Based in Newry, Co Down, Carnview Construction Ltd is currently one of the most sought after building firms in the North of Ireland. With a well earned reputation for excellent finishing, the highest level of craftsmanship, construction detail and overall quality in every aspect of each build it is no surprise to learn that in spite of the challenging times we are in, the company’s order book is pretty much full.
The company focuses mainly but not exclusively on bespoke one off builds at the higher end of the market. Operating with 18 core staff and a wider team of sub-contractors, it also delivers commercial builds, fit out projects, renovation and maintenance services for clients throughout Ireland. Some examples of recently completed projects include a multi million pound luxury new build nestled on the shores of Rostrevor Co. Down and an award winning commercial fit out project for Jack Murphy Jewellers, in Newry City.
Things have come a long way for Carnview Construction Ltd since MD Kevin Hughes set up his business in 2005, progressing to a limited venture in 2008. Building Ireland touched base with the Co Armagh native to hear more about this exciting company and to get an insight into how the man behind the business has built such a strong brand synonymous with quality, construction flair and the highest level of craftmanship.
Kevin says, “If someone wants a different approach, we try and provide that service for them. Our key strength I would say is attention to detail at every stage of the build as well as the quality of our finishing which is at the very core of the Carnivew ethos. Quality finishes have always been a big thing for me. My staff know the quality of work I expect and nothing other than the best is acceptable to me.
“Clients choose us because they know we have the capability to deliver a quality job. Of course price is always a factor with any project however for the clients who seek our services the quality of the build, the ease of the build and all around robust project management are equally if not more important factors in their decision process.
“Many clients approach us for advice before they engage architectural and other services such as QS, M&E and Interior Design. Our experience means we can wrap the best team of people around them which pays dividends in the long run.
“We are now very fortunate to have reached a stage where the Carnview name is synonymous with this level of service. I am also fortunate to have an excellent team of craftsmen and office staff around me many whom have been with me from the very early days. They all have played a huge part in building the business to its current level.
“Forming and maintaining excellent client relationships is very important to me. The client is trusting Carnivew with one of the biggest investments of perhaps a lifetime and its important to minimise the stress of the build and help them enjoy the experience. I have always maintained a ‘hands on’ approach with every job and I think this is one of the key factors in the success of the business. We are known for always delivering that ‘bit extra’ and the challenge now is to maintain this level of service as we grow.”
Kevin’s carpentry background is, in many ways, the essence of how Carnview Construction Ltd came to be. He worked in the trade for more than a decade, travelling across the globe in the process, before taking the decision to set up his own business in his home town.
“I worked for a local construction company in Newry before heading to Australia where I continued to work in construction. When I returned to Ireland I moved to Dublin as that’s where most construction opportunities were at the time. I worked hard and I suppose people noticed, I got approached to work as a site foreman on a number of jobs and this is where I realised I could work well under pressure.
“I enjoyed organising, finding solutions to problems and bringing jobs to completion. I always had a great attention to detail, and that stood by me. I did a good bit of work for Sean Quinn in Dublin. All this experience led me down the path to setting up my own company in 2005.”
Fast-forward some 17 years from its birth and business is now very much thriving at Carnview Construction Ltd. The company has grown year on year to the point where it’s at now, with an excellent reputation amongst clients and a full list of projects secured and underway.
The Covid-19 pandemic, and the government lockdowns that were implemented to try and combat the spread of the virus, impacted businesses throughout Ireland and indeed worldwide.
Carnview Construction Ltd were no different than the rest but still managed to persevere through the tough times and remained busy following the first lockdown from March 2020 into that summer.
Today, business couldn’t be any better as the Managing Director himself explained.
“We are working on a range of new builds at the moment, some in lovely picturesque areas including Killowen, Killinchy and Strangford Lough, Co. Down as well as new builds in Co. Armagh and also in Belfast and other areas of Co Antrim,” said Kevin. Repeat business has been key to the growth of this venture while, at the same time, the company continuously attracts new clients seeking to engage it because of its growing reputation for top class work.
Asked to outline the secret behind the success of Carnview Construction Ltd, the MD stated plainly:
“I suppose it’s down to the attention to detail and the finish that we provide,” he said.
“The crafts people that we have working with us are excellent and we are now known for doing more bespoke work than anything else.”
The reputation the company has earned is a stellar one which comes off the back of continuous attention to detail, quality finishes, a proactive and solution-based approach and first-class project management skills.
Looking towards the coming months for Carnview Construction Ltd, its owner and founder is hoping for more of the same business-wise with one eye still on further growth for the company.
“The hopes first and foremost are that everyone stays safe for the times that we are in,” Kevin stated.
“After that, we’ll just be hoping that the business continues to grow at the same rate. The volume of work that has been going on lately is fantastic to see and we are probably a year-and-a-half ahead of ourselves at present.
“We are always open to more growth here though and we will be expecting to take on more projects in the coming months in response to demand.”
So, if you’re looking for a construction company with flair that produces quality designs, sources high end materials, and completes every project in a timely and efficient fashion with the utmost attention to detail, look no further than Carnview Construction Ltd.
Carnview Construction Ltd
(Main office)
13A Margaret Street,
Newry,
Co Down,
BT34 1DF
Tel: 028 3080 0030
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, June 2022, Vol 8 No 6
