Kane Group: 20 Years of Building Upwards

Cathal McMullan, managing director of Kane Group, shares insights with Emma Deighan into the business’ pursuit of a £100m turnover and the crucial role of carbon neutrality in its success as a multifaceted mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractor.

Over the past two decades, Kane Group has experienced a remarkable journey of growth and transformation under the ownership and leadership of the McMullan family.

Prior to that, the business operated as a traditional mechanical services installation contractor under different ownership for around 30 years but the modern-day Kane Group has expanded beyond recognition with a plethora of services, new markets, and innovation, moulding it into an established player in the construction industry in Ireland and the UK.

Cathal McMullan says more growth is on the horizon, with areas like sustainability and retrofitting opening up a wealth of opportunity. The backstory of its real ascent to success began properly when the McMullan family took over Kane Group in 2003. After that, it underwent significant expansion and diversification. Initially focused on mechanical services in Northern Ireland and Ireland, the economic downturn in 2008 forced it to explore new horizons. It was a fortuitous twist of fate that would ultimately shape its destiny in a favourable manner.

“We had to pack up and go to London because of the recession, which really became a catalyst for substantial growth within the business,” Cathal begins.

“We came on from an installationonly contractor to an end-to-end contractor that picks up at the concept stage right through to design, and then installation. We also cater for any off-site requirements, from the modular build of facilities to an aftercare service.”

Facilities management is another area of expertise for the team at Kane Group, which makes it a comprehensive service provider that can “maintain an asset through its lifecycle,” Cathal says.

“We want to be there from the start and maintain our position with that client. If we’re the information holder from the beginning, that relationship makes sense.”

In London, the company found much success by collaborating with larger contractors and alongside that expansion of services, it further propelled Kane Group’s growth.

Turnover has skyrocketed from £1.7 million to an impressive £65 million as laid bare in its most recent accounts – a surge Cathal says was primarily fuelled by the company’s entry into the London market and the diversification of its portfolio.

Its ascent is still continuing. Looking ahead, Kane Group is determined to expand its footprint beyond London and into other markets in the UK and Europe in a similar move.

It is currently in the midst of a five-year plan to achieve a turnover of £100 million by 2026, with aims to establish more offices.

“We have opened a new regional office in Birmingham and we have another in Glasgow where we hope to grow more,” Cathal continues.

“Our model has been from Northern

Ireland to London, but we ask why can’t that be from London to Frankfurt?” he envisions, highlighting Kane Group’s ambition to extend operations beyond our neighbouring confines and into the continent.

The evolution of Kane Group’s services – from an installation-only contractor to a comprehensive end-to-end solution provider – will complement that move into Europe.

Cathal says with an emphasis on sustainability, Kane Group has adapted to meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious construction practices which will serve it well for meeting that £100 million goal and nurture future contracts.

The company is actively engaging in projects aligned with sustainability goals, such as the rejuvenation of old office stock in London and the expansion of NHS works.

By embracing off-site and modular construction methods, it strives to reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency throughout the construction process for some of the major players in its client sectors; from residential to office, healthcare and education.

With a current headcount of 250 individuals, the company has experienced substantial in-house growth too, in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, and London. Its Banbridge location serves as a hub for design, prefabrication and support, while London houses a significant portion of the team overseeing installations.

Recognising the importance of talent retention and attraction, Kane Group’s internal strategy sees it provide forwardthinking facilities to its staff, including a gym, to support their wellbeing.

Cathal maintains that communication is a key part of retaining that workforce, some of whom have been with the company for nearly all of the 20 years since he stepped in.

“The significance of effective communication within the growing organisation is extremely important,” he says. “Maintaining a focus on that and learning and development keeps our staff here and helps attract more.

“We invest heavily in training and digital innovation, employing virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance design processes and bridge the gap between industry needs and educational offerings. There are talent deficits out there but it’s a two-way street with the education system to accommodate those needs and we do work together but there is a lag.”

Among Kane Group’s most notable projects to date is the prestigious Claridge’s Hotel, where the company played a crucial role in a substantial basement excavation.

The project showcased Kane Group’s diverse skill set and ability to tackle complex challenges in what was a £12 million programme of works.

Such was the challenge, BBC ran a documentary on the development for which Kane Group was responsible for the MEP (the design, prefabrication and installation of the Energy Centre five floors below ground level!).

More recently the company has secured its largest project to date, a £43 million endeavour at Canary Wharf and with ongoing projects in various sectors, such as medical and data centres, the company is well positioned for future growth and success.

As Kane Group celebrates that 20-year milestone, it is evident that the McMullan family’s stewardship has transformed the company into a formidable player in the construction industry. Through strategic expansion, diversification of services and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, it has established itself as a trusted and innovative partner for clients.

With ambitious plans for further growth and a steadfast focus on its team, Kane Group is poised to continue making a significant impact in the construction sector, both in the UK and beyond.

“Our team have been instrumental in this growth,” Cathal continues. “We have a lot of people here who have been loyal to the business, who have been side by side and developed together to make Kane Group what it is. There’s a resilience there, and that is something that people from here are recognised for in places like London.

“Looking ahead, in the immediate future, I do see some challenges with rate rises, a bottleneck of work and the material shortages and costs from the last few years still resolving themselves but we’re not alone in those challenges.

“After 2024, I think we have a lot of positivity to look forward to. I think there is real growth potential in the ESG and sustainability field and that will bring our workload forward.”