The entire team at Specialist Group are extremely proud to see Group Chairman and Founder, John Bosco O’Hagan receive the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ .

Businessmen like JB O’Hagan don’t come along too often. There are few people who can take an idea and transform it into a successful business in a way that has such a positive impact on so many people. The term legacy can be used fleetingly at times, but in the case of John Bosco, his legacy is strong – one that will be lived out for many generations to come.

How very fitting that this year, as we celebrate our 35^th anniversary, that he should receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mid Ulster Business Awards. An award that recognises the lifetime of commitment John has shown to the business sector and our community throughout the last 35 years. As a family and team we can all agree he is such a worthy winner of this award and we thank him for everything he has done and continues to do.

35 Years of Growth

Having spent his working life in joinery, John founded Specialist Joinery back in 1987 and in 35 years has grown our company year on year to a £35m group with ambitions to be a £50m business by 2025.  What an achievement for one man and the many people he has gathered around him on his journey.

Many people talk about the energy, the enthusiasm and the dedication of Specialist Group staff. This has come as a direct result of the leadership we have enjoyed over the years under John. His leadership skills and his entrepreneurial awareness have fostered this growth and development.

The development of the Specialist Academy has been of particular significance to John. Since its inception, our apprenticeship programme has seen over 80 trainees graduate with new skills set and many of these graduates now occupy senior positions in Specialist Group.

A Family First Environment

As a proud family man, John’s priority has always been to create a business environment which is founded on a family ethos, encourages idea sharing and inspires people to perform for the wider benefit of the team.

Every team member here is valued member of the Specialist family and this is evident throughout all areas of our business. The culture is one of empowerment, of inspiring each other and helping one and other to grow, succeed and lead; to take success in our stride and share the credit.

Giving Back

Aside from the commercial achievements of Specialist as a business entity, John Bosco has much to be proud of in terms of the impact his generosity has had on those around him. JB has always been a great believer in giving back to those less fortunate than us. To this end, Specialist Group has raised in excess of £1m for charity over the last 8 years. This is something John Bosco is very proud of as he believes we are happier giving than receiving.

Here’s to JB

Having led the company for some 3 decades and now advising and guiding the business today, we look forward to the next 3 decades at Specialist Group as we build on global markets, leveraging our strong brand. We will always strive to keep alive the family spirit of this company, our positive attitude to getting things done and to ensure our charitable reputation is lived out for many generations to come.