A Swatragh-based digital construction company already has designs on major growth as it prepares to celebrate its first anniversary.
Hillside Designs was set up by Fintan O’Kane with assistance from the government backed Go Succeed business support service, to meet increasing demand for digital design services in the planning of large-scale construction projects.
Operating for just under a year, the business is already working with main contractors, architects, structural engineers and mechanical and electrical specialists across a range of projects, including schools and civil engineering developments.
Hillside Designs specialises in Building Information Modelling (BIM) – highly detailed 3D digital models used across the construction sector to plan, design and manage building projects more efficiently.
Fintan explained that BIM represents a major shift in how construction projects are delivered.
“BIM gives a realistic digital model of what is going on site at a very early stage,” he said.
“You bring all the plans, sections and elevations into one centralised model, so you can identify clashes or issues before anything is built. It saves a huge amount of time, reduces rework, and improves accuracy across the whole project.
“The digital construction market is moving quickly, and BIM is becoming a bigger part of how major projects are designed, coordinated and delivered. Across the UK and Ireland, frameworks such as the UK BIM Framework, the Irish BIM requirements and ISO 19650 are pushing the industry towards better digital information, better collaboration and better handover at the end of a project.
“For clients, that means fewer surprises on site, better coordination between disciplines, and building information that can actually be used after construction. That is a really exciting space for Hillside Designs as the industry moves towards smarter, more data-led buildings.”
Before launching Hillside Designs, Fintan worked with leading local contractor where he gained experience in design coordination and BIM management across multidisciplinary teams.
Starting his own business was a natural progression, he said.
“I’ve always been interested in running my own company, but it was more about the opportunity coming at the right time,” he said.
“I had been working on business planning and financials early on, and when the chance came to access support and funding, I decided to go for it.”
Go Succeed played a key role in helping Fintan turn his idea into a viable business, providing early-stage guidance and support, including help developing business plans and accessing funding.
Operating as a solo founder, Fintan is focused on growing the business sustainably while continuing to build his client base across Ireland and beyond.
“At the minute it’s just me, and while the focus has been on getting established and delivering good work, I’m experiencing an increase in demand that will fuel the next stage of growth.”
For Fintan, the support from Go Succeed has been an important part of getting the business off the ground.
“It gave me that push at the right time,” he said. “From business planning to funding support, it helped turn an idea into something real.”
Go Succeed is delivered free of charge through all 11 councils in Northern Ireland, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of their journey.
Councillor Deirdre Varsani, Chair, Mid Ulster District Council said:
“Mid Ulster is proud of its reputation as a highly entrepreneurial District and Go Succeed continues to play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs across our region, helping them to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
“Hillside Designs is a strong example of the kind of forward-thinking enterprise we are proud to support, particularly in emerging sectors such as digital construction and advanced technologies.
“We are delighted to see the impact the service is having in enabling local businesses to grow and thrive.”
Funded by the UK Government, Go Succeed provides new starts and businesses with access to tailored mentoring, events, grant funding, planning tools and business networks. Visit www.go-succeed.com to learn more.