In the Spotlight this week is Liam Cullen, managing director of Lisburn-based Mercury Security & Facilities Management, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading security and facilities management solutions providers with offices in Lisburn, Dublin, Limerick and London
I worked part-time in our family business which was a bar and restaurant, clearing bottle skips, cleaning the keg room, washing, collecting glasses in the bar, etc. I was paid £12.50 a week, but when I did some floor work the customers often rewarded me with generous tips.
- What qualifications do you have?
I finished full-time education at 16 to work in my father’s newly-formed security business and found I had a natural affinity with the job. Since then, I’ve worked really hard to climb the ladder to my current position. I have a BTec Level 3 in Control Room Management and am PTTLS Level 3 qualified for Education and Training amongst a multitude of other industry qualifications.
- How would you describe yourself to someone who had never met you?
Determined, demanding and self-motivated, which I think in turn enables me to be a good motivator of people. I give loyalty and I expect loyalty in return and I know how to say ‘thanks’ for a job well done.
- Who do you look up to in business?
That would undoubtedly be my parents, my father Frank and late mother Margaret who sadly passed away last year. Without them I would not be the man I am today, in business and also life in general. They built strong foundations and taught me values and to give respect to others, which has stood me in great stead throughout my career.
- How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Respect and value for all our employees is so important and we have very high staff retention as a result. Training our employees prepares and enables them to give their best. We make all our employees feel part of the team. I would not ask any employee to do something I have not done or would not be prepared to do myself.
- What has been the highlight of your career to date?
One of the greatest highlights of my career was the building of Mercury’s NSI Gold-approved alarm receiving and remote monitoring centre. This definitely marked a turning point for our business, allowing us to compete at a higher level and demonstrating our commitment to innovation and excellence.
- What do you attribute your success to?
I’d attribute my success to a combination of drive, high standards and a genuine respect for the people I work with. My determination and self-motivation keep me focused, while my commitment to loyalty and appreciation creates a positive environment for both our team and client relationships.
- If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland (or beyond), what would it be?
It would be to foster more streamlined and efficient processes that reduce bureaucracy and support entrepreneurial growth. This could mean simpler regulations, faster approvals, or strong support networks for local businesses to expand easier and connect with broader markets. Removing barriers to opportunity would let more businesses, especially smaller or independent ones, thrive and innovate on a larger scale.
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I’m a dedicated sports fan. I love following local Gaelic football, soccer and rugby and travelling the country supporting my son who plays both soccer and Gaelic. I’m also passionate about music and enjoy socialising and going to concerts.
- What website or app could you not do without?
Maps on my iPhone – I’d literally be lost without it.
- What is the best or last book you read?
I have enjoyed many great books but ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu has to be the best.
BMW X5
- Have you any unfulfilled ambitions?
My ambition is to make MSFM the number one security and facilities management provider in Ireland, the UK and Europe – and I firmly believe we’re on the right road.
- If you could swap jobs with someone else for the day, who would it be and why?
It would be a football manager. I think it would be fascinating to experience the strategy, high energy decisions and team dynamics that go into leading a team on and off the pitch. The challenge of motivating players, settling game plans… and the salary.