Profile - David Ball Group

David M J Ball FCMI MCS FRSA

Director of the Concrete Society
Vice-chairman of the Concrete Bridge Development Group (CBDG)
Member of the Basement Information Centre
Member of the BRE working party on 'the role of water in concrete'
Chairman of the CBDG's working group on "durability testing of concrete structures"

An inspirational, serial entrepreneur, David Ball is a leading industry figure, recognised for his ability to make things happen.

Born in Northern Ireland, David's illustrious career began in engineering but when he seized the opportunity to make specialist reference sand for the cement industry so saw the creation of David Ball Group in 1970.

David's strong work ethic and ongoing commitment to his staff and customers has proved to be the driving force behind his success. David recognises the worth of his customers and understands the importance of keeping them the paramount focus of the company, always meeting their ever-changing needs.

Throughout his career, David has witnessed numerous changes within the industry and continues to anticipate further change as a result of climate change. However it is David's innovative forward thinking and investment in research and development which has ensured the company's proactive approach to each challenge.

David's vision has ultimately resulted in the company's exportation of its unique ultra high quality sands all over the world and the David Ball Specialist Sands brand being widely regarded as the world wide market leader. David Ball Group was further strengthened in 1992 when the company acquired the manufacturers and distributors of the world's first and most successful concrete waterproofing compound, PUDLO. A leading product since 1910, today PUDLO remains exclusive to David Ball Group.

David's expertise extends outside the industry; he is a co-founding Chairman of the organisation which established the region's first radio station and is part of a group which owns 28 radio stations across the UK. He is also a main board member of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, which represents the aspirations of the public, private and community sectors.

Recognised for his expertise, David is an industry award winner and a respected speaker in his field. His portfolio boasts an array of high profile international projects including the Channel Tunnel, Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, Heathrow Airport (terminal five), Wembley stadium, Royal Albert Hall and Wimbledon centre court.

David also holds a strong sense of community spirit and generously contributes vast amounts of time, sponsorship and money to regional schools, organisations and charities including Wintercomfort of which David is patron, Chaplaincy to People at Work in the Cambridge and surrounding areas of which David is Chairman.