Northern Ireland 40 under 40 List 2018 NI 40 under 40 2018 FINAL | Page 3

(in alphabetical order) themselves on high quality workmanship, delivered on time to the highest professional standard. BCL has grew rapidly over the last number of years as a result of Bernard’s dedication and perseverance. On a personal note, Bernard is wholeheartedly committed to supporting the next generation and educating them on their choices ­ that do not have to be the traditional university route. Richard Campbell Allsop, Managing Director Allsop is a software development company headquartered in Belfast with a global client base. Allsop develop a range of custom software solutions using the latest web and mobile technologies, focussing on improving efficiency, compliance and data visibility for their customers. Richard began with Allsop as part of a work placement from school and continued working with the company throughout his degree. Richard studied Computer Science at Queen’s University, graduating in 2010 with First­Class Honours. Following this Richard was appointed managing director of Allsop in 2013 at the age of 25. In the past four years under his management, the company has grown rapidly, with employee numbers more than trebling. Richard’s customer­ focused approach combined with his superb technical skills have allowed him to win business with some of the largest companies in Ireland, GB, Europe and the USA. @AllsopSoftware firm in Belfast, Davidson McDonnell. Conor Cole Cole Groundworks, Managing Director Cole Groundwork Contactsis one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies. The company provide all Groundwork and Civil Engineering services covering the entirety of the UK and Ireland from its offices in Newry, Northern Ireland, delivering services to some of the biggest named construction compa nies in the world, including Bouygues UK, SIMEC Group , Graham Construction and GA Doble (Civil Engineering) Ltd, to name but a few. The company have experienced huge growth in the last five years and Conor is thrilled to have been named as ‘High Achiever of the Year’ in the recent Plant and Civil Engineering Awards. Ross Davidson Davidson McDonnell, Director Ross commenced his legal training with a leading City of London firm in 2001 qualifying as a solicitor in 2003. Following qualification, Ross practiced as an associate solicitor in the firm’s Commercial Property Group. In 2006, Ross returned to Northern Ireland to join a major Irish law firm and was appointed as a Partner in 2008. In 2013, Ross established his own specialist commercial property law Davidson McDonnell has grown rapidly in the five years to the point where it is regarded as one of the leading Commercial Property law firms in Northern Ireland as well as expanding into the areas of Corporate/Commercial and Dispute Resolution. Ross is the current Chair of the Northern Ireland Commercial Property Lawyers' Association and is recognised as an industry leader in the leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. @DMcDSols Laura Dowie Little Women NI, Director Laura Dowie is founder and director of , an initiative set up to improve a range of life assuring skills in young girls. She is also Events Coordinator for Ireland at The Open University having taken up the position in January 2018. Laura has collaborated with a range of organisations to deliver bespoke events for Little Women including Belfast Fashion Week, Belfast 89fm, Bright Young Things, Fratellis, Flow Yoga, Irish Football Association, June Burgess Horse Inspired Leadership, Offload Rugby, We Love Languages and W5.She is a member of the board of directors for Chartered Management Institute, Hope4Life, and Kabosh. She is a language graduate with postgraduate awards in marketing, digital marketing and communication. @Laura_Dowie www.businessfirstonline.co.uk 3