Killough man praised after business award

Killough man praised after business award

13 December 2017

KILLOUGH man Dane Duffy has played a pivotal role in helping his company secure a major business award.

Dane, who is sales and marketing director with Dunmurry-based ventilation manufacturer, Brookvent, helped the firm win the highly coveted title of Northern Ireland SME of the Year at the recent 2017 UTV Business Eye Awards. 

Dane was also highly commended in the Young Business Personality of the Year category at the ceremony held last week at Belfast Waterfront with over 700 business and community guests in attendance. 

The 31 year-old has successfully risen through the ranks to spearhead its business development and export strategies having started with the company as an intern back in 2009. 

“It was an honour to be recognised by the 2017 UTV Business Eye Awards,” said Dane. “From day one, Brookvent have provided me with opportunity and I have tried to seize this with both hands in building a successful team and new international brand over the past eight years. 

“In 2009, the company had zero export markets outside of the UK and Ireland, now these markets account for over 48 per cent of our sales, with subsidiary offices in Poland servicing eastern and central Europe and a global footprint reaching North America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.”

Brookvent, which exports its products as far afield as New Zealand, has experienced significant growth over an 18-month timeline.

Prestigious projects in cities as diverse as Warsaw, Sydney and London have become a staple part of Brookvent’s portfolio, growing the brand and customer base across Europe and beyond.

Brookvent managing director Declan Gormley, added: “From graduate trainee to the boardroom in seven years tells you all you need to know about Dane’s ability and his contribution to the revitalisation and success of Brookvent.”