By Business & Finance 
Ben Byrne is the Managing Director of Ashview Consultants and has nearly 30 years of experience in the built environment industry. He has a proven track record in managing diverse teams, overseeing complex operational and compliance processes, and ensuring seamless project execution.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What was your first job?
My first job was in a local sweet shop, where I worked part-time from the age of thirteen, earning £1.20 an hour. It might seem simple, but it was a big step for me at the time. It taught me responsibility from a young age and helped build my confidence dealing with customers every day. I still remember the sense of pride in earning my own money and being trusted to deal with the public.
My career really began when I joined G&T Crampton after I finished school. I spent 17 years there, which really shaped my professional life, giving me invaluable experience and helping me develop a strong understanding of workplace safety and regulatory standards.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
My main priority is to empower the people within the company to do their jobs to the best of their ability. For me, that means making sure they have the right tools, support, guidance and, most importantly, trust to succeed. I strongly believe that when people feel supported and valued, they perform at their best and have a real sense of pride in their work.
A key goal for us is to become the go-to risk consultants across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Being part of that journey is incredibly motivating, and I’m passionate about helping grow both our team and our international reputation. We recently took a big step forward with an expansion into several European countries and are now delivering a portfolio of six projects across these markets.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I went straight into the construction industry after leaving school, studying alongside my work as I gained hands-on experience on site. I progressed into a site foreman role and was fortunate to work for a company that was ahead of its time in its commitment to improving site safety, particularly back in the 1990s. That experience really opened my eyes and sparked my interest in health and safety.
Over time, I found myself naturally becoming more involved in monitoring and managing safety on site. I realised that I was genuinely passionate about protecting people and improving standards, and that I had more to contribute by focusing fully on health and safety. That realisation ultimately shaped the direction of my career and set me on the path I’ve followed ever since.
How do you motivate yourself and your team?
I’m motivated by finding solutions and by the projects themselves. We’re fortunate to work on some landmark developments alongside leading developers, design teams, and contractors, and being part of projects that make a real impact is very rewarding.
For the team, I focus on helping people see the importance of what they do and the role they play in achieving safe outcomes. Creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and trusted naturally helps build motivation and pride in their work.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success, to me, is when people pick up the phone to ask for my advice, as it shows they trust my knowledge and judgment.
How do you relax?
I relax by volunteering within my local community. As Chair of the TAG Meath Autism Group and Vice Chair of Navan First Responders, I dedicate a significant amount of my time to supporting causes that hold great importance to me.
Giving back to my community is something I genuinely value and find incredibly rewarding.
What is your favourite (non-business) book?
Under the Lemon Tree by Mark Rice-Oxley. It is a deeply honest account of his journey from mental breakdown to recovery.
When I read this book, it resonated strongly with me and helped me keep things in perspective.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t wait for it, be ready to start.” I can still remember exactly where I was standing and who gave me that advice. They told me just to begin – start at the corner, keep working forward, and trust that it will all come together by the end.
That advice has stayed with me ever since and still shapes the way I approach projects and challenges today.
How do you handle adversity?
I handle adversity with a smile – or sometimes a laugh. I generally have a very positive outlook, and my wife will tell you that one of my most-used expressions is, “It’ll be grand.”
When I’m under pressure, I often regain perspective through volunteering. There’s nothing quite like working with children – especially neurodivergent children – to remind you of what really matters and bring you back down to earth.
What are the aspirations for the future of the business?
Ashview Consultants is celebrating 20 years in business this year, and I aspire to build a resilient business with a loyal, repeat customer base across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, founded on strong partnerships.
Equally important to me is ensuring the company has the right people in place to continue thriving long after I hang up my helmet and boots.
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