We have a wealth of experience successfully delivering both domestic and commercial building projects to time and budget.
Antonine Builders is a Scottish-based building company established for several years, but both Company directors, Thomas and Kevin, have worked together for 26 years - they have over 55 years experience between them in the building industry.
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Kevin
Kevin Hamill, co founder of the building company Antonine Builders started in the trade over 35 years ago.
Kevin graduated with a HND from Falkirk College in 1990.
He started out as the local builder building relatively small building projects such as house extensions and garden walls. As the quality of his work became known he was offered larger projects resulting in him recruiting other builders to help him complete them.At that time he was also persuaded to take on an apprentice, another local boy named Thomas Dempsey. The team Kevin put together became well known in the trade for working hard and delivering quality builds. As his skill and experience grew and his attention to detail and pride in delivering high quality builds became well known, his success grew and his business got busier.
Kevin and his first apprentice, who himself had become a skilled and experienced builder under Kevin’s guidance and management, founded Antonine Builders Ltd.
Now 16 years later this company continues to go from strength to strength and continues to have a reputation for quality workmanship.
Kevin’s hard work and pride in the quality of builds he delivers has paid off. As Antoine Builders name suggests, Kevin knows how to build walls! -
Martine
Martine Dempsey is a key figure in and an integral part of Antonine Builders management team.
Martine left school with an aim of becoming a primary school teacher. Fate however had a different path for her and she became a receptionist at the Glasgow Clinic of the UK biggest Cosmetic Surgery provider.
Martine’s organisational skills and exceptional communication skills were quickly recognised. Martine moved into the clinic manager role when the incumbent retired. She then went on to be the Regional Manager for the Northern clinics for this company, managing 5 very busy clinics across Scotland, Belfast and Carlisle. From this role Martine went on to help establish and grow a newly established high quality independent Cosmetic Surgery Company. Here she identified new premises in Scotland, negotiated the leases, managed the refurbishment of the clinics and recruited and trained the staff.
As Antonine Builders grew, the two founding Directors recognised the need to bring a more formal approach to managing the company. They knew they needed someone they could trust with good communication skills, and a proven track record of getting things done….they agreed they should look no further than Martine.
They both persuaded her to make the leap of faith and come join them to manage and grow Antonine Builders Ltd. I think ‘the boys’ will agree she has made the transition from the Cosmetic Surgery Industry to the building trade look easy and is an asset to their team. Although she has a few more wrinkles now than she did then! -
Thomas
Thomas Dempsey (Toby), is cofounder of Antonine Builders Ltd.
Thomas left school at 16 and persuaded the local builder, Kevin Hamill, to take him on as his apprentice.
He went to do his apprentice training at his local college, Barmulloch College whilst also learning his craft on site with the other builders. He successfully completed his apprenticeship and went onto become a very skilled and experienced builder.Thomas has worked on building projects both small and large across Scotland. He was and still is always keen to learn all aspects of his trade.
He has gone from building garden walls and home extensions to delivering large house building projects for Cala, Muir and a Barratt Homes.
His hard work and determination, not to mention pride in the quality of work he does, has paid off. Thomas and his old boss, Kevin Hamill, now run and own the company Antonine Builders ltd where they have over 50 builders working for them.
Toby views his trade as a skilled builder as one which you will have forever and can take you anywhere in the world to work. His motto is believe in yourself and on wet days on site…. don’t let the rain get you down!
As a company we are active contributors to shaping the Scottish Government’s Apprentice Scheme and have successfully put numerous employees through this scheme.
Some of our apprentices
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David
My name is David Ralton, I’m 24 years old and currently serving my last year of my adult apprenticeship at Edinburgh Granton campus. I started working with Antonine Builders in late 2017 and since then I have gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of the trade.
I have worked on a variety of commercial sites and over this time I have integrated well with the team - at Antonine there is a strong team ethos. They make an effort to make sure I know everyone well and I've had the privilege to work with such talented bricklayers and site staff.
I feel I am a valued member of the team and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve my apprenticeship with Antonine Builders!
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Jamie
My name is Jamie Wilson, I am a father of two, a former gym manager and qualified personal trainer. I struggled finding something I could get into until I was offered the apprenticeship with Antonine at age 23. I’m just finishing my second year of my apprenticeship and I’ve loved every second of it so far. I recently won apprentice of the year 2023!
I have gained valuable experience working with various tradesman on different sites which has allowed me to gain great experience in a variety of environments. I was given the opportunity to work with a good team in Portobello where I’m made to feel like a valued member of the squad, while still learning every day.
My college time is spent at Springburn College where I have achieved apprentice of the year 2023, an award that wouldn’t have been possible without the help of everyone at the company helping me grow and become a better bricklayer day by day.
One of my favourite things about Antonine Builders is the rapport with everyone at the company, from the owners to office staff and everyone I’ve worked with. It has taught me a great deal of about work ethics and holding my work to a high standard.
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Ciaran
My name is Ciaran Brennan I am 32 years old. On leaving school I completed my Sports Science Degree. I was unsure what route I wanted to go down with my qualification so I decided to take a year out and go travelling, that year turned into 3 years.
On returning home to Scotland the opportunity to join the Antonine Builders team arose and after a few months of hard work, I was offered the opportunity to complete the adult apprenticeship. I completed my apprenticeship at Forth Valley College in 2020 where I became a fully trained bricklayer.
Having moved to London in 2022, I am now a self-employed builder carrying out projects in and around London and the South. One of the great parts of having a trade means I can work anywhere in the world. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Antonine Builders. I made great friends with the guys I worked with and I remain in touch with them now. So, thank you to the team at Antonine Builders for giving me such a great opportunity.
