The McAvoy Group has announced the appointment of Ron
Clarke as CEO following the retirement of Mark Lowry, who will remain with the
business as Non-Executive Director.
Ron Clarke was appointed COO in March 2021 following
senior roles with construction leader Graham - where he played a key role in
the growth of the business nationally - and more recently with Mac Group.
Mark Lowry joined McAvoy in March 2019, shortly before
funds advised by Blantyre Capital became the new majority owner. He has since
steered the business through a challenging period and spearheaded its return to
profitability.
The
offsite leader reported positive financial results for the six months to 30th April
2021, with a 30% year-on-year increase in revenue. The business has
secured all its budget revenues for 2022, with significant progress made in
securing forecast revenues for 2023.
McAvoy has continued to perform well throughout 2021, with
a strong forward order book supported by an expanding pipeline. It recently
secured a series of new DfE education projects totaling £39m, including one of
the UK’s very first low carbon school buildings. Existing projects have
remained on track, with the Timebridge Centre in Croydon, The Deepings School
in Peterborough and Antrim Area Hospital’s new Urgent Care Centre all
successfully completed.
Ron Clarke commented: “Mark has played a pivotal role over
the past two years in leading an ambitious growth strategy and, together with
our very talented and experienced management team, I am looking forward to
taking the business into the next phase of its development. We continue to make
significant investments in growing the company, including the expansion of our
hire fleet.”
Mark Lowry said: “Despite the challenges facing the construction
industry during the last 18 months McAvoy has performed well, supported by
Blantyre who have stewarded the business through a steep transition period. I’m
pleased to be handing the reins to Ron, who benefits from a huge amount of
experience in the construction industry, and I’ve no doubt he will be an
excellent leader as McAvoy continues to evolve, focusing on long-term
sustainability and resilience, underpinned by an effective ESG strategy.”
The growth in the business was accompanied by the announcement
of additional senior management hires and promotions, with Martin Daly joining
as Chief Financial Officer and the promotion of Stephen Clayton to
Preconstruction Director. The company’s Modular Hire and Sales division has
also been boosted with Glen Busby’s promotion to divisional director.
Johann Scheid at Blantyre Capital, added: “The McAvoy
Group has performed well throughout a tremendously challenging period for the
construction industry - with continued, strategic investments to support growth
and a commitment to continue leading innovation within the offsite and MMC
field, the business will continue to extend its market share across key
sectors.”
The McAvoy Group is one of the leading offsite and MMC specialists in the UK and Ireland. It offers a full range of design, manufacturing, fit out and construction services for the delivery and hire of high quality, affordable and sustainable modular buildings in the health, education, commercial and infrastructure sectors.
