John N Dunn Group, a leading provider of plumbing, heating, electrical and low-carbon solutions, has announced the appointment of Lee Haddock as managing director for its North East office.
Alongside Lee’s appointment, John N Dunn Group has also strengthened its leadership team. The board now includes Jane Bilclough, director, Stephen Bilclough, chairman, Colin Langley, managing director for Scotland and James Harris, managing director for Yorkshire. The strategic leadership structure is designed to position the company for expansion into new markets and to continue excellence in service delivery.
Lee joined John N Dunn Group over 35 years ago, starting his career as an on-site plumber. With the company’s support, he completed his training as a building services design engineer while attending college. During this time, Lee transitioned to the office as a trainee quantity surveyor and then became a senior surveyor. He then served as the commercial director for the North East office for more than ten years before being promoted to managing director. Lee’s promotion underscores the company’s commitment to developing talent internally and highlights its strong focus on leadership growth.
Founded over a century ago, John N Dunn Group, headquartered in Newcastle, has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services across a wide range of projects, from large-scale construction schemes to reactive maintenance. Serving major UK housing developers, housing associations and commercial contractors, the company operates in the North East, Yorkshire and Scotland, having successfully completed over 7,000 contracts.
Lee, said: “I’m very much looking forward to leading the team as we continue to grow and deliver for our clients here in the North East, where the company’s journey began over a century ago. We are extremely ambitious and the team has been trained to the highest standard, meaning we can continue our exponential growth whilst providing our clients with best-in-class service.
“Having worked my way up through the company, I know firsthand how committed John N Dunn Group is to developing its people and providing growth opportunities. This is one of the key reasons I am so passionate about what we do here, and I look forward to continuing this tradition of internal growth and success.”
In 2024, the company welcomed its 500th apprentice, a major milestone in its ongoing investment in training. The apprenticeship programme combines hands-on learning with classroom-based education, with each apprentice being mentored by an experienced tradesperson. Most apprentices go on to secure full-time roles within the company, reinforcing John N Dunn Groups long-term commitment to career development.
The company is also adapting to the growing demand for sustainable building practices. As part of this, 40 staff members recently received industry accreditations for air source heat pump installation, enhancing the company’s capabilities in the low-carbon technology sector—an area set to play a significant role in the future of building services.
With a workforce of 280 employees across the North East, South Yorkshire and central Scotland, John N Dunn Group is experiencing significant growth, underpinned by a strong order book in both residential and commercial sectors.
Stephen Bilclough, chairman of John N Dunn Group, said: “Lee’s appointment as managing director in the North East office was a unanimous decision. Having worked across various roles during his tenure, he knows the office inside out and has proven himself to be a natural leader. He will be instrumental in driving our expansion into new markets and continuing the success we’ve built.
“The news highlights not only Lee’s dedication and experience but also our broader company ethos of growing talent from within. John N Dunn Group is proud to offer career development opportunities for all employees, including apprentices, which will help us maintain our culture and ensure that we have the right leaders to drive our success and best service our clients.”