle. Following the sale, Guiney and Lowe con rmed that the partnership will allow them to “develop their existing relationships with the very best creators in the world and to expand their capacity to make exceptional lm and television drama for international audiences”. Some of their most recent television productions include Nancy Harris’ The Dry and Shane Meadows’ period drama The Gallows Pole.

ETAG FIXINGS UK & IRELAND

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER: Shaun Bonner

FOUNDED: 2004

STAFF: 100

TURNOVER: £35m

Etag xings are a leading construction materials supplier, specialising in xings, insulation, mechanical and electrical containment, interiors and general building supplies. Shirley Bowman has been Managing Director of Etag Fixings Ireland and Etag Fixings UK since 2020. Ms Bowman began her time with Etag in Ireland in 2005 as an o ce manager. She relocated to London in 2011 to help establish Etag UK, which has grown rapidly ever since. In 2018, she became Group General Manager and was appointed Managing Director of the rm in August 2020. Shaun Bonner is in place as Group Sales Director, leading two dynamic sales teams in Ireland and the UK. Over the years

Etag have become known for their personable team’s expertise and working with their customers to supply quality products to ful l the project requirements at a time to suit.

EULOGY

SECTOR: Public Relations

CHAIRMAN: Adrian Brady

CEO: Elisabeth Field

FOUNDED: 1997

STAFF: 49

TURNOVER: £5m

2023 sees communications and social media agency, Eulogy continue to deliver work for with long term clients including American Express (12 years) – across events such as Wimbledon, British Summer Time festival and All Points East – as well as Virgin Media (19 years) and NatWest Group. Eulogy was recently appointed by the beverage brand, Liquid Death, for its UK entrance and has just been re-appointed by Molson Coors.

EVANS MOCKLER LTD

SECTOR: Accountants, Auditors, Business and Tax Advisors

FOUNDERS: Michael Evans, Martin Mockler

FOUNDED: 1990

STAFF: 30

TURNOVER: N/A

Evans Mockler Ltd is a London based rm of Chartered Certi ed Accountants, Auditors, Business and Tax Advisors. Martin Mockler founded the rm in the 1990s along with Michael Evans who was previously a partner at Beatty & Company accountants, which was established by Irish Post co-founder Tony Beatty. Evans Mockler delivers a wide range of services for a growing portfolio of clients, the majority of whom are rst, second or increasingly third-generation Irish. The rm’s clients largely operate in the construction industry as contractors, property developers or investors. The rm is a long-standing member of BITA, the British Irish Trading Alliance, where Martin sits on the board, having previously chaired the London Chapter of the network. Michael is retiring this year. Martin runs the practice alongside four other partners - Simon Toghill, Mark Cook, Kathy Conroy and Greg Nichols. As Evans Mockler continues to expand, the rm is appointing three additional partners this year.

FORTITUDE BAKEHOUSE

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDERS/OWNERS: Dee Rettali, Jorge Fernandez

FOUNDED: 2018

STAFF: 22

TURNOVER: N/A

Born in Cork, artisan baker Dee Rettali has been based in London since the late 1980s. Having run award-winning businesses like

Patisserie Organic and the Fernandez & Wells group, in 2018 she opened her third business, Fortitude Bakehouse with partner Jorge Fernandez. Based in Bloomsbury, the craft bakery does a roaring trade and is popular with locals and visitors to the area alike. Rettali published her rst book, Baking with Fortitude in 2021, which went on to win the prestigious André Simon award and was shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Awards and Food Writers Guild for best new book.

See pages 20-21 for more on Ms Rettali…

FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENTS LTD

SECTOR: Building, Civil Engineering

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Pat Hickey

FOUNDED: 1991

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £74.8m

Foundation Developments Limited have been providing civil engineering, groundwork and concrete solutions since 1991. Founder and Managing Director Pat Hickey is a native of Connemara in Co. Galway. FDL have been involved with many di erent major construction projects in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Southampton over the years. The rm prides itself on its “experience and expertise” which it credits as “the hallmarks of our business”. “Our directly employed skilled workforce is complemented by an extensive in house plant division,” they add. “Lost time can mean lost money and to this end FDL has earned a reputation for completing a wide variety of projects on time and on budget.”

GALLAGHER GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Construction, Quarrying, Property Development

FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN: Pat Gallagher

FOUNDED: 1973

STAFF: 550

TURNOVER: £180m

In 1973, a young and ambitious Pat Gallagher, originally from Ballinamore, in Leitrim, embarked on a journey that would forever shape the landscape of Kent's business community. The Gallagher Group began when Pat purchased his very rst digger, now, as the business marks its golden jubilee with a eet in excess of 120 heavy duty machinery, the small family-run business with humble aspirations is a market leader in the aggregates sector, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks. As the Gallagher Group celebrates its 50th anniversary, the business, which is still family-run, takes great pride in having three out of Pat's four children actively working within the company. Pat Gallagher, Founder and Chairman of Gallagher Group, said: “I have been fortunate to employ some of the best people in the industry. A shared belief in delivering great products and services to our customers whilst also being a kind neighbour and respecting the land we quarry, ensuring we restore it to a much higher quality is so important to me.” As the rm’s community of employees,

Gallagher Group founder Pat Gallagher

customers, neighbours, suppliers and many others, join hands to celebrate their 50-year milestone, the Gallagher Group remains steadfast in pushing the boundaries of excellence. Amidst the festivities, the company has rea rmed its social responsibility by continuing to deliver over £14million of social value in and around Kent, driving education and skills programmes, supporting charitable projects and community engagement activities, re ecting their belief in leaving a lasting legacy beyond business achievements. Mr Gallagher added: “I’m extremely proud of our history and excited for the future.”

See page 26 for more on Gallagher Group’s milestone

GALLDRIS GROUP

SECTOR: Groundwork, Infrastructure, Rail, Tunnelling

FOUNDERS: Sean O’Driscoll, Donal Gallagher

FOUNDED: 1998

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Galldris began as a subcontractor in 1998, providing civil engineering, infrastructure and groundworks services primarily in London and the South East of England. Over the 25 years that have since passed, the rm has experienced controlled growth, and they now act as both a principal contractor and subcontractor on some of the country's most prestigious projects. This expansion has resulted from the successful completion of innovative civil engineering projects in sectors such as large-scale infrastructure works, rail and transportation, utilities, aviation, education, retail and commercial, health, housing, leisure, and industrial. As a dependable and reliable contractor, they o er self-delivery throughout every stage of their projects, resulting in the majority of services being delivered in-house, and have extensive in-house plant and equipment valued at more than £15 million.

GALVIN RESTAURANTS

SECTOR: Hospitality

OWNERS: Chris Galvin, Je Galvin

FOUNDED: 2005

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The Galvin brothers’ collection of restaurants share a common ideal - to o er high quality cuisine, served in luxurious surroundings by warm and hospitable professionals. The rm boasts a strong emphasis on family, with Chris, Je and David – three Galvin brothers – joined in the day-to-day operation of the business by Chris’s children: Emile, George, Jessie and Joey. “And our team make up our wider family,” the Michelin-starred chef brothers add. With their rst restaurant Galvin Bistro De Luxe founded in 2005, the family’s current roster of restaurants includes Galvin at Windows, Galvin La Chapelle, Galvin Bistro and Bar, Galvin Bar and Grill in London’s Russell Square and Galvin Green Man in Chelmsford, Essex.

The Green Man, their British pub and restaurant, was awarded Best Pub in the UK at the Pub & Bar Awards in 2021 and won Best Pub in East of England at the same awards in 2022.

“All of our restaurants are unique but have the same commitment to working with incredible farmers, sherman, winemakers, game suppliers and cheese makers,” the brothers explain.

GLENCAR CONSTRUCTION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/CEO: Eddie McGillycuddy

CHAIRMAN: Pat McGillycuddy

FOUNDED: 2016

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £417m

Founded in 2106, with the aim of providing best-in-class construction services, Glencar has quickly grown into a multi award-winning business. The Irish-founded rm remains passionate about its ability to in uence change within the industry and share learnings with both customers and stakeholders alike. July 2023 saw them open their brand-new headquarters in St Albans, Hertfordshire. “This ambitious project embodies our commitment to creating the best places for our people, one that is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the construction industry,” the rm stated at the launch of their refurbished premises. “It also re ects the level of quality we deliver for our customers.” Located in the heart of the historic St

Albans, and in addition to Glencar’s other regional o ces in Birmingham, Manchester, Harwell, Dublin and Kerry, they claim their HQ makes them “perfectly positioned to serve our customers with even greater impact”. This refurbishment is also a testament to their “expertise in revitalising existing structures, transforming and tting-out top tier o ce space as a core market for our business moving forward”, they add.

GLENMAN CORPORATION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS: Albert Conneally, Micheál Conneally

FOUNDED 1994

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER N/A

Since it was founded in 1994 by brothers Albert and Micheál Conneally, Glenman has undergone continuous growth as a main contractor delivering building construction projects in sectors including residential, education, healthcare and commercial. In 2011, Glenman acquired London-based Frencon Construction extending its operations and portfolio of clients to the UK. The award-winning building construction company is experienced in working as a main contractor with public and private sector clients. The rm’s portfolio comprises new build, t out and refurbishment projects spanning across a diverse range of sectors, including residential, education, health and commercial.

GO EVE

SECTOR: Transport

FOUNDERS: Hugh Sheehy, John Goodbody, Professor Robert Shorten, Dr Pietro Ferraro, Andrew Cullen

CEO: Hugh Sheehy

FOUNDED: 2021

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The electric vehicle (EV) charging start-up Go Eve is a joint University College Dublin (UCD) and Imperial College London (Imperial) spin-out. Founded in 2021 by Hugh Sheehy, John Goodbody, Professor Robert Shorten, Dr Pietro Ferraro and Andrew Cullen, the technology behind their product was originally invented by a team of academics and researchers led by Professor Shorten at the UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Professor Shorten subsequently moved to the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial where the technology was further advanced by him and his team. Current EV charging technology only allows for one or two EVs to access a fast-charging station at a time. This creates “down time”, Go Eve says, which they explain as “wasted charging potential as

vehicles are moved on and o the charger”. Go Eve’s technology solves this problem by extending the reach of a single rapid DC charger to a daisy-chain of low-cost charging terminals. Go Eve’s software then intelligently manages a virtual queue, owing high power to each individual connected EV, scheduling each in turn. The company completed a successful pilot installation at the Imperial campus in November 2022 and earlier this year it announced that it had secured £3million in the company’s rst funding round. CEO Hugh Sheehy said of their product: “Go Eve o ers a technology that can transform EV charging. For EVs to replace fossil-fuel cars, charging needs to be faster, lower cost, more widely available and most e ciently use available grid capacity. Our technology does all these things, which is why we see a future with rapid charging in every space.” Go Eve currently has o ces at NovaUCD in Dublin and in London.

GREEN & FORTUNE LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDER/CHIEF EXECUTIVE: John Nugent

FOUNDED: 2008

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £4.2m

Green & Fortune, which was founded by Irishman John Nugent in 2008, operates a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and event spaces across a range of iconic central London venues. Kings Place in Kings Cross has been home to the business since its launch in 2008. In 2016 they launched their international marketing agency based at the iconic Sea Containers building. In March 2020 they started as the exclusive

Go Eve plan to revolutionise electric car charging

Green & Fortune's John Nugent

N/E

catering and hospitality operator at Central Hall Westminster and in 2022 they launched their prestigious events space Rose Court Events. Although a leading gure on the London scene, the rm never forgets its roots and hosts an annual St Patrick’s Day lunch which raises vital funds for charities. Its 2023 event, held at the Rotunda Bar and Restaurant, was a sell-out, with all funds raised supporting the London Irish Centre as well as the Hospitality Action charity and the Spirit of Hospitality Atlantic Challenge. In December 2023 those taking the Challenge will row 3000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, to raise money and awareness for Hospitality Action. “The St Patrick’s Day Lunch is always well supported by the hospitality industry, and this year was no di erent,” Nugent con rmed. “Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket.”

GREENCOATS LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDER: Finbar Holian

FOUNDED: 1991

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The ever-popular Claddagh Ring pub in Hendon was established in 1991 by Galway man Finbar Holian. The venue has long been a focal point for the Irish in London, hosting high-pro le events tailored for the city’s Irish community. With ample function room facilities, the venue is also a popular spot for weddings, christenings, birthday parties and corporate events. There is also a bustling line up of live events and music gigs held at the pub, with popular Irish acts regularly taking to the stage to entertain the crowds.

GROUND CONSTRUCTION LTD (GCL)

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN: Trevor Diviney

MANAGING DIRECTOR: John Diviney

FOUNDED: 1997

STAFF: 1200

TURNOVER: £140m

Trevor Diviney is the founder of Ground Construction Limited (GCL) which was formed over 25 years ago and is now one of the UK’s most successful groundworks and in-situ concrete frame businesses. Within the GCL Group is the fast-growing tower crane company Tower Cranes UK Limited (TCUK) and a quickly developing precast manufacturing business, Pre-Cast UK Ltd (PCUK) with a factory based in Luton. The group now has over 1200 operatives working with them with a turnover in excess of £140m per annum. The headquarters are in Welwyn Garden City with bases in Luton and Milton Keynes. GCL Group are expanding and taking on larger projects mainly in the London area working for predominately blue chip companies. The Group are also accelerating their sustainability programme with heavy investments into low carbon plant, equipment and materials.

HOROHOE CONSTRUCTION

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Ciaran Horohoe

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Alan O’Sullivan

FOUNDED: 1997

STAFF: 170

TURNOVER: £18m

Since being founded in 1997, Horohoe Construction Ltd continues to deliver carpentry and joinery works of the highest standard to their ever-expanding client base. Founded by Ciaran Horohoe, who originally hails from Lanesboro, in Co. Roscommon, with its head o ce based in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, the company now employs more than 170 sta members and turns over £18 million per year. Aided by Commercial Director, Allan O’Sullivan, the team at Horohoe Construction Ltd have worked on a large number of prestigious projects, they have had a team on Battersea Power Station for the past six years installing bespoke joinery to 250 apartments, concierge and receptions areas and the penthouses overlooking the Thames.

ID-PAL

SECTOR: Technology

FOUNDER/CEO: Colum Lyons

FOUNDED: 2016

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Founded in Dublin in 2016, ID-Pal is a third generation, technology- rst identity solution. The platform leverages industry-leading technologies to run multi-layered biometric, document and database checks, delivering robust compliance and real-time identity veri cation - without relying on manual

input, which is subject to human error, time delays and risks data ight. In May 2022 the award-winning ntech rm launched in the UK. It now supports SMEs and enterprises across Ireland, the US, EU and Britain in the ght against rising levels of identity fraud. Founder and CEO Colum Lyons explained the need for his product. “The way in which identity veri cation has been done historically is just not sustainable in our digital- rst mobile-ready world,” he said. “Verifying identity documents manually is ine cient and insecure, and the risk of data ight and simple human error can make businesses vulnerable to fraud. Our unique blend of ID checks, all powered by a completely technology- rst process, means multi-layered veri cation takes place on any ID document in real time. Using AI and machine-learning o ers greater accuracy in correctly classifying a document and reduces the margin for error and need for manual intervention.”

THE IRISH POST

SECTOR: Media/Publishing

PUBLISHER: Elgin Loane

FOUNDED: 1970

STAFF: 10

TURNOVER: N/A

Founded in 1970, The Irish Post has now been serving as the voice of the Irish community in Britain for more than 50 years. Today, with the reach of The Irish Post now far greater through its digital platform and social media channels, it is serving to keep the global Irish community informed, entertained and connected. Thanks to a successful digital strategy undertaken in recent years, on every measurable parameter the gures for www.irishpost.com are exceptionally impressive – with digital visitors, as well as digital revenue, continuing to increase.

JB STRUCTURES

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS: John Barrett, Brendan Barrett

DIRECTORS: John Barrett, Brendan Barrett, Mark Sweeney

FOUNDED: 2009

STAFF: 18

TURNOVER: £63.8m

JB Structures (JBS) has a proven track record of success, based on responding to the needs of their clients and of the wider industry. JBS undertake all aspects of substructure and superstructure works on projects with values ranging from £250,000 up to £10,000,000 across London and the Home Counties. The company is owned by John Barrett, originally from Doohoma in Co. Mayo, and his son Brendan Barrett. “Within JBS we strive to create an innovative culture where knowledge is shared,” the rm states. “This is a culture for success, in which we can all work to the highest professional standards.”

J COFFEY GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Construction

CHAIRMAN: James Co ey

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Eddie Barrett

FOUNDED: 1991

The ever popular Claddagh Ring pub and restaurant in north London

The team at ID-PAL

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £171m

Founded by Westmeath native James Co ey, the J Co ey Group prides itself on being a family-run business. Co ey Construction is one of four main divisions within the group, also including Main Contracting Division, J Co ey Rail and J Co ey Plant. Originally operating within the refurbishment sector, Jo Co ey Construction has evolved to provide concrete, groundworks, structural alterations and builder’s works services.

J FFRENCH LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Justin Ffrench

FOUNDED: 2001

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The Ffrench Group is a leading provider of services within the construction industry. The core of its business is the contracting of groundworks and civil engineering, where it provides a complete service including complex demolition and dismantling, site clearance and remediation, groundworks, civil engineering, and RC packages. These business units are supported by the rm’s plant hire company, which boasts an extensive eet of modern plant and equipment. While keeping family values and remaining privately-owned, the company has become a dynamic organisation through an ethos of intelligent engineering and partnerships based on shared values and trust.

JJ RHATIGAN & CO. LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER: John J Rhatigan

CHAIRMAN/GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR: Padraic Rhatigan

FOUNDED: 1952

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Established in 1952 by the late John J Rhatigan, the company is a leading general building contractor delivering design, construction and building services across Britain and Ireland. Following in his father’s footsteps, in July 1981 Padraic Rhatigan became the second generation leader of the rm, which marked its 70th anniversary in 2022. He became Managing Director of the rm in 1982 and, since then, has led the group to further success, with a move into the development eld in the 1990s, and continued expansion into new sectors and new regions with o ces throughout Ireland and the UK. While maintaining its position as one of Ireland’s leading construction companies, its UK-based business has also steadily grown over the years.

JOHN REILLY (CIVIL ENGINEERING) LTD

SECTOR: Construction

CHAIRMAN: John Reilly

FOUNDED: 1986

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £81.8m

Established by three brothers in 1986 as a civil engineering and groundworks company, over the years John Reilly Civil Engineering has grown and developed from its Hampshire and Dorset base across south east and south west England. Specialising in complex major projects, the rm has provided a wide range of services to clients in both the public and private sectors but predominantly work for developers now. Under an Independent Employee Ownership Trust, some 80 per cent of the rm is now owned by its employees, while the remaining 20 per cent is owned by the Reilly family.

JOHN SISK & SON LTD

SECTOR: Construction

CEO: Paul Brown

FOUNDED: 1859

STAFF: 2,000+ (Sisk Group)

TURNOVER: €490.9m (UK, 2021)

Cork native John Sisk set up his small building business in 1859, at the age of 22. From there it has grown into an international construction company, as part of the strong and diversi ed Sisk Group. The group’s British subsidiary was set up in 1984 and has o ces in Hertfordshire,

Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol. In July 2023 the rm appointed Chris Cant as Regional Director for its UK North Division, with a view to him supporting the business as it looks to grow in the tout sector. Regarding the appointment, Alan Rodger, Managing Director for John Sisk & Son UK North, said: “There is a growing market that we feel we are well placed to service, as clients and landlords look to decarbonise their assets and achieve their net zero ambitions and we are delighted that Chris has joined us to help deliver a Sisk o ering in this sector.”

JOSEPH GALLAGHER LTD

SECTOR: Tunnelling, Civil Engineering

CHAIRMAN: Joseph Gallagher

CEO: Steve Harvey

FOUNDED: 1982

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £94.5m

Founded by former miner Joseph ‘Josie’ Gallagher in 1982, the rm has now served the tunnelling industry for more than 40 years. Four decades after Josie started the business it has expanded into the largest tunnelling subcontractor in the UK, and Josie, who remains Chairman of the Group, continues to handpick the personnel brought into the rm in order to ensure that the original drive and technical capability, which have always been hallmarks of the business, have not been diluted. The Group is currently going through a succession process with the Gallagher family to ensure its future security as the second generation take the reins in the coming years. In its most recently led accounts, the rm con rmed that this process “is expected to be complete shortly”, which will see the rm publishing their Business Charter “in the coming months”.

JRL GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTORS: John Reddington, Kevin Keegan, Ronan Gleeson

FOUNDED: 1996

STAFF: 1000+

TURNOVER: £761m

Founded by John Reddington in 1996, the JRL Group has grown from a company specialising in substructure and superstructure packages to a business that o ers managed integrated construction solutions. Today, the Group encompasses 14 divisions delivering bespoke solutions for the most complex projects. The rm claims it has cultivated continuing success, and a steadily increasing annual turnover, through the “handson approach” personi ed by its directors and senior leadership team,

which “ ows through into a collaborative culture which permeates all our delivery teams”. “This unique approach has secured a valued and enviable reputation in a highly competitive sector,” they add.

KAYBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION (BARNET) LTD

SECTOR: Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Joe Hurley

FOUNDED: 1972

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £37.5m

Kaybridge has specialised in building and civil engineering projects since its formation in 1972. Now in its 41st year, the past four decades have seen the rm specialise in the delivery of successful groundworks, sub-structure and superstructure solutions for projects of all sizes to the UK construction industry. “Kaybridge has specialised in building and civil engineering projects since its formation in 1972,” they explain. “We have earned a sound reputation by providing a professional, reliable, and safety conscious service.”

KELLY GROUP

SECTOR: Telecommunications, Utilities, Rail

FOUNDER: Timothy J Kelly

FOUNDED: 1985

STAFF: 3,500+

FLEET: 2,700+

In 1985 Irishman Tim Kelly set up Kelly Communications to capitalise on opportunities in the then emerging British cable television market. The business won its rst major contract that same year. Over the decades the company’s reputation has grown steadily, winning further installation contracts countrywide, including ongoing projects with the likes of BT Openreach, Virgin Media and City Fibre and many more. Working with these clients, Kelly’s activities have expanded into the key build-out of full bre to the UK, therefore being key to enable ‘Gigabit Britain’.

KELTBRAY LTD

SECTOR: Specialist Engineering, Construction

OWNER/EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN: Brendan Kerr

CEO: Darren James

FOUNDED: 1976

STAFF: 1000+

TURNOVER: £527.8m

Keltbray’s Brendan Kerr

BRAVE BAKING

Experimental baker Dee Rettali tells Fiona Audley how she

turned her craft into a successful career

ARTISAN baker Dee Rettali has been honing her craft for many years.

The Cork native, who hails from Castletownroche, co-owns and runs the hugely popular Fortitude Bakehouse in London’s Bloomsbury with her partner Jorge Fernandez.

The pair opened the bakery in 2018 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since, attracting a steady trade from both locals and visitors to the area, with its delicious baked goods.

But the Irishwoman has been baking for far longer than ve years

and a thriving business…

and admits the choice to pursue a career in the trade – which has seen her develop groundbreaking techniques that include using sourdough in cake-making and fermenting cake batters to achieve an incredible depth of avour - was largely inspired by her mother and grandmother.

“I would have to say my mother and grandmother have had the most in uence on my career, they were very good bakers and crafters,” Rettali admits.

She left her West Cork home in 1988 to move to England, as she “wanted to see a bit of the world”,

The busy Fortitude Bakehouse in London’s Bloomsbury, founded by Dee Rettali and Jorge Fernandez, pictured above

and started baking professionally in 1992, as a student of Justin de Blank.

“I had wonderful training and it has been my life and my living since,” she admits.

“I have worked with many great companies and am now on my third bakery, having opened my rst baking business at 27.”

When Rettali founded Fortitude it was with the vision of bringing a new o ering to the bakery scene.

“The business was founded by my partner, Jorge Fernandez and I in 2018,” she explains.

“We both have a long background in food and development and the bakery was set up to develop new ideas within the cafe and bakery space.

“We didn’t want to make croissant or the usual pastry suspects.

“And the name Fortitude was

CAN YOU SHARE A TOP TIP FOR HOME BAKERS?

"Experiment with avours and ingredients. I love adding herbs to my sweet recipes. Also try using various ours other than the standards."

branded by Jorge for many reasons - provenance, craft baking, ingredients, goodness and stamina, which you have to have plenty of in this trade.”

Rettali, who lives in west London, employs 22 people at the bakery, including a head baker Doireann, who is from Co. Clare.

There are ve more bakers on the team as well as trained baristas, a general manager and a kitchen assistant team, which the entrepreneur describes as “fantastic”.

It is also a family business as Rettali’s three children all have roles within it.

But what sets the bakery apart from others?

“We are very unique,” Rettali says.

“I think our product development is the key to this.

“We use ingredients in an unusual way. We ferment cake batters, which is very unusual.

“We are very progressive.”

And on the secret to their success so far, Rettali claims its “100% hard work”.

It hasn’t been plain sailing either for the relatively new rm.

Like so many others in the food and drink industry, it was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Other than the usual set-up hiccups, the hardest challenge to

overcome since founding the bakery has to be Covid,” the baker admits.

“Central London was like a ghost town for two years and we really struggled during that time.

“Thankfully the business has bounced back incredibly well.”

Now, the rm is optimistically eyeing up the future, and hopes to expand.

“We are currently looking for a bigger space so that will be fantastic for the team,” Rettali con rms.

“It is our aim to open further branches, but we are taking our time as we want to nd the right space.”

In the meantime, the Irishwoman is happy to keep doing what she loves best.

“I think the creativity of baking is very good for my head space,” she says.

“My favourite thing to bake is brioche-based products,” she adds, “I’m not a huge fan of bread baking, bar soda bread, which we make at the bakery.”

And with tasty bakes and delicious soda bread something found in Irish households across the globe, Rettali admits that the Irish do have something of a air for baking.

“I think we are so good at it

WHAT’S THE BEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNT IN YOUR CAREER?

"It has to be learning to delegate, if you train your team well and trust that they will do a great job, your work life will be so much more enjoyable."

because we are so hospitable,” she says.

“We love feeding people and we love to o er guests and family freshly baked cakes and scones.

“We are also a nation of phenomenal crafters and baking really is a craft.”

Dee Rettali is the co-founder of the Fortitude Bakehouse and the author of Baking With Fortitude, published by Bloomsbury. The book won the prestigious André Simon Award 2021 and was shortlisted for the Guild of Food Writers Awards 2022. www.fortitudebakehouse.com

Bennett Construction is a family owned main contractor business that has been in operation for over 100 years. Our reputation for quality of delivery and our hands on approach helps to generate the majority of our work through repeat business.

We operate in London and the South East as well as delivering projects in Ireland and Germany.

We are actively recruiting for a number of roles to support the delivery of a number of exciting new projects.

Formed as a groundwork civil engineering contractor company in 1976, The Keltbray Group is a leading specialist construction engineering and infrastructure services business in Britain. Owned by Brendan Kerr, who joined the company in 1989, Keltbray employs well over 1000 people. In May the rm announced it had secured a prestigious framework contract, valued up to £40million, to deliver critical Overhead Line (OHL) infrastructure for key Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Northern Powergrid (NPg). The contract will see the rm providing critical support to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s strategy to increase the UK’s energy independence through a greener energy portfolio. The works will focus on West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and the Humber Estuary regions, Keltbray con rms. With CEO Darren James explaining: “This prestigious contract award swiftly follows on from our recent announcement of £150million of energy contract wins, reinforcing Keltbray’s growing reputation as the ‘go to’ provider for infrastructure services.”

KIELY GROUP

SECTOR: Surface Treatment

DIRECTOR: Mike Kiely

FOUNDED: 1950s

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £74.1m

The Kiely Group is at the forefront of carriageway and footpath surfacing and surface treatments. It has a long-established nationwide reputation for collaborative working with local authorities and maintenance contractors, o ering cost-e ective, innovative products (some patented) and a level of expertise, service and customer care that’s second to none.

In July the rm completed a £3.15million programme of resurfacing 78 miles of road for Westmorland and Furness Council. The scheme, which started in April, included surface dressing 62 roads across the network.

Keith Brett, contracts director for Kiely Bros, said of the contract: “We are delighted to have completed our Surface Dressing program for our client, Westmorland and Furness Council for the 2023 season.

“We have carried out our Kiely Lock treatment across six sites which is a fantastic investment from the council, ensuring that their roads are maintained for many years to come.”

KILHAN CONSTRUCTION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTOR: Michael Kilcoyne

FOUNDED: 2010

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Kilhan Construction Ltd is based in London but operates across the south east and midland areas. Specialising in Groundworks, RC Frames & Structures, Demolition & Temporary Works and External Works packages, its founders and sta have more than 100 years’ experience in the industry. The rm takes on large scale residential and commercial contracts and is currently working on numerous projects in excess of £20million. It prides itself on its strong client relationships, repeat business, high standards of health and safety, programme assurance and cost certainty.

GEORGE KILLOUGHERY LTD (KILLOUGHERY)

SECTOR: Demolition, Waste

DIRECTOR: Joseph George Killoughery

FOUNDED: 1965

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

George Killoughery Ltd was established in 1965 by husband and wife team George and Mary Killoughery. The couple, from Co. Clare, have developed their single six-wheeler tipper operation to one of the largest privately-owned construction service companies in the industry. Its services include supplying recycled aggregates, skip and bin hire, demolition, earthworks, waste management and hazardous material extraction. The rm provides services throughout London and the Home Counties, with three strategically located depots in Mitcham, Pur eet and Shepperton facilitating that work.

KMCO GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Telecommunications

FOUNDERS: Kieran Hynes, Martin D'Costa

FOUNDED: 2004

STAFF: 200

TURNOVER: £15m

Founded in 2004, KMCO Group was formed with a solid foundation of experienced network engineers in Hertfordshire, where the company's head o ce still resides today. The core technologies provided by KMCO Group include intelligent infrastructure and management solutions in cable installation that delivers full visibility and management capability to our clients. Within its 20 years of practice, the rm has grown to be a much broader organisation. Today it is a multi-faceted installer of infrastructure solutions, providing vital turnkey solutions and a wide range of specialist services to the telecommunications industry. “We have consistently delivered the stability and engineering professionalism demanded by our clients and customers throughout the south of England, London, the midlands and Ireland,” the rm states, adding: “We believe that when it comes to building networks for FTTP and related services we do it better than anyone else.”

KYLEMORE SERVICES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTORS: Eamon Lynam, Michael Quinn

FOUNDED: 1996

NUMBER OF STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Kylemore Services Ltd was founded in 1996 in Wembley, Middlesex, by Eamon Lynam and Michael Quinn. Operating in the building and engineering services sector of the construction industry, they are based in Stanmore, Middlesex. In the last few years they have worked on prestigious projects in both London and the South East, including the London Development Project, 22 Bishopsgate and Battersea Power Station. They boast a large number of clients across its key sectors, including Laing O’Rourke, Skanska and Mace.

LAING O’ROURKE PLC

SECTOR: Construction

CHAIRMAN: Sir John Parker

CEO: Ray O’Rourke

FOUNDED: 1977

STAFF: 10,000+

TURNOVER: £3bn

Last year it was announced that Laing O’Rourke founder, majority shareholder and Group CEO, Ray O'Rourke would be stepping down from the CEO role. However, the rm made a U-turn on that move last September, with Mr O’Rourke agreeing to stay on for a further two years to ensure stability at the company during a period of “signi cant economic turbulence” in the UK. Since then, Mr O’Rourke has appointed his son Cathal O’Rourke as the rm’s Chief Operating O cer. Commenting, Sir John Parker, Laing O’Rourke Group Chairman, said he was delighted with the appointment, which took e ect in April 2023. “I am delighted that Cathal will take up the new position of Group Chief Operating O cer,” he said. “He will work alongside his father Ray, as well as Des O’Rourke and the Group and Hub Executive Committees,

to focus on performance and culture as we enter the next stage of our Deliver 2025 strategic plan.”

L LYNCH PLANT HIRE AND HAULAGE LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Liam Lynch

DIRECTORS: Merrill Lynch, Robert Lynch

FOUNDED: 1986

NUMBER OF STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £91.1m

With an expansive eet of modern plant and equipment, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage provides nationwide operated and self-drive plant hire, haulage and transport services to a variety of sectors within construction. Contracts within the civil engineering, rail engineering, public utilities, earth works and highways maintenance, all o er Lynch the opportunity to build a wide portfolio of skills and experience within a variety of areas. Last month the rm won the Digital Innovation in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award at the annual Digital Construction Awards. The rm, founded by Liam Lynch in 1986, said of its win: “This award recognises our research and development endeavours in creating an innovative autobraking solution for our Bell Equipment UK Dumptrucks and more, and receiving this accolade is a true testament to our commitment to becoming digital by default and fostering a safety- rst mindset.”

MASTERSON HOLDINGS LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Michael Masterson

DIRECTORS: Keith Masterson, Sean Masterson, Michael Masterson

FOUNDED: 1980

STAFF: 800

TURNOVER: £136.7m

Masterson Holdings consists of a number of subsidiary companies providing a variety of services to the construction industry across London and the home counties. Their four divisions are Getjar Ltd, Atlantic Contracts, GetJar Piling and Getjar Special Projects. The family business is still run by its founder Michael Masterson with the support of his sons. Their most recently led nancial report boasted a turnover of £136.7m for the year up to August 2022, which was a signi cant increase on their 2021 gure of £102.5m. The rm claimed it was “pleased” to report their increased revenue, adding that over the past year they had “continued our signi cant investment in health and safety, training, IT and in new plant and equipment”.

MAYLIM

SECTOR: Landscape Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Thomas O’Mahony

FOUNDED: 2002

STAFF: 590

TURNOVER: £60m

Maylim specialises in landscaping, external works and civil engineering projects. With a proud celebration of two decades in business in 2022, the company has established a strong reputation for creating and transforming public spaces.

Working to improve the cities in which we live, Maylim helps to shape new neighbourhoods and foster unity among existing communities.

KMCO Group founder Kieran Hynes

Masterson Holding’s Michael Masterson

Adopting an integrated approach ensures exibility in delivering exceptional landscapes that surpass client expectations and provide a thriving environment for both communities and nature.

The founder and owner of Maylim, Thomas O’Mahony, hails from a rich lineage of Irish builders and although born in London was raised in Athea, Co. Limerick. Following 20 years working for McNicholas Plc (Brown Macs) and Skanska McNicholas, he assumed the role of Managing Director at Maylim. Gerard Purcell, a native of New Zealand and former employee of David Langdon, serves as Commercial Director, contributing to the company’s leadership.

Maylim prides itself on being much more than just a landscaping contractor. The company places great emphasis on cultivating an inspiring work environment and o ering exciting opportunities for professional growth and progression. In line with this commitment, Maylim transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2019, aligning the interests of the employees with the success of the company.

As a prominent market leader, Maylim has had the privilege of working on prestigious projects that have shaped the iconic landscape of London. Notable endeavours include Battersea Power Station, Thames Tideway, the Nine Elms and King’s Cross Masterplan and Exchange Square, which earned the company its second BALI National Landscape Grand Award in 2022. Maylim has recently commenced work at Wilton Park Dublin for IPUT, the company’s rst project in Ireland.

MCGURK GROUP LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER: Eamonn Joseph McGurk

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Eamonn Francis McGurk

FOUNDED: 1963

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

The McGurk Group of companies is celebrating 60 years in business this year.

The family-run rm began in 1963 as a specialist in supplying the construction industry and has since diversi ed into a wide range of sectors, operating nationally and internationally.

It now works in construction, plant hire, haulage and recycling services, working in commercial, retail, education and care sectors. A liated rms, Keyway and 1st Call Plant, are two of Britain’s most respected construction companies.

MGBC LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS: The McGuinness brothers

DIRECTOR: Shane McGuinness, Darren McGuinness, Keith McGuinness

FOUNDED: 2015

customers' world: a competent supply chain who prioritise safety, and trustworthy people with a real work ethic and a can-do attitude. That's exactly what MPD provide,” the rm states. “Our di erence is our responsiveness,” they explain. “We collaborate, we're quick to mobilise and we're totally committed at a personal level to every task at hand. Our lean, e cient organisational structure keeps every scheme on track, from preconstruction and commercial management through to delivery on site.”

MPG CONTRACTS LTD

SECTOR: Construction, Internal Finishing

FOUNDERS: Martin Gavin, Paddy O’Malley

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Michael Gavin

FOUNDED: 1970s

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £23.4m

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Run and owned by the McGuinness Brothers, MGBC has built up a reputation for delivering outstanding quality on site since its foundation in 2015. Its services include specialist construction solutions for new build projects as well as temporary works and structural alterations to existing buildings. Based north of London, they operate in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, across the London Boroughs and further a eld. “Originally delivering low rise housing developments, we moved on to constructing more complex basement and high-rise concrete frame projects for a variety of clients including luxury residential developers and care home operators,” they explain. “Through our professional approach and thorough de-risking of a project prior to site start, we always achieve ‘right rst time’ with 100% of projects delivered to or ahead of programme. Today we are proud of our high levels of repeat business developed because of our agile and responsive approach, and always seeking client feedback to improve our way of working.”

MPB STRUCTURES LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Michael Boyle

FOUNDED: 1987

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £99m

MPB Structures is a construction industry leader, which was founded by Michael Boyle in 1987. The rm continues to grow year on year, winning many coveted contracts along the way. In June it announced it had been awarded a package by Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) to complete enabling works, groundworks and construction of the reinforced concrete frame to Three Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, with a value of circa £12million. The project forms an integral part of Phase 2 of the prestigious city centre Paradise development and will create 189,000 square feet of commercial space over 10 storeys. The contract represents a continuation of MPB’s involvement at the £1.2 billion Paradise development, with the company having already worked with SRM on One Centenary Way as part of the Phase 1 works.

MPD CIVILS GROUP

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Liam McManus

FOUNDED: 2015

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £2.5m

Founded in 2015, MPD Civils Group is a specialist civils subcontractor. Its multi-skilled teams provide expert technical solutions to wide-ranging construction challenges, for major contractors throughout the UK. “Two things are important in our

Having emigrated from Mayo to London in the early 1970s, Martin Gavin and Paddy O’Malley formed MPG Plastering Ltd in 1974. MPG quickly established itself as the go to contractor for high quality plastering and was one of the rst to adapt and pioneer the new drywall systems introduced in the early 80s. The company has further evolved to undertake the installation of external Structural Framing Systems (SFS), Glass Reinforced Gypsum elements (GRG) and has its own in-house painting and decorations division. MPG’s ownership today is in the hands of Michael Gavin as Managing Director, and Ged Maye as Finance Director. MPG retains the traditional values of family ownership, while enhancing its reputation and culture of a can-do attitude known within the organisation as ‘the MPG Way’. Recently the rm completed on a prestigious central London project, the landmark residential site 9 Millbank in the heart of Westminster. “Even before we completed the show apartments, we knew we were working on a very special project and MPG are proud to have completed No 9 Millbank which graces the banks of the River Thames in the heart of historic Westminster, a landmark residential address that captures British style perfectly,” they said.

MUNNELLY SUPPORT SERVICES LTD (MUNNELLY GROUP)

SECTOR: Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Munnelly

FOUNDED: 1982

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £36.3m

Established in 1982, by Irishman Phil Munnelly, north London based Munnelly Support Services is a leading provider of construction site solutions. Supplying services that successfully manage the movement and safeguarding of people and materials within and around a construction site. The rm provides clients with a complete on-site solution package which includes site logistics, tra c management, the supply of operatives and waste management. It operates across the construction industries from civil engineering, commercial developments to residential quarters providing solutions at all project stages from planning through to completion. In December 2022, Paul Munnelly, son of founder Phil, was appointed Chief Operating O cer of the Munnelly Group.

J. MURPHY & SONS LTD (MURPHY GROUP)

SECTOR: Civil Engineering

FOUNDER: John James Murphy

CEO: John Murphy

FOUNDED: 1951

STAFF: 3,500 +

TURNOVER: £1,491m

With nearly 75 years’ experience behind it, Murphy remains one of the most familiar names in the construction industry in Britain and, increasingly, worldwide. Since its founding in 1951, the rm has become a leading global, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company providing a wide range of construction services to infrastructure sectors including rail, water, power and natural resources and also has a thriving building business.

Announcing its nancial results for the year ending December 2022, the rm revealed its total group revenue was up 17 per cent to £1,491million, from its £1,274million total in 2021, an increase it claims was “owing to dependable operational delivery and solid client

Maylim has worked on a range of prestigious projects including Battersea Power Station

N/E

Dedication, innovation and achievement

As Gallagher Group marks its 50th year, the firm’s Quarries Managing Director, Sean Connor reveals what drives the family-run business and the key to its success so far…

Gallagher Group marks its 50th anniversary this year, how have you been celebrating?

Our 50th anniversary is a signi cant milestone for us, which we are very proud of.

We have always believed in having fun and celebrating our successes, so this year is extra special and with this in mind we have planned events which re ect our family and business values.

Among them, we have undertaken a client open day at our Hermitage Quarry to highlight the work undertaken there, we also launched the Gallagher Academy for thirty year 10 students to gain valuable experience of working in a fast moving and dynamic industry and held a careers open day for 500 local primary and secondary students.

Our chairman Pat Gallagher is also busy working on his autobiography, which will re ect on his life and career to date.

What is the key to the rm’s success so far?

Pat Gallagher founded Gallagher Group Limited 50 years ago, from humble beginnings, and has built a successful, multi-million-pound business, creating employment for more than 500 people throughout the south east of England.

The key to our company's growth and success is in our strong family-oriented values, alongside our client and employee-centric approach.

The Group has continuously

grown and evolved in that time, but a fundamental strength is the range of distinct yet integrated services and expertise we are able to provide.

Pat has demonstrated extraordinary durability throughout the many challenges of growing the Gallagher Group.

Tenacious and with outstanding vision, Pat is able to visualise, quite clearly, what others cannot. Adept at spotting opportunities where people see only problems, his success in quarrying is a ne example of his foresight.

Is the business still family-run?

Yes. Gallagher is still family-run, with active involvement from Pat and all four of his children.

Lyndsey takes on a leadership role in the business, while Stephen oversees investments and manages the property portfolio.

Richard is responsible for running the farm and estate at Hermitage Farm, and Nicola contributes as a family council and board advisor while also pursuing a full-time teaching career.

The family is highly visible and approachable throughout the business and its continued engagement is essential to the business for several reasons.

It ensures a sense of continuity and a strong connection to the company's values and long-term vision.

It also contributes to a collaborative working environment, building trust among employees, clients, customers, and our local community.

What sets Gallagher Group apart from others in your sector?

Our business operates within the construction, aggregates and property development sector.

This diverse but complementary mix means that we have a varied knowledge base, competencies, and experience that we can deploy to a variety of projects, all underpinned with a shared purpose.

We pride ourselves on being surrounded by many other fantastic companies – many of Irish descent - and family businesses.

We have learnt from others, and in return we are open to sharing our experiences with other businesses too, from innovative processes to succession planning and best practices.

We actively engage with our peers and support emerging family businesses with the aspiration that they bene t from experiences we have acquired along the way.

What are the biggest challenges the rm has faced to date?

Over the course of 50 years in business, we have encountered numerous challenges.

Pat himself would say that he has operated in survival mode most of the time, and the journey certainly has not been smooth.

We have faced three signi cant recessions in our history, which stretched and challenged us in equal measure.

We have also experienced periods

of growth which perversely require similar management philosophies around nancial management in particular, ensuring a solid basis from which to operate.

In the face of these challenges, our founder, Pat, has always maintained a steadfast commitment to investing in the business, even during di cult periods.

This approach has proven to be crucial in positioning us for growth when economic conditions improve.

And what have been the rm’s highlights so far?

The journey of the past 50 years has been lled with signi cant milestones that have shaped our success.

One of the standout moments was the bold move of purchasing Hermitage Farm with no real proof there was stone beneath the surface.

But thankfully Pat’s gut instinct was right as Hermitage Farm eventually became our quarrying business in the late 1980s.

Witnessing the transformation of this land into a thriving business, now selling up to two million tonnes of aggregates annually and supplying concrete plants throughout Kent, lls us with immense pride.

Do you have any signi cant projects on the horizon?

We have many exciting and dynamic ongoing projects which will take us into 2024 and beyond.

Our most exciting venture is the Gallagher Properties commercial development in Paddock Wood, Kent. This enterprise-led scheme spans an impressive 200,000 sq ft and represents an investment of approximately £40million. It is set to be our largest in-house single development to date.

Sean Connor

Gallagher Group founder Pat Gallagher

Celebrating

2023 is a year of celebration for the Gallagher Group, as we celebrate 50 years of business.

In 1973, Pat Gallagher started the business with just one digger. Today, the Gallagher Group are a well-respected family-business, regarded as one of the South East’s premier Aggregates, Groundworks, Civil Engineering and Property Development companies.

Thankyou, to everyone past and present, who’ve been on this journey with us.

Tel: 01622 716543

Pat Gallagher, Gallagher Group Chairman

and supply chain relationships”. Commenting on the gures, CEO John Murphy, said: "I am delighted to present another year of growth for Murphy, demonstrating a continuous, year-on-year improvement in our nancial performance and operational delivery as we continue to play a central role in delivering world-class infrastructure. These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, our focus on sustainable business practices and our strong client relationships.”

MYRTLE RESTAURANT LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

OWNER: Anna Haugh

FOUNDED: 2019

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Hailing from Tallaght in Dublin, Myrtle head chef and owner Anna Haugh has been cooking professionally for almost 20 years. The Chelsea restaurant o ers modern European cooking with an Irish in uence using the nest Irish produce. Having started cooking at l’Ecrivain with Derry Clarke, Anna has spent the last 14 years in London working for celebrated chefs Philip Howard, Shane Osborne and Gordon Ramsay. Over the last few years, the Irish chef has become something of a television personality too – as a host and regular guest chef on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen and as one of the main chefs on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook. In 2022 she joined BBC One’s MasterChef: The Professionals as a judge alongside Marcus Wareing and Gregg

O’CONNELL BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD

SECTOR: Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Declan O’Connell

FOUNDED: 2013

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Based in Stanmore, North London, O’Connell Contracting began as an independent project design and building consultancy. The rm is now a multi-disciplined contracting business delivering building, civil engineering and demolition projects across the residential and commercial sectors. The rm specialises in new build residential projects, but also o ers clients pre-construction advice, refurbishment, demolition, groundworks and carpentry and brickwork services.

O’DONOVAN (WASTE DISPOSAL) LTD

SECTOR: Waste Management

FOUNDER: Joe O’Donovan

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE

FOUNDED: 1959

STAFF: 185

TURNOVER: £20m

With strong roots dating back to 1959 when the late Joe O'Donovan

from West Cork started out in business, O’Donovan Waste is widely regarded as a dynamic and innovative industry leader. Specialising in construction and demolition waste, the award-winning business prioritises sustained investment in sta development and operational excellence, with their commitment to safety the powerful force behind the rm’s quality service and continued success. O’Donovan has an excellent reputation as a trusted partner in the supply chain, o ering total waste management and recycling solutions whilst leading the way, demonstrating exemplar compliance and outstanding working practices. Operating in London and the South East, with a eet of 100 HGVs and a team o 185 sta delivering service excellence, O'Donovan prioritises its responsibility to the environment and the circular economy by operating solely using HVO biofuel and diverting 100% of waste from land ll.

OHOB HOLDINGS LTD

SECTOR: Construction

OWNERS: Tom O’Brien & family

FOUNDED: 1972

STAFF: 211

TURNOVER: £348m

The OHOB Group of companies (OHOB Holdings Limited) has expanded from a small groundworks subcontractor to a major multi-disciplined contractor. This has been achieved through continuous development of the technical and professional capabilities of its workforce and management team. The family-run group, in addition to groundworks and civil engineering, also includes house building, concrete frames and plant hire businesses. The OHOB group also invests hugely in training sta and apprenticeships.

O’KANE IRISH FOODS

SECTOR: Retail

FOUNDERS: Eddie O’Kane, Maureen O’Kane

FOUNDED: 2003

STAFF: 23

TURNOVER: £16m

It’s twenty years since O’Kane Irish Foods was established to satisfy demand in Britain for branded Irish food products. The business plan successfully matched supermarket locations to Irish demographics and today can count Selfridges, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons among its customers. In 2006 YourIrishShop.com was set up to o er a service to consumers outside the catchment area of the supermarkets and quickly grew to become the largest dedicated online retailer of Irish food products in Britain. In 2012 O’Kane Direct Ltd was formed in response to the ever-growing amount of trade inquiries from smaller retailers and the Irish pub sector. Current customers include Nisa, Budgens, Costcutter and Londis. After operating from separate sites for a number of years, 2018 saw all parts of the business coming together in a superb new head o ce and distribution centre in Perivale, Middlesex. Two years later the Cork based subsidiary Bia Foods International Exports Ltd was established to robustly counter the sti challenges posed by Brexit. This has ensured the continued supply of Irish food staples not only to the UK market but also to Canada, Australia, and of course the rest of the EU. The rm continues to work closely with many Irish brands, including Barry’s, Tayto, Club, Clonakilty, Erin, Boland’s, Smithwick’s, Ballymaloe, Irish Power, Bewley’s, McDonnells, Oat eld, Chef, Galtee and Flahavan’s.

OLIVER CONNELL & SON LTD

SECTOR: Construction, Rail, Aviation

MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Connell

FOUNDED: 1974

STAFF: 1,000

TUNROVER: £144m

Oliver Connell & Son Ltd is a family-owned and operated company that has now been trading successfully for nearly 50 years. With constant controlled growth and development, the Ealing-based rm has steadily increased its turnover year on year with now well-established divisions in groundworks, RC frames, railway and aviation. In its latest nancial report, the company recorded an increase in turnover to £143.8m in 2023, up from £116m in 2022. The rm claims the growth is “supported by the strong senior management team now in place with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience”. In 2024 it will celebrate 50 years trading.

Wallace, after former judge Monica Galetti stepped down from the position.

O’Donovan Waste is a leading firm in the waste management sector

OHOB Holdings’ range of projects includes work in Canary Wharf

Established in 2001, ROL have enjoyed continued and successful growth. Using innovative materials, alongside tried and tested methods, we ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.

We take pride in our performance and often develop ongoing relationships with our many clients. Visit our website to view project case studies, or contact us on the number below to discuss how we can help you.

n Large scale groundwork and reinforced concrete projects undertaken

n Specialists in groundwork and RC Frame

n Highly skilled and motivated workforce using the latest innovative methods & materials

O’NEILL AND BRENNAN CONSTRUCTION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS: Dan O’Neill, Gerry Brennan

FOUNDED: 1990

STAFF: 150+

TURNOVER: £73.6m

A dedicated construction solutions business with over 25 years of industry experience, O’Neill & Brennan supplies sta to many of the largest construction contractors in the UK and Ireland. Founded by Dan O’Neill and Gerry Brennan, the company covers multiple sectors within the construction sphere and allied industries, including labour and trades; professional and technical; energy and power; civil engineering; site services and logistics; and industrial and warehousing. The company has headquarters in both Dublin and London, with regional o ces across both countries. Its founders still oversee the running of the business, with O’Neill in place as Group Chairman and Brennan in position as Group CEO.

O’SHEA’S BUTCHERS LTD

SECTOR: Food/Drink

FOUNDER: Darragh O’Shea

FOUNDED: 2010

STAFF: 8

TURNOVER: N/A

Darragh O'Shea is the eighth generation of a Tipperary family which has been involved in the meat business since 1789. Based in Scotland, he specialises in ethically sourced meat, particularly dry-aged beef, whether from their own farm in Perthshire or other like-minded suppliers in the UK and Ireland. With his wife Fiona, and their four children, Al e, Findlay, Erin and Lottie, O’Shea “proudly runs” West Mains Farm in Tullibardine, Perthshire, which has been in his wife’s family for over 100 years. “We focus on native beef breeds such as Angus, Shorthorn and Hereford,” O’Shea explains of the business, which supplies meats to some of the nest restaurants in London. “Our pigs are rare breed Tamworth’s and Large Blacks and for lamb we farm hardy sheep breeds such as Cheviots,” he adds. “We have a passion for meat, pure and simple,” he admits, “a passion inherited from my late father Dermot O’Shea. Our lineage in butchery goes back eight generations, our craftsmanship and pedigree is second to none, a tradition we are keen to share.”

PAUL COSTELLOE AND SONS LTD

SECTOR: Fashion/Design

FOUNDER: Paul Costelloe

FOUNDED: 1979

STAFF: 6

TURNOVER: N/A

Paul Costelloe is one of the most established names in British and Irish fashion, who has dressed the likes of Princess Diana and Vogue Williams over more than 40 years in the business. Since the setting up of the fashion house under his own name, the Dubliner has been a leader in the use of hand-crafted, luxurious fabrics combined with cutting edge design, innovation and creativity. Based at his design studio in the heart of London's fashion district, Costelloe continues to create cutting edge collections season upon season. In February the Irishman’s Autumn/Winter 23 collection kicked o London Fashion Week. His show was inspired by James Joyce’s Ulysses, and those lucky enough to view it were treated to an Irish soundtrack too, with music by Enya, The Pogues and the late Sinéad O’Connor booming over the speakers as models walked the steps of the ballroom at London’s Waldorf Hotel wearing a range of structures coats and jackets, largely in tweed, as well as chunky knitwear and blouses with pu sleeves.

P FLANNERY PLANT HIRE (OVAL) LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTOR: Patrick Flannery

FOUNDED: 1972

STAFF: 1350+

TURNOVER: £160.7m

The family-run Flannery Group has been providing plant hire, ancillary equipment, training and haulage to the construction industry since 1972 and is now the largest provider of operated and self-drive plant

Airport; London Olympics 2012; Atlantis Hotel in Dubai; Facebook Dublin and the QEOP Stadium Transformation for West Ham United. In July of 2022, PHD was awarded the prestigious contract from The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), to provide the specialist access required for the latest stage of the renovation of the world-famous HMS Victory. Work on the £4million access contract takes place exactly a century after the ship was rst moved to a dry dock in 1922. “By designing a fully enclosed sca olding installation, it will allow the vital conservation work to take place while simultaneously allowing the public to continue to visit Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s iconic agship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard,” the rm explains.

PJ HEGARTY & SONS LTD

SECTOR: Construction

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN: John Hegarty

FOUNDED: 1925

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

in Britain. In 2022 the rm celebrated 50 years in business. They stated: “We’re nothing but proud to have grown our business from one machine - a JCB 3C Excavator - in 1972 to almost 5,000 units.” They added: “From our original base next to the Oval cricket ground, we now operate from a network of nine depots in Aberdeen, Northumberland, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Bicester, Newport, Leighton Buzzard and, of course, our purpose-built Head O ce depot next to Wembley Stadium. Starting with Patrick Flannery Senior 50 years ago, we now have more than 1350 operators supporting our clients on projects nationwide.”

PF CUSACK (TOOL SUPPLIES) LTD

SECTOR: Retail

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Philip Cusack

FOUNDED: 1989

STAFF: 210

TURNOVER: £49.6m

Established in 1989, PF Cusack is one of Britain’s leading suppliers of contractors’ tools, personal protective equipment, signage and tra c management products. The company has major depots in London, Wolverhampton, Bolton, Glasgow and Highbridge Somerset. “Unlike many of our competitors, we pride ourselves on being a stockist rather than simply a distributor, ensuring our customers are serviced in full and on time via our eet of vehicles, ranging from long wheel based sprinters to 18 tonne lorries for those 'larger than normal' requirements,” they explain. “Some 98% of our deliveries are made via our own Cusack liveried eet, giving customers peace of mind that their orders are safely in the hands of Cusack-managed sta ,” they add.

PHD ACCESS

SECTOR: Construction

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Danny Dwyer

FOUNDED: 1984

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £24m

Founded by Sligo native Bernard Dwyer in 1984 as PHD Sca olding, the business has vastly expanded over the years to become a major player in the construction industry as an internationally renowned sca olding specialist. Tackling speci c projects overseas became a hallmark of PHD, particularly after some restructuring of the business in the 1990s. Some of its more notable projects have included the Elizabeth Tower restoration; Houses of Parliament; Terminal 2: Dublin

Founded in 1925, PJ Hegarty has now been in business for over 95 years. First established in Ireland, its success saw a London o ce set up in 2011 to undertake projects across Britain. “We are a leading company in large scale construction with our UK company having a particular focus on small to medium scale civil engineering and industrial projects,” they explain. In Ireland the rm has o ces in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

PLATT & REILLY UK LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTORS: Derek Platt, Patrick Reilly, Chris Reilly

FOUNDED: 2002

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £65m

Founded in 2002, Platt & Reilly UK is one of the largest partition and ceiling contractors in the UK and Ireland. The rm has forged a reputation for delivering prestigious projects to the highest standards, on time, and on budget, and has worked on residential projects including Battersea Power Station (Carillon), Chelsea Barracks (Mace) and further a eld, World One in Mumbai. It also worked on the Shangri-La hotel in The Shard, the International Broadcasting Centre at Olympic Park and Google Headquarters in Dublin. The rm’s mission statement is “to provide our clients with exceptionally nished projects, ensuring quality value and timely delivery".

POD-TRAK LTD

SECTOR: Infrastructure

FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR: Paul O’Donnell

FOUNDED: 2007

STAFF: 300+

TURNOVER: £50.4m

Paul O’Donnell founded Pod-Trak Ltd in 2007 after spending six years working throughout the UK and Ireland on various rail and infrastructure projects. Starting out as a small sub-contractor, O’Donnell has grown the business in both size and capability to deliver a rst class service to its growing client base. As founder and managing director, O’Donnell has managed and overseen the implementation of main contractor capabilities within a growing organisation which now has the expertise and skills to deliver both large and small projects to the same high standards. Today Pod-Trak o ers bespoke engineering solutions to clients who seek an innovative approach to the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure.

POWERDAY PLC

SECTOR: Recycling, Waste Management

FOUNDER: Mick Crossan

FOUNDED: 1977

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £52.6m

Powerday provides market-leading waste management and recycling services in London and across the UK. They provide a quality and value-for-money service that makes it as easy as possible for their clients to manage their resources sustainably and they invest heavily to

Designer Paul Costelloe

N/E

maintain state-of-the-art facilities designed to maximise recycling and recovery of material, delivering 100 per cent diversion from land ll and continually exploring more sustainable and innovative solutions, such as delivering/collecting skips/roro’s in their carbon neutral eet since 2021. In June of this year, Powerday owner Mick Crossan announced that the London Irish Rugby Club, which he has owned for a decade, was to go into administration after failing to secure a buyer for the struggling Gallagher Premiership club. In a statement made at the time, Crossan said: “The reality is that professional rugby in this country is going through a hugely challenging time and, as we know, many clubs are sadly still struggling to get back on a stable path following the pandemic. I have publicly stated, on numerous occasions, that I would be willing to pass on the stewardship of the club if we could nd the right person or group to take it forward and secure its long-term future. After a decade of supporting the club nancially, it is not feasible for me to continue absorbing the multi-million-pound losses of the club each year, inde nitely.”

PUMP TECHNOLOGY LTD

SECTOR: Water/Wastewater

FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN: Jeremy Brownlee

FOUNDED: 1992

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £7.5m

Jeremy Brownlee founded Pump Technology in 1992 after gaining years of professional experience working in the water pump industry. When it started the company serviced the need for mid-range systems to pump water, wastewater and sewage. The rm, which is headquartered in Berkshire, has grown exponentially since then. Today it is the largest supplier of equipment from Jung Pumpen GmbH, who have partnered with Pump Technology for the speci cation and supply of their pumping products outside of mainland Europe. With its dedicated Jung Pumpen Contracts Team lead by Matt Camille, all commercial building wastewater and sewage pumping applications can be solved with one of their many pumping systems by the company’s skilled and knowledgeable sta .

RICHARD CORRIGAN RESTAURANTS LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDER: Richard Corrigan

FOUNDED: 1997

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £1.3m (to Dec 2021)

After more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Richard Corrigan is still at the top of his game. After opening his rst restaurant Lindsay House in Soho in 1997 – where he won his second Michelin star – the

restaurateur bought and refurbished Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in 2005, before setting up Corrigan’s Mayfair in 2008. Bentley’s Sea Grill in Harrods followed in 2012, while a year later he bought the 100-acre Virginia Park Lodge in Co. Cavan, which operates as a hotel and cookery school. In 2017 Dickie’s Bar opened at Corrigan’s Mayfair, while 2019 saw Corrigan open another bar and restaurant, Da odil Mulligan - in a collaboration with fellow Irishmen John Nugent, of Kings Place, and Tony Gibney, of the famous Dublin boozer Gibney’s of Malahide. Last year he returned to his roots with the opening of The Park Café on Dublin’s Shelbourne Road. And this year saw Corrigan launch yet another new venue, with The Portrait Restaurant at London National Portrait Gallery, opening its doors in July. The new destination restaurant and bar runs across the top oor of the Gallery, in space which o ers panoramic views of Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. In true Corrigan style, menus showcase only the best of British and Irish ingredients and take inspiration from some of Richard’s most memorable dishes from his culinary career to date, re-introducing forgotten classics to the Gallery’s guests. Expect delights from the sea and land, artisanal smokeries, and Irish soda bread from the Bentley’s bakery.

ROCHFORD CONSTRUCTION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTORS: John Gerard Rochford, Gerard Rochford, Denise Rochford

FOUNDED: 1986

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £21.8m

Family company Rochford Construction has truly excelled in creating a reputable and credible reputation within the groundworks and external works sector. Since its foundation, the company has expanded to provide sub and super structure RC frames, piling, plant hire and hard landscaping.

ROCKS OYSTERS

SECTOR: Food/Drinks

FOUNDER/CEO: Simon Lamont

FOUNDED: 2017

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Celebrity chef Simon Lamont has had a busy few years since founding his Rocks Oysters business. The boutique oyster wholesaler and events company supplies some of London’s most notable restaurants with product sourced from low-yield independent farms from Britain and Ireland. Prior to opening the business Lamont spent time in a series of London restaurants. Before he left Ireland, Dublin-born Lamont became a familiar face on television screens back home through his show The Lazy Chef on TV3.

ROL CONSTRUCTION LTD

SECTOR: Construction

FOUNDERS: Mort Reidy, Patrick O’Leary

FOUNDED: 2001

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

ROL Construction was formed in 2001 and specialises in groundwork and RC frame. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, the rm has worked on numerous projects in and around London, comprising of luxury apartments, exciting regeneration projects and stylish city living. “We have worked extensively on numerous projects in and around the capital,” they con rm. “Our developments range from vast regeneration projects, vibrant city apartments and stunning family homes,” they add.

ROSKERRY BUILDING SERVICES LTD

SECTOR: Structural Alterations, RC Frames, Basements, Groundworks, External Works, Diamond Drilling and Controlled Demolition

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Daniel Leahy

FOUNDED: 2013

STAFF: 90

London-based rm has various arms that provide a wide variety of solutions to construction projects, from structural alterations of existing buildings to carrying out major new groundworks and RC Frameworks. Their in-house Diamond Drilling, Saw Cutting and Brokk division enables them to provide a complete package for all types of construction projects. Established in 2013, the rm has quickly earned a reputation as a reliable, honest and dynamic contractor. “We are continuing to build our company by adding the best people and innovative plant,” the rm states.

SR STUDIO 93 LTD (SIMONE ROCHA)

SECTOR: Fashion/Design

FOUNDER: Simone Rocha

FOUNDED: 2010

STAFF: 25

TURNOVER: N/A

Born in Dublin Simone Rocha has been London based now for many years. The Irish designer debuted at London Fashion Week in September 2010, and has remained here ever since, now boasting three standalone stores in London, New York and Taiwan. Last September Rocha moved into menswear for the rst time, debuting her male collection at London Fashion Week (LFW) with a show that took place the Old Bailey. This year, in February, she showed her Autumn/Winter 23 collection at a LFW show held at Central Hall Westminster – a Methodist church with a giant domed ceiling. That collection was inspired by Lughnasadh, the annual Irish harvest festival, and the designer admits she researched its traditions, which include climbing mountains, ritual dances and feasting, for her collection.

She also enlisted the Irish folk band Lankum to perform live during the show, with their atmospheric uilleann pipes casting a melancholy spell over proceedings.

STONEBRIDGE CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS

SECTOR: Construction

DIRECTOR: David O’Sullivan

FOUNDED: 2017

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: £229.4m

Stonebridge Contracting Solutions was founded on the basis that to ensure success, rms must be built to last. “With expertise in legal, tax, accountancy, construction and rail logistics, we are perfectly equipped to ensure [our clients] remain both compliant and competitive,” they explain. Now operating for more than ve years, the rm prides itself on its expertise in providing services concerning CIS, Umbrella PAYE, Sole Trader and Limited Companies. The company, run by David O’Sullivan, con rms: “In an economic climate as turbulent as ours, where the exible working market is such an asset to our economy yet can sometimes be portrayed in a negative light, it is essential to have expertise in all areas of our marketplace.” Stonebridge o ers clients expertise in legal, tax, accountancy, construction and rail logistics.

SUPER 8 RESTAURANTS LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDERS: Brian Hannon, Ben Chapman

FOUNDED: 2014

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Dubliner Brian Hannon came to London as a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. After a number of years spent working for large rms in the hospitality sector, he teamed up with Ben Chapman to open the Smoking Goat restaurant. The pair now co-own the Super 8 Restaurants group, which includes Smoking Goat in Shoreditch, Kiln in Soho and the Michelin-starred Brat, also in Shoreditch, which is a partnership with the Welsh chef Thomas Parry.

TACOS PADRE LTD

SECTOR: Hospitality

FOUNDER: Nick Fitzgerald

TURNOVER: £10m

Roskerry Building Services Limited provides integrated construction solutions to clients tailored to suit their individual needs. The

FOUNDED: 2017

STAFF: N/A

TURNOVER: N/A

Richard Corrigan, pictured with Elizabeth Carter, at the Good Food Guide Awards 2023

Since its inception in 1997 Horohoe Construction Ltd have grown from strength to strength and continue to deliver some of the finest quality workmanship in the construction industry. With their head office based in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, the company work closely with many prestigious clients having worked on some of the most iconic landmark projects across London and the UK. They deliver their high end carpentry and joinery works on time and within budget across all sectors, providing a varied work stream.

They have a string of accreditations to support their business such as ISO9001,14001, 45001, Construction Line Gold and Achillies plus they are BM Trada certified for 3rd party fire door installation and fire door maintenance, meaning they are fully compliant with industry standards.

Horohoe Construction Ltd, Lanesboro House, 108 – 110 Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire

A multidisciplinary civil engineering group delivering positive results on site every day.

Ufurnish founder Deirdre McGettrick

Ciara McGurk launched Tallow + Ash in 2022

KMCO Group provides a wide range of services to the telecommunications industry and we have grown to be a much broader organisation and our services include the supply of skilled operatives to delivering a full turnkey solution.

Since our creation in 2004 we’ve expanded our service offerings massively, we were initially a relatively specific business set up to supply skilled and high-qualified operatives in the communication industry.

Companies100 – little green book of contacts

Addington (Formwork) Ltd

Kiln Lane, Easthampstead Road, Bracknell, RG12 1NA

www.addingtonformworks.co.uk

01344 304 466

AJE Facades Ltd

Turris House, 6 Metro Centre, Dwight Road, Watford, WD18 9UD www.ajefacades.com

01923 810 350

Amplify Donations Ltd

7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR www.amplifydonations.io

Ardent Tide Ltd

Kings House, 3rd Floor, Kymberley Road, Harrow, HA1 1PT

www.ardenttide.co.uk

020 8452 4286

Ardmore Group 6 Wharf Studios, 28 Wharf Road, London, N1 7GR

www.ardmoregroup.co.uk 020 8344 0300

Ballymore Group 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9SJ www.ballymoregroup.com 020 7510 9100

Barhale Ltd

Barhale House, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, WS1 4NN

www.barhale.co.uk 01922 707 700

Brady Mallalieu Architects Ltd 90 Queens Drive, London, N2 2HW www.bradymallalieu.com

020 8880 1544

Byrne Group Ltd

53 Great Su olk Street, London, SE1 0DB www.byrnegroup.co.uk 020 8973 0200

Cara Personnel Employment Ltd

CARA House, 70 Greenhill Way, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1LE

www.carapersonnel.co.uk

020 8427 7473

Cara Stationery and O ce Supplies Ltd

Cara House, 1 Tudor Enterprise Park, Tudor Road, Harrow, HA3 5JQ www.carastationery.co.uk 020 8427 8424

Carey Group Plc Carey House, Great Central Way, Wembley, HA9 0HR www.careys.co 020 8900 0221

Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd 1 Westmoreland Avenue, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8PH www.csbgroup.co.uk 0116 269 3443

The Clancy Group Plc Clare House, Coppermill Lane, Hare eld, Middlesex, UB9 6HZ www.theclancygroup.co.uk 01895 823 711

Cleshar Heather Park House, North Circular Road, London, NW10 7NN

www.cleshar.co.uk 020 8733 8888

Cli ord Devlin Ltd

Cli ord House, Hedley Avenue, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 4EL

www.cli ord-devlin.co.uk 020 7538 8721

Co ey 5th Floor, Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3PF www.co eygroup.com 01925 818 680

Coinford Redeham Hall, 137 Redehall Road, Burstow, Surrey, RH6 9RJ

www.coinford.co.uk 01342 840800

The Color Company (TM) Ltd 1 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HD www.color.co.uk 020 7717 4900

Conneely Group – Drylining & Facades Ltd Braemar House, Water Lane, Stansted, CM24 8BJ

www.cdl-ltd.co.uk 01279 810870

Cully & Sully

The Henhouse, 1st oor, Elm Court, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, Ireland, T12HHW2

www.cullyandsully.com 00353 21 4293584

Danny Sullivan Group 22 Barretts Green Road, Park Royal, London, NW10 7AE www.dannysullivan.co.uk 020 8961 1900

Dornan Engineering Services Ltd 114a Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4ES www.dornan.ie 020 7340 1030

Eastgate Engineering Services Ltd

Biz-Hub, Pavilion 4, O ce No. 4001 Belasis Business Centre, Belasis Hall Technology Park, Coxwold Way, Billingham, TS23 4EA www.eastgateengineering.com 01642 332616

Element Pictures Ltd

22-25 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8DF www.elementpictures.ie 0207 4943155

Etag Fixings Ltd

Unit 14E Thames Gateway Park, Chequers Lane, Dagenham, RM9 6RH www.etag xings.co.uk 020 8691 5794

Eulogy Ltd

Third Floor, Brownlow Yard, 12 Roger Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 2J www.eulogy.co.uk 020 3077 2000

Evans Mockler Ltd 5 Beauchamp Court, Victors Way, Barnet, EN5 5TZ www.evansmockler.co.uk 020 8449 9632

Fortitude Bakehouse 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N www.fortitudebakehouse.com 020 7837 5456

Foundation Developments Ltd

Foundation House, Clarendon Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 8QX www.foundation-dev.com 020 8669 8600

Gallagher Group Ltd

Leitrim House, Little Preston, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NS www.gallagher-group.co.uk 01622 716 543

Galldris Group

Galldris House, Pavilion Business Centre, Kinetic Crescent, Innova Science Park, En eld, EN3 7FJ www.galldris.co.uk 01992 763000

Galvin Restaurants 3rd Floor, 19 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1PF www.galvinrestaurants.com 020 7299 0444

Glencar Construction Ltd

Glencar House, 32-34 Upper Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3UU www.glencar.com 020 7770 6900

Glenman Corporation Ltd

8 Power Road, Chiswick, London, W4 5PY 020 8996 8058 www.glenman.co.uk

Go Eve Ltd

Dalton House 60 Windsor Avenue, Wimbledon, London, England, SW19 2RR www.goeve.com 020 8798 2450

Green & Fortune Ltd

Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG www.greenandfortune.co.uk 020 7014 2847

Greencoats Ltd 10 Church Road, Hendon, London, NW4 4EA www.claddagh-ring.co.uk 020 8203 2600

Ground Construction Ltd (GCL)

Ground House, 2-3 Little Burrow, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 4SP www.groundconstruction.com 020 8238 7000

Horohoe Construction Ltd

Lanesboro House, 108-110 Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, United Kingdom, WD4 8HR www.horohoe.co.uk 0330 127 2000

ID-PAL

Whiteleaf Business Centre, 11 Little Balmer, Buckingham, MK18 1TF www.id-pal.com 01280 825716

The Irish Post

1 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HD www.irishpost.com 020 8900 4137

JB Structures

16 Station Rd, Watford, WD17 1EG www.jbstructures.co.uk 01923 447435

J Co ey Group Ltd

93-95 Greenford Rd, Harrow, HA1 3QF www.jco ey.com 020 8426 4944

J Ffrench Ltd

Unit 3 Beamish Close, Middle eld Industrial Estate, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1SD www.j renchltd.co.uk 01753 630505

JJ Rhatigan & Co. Ltd

Anna House, 214-218 High Road, Seven Sisters, London, N15 4NP www.jjrhatigan.com 0845 399 2310

John Reilly (Civil Engineering) Ltd

Barley House, Duncan Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 1ZT www.johnreilly.co.uk 02380 629 900

John Sisk & Son Ltd

1 Curo Park, Frogmore, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DD www.johnsiskandson.com 01727 875 551

Joseph Gallagher Ltd

Neagron House, Stanford Road, Orsett, Essex, RM16 3BX

www.josephgallagher.co.uk 01375 672 070

JRL Group Ltd

4 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, London, WD6 1RN www.jrlgroup.co.uk 020 8953 7800

Kaybridge Construction (Barnet) Ltd

Tudor House, 24 Cecil Road, En eld, Middlesex, EN2 6TG www.kaybridge.com 020 8366 3361

Kelly Group Ltd

Kelly House, Fourth Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0LH www.kelly.co.uk 020 8424 0909

Keltbray Group (Holdings) Ltd

St Andrew’s House, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9TA www.keltbray.com 020 7643 1000

Kiely Group

135 Cherrywood Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, B9 4XE www.kielybros.co.uk 012 1772 3800

Kilhan Construction Ltd 1st Floor, Unit 3 Technology Park, Colindeep Lane, NW9 6BX www.kilhan-construction.co.uk 020 8903 0492

George Killoughery Ltd (Killoughery) 43A Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4NA www.killoughery.co.uk 020 8648 3737

KMCO Group Ltd

Unit 2, Green End Business Park, Sarratt, Rickmansworth, WD3 6HH www.kmcogroup.com 01923 269188

Kylemore Services Ltd

Stanmore Business and Innovation Centre, Stanmore Place, Honeypot Lane, Stanmore, HA7 1GB www.kylemore.co.uk 020 8795 1083

Laing O’Rourke Plc

Bridge Place 1 & 2, Anchor Boulevard, Crossways, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6SN www.laingorourke.com 01322 296 200

L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage Ltd Boundary Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7YU www.l-lynch.com 020 8900 0000

Masterson Holdings Ltd

Atlantic House, 7 Stirling Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 2BT www.getjar.co.uk 020 8736 4300

Maylim Ltd

Unit 4 Wharf Studios, 32 Wharf Road, London, N1 7GR www.maylim.co.uk 0207 785 6996

McGurk Group Ltd

Gloucester House, 29 Brunswick Square, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, GL1 1UN www.mcgurkgroup.co.uk 01242 386327

MGBC Ltd

5 Imperial Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8FE www.mgbcgroup.com 020 8066 0152

MPB Structures Ltd 14 Crucible Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5TS

www.mpb.co.uk 01536 264100

MPD Civils Group 112 Latimer Road, Chesham, England, HP5 1QQ www.mpdcivilsgroup.com 01494 765 465

MPG Contracts Ltd Building 3, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1GN www.mpgcontracts.co.uk 020 3668 1522

Munnelly Support Services Ltd (Munnelly Group) Munnelly House, 84-88 Pinner Road, Harrow, HA1 4LP www.munnellygroup.com 020 3780 5800

J Murphy & Sons Ltd (Murphy Group) Hiview House, Highgate Rd, London, NW5 1TN www.murphygroup.com 020 7267 4366

Myrtle Restaurant Ltd 1A Langton Street, Chelsea, SW10 0JL www.myrtlerestaurant.com 020 7352 2411

O’Connell Building Contractors Ltd 2 Mountside, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 2DT www.oconnellcontracting.com 020 3150 0803

O’Donovan (Waste Disposal) Ltd Mark eld House, 82 Mark eld Road, Tottenham, London, N15 4QF www.odonovan.co.uk 0800 731 3332

OHOB Holdings Ltd O’Brien House, 197-199 Garth Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4NE www.ohob.com 020 8337 5527

O’Kane Irish Foods Unit 2, Phoenix Trading Estate, Bilton Road, Perivale, Middlesex, UB6 7DZ www.okaneirishfoods.co.uk 020 8385 1771

Oliver Connell & Son Ltd Zanrose House, Perivale Park, Horsenden Lane South, Greenford, UB6 7RH www.oliverconnell.com 020 8568 0001

O’Neill and Brennan Construction Ltd Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1AG www.oneillandbrennan.com 01707 648 880

O’Shea’s Butchers Ltd

Arch 14, Apollo Business Park, Lucey Way, London SE16 4ET www.osheasbutchers.com 020 7064 1712

Paul Costelloe and Sons Ltd 57 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8JH www.paulcostelloe.com 020 7224 1927

P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd Flannery House, Third Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0RZ www. anneryplanthire.com 020 8900 9290

PF Cusack (Tool Supplies) Ltd 1 Dundee Way, Brimsdown, En eld, EN3 7SX www.cusack.co.uk 020 8344 4100

PHD Access 54 Oxford Rad, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB9 4DN www.phdaccess.com 01895 822 292

PJ Hegarty & Sons Ltd Waterman House, Watermans Business Park, Kingsbury Crescent, Staines, TW18 3BA www.pjhegarty.co.uk 01784 465 495

Platt & Reilly UK Ltd 3rd Floor, 78-80 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1QP www.plattreilly.co.uk 020 3903 5777

Pod-Trak Ltd Crove House, 14 Aintree Road, Perivale, UB6 7LA www.pod-trak.com 0845 450 4190

Powerday Plc Crossan House, Old Oak Sidings, O Scrubs Lane, London, NW10 6RJ www.powerday.co.uk 020 8960 4646

Pump Technology Ltd Unit 56, Youngs Industrial Estate, Aldermaston, Berks, RG7 4PW www.pumptechnology.co.uk 0118 9821 555

Richard Corrigan Restaurants Ltd 11-15 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DG www.corrigancollection.com 020 7499 9943

Rochford Construction Ltd Kerry House, Fourth Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0LH www.rochfordltd.co.uk 020 8903 6888

Rocks Oysters Ltd New Covent Garden Market, Mission Kitchen at the Food Exchange, Nine Elms, SW8 5EL www.rocksoysters.com 07523 418594

ROL Construction Ltd Unit 15, Smallford Works, Smallford Lane, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0SA www.rolconstruction.co.uk 01727 827 069

Roskerry Building Services Ltd Building 3, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP www.roskerry.co.uk 020 3617 8891

SR Studio 93 Ltd (Simone Rocha) 64 De Beauvoir Crescent, Islington, London, England, N1 5SB www.simonerocha.com 020 7254 4390

Stonebridge Contracting Solutions Stonebridge, Lower First Floor, Bishops House, Market Place, Chalfont St. Peter, SL9 9HE www.sbgrp.co.uk 020 3789 2490

Super 8 Restaurants Ltd Suite 15 The Enterprise Centre Coxbridge Business Park, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5EH www.super8.rest

Tacos Padre Ltd Unit 56, Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, Jubilee Place, London, SE1 9AG www.tacospadre.com

Tallow & Ash Ltd Unit 5, Francis Woodcock Trading Estate, Gloucester, GL1 4JE www.tallow-ash.com 07375675225

Toureen Group Ltd 25 Cecil Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 5QY www.toureengroup.co.uk 020 8424 7999

Trullo Ltd

300-302 St Paul's Road, London, N1 2LH www.trullorestaurant.com 020 7226 2733

Ufurnish Kemp House, 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX www.ufurnish.com 020 8131 8933

VGC Group Ltd Cardinal House, Bury Street, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 7GD www.vgcgroup.co.uk 0800 047 8118