All About BHB
History
Founded in 2004, BHB Safety Specialists was built on the knowledge and experience of firefighting professionals and confined space industry experts who shared a common goal, to make workplaces safer and protect lives. That commitment has shaped everything we do, and it remains at the heart of our business today.
Ethos
At BHB, we believe safety training should be practical, engaging, and relevant. That’s why our courses are delivered by approachable, highly experienced instructors who draw on real-world expertise to give people the confidence to work safely. We’re proud to be a City & Guilds accredited training centre, offering a wide range of courses from confined space entry to fire safety and working at height. When it comes to equipment, we believe that supplying safety-critical kit comes with responsibility, which is why we only sell products we can service and fully support, ensuring every customer receives reliable after-sales care.
Facilities
Our facilities provide realistic, hands-on training in all conditions, rain or shine. With extensive indoor simulators, a fully equipped technical workshop, and comfortable training spaces with tea and coffee facilities, we create an environment that’s both professional and welcoming. Conveniently located in the heart of Northern Ireland, we’re easily accessible to organisations across the region.
Scope
More than just training, we offer a complete safety solution. From site surveys and expert consultations to manufacturer-accredited servicing, inspections, and equipment sales, we ensure your team has the right safety-critical gear, including fall protection, gas detection, and breathing apparatus. We also provide tailored recommendations for the most suitable equipment and systems to meet your specific needs. Trusted by some of the biggest names in industry, our clients rely on us to keep their people and equipment safe.
Creed
At BHB, we know that safety is about more than ticking boxes, it’s about looking after people. That’s why our customers return to us time and again: for the personal approach, the depth of expertise, and the reassurance that comes from working with people who care.
BHB Safety Specialists — Serious about safety. Trusted by industry.
Our team brings decades of hands-on experience in the safety industry, underpinned by strong operational support. From design and installation to training, inspection, servicing, and rescue, we deliver reliable, compliant solutions backed by real-world expertise.
Bill Mackness
Owner / Director
Bill joined BHB in 2006 as Service Manager and went on to take ownership of the company in 2011, bringing continuity, technical leadership, and long-term strategic direction to the business.
Bill began his career as a Motor Mechanic, completing his apprenticeship and attaining City & Guilds 381, before joining Bombardier. During his time there, he progressed to the role of Lead-Hand Fitter.
Throughout his career with BHB, Bill has completed extensive specialist training, certifying him to work on a wide range of Working at Height and Confined Space Entry equipment. He has also obtained the NEBOSH General Certificate, following study at Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey.
Bill now manages the day-to-day operations of BHB while also acting as an instructor and consultant on all aspects of work at height and in confined spaces. In addition, he also assists with the servicing, inspection, and repair of all equipment used in both Confined Space Entry and Working at Height operations.
Rachel Scott
Business Manager
Rachel is responsible for the full range of administrative functions within the business. Her duties include managing enquiries, invoicing, bank reconciliations, VAT returns, e-marketing activities, and the coordination and administration of training courses. She also plays a vital role in the day-to-day management of the company, supporting smooth operations across all departments.
Since joining BHB in 2005, Rachel has shown a strong commitment to developing her knowledge across all aspects of business.. In addition to achieving her Business Administration qualifications up to NVQ Level 3, she has undertaken a range of further upskilling and professional development training to support her role and the ongoing needs of the business.
Billy Ferguson
Instructor
Billy is the lead instructor, assessor and consultant in all Confined Space training and other issues.
He has an HND in Mechanical Engineering, ONC in Electrical Engineering as well as a NEBOSH General Certificate.
Billy started out his working life in the Belfast City Council Gas Department as a District Technician and then as the Process Engineer at the Gas Reforming Plant at Sydenham. After 10 years he moved to NIE where he worked for 10 years as a Shift Engineer at Power Station West and a further 7 years as the Stations Health and Safety Officer. During this time Billy was seconded to work for 18 months in Power Stations and a deep coal mine in Hungary. On the closure of the Power Station, Billy was then appointed Group Health and Safety Manager for the W&R Barnett group of companies.
Billy joined BHB in 2004 and with his previous industrial experience and his excellent ability to read a room, he ensures courses are effective, interesting and interactive.
Johnny Wilkinson
Instructor / Technician
Johnny was an associate trainer for BHB for about 10 years before retiring from the Fire Service as a Watch Commander.
He then joined the team in 2021 as the lead instructor for our fire safety training courses and in addition, instructs on confined space and rescue courses too. When not training, Johnny can be found in the workshop servicing, calibrating and repairing confined space equipment.
Steve Mullin
Service Technician
Steve was born in South Africa and spent 17 years working as a commercial pilot. After starting a family, he chose to transition into a more stable 9–5 role, joining BHB in 2023.
His background makes him particularly well suited to working with confined space equipment, where he helps maintain BHB’s high standards by developing and implementing robust systems for quality, control, and compliance within the workshop.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Excellence isn’t just a goal – it’s a standard we uphold in everything we do. From training and consultancy to equipment servicing and safety solutions, we are committed to delivering the highest quality, every time.