Month: September 2016

We have generously lent our support to British Blind Sport by sponsoring its 2017 youth swimming gala.

British Blind Sport is a charity based in Leamington that helps visually impaired, blind and partially sighted people participate in sport.

Fundraising Manager Ian Carr said, “The youth swimming gala is one of British Blind Sport’s flagship events that’s been in our calendar for a number of years. Last year’s event was one of the most successful we’ve staged as we welcomed over 50 visually impaired kids from all over the country to take part in 35 races throughout the afternoon. For a number of children – especially those attending mainstream schools – it is the first time they are able to swim competitively against other children with visual impairments. It’s not all about the competition though, the open and friendly nature of the day means that the children and parents make friends and have a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable day that often acts as a springboard to continue swimming competitively or as a hobby.”

Some of the feedback from last year, included:

• “It’s fantastic to have an event that kids can compete in. To see all the children enjoying themselves is brilliant. I wish there were more events like this.” – Lucy, mother of a participant
• “Best gala I’ve been to; it was full of atmosphere.” – Kian Saville, participant
• “It’s the first time we’ve been, but we will definitely come again. It’s brilliant!” – Cornel, mother of a participant

Mick O’Brien, Director of O’Brien Sports added, “British Blind Sport is an important organisation, making a really big difference to blind and partially sighted people. “

“Sports participation can help children: build their confidence, develop new friendships, practise their social skills, but most importantly, provide them with an opportunity to have fun taking part in an activity they are good at.”

“We are very happy to continue our involvement with British Blind Sport and wish all the competitors a fun and enjoyable swimming gala.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support O’Brien’s continue to show us here at BBS and the sponsorship of this event will allow us to provide a great sporting opportunity for numerous visually impaired children.” Ian added.

If you would like to make a donation to the British Blind Sport you can do so easily at www.britishblindsport.org.uk/fundraising/donate

We have had our carbon footprint verified by TÜV UK Ltd to the ISO 14064-3:2006 standard across our operations.

Verification to ISO 14064, is one of the most effective ways to measure, quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The audit showed that, when normalised against turnover (£17m in 2014 and £28m in 2015), we had significantly reduced our usage of resources year-on-year and continually exceeded target.

In order to achieve our emissions reduction goal, we developed a strategy based on:

• Investing and upgrading and operating the most efficient plant and technology available.
• Providing staff with training on how to improve their driving to reduce fuel consumption.
• Investing an average of £140k per year on upgrading its fleet of vehicles to ensure that they are the most efficient and low-emission models available.
• Offering shuttle buses to promote vehicle pooling for staff working on our construction sites.

Vicki O’Brien, O’Brien Contractors, said: “We are very much committed to minimising the impact of our activities on the environment and all stakeholders, in order to operate a business that is safe, sustainable and socially responsible. Verifying our footprint to an International standard will serve as a benchmark against to help us achieve our goal of continuously reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Our commitment to environmental improvement also saw us become the first to achieve ISO 14001 certification among our core rivals in the civil engineering sector.

Our processes and procedures have also been audited and validated to ISO 9001 for quality and OHSAS 18001, CHAS, Achilles BuildingConfidence (5-star rating) and Achilles RISQS for health and safety.

Vicki added: “By raising our standards, we have been able to operate more akin with our clients, and target major projects with greater contract values, or strategic divisions, placing greater focus on delivery and quality, not just price.”

We have been appointed JCT Design and Build subcontractor for the delivery of new facilities at Broxhill Sports Centre in Romford by local contractor Valuegrade.

The scheme is part of Havering Council’s vision to provide the community with exciting new sports facilities that will include a new full sized 3G football pitch designed and constructed to meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept, multi-use games area along with a polymeric sprint track and car park.

Our work will include earthworks remodelling of the site to form a plateau level ready for the installation work.

O’Brien Sports prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and has invested in and operated state-of-the-art GPS and laser-guided earthworks plant for some time.

Mick O’Brien, Director, O’Brien Sports, who will manage the project, said: “Our earthworks team provide accurate calculation of material quantities, including those for cut to fill scenarios, enabling us to deliver clear, accurate and reliable information and advice to clients, before, during and after contracts.”

“Where possible, we create a design that incorporates as much of the site material into the project, reducing the need to dispose of materials to landfill. This helps us offer our clients the best possible price, whilst also minimising our environmental impact.”

“Valuegrade is a highly regarded main contractor built on a reputation of delivering quality and trust. We are delighted that they recognised our sports capabilities for the installation of this scheme.”

Tim Storrar, Valuegrade, said: “We are looking forward to collaborating with O’Brien’s and believe the time spent prior to work commencing on site has been extremely valuable with regards to managing out the problems that are normally associated with these types of schemes.”

O’Brien Sports offer a full range of sports pitch services, including:

• Full design and build construction projects
• Synthetic and multi-use games area (MUGA) pitches
• Pitch renovations
• Natural sports pitches
• Total solutions for sports pitches

Midlands Division rugby team, Leamington Rugby Football Club, has unveiled O’Brien Contractors as the shirt sponsor for the 2016/2017 season.

O’Brien Contractors, a specialist provider of civil engineering, groundworks and sports pitch construction services, has agreed to sponsor the club for a fourth consecutive year.

Established in 1926, Leamington Rugby Football Club promotes 4 men’s senior teams, 4 ladies’ netball teams, 4 junior teams and 6 mini teams. The senior 1st XV men’s team play in the Midlands 2 West (South) division.

Stuart Chamberlain, Director, O’Brien Contractors, said: “Charity and the community is very much at the heart of our business and through our financial success, we actively engage with many local groups to support them in their activities.”

“Leamington RFC provides many local people, of all ages, with the opportunity to take part in sport and we are delighted to continue our partnership with the rugby club by sponsoring their shirt once again. We wish them well for the coming season.”