Institute of Directors Awards

SDG Chief Executive recognised at the Institute of Directors Awards

It has been a fantastic start to 2022 for Louise Skeath, Chief Executive of family business SDG, construction accessories, since 2019. Last month, Louise was awarded Director of the Year, SME Business at the 2021 Institute of Directors Awards Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Director of the Year Awards. The award, sponsored by Ulster University Business School recognises excellence in Northern Ireland business.

SDG which has offices in Armagh and Monaghan, is a specialist supplier of essential products to the construction industry across NI, Ireland & UK. In September 2015 Louise joined the family business which was created in 1990 by Seamus Duffy. Louise took over as CEO in 2019 and has focused on growing the business through clear vision, leadership and management. Already, business has grown by 28% since 2019, and SDG is now exporting to countries including Dubai, and working on major construction projects including Lime Street Dublin, Victoria Terminal 2, N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project and HS2 with strong growth in contracts in UK and Ireland. The company which employs 20 staff across business, sales and marketing, has a strong focus on working with customers and suppliers to deliver innovative and fresh thinking projects stronger together. In the past year, under Louise’s leadership, the company has created new positions to grow RoI and GB business and works are underway to develop the European opportunities too.

New exclusive contracts are in place with companies, including a £1,000,000 strategic partnership agreement with the German company B.T. Innovation GmbH. As a result, SDG will now become the UK and Ireland distribution partner of the specialist manufacturer of shuttering magnets, formwork and connecting systems to the construction industry.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gordon Milligan, IoD (Institute of Directors Awards) NI Chairman, said:

“I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate all of our 2021 winners, who have yet again demonstrated the resilience and strength of Northern Ireland’s business community across a breadth of industries and sectors, despite what has been a most

Commenting on their support for the awards Seamus McGuickin, AIB, Head of Business Banking, NI said:

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the IoD and to help showcase and support the numerous successful business leaders and entrepreneurs that have worked so hard to support the further development of our local economy.

“This has been an uncertain time for businesses right across the board, but it has been inspiring to witness how our business leaders have adapted accordingly and risen to the challenges they’ve faced.”

The overall 2021 Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Director of the Year Awards are sponsored by AIB. Vice President and General Manager of Spirit AeroSystems Belfast, Sir Michael Ryan CBE was awarded the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice at the annual ceremony which took place at the Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

Ready to know how we can support your business?

Get in touch