Member Profile

In his five years as chief executive of the business started by his grandfather, Stephen Bilclough has had to make some momentous decisions.

Wallsend-based John N Dunn Group Ltd, which started as a plumbing company then expanded into building services, has not only survived the collapse of the housing market but by diversifying into renewables is also planning for the future.

Stephen joined the business aged 16 and got a solid grounding in all departments.

The group continues to work for blue chip companies, local authorities and social housing providers from South Yorkshire to Scotland but commercial and domestic opportunities for its subsidiary, SOL₂O, are taking the business nationwide in designing, installing and maintaining renewable technology systems.

Stephen says: “It’s a hugely exciting yet challenging time. On the one hand we have a company that is coping with the collapse of the property market; on the other hand we have a huge opportunity internationally to install renewable technologies for commercial and residential markets.”

The company employs 400 people, including 46 apprentices, believing it has a duty to help sustain the future of the industry by maintaining and developing skills.