Ancore is a fourth-generation family business with deep roots and a strong focus on the future. Over the past 30 years, our forward-thinking approach has made us an essential partner to progressive, tech-led organisations, delivering telecoms mast and fibre cable installations, alongside foundations work on tier-one civil engineering projects.
Strong leadership has underpinned Ancore’s longevity. Third-generation founder John McMillan, with over 50 years’ experience, grew the business through adaptability and specialist services. Today, his son Craig McMillan, the fourth generation, balances tradition with innovation to expand capabilities, develop bespoke infrastructure solutions and drive growth.
In 2026, Ancore operates with a multi-skilled team of employees and subcontractors, overseen by our directors and senior managers. With quality exceeding required standards and service second to none, Ancore has been going strong for over a century and will continue to do so for generations to come.
John has spent five decades in the construction industry, having left school at 14 to join the family firm and learn his trade on site. He has been instrumental in the company’s continued expansion and development, evolving with the times to incorporate specialist services that complement the original industry.
His vision has always been to provide customers with excellent service by delivering projects on time, as promised, no matter where they are located, while maintaining the family ethos at the heart of the business and keeping the company’s headquarters firmly rooted in Northern Ireland.
Craig brings a unique perspective to the company, combining a highly competitive mindset with strong professional acumen. His passion for sport, shaped by overcoming injury, has been transformative - driving the development of innovative approaches that underpin both his life and his work.
His leadership style reflects the values instilled by his father and grandfather: a passion for excellence, a commitment to delivery, deep respect for tradition, and a relentless focus on continual improvement. Craig’s vision for the company has always been bold - to expand services across the construction industry while specialising in bespoke infrastructure solutions that overcome complex challenges.
As the fourth generation of the McMillan family business, Craig works closely alongside his father and the wider team, balancing tradition with innovation. He has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the company’s contracting divisions and is a key driving force behind the creation of innovative equipment and solutions that enhance project delivery.
Gareth has been with Ancore for over 10 years and has played a key role in shaping the business into what it is today, growing from a graduate role to Chief of Operations in this time. As a core part of the senior team, he’s involved in planning, overseeing and delivering the day to day projects in Ancore, while also looking after client relationships and customer care.
Gareth enjoys bringing different parts of the business together to make sure everything runs smoothly for customers. His days are split between working with Craig and John, staying on top of client communications, and spending time both on site and in the office. When he’s not working, he’s usually out with his wife and family trying out the local cuisine!
Jonathan is a Project Manager at Ancore, bringing experience in operations and sales. He works closely with Gareth to ensure the projects he’s involved in run seamlessly from start to finish and delivered to a high standard. A qualified Appointed Person, Jonathan enjoys the planning and coordination of Ancores crane and HIAB operations.
When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him perfecting his swing on a golf course and keeping his handicap sub-scratch
Kathy is our head of Accounts at Ancore, with over 30 years of experience in accountancy. Kathy brings more than just numbers to the table, she is friendly and approachable and always willing to help out in any area she can. Kathy ensures the company’s finances run smoothly and efficiently as well as keeping in touch with our various clients and customers.
Outside of work, she enjoys following horse racing and spending time at the track.
With over 30 years’ experience in the engineering industry, Jim brings a wealth of both practical and academic expertise to the team. Responsible for maintaining, auditing, and continuously improving the Ancore ISO management system, ensuring compliance, effective risk management, and integration across all SHEQ operations.
In his free time, he enjoys working on his boat and spending time with his family.
