Bidvest Noonan Ireland

Ireland's leading provider of facilities services and solutions

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26 Years of Excellence: Ray Cantwell’s Journey with Bidvest Noonan

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Ray is a very prominent figure at Bidvest Noonan, and his incredible 26 year journey is an illustration of not just success but adaptability, mentorship, and drive, that certainly shows no signs of stopping.

The Early Days

With a young family to raise and an ambitious mindset, Ray seized an opportunity to join Bidvest Noonan in 1997 as a General Operative. His passion and drive to excel were quickly noticed and he was promoted to Shift Supervisor in less than a year.

Ray’s strong work ethic has always served him well. Over the years, he climbed through various roles within the business, from Assistant Manager at a large shopping centre in Ireland to Site Manager at a prestigious pharmaceutical company.

“I’ve had the chance to grow and learn in ways I never thought possible,” he reflects, crediting much of his success to his ability to adapt when needed in his pursuit of growth.

Embracing Fresh Responsibilities

Transitioning between sectors, including manufacturing to retail, broadened Ray’s experience as he faced new and unique challenges. During his four-year tenure at Bristol-Myers Squibb, he successfully built a highly efficient and cohesive team—an accomplishment that fills him with immense pride.

But Ray has never been one to rest on his laurels. When large contracts were won, Ray never hesitated to step up, eager to forge success for new customers. He took up roles as Area Manager and then Client Service Manager for some large blue-chip customers of Bidvest Noonan.

Over time, Ray’s responsibilities expanded, which earned him a promotion to Operations Manager, a role he holds today. Throughout his time as Operations Manager, Ray has led the growth of big contracts and teams in regions like Munster and Connacht. Now the Leinster region is under his remit, where he supports customers in our Workplace Solutions Business Unit.

The Importance of Guidance

Ray’s rise at Bidvest Noonan was not without guidance. He speaks warmly of the joy he receives from mentoring others, a pleasure he’s enjoyed throughout his career. He credits those who have worked with him from both the past and the present, including Managing Director Mary Kealy, Director of Operations Romaine Nolan, as well as close colleagues Marian McGuinness and Paul Casey, for their vital roles in his development.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” Ray acknowledges. “They guided me, helped me adapt, and showed me what I could become. Now, I take pleasure in helping others in turn.”

Building Success Through Relationships

Ray’s relationships with his colleagues, and indeed customers, form the bedrock of his success. His talent for forging connections and his sincere interest in supporting and mentoring have created a legacy transcending his title.

“It’s about people,” he emphasises. “Building relationships, being there for others, guiding them as I was guided. Supporting customers when they need it. That’s what it’s all about”

‘No Thought of Stopping’

Though some might contemplate slowing down after such a fruitful career, Ray’s ambition and energy remain determined. His eyes are on the future, always poised for the next challenge, and fuelled by a strong belief in continuous growth.

“I’m not thinking about stopping,” he declares. “There’s so much more to do, so much more to achieve. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

‘A Legacy of Adaptation, Mentorship, and Growth’

Ray’s story stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, the significance of mentorship, and a relentless drive to evolve. From his early days to his present role, his 26-year tenure at Bidvest Noonan serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity.

Robinson Services and Sword Security (NI) Ltd join Bidvest Noonan

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Bidvest Noonan is delighted to announce that Robinson Services and its specialist security business, Sword Security (NI) Ltd, have joined its group. Since its establishment in 1977, Bidvest Noonan has grown to become a market leader for services such as cleaning and security across the UK and Ireland, and today’s announcement cements its position as the leading provider in Northern Ireland.

Robinson Services has been a trusted provider of high-quality cleaning and support services for over 40 years. Sword Security (NI) ltd has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s premier security providers. Together, these companies employ more than 900 professionals in the region, whose conditions of employment will remain unchanged.

Following today’s announcement, Bidvest Noonan becomes one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, with a team of over 2,500 providing support to its customers. This positions the group uniquely to deliver high-quality service solutions throughout the region.

This is the second major investment Bidvest Noonan has made in Northern Ireland in recent years. In 2021, Bidvest Noonan welcomed Amber Support Solutions, one of Northern Ireland’s largest Industrial Cleaning companies, into its group. The addition of Robinson Services and Sword Security (NI) Limited now further strengthens Bidvest Noonan’s capability in the region, combining their extensive experience, expertise, and resources to deliver exceptional results to clients.

Commenting on the announcement, Jim O’Hagan, Managing Director of Bidvest Noonan’s business in Northern Ireland, said: “I’m delighted that Robinson Services and Sword Security are now part of Bidvest Noonan and I’m looking forward to working with David and all of my new colleagues. Our businesses are highly compatible, which will allow us to achieve a seamless transition. For our customers and our people, this means that our operations will continue as normal, with the same dedicated teams delivering the highest standards of service.”

David Robinson, Managing Director of Robinson Services said, “It’s a very exciting time for all of us at Robinson Services and Sword Security as we become part of Bidvest Noonan. Our businesses have so much in common, including our commitment to putting people first, creating exceptional service solutions through imagination and expertise, and our dedication to building strong and long-lasting relationships with our customers. I’m excited about our future as part of Bidvest Noonan.”

Cormac Sheils, CEO of Bidvest Noonan, added, “We have always had big ambitions for our business in Northern Ireland, aiming to scale up, enhance our infrastructure, and build expertise to deliver the most innovative, high-quality services in the market. Today’s addition of Robinson Services and Sword Security is a significant step forward in our strategy.”

Bidvest Noonan Promotes Lorraine Monaghan to Drive its Operations in the Education Sector in Ireland

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Bidvest Noonan has announced the appointment of Lorraine Monaghan as the Director of Operations, Education, for its Irish operations. This development comes as the company charts an impressive growth trajectory, underpinned by its commitment to excellence in its provision of cleaning, security, and M&E maintenance services across the country.

An experienced professional, Lorraine has seen her career with Bidvest Noonan flourish since joining the ranks in April 2014. Her journey, from Customer Service Representative to her new role, is marked by an impressive track record of success having built strong and lasting relationships with some of the leading institutes and universities across the country.

Lorraine, an IWFM graduate with a Diploma in Facilities Management, has held a series of progressively responsible positions in the company, most notably as a dedicated Contract Manager for one of Dublin’s most renowned universities and later as an Operations Manager where she handled an expanding client base in the education sector. These experiences have provided her with a unique perspective and the necessary skills to succeed in her new role as Director of Operations.

Mary Kealy, Managing Director for Bidvest Noonan’s Workplace Solutions, underscores the importance of this appointment: “Lorraine’s promotion marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy. Her in-depth understanding of the sector, coupled with her proven ability to deliver results, make her an asset as she steps into this role. We are very confident that she will drive further success within our education portfolio.”

Lorraine, enthusiastic about taking on the new role, shared: “This is a significant step for me at an exciting time for Bidvest Noonan. I am privileged to have worked with some of the best talent in the sector and this experience has prepared me for the challenge ahead. My vision is to build on our strong foundation and continue delivering the exceptional services that Bidvest Noonan is known for, while also exploring innovative ways to grow and provide more value for our customers.”

The appointment underpins Bidvest Noonan’s commitment to investing in its people, promoting talent from within, and driving robust growth.

From Admin to Operations Manager: The Inspiring Journey of Christina McDonald, a Determined Leader at Bidvest Noonan.

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Twelve years ago, Christina McDonald embarked on a promising journey with Bidvest Noonan, beginning her career as a Rostering Admin. By September of last year, her commitment and dedication had earned her the position of Operations Manager. In this role, Christina has made a significant impact, particularly in building stronger customer relationships.

Christina’s inspiring rise reflects her determination and tenacity. Committed to continuous growth, she has avoided becoming too comfortable in any role. As soon as she began feeling settled in a position, she viewed it as a cue to strive for more, propelled by her strong ambition.

Recently, we had a chance to briefly chat with Christina about her path to success, her approach to strengthening customer relationships, and the impact of these efforts on her recent performance feedback.

Your ascent within the business is inspiring. What have been the factors in your success?

“Career progression, in my opinion, calls for several essential elements. There are five key principles that have guided me:

  • Work diligently
  • Build experience
  • Show respect and kindness to colleagues
  • Encourage open communication by asking questions
  • Believe in yourself

Out of these, believing in yourself is probably the most important. There were times when my aspirations seemed too high, but the encouragement and backing I received from my superiors and peers strengthened my resolve. They convinced me to challenge my limits and chase my goals relentlessly. The belief that I had the necessary skills and knowledge to take the next step allowed me to maintain focus and persistence, even when immediate success seemed far away.”

In your opinion, what is the most important ingredient for a successful client relationship?

“People form the very core of our service delivery, and these individuals represent our company when interacting with our customers, especially those on-site. Treating your team with respect, providing support, and helping them excel in their roles are key to solid customer relationships. Having ascended through the ranks myself, I can relate to my team’s experiences and challenges. This connection creates mutual respect and understanding.”

You recently received positive feedback from customers for significant improvements made to some of your sites. How was this accomplished?

“Multiple factors contributed to this success, but I believe the main catalyst was my commitment to improving relationships with those customers. Regular meetings and on-site visits proved invaluable in identifying necessary improvements to enhance our service delivery. Should problems arise, my past experiences help me to present effective solutions. A thorough understanding of our processes has also empowered me to address challenges more effectively.”

Safeguarding One of Europe’s Most Iconic Stadiums: Adam Branagan’s Story

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In the world of security, there’s more than meets the eye. For Adam Branagan, our security manager at Croke Park, each day presents a unique challenge, something he takes in his stride.

A busy day at Croke Park, the third-largest sports stadium in Europe, can see a huge number of security personnel diligently monitoring all areas of the stadium. They work tirelessly, patrolling the premises and ensuring the safety of each individual present. As Adam puts it, “Every day at Croke Park is different.” Whether it’s a football match, concert, or conference, the crowd varies, and so do the challenges. With unexpected situations and potential threats, the task requires constant vigilance, extensive training, and meticulous attention to detail.

It’s not just about being aware, though. Adam explains, “We have a rotational system across our shifts to provide the best security service possible, day and night, covering all areas of the building.” This stringent system ensures that all areas, from the control room to entry points, are consistently monitored. This approach guarantees the safety and well-being of all attendees, offering the best and safest experience possible.

Reflecting on his journey with Bidvest Noonan, Adam can’t help but express his pride. “I take great pride in being a part of this team for the past 15 years,” he says. Starting his career as a security officer and now serving as the security manager, Adam has come a long way. He adds, “I love this job. The diverse range of events and constant interaction with different people keep you on your toes. No two days are ever the same!”

When asked about the key duties of his colleagues, Adam stresses the importance of monitoring entries and exits. “Once members of the public enter through these gates, their well-being rests in our hands,” he shares. The team’s approach to their role is serious and dedicated, always striving to devise effective solutions that ensure everyone is well taken care of.

The job requires more than just discipline and diligence. Dealing with antisocial behaviour, potential threats, and coordination are skills that Adam highlights as vital. Balancing approachability with vigilance when interacting with the public is crucial to ensure a safe yet welcoming atmosphere.

Looking back at his 15-year career, Adam cherishes countless memorable moments at Croke Park. He reminisces about hosting music stars like Garth Brooks and the Spice Girls. The experiences didn’t stop there. “A few years ago, we had the honour of hosting Queen Elizabeth and the Pope, both of whom delivered public addresses,” he adds. These moments have enriched his experience, making Croke Park an unforgettable place to work.

We Have Launched our Brand New Energy Management Service in Response to Soaring Energy Prices.

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Energy prices have soared in recent years, driving businesses to search for solutions to control their rising costs. In response to this, we have launched a new Energy Management Service. This innovative service is designed to help businesses streamline energy consumption, achieve significant cost savings, and boost sustainability.

“Our new Energy Management service will help customers overcome energy challenges,” says Peter Smyth, our Director of Innovation and Technology. “With high energy prices and continued volatility in the energy market, our mission is to help customers reduce their energy consumption, pay the lowest rates and achieve their sustainability goals.”

The new service simplifies energy management into three key steps:

  1. Contract and Consumption Analysis: Our energy management teams perform an in-depth review of our customers’ existing energy contracts and consumption, pinpointing areas of potential financial improvement.
  2. Supplier Negotiation: Our business then negotiates with energy suppliers, on behalf of our customers, leveraging our position to secure the best price and terms on the market.
  3. Contract Finalisation and Monitoring: Bidvest Noonan’s team handle the transition to the new supplier and continually monitor market trends and manage contract renewals for a seamless, uninterrupted service at the lowest cost.

The energy management service enables our customers to align their energy procurement with their sustainability objectives, sourcing energy from sustainable energy suppliers.

“Bidvest Noonan remains dedicated to helping businesses navigate these challenging times,” adds Peter Smyth. “With our expertise and this innovative solution, we are set to unlock significant cost savings for our customers while contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.”

Additionally, we are offering an energy audit service to identify potential energy-saving projects such as lighting upgrades, solar installations, EV charging solutions, and more, enabling businesses to achieve further environmental and cost efficiencies.

Bidvest Noonan’s Workplace Solutions Managing Director, Mary Kealy added: “Our new energy management service is just another step forward in our ongoing mission to provide added value for our customers. It underscores our dedication to continuously finding new ways to support them and help them achieve success.”

For more information about Bidvest Noonan’s new Energy Management Service, or to schedule a consultation, please visit our dedicated page here.