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.