Provides strategic leadership across finance, recruitment, marketing, IT, and sales, ensuring IDS’s continued growth, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus.
Leads the strategic direction of IDS, overseeing innovation, manufacturing excellence, and commercial growth while streamlining operational excellence, and client satisfaction.
Alf Smiddy is Chairman of IDS and a chartered accountant with extensive leadership experience. Formerly Chairman & MD of Beamish & Crawford plc, he has also served on boards across multiple sectors, including consumer goods, technology, energy, and non-profits. With a Commerce degree from UCC and experience at PwC, Alf brings expertise in governance, strategy, and sustainable growth.
Directs daily operations and process improvements, ensuring health & safety compliance, quality control, HR management, and legal compliance across all departments.
Manages financial strategy, P&L, and cashflow to support sustainable business performance and growth.
Leads field operations including installation, service, training, and quality oversight, ensuring safe, efficient, and client-focused delivery.
Oversees manufacturing operations, powder coating, and lean processes, maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and product quality.
Provides technical expertise and tailored product recommendations, supporting clients in selecting the best solutions for their projects.
Supports the finance function with accurate accounts management, invoicing, and daily financial administration.
Leads the design and optimisation of products and manufacturing processes, including research and development of innovative designs and solutions to meet evolving client needs.
Drives business growth in the steel division through innovation, technical product development, procurement, and strategic market positioning.
Builds and nurtures client relationships, identifies new market opportunities, and develops growth strategies for IDS’s product and service offerings.
Specialises in designing and specifying bespoke architectural steel systems, skilled in drafting and utilising advanced systems to create detailed drawings, ensuring innovative and precise solutions for each project.