Great figures from our member and Newry Group, Haldane Fisher who expanded it’s workforce by almost 20% from 541 to 639 last year, making the firm one of the largest independent suppliers to the construction industry in the UK & Ireland.
The expansions of the workforce in 2018 coincides with a number of key acquisitions by the group and the opening of it’s new Bathline Branch in Belfast.
The company report, which covers the 12 months to 31st December 2018, includes a period in which the group, headquartered in Newry, completed a number of acquisitions including, Co. Fermanagh Builders Merchant, Robert Dickie & Sons in January 2018 and Key Hardware Ltd in Belfast five months later.
It remains headquartered in the Carnbane Industrial Estate in Newry but its businesses are spread througout Ireland, England and the Isle of Man. Timber specialists GE Robinson was acquired by the Newry company in 2006.
The English business, which dates back to 1914, now operates four sites in Britain, operating a fleet of 18 vehicles.
Overall, turnover increased by 14.3% in 2018. Pre-tax profits also rose 12.8% to £5m in the 12 months to 31st December 2018.
A strategic report signed by Group Director, Ian Haldane acknowledged that while the market remained highly competitive, it said the group had continued to invest in its branch network and infrastructure.
The report revealed the group’s strategy of focusing on maintaining short-term debt finance, designed to ensure it has sufficient available funds for operations and planned expansion.
The firm’s directors also acknowledged the ongoing political and economic uncertainty.
“Ongoing Brexit negotiations, combined with the continuing lack of a local executive and government in Northern Ireland, will undoubtedly throw up new challenges for trade in and between the UK and Ireland.”
“The group has taken a number of preparatory steps in relation to Brexit and while cautious, we are confident that we have the necessary skills, resources and leadership to continue our growth strategy and to seek out opportunities in the new post-Brexit marketplace.”
The report also highlighted the role of the group’s workforce in its recent success.
“Strong and supportive relationships with customers and suppliers have been at the heart of our success over many years and will continue to be a driving focus going forward.”
“The results for 2018 are testament to the employees who work throughout the group.”