Caretaker presidency in question in wake of company acquisition.

The presidency of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors has been thrown into tumult and turmoil yet again with the news that Martin O’Donnell – caretaker president and president-elect – has asked the Federation’s National Council to consider his position.

His request follows the acquisition of his company KDC Contractors by waste management giant Veolia last week. As we reported at the time, this had the potential to place O’Donnell in the same position – not being employed by a current NFDC member company – that forced out his predecessor in the NFDC hot-seat, Paul Brown. It is thought that the nature of the Veolia acquisition might not impact upon O’Donnell’s position but it may still require ratification by the NFDC National Council.

It is the latest twist in a saga that can be traced back to November last year when moves were made to oust incumbent NFDC president Paul Brown. Brown fought off numerous attempts to force him out before he finally succumbed when his employment with NFDC member Lowery Demolition came to an end. Despite then being employed by another NFDC member – Total Reclaims – Paul Brown was not allowed to take up the reins again; and presidential responsibilities were handed to then vice-president Martin O’Donnell and second vice-president Holly Price.

DemolitionNews understands that Martin O’Donnell – demonstrating the dignity of a president-in-waiting – has asked the National Council to consider his position in the wake of the Veolia acquisition to avoid a repeat of the Paul Brown debacle. We further understand that O’Donnell is hopeful that he can retain his position as caretaker president before taking up the role of NFDC president in March next year.

The National Council of the NFDC is scheduled to meet later this month.

Management restructure for contractor Clifford Devlin

Clifford Devlin has announced a restructuring of its management team. The London-based contractor, which specialises in demolition, asbestos management and building works, has created a second-tier ‘management board’ which will report directly to its main Board of Directors.

The new team will initially consist of Ian O’Connor (Group HSQE Manager), Derek Aslett (Head of Commercial) and Damien Flatley (Head of Demolition).

“The Management Board will ensure a seamless continuation of the Clifford Devlin business into the future,” says managing director Tim Clifford. “Its has been designed to reduce some of the burden for day-to-day activities on the Board of Directors and provide a development pathway through the business for key members of staff with the potential to achieve Director status.”

The new management board will be expected to provide fresh ideas, initiatives and input into the Group’s operational and commercial performance and be actively engaged in business development and client liaison.

Waste giant acquires major contractor.

DemolitionNews understands that Manchester-based decommissioning and demolition contractor KDC Contractors has been acquired by waste management and recycling giant Veolia.

“The strategic integration of KDC will expand our onshore and offshore decommissioning, technical demolition and land remediation capabilities,” says Kevin Hurst, Chief Operating Officer for Industrial Customers at Veolia. “It will enable us to deliver more innovative solutions, and build the circular economy by realising the financial and environmental value of these materials.”

The acquisition of KDC is the latest in a string of high-profile buy-ins to the UK demolition business that has seen both DSM Group and Clarke Demolition Contractors (CDC) bought in recent months.

At the time of writing, Martin O’Donnell, KDC’s Director Responsible for Safety and Operations, was unavailable for comment, and there is no word as yet on the likely impact for KDC Contractors’ staff or on O’Donnell’s role in the newly-acquired business.

Readers will recall that former National Federation of Demolition Contractors’ president Paul Brown was ousted when he ceased to be employed by an NFDC member company.