Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of Facilities Management Services

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Bidvest Noonan pledges to help 10,000 people into work and training by 2030 

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Commitment announced at the opening of the company’s new A-rated Dublin headquarters, attended by Minister Darragh O’Brien, as Bidvest Noonan launches its Purpose in Action strategy ahead of its 50th anniversary.

Bidvest Noonan, one of Ireland’s largest private-sector employers, has pledged to help 10,000 people into employment and training by 2030, with a particular focus on those who face the greatest barriers to work.

The commitment was announced today at the official opening of the company’s new A-rated headquarters at Airside Green in Swords, Co. Dublin. The event was attended by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, and by Mpumi Madisa, Chief Executive of the Bidvest Group, the Johannesburg-listed parent company and the first Black woman to lead a JSE Top 40 company. Bidvest Noonan, which provides cleaning, security and facilities services, marks its 50th anniversary in 2027.

The pledge sits at the heart of Purpose in Action, the company’s new social value strategy, launched at the event. It commits Bidvest Noonan to two goals by 2030: supporting 10,000 people into employment and future skills, and delivering one million hours of community impact through volunteering, fundraising and local partnerships. Those supported will include people with disabilities, refugees, women returning to the workforce and the long-term unemployed, helped through work placements, recruitment mentoring, employability workshops and training.

The commitment builds on Bidvest Noonan’s partnerships with organisations such as Business in the Community Ireland, whose EPIC programme supports migrants and refugees into employment.

Ola is one example of how that support can lead to a real opportunity. Originally from Nigeria, Ola, 33, came to Ireland in 2024 and struggled to find work despite a background in hospitality and IT, unsure how to navigate an unfamiliar jobs market. As an EPIC participant, he received CV and interview support before completing the training, vetting and licensing required to become a Security Officer. He is now building a career with Bidvest Noonan.

“When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know how the system worked here. I kept applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, and I started to wonder if I’d ever get settled. The support I received helped me understand the process and gave me the confidence to go for it. Now I have a job I’m proud of and a future I can plan for.” Ola, Security Officer at Bidvest Noonan.

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, said:

“I am delighted to join Bidvest Noonan for the opening of its new headquarters and to welcome this important commitment. For those who face barriers to entering the workforce, the right support at the right time can make a transformative difference. As major employers, companies like Bidvest Noonan have both the reach and the opportunity to help people access meaningful employment and realise their potential. It is particularly fitting that, as the company approaches its 50th year in Ireland, it is making this pledge from a headquarters built to the highest modern energy-efficiency standards.”

Julie Mernagh, Chief People and Culture Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said:

“Talent and potential exist in every community we are part of. Access to opportunity does not. Purpose in Action is our commitment to help close that gap. Through our colleagues and partnerships, we can open doors for people, whether that is a first job, a step up in their career or new skills for the future.”

Declan Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest Noonan, said:

“Bidvest Noonan has grown over almost 50 years because of the people who deliver its services every day. A job can be a first opportunity, but people also need the chance to learn and progress, and this commitment brings the two together. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary, we want it to be known not only for the services it delivers, but for the opportunities it creates.”

Purpose in Action is organised around four pillars: Employability and Future Skills; Community; Sustainable and Responsible Supply Chain; and Environment.

Bidvest Noonan Appoints Industry Leader Brandie Deignan as Managing Director, Strategy

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Bidvest Noonan has appointed Brandie Deignan as Managing Director, Strategy, a newly created executive role designed to strengthen the company’s long-term growth agenda, accelerate innovation, and ensure the business remains ahead of evolving client expectations.


Reporting to Chief Operating Officer Cormac Sheils, Brandie will work across the business to identify emerging trends, anticipate changing customer needs, and help align strategic priorities, innovation, and operational delivery to support the company’s next phase of growth.


Brandie Deignan brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across healthcare, hospitality, aviation and retail. She has an established track record of leading transformation programmes, driving performance improvement, and delivering change in complex, large-scale organisations.


Most recently, she served as Chief Executive of Pier Health Group, one of the largest GP partnership groups of its kind in the UK, providing healthcare services to more than 130,000 patients across North Somerset. Prior to that, she was Managing Director at Marco Pierre White Restaurants, overseeing approximately 50 outlets across eight restaurant concepts. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership positions including Business Transformation Director at British Airways, where she was responsible for the strategy and delivery of the airline’s onboard product, as well as operational leadership roles with Tesco, Whitbread, Travelodge and Hilton Hotels.


Commenting on her appointment, Brandie Deignan said: “Bidvest Noonan has built an outstanding reputation for delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. What attracted me to this opportunity was the company’s ambition to continue evolving and stay ahead of what customers will need in the future.”


“The facilities management sector is changing rapidly. Technology, sustainability, workforce expectations and customer priorities are reshaping what great service looks like. My focus will be on helping the business anticipate those changes, accelerate innovation, and ensure we continue creating meaningful value for our clients, colleagues and communities.”
“Looking ahead only matters if we can translate insight into action. With 27,000 colleagues across the UK and Ireland, Bidvest Noonan has an incredible platform, depth of expertise and culture of delivery. I’m excited about what’s possible when that capability is aligned behind a shared strategic vision.”


Cormac Sheils, Chief Operating Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said: “We have created this role because the questions our customers are asking are changing, and we want to be ahead of those conversations rather than simply responding to them.”


“The facilities management sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, changing customer expectations, increasing demands for sustainability, and the need to deliver more value through innovation. Strengthening our strategic capability is an important part of ensuring we remain a trusted partner to our customers as those expectations continue to evolve.”


“Brandie has led transformation across healthcare, aviation, hospitality and retail, and she has done so from both frontline operational and executive leadership positions. That breadth of experience is rare and brings a valuable perspective as we continue to grow, innovate and focus on what matters most to our customers. We are delighted to welcome her to the business.”


Bidvest Noonan delivers facilities management, security and support services to many of the most recognised organisations across the UK and Ireland. The company continues to invest in innovation, technology, customer experience and operational excellence to help clients create safer, more efficient and more sustainable environments.


The appointment of Brandie Deignan reflects Bidvest Noonan’s continued focus on sustainable growth, customer value and long-term market leadership as the business enters its next phase of development.

Bidvest Noonan Appointed by Stena Line Across Five Ports

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Bidvest Noonan has been awarded a contract to provide security services for Stena Line, one of the world’s largest ferry companies, covering its port operations at Belfast, Loch Ryan, Birkenhead, Holyhead and Fishguard.

Under the contract, Bidvest Noonan will provide a range of security services supporting the safe and secure operation of Stena Line’s port facilities. These will include passenger, baggage and vehicle screening, access control, port patrols and CCTV monitoring.

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  • Stenaline Bidvest Noonan security TEAM
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David Barker, Chief Growth Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said:
“Stena Line keeps people and goods moving between the UK and Ireland, and its services matter to the economies and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea. Being chosen to help protect its operations across five ports is a significant moment for our business. We are looking forward to building a strong partnership with Stena Line.


Peter Quigley, Group Head of Port Safety & Security for Stena Line, added:
“Safety for our customers and staff has always been a priority for us, and we’re delighted to welcome Bidvest Noonan as a key partner in our Irish Sea operations. We look forward to working closely with them and building a strong, long-term relationship that supports our operations and our continued focus on safety excellence.”


Bidvest Noonan has grown strongly across the transport sector in recent years, growing its presence across ports, rail, bus, airports and more.

Bidvest Noonan Retains Tower 42 Estate Contract

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Under the renewed agreement, Bidvest Noonan will continue to provide security and post room services across Tower 42 Estate, a landmark 2.4-acre commercial destination in the heart of the City of London, centred on the iconic Tower 42.


A dedicated on-site team supports the Estate each day, helping to create a safe, welcoming and professional environment for occupiers and visitors. The contract renewal reflects the strength of the long-standing partnership and the consistently high standards delivered by the team.


Russell Dean, Managing Director for London Solutions at Bidvest Noonan, said:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tower 42 Estate. This renewal reflects the trust that has been built over many years and, above all, the quality and commitment of our people on site. We are proud of what the team delivers every day and look forward to continuing to support the Estate in the coming years.”


The renewal further strengthens Bidvest Noonan’s position in the corporate real estate sector, where it provides security and facilities services to many of the UK’s leading commercial properties.

Smart, Sustainable, Human: The Working Future of Facilities Management

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Kristina Koshmanova, Senior Technology & Innovation Manager, Martina Donohoe, Sustainability and Safety Director, and Katie Sneath, Director of People Business Partners

A packed hall at Queen’s University Belfast set the stage for a forward-looking discussion on the workplace of tomorrow. On 28th August 2025, leaders, innovators, and industry professionals gathered to explore how to design future workplaces around three urgent priorities: making them smart, ensuring they are sustainable, and keeping them profoundly human. 

The event, designed and delivered in partnership by Bidvest Noonan and the NI Chamber, opened with a powerful reminder from futurist Arthur C. Clarke. His 1964 vision that “only if what you describe appears absolutely unbelievable, do you have any chance of visualising the future as it really will be” felt as relevant today as ever. 

The morning keynote was delivered by Kristina Koshmanova, Senior Technology and Innovation Manager at Bidvest Noonan, who captured the imagination of the audience with Clarke’s words before grounding them in the very real technological shifts already shaping facilities management. 

She demonstrated how innovations such as smart headsets, digital twins, smart sensors, and robotics are transforming the workplace. These are not futuristic concepts, she argued, but present realities: today, an engineer can work on a building hundreds of miles away through a smart headset; robots are already working alongside people to keep buildings clean; digital platforms allow us to explore, train, and test in virtual replicas of our facilities; and connected systems show us how buildings are being used and where they can be made more efficient. Kristina’s central message was that “the future is already here, just not evenly distributed.” She highlighted that many of the technologies set to define tomorrow’s workplace are already within our reach today. The challenge, and the opportunity, lies in acting strategically now to unlock their benefits before they become pervasive. 

New technology is not here to replace jobs,” she reminded attendees. “Like the internet, it will eliminate some tasks, but it will create new ones too. Our role is to prepare people for that shift.” 

The panel discussion that followed, featuring industry leaders, reinforced these points. Panellists proposed that smart technology succeeds when it solves real problems. Safe environments for experimentation, clear problem statements, and, above all, listening to frontline staff were highlighted as the bedrock of successful adoption. One panellist captured it perfectly: “Start where people are struggling, if tech doesn’t solve their real issues, it won’t stick.” 

The takeaway was clear. In FM, digital transformation isn’t about adopting technology, it’s about solving frontline problems first. The examples (headsets, digital twins, robots) matter less as technologies and more as illustrations of a principle: innovation sticks only if it removes pain points. 

Sustainable: From Obligation to Advantage 

The second keynote, delivered by Martina Donohoe, Bidvest Noonan’s Sustainability and Safety Director, shifted the focus to sustainability and the powerful opportunities it presents for forward-looking organisations. Her message was uncompromising: Sustainability is no longer just an aspiration, it’s now a very real obligation, and with that shift comes extraordinary opportunity. 

She outlined the fast-changing regulatory landscape, from the UK’s forthcoming mandatory climate transition plans to new anti-greenwashing rules and procurement standards requiring organisations to consider social, economic, and environmental impacts. In this climate, she argued, businesses that adopt standards early, and integrate sustainability systemically will thrive. 

Martina shared that by 2030, over 70% of the workforce will be millennials and Gen Z. The first Gen Alphas will enter the workforce and this generation, raised in an era of climate activism, hold employers and brands to account for sustainability. “The future marketplace is telling us exactly where to focus,” she explained, noting that nearly two-thirds of these groups are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. 

The panel brought theory to life with powerful case studies of transformation in action, highlighting real-world examples from across industries. Together, they showed how organisations across sectors are rethinking their operations to achieve ambitious sustainability goals while strengthening their communities. 

Human: Skills, Purpose, and Care 

Closing the day, Katie Sneath, Director of People Business Partners at Bidvest Noonan, brought the conversation back to what ultimately matters most: people. Her keynote centred on skills, purpose, and care as the foundations of thriving workplaces. 

Katie reminded the audience that while external factors like technology and regulation can drive change, the success of most transformation programmes depend on human engagement. She spoke about equipping colleagues with the right capabilities, from technical knowledge to core skills such as adaptability and collaboration. She highlighted Bidvest Noonan’s own initiatives, including new learning pathways and a multilingual learning management system designed to support every colleague. 

But it was her emphasis on purpose that left the greatest mark. Sharing the story of Marilyn, a frontline colleague who saved a life through her training and quick thinking, Katie showed how purpose is lived out in real moments, not corporate slogans. “Purpose is not a slogan,” she said. “It’s about connecting people’s daily tasks to something bigger.” 

Finally, she underlined the importance of care: wellbeing, inclusion, and psychological safety as essentials, not extras. From launching new colleague networks on accessibility, gender balance, menopause, and men’s health, to achieving Diversity Mark reaccreditation, Katie’s examples underscored that culture is built through daily investment in people. 

A panel of Northern Ireland business leaders reinforced these themes, highlighting the pivotal role FM professionals play in shaping everything from flexible workspaces to inclusive cultures. Their shared conviction was that without skilled, motivated, and cared-for people, neither smart technologies nor sustainability strategies will succeed. 

As one speaker put it: “Today is about moving from words to action. The future is already arriving. The question is whether we are ready to deliver it.” 

Bidvest Noonan Secures Major All-Island Security Contract

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Building on its strong track record in the transport sector, Bidvest Noonan has been awarded the combined security services contract for Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, and Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus nationwide. This is one of the largest security contracts of its kind in the country.

This significant win highlights Bidvest Noonan’s leadership in providing security solutions for critical national infrastructure and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for large-scale contracts. The agreement brings together three of Ireland’s most important transport providers under a single contract, ensuring consistent, high-quality services across the national transport network.

As part of this new partnership, more than 300 people will be joining Bidvest Noonan, further strengthening the company’s team and capacity to deliver excellence at scale in the transport sector.

Under this partnership, Bidvest Noonan will deliver a wide range of services, including frontline and on-board security, mobile patrols, key-holding, opening and locking stations, and securing the Rosslare Europort, one of the largest and busiest ports in Ireland.

Innovation, quality, and safety will be at the core of Bidvest Noonan’s service delivery. The company will combine its industry expertise, highly trained teams, and dedicated support structures to safeguard passengers, staff, and assets across Ireland.

David Barker, Chief Growth Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this landmark contract. This partnership reflects the confidence placed in our team to protect Ireland’s vital transport infrastructure. We are proud to bring our experience, scale, and innovative solutions to support Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, and Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus in delivering safe, secure environments for millions of passengers and staff across the country.”

Alan Durnan, Managing Director at Bidvest Noonan, added: “Securing this contract is a huge endorsement of our people, national infrastructure and our solution design capabilities. The scale of this partnership is unique, covering the entire country and uniting multiple public transport modes under a single security partnership. We are committed to providing a first-class service, with the flexibility, expertise, and technology needed to meet the requirements of Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, and Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus today and into the future.”

This contract win is one of many recent successes for Bidvest Noonan in the transport sector, further cementing its reputation as a market leader and trusted partner for major public and private organisations across the UK and Ireland.