Category: Marketing

Rugby wins and project completions… May had it all!

Check out our social media highlights from the past month below!

We’re onsite in Gloucester, cracking on with major infrastructure works to the A38 and surrounding roads. 🏗️

Providing vital modifications to one of Gloucester’s busiest A roads, our works include the resurfacing of the A38 and flyover, linking it to the B4008 and further south. Pedestrian access will be supported with new footpaths and lighting, with signage, road markings and signaling throughout.

We know that operating in a live construction environment prevents a unique set of challenges, so our team of experts will be working hard to ensure a safe and efficient environment through the duration of works.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eawQEffd

As a key part of our works package for Clowes Developments, we’re proud to mark the much-anticipated official opening of Fairham Way. A vital piece of infrastructure and a major milestone in the development of Nottingham’s newest neighbourhood.💫

This newly opened route will serve as the main road spanning 2km through the Fairham community, improving connectivity and supporting long-term growth.🛣️

The road forms part of our mixed-use project in Nottingham, which brings over 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of employment, green open spaces and so much more. 🏡

Delivered right on time, our team has the knowledge to get your project completed to the highest standard. Want to know more about our work at Fairham? Check out our case study for more about the ongoing project: https://lnkd.in/eEy8Hjdr

We’ve been keeping a keen eye on the progress of all our sponsorships throughout the sporting season, and as the rugby season comes to a close, a big congratulations is in order for Veseyans Rugby Club! 🏉

The Colts team have had an incredible run and have been crowned 2025 champions, while the First XV took home the North Mids Shield Plate 2025 title with a win over Worcester! 🏆💪

It’s been a pleasure to support such a dedicated and inspiring group. We’re proud to be part of their journey and can’t wait to see what the next season holds for them!

Well done Veseyans! 👏

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Between Easter celebrations, netwalking events, and lots of company news, April has been jam-packed.

Check out our social media highlights from the past month below!

“Anything that streamlines timelines and costs is going to be a benefit to all involved.”

Last month, a new proposed shift in planning and infrastructure legislation promised positive reform for the construction industry.

Our own Lance GUDGER has been speaking to Building Magazine, sharing his thoughts on the proposed Bill and exploring the benefits for contractors across the country.

Read more here.

Egg-stra special deliveries this easter🐰🍫

The O’Brien team have been busy bringing smiles to The Community Pantry this Easter supporting Feed The Hungry UK!💛

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our team, we were able to donate a egg-cellent collection of Easter eggs to support our local charity in Cubbington. 🍫✨ (…too far with the egg puns?😆)

It’s small acts of kindness like these that make a big difference to local communities. Wishing everyone a joyful and chocolate-filled Easter Bank Holiday hopefully in the sunshine! 🌞 🌷

Delivering first-class results for clients across the Midlands 👷

Following the success of Copart Corby phase one, we’re eager to get onsite and underway on phase two.

The 22-week project is set to deliver a four-bay vehicle preparation building, an external wash area, and a 4,000m² concrete yard for vehicle storage and drainage. Together our works will deliver a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally-friendly working environment for all Copart staff.

Looking for the right contractor for your next construction project? Get in touch!

Last week our team had a fantastic time at the BfB Luau Party, Net-Walking their way across sunny Birmingham, proudly representing O’Brien Contractors and supporting Prostate Cancer UK alongside the “Business for Birmingham” networking organisation for their Spring ’25 Net-Walking event! 🏗️🌴

It was a brilliant day of fundraising that brought Birmingham’s construction community together, packed with quizzes, a healthy dose of competitiveness, and even a bit of collaboration by the end (nothing bonds like sharing answers at pub number 10!)😆

An incredible £6k was raised for an important cause! A huge thank you to Gary Church who did a brilliant job of organising, and everyone who supported, and showed up in full tropical flair, Birmingham truly became a colourful slice of Hawaii! 🌴🌺🍍

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Award sponsorships, excellent scores and thoughts on tackling technophobia… another busy month comes to an end!

Check out our social media highlights from the past month below!

We’re the proud sponsors of the Property Leader award at TheBusinessDesk.com Leadership Awards 2025!

We’re thrilled to be working with The Business Desk to award this fantastic accolade to a true sector leader at tonight’s ceremony.

With so many exciting developments happening across the West Midlands, we’re sure there are going to be plenty of worthy entries.

Good luck to everyone!

✨ A few snapshots from a fun-filled evening at the Midlands Leadership Awards! ✨

What a night! From inspiring stories to well-deserved wins, we had an amazing time celebrating the incredible leaders who are making a real difference in the Midlands. 👏🏼

A special shoutout to our very own Tony Mitchell, who took the stage to present an award 🎉

Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Here’s to more success, innovation, and of course, nights like these! 💫

The scores are in!🏆

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is helping to raise the standard of of the industry and its impact on local communities, the environment and our own workforce.

We’re pleased to share that our enabling works project at the University of Warwick has been marked ‘Excellent’ across all areas, with a special mention to our code of compliance and engagement with the University and it’s local supply chain members.🤝

Click here to read more about our works at this site:

https://lnkd.in/eXx46cNm

How can we tackle technophobia in an aging construction industry?

With the increasing influence of tech-savvy Gen Z workers in the sector, who embrace technology for convivence and efficiency, the benefits of full industry modernisation led by the younger generation are endless.

Speaking to BIM+ our director Tony Mitchell discusses the significance of training and adoption of emerging technologies so the whole workforce can excel ensuring smarter, safer, and more sustainable projects are achieved.

Click here to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eRS5Ktbn

We’re already 4 months into our National Trust, Shugborough estate reorientation project… let’s check in!👀

The 57-week project, due to complete in December 2025, is part of a major development programme to cultivate and promote the site’s natural landscape and highlight it’s unique history.

We are honoured to have the opportunity to enhance access to such an important part of Staffordshire’s heritage and create a space that will cater for a wide range of needs for the local community for years to come!

Read our update on the project here: https://lnkd.in/d8uf_yfp

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Time to Talk, home-baked treats and a trip to the SAPCA exhibition, February was a busy one at O’Brien Contractors.

Check out our social media highlights from the past month below!

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. 💬 It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

Construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide than any other industry so it’s extremely important for our industry to take the time to talk.

At O’Brien Contractors, we strive to create an environment for everyone to feel comfortable talking about their mental health. We know opening up is important, but it can be difficult to take that first step.

This afternoon, we’re taking the time to talk over some cake and coffee! 🍰☕

If you, or anyone you know is struggling, here are a few support systems that can help:

matesinmind.org 🧠
thelighthouseclub.org 👷‍♂️
samaritans.org 🫂
mind.org.uk 🗣️

Take time to talk today.

This afternoon, our Time to Talk cake and coffee hour was a hit, with scones topped with cream and jam and some delicious homemade cakes🧁

The main topic of conversation? A very competitive debate …
You guessed it: Jam first, then cream or cream first, then jam?

After some spirited discussions around the table, we discovered that the “Buckingham Palace” method is to put the jam first, then the cream. So, we guess that must be the rule, right? 😆

Everyone took the time to take a break from their busy day to connect with each other and discuss things other than work. It was a fun and light-hearted way to bring everyone together, and we’re proud to keep the conversation going as part of Time to Talk Day!💬

‘Get yourself out there, gain experience and make yourself known in the industry.’

We’re proud to support 6 apprentices as they lay the foundations for a career in construction.👷‍♂️

During National Apprenticeship Week we spoke to one of our trainee site engineers, Brandon, and asked him why he chose an apprenticeship in construction.

Swipe to find out what he said!➡️

Last week, our very own Andrew Foster and Anthony Watson, along with five other brave adventurers, kicked off their preparations for the Arctic Challenge this March with a Podcast!❄️🎙️They’ll be trekking and dog sledging 180km across the icy Arctic Circle to raise funds for their individual incredible causes.

Tune into the Building Brum Podcast with host Conor Nolan, to hear why each participant is taking on this 7-day journey, the charities they’re supporting, and the personal challenges they’re preparing to face. From battling freezing temperatures as low as -20°C 🥶 to overcoming fears and tough obstacles, they’re pushing their limits for something meaningful.

With no electricity, no running water, and a whole lot of grit 💪, these Arctic Trekkers are embracing the extreme because the cause is worth it! If you would like to support the brave bunch heading off to the Arctic, please donate using the link below. The team is so close to reaching their £40,000 target, and every contribution counts as we enter the final 23-day countdown to their flight! ⏳

https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/earw_vbW
Apple: https://lnkd.in/dt9WY9j

So as you’ve heard …The countdown is on to our first O’Brien Charitable Trust fundraiser of the year!

And this time, we’re going cold…🥶

That’s right, we’re heading on an Arctic expedition, travelling across Finland with nothing but snow dogs and each other to get us through the extreme cold conditions! 🐕‍🦺💭

A huge well done to Andrew Foster & Anthony Watson and everyone taking part for their training and preparation so far, and an even bigger thank you to all of our kind sponsors!❄️

GW Consulting Engineers Ltd | Naismiths | Edge Careers | STARDOM LIMITED | Howden | Link Engineering | HOLEMASTERS DEMTECH LTD | Edmond Shipway | Crispin Recruitment Ltd | ONE Creative environments (ONE)

Any more donations as we count down to the challenge would be greatly appreciated! Every contribution helps us get closer to our goal. You can donate easily using the JustGiving link below:

https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT

Our team is thrilled to be attending the SAPCA Annual Conference & Awards this Thursday at Emirates Old Trafford! 🎉 It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible work being done in the sports and play construction industry. 🏗️🥅

We’re excited to connect with industry professionals, gain insights from thought provoking talks by key figures in the sports sector, and celebrate the innovation happening in the sports and play construction world. 👏⚽

If anyone is attending and would like to chat about how O’Brien can assist with your next sports pitch project, come and find us to see what we do best! See you there!

SAPCA Success at The Emirates Old Trafford!

From thought-provoking discussions on future trends to celebrating the incredible projects shaping sports and play facilities, the event was truly inspiring. A huge congratulations to all the winners!

We’re proud to be part of SAPCA, an association that champions excellence and innovation in sports and play construction. Here’s to a bright future and continued success for all SAPCA members!

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Project completions, mental health walks and a chocolate factory… January has had it all!

Check out our social media highlights from the past month below!

Another project ticked off!✅

Kickstarting in 2024, our work on the extension of Rainsbrook Crematorium has come to an end.

After months of hard work, the site is looking great, if we do say so ourselves!👀

With the New Year in full swing, many will be committing to resolutions like cutting out sugar and chocolate… 🍫

Speaking of chocolate, we’re looking back at our project with the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate & cocoa, Barry Callebaut.

We carried out major alteration and refurbishment works to Barry Callebaut’s existing production facility at Banbury, including the construction of an extension and new standalone building that would enable the factory to increase its production by circa 20%.

Read more about the project here:

Barry Callebaut Chocolate Factory Extension, Banbury

There were no Monday blues here this week!💙✨  

Whether it’s a marketing gimmick or not, ‘Blue Monday’ serves as a reminder to reflect on mental health and check in with those around us. Mental health isn’t just a topic for one day of the year, it’s something we should consider daily. It’s a conversation starter that encourages us to pause, step away from our screens, and truly connect with others.

This week, some of our team decided to take a 3k walk outside away from the office, into the fresh air, and just to catch up and check in with each other. As you can see from the smiles, it was a success! It’s easy to forget moments like these when the new year kicks off and we’re swept up in projects and deadlines. But this year, we’ve made it a priority to get out of the office, enjoy the outdoors, and connect beyond just work. Making the Cubbington 3k a monthly group connection and catchup walk!🚶‍♀️⛅🍃💬️

In the midst of a busy work life, it’s crucial to remember the importance of balance. ⚖️ Taking even just 10 minutes to reset can make a big difference. It’s also vital to connect with others—whether that means sharing experiences, offering help, or seeking support from friends and loved ones when needed. 

SPARKing growth in the Midlands💥  

Last week, our work infrastructure works at SPARK Walsall came to an end.  

Within the 25-weeks on site, our team took on an extensive programme of highway works to improve access to the hub for both pedestrians and drivers.   

Want to find out more about how we delivered this project? Click the link below to read our latest case study: https://obriencontractors.co.uk/projects/spark-walsall-midlands-highway-infrastructure-works/  

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O’Brien have recently carried out several contracts for allotments in Wolston, Cubbington and Tiddington, Stratford upon Avon. With “Earth Day” this month, it got our team thinking about sustainable living and how facilities, such as allotments allow us to consider how we impact the environment and encourage us, once again to grow our own and step away from convenience.

With many of our clients, particularly the housing industry encouraging greener living and investing in the new homes they are creating, our client Spitfire Homes is a great example of this and the space they are creating on their site in Wolston, Rugby to encourage sustainable futures.

The team were instructed by Spitfire Homes to clear the site of overgrown existing allotments and disposing of the site’s waste to allow for 79 new plots. The site required stripped and levelled topsoil with the existing topsoil screened and reused to cover the area. This avoided bringing new topsoil in and allowed us to recycle what the site had, reducing deliveries to site. Stone roads were built around the allotments to allow access and bases/slabs were laid ready for sheds and greenhouses. O’Brien supplied and erected all sheds and greenhouses and constructed perimeter fencing. The contract was successfully completed and handed back to the client for the next phase of the development.

O’Brien’s Commitment

Net Zero: With over fifty years of history delivering civil engineering and construction across all sectors of the Built Environment, O’Brien Contractors have always shown a commitment to their Corporate Social Responsibility and the Environment.  Our Net Zero Champion, Vicki, is responsible for setting net zero carbon targets and defining the businesses strategy to de-carbonise future operations.

Vicki commented: “Protecting our Environment and climate change represents some of the greatest challenges we face today in Construction. At O’Brien Contractors Limited, we understand the behavioral change needed across our Industry.”

Plant: O’Brien Contractors Limited continues to invest in the latest plant and technology to help improve operational efficiencies and reduce Green House Gas emissions. O’Brien’s continue to lead the way in Modern Methods of Construction for groundworks and civil engineering.

An example of this is our EC300E Hybrid Fuel Efficiency / Reduced CO2 Emissions. The result is up to 17% increase in fuel efficiency on standard EC330E, but also the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E. That allows the EC300E Hybrid to reduces its CO₂ emissions by up to 15%* making it a more environmentally respectful choice, especially when working in built-up areas.

What is Earth Day? Earth Day, 22^nd April, is meant to demonstrate support for environmental protection through global events coordinated by the Earth Day Network. Whether it is changing your diet for a day or shrinking your carbon footprint, there are many ways to participate in Earth Day. Food for Earth Day Earth Day is less about celebratory foods and more focused on the food we eat often. You can celebrate Earth Day by being cognizant of what you are eating and how it impacts the environment.

Not long now until 14 intrepid cyclists take on the Charity Bike Ride – “Tour of Cambridgeshire.” The team will be cycling up to 100-miles each for O’Brien Charitable Trust.

We would like to thank our corporate sponsors for their incredible support. Jersey Sponsorship has raised an impressive c.£8,000, as you can see they look fantastic!

These sponsors include:

• MJL Midlands
• Ridge & Partners
• Edge PS
• SGP Architects
• Burdens
• Weightmans
• MCI Electrical
• Nolan Associates
• Smiths Concrete
• CQS Solutions
• CMT Group
• Midland Quarry Products
• Titan Site Solutions
• Coventry Timber Products
• YardLink
• Emily Jayne Hair
• Keyline
• HD Ricketts
• MAP Civils
• Tracey Concrete
• Belgrade Insulations
• F P McCann
• Simson Aggregates
• Clancy Consulting
• FGD Aggregates & Waste Removal
• First Fence
• Midland Rock
• Clowes Developments

With the 4^th of June approaching fast this leaves only 6 weeks to go. If you would still like to support our fundraising event, please donate here or email info@obriencontractors.co.uk.

At O’Brien Contractors we have an abundance of pet lovers who are keen to help bring awareness to those animals that are in homes & shelters by celebrating National Pet Day (NPD).

We wanted to share a selection of our teams beloved pets. We hope by raising awareness of NPD, this will help to decrease the figures seen across animal shelters.

Many of our team are advocates for caring for pets and how it can improve mental health in many ways, including: companionship, adding structure to your day, encouraging exercise, and helping to reducing anxiety. All areas that can help to manage the highs and lows of life.

National Pet Day celebrates the joy that pets bring into people’s lives and encourages people to help reduce the number of animals in shelters. Bringing humans and animals together helps make the world a better place. Find out more about NPD: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pet-day/

If you would like to help and donate to our local shelter: Dog’s Trust Kenilworth – click here.

O’Brien are absolutely delighted to have won the award for Large Project of the Year from SAPCA for our Old Saltleians RFC project!

Using our in-house civil engineering & building construction expertise, along with our extensive sports development experience, we delivered a turnkey design & build solution for the client, to develop 17 acres of former farmland into a sports facility with 6 natural turf pitches, a clubhouse and associated infrastructure.

Beginning with a Breaking Ground Ceremony in November 2021 O’Brien commenced works to develop seventeen acres of fallow arable farmland into a state of the art facility. The new grounds would provide a clubhouse and 6 natural turf pitches, ecological area as well as ample parking for cars and coaches.

O’Brien worked extremely closely with the Old Saltleians Rugby Club along with their consultants and design team, Robinson Lowe Francis (RLF), AJA Architects, Nolan Associates and PSD to bring the project from a concept to a completed facility fit for the future. The project was completed on time and to budget.

Matt Moore submitted a great photo, taken on our site at Fairham, where we are carrying out works for Clowes Developments.

https://obriencontractors.co.uk/fairham-project-starts-to-take-shape/

The winning photo by Matt, was taken whilst visiting the Fairham site on a foggy morning in December.  The photo was of two of our excavators, the first one framing the second one.  We thought it was a great shot of the machines at work on site and Matt won a £50 Amazon E Voucher and a certificate for his efforts.  Well done Matt!

In October 2022 we decided to launch a new competition for staff for site photography, with the winning photo chosen in conjunction with each quarterly staff newsletter. The criteria included the following;

• Good Health & Safety
• Quality of Workmanship
• Artistic (lighting, focus)
• Significant stage of works (crane use)