Swatragh-based digital construction start-up Hillside Designs is gearing up for significant expansion as it approaches its first year in business.

Founded by Fintan O'Kane with support from the government-backed Go Succeed business support service, the company was established to meet growing demand for digital design in major construction planning.

In under a year, Hillside Designs has begun collaborating with main contractors, architects, structural engineers and mechanical and electrical specialists on a range of schemes including schools and civil engineering projects.

The business specialises in Building Information Modelling (BIM) — highly detailed 3D digital models that help the construction sector plan, design and manage projects more efficiently.

"BIM gives a realistic digital model of what is going on site at a very early stage," he said.

"You bring all the plans, sections and elevations into one centralised model, so you can identify clashes or issues before anything is built. It saves a huge amount of time, reduces rework, and improves accuracy across the whole project.

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"The digital construction market is moving quickly, and BIM is becoming a bigger part of how major projects are designed, coordinated and delivered. Across the UK and Ireland, frameworks such as the UK BIM Framework, the Irish BIM requirements and ISO 19650 are pushing the industry towards better digital information, better collaboration and better handover at the end of a project.

"For clients, that means fewer surprises on site, better coordination between disciplines, and building information that can actually be used after construction. That is a really exciting space for Hillside Designs as the industry moves towards smarter, more data-led buildings."

Before launching the firm, O'Kane worked with a leading local contractor, gaining experience in design coordination and BIM management across multidisciplinary teams.

Starting out on his own felt like the natural next step, he added: "I've always been interested in running my own company, but it was more about the opportunity coming at the right time.

"I had been working on business planning and financials early on, and when the chance came to access support and funding, I decided to go for it."

Go Succeed provided early-stage guidance and practical assistance — from shaping business plans to unlocking funding — to help turn the concept into a viable enterprise.

Operating as a solo founder, O’Kane is prioritising sustainable growth while expanding his client base across Ireland and further afield. "At the minute it's just me, and while the focus has been on getting established and delivering good work, I'm experiencing an increase in demand that will fuel the next stage of growth."

For O'Kane, Go Succeed's backing has been pivotal. "It gave me that push at the right time. From business planning to funding support, it helped turn an idea into something real."

Go Succeed is delivered free of charge through all 11 councils in Northern Ireland, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of their journey.