Senior Team

The three directors are all Civil engineers. Contracts Director, Ciaran McGurk is a chartered engineer with a postgrad in project management. He has 28 years of experience in the design and construct of retaining wall systems. David Marrs, Design Director, is a chartered engineer with degrees in mechanical and civil engineering and a doctorate in concrete material research. He has been involved with overseeing the design of retaining wall systems for 23 years. Managing director, Brian Murphy is a civil engineer with 38 years of experience in the design and construct of retaining wall systems.

Outside of work all three directors have been actively involved in sport. After a successful career in rugby and athletics David continues as a technical official with Athletics NI. He was awarded the “technical official of the year 2020” by Sport Northern Ireland. Ciaran and Brian have both had extensive involvement in the sport of water polo. Ciaran is currently the chairman of arguably the largest club in Ireland. Brian coached extensively and for a short, reasonably successful period was the national coach.

Brian Murphy

Managing Director

Brian began his career in Montreal and Manitoba as a young Civil Engineer working for a “turnkey” company specialising in the grain industry. He returned to Northern Ireland in the 1980s and began work with retaining walls. Bringing the principles he had learned in Canada he developed the approach of “Whole Cycle Involvement.” 

This approach developed when he formed Retain Solutions Ltd with his fellow directors Ciaran McGurk and David Marrs. “Aiming for Cost Certainty” was a further refinement in the offering for projects large and small.

As Managing Director, Brian concentrates on financial matters and the strategic direction of the company. Maintaining a happy harmonious working environment is central to Retain Solutions continued success. Testament to this approach are the members of staff who have been with the company since the start of their working lives. 

Like Ciaran McGurk, Brian has had a lifelong interest in water polo. His proudest achievement was his period coaching the Irish National Team. After successful participation in qualifying tournaments in Portugal, Switzerland and Montenegro, Brian led the team to Ireland’s first qualification in the European Nations Championship.

Ciaran McGurk

Contracts Director

Introducing Contracts Director, Ciaran McGurk. Ciaran is a Chartered Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Project Management. He brings 28+ years of experience in the design and construction of Retaining Wall Systems to the team at Retain Solutions Ltd. A valued member of our Senior Team, Ciaran is the face of Retain for many.

 He has successfully spearheaded the ongoing development of our customer base over many years. Ciaran prices prospective tenders, negotiates final contracts and coordinates closely with our Design Director. The construction teams follow Ciaran’s direction enabling him to keep a close eye on all on-site activities. 

Ciaran is central to ensuring our aim of a positive relationship with all our customers and suppliers. He epitomises our core values. Testament to his effort is the level of repeat work that Retain have achieved.

Outside of work Ciaran has been the chairman of Cathal Brugha Water Swimming and Water Polo for many years. Formed in 1932 this club is one of the largest and most successful clubs on the island of Ireland, concentrating primarily on water polo. Ciaran’s administrative abilities have been central to the club’s continued progress.

With Ciaran’ drive and ability, Retain looks to future progress with confidence.

David Marrs

Design Director

Meet David Marrs, our Design Director. David is a Chartered Engineer with degrees in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, plus a doctorate in Concrete Material Research. 

David brings over two decades of expertise to our team. His invaluable contributions go beyond overseeing retaining wall designs; he’s the driving force behind our unique approach, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of safety and innovation. 

At the heart of our DESIGN offering, David spearheads our interactions with specialist Geotechnical consultants and implements our bespoke “Design Risk Matrix.” 

His valuable guidance educates our team and ensures trust in our clients by emphasising our commitment to quality and precision. 

Not only this, David has had a successful career in rugby and athletics and he continues as a Technical Official with Athletics NI. In 2020, he was awarded the “Technical Official of The Year” by Sport Northern Ireland. 

With David leading the charge, we’re proud to stand out as leading Retaining Wall Specialists in the UK. 

Matthew Ross

Contracts Manager

The Senior Team would like to extend their congratulations to Matthew on his recent promotion.  Matthew has been an asset to Retain Solutions during his time here and we are thrilled to welcome him into the Senior Team and to join our upcoming boardroom meeting.

As Contracts Manager, Matthew takes responsibility for managing site logistics, prestart meetings with our clients, ordering materials, scheduling plant, organising squads and site set up, providing continuous site monitoring and more. 

Matthew works well to support all of his professional relationships with clients, suppliers and the internal team. Thank you Matthew for your continuous hard work and welcome to the Senior Team.