How Irwin M&E has grown from local contractor to leading M&E solutions provider in the UK and Ireland
With offices in Belfast, Portadown, and Derry/Londonderry, Irwin M&E is an innovative mechanical, electrical, energy, and renewables contractor providing a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services throughout the UK and Ireland. Marking its 30th anniversary in 2025, the company has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects and has become known for its technical expertise, commitment to safety, and a collaborative approach with clients, contractors, and design teams.
Although the company began as solely an electrical contractor, in 2016, it opened a mechanical division and changed its name to Irwin M&E Ltd, offering clients an integrated mechanical and electrical (M&E) solution. As the business expanded its services, its client base in the UK and Ireland also grew, laying effective foundations for future diversification. By prioritising long-term partnerships and responsible business ethics, the company has experienced phenomenal growth since its inception in 1995.
Today, Irwin M&E employs over 280 people with a turnover of more than £55 million per annum but is on course to reach a projected turnover of £70 million by the end of this financial year. Across Irwin M&E’s three divisions – maintenance and compliance, design and build, and energy and renewables – the business serves several markets, including central and local government, commercial, education, healthcare, industrial, and residential.
Operations Director, Richard Megarity, joins us to elaborate on Irwin M&E’s evolution over the years. Having joined the business in 2003 as an apprentice electrician, Richard has progressed through the ranks, becoming Operations Director in 2010, and now owning the company alongside business partner and Managing Director, Keith Stewart.
“With a fleet of more than 150 vehicles on the road, we provide planned and reactive maintenance and compliance services to ensure our clients’ buildings remain safe and operational,” Richard opens. “Our design and build division provides an integrated M&E design and build service for new-build and refurbishment projects. These projects include hospitals, offices, residential developments, and student accommodation, and vary in value from £6 million to £18 million. Catering to increased demand for renewable energy, our energy and renewables division offers solar PV, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy monitoring solutions for both public and private sector clients.”
With 2025 marking the company’s 30th anniversary, Richard reflects on what factors have enabled such success and longevity. “Our strong core values built a strong foundation based on loyalty, safety, innovation, and success,” he states. “We have a dedicated team of passionate and skilled people, and we prioritise a customer-centric approach to every project. Listening to our clients, adapting to meet their evolving needs, and being open to innovation and technological advancements has kept us relevant, dynamic, and trusted in the market. Our consistent quality has delivered reliable results for decades and allowed us to build long-term, strategic relationships.”
Turning to projects, Richard continues: “We’re now completing the first phase of the terminal extension at Leeds Bradford Airport, and we’ve just finished our work on a brand-new education campus for Barnfield College. We’ve recently secured our largest ever installation project for £16 million at Stratford Mill, a residential development in London. Our largest maintenance contract, £32 million over four years on the Pan Government Property Maintenance Framework, covers over 150 crown-owned buildings throughout the northern region of Northern Ireland, including the iconic Stormont Estate, as well as offices, courthouses, transport hubs, county halls, and forest parks.”
Alongside these projects, Irwin M&E has also managed an internal project to create new office space for the business. “We’ve invested over £2 million in our new head office, which is designed to showcase our innovation, teamwork, and commitment to sustainability,” Richard explains. “This is a significant investment with a primary aim to be energy self-sufficient and reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions. We installed a heat pump, and the site is powered by solar PV, and it’s set to reduce our emissions by approximately 80 percent. The modern, state-of-the-art facilities also motivate our team, encouraging collaboration and providing an overall improved working environment.
“We’ve also recently invested around £350,000 in new technologies. We’re in the process of implementing cutting-edge AI and a new ERP system to revolutionise our decision-making processes, streamline operations, and integrate core business functions for maximum efficiency.”
As an ethical business, Irwin M&E is passionate about having a positive impact on the communities in which it works. “We’re proud to support our local community, especially through our ‘Beyond the Tools’ bursary, whereby we sponsor a range of local sports teams and events,” Richard shares. “These partnerships provide valuable financial support and encourage participation in activities that promote health, wellbeing, and community spirit.
“Our Charity of the Year initiative, chosen through a staff vote, offers employees a direct say in the causes we support to ensure our charitable efforts are meaningful to our team while making a positive difference to those in need. Also, our sustained growth has resulted in the creation of new jobs, providing valuable employment opportunities within our region. This has not only strengthened our position as a key employer but also contributed to the regional economy.
“In a time where quality people are hard to find, we’ve added a dedicated talent acquisition role within the business, and we strive to retain talent by fostering a positive culture and working environment. Our apprenticeship scheme is highly sought-after, with around 50 apprentices currently in the business, and our placement students at Ulster University are often highly commended.”
As Irwin M&E celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company is clearly a resilient and innovative player in the mechanical and electrical sector. From its roots as a small contractor to a leading M&E solutions provider across the UK and Ireland, the business has focused on strategic investments in people, technology, and sustainability to fuel long-term success. Remaining committed to its values, the company is striding forward with a strong leadership team and a strong legacy that will serve both public and private sector clients for years to come.
Reflecting on this year, Richard says: “Environmental responsibility has been central to our 2025 strategy, with increased emphasis on energy-efficient systems and greener practices. We’re continuing to invest in new technologies and sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency and future-proof our services. As we continue to strive for operational excellence, we’re streamlining internal processes and embracing digital tools to improve delivery, collaboration, and overall client experience.
“Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent remains a priority for us to ensure we stay at the forefront of the industry with a skilled and motivated team. We’re also deepening relationships with existing clients while forging new partnerships, delivering tailored M&E solutions across a broader range of sectors.
“We’ve recently finalized our three-to-five-year corporate and strategic plan; we’re focused on sustainable growth with an aim of reaching turnover in excess of £100 million,” Richard concludes. “We have some exciting plans in place, including an Irwin training academy to enhance the skillset of both new and existing staff. We’ll also be actively exploring expansion into northern England and Scotland as part of our growth strategy moving forward.”