The Irish Post Companies100 2016

www.irishpost.co.uk November 2016

Meet the influencers The best Irish firms in Britain 2016

Brand Ireland 2.0 Introducing the new generation of entrepreneurs

Page 1.indd 1

04/11/2016 16:08

Page 3.indd 2

04/11/2016 10:36

Contents

Visit us online www.irishpost.co.uk

THE WHO’S WHO OF IRISH FIRMS IN BRITAIN

Contact The Irish Post

Companies100 2016

Call us 020 8900 4159

Pages 4-5

Find us /TheIrishPost

MEET THE INFLUENCERS Pages 6-10 & 14-22

Follow us @TheIrishPost #Companies100

START ME UP

The next generation of entrepreneurs

Connect with us The Irish Post

Pages 11-13

Companies100 2016 Printed by Warners Midlands Plc Published by The Irish Post, 88 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY Editor: Siobhán Breatnach Research & Reporting: Gerard Donaghy Photography: Malcolm McNally, Getty Images Advertising: Sarah Murphy, Katie Brown, Marita Quigley Call: 020 89004159

Companies100 2017 Usheru - a new entry for 2016 Page 22

Open for Vintage Page 13

COVER STAR www.irishpost.co.uk November 2016

Meet the influencers The best Irish firms in Britain 2016

Brand Ireland 2.0 Introducing the new generation of entrepreneurs

Page 1.indd 1

04/11/2016 16:08

Dr Leah Totton, Founder of Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics and winner of The Apprentice 2013

www.irishpost.co.uk Page 2-3.indd 3

Want to be featured in next year’s magazine?

Email editor@ irishpost.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

Style and substance...

Over the last 12 months we have seen the Irish in Britain continue to triumph in business.

And with the arrival of 11 new firms to this year’s Companies100 list, Ireland’s brightest and best are being noticed, praised and acknowledged more than ever at the highest levels of industry - taking the lead in technology, food, fashion, travel, property, construction, communications and more.

Take our cover star for 2016, Dr Leah Totton. This self-starting Northern Irish woman has taken her passion for health and beauty and turned it into one of Britain’s leading new brands.

In just three years since appearing on BBC’s The Apprentice, where she won the respect and financial support of Lord Alan Sugar, the 28-year-old has

become synonymous with an ever-growing Irish success story in this country. Opening the first of her Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics in Central London in 2014, a second has followed this year in Essex.

And as if that’s not enough, this young physician has also made a part-time return to her work as a doctor in the NHS where she now splits the week between her business and the A&E room.

In this year’s issue we also meet some of the rising stars in business (pages 11-13). From the friends who turned a passion for flowers and books into a flourishing venture to the sisters who spotted a trend and carved out a neon niche in the market.

Out in front and winning, it’s been style and substance all the way for the Irish in business in 2016.

Siobhán Breatnach Editor-in-Chief The Irish Post

3 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

04/11/2016 16:15

Directory - get in touch Addison Lee

35-37 William Road, London NW1 3ER www.addisonlee.com 020 7387 8888

Alexander Mann Solutions

3 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2SW www.alexandermannsolutions.com 020 7832 2700

Ardent Tide Ltd

164-168 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3ED www.ardenttide.co.uk 020 8452 4286

Ballymore Properties Ltd 3 Greenwich View Place, London E14 9NN www.ballymoregroup.com 020 7510 9100

The Barbara Stanley Gallery

27 Connaught St, London W2 2AY www.irishartinlondon.com 020 7262 2410

Barhale PLC Barhale House, Bescot Crescent, Walsall WS1 4NN www.barhale.co.uk 01922 707 700 Bennett Construction

2nd Floor, 49-51 Central Street, London EC1V 8AB www.bennettconstruction.co.uk 020 7014 5490

Brady Mallalieu Architects Ltd

90 Queens Drive, London N4 2HW www.bradymallalieu.com 020 8880 1544

Byrne Group

38-42 Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0JE www.byrnegroup.co.uk 020 8973 0200

Cappagh Group

Cappagh House, Waterside Way, London SW17 0HB www.cappagh.co.uk 020 8947 4000

Cara Stationary Ltd

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.careysplc.co.uk 020 8900 0221

Charles Street Buildings Group

1 Westmoreland Avenue, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8PH www.csbgroup.co.uk 0116 269 3443

Unit 20, Riverside Industrial Estate, Forward Works, Bridge Lane, Woolston, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 4BA www.coffeygroup.com 020 8447 9199

The Color Company (TM) Ltd 88 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY www.color.co.uk 020 7553 2928

The Comer Group

Princess Park Manor, Royal Drive, New Southgate, London N11 3FL www.thecomergroup.com 020 8361 2424

Conneely Group Ltd

Braemar House, Water Lane, Stansted CM24 8BJ www.cdl-ltd.co.uk 01279 810870

Cuisson Ltd

8 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5BY www.cuisson.co.uk 020 3695 1298

The Dairy Group

15 The Pavement Clapham, London, SW4 OHY www.the-dairy.co.uk 0207 622 4165

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

Doveguard Construction Ltd 3 Cardwell Terrace, London N7 0NH www.doveguard.com 020 7700 7500

The Doyle Collection

Doyle Hotels UK Ltd, 47 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8DN www.doylecollection.com 020 7486 6600

9 Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2PX www.exclusivemagazines.co.uk 01494 771 144

Fitzpatrick Referrals

Halfway Lane, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2QQ www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk 01483 423761

Gallagher Group Ltd

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

The Galldris Group

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

Galvin Restaurants

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

Gaughan Services Ltd

76 Queens Road, Burkhurst Hill, Essex, 1G9 5BS www.gaughanservices.com 020 8292 3927

Global Blackswan Ltd

Blackswan House, 1 Prudhoe Terrace, Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, NE30 4EZ www.globalblackswan.com 0845 603 2815

Green & Fortune Ltd

Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG www.greenandfortune.co.uk 020 7014 2840

Greencoats Ltd

J D Wetherspoon Plc Wetherspoon House, Central Park, Reeds Crescent, Watford WD24 4QL www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk 01923 477777

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

Kelliher Insurance Group 2nd Floor, John Stow House, 18 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7JB www.kelliherinsurancegroup.co.uk 020 7623 4957

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

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

Kiely Bros Ltd 135 Cherrywood Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham B9 4XE www.kielybros.co.uk 0121 772 3800

Grosvenor Cleaning Services Ltd

Kiernan Construction Ltd

17 Prescott Place, London SW4 6BS www.orlakiely.com 020 7819 0110

Instalcom Ltd

K Rouse Civil Engineers Ltd

The Irish Post

8 Carr Crofts Drive, Armley, Leeds LS12 3AL www.krouse.co.uk 0113 2046900

Clifford Devlin

Evans Mockler Ltd

7 - 9 Bakers Yard, Bakers Row, London EC1R 3DD www.eulogy.co.uk 020 3077 2000 5 Beauchamp Court, Victors Way, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 5TZ www.evansmockler.co.uk 020 8449 9632

88 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY www.irishpost.co.uk 020 8900 4159

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

The McAleer & Rushe Group 100 George Street, London W1U 8NU www.mcaleer-rushe.co.uk 020 7224 4900

MP Moran & Sons Ltd 293-301 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR www.mpmoran.co.uk 020 7328 5566

Murphy Group Hiview House, Highgate Rd, London NW5 1TN www.murphygroup.co.uk 020 7267 4366

Niall McLaughlin Architects Bedford House, 125-133 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JR www.niallmclaughlin.com 020 7485 9170

OB Business Solutions Ltd Buckhurst Hill, Essex www.obbusinesssolutions.co.uk 07450 997145

McGrath Bros (Waste Control) Ltd McGrath House, Hepscott Road, Hackney, London. E9 5HH www.mcgrathgroup.co.uk 0845 548 5500

McNicholas Construction (Holdings) Ltd Lismirrane Industrial Park, Elstree Road, Elstree,

Kylemore Services Ltd

455 Wick Lane, London E3 2TB www.jbriney.co.uk 020 8983 0077

J Browne Group

Laing O’Rourke

Meelin House, Unit 2 Pavilion Business Centre, 6 Kinetic Crescent, Enfield EN3 7FJ www.jbconstruction.co.uk 020 3300 0033

Masterson Holdings Ltd

Grant House, Locketts Road, Ashon in Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DE www.mgf.ltd.uk 01942 402 700

43A Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4NA www.killoughery.eu 020 8648 3737

Heron House, 109 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 8DA www.kylemore.co.uk 020 8795 1083

JB Riney & Co Ltd

56 Lyndhurst Park, Belfast BT13 3PG www.manguardplus.ie 0870 7666211

MGF (Trench Construction Systems) Ltd

Killoughery Ltd

Dunnes Stores UK Ltd

The Enterprise Centre, Furthergate, Blackburn, Lancs BB1 3HQ www.enjoytravel.co.uk 01254 445050

9 West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JL www.louisekennedy.com 020 7235 0911

Hertfordshire WD6 3EA www.mcnicholas.co.uk 020 8953 4144

Rough Hey, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 5AR www.kiernan.co.uk 01772 797687

24 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4TY www.drleah.co.uk 020 7877 5999

Enjoy Travel

Hazelwood, Croysdale Avenue, Green Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 6QU www.london-irish.com 01932 750 100

Manguard Plus Ltd

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

Kiely Rowan Plc (Orla Kiely)

Instalcom House, Manor Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1QH www.instalcom.co.uk 0208 731 4600

London Irish Holdings Plc (London Irish)

JRL Group Ltd

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

Hill House 1 Little New Street, London EC4A 3TR www.dunnesstores.com 0844 264 3185

Lynch House, Parr Road, Stanmore, London HA7 1LE www.l-lynch.com 020 8900 0000

Louise Kennedy

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

Suite 6, Ensign House, Admirals Way, London E14 9XQ www.grosvenorservices.com 020 3713 7783I

L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage Ltd

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

Ground Construction Ltd (GCL)

Eulogy Ltd

Clifford House, Towcester Rd, London E3 3ND www.clifford-devlin.co.uk 020 7538 8721

Exclusive Magazines Ltd

Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics Ltd

The Clancy Group

Clare House, Coppermill Lane, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6HZ www.theclancygroup.co.uk 01895 823 711

4

Coffey Group

DESIGNS ON SUCCESS: Philip Treacy

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

www.irishpost.co.uk

Page 4 & 5.indd 4

04/11/2016 16:06

O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd

Markfield House, 82 Markfield Road, Tottenham, London N15 4QF www.odonovan.co.uk 0800 731 3332

O’Halloran O’Brien Ltd

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

O’Kane Irish Foods

8 Quad Road, East Lane Business Park, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 7NE www.okaneirishfoods.co.uk 020 8385 1771

Ovation Ltd

2nd Floor, 15 Greycoat Place, London SW1P 1SB www.ovationincentives.com 020 7820 8800

Paul Costelloe Design Ltd

57 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8JH www.paulcostelloe.com 020 7224 1927

Pauric Sweeney Ltd

33A Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6NP www.pauricsweeney.com 020 7493 0885

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

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

PHD Modular Access Services Ltd

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

Philip Treacy Ltd

1 Havelock Terrace, Nine Elms, London SW8 4AS www.philiptreacy.co.uk 020 7738 8080

PJ Keary Ltd

PJ Keary Ltd, Jubilee House, Townsend Lane, London NW9 8TZ www.pjkeary.co.uk 0845 900 1511

Powerday Plc

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

Powerscourt Ltd

1 Tudor Street, London EC4Y 0AH www.powerscourt-group. com 020 7250 1446

Primark Stores Ltd

Primark House, 41 West Street, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1TZ www.primark.com

Quinn London Ltd

Dome House, 8 Hartley Avenue, London NW7 2HX www.quinnlondon.co.uk 020 8238 1920

Companies100 2016

Realex Payments

1 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9HR www.realexpayments.co.uk 020 3178 5370

Richard Corrigan Restaurants Ltd

11-15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG www.richardcorrigan.co.uk, www.corrigansmayfair.com and www.bentleys.org 020 7499 9943

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

SR Studio Ltd (Simone Rocha)

64 De Beauvoir Crescent.

London N1 5SB www.simonerocha.com 020 7254 4390

Telegreen Ltd

HEAD 312 Archway Road, London N6 5AT www.telegreen.co.uk 07748 880610

Total Plant Hire Ltd

Unit 7, Monde Trading Estate, Westinghouse Rad, Trafford Park M17 1LP www.tphalligan.com 0161 8771367

Toureen Group Ltd

25 Cecil Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 5QY www.toureenmangan.co.uk 020 8424 7999

Trailfinders Ltd

38 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ www.trailfinders.com 00 353 1 677 7888 (Dublin Head Office)

Trinity Sports Management Ltd Chester House Fulham Green 81-83 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JA www.trinitysportsmanagement.com info@trinitysportsmanagement.com

Tullow Oil Plc

Tullow Oil Plc, 9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5XT www.tullowoil.com 020 3249 9000

Usheru (We Love Cinema Ltd)

Wayra Academy, Shropshire House 2-10 Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JA www.usheru.com Email via website

VGC Group

Cardinal House, Bury Street, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7GD www.vgcgroup.co.uk 08456 201 201

Walsh Group Ltd

32 Lafone Street, London SE1 2LX www.walsh.co.uk 020 7089 6800

A

Grosvenor Cleaning Services Ltd Ground Construction Ltd (GCL)

O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd O’Halloran O’Brien Ltd O’Kane Irish Foods Ovation Incentives Ltd

B

I

P

Addison Lee Alexander Mann Solutions Ardent Tide Ltd

Ballymore Group The Barbara Stanley Gallery Barhale PLC Bennett Construction Brady Mallalieu Architects Ltd Byrne Group Plc N/E

C

Cappagh Group Cara Stationery Ltd Carey Group Plc Charles Street Buildings (Leicester Ltd) The Clancy Group Clifford Devlin Coffey Group The Color Company The Comer Group Conneely Group Ltd N/E Cuisson Ltd

D

The Dairy Group Danny Sullivan Group N/E Dornan Engineering Services Ltd Doveguard Construction Ltd The Doyle Collection N/E Dr Leah Ltd N/E Dunnes Stores UK Ltd N/E

E

Enjoy Travel Eulogy Ltd Evans Mockler Ltd Exclusive Magazines Ltd

F

Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd

G

Gallagher Group Ltd The Galldris Group Galvin Restaurants N/E Gaughan Services Ltd N/E Global Blackswan Ltd Green & Fortune Ltd Greencoats Ltd

Instalcom Ltd The Irish Post

J

JB Riney & Co Ltd J Browne Group JD Wetherspoon Plc John Reilly Civil Engineering Ltd John Sisk & Son Ltd JRL Group Ltd

K

Kelliher Insurance Group Kelly Group Holdings Ltd Keltbray Group Kiely Bros Ltd Kiely Rowan Plc (Orla Kiely) Kiernan Construction Ltd Killoughery Ltd K Rouse Civil Engineers Ltd Kylemore Services Ltd

L

Laing O‘Rourke L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage Ltd London Irish Holdings Plc (London Irish) Louise Kennedy Ltd

M

Manguard Plus Ltd Masterson Holdings Ltd The McAleer & Rushe Group McGrath Bros (Waste Control) Ltd McNicholas Construction (Holdings) Ltd MGF (Trench Construction Systems) Ltd MP Moran & Sons Ltd Murphy Group

N

Niall McLaughlin Architects N/E

O

OB Business Solutions Ltd

Paul Costelloe Design Ltd Pauric Sweeney Ltd PF Cusack (Tool Supplies) Ltd P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd PHD Modular Access Services Ltd Philip Treacy Ltd PJ Keary Ltd Powerday Plc Powerscourt Ltd Primark Stores Ltd

Q

Quinn London Ltd

R

Realex Payments Richard Corrigan Restaurants Ltd Rochford Construction Ltd

S

SR Studio Ltd (Simone Rocha)

T

Telegreen Ltd Total Plant Hire Ltd Toureen Group Ltd Trailfinders Ltd N/E Trinity Sports Management Ltd Tullow Oil Plc

U

N/E Usheru (We Love Cinema Ltd)

V

VGC Group

W

Walsh Group Ltd N/E

New Entry

5 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

Page 4 & 5.indd 5

04/11/2016 16:35

Addison Lee SECTOR: Transport/Minicabs CEO: Andy Boland FOUNDED: 1975 STAFF: 900 plus 4,800 self-employed drivers TURNOVER: N/A From humble beginnings in 1975, when it operated just one car, today there are more than 4,800 vehicles within the Addison Lee fleet. The black minicab firm currently services 70 per cent of the London FTSE 100 and this year acquired Tristar Worldwide to become Europe’s biggest executive car service. With Tristar’s operations in the USA, Asia, Britain and continental Europe, Addison Lee is now a major international operator.

Addison Lee invested £3.2million to grow its fleet in response to a 15 per cent jump in executive car bookings over the last year. The company added 100 new Mercedes Benz E-Class saloons to its existing fleet, making it Britain’s largest fleet of executive cars.

Alexander Mann Solutions SECTOR: Recruitment FOUNDER & CEO: Rosaleen Blair FOUNDED: 1996 STAFF: 3,000 + TURNOVER: N/A Operating in 80 countries, with a presence in every continent, Alexander Mann Solutions is widely held as the world’s leading provider of talent acquisition and management services. In October, the company was again named a global leader in the HRO Today Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey for Recruitment Process Outsourcing. This marks the 10th consecutive year the firm has finished in the top four, a record unmatched in the industry. In February, the firm opened its seventh Global Client Service Centre, located in Gdansk, Poland, further expanding its international reach. An Irish Post Company of the Year award winner in 2013, the company began in 1996 when founder Rosaleen Blair left her home in Dublin to further her career in London. Today the company counts the likes of Citibank, Statoil and Rolls Royce among their clients.

Ardent Tide Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTOR: Dermot O’Grady FOUNDED: 2010 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: £144million Contracting Solutions Company Ardent Tide is one of the largest CIS

N/E Ballymore Group SECTOR: Property development FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN: Sean Mulryan FOUNDED: 1982 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Sean Mulryan, pictured, has certainly put the small Co. Kildare town of Ballymore Eustace on the map. His company was named for the town where he personally designed and built his first house in 1982. Now the name Ballymore represents an international property development company, with reported profits in Britain this year of £154.5million – a threefold increase. After those humble beginnings in Kildare, by the mid 1990s the firm was delivering more houses in the Irish market than anyone else. Ballymore expanded into Europe, and in London it has led the way in many of the city’s great urban regeneration and masterplanning successes. The group has offices in London, Ireland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The 2016 Evening Standard Property Developer of the Year has just begun work on its €700million Dublin Landings project – an office, retail and residential space on Dublin’s North Wall Quay.

payroll companies in the UK. Its senior management team are all professional accountants with each having over 25 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 temporary labour. Directors Dermot O’Grady, David Power and Brian Byrne are responsible for client relationships and new business development, operations and compliance and financial control respectively, supported by six heads of operational departments within the North London company. In July, Dermot O’Grady – a committee member of the London Lighthouse Club and Chairman of the West London Irish Society – was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London.

The Barbara Stanley Gallery SECTOR: Visual Arts FOUNDER: Barbara Stanley FOUNDED: 2001 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Since Barbara Stanley established her gallery in London in 2001, she has provided a valuable platform for many Irish artists hoping to make an entrance in the British market. To meet the increasing demand for Irish art, the gallery runs an exciting exhibition schedule and exhibits at some of London’s most prestigious Art Fairs. Its current exhibition, Impressionists and ArTea, featuring the paintings of Norman Teeling and Victor Richardson, is currently on display at the Lancaster London until December 30. Barbara also offers a consultancy service in assisting clients to source specific artwork, commissioning artists and offering advice on all aspects of building art collections.

Barhale Plc SECTOR: Civil Engineering CHAIRMAN: Dennis Curran CEO: Matthew Behan FOUNDED: 1980 STAFF: 600+ TURNOVER: £120million Formed in 1980 as a specialist tunnelling contractor, Barhale grew initially through the successful delivery of projects in the water sector. It now provides design, construction and maintenance services to the water, transport, energy and built environment sectors. With company turnover set to deliver record figures in 2016/17 due to positive growth and targeted project wins, a new Group Holding Board has been established comprising

recently appointed CEO Matthew Behan, founder Dennis Curran, Andy Flowerday and Noel Hanley. This year the firm also landed a major contract with Severn Water’s £300million Birmingham Resilience Project, which includes providing a 25km pipeline and intake pumping station to allow maintenance on the Elan Valley Aqueduct.

Bennett Construction SECTOR: Construction JOINT MANAGING DIRECTORS: Paul Bruton, Paul McGee FOUNDED: 1917 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Bennett Construction is an international family-owned construction services company with offices and projects in London, Dublin and Germany. Founded in 1917 in Mullingar, Bennett first entered the British and particularly the London market in the mid 1980s. Working across a range of sectors including residential, restoration, hospitality, commercial and healthcare, projects in Britain have included the £13.6million Artisan Court in North London. This summer the firm won the International Project of the Year Award at the Irish Construction Industry Awards for its work on The Foundry Social Justice Centre in London.

Brady Mallalieu Architects SECTOR: Architectural and Design Services FOUNDERS: Robin Mallalieu and Angela Brady FOUNDED: 1987 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Since it was founded more than 25 years ago, the RIBA chartered Brady Mallalieu practice has been winning contracts, awards and plaudits for its high quality projects that lead on sustainability. Based in North London, husband and wife duo Robin Mallalieu and Dublin-born Angela Brady are directors of the medium-size firm, which prides itself on its versatility, taking on all types of projects from new-build and refurbishment work to interior design and master-planning. The company will soon be moving to new premises at 400 Caledonian Road – a mixed-use development designed by Brady Mallalieu which received a What Homes? Gold award for sustainability and an Outstanding Building for Life Award.

Byrne Group Plc SECTOR: Construction Services & Project Management CEO: Michael Byrne MANAGING DIRECTOR: John Anderson

WINNER: Sean Mulryan at the Irish Post Awards in 2014

6 Page 6 - 10.indd 6

04/11/2016 16:36

FOUNDED: 1969 STAFF: 1,500+ TURNOVER: N/A Founded by brothers Patsy and Johnny Byrne in 1969, Byrne Bros (Formwork) is the largest member of the dynamic Byrne Group. With head offices in Teddington, the group provides a complete integrated construction service, ranging from major concrete frame construction solutions to top-quality refurbishment, joinery manufacture, interior fitting out and plant hire. Byrne Bros is no stranger to working with esteemed clients. The company has recently begun work at Wimbledon to extend the seating in Court 1 and construct a new hospitality area at Court 19. This year also saw Byrne Bros complete work on the Tate Modern extension, Switch House – billed as “the most important new cultural building to open in Britain since the British Library”. In January, former Bovis Lend Lease boss John Anderson was appointed Managing Director of the group.

Cappagh Group SECTOR: Construction MANGAING DIRECTOR: Michael Ferncombe FOUNDED: 1973 STAFF: 300+ TURNOVER: £45million The family-owned Cappagh Group civil engineering and waste management firm was established in the 1960s (registered in 1973) when Tom Ferncombe founded Cappagh Contractors Construction.

Initially concentrating on supplying labour to the construction industry it then focussed on local civil engineering contracts, providing expertise for public utilities such as gas, water, sewers, highways drainage and ducting for the electric and telecommunications industry. In 1988 it established Cappagh Public Works to deliver construction waste recycling expertise.

The company works for blue chip organisations such as Thames Water, Portsmouth Water, Southern Gas Networks, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, the London Borough of Wandsworth and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea as well as many large contractors, developers and commercial businesses.

Cara Stationery Ltd SECTOR: Office Supplies FOUNDER: Gerry Keany FOUNDED: Late 1990s STAFF: 10+ TURNOVER: N/A Gerry Keany established Cara Stationery in the late 1990s, after giving up a career as a chartered accountant. Today the business keeps other businesses around Britain running smoothly, by providing everything they need from a stationery perspective. The firm counts numerous Irish companies in London among its clients and also offers printing, secure shredding services, company branding and full office refits.

Strengthening the company’s Irish sporting and community links, this year Cara Stationery became sponsor of London GAA’s cup competitions.

Carey Group Plc SECTOR: Environmental / Demolition / Civil Engineering / Dry Lining / New Homes / Resource Recovery CHAIRMAN: John Carey FOUNDED: 1969 STAFF: circa. 3,000 TURNOVER: £440million Brothers John, Tom and Pat Carey, from Ballyporeen in Co. Tipperary, established the Carey Group 47 years ago. With its head office in Wembley and offices across the UK and Ireland, the family owned and run construction and resource recovery group has enjoyed significant growth over the past 12 months. Careys has gone from strength to strength, securing and delivering some of the UK’s most challenging and complex construction projects, whilst also expanding the number of housing development sites and European partners for its resource recovery business. Careys’ ongoing success comes from its significant investment in specialist plant and equipment, the talent and commitment of its people, and an internal culture of striving to get better every day. Careys is now entering an exciting phase of its development with its company mission, vision and values representing the founders’ principles and clear direction for future sustainable growth.

LEADING THE WAY:Jason Carey of Carey Group Plc

Your multi-award winning waste management company

our services... skip hire tipper lorries recycled aggregates rolonofs road sweepers demolition waste collection aggregates plant hire waste transfer stations grab loaders

Driving sustainability – Delivering excellence

7 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

Page 6 - 10.indd 7

04/11/2016 16:01

Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd SECTOR: Property development and investment CHAIRPERSON/CEO: Hugh P Murphy DIRECTORS: Margaret Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Joseph Murphy, Mary Middleton and Freddie Linnett 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 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 10 fully-owned subsidiary companies, which together own over 6,000,000 sq ft of investment property spread across all sectors and throughout the UK. Inside the last year the company has renovated the old Leicester Permanent Building Society premises, sympathetically modernising the building for new tenants Spearing Waite. The law firm’s new offices have been described as “the best and most spectacular office space in Leicester”.

The Color Company (TM) Ltd SECTOR: Print and Publishing DIRECTOR: Elgin Loane FOUNDED: 2003 STAFF: 180 TURNOVER: £17million The Color Company – a leader in reprographics – has enjoyed considerable growth over the last 12 months.

The firm offers all types of printing and creative services – including exhibition graphics, 3D printing and legal printing – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company is just one in a substantial collection of interests owned

by Elgin Loane, whose various business interests have a common theme of being in either printing or publishing.

N/E Cuisson SECTOR: Hospitality OWNER AND DIRECTOR: Paul Hannagen FOUNDED: 2011 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A IIBN member Paul Hannagen from Galway honed his craft as a sous chef at boutique five-star hotel Moy House in Clare before heading for London in 2009 and Gordon Ramsey’s Maze restaurant. Just five months later he was appointed head chef of Zucca Restaurants before founding Cuisson in 2011. Cuisson’s bespoke approach sees it work with the diner to design a unique culinary experience – don’t be surprised if you are asked if you’d like to help plate up your dishes. Cuisson also offers dining experiences on a private yacht on the Thames or a private box at the O2 Arena, and caters for brands like Louis Vuitton and Veuve Clicquot. Embracing and evolving the pop-up culture, in July 2015 the firm launched POPdown. Voted the sixth best pop-up in the world by American Express, it is again running from Tuesday to Saturday until January 2017 at Borough Market. This year they have collaborated with Scottish craft beer Innis & Gunn to provide a virtual reality experience at POPdown’s Ikigai bar. The firm recently launched a Kickstarter fund for its Cuisson Creative arm, which aims to give chefs the support, skill set, knowledge and earning potential to take the next steps in their careers, while creating memorable dining experiences for its clients and the public.

The Clancy Group Plc SECTOR: Construction JOINT CHAIRMEN: Kevin Clancy, Dermot Clancy FOUNDED: 1958, Wembley STAFF: 2,500 TURNOVER: £280million The Clancy Group Plc was founded by Michael Clancy as M.J. Clancy & Sons limited. Almost 60 years later the business is one of the most successful family-owned construction firms in the UK. The group’s main operating business, Clancy Docwra, serves many sectors across the construction industry ranging from the water sector – where the business has a £700million order book – to complex engineering projects and large frameworks. The company is also a leading provider of multi-utility, rail, energy, civil engineering and more recently renewables services. In 1963 The Clancy Group introduced Clancy Developments to construct residential properties, while Clancy Plant offers the most up-to-date and innovative plant and equipment with in excess of 10,000 items. Under the tenure of Dermot and Kevin Clancy, the business’ annual turnover has grown from £8million to over £280million.

Clifford Devlin SECTOR: Demolition/Building/Asbestos Management MANAGING DIRECTOR: Tim Clifford FOUNDED: 1962 STAFF: Over 30 TURNOVER: £10million+ The private, family-owned firm Clifford Devlin has its core business in the demolition and dismantling of buildings. The company also operates two other sections – asbestos management and building and special works. Last December the company successfully completed its then largest demolition contract at Old Marylebone Town Hall. This year it saw off strong competition to land demolition projects at the Goldhawk pub in Shepherd’s Bush and Pinnacle House in Wimbledon, while it secured a £600,000 asbestos removal contract at St Barts. In July, former Chorus group pair Derek Aslett and John Harding were appointed Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyor respectively.

Coffey Group SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Odran Madden FOUNDED: 1974 STAFF: 200 TURNOVER: N/A Coffey Group is one of the market leaders in the building, environmental and civil engineering industry, operating throughout Ireland and Britain. Founded in 1974, it has operated in Britain since 1988 with offices in London, Manchester and Livingston. The business has evolved over the years to meet ever-changing markets, branching out from traditional civil engineering and expanding into water and wastewater sectors. In a joint venture with EGS Golf, Coffey Construction will build the new Torvean Golf Course in Inverness, which is set to open in 2019.

8

Conneely Group Ltd SECTOR: Construction CHAIRMAN & CEO: Eamon Conneely FOUNDED: 1985 STAFF: 800+ TURNOVER: £45million Conneely Drylining was established in 1985 by Eamon Conneely, providing drylining, partitioning and plastering services to the construction industry. It later established Conneely Facades and the group now offers a complete façade and fit-out solution to the construction industry. This year started well with the firm being named for a third time on the London Stock Exchange’s list of 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The company also secured the boutique Blackfriars Hotel project at One Blackfriars and the Colindale Gardens project, a 2,900-home development in North West London by Redrow Homes.

BUILDING BRITAIN: Brian Comer The Comer Group SECTOR: Property Developers/Commercial & Residential Real Estate Investors FOUNDERS AND DIRECTORS: Brian Comer, Luke Comer, Thomas Donnellan FOUNDED: 1984 STAFF: 1,500 TURNOVER: N/A Born in Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, Luke and Brian Comer left school in their early teens to become apprentice plasterers and started their own business in 1978. In 1981 they bought a 50-home site in north Dublin. They moved to Britain to do contract plastering before acquiring sites themselves. With a hands-on approach and a skill for buying at the right time, the astute brothers and partner Tom Donnellan achieved substantial returns on London projects. In 2005 they replicated that success in Germany with a £400million purchasing programme. Some of their land in Germany is now worth 30 times its purchase price.

They used the same model in Ireland, securing post-crash deals including the Kilternan Hotel. Bought for €7million in 2014, it had originally been developed with loans of €171.5million. Having come full circle, the brothers have snapped up development sites in their native Galway, including the former Anglo Irish Building and a two-acre site at Ayre Square. They have also recently extended their sponsorship of Galway United FC for a further three years.

N/E The Dairy Group SECTOR: Hospitality FOUNDERS: Robin & Sarah Gill FOUNDED: 2013, London NUMBER OF STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A The Dairy Group has been a labour of love for Robin Gill and his wife Sarah. Before starting the business in 2013, Robin already had a decorated CV, including Dublin’s La Stampa Restaurant, Marco Pierre White’s The Oak Room in London and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. After embarking on a journey in February 2012 to find new suppliers and undertake stints in some of Europe’s top kitchens – blowing his life savings in the process – Robin stumbled across a dilapidated building in Clapham Old Town. With the support of Sarah, Robin took on the site without a penny to his name in November 2012. After much blood, sweat and tears, The Dairy opened on St Patrick’s Day 2013. With a product-led menu, the modern bistro aims to create a farm-to-table feel. Most of the basics are prepared in-house, from churning the butter to growing herbs and vegetables in the rooftop garden, which also houses four beehives. Within a year The Dairy was voted number 24 in the National Restaurant Awards and ranked seventh most sustainable restaurant in the UK. The couple’s second bistro, The Manor, opened in November 2014 and follows The Dairy in creating an environment that is unpretentious and accessible for all. Paradise Garage in Bethnal Green followed in 2015 to rave reviews, and the group has come full circle this year with Counter Culture. The snack bar – described as The Dairy’s naughty little brother – opened next door to the main restaurant this April.

www.irishpost.co.uk

Page 6 - 10.indd 8

04/11/2016 16:36

LEADER: Danny O’Sullivan

Danny Sullivan Group SECTOR: Labour & Civil Engineering FOUNDER: Danny O’Sullivan MANAGING DIRECTOR: Timothy O’Sullivan FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 1,700 TURNOVER: Over £60million The Danny Sullivan Group (DSG) has been supplying skilled, professional labour to civil engineering, rail, transportation and construction industries for 30 years.

With a group turnover in excess of £60million, and a workforce of over 1,700 staff, DSG has grown to become one of the leading experts in providing temporary and permanent staff within the trades and labour, rail, professional and technical and security sectors.

N/E Dornan Engineering Ltd SECTOR: Construction CEO: Brian Acheson MANAGING DIRECTOR: Oliver Lonergan FOUNDED: 1966 STAFF: 1,000+ TURNOVER: N/A Founded in 1966 to serve the chemical and petrochemical industries in Ireland, Dornan Engineering expanded to provide mechanical, electrical and instrumentation services all over Europe to an increasing range of sectors. Under the ownership of the Kentech Group in the 1990s, the group went global with the establishment of an international division. In 2005, current directors Brian Acheson, Oliver Lonergan and Chris McGovern completed a management buy-out from Kentech. Previous clients include Coca-Cola, ESB and Pfizer, while in 2011 it secured the electrical, instrumentation and HVAC contract from Alston for the CCGT Pembroke Power Station in Wales – one of the largest plants ever built in Britain and valued in excess of £20million. It also worked on the recently completed CCGT Carrington Power Station. The company has offices in Ireland, Britain, Sweden, Germany and Belgium and in 2012 it set up – and holds the majority share in – Kensington-based Kantor Energy. In 2015, Tony O’Shea was appointed director of Dornan’s UK operations. Last year, Dornan turned over a reported €212million, with around €100million of that from Britain.

Doveguard Construction Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTOR: Frank O’Hare FOUNDED: 1993 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Founded in 1993, Doveguard Construction is both a main contractor and sub-contractor with contract values ranging from thousands to millions of pounds. Based in North London, the company is highly-regarded by industry peers and clients alike and achieves approximately 70 per cent repeat business from its client base. High-profile projects completed by the firm to date include the construction of the plinth and fitting of the Sir Bobby Moore Statue outside Wembley Stadium. Earlier this year it completed a successful strip out of a live office building at One America Square in London.

Kylemore Services Ltd Specialist Building Services Kylemore Services leading the way in understanding the needs of clients to achieve the best possible engineering solutions on major projects in London and the South East.

We operate in a wide range sectors including hotel and leisure, residential, commercial, transportation and stadia and have undertaken works on many iconic projects including The Shard, Battersea Power Station and The Olympic Stadium.

www.kylemore.co.uk

The Doyle Collection SECTOR: Hospitality CEO: Patrick King FOUNDED: 1964 STAFF: 1,000+ (worldwide) TURNOVER: N/A Established in 1964, the Doyle Collection is a group of eight luxury hotels located in the most fashionable quarters of five major cities around the world including London, Dublin and Washington DC. Originally founded by hotel pioneer Pascal Vincent Doyle, today his daughter Bernadette Gallagher is in place as Chairman, while Patrick King is CEO. In London, the group have uber-chic eponymous properties in fashionable Kensington, Marylebone and Bloomsbury, each boasting a unique style and design befitting their location and its heritage. This year it was reported that the group recorded an after-tax profit in 2015 of €31.1million, an increase of €11.1million, and that turnover in Britain increased by 17 per cent to €63.3million for the same period.

N/E Dunnes Stores SECTOR: Retail FOUNDER: Ben Dunne MANAGING DIRECTOR: Frank Dunne FOUNDED: 1944 STAFF: c.15,000 TURNOVER: N/A Since its first store opened on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944, Dunnes Stores has evolved into an international multi-channel retailer of fashion, food and homeware, operating 155 stores across Ireland, Britain and Spain. Its contemporary collections include collaborations with leading Irish designers Paul Costelloe, Carolyn Donnelly, Leigh Tucker and professional golfer Pádraig Harrington. This year fellow sports star and GAA legend Paul Galvin and fashion designer Joanne Hynes launched their AW16 lines with Dunnes. It also continues to develop in-house labels Savida, Gallery and Centered, all the while driven by its founder’s vision of ‘Better Value’. According to figures released by Kantar Worldpanel in October, Dunnes Stores is now Ireland’s second-largest grocery retailer, pushing Tesco into third.

Client satisfaction is the measure of our success and we aim to provide a firstclass service, at the right price and on time Address: Kylemore Services Limited Heron House 109 Wembley Hill Road Wembley, Middlesex HA9 8DA Contact: Michael Quinn or Eamon Lynam michaelq@kylemore.co.uk eamonl@kylemore.co.uk

TEL: 020 8795 1083

9 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

Page 6 - 10.indd 9

04/11/2016 16:36

N/E Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics SECTOR: Cosmetic Skin Clinics DIRECTOR: Dr Leah Totton FOUNDED: 2014 STAFF: 20 TURNOVER: £1.4million Born in Derry, Dr Leah Totton studied Medicine at the University of East Anglia, qualifying top of her year and with a distinction. She was already practicing as a doctor in a London hospital A&E department when she applied for the 2013 series of BBC’s The Apprentice. Her business plan for a cosmetic skin clinic won her the series and she invested the prize money from the show to establish her own cosmetic skin clinics, co-owned with Lord Alan Sugar. The first of the self-titled Dr Leah Clinics was launched in Moorgate, Central London in 2014 and its success allowed her to open a second in Loughton, Essex in 2016. Both clinics offer a wide variety of aesthetic treatments for the face and body and Dr Leah has invested heavily in the latest technologies to provide the most contemporary, clinically-proven treatments for her patients. The Moorgate clinic in London has a 40 per cent male clientele, up from 31 per cent in 2015, which reflects the boom in male grooming in London. A similar upward trajectory is also being experienced in the Essex clinic.

Dr Totton advocates for improved quality and integrity in the cosmetic treatment industry. The award-winning 28-year-old practitioner is now a respected cosmetic skin specialist and continues to work as an NHS doctor.

Enjoy Travel SECTOR: Travel and Tourism DIRECTOR: Gerry Flynn FOUNDED: 1989 STAFF: 12 TURNOVER: N/A Ballina native Gerry Flynn set up Enjoy Travel in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1989, specialising in hosting music and dance holidays across Europe and America. The firm offers a range of holiday experiences to suit all tastes and budgets, from three-night weekend breaks up to 14-night holidays. From its Costa Del Folk breaks in Ibiza and Portugal to a seven-night Danube river cruise – as well as breaks in Ireland – it offers something for everyone.

Eulogy Ltd SECTOR: Public Relations CEO: Adrian Brady FOUNDED: 1996 STAFF: 48 TURNOVER: £4.8million Now celebrating 20 years in business, Eulogy is an independent communications agency with a proven, award-winning pedigree in consumer, business and corporate PR consultancy. The firm prides itself on combining big, creative ideas with sound strategy and media nous to help clients gain the attention they need from the audiences they want. This year saw the company sign a two-year contract with Enterprise Ireland to raise the profile of Ireland as a destination for higher education amongst a growing Indian student population. It was also awarded a consumer retainer by Sharp’s Brewery following its successful work on other Molson Coors brands.

Evans Mockler Ltd SECTOR: Accountants, Auditors, Business and Tax Advisors MANAGING PARTNER: Simon Toghill

STAR APPRENTICE: Dr Leah Totton with businessman and mentor Lord Sugar FOUNDED: 2002 STAFF: 25 TURNOVER: N/A Tax planning expert Martin Mockler is the chairman of Evans Mockler Ltd, a firm of chartered certified accountants, auditors, business and tax advisors. The London-based company delivers a wide range of services for a growing portfolio of clients, the majority of which are first or second-generation Irish, who are largely operating in the construction industry as contractors, property developers or property investors.

Exclusive Magazines Ltd SECTOR: Publishing DIRECTOR: Stella Adams FOUNDED: 2000 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Founded by Kilkenny-born Stella Adams, the Exclusive lifestyle portfolio of magazines encompasses 24 sleek and stylish regional titles distributed across Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and London. The monthly titles aim to showcase the best of each local area and produce high-quality, intelligent content covering the very best in fashion and beauty, culture, interiors, food, travel, property and motoring.

Fitzpatrick Referrals SECTOR: Veterinary practice and hospital FOUNDER: Noel Fitzpatrick FOUNDED: 1997 STAFF: 212 TURNOVER: N/A Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, originally from Laois, opened Britain’s largest dedicated small animal orthopaedic and neuro-surgical veterinary practice in Eashing, Surrey in 1997. It was modelled on

the Mayo, the world’s leading human hospital in the US. September 2015 marked 10 years since Fitzpatrick Referrals’ independentlyowned facility was launched – a milestone the company marked by opening a further state of the art hospital in Guildford to treat oncology and soft tissue. This sister hospital represented the first of its kind in Europe and true to the ethos of the company has continued to challenge the accepted norms of animal healthcare and deliver world-class veterinary medicine and care. In 2016, Fitzpatrick Referrals continues to stand apart from other veterinary practices in pushing boundaries: from the development of new surgeries and techniques to new standards of care, and from the sharing of expertise to advance the crossover with human medicine to the use of advanced equipment unavailable anywhere else in Europe. Fitzpatrick Referrals remains the only UK independent referral centre with a single owner – Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.

Gallagher Group Ltd SECTOR: Construction and Property Development CHAIRMAN: Pat Gallagher FOUNDED: 1973 STAFF: 300+ TURNOVER: N/A After 43 years in business the Gallagher Group has established itself as Kent’s premier building, civil engineering, quarrying and property business. Privately-owned and family-run, the company began as a civil engineering and groundworks contractor, founded by Leitrim native Pat Gallagher in 1973, but expanded over the years into property development, ‘design and build’ contracting, plant and quarrying. In October, Gallagher Properties completed phase 1 of its redevelopment of the former Rimmel factory site at Carlton Business Park in Ashford, namely new premises for Aspire Landscape Management. Phases 2 and 3 will see the building of a ready-mix concrete plant for Gallagher Aggregates and up to 70,000ft squared of commercial units.

Continues on page 14

10

www.irishpost.co.uk

Page 6 - 10.indd 10

04/11/2016 16:36

START ME UP Brand Ireland is booming, blooming and back on top in business.

SIOBHÁN BREATNACH meets the new generation of entrepreneurs making their own rules and winning...

WORM LONDON It’s been a blooming whirlwind since Terri Chandler and Katie Smyth set up Worm London last February.

The seeds of the fledgling company were sown from a desire to start something of their own and combine the duo’s two favourite things – books and flowers.

Their unique artistic approach, combined with a fun and playful touch, has seen the pair working on a broad range of projects from weddings and workshops to designing event flowers for brands such as M&S and John Lewis.

Originally from Cobh, Co. Cork, Terri worked as an actress in Britain before meeting Dublin stylist Katie in London.

“We wanted to work with the types of flowers we had in our garden growing up, using seasonal wild flowers,” says Katie.

While the daily 3am starts at New Covent Garden Flower Market proved a challenge at first, it was nothing compared to when they moved into their first studio in East London.

“We had a wall dividing us from a drumming studio where people

came to practice all day,” Katie recalls.

“There was also no window and gross fluorescent strip lighting, it was our very own East End little shop of horrors.”

With their wicked sense of style comes a brilliant take on the traditional as their first Valentine’s Day arrangements proved.

“We offered our customers the chance to send three variations of romance – from the lover who sends a beautiful bunch with some love poems, to the Valentine’s hater who sent a bunch of dead smelly flowers and a beautiful edition of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.”

As for the future, Worm London is getting ready for Christmas – ‘We have a lot of wreaths to make’ Katie jokes – and there is already a wedding booking in the diary for 2018. Looks like a Cork-Dublin match has never gone so smoothly. wormlondon.com

FAVOURITE MOMENT

Meeting a bride groom on the m and or their wedding an ning of d gi them their flower ving s– we both nearly always cry

FLOWER POWER: Worm London founders Terri Chandler and Katie Smyth

@wormlondon

11 Page 11-13.indd 11

04/11/2016 16:02

BAG&BONES Run by sisters Gigi and Cavanagh Foyle, bag&bones has seen this former scientist and aviation lawyer sprinkling their neon magic all over the English capital.

“Bag&bones has been a life-long ambition of ours. We have always loved neon. The seductive glow has lured me in for as long as I can remember. It just has such a positive effect on my mood,” says co-founder Gigi, who was raised on the west coast of Ireland but now lives in London.

Describing themselves as frustrated artists, the pair have enjoyed tackling what’s been a steep learning curve in business.

“I don’t think either of us realised how time-consuming it would be. We work every hour of the day but don’t get us wrong – we love what we do and we’re not complaining,” Gigi says. “We’d love to spend all of our time drawing up new designs and out scouting for inspiration, unfortunately there’s the whole other side of the business to deal with – sorting out the packaging and shipping, managing our cash flow, keeping our accounting up to date – not particularly glamorous but essential.”

From luminous lips to logos and hashtags, the sisters have created a whole selection of come-hither insta-ready neon signs, which are now also stocked exclusively on interiors site Rockett St George.

Their new white paper airplane, with its sleek minimal geometric design, is a current favourite but as Gigi says ‘there’s a time and a place for a hot pink flamingo’.

With plans for global domination – and why not – bag&bones is DESCRIBE looking next to Ireland with a BAG&BONES pop-up in The IN THREE Library Project WORDS in Dublin’s Temple Bar Fun, vibrant, planned for edgy December 2-3.

Home is where the (neon) heart is, after all. bagandbones.co.uk @bagandbones

THE EVB EDIT With an eye for style, influencer Eimear Varian Barry has turned creativity into a career.

Having studied film-making in her hometown of Cork – where she was a Red FM radio producer and presenter – styling and assisting work in New York and Melbourne soon followed.

There was also a brief stint on a tomato farm in Queensland – this girl isn’t afraid of hard graft – before Eimear moved to Britain in 2013 with her partner Daniel.

The last three years she has been building both her brand The EVB Edit and her work as a

12

stylist, model and blogger.

Now living in Surrey, where she is mum to daughters Saoirse and Harper, she shares an honest yet alluring account of her life with her 65,000 Instagram followers.

Organic, assiduous, contemporary are the words Eimear would use to describe herself but she jokes ‘can I throw millennial mom in there?’

Her insta-journey started when pregnant with first-born Saoirse while lying in bed one night in the dark.

“I studied film-making and photography and always shot on my travels, but this was different,” she says. “This wasn’t just a website with photos. This was interaction, a hub of inspirations, a place to write, quick to use, and a place to network. I posted photos of my world, through my eyes. People liked it and three years later, it’s my job.”

Having worked with fashion industry names like Julian MacDonald – she recently created the designer’s social media content during London Fashion Week – Eimear, 30, is now preparing to shoot a Christmas campaign with Dorothy Perkins and will be teaming up with Mothercare over the coming weeks.

Having just wrapped on a style feature for ITV and filmed for Marie Claire, she’s also working on a number of exciting events back in Ireland.

“Everything I have ever worked at in my life has taught me exactly what I need to know for what I am doing now,” she says.

TheEVBEdit.com @eimearvarianbarry Eimearvb

OPEN FOR VINTAGE With experience in international retail, Dubliner Colin Saunders had already seen the challenges big retailers were facing online when he began to question how smaller businesses could ‘win’ in an increasingly digital world.

While still working with House of Fraser in International eCommerce development he met Sarah Byrne, a passionate vintage enthusiast, and a conversation started about how boutiques specialising in luxury vintage and pre-owned fashion could do just that.

“The result of that conversation is Open for Vintage,” Colin says.

Sarah – the firm’s customer engagement

director and vintage specialist – had already set up numerous pop-up stores, coupled with buying trips to Asia and the Middle East, making for a strong skill set.

Add to that sales director James Loftus, who has more than 12 years’ experience in sales having cut his teeth in the IT Sales sector with companies such as Dell and Microsoft, and their business threesome was complete.

There are now more than 25 boutiques selling on Open for Vintage across Britain and Ireland, where they work with retailers in Cork, Dublin and Dundalk.

“We are especially proud to work with boutiques that until now have not sold online,” says Colin, the company’s Chief Executive who had spent the last 10 years working in Britain and China where he was Head of Sales at logistics technology company, SmartTrans.

“Dirty Fabulous in Dublin for example, is a stunningly beautiful boutique and we are delighted to be the only place online you can buy from them.”

Best described as exclusive vintage online, the company’s founders initially thought the biggest challenge would be attracting partners to the website.

But after four months of trading they now work with 45 boutiques in seven countries.

“The biggest challenge has in reality been preparing the foundations for successfully

www.irishpost.co.uk

Page 11-13.indd 12

04/11/2016 16:02

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Velvet jacket and Kermit watch from Open for Vintage; bag&bones’ neon slogan sign

STYLE STAR: Eimear Varian Barry

engaging in online marketing, it’s been a lot of trial and error,” Colin admits.

Christmas trading is now in full swing with Google and Facebook being two of the main ways the company will engage with customers looking for that unique festive gift.

“It’s much more exciting than just another Christmas jumper, “ Colin jokes.

And he certainly has his eye on more than a sweater this year.

“Personally, as a watch aficionado, I especially like a somewhat unusual Rolex in our collection known as the ‘Kermit’ due to its green detailing,” he says.

“Rolex stopped making them in 2011 so they are highly collectible. The particular watch available on Open for Vintage is unworn with factory stickers which is practically unheard of.”

And on the subject of wish lists – connecting with new stores and customers in Europe and the US will be the focus and ambition in 2017.

FAVOURITE “We are also very excited about PIECE opportunities in China,” Colin says. “Most of our collection would never have been As velvet is this available there before.” must-have, I wo season’s ul Looks like Open for Vintage is very a beautiful and d highlight very unique much open for business.

1970s Yves Openforvintage.com @OpenForVintage

Saint velvet blue vint Laurent age jacket -Colin Saunders, Open for Vintag e

13 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

Page 11-13.indd 13

04/11/2016 16:03

The Galldris Group SECTOR: Groundworks/Infrastructure/Rail/Tunnelling OWNERS: Sean O’Driscoll and Donal Gallagher FOUNDED: 1998 STAFF: 650 TURNOVER: £70million Galldris Construction was formed in 1998, specialising in large complex civil engineering and rail projects. The Group operates mainly in London and the Home Counties, with its head office based in Enfield and transport and plant depots located in Enfield and Edmonton. The Galldris Group undertakes projects which involve groundworks, basements and infrastructure as well as large rail projects ranging in value from £1million to £25million. Current projects include developments at Royal Wharf and Royal Albert Dock, as well as working on Old Oak Common Depot and Outer Stations West for Crossrail.

Galvin Restaurants SECTOR: Hospitality OWNERS: Chris Galvin and Jeff Galvin FOUNDED: 2005 in London (Galvin Bistrot de Luxe) STAFF: 300 TURNOVER: N/A Brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin both began their careers at a small neighbourhood restaurant run by Antony Worrall Thompson. In 2005 they joined forces and opened their first restaurant, Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, in London’s Baker Street.

Since then another nine Galvin restaurants have opened, including two in Scotland. 2016 saw the Galvin Brothers open three new restaurants: Galvin at Centurion Club in St Albans, Galvin at The Athenaeum in Mayfair and a pub, The Green Man in Chelmsford.

A TASTE FOR BUSINESS: The Galvin brothers

N/E Global Blackswan ltd SECTOR: Management Consultancy FOUNDER & CEO: Maurice Duffy FOUNDED: 1999 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Blackswan is a global transformation company that provides leadership development, strategic and commercial awareness training, business acumen evolution, executive coaching and organisational transformation interventions to FTSE 500 executive boards, public bodies and SMEs. Founded by Mayo native Maurice Duffy and based in the North East of England, Blackswan runs over 300 transformation programmes in 23 countries worldwide.

Believing that new thinking is required to keep on top of current and future problems in a fast-changing world, Blackswan helps organisations transform their businesses to be more cost effective and productive. Nurturing the next generation of talent, this year saw the firm hold its fifth Blackswan Innovation Programme at the University of Sunderland, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice.

N/E Gaughan Services SECTOR/INDUSTRY: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Aaron Gaughan FOUNDED: 2010 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Aaron Gaughan left his native Mayo aged 11 when his parents moved to London. After finishing secondary school his father took him out to work on the sites of London, where his passion for construction was founded.

He opened a bar in North London aged 19 but that was only a side-track until he founded Gaughan Services aged just 21. Starting as a property maintenance service company, the leading London-based main contractor now delivers a complete solution for domestic and commercial building services. The company’s strong reputation has been built upon its experience, knowledge and extensive resources. Working around London, the South East and surrounding counties, Gaughan Services has undertaken projects in the most sought-after residential streets in London and for some of the most affluent health clubs and eateries on the High Street. Its close relationships with professional sports clubs and schools demonstrates how far the company has come and reflects the trust placed in their service and delivery.

Gaughan has also recently finished the expansion and refurbishment of its offices in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, whilst renewing and investing in its fleet of company vehicles.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Aaron Gaughan

14 14-24.indd 14

www.irishpost.co.uk 04/11/2016 16:57

Green & Fortune Ltd SECTOR: Hospitality FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE: John Nugent FOUNDED: 2008 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A The Green & Fortune owner-operated hospitality company is split into three ventures. The Green & Fortune café in Kings Place, London specialises in honest British food, the Rotunda Bar & Restaurant in Kings Place serves great food in a canal-side location, and Kings Place Events, which last month won Best Catering at a Venue in the London Venue Awards. Headed up by John Nugent, the company has gone from strength to strength since it was established in 2008. This year it commenced a contract with advertising and marketing agency Ogilvy & Mather to operate all catering and hospitality facilities at the company’s new corporate headquarters at South Bank, catering for 2,200 on-site employees.

Greencoats Ltd SECTOR: Hospitality FOUNDER: Finbar Holian FOUNDED: 1996 STAFF: 40 TURNOVER: N/A Galway native Finbar Holian moved to London when he was 18. He operates The Claddagh Ring in Hendon established in 1991. The firm will be celebrating the 25th anniversary on the weekend of November 25.

Grosvenor Cleaning Services Ltd SECTOR: Services FOUNDER: John Bernard McCauley FOUNDED: 1959 STAFF: 4,500+ worldwide TURNOVER: N/A Grosvenor Cleaning Services is an international commercial cleaning company with offices in Britain, Ireland and the US. Established in Belfast in 1959, it was the brainchild of John Bernard McCauley, who on returning to Ireland after a tour with the US Army set out on his bike to clean windows. With bases now in London, Birmingham and Lincolnshire, Grosvenor Services remains a family owned and run company, with Ben McCauley as head of British operations. In October Stephen Creaner joined the company in the role of Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Group Managing Director, while Barry McGrane has been appointed as Finance Director.

Ground Construction Ltd (GCL) SECTOR: Groundworks & Concrete Frame DIRECTOR: Trevor Diviney FOUNDED: 1997 STAFF: 1,000+ TURNOVER: N/A Operating since 1997, GCL have experienced an exponential but controlled growth over the years. Apart from all aspects of civil engineering, groundworks and concrete frames, the company offers a complete package that includes principle contractor roles, assisting clients with planning, liaising with local authorities, permanent works design, temporary works design and rebar detailing. GCL has successfully completed in excess of £800million worth of work on more than 400 projects. This summer the company was awarded a £29million package by St William (Berkeley Group) and a £12million package by Wates.

Instalcom Ltd SECTOR: Utilities MANAGING DIRECTOR: John McVeigh FOUNDED: 1989 STAFF: 215 TURNOVER: £30million+ With activities spanning the telecoms, electrical and water sectors, Instalcom is at the heart of what makes Britain tick. Based in London but with offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and Borehamwood, it supplies utility contract services throughout Britain. It offers design, planning, project management and installation services that take a holistic approach to each and every client’s project requirements.

The Irish Post SECTOR: Media/Publishing PUBLISHER: Elgin Loane FOUNDED: 1970 STAFF: 10 TURNOVER: N/A The biggest-selling newspaper to the Irish in Britain, every week 80,000 people pick up a copy of The Irish Post, while thousands more log on the daily news website www.irishpost.co.uk. In recent years, with Editor-in-Chief Siobhán Breatnach at the helm, the editorial team have taken the newspaper to a new online audience, with an impressive 500,000 unique visitors from Britain, Ireland and the US now visiting the website every month for the latest news, interviews and opinion pieces and to read the paper’s unrivalled sports coverage. As well as the weekly print edition and daily news website, The Irish Post produce a number of glossy magazine supplements every year, profiling the top Irish names in business, as well as hosting high profile events in London, attracting the who’s who of the Irish in Britain.

INSPIRING: Brendan Riney MBE

JB Riney & Co Ltd SECTOR: Civil Engineering and Highway Maintenance Contractors MANAGING DIRECTOR: Brendan Riney MBE FOUNDED: 1978 STAFF: 201-500 TURNOVER: N/A JB Riney & Co Ltd is a fully independent civil engineering company based in East London for over 30 years. The company is primarily involved in civil engineering contracting and currently delivers Highway Term Contracts for a number of London Local Authorities. Founder Brendan Riney, who still holds the position of Chairman and Managing Director, was this year named Kerry Association London Person of the Year 2016.

J Browne Group SECTOR: Civil Engineering & Utility Contractors CHAIRMAN: Jeremy Browne FOUNDED: 1971 STAFF: 550+ TURNOVER: £68million J Browne is a family business with a long trading history, which employs a loyal workforce. Jeremy Browne is executive chairman of J Browne and the company’s majority shareholder. He has a real passion for health & safety leadership and has instigated industry leading wellbeing support for his employees. He is committed to maintaining the family culture but also to developing the business to deliver a modern, innovative and professional service to customers.

J D Wetherspoon Plc SECTOR: Pub/Services CHAIRMAN: Tim Martin FOUNDED: 1979 STAFF: 37,000+ TURNOVER: £1.6billion

J D Wetherspoon opened its first pub in Muswell Hill in north London in 1979, when founder and chairman Tim Martin was just 24 years old.

The company now has over 900 pubs in Britain and has opened five in Ireland over the last two years. The company also has over 40 hotels and recently opened its first custom-built hotel in Huntingdon. It is also currently seeking planning permission for an 88-room hotel and pub in Dublin, and aims to open new pubs in Carlow and Waterford.

John Reilly Civil Engineering Ltd SECTOR: Construction CHAIRMAN: John Reilly DIRECTORS: David Reilly, Michael Reilly, Jamie Austin, Rob Jones, Graham O’Neill and Yip Lieu FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 550 TURNOVER: £40million 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 Kent, East and West Sussex, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Middlesex. The company prides itself on staff retention, with most employees boasting over a decade of service with the firm.

John Sisk & Son Ltd SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Stephen Bowcott DIRECTORS: Frank Quirk, John Dennehy, Mike Higgins, Guy Fowler, Paraic Keogh, Pat Lucey, Wayne Metcalfe, Maura Toles and Carl Hendry FOUNDED: 1859 (UK subsidiary 1984) STAFF: circa 1,500 TURNOVER: £800million The Sisk Group’s history goes back over 150 years, when the family business was set up by John Sisk, an apprentice plasterer at the age of 22, before setting up the business in 1859. Its British subsidiary was set up in 1984. This year, the firm was appointed to build a 660,000sq ft mixed-use development at Capital Dock for Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm Kennedy Wilson – one of the biggest commercial development contracts awarded in the Irish market in recent years. In Britain, the firm is currently working jointly with Lagan on the construction of a triple-decker roundabout in Tyneside.

JRL Group Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTORS: John James Reddington, Ronan Gleeson, Kevin William Keegan FOUNDED: 1996 STAFF: 600 TURNOVER: £180million+ Founded by John Reddington in 1996, the JRL Group has grown from a company specialising in sub and superstructure packages to a business that offers managed integrated construction solutions via 10 specialist companies operating in the built environment to full turnkey projects.

In September, JRL acquired the 9.8 acre Grantham Distribution Park site in Lincolnshire from Gladman Developments. The site has detailed consent for the construction of a 214,881 sq ft distribution or warehousing facility with offices.

Kelliher Insurance Group SECTOR: Insurance Brokers FOUNDER: Joe Kelliher, Lifetime President FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 150 TURNOVER: £14.4million Celebrating 30 years in business, Kelliher Insurance Group is an independent insurance brokers comprised of component businesses and brands including Kerry London, Trade Direct, Self Build and Kerry London Underwriting. The company specialises in insurance policies in the construction, manufacturing, healthcare, property and sport and leisure sectors. This year the group launched a five-year vision plan involving significant investment and focusing on organic growth.

Imogen Coggan, the former managing director who was this year appointed CEO, said: “It’s an exciting time for everyone at the company as we plan initiatives to help us achieve significant growth and increase our profits.”

15 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

14-24.indd 15

04/11/2016 16:04

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Tim Kelly Kelly Group Holdings Ltd SECTOR: Telecommunications/Utilities/Transportation FOUNDER: Tim Kelly FOUNDED: 1985 STAFF: 2,700+ TURNOVER: N/A Kelly Communications was set up in 1985 by Tim Kelly to capitalise on opportunities in the emerging British cable television market. The business was awarded its first major contract in 1985 and since then the company’s reputation has grown steadily, winning further installation contracts countrywide. The group comprises of a number of trading companies including Kelly Communications Ltd, Kelly Integrated Transport Services Ltd, Kelly Telecoms Ltd and Kelly Plant Ltd. This year the group won Fleet of the Year (1,001+ vehicles) at the FleetNews Awards.

Keltbray Group SECTOR: Specialist Engineering and Construction OWNER & CEO: Brendan Kerr FOUNDED: 1976 STAFF: 1,000 TURNOVER: £276million Keltbray was formed as a groundwork civil engineering contractor company in 1976. Since then it has expanded from operating mainly in the London commercial market to become a UK-wide specialist engineering, construction, decommissioning and environmental services business. The company is owned by Brendan Kerr, who joined the company in 1989 and became the sole shareholder in 2003. In August, Keltbray launched a reinforced concrete frame business, Keltbray Structures, after acquiring some of the assets of Dunne Group, securing 400 jobs in the process. A spokeswoman for the company said: “Keltbray sees this as an opportunity to broaden its capability and services portfolio, widen its geographical reach and to respond to market demands.”

Kiely Bros Ltd SECTOR: Surface treatment DIRECTOR: Mike Kiely FOUNDED: 1950s STAFF: 250-500 TURNOVER: N/A Established in the West Midlands in the late 1950s by current owner Mike Kiely’s parents, the business now operates across England, Scotland and Wales. As well as offering a comprehensive range of surface treatments, the company also has an extensive waste management division operating in the Midlands. In 2003 it acquired Tarmac Johnston Material Services, further growing the firm’s customer base. In March, Kiely Bros was one of 13 successful contractors chosen for the £96million highway maintenance framework by the North East Procurement Organisation.

16 14-24.indd 16

Kiely Rowan Plc (Orla Kiely) SECTOR: Fashion & luxury goods FOUNDERS: Orla Kiely and Dermott Rowan FOUNDED: 1997 STAFF: 50-100 TURNOVER: N/A Today, the iconic Orla Kiely prints are seen on everything from handbags and luggage to clothing, umbrellas, candles, kitchen utensils, diaries and even Douwe Egberts coffee jars.

Under its Olive and Orange brand, the company this year launched an exclusive 33-piece range for Halfords, which includes bikes, cycling accessories and camping gear featuring custom-designed prints from the designer. Kiely recently relocated her New York store to hip Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, where she presented her SS17 collection at New York Fashion Week. Kiely Rowan Plc is run and wholly owned by London-based Kiely and her husband Dermott Rowan.

Kiernan Construction Ltd SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Patrick Kiernan FOUNDED: 1970 STAFF: 90 TURNOVER: £25million Established in 1970 in Preston, Kiernan Construction Ltd has become a successful construction and civil engineering contractor, boasting an annual turnover of £25million. Family owned and led, the company is still headquartered in Preston, but operates both on a regional and national scale. The company completes a wide range of constructionbased operations including demolition and clearance work, groundworks, external works, drainage installation, car park construction, enabling works and all civil works.

Killoughery (George Killoughery Ltd) SECTOR: Demolition and Waste DIRECTOR: Joseph George Killoughery FOUNDED: 1965 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A George Killoughery Ltd was established in 1965 by husband and wife George and Mary Killoughery from Co. Clare. With hard work and continued investment George Killoughery Ltd has developed from a 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 firm is a direct labour employer and with depots in Mitcham, Purfleet and Shepherton, the majority of its work force is recruited from the local area.

K Rouse Civil Engineers Ltd SECTOR: Civil engineers Managing Director: Kevin Rouse FOUNDED: 1995 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A K Rouse has established itself as a key subcontractor in roads and sewers infrastructure, commercial and residential groundworks, civil engineering, and specialist works for the rail, utility and power sectors.

Operating in Yorkshire, Manchester, Lancashire, Humberside and the Midlands, their brands include Rouse Homes, European Plant Services and Greenacre Burial Solutions. The company worked on services, drainage, service roads and concrete works on the recently completed Carrington Power Station project.

Kylemore Services Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTORS: Eamon Lynam and Michael Quinn FOUNDED: 1996 in Wembley, Middlesex STAFF: 60 TURNOVER: £10million Privately-owned Kylemore Services Ltd was founded in 1996 by Eamon Lynam and Michael Quinn. Operating primarily in the building and engineering services sector of the construction industry, they are based in Wembley, Middlesex. In recent years their more prestigious projects in both London and the South East have included work on the Olympic Stadium, The Shard and the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station.

MAIN MAN: Ray O’Rourke

Laing O’Rourke SECTOR: Construction CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Ray O’Rourke FOUNDED: 1848 STAFF: 10,378 (Europe) TURNOVER: £3.85bn In 1978, Ray O’Rourke and Des O’Rourke founded R O’Rourke and Son. The regionally-based formwork and concrete specialist grew into an international construction and engineering business operating in Canada, Europe, The Middle East, Asia and Australia. In 2001, following the acquisition of the construction arm of John Laing Plc (founded 1848) Laing O’Rourke was formed. In October, the company was appointed as the construction partner on the £1billion redevelopment of the Edinburgh St James Centre, which will comprise 850,000 sq ft of retail space, a multi-screen cinema and a world class W Hotel. Down Under meanwhile, it secured a competitive tender for major renewal works on the iconic Sydney Opera House. October also saw the opening of Laing O’Rourke’s £160million state-of-the-art cancer centre at Guy’s Hospital.

L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage Ltd SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Liam Lynch DIRECTORS: Merrill Lynch and Robert Lynch FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 437 TURNOVER: £78million Lynch Plant Hire is a leading specialist in plant hire, working on major projects such as Thames Tideway, A14 and Hinkley Point. The company prides itself on offering the latest plant hire machines and technology, including mini/midi excavators, wheeled excavators, dumpers, dozers, forklifts, rollers and other attachments. 2015 saw the firm fit all of their excavators, telehandlers and dozers with 360-degree vision cameras to improve heavy plant safety among their fleet.

www.irishpost.co.uk 04/11/2016 16:05

London Irish Holdings Plc (London Irish) Sector: Professional Sport President: Mick Crossan Chief Executive: Bob Casey Founded: 1898 Staff : 85 Turnover: N/A Despite relegation from the Aviva Premiership in 2016, London Irish are on course for an immediate return to the top flight. The club have a 100 per cent record so far this season in the IPA Championship and British & Irish Cup under Nick Kennedy. With former player Bob Casey as CEO and Mick Crossan as President, they also have a strong team off the pitch at their state-of-the-art headquarters at Hazelwood. Crossan’s company Powerday has also continued as the club’s main sponsor this term. Such is the global appeal of London Irish that in March it became the first club to play a Premiership game overseas when it faced Saracens at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. In October the club submitted an application to groundshare with Brentford FC at a proposed new 20,000-seater stadium at Lionel Road, expected to be built in time for the 2019-2020 season.

Louise Kennedy SECTOR: Fashion Design/Retail CEO: Louise Kennedy FOUNDED: 1983 STAFF: 50 TURNOVER: N/A Louise Kennedy is internationally recognised as one of Ireland’s most successful fashion designers. Her very first collection was bought by Ireland’s flagship luxury department store, Brown Thomas, which continues to stock the brand 32 years later. Even away from retail, Louise’s designs are part of the fabric of Irish life – in the 1990s she designed the uniforms for Aer Lingus, which are still in use today, while in 2011 she was commissioned by the Chief Justice to design the first national judicial robes for the Irish Supreme Court. In 2012 she was honoured with a National Stamp by An Post and two years later received The Irish Post Company of the Year Award. This year Louise received the prestigious Arts & Culture award from the International Women’s Executive Network, which honours Ireland’s top 25 women in business. November sees the launch of her first design collaboration with the iconic British menswear company Turnbull & Asser.

Manguard Plus Ltd SECTOR/INDUSTRY: Security Services FOUNDED: 1996 STAFF: 750+ TURNOVER: €18million Manguard Plus is a privately-owned security company and a market leader in the provision of manned, mobile and remotely monitored security services. Employing over 750 staff on nationwide contracts, Manguard Plus have offices in Kildare, Belfast, Chester and London and the firm is now focused on winning contracts in Britain to provide innovative and cost effective solutions in Britain.

Masterson Holdings Ltd SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Michael Masterson DIRECTORS: Keith Masterson, Sean Masterson and Michael Masterson FOUNDED: 2001 STAFF: 800 TURNOVER: £150million Masterson Holdings consists of three subsidiary companies providing a variety of services to the construction industry across London and the Home Counties. The first two – Getjar Ltd and Atlantic Contracts – both established by the group’s managing director and owner Michael Masterson, specialise in reinforced concrete frames, groundworks, carpentry and joinery.

The third subsidiary – Glencoe Plant Services – specialises in the hiring of plant and equipment. The family business is still run by its founder Michael Masterson with the support of his sons.

IN STYLE: Louise Kennedy

The McAleer & Rushe Group SECTOR: Property Design/Development/ Construction CHAIRMAN: Seamus McAleer CEO: Eamon Laverty FOUNDED: 1967

STALWART: Dave McGrath

STAFF: 230+ TURNOVER: £240million McAleer and Rushe is a privately-owned multi award-winning design and build construction, property development, investment and asset management firm. The company is directed by the founder and current Chairman Seamus McAleer. Operating in the student, residential, office and hotel sectors, the company has a property investment portfolio of 2m sq ft. In February the company signed a £72million deal with Queen’s University in Belfast to provide 1,200 bedrooms at two city centre sites. In October it held a topping out ceremony for the new £45million hotel at Stansted Airport, which will be Hampton by Hilton’s largest hotel in Europe.

McNicholas Construction (Holdings) Ltd SECTOR: Utilities CEO: Barry McNicholas FOUNDED: 1949 STAFF: c.1,600 TURNOVER: £180million in FY 2016 McNicholas is a leading infrastructure service provider with a turnover of £180million most recently recorded. Founded in 1949, the firm has played a significant role in the British construction industry for more than 65 years. It remains privately owned, with the McNicholas family still playing a key role in its development with Barry McNicholas – son of lifetime president Tommy, himself son of founder Pat McNicholas – the company’s CEO. McGrath Bros (Waste Control) Ltd SECTOR: Waste Management and Recycling CO-FOUNDERS: David and Patrick McGrath FOUNDED: 1972 STAFF: 180 TURNOVER: N/A Established in 1972 the McGrath Group is one of the leading suppliers of waste management and recycling services to customers in London and the South East. Over the course of four decades they have assiduously built their reputation for innovation, embracing technological advances where they increase efficiency and improve client services. They are members of various trade bodies including PAS 402:2013. They operate an integrated management system, which is certificated against international standards OHSAS 18001 (health & safety), IS0 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environmental) ensuring their products and services are supplied safely, consistently and sustainably. They offer a comprehensive range of services to a diverse portfolio of construction, commercial, public sectors and waste management clients from their offices and facilities in Hackney and Barking.

17 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

14-24.indd 17

04/11/2016 16:05

MGF Ltd SECTOR: Construction FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN: Michael O’Hara FOUNDED: 1981, Manchester STAFF: 280 TURNOVER: N/A MGF is a privately-owned company whose primary focus is the provision of a comprehensive excavation safety solutions service using wholly in-house resources. Recognised as market leaders in the design, manufacture and provision of modular and bespoke excavation support systems, it is committed to providing customers with complete engineered solutions and promoting current best practice for all types of excavation works. Now headquartered in Wigan, the company has nine depots across England. In May, Simon Littlewood was appointed as Managing Director Designate, having been Managing Director of Groundforce since 2008.

Murphy Group SECTOR/INDUSTRY: Civil engineering FOUNDER: John James Murphy FOUNDED: 1950, London STAFF: 4,000+ TURNOVER: £780million One of the most recognised names in the industry, Murphy has become a leading global, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company. It provides a wide range of construction services to infrastructure sectors including rail, water, power and natural resources and also has a thriving building business. The firm has built an enviable reputation with clients for the safety, quality and reliability of its services largely delivered in-house. It works closely with partners and clients to deliver the best possible service.

Among the many contracts it secured this year was the on-shore work at the £300million Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm project, which will power the equivalent of over 68,000 households a year.

MP Moran & Sons Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTOR: Michael Moran FOUNDED: 1976 STAFF: 280 TURNOVER: N/A Michael Moran left his native Mayo in the 1960s hoping to find carpentry work on London’s building sites. In 1976 he opened a successful hardware store on Kilburn’s busy High Road, which laid the foundation for a group that now employs over 280 people.

The company has added four more London branches since its inception and opened its largest branch in Watford in 2009. As well as celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the company achieved the Gold FORS award, meaning their transport fleet is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly on the roads of London. The Kilburn branch has undergone some major developments, such as the opening of FLOW, Morans first luxury bathroom showroom, located on the 1st floor. Mick Moran has also built up another floor in order to further expand their large head office team.

N/E Niall McLaughlin Architects SECTOR: Architecture FOUNDER: Niall McLaughlin FOUNDED: 1991

18 14-24.indd 18

STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Niall McLaughlin Architects is a practice that designs high-quality modern architecture. It puts a strong emphasis on the inventive use of building materials, combining traditional and new construction techniques. Its bespoke style means it does not specialise in particular building types, with each project an original interpretation of the client, site, brief and budget. The company’s broad range of projects includes town master plans, schools, health centres, community buildings, group housing, private residential houses, exhibitions, furniture and bandstands. The Natural History Museum in London recently won planning permission to upgrade its entrances, which have been designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. Born in 1962 in Geneva, Switzerland, founder Niall McLaughlin grew up in Ireland and studied architecture at University College Dublin before heading to London in the late 1980s. He won Young British Architect of the Year in 1998 while his designs have won many awards around the world. This year Niall – a professor of architecture at University College London – received the RIBA Charles Jencks Award. It is given annually to an outstanding architect or practice “that has recently made a major contribution internationally to both the theory and practice of architecture”.

Ovation Incentives SECTOR: Services CEO: Jonathan Grey FOUNDED: 2001 STAFF: 20 TURNOVER: N/A A native of Cork city and based in London, Jonathan Grey is the founder and CEO of Ovation Incentives, an award-winning incentives and rewards company specialising in multi-country programmes. Ovation’s SaaS and mobile solutions help to influence, recognise and reward the behaviour of employees and customers to drive brand engagement and improve performance – clients include Sky, Nike, Best Western and Eurostar. Jonathan has combined this with extensive research into the global gift card and incentive markets to create an independent supply chain of over 800 retail gift card brands across the globe.

www.irishpost.co.uk 04/11/2016 16:44

OB Business Solutions Ltd SECTOR: Services FOUNDER & OWNER: Orla Bance FOUNDED: 2013 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A OB Business Solutions is a company that supports businesses through high growth periods by providing them with the Finance Director function. Orla Bance is a qualified accountant and experienced director who works with a number of organisations as a business partner ensuring that the business is future-proof and has a robust strategy moving forward. The company specialises in supporting organisations with a turnover of up to £15million.

O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd SECTOR: Waste management FOUNDER: Joe O’Donovan MANAGING DIRECTOR: Jacqueline O’Donovan FOUNDED: 1959, London STAFF: 160 TURNOVER: £19million+ O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd was started by Joe O’Donovan in the 1950s. A native of West Cork in Ireland, he was a popular figure and a great character, who built a reputation for being a man who did what he promised. When Joe died suddenly at the age of 51, his young family took control of the then small business. All four siblings have worked together since to continue that legacy, with Jacqueline O’Donovan taking over as Managing Director at the age of just 19. This year she was named Outstanding Woman in Construction (Women in Construction Awards), Most Inspiring Business Woman (Best Business Women Awards) and Woman of the Year (Vitalise Women of the Year Awards). Based in Tottenham, O’Donovan offers services including skip hire, roll on/off bins, waste management, tipper and grab lorry services, recycled aggregates and screening, roadsweepers, wheelie bins, collection and demolition services.

O’Halloran O’Brien Ltd SECTOR: Construction/Groundworks/Plant Hire OWNER: Tom O’Brien FOUNDED: 1972 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: £184million Since its incorporation in 1972, O’Halloran O’Brien has expanded from a small groundworks subcontractor to a major multi-disciplined contractor. This has been achieved through the continuous development of the technical and professional capabilities of its workforce. Part of the O’Halloran O’Brien philosophy, under the leadership of owner Tom O’Brien, is to embrace the latest technology, with its vision for the future being to continue delivering projects to a high quality, on budget, on time and safely.

The company’s clients include Berkeley Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

O’Kane Irish Foods SECTOR: Food FOUNDER: Eddie O’Kane FOUNDED: 2003, Wembley STAFF: 14 TURNOVER: £10.1million Derry-born Eddie O’Kane established O’Kane Irish Foods to satisfy the demand in Britain for branded Irish food products.

The business plan successfully matched supermarket locations to Irish demographics and currently you will find a ‘Taste of Ireland’ section in over 400 British supermarkets. Ocado and Amazon are the latest online retailers to offer a full Irish range. In 2006 YourIrishShop.com was set up to offer a service to consumers outside the catchment area of the supermarkets.

This has continued to flourish and remains 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. To date customers include Selfridges, Budgens, Londis, Nisa and Costcutter.

FOUNDER: Bernard Dwyer

PHD Modular Access Services Ltd SECTOR: Construction CEO: Jane Dwyer MANAGING DIRECTOR: Mike Wright FOUNDED: 1984 STAFF: 180 TURNOVER: £20million PHD Scaffolding was founded by Bernard Dwyer in 1984 in Middlesex.

Since then it has expanded to become a major player in the construction industry. Tackling specific projects overseas became a hallmark of PHD, particularly after some restructuring of the business in the 1990s. Iconic projects have included The Houses of Parliament; Terminal 2: Dublin Airport; London Olympics 2012; Atlantis Hotel in Dubai; Facebook Dublin and the recent QEOP Stadium Transformation for West Ham United.

Paul Costelloe Design Ltd SECTOR: Fashion/Design FOUNDERS: Paul Costelloe FOUNDED: 1979 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Dublin-born Costelloe has been the head of his successful eponymous label for over 35 years and is now considered one of the most established names in British fashion. Today Costelloe designs his men’s and women’s collections from central London, where he lives with family. For his London Fashion Week SS17 show – entitled The Rejuvenation of Linen – the designer has turned to Irish suppliers. He said: “My collection for SS17 is predominately linen and I’m using special linens that have been developed by John England in Belfast and by Stephen Conway of Emblem Weavers in Wexford.”

19 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

14-24.indd 19

04/11/2016 16:05

Primark Stores Ltd SECTOR: Fashion/Retail FOUNDER: Arthur Ryan CEO: Paul Marchant FOUNDED: 1969 STAFF: 62,000 TURNOVER: N/A Founded in 1969 by Arthur Ryan in Dublin, Primark – or Penneys as it’s known in Ireland – has grown to become an international fashion retailer with products ranging from kids, women’s and men’s clothing to homeware, accessories, beauty products and confectionery. Primark operates over 315 stores in 11 countries: the UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France, Italy and the US. Primark’s first US store opened in September 2015 and in April 2016 the company opened its first store in Italy. Primark offers high quality commercial fashion at value for money prices.

WELL-RESPECTED: Gerry Rochford

largest and market-leading providers of operated and self-drive plant in Britain.

Currently operating a fleet of 2,000 units, this year it completed a £35million deal with Finning UK and Ireland for 380 new hi-tech Caterpillar machines.

Pauric Sweeney Ltd SECTOR: Fashion/Design FOUNDER Pauric Sweeney FOUNDED: 1999 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Co. Donegal designer Pauric Sweeney began his fashion career as a jewellery designer in the late 1990s. He quickly progressed to create ready-to-wear pieces and opened his first fashion emporium in London’s Brick Lane in 1999. His much-acclaimed first collection debuted at London Fashion Week in 2001 and celebrities including Madonna, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham are fans of his handbags.

In 2011, the diffusion line Pauric by Pauric was launched, blending Italian craftsmanship with Irish design.

PF Cusack (Tool Supplies) Ltd SECTOR: Retail MANAGING DIRECTOR: Philip Cusack FOUNDED: 1989 STAFF: 150+ TURNOVER: £30million+ Established in 1989, PF Cusack is one of Britain’s leading suppliers of contractors’tools, personal protective equipment, signage and traffic management products. The company has depots in London, Wolverhampton, Bolton and Scotland, which, together with a modern transport fleet, allows it to provide nationwide coverage to customers. PF Cusack are one of the few companies in Britain that have the technology to produce new tourist gateway signs that can incorporate photographic images.

P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTOR: Patrick Flannery FOUNDED: 1972 STAFF: 250+ TURNOVER: N/A Founded in 1972, the family-run Flannery Group has been providing plant hire, ancillary equipment, site labour and haulage to the construction industry for more than 40 years and is now one of the

20 14-24.indd 20

Philip Treacy Ltd SECTOR: Fashion DIRECTOR: Philip Treacy FOUNDED: 1989 STAFF: 10 TURNOVER: N/A Galway-born Philip Treacy has been described as the most famous milliner in the world – no surprise for a man who counts the likes of Lady Gaga and the British royal family among his most loyal clients.

The Duchess of Cambridge turned heads this summer when she wore one of Treacy’s creations for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony.

The Ballinasloe native moved to Dublin to study fashion at the National College of Art and Design in 1985 and later interned for leading London milliner Stephen Jones. In 1989 he went to London’s Royal College of Art to study millinery and has yet to look back.

PJ Keary Ltd SECTOR: Survey & Data collection/Utilities DIRECTOR: Patrick Joseph Keary FOUNDED: 1993 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Formed in 1993 by Pat Keary senior, PJ Keary began by providing consultancy services in the London region and quickly expanded its portfolio of services and client base to include utility companies and highway authorities in the south of England. While still based in North West London and remaining a family-run business, the last 23 years have seen the company also become a leading supplier of inspection and survey services throughout Britain and Ireland. Its clients include Thames Water, Affinity Water, Anglian Water, UK Power Networks, Southern Water and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Powerday Plc SECTOR: Recycling & Waste Management FOUNDER: Mick Crossan FOUNDED: 1977 STAFF: 200+ TURNOVER: £40million+ Mick Crossan is owner and chairman of Powerday, one of Britain’s largest

Rochford Construction Ltd SECTOR: Construction DIRECTORS: John Gerrard Rochford, Gerard Rochford, Denise Rochford FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 150 TURNOVER: N/A Traditionally a paving contractor, family company Rochford Construction has developed and expanded over the years into a well-respected groundworks, RC frames and paving contractor. Rochford, which secures 80 per cent of its work through repeat business, prides itself on taking a proactive approach to safety and training, employing safety advisors who work in close conjunction with its site and office staff.

recycling companies, which he founded with his brother Sean in 1977.

Since then they have been involved in all aspects of construction, from plant hire to waste management and now waste-to-energy. They moved into skip hire in 1980 and in the early 1990s started in waste recycling. In 2015 the firm opened a £10million state-of-the-art materials recycling facility in Enfield. Maintaining its strong sporting links, the company recently renewed its sponsorship of London Irish and continues to support the London Amateur Boxing Association through the Powerday Development Programme.

Powerscourt Ltd SECTOR: Public Relations FOUNDER: Rory Godson FOUNDED: 2004 STAFF: 35 TURNOVER: £7million Powerscourt was started by former Sunday Times Business Editor Rory Godson in 2004. The former journalist has since grown the firm into a business of 35 experienced consultants which is rated as one of the most influential financial and corporate communications agencies in London, and is a recognised leader in reputation handling and media crisis handling. The team advises over 70 clients – including seven FTSE 100 companies and eight FTSE 250s – specialising in consumer industries, financial services and real estate, industrials, energy, natural resources and technology, media and telecoms. In 2016, Powerscourt advised on two of the largest global IPOs in 2016, DONG Energy and Nets, and were the sole PR adviser to MicroFocus in the largest ever UK TMT deal, the merger with HP Enterprise. The company now has offices in London and Dublin.

Quinn London Ltd SECTOR: Construction MANAGING DIRECTOR: Seamus Quinn FOUNDED: 2000 STAFF: 150 TURNOVER: £60million Quinn London Ltd was founded in 2000 by managing director Seamus Quinn to deliver quality construction solutions across London and the south of England. The company has become a leading main contractor within the social housing, education, public buildings and healthcare sectors. Over recent years they have expanded operations, but are proud that over 80 per cent of their business is from repeat custom. The firm has recently completed work on the rebuilding of West Croydon Bus Station and has been working on the restoration of Gunnersbury Park. Embracing social media, the company recently launched a YouTube channel.

www.irishpost.co.uk 04/11/2016 16:46

cocktail bar at Corrigan’s Mayfair with Gregory Buda, mixologist at The Dead Rabbit in New York, recently named best bar in the world. Dickie’s Bar will serve seasonal cocktails made with ingredients from Corrigan’s private farm in Ulster.

SR Studio ltd (Simone Rocha) SECTOR: Fashion/Design FOUNDER: Simone Rocha FOUNDED: 2010 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Dublin-born designer Simone Rocha was launched onto the British fashion scene in 2010 when her graduate collection – from the esteemed Central St Martins College – stole the show at London Fashion Week. The young fashionista, the daughter of Ireland’s own John Rocha, has continued to wow her peers and industry critics alike. Her eponymous label is stocked in high-end stores across the world, but 2015 saw her launch her first standalone store, in London’s Mount Street, just a stone’s throw away from fashion stalwarts Celine and Marc Jacobs. Following an Irish-inspired London fashion Week SS17 show at Southwark Cathedral – described by the New York Times as “a dreamy procession inspired by a nostalgia-tinged vision of Ireland” – Rocha has been nominated for British Womenswear Designer at December’s Fashion Awards.

Telegreen Ltd SECTOR: Retail FOUNDER: Gerry O’Boyle FOUNDED: 2010 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Gerry O’Boyle is the owner of Telegreen, a recycling equipment sales company providing waste reduction machines such as cardboard balers, bin compactors and bottle crushers to businesses, helping them to cut their waste costs and increase profits. Clients include the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Wahaca, The Shard and The Ritz London. As well as waste reduction, O’Boyle runs the popular Boogaloo bar in London.

Total Plant Hire Ltd SECTOR: Construction/Plant Hire DIRECTOR: Thomas Halligan FOUNDED: 1995 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Based in Trafford, Total Plant Hire operates a fleet of excavators from three to 30 tonne, allowing the business to manage everything from small

jobs to large contracts. Today, under owner Thomas Halligan, TPH provide service and support to contractors, state and local authorities, utilities, railways, agribusiness, industries, mining, natural resources and the environment. This year the company added to its fleet with the purchase of two new Doosan DA30 articulated dumptrucks, which come with high-flotation tyres ideal for work on projects requiring low ground pressure. Of his expanding fleet, Halligan said: “We believe in offering a ‘one-stop service’ for our customers covering all types of machines needed for their sites.”

Toureen Group SECTOR: Civil Engineering FOUNDER: Denis Nolan FOUNDED: 1991, London STAFF: 500-1000 TURNOVER: £75million+ Now celebrating a quarter of a century in business, Toureen Group solves complex construction problems for a diverse range of clients. It combines experience and technical knowledge to deliver the most effective solutions for projects. Its services include demolition, groundworks, RC frames, basement design/construction, and petroleum forecourt and retail fit-out. A dedicated in-house training centre helps produce a highly-skilled, diligent workforce.

KILBURN • WEST HAMPSTEAD WILLESDEN • KENNINGTON • WATFORD

IN FASHION: Simone Rocha Realex Payments SECTOR: Payment Processing FOUNDER: Colm Lyon MANAGING DIRECTOR: Gary Conroy FOUNDED: 2000, Dublin STAFF: 170 TURNOVER: N/A With the rise of the internet at the turn of the millennium, retailers were keen to capitalise on online payments, but banks were slow to offer a solution. Identifying this problem, Colm Lyon left his job as head of Ulster Bank’s IT division and, combining his financial and technical knowledge, formed Realex Payments in 2000.

Fifteen years later, the firm was sold to US Company Global Payments for €115million.

With offices in Dublin and Hammersmith, Realex Payments is now one of Europe’s leading providers of ecommerce payment solutions. It handles transactions valued in excess of €35billion per annum on behalf of over 14,000

clients. It processes payments for companies including Paddy Power, Aviva, Aer Lingus and GlaxoSmithKline.

Richard Corrigan Restaurants Ltd SECTOR: Hospitality FOUNDER: Richard Corrigan FOUNDED: 1997 STAFF: N/A TRUNOVER: N/A In 2005, Richard Corrigan bought and refurbished Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, an historic venue which celebrated its 100th birthday in September with a centenary tasting menu. The chef then set up Corrigan’s Mayfair in 2008 while Bentley’s Sea Grill in Harrods followed in 2012. Reported revenues this year were in excess of £10million, boosted by his Irish venture, Virginia Park Lodge in Co. Cavan. The hotel and cookery school is also a popular wedding venue. This month, the twice Michelin starred chef will open a standalone

0843 6005566 www.mpmoran.co.uk Heating ● Timber ● Plumbing Flooring ● Bathrooms ● Electrical Landscaping ● Decorating

21 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970

14-24.indd 21

04/11/2016 16:06

N/E Trinity Sports Management SECTOR: Sports DIRECTOR: Andrew McQuaid FOUNDED: London, 2008 STAFF: N/A TURNOVER: N/A Trinity Sports Management is a leading athlete management company whose client list includes elite talent from 13 countries around the globe. Trinity builds a support structure around the athlete; managing his/her relationships with teams and developing successful partnerships in the commercial market place. The company was founded by Andrew McQuaid whose grandfather, father and brother all raced competitively and represented their country at international level. Andrew represented Ireland at junior, U-23 and elite level whilst also racing with teams such as VC Roubaix and the Sean Kelly cycling team.

Andrew, who studied law at UCD before taking the New York State Bar Exam, founded TSM in 2008 while working for Deloitte. The company was set up on a part-time basis to provide cyclists with expert legal advice in both contract negotiations and dispute resolution. In 2010, Andrew moved to London to work for law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer before taking Trinity Sports Management full time in 2012.

Tullow Oil Plc SECTOR: Petroleum CEO: Aidan Heavey FOUNDED: 1986 STAFF: 1,403 TURNOVER: $1.6billion Tullow Oil started in the small town of Tullow, about 35 miles south of Dublin in 1986. Today, from its head office in Chiswick, it operates in 22 countries around the globe. Despite production problems and weak oil prices, which averaged $40 a barrel in the first half of this year, the company delivered a half-year profit in July of $30million after tax. The group’s Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme (TEN) oil field started producing in August, a landmark that Roscommon-born CEO Aidan Heavey said “will be transformational for the Group allowing us to significantly increase our net production and begin the process of deleveraging our balance sheet”.

N/E usheru (We Love Cinema Ltd) SECTOR: Entertainment & Cinema Ticketing CO-FOUNDERS: Andres Macias, Catherine Downes, Ollie Fegan FOUNDED: July 2014 STAFF: 5 TURNOVER: N/A Cinema ticketing app usheru is the brainchild of Andres Macias, Catherine Downes and Ollie Fegan, who were drawn together from a shared film background.

Ollie’s brother is award-winning film director Alex Fegan (Older than Ireland, The Irish Pub), Catherine’s sister Jane is an actress who starred in Alex Fegan’s first film while Andres’ cousin is a leading film sales agent in Spain. Cinema is a mass

22 14-24.indd 22

entertainment form but usheru is making it personal. They host all cinema listings and ticketing so you can find out what’s on and book tickets quickly. The app learns what films you like and where you like to go to the cinema, alerting you when the films are out and you can then buy tickets in three clicks. They are disrupting the $40bn cinema ticketing market and their long-term goal is to make it possible to buy cinema tickets for all cinemas. They also work closely with film distributors to connect film marketing to the ticketing process. The company won Best Start Up awards for digital marketing in both the UK and Ireland. In 2015, they were ranked by the EU as one of Europe’s Top 12 Start Ups. They are planning to expand across all of Europe and the Middle East in the near future.

Trailfinders Ltd SECTOR: Travel CHAIRMAN: Mike Gooley CBE FOUNDED: 1970 STAFF: 1,000+ worldwide (100 in Ireland) TURNOVER: N/A Founded in 1970 by Mike Gooley with a staff of just four, Trailfinders remains privately-owned and has made travel arrangements for some 14million clients to date. Headquartered in Earls Court, London, the company has 32 travel centres across Britain and Ireland. This year Trailfinders won Most Trusted Travel Brand and Best Package Holiday Operator at the Guardian & Observer Travel Awards, while readers of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine voted the company Best Tour Operator for the fourth consecutive year. In the 12 months to February 2016, turnover reportedly rose from £584million to £612million.

VGC Group SECTOR: Civil Engineering CHAIRMAN: Sean Fitzpatrick MANAGING DIRECTOR: Laurence McKidd FOUNDED: 1960 STAFF: 1,000+ TURNOVER: N/A VGC Group delivers people, projects and services to the construction and rail industries, promising high-quality, cost-effective solutions for clients. Since current chairman Sean Fitzpatrick took over in 1977, the group has focused on providing skilled trades and labour for civil engineering projects. A subsidiary company, Cole Hire, was set up in 1987 to manage a growing vehicle fleet. In 1998 the company established a dedicated rail industry division. The new millennium then saw the setting up of VGC Training and VGC Personnel, ensuring a highly-skilled workforce at the very forefront of its industry. This year, the company was included on the London Stock Exchange’s list, 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, which identifies the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises.

Walsh Group SECTOR: Structural and Civil Engineering CHAIRMAN: Stephen Walsh FOUNDED: 1989 STAFF: 100+ TURNOVER: N/A Headquartered in London, Walsh Group comprises a highly specialised team of engineers and consultants delivering a range of specialisms and services across the UK and at specific international locations.

In 2005, Walsh welcomed specialist PT concrete consultancy Matthew Consultants into the Walsh group of companies, while associated companies include Strucon in Slovakia and Walsh Goodfellow based in Ireland. With a reputation for excellence, the group estimates 85 per cent of its work is from repeat business. One of its latest residential projects, Cobalt Lane in Battersea, has been shortlisted in the Community or Residential Structures category of the 2016 IStructE Structural Engineering Awards.

ADVENTURE: See the world with Trailfinders

www.irishpost.co.uk 04/11/2016 16:38

London’s Premier Recycling Specialists

0845 548 5500 | info@mcgrathgroup.co.uk | www.mcgrathgroup.co.uk

14-24.indd 23

04/11/2016 10:39

B U I L D. E N H A N C E . M A I N TA I N.

www.gaughanservices.com 14-24.indd 24

04/11/2016 10:40