An environmental remediation company that started life in a garage has celebrated 20 years of growth and success.

ATG Group began in the garage attached the founder’s home. But it now employs 50 people across Northern Ireland and the UK as well as the Republic of Ireland and eastern Europe.

Staff, clients, partners and supporters of ATG Group gathered at Coleraine Rugby Club last Friday to mark two decades since the company began restoring contaminated land and waterways.

Almost 90 people joined the celebartions, including special guests the Lord-Lieutenant of County Londonderry, Alison Millar, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, and TV presenter Sarah Travers.

Founded in 2006 by Dr Mark McKinney, ATG Group has helped bring contaminated land back into use.

The anniversary event also marked more than 10 years since Dr McKinney and his wife Jacqui launched the company’s sister charity, Ashes to Gold. 

Volunteers and service users were also part of the anniversary event.

Dr McKinney, who launched ATG Group from his garage, said the occasion was an opportunity to recognise everyone who had helped both organisations grow.

He said: “It was a real honour to welcome so many people who have been a crucial part of ATG Group’s journey.

“When I launched the company, I wanted it to be a leader in using science and innovation to restore damaged land and solve environmental problems.

“It is difficult to comprehend how far the journey has taken me and the team at ATG Group. We then began operating out of bases across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and in recent years have added Scotland and a number of areas in England, including the South East, North East, Midlands and North West.”

Over those 20 years, ATG Group, which is based at Loughanhill Industrial Estate, has delivered thousands of environmental projects.

Dr McKinney added: “We have worked with local authorities, government bodies, developers, infrastructure providers, insurers and major international organisations.

“We have helped regenerate land, manage environmental risk, support sustainable development and protect communities.

“We have grown from a handful of people into a multidisciplinary organisation employing highly skilled scientists, engineers, consultants and support staff.

“Most importantly, we have created careers and opportunities for people here in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Dr McKinney and his wife Jacqui launched Ashes to Gold more than a decade ago to support people facing a range of challenges.

Since then, thousands of people across the Causeway Coast and Glens region have been helped through the charity’s services, supported by ATG Group.

“The team from Ashes to Gold, including the volunteers, do an amazing job,” said Dr McKinney. “It has helped create pathways for hope, confidence and achievement.

“When I reflect on the impact of both organisations, the numbers tell an important story. ATG Group has invested heavily in people, knowledge and innovation.

“The company and charity together have restored land and restored lives. And I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has played a part in that over the past 20 years.”