Category: News

We are pleased to announce we have been awarded our second Property and Regeneration award in three years at the 2015 Birmingham Post Business Awards.

The accolade marks a major transition which has seen us adopt a more strategic approach with a number of Midlands-based leading organisations, including: Morgan Sindall, John Sisk & Son, Aston University, Kier Group, Galliford Try, Birmingham City University and Lovell Partnerships, with the aim of providing value for money by delivering the most appropriate economical solution for the particular set of circumstances for each specific project.

This approach has enabled us to deliver the highest standards across projects in Birmingham, including: St. Modwen’s Longbridge Town Centre Phase 2 scheme, Alumno Developments’ Number One City Locks, Aston Student Village scheme and The New Assay Office.

Mick O’Brien, Director, O’Brien Contractors, said: “Our aim for all projects is delivery, on time and with zero defects, zero accidents and zero unexpected costs. The fact that 85% of our customer base is now from repeat business shows that our approach works and does deliver the best value for money.”

The achievements that have resulted in us winning the award for a second time include:

• Turnover increased by 59.98%, from £17.5m to £28.03m.
• Delivered 9 multi-million pound contracts which accounted for our 2014 turnover.
• Recruited 5 apprentices from the Birmingham area.
• Health and Safety: Maintained our accident rates well below industry average.
• Awarded consecutive ROSPA gold accolade.
• Invested £2.4m in plant and equipment.

“We have a strong work ethic and we really do value our employees. We take on board local apprentices, support local people and give to local charities. We’re very much at the heart of the community here.”

We have been shortlisted in the Specialist Contractor of the Year and Sustainable Project of the Year categories for the 2015 Builder and Engineer Awards.

The awards are designed to reward the hard work and creativity of those working in the industry.

The Sustainable Project of the Year accolade is for Nestle’s £200m coffee manufacturing facility, codenamed Project Dove, which saw us deliver an £11m groundworks and civil engineering package.

The judges will be looking for evidence that the winning project has considered the impact on the environment and has contemplated sustainability. With 2012 the wettest year on record, we were presented with a site containing 40,000m3 of spoil not suitable for re-use. The original solution our engineer had designed was no longer viable.

To overcome this, we implemented a soil remediation strategy that subsequently cut costs by £800k, reduced lorry movements by c7,000 saving 15 tonnes CO2, sent no spoil to landfill and reduced imported stone by 70%. We also achieved a zero accident performance with in excess of 90,000 man hours worked and created a safer stable site for ongoing construction work.

The Specialist Contractor of the Year award recognises businesses that have excelled by delivering exceptional performance, increased turnover, invested in innovation, added value to its’ clients and improved health and safety standards. During 2014/2015, we grew turnover by 59.98%, from £17.5m to £28.03m, maintained our accident rates well below industry average, invested £2.4m in new state-of-the-art plant and equipment and delivered 9 multi-million pound contracts which accounted for our 2014 turnover.

The winners will be announced at the Builder and Engineer Awards on Thursday 19^th November at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

We have been shortlisted in the Property and Regeneration category for the 2015 Birmingham Post Business Awards.

The winner will be the company that has demonstrated exceptional progress over the last year by growing financially and expanding the services they offer to clients. We have achieved a 59.98% increase in turnover and significantly invested in our earthworks service. During 2014/2015, we spent £220k in GPS technology and appointed an Engineering Manager and Assistant Project Manager to provide clients with the most efficient earthworks solutions, helping them reduce waste and cost. Across projects in Birmingham, our solution has prevented 27,000m3 of material from being taken to landfill, equating to:

• Avoided c.3000 of lorry movements across Birmingham.
• Saving 23T CO2 and fuel for 90,000 miles of 20 tonne lorry haulage, leading to less pollution in the atmosphere.

Other criteria that the company will be judged on include job creation, investment in equipment and infrastructure, industry recognition, accreditation, accolades, service innovation, strong commitment to the region and customer satisfaction.

In our submission we have demonstrated excellence and improvements in all of these categories.

Managing Director, Peter O’Brien said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in this category. We are a Midlands based company and committed to this geographical area, a strategy that will ensure we continue to deliver excellent projects for our customers and provide them with the best service for the best value.”

The achievements that have resulted in the shortlisting for this award include:

• Turnover increased by 59.98%, from £17.5m to £28.03m.
• Delivered 9 multi-million pound contracts which accounted for our 2014 turnover.
• Recruited 5 apprentices from the Birmingham area.
• Health and Safety: Maintained our accident rates well below industry average.
• Awarded consecutive ROSPA gold accolade.
• Invested £2.4m in plant and equipment.

The winners will be announced at the Birmingham Post Business Awards on Thursday 12^th November at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.

We have  been appointed to work on Perry Beeches the Academy Trust’s fifth highly-acclaimed free school in Small Heath, Birmingham.

The delivery of a £10 million primary and secondary school facility at the former Virgin Media Office Building and adjacent industrial units will feature a 3 storey extension, sports hall, football pitch, MUGA and car parking.

Appointed by principal contractor, Morgan Sindall, we will deliver earthworks and a host of ground works – including foundations, drainage and associated works.

Morgan Sindall is a leading UK construction, infrastructure and design company and our Operations Manager, Tony Mitchell, sees the new contract as an endorsement of the services provided to them at St. Modwen’s Longbridge Town Centre Phase 2 in Birmingham: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall on this important education project in Birmingham. The past year has seen us work closely with Morgan Sindall, fully understanding their standards, philosophy and objectives and we hope Perry Beeches V will strengthen our relationship further.”

We will draw on our technical expertise, which includes state-of-the-art GPS controlled surveying equipment and machinery, to deliver groundworks services in the most efficient method possible and with minimal waste.

“Our team is well-versed at delivering high-grade education facilities in a live environment having provided civil engineering services on 9 schools as part of the Priority School Building Programme in Coventry and this experience will be pivotal in the execution of the scheme.”

Established in 1958, O’Brien Contractors is a Midlands-based provider of civil engineering, design and build and groundworks services, as well as turnkey sports pitch solutions. Receiving the prestigious five star rating for Achilles BuildingConfidence accreditation in 2014 means O’Brien sits alongside leading names in the construction sector as suppliers of excellent quality work with a commitment to growth and sustainability.

Key projects and customers include the Nestlé factory and Number One City Locks residential building both with John Sisk & Son; Longbridge Town Centre Phase 2 with Morgan Sindall; Aston Student Village for Aston University; and the Primark retail distribution centre with Sir Robert McAlpine.

Picture Caption: Perdip Mann, Secondary Headteacher, Perry Beeches V School, Caz Brasenell, Primary Headteacher, Perry Beeches V School and Tony Fitzgerald, Project Manager, Morgan Sindall.

Since its formation in 1958 by Tom O’Brien, the father of current directors Peter and Mick, specialist civil engineering and groundworks company O’Brien Contractors, based in Leamington Spa has been at the forefront of embracing new technology.

For Peter and Mick O’Brien, a focus on developing the use of Trimble machine control systems since the late 1990s, has seen the business grow its capabilities across its mixed fleet of excavators and dozers.

Having recently trialled the latest machine control technology on a compactor with Trimble solutions provider SITECH UK and Ireland, Mick O’Brien has a clear focus on how O’Brien Contractors will continue to take advantage of the technology to maximise productivity, as he explains: “From the very early stages of machine control, we recognised the commercial advantages it could offer us as a business, investing time with Trimble to develop the early solutions.

“It has been this long term journey, now continuing with Trimble dealer, SITECH which has seen us build our fleet to incorporate six dozers, twelve excavators and more recently trial the latest in compactor technology.

“For me, most people looking at machine control tend to focus onsite, whereas through our experience we know the real value lies in preparation in the office, prior to starting a job. This is why a few years ago we employed a dedicated machine control specialist. From tender stage, he liaises with our estimating team to work out volumes and look at the overall project, to see where value-engineering opportunities exist, carrying this work through when the project starts.

Even though this is a lot of investment in time before you are even awarded a job, it ultimately contributes towards a greater understanding of the project which leads to improved planning. With clients also wanting us to react very quickly when we are awarded projects, our machine control expert has the capabilities to model the earthworks required and feed this information directly into the machines, even when they are on route to site.

“So instead of engineers being dispatched to do the setting out, the machines can be operating within minutes of arriving at the job.  Even if the earthworks models change as the project moves forward, we can send the updated drawings and technical data straight to the machine.

“Of course the key to making this work is the interaction between operator and machine and this is why our expert is also tasked with training and supporting our drivers, with help from SITECH. Interestingly, you may think that machine control would be harder to introduce to older operators, but this is just not the case, as our most experienced people are in their 60’s and have found it very simple to make the transition.

“Having recently worked with SITECH to trial a compactor with machine control, I can definitely see how we can continue to expand our machine control fleet and capabilities. But for me the next step is all about utilising two-way communications, by receiving and processing data from individual machines activities.

“For our business this will be extremely important, as our clients expect us to report on site progress and this can be done in the future without leaving the office. For example, in the last 12 months we have kitted out eight excavators with machine control and can now receive data from the machines activity.

By knowing just how much of the workload each machine has achieved and the time taken, we can plan activity much better, keeping the job on track. Equally because of the partnership we have with SITECH, for certain jobs, we may choose to hire in equipment for the duration. The benefit of this approach is that we can still integrate these machines with our head office, by hiring equipment from SITECH and fitting it to the hired machine.

“I definitely think we will now see much more demand for information on earthworks from main contractors, especially as more people are challenged to meet carbon targets. In my opinion, even when you compare older machines with newer fuel efficient models, if you get machine control right and therefore the job right, it will have a much bigger impact on fuel efficiency than simply operating a new machine.”

After 10 years in the making, the Gerard Buxton Sports Hub, owned by the Royal Wootton Bassett Sports Association (RWBSA), has been officially opened.

The new complex boasts a full size third generation (3G) FIFA 1 Star Football Pitch, eight floodlit macadam surfaced tennis courts – installed by O’Brien Sports and Greenfields UK – along with two cricket pitches and a new ground with spectator stands for Royal Wootton Bassett Town Football Club.

We secured the 3G pitch and tennis courts phase of the project through our ongoing investment in state-of-the-art 3D earthworks modelling software and GPS controlled excavators and bulldozers. This technical capability was pivotal in creating the earthworks concept and reproducing the design to the precise specification and in the most efficient method possible.

It also enabled excavated earth to be recycled back into the scheme helping the client reduce overall spend, by preventing material from being taken to landfill and also decreasing lorry haulage movements leading to less pollution in the atmosphere.

Steve Hillman, General Manager, O’Brien Sports, said: “We are delighted to have once again partnered with Greenfeilds UK and look forward to developing a successful relationship.”

“We are continually investing in our people and technology so that we can provide our customers with the highest standard of customer service, a strategy that has paid off as we continue to be awarded sports pitch contracts of this high calibre.”

Royal Wootton Bassett Sports Association Chairman, Peter Yeardley, said: “This journey started more than 10 years ago, at a time when demand for sports facilities could not be met by the original grounds bequeathed to the town in the 1930s by Major Gerard Buxton.

“To see sporting activity on the new site is simply fantastic and we are proud to continue the legacy of Major Buxton.”

The O’Brien Sports management team has over 55 years’ experience in sports pitch construction and have delivered schemes throughout the UK, including: a 3G football pitch at Worthing FC, a Lano 3G synthetic pitch at Westfield Academy, a sand dressed hockey pitch at Burton Hockey Club and two natural turf pitches for Rugby Town Junior Football Club.

The sports installations delivered include natural sports pitches, such as those used for rugby, football and cricket, and synthetic and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) pitches with surfaces suitable for just about every sport and user, from professional sports teams to schools and communities.

A 14-strong team has taken up the challenge by running wild across Warwickshire in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society.

The pack, made up of quantity surveyors, project managers, engineers, managers, apprentices, groundworkers and administrators, have set a target of raising at least £5,000 for the charity who, through their tireless efforts, improve the quality of life of people and their families affected by dementia.

The 10k Wolf Run near Leamington Spa on September 5th saw the brave fundraisers tackle a unique combination of three kinds of off-road running: mud runs, trail runs and obstacle runs across raw natural terrain, including open ground, woodland, lakes & thick mud.

The team has also organised a number of fundraising initiatives, including raffling four tickets to the Wasps vs Exeter Chiefs encounter, kindly donated by Premiership Rugby team, Wasps and a cake sale.

One of our runners, Operations Manager, Tony Mitchell, has been taken aback by the generosity of members of staff, be it taking part in the run or helping to raise money.

Tony said: “We have been fortunate to have great success over the years and are keen to ensure we give back to the community whenever possible.”

“We organise annual events to raise money for local charities and I am always amazed at the number of staff who are willing to give up their free time to get involved in our fundraising events.”

‘We decided to enter the Wolf Run to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society because they do a fantastic job supporting vulnerable people struck down by such a terrible disease. Entering a team is a great way, not only to show support, but to motivate ourselves to improve our fitness. It’s good to know that every step will help support people with dementia and their carers today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.”

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are delighted that O’Brien Contractors are giving their time to support Alzheimer’s Society. 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations like O’Brien Contractors to help us continue our vital work. Please back O’Brien Contractors in their fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”

If you would like to donate to the team’s JustGiving webpage, visit https://www.justgiving.com/O-BrienContractors Or text OBCL50 followed by the amount you wish to donate, to 70070, e.g. OBCL50 £5 for a £5 donation.

Our sports team has joined forces with the Official Facilities Partner of England Hockey, Notts Sports, to install a new 3G synthetic turf football pitch for Christ’s College Finchley.

The project will see our sports team perform earthworks remodelling, consisting of cut and fill of the site to form a plateau level for the proposed new pitch. The works also include the installation of a sub base, dynamic layer, prefabricated shockpad, high performance NottsGrass 50 synthetic pitch, drainage, kerbs, fencing and floodlighting.

Founded in 1857, Christ’s College Finchley is an all-boys comprehensive school for pupils aged between 11 and 16.

Steve Hillman, General Manager, O’Brien Sports, said: “We are committed to investing in cutting edge surveying equipment and state-of-the-art GPS controlled dozers, so that we are able deliver the design to the precise specifications set out for the customer. This ensures we can continually improve the quality of our work and the speed of installation, saving our clients both time and money.”

The O’Brien Sports management team has over 55 years’ experience in sports pitch construction and is one of the first large civil engineering firms able to offer turnkey solutions for a range of sports facilities, delivering projects ranging from stadiums and arenas through to rugby, football and hockey pitches.

Recent projects have included the construction of a 3G football pitch at Worthing FC, a Lano 3G synthetic pitch at Westfield Academy, a sand dressed hockey pitch at Oswestry School, two natural turf pitches for Rugby Town Junior Football Club and preparation works for the replacement of Wasps’ Ricoh Arena natural turf pitch.

In our role as a leading sports pitch construction specialist, the O’Brien Sports division has joined forces with the Official Facilities Partner of England Hockey, Notts Sports, to install a new synthetic turf hockey pitch at Burton Hockey Club.

The project will see us replace the existing Redgra surface at Shobnall Leisure Complex with a state-of-the-art VHAF Notts Sward Leisure synthetic turf hockey pitch. The works will also include the installation of a NottsPad XC shockpad, drainage, kerbs, fencing and floodlighting.

Established in 1899, Burton Hockey Club competes within the MRHA (Midlands Regional Hockey Association) and promotes 7 men’s teams and 3 ladies’ teams. The men’s 1XI and 2XI play at the highest level, the Midlands Regional Hockey Association Premier Division, whereas the women’s 1XI take part in the Midlands Region Hockey Women’s League Division 1.

Steve Hillman, General Manager, said: “This installation is very important to secure regional hockey at the synthetic grass roots level and we are very pleased that Burton Hockey Club has recognised our credentials when selecting a sports pitch partner.”

The O’Brien Sports management team has over 55 years’ experience in sports pitch construction and we are one of the first large civil engineering firms able to offer turnkey solutions for a range of sports facilities, delivering projects ranging from stadiums and arenas through to rugby, football and hockey pitches.

Recent projects have included the construction of a 3G football pitch at Worthing FC, a Lano 3G synthetic pitch at Westfield Academy, a sand dressed hockey pitch at Oswestry School, two natural turf pitches for Rugby Town Junior Football Club and preparation works for the replacement of Wasps’ Ricoh Arena natural turf pitch.

We are delighted to announce that we have become a charitable partner to help British Blind Sport (BBS) celebrate its’ 40^th anniversary.

The Warwickshire based charity is a leader in providing visually impaired sports, helping blind and partially sighted people participate in sport.

To mark its’ 40^th anniversary, BBS is offering professional businesses an exclusive opportunity to become a charitable partner and help improve the lives of many more visually impaired children and adults.

Mick O’Brien, Director, O’Brien Sports, said: “We understand the importance of frequent sports involvement. It can help build confidence, self-esteem and also provide people with an environment to socialise, interact with others and make new friends.”

“I would like to thank British Blind Sport for providing O’Brien Sports with the opportunity to become a partner during their 40^th anniversary. We are delighted that our support will help the charity continue to deliver a range of sports programmes, enhancing the quality of life of many blind and partially sighted people.”

Ian Carr, Fundraising Manager for British Blind Sport said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all at O’Briens for their support. By becoming a partner in our 40^th year, they will provide significant support that will help us carry on our work helping the hundreds of visually impaired people start and carry on playing sport. There’s an obvious synergy between the two organisations and we are really looking forward to working with O’Brien Sports and hope this is a relationship that will continue long into the future.”

We are one of the first large civil engineering firms able to offer turnkey solutions for a range of sports pitch facilities. Delivering projects ranging from stadiums and arenas through to sports tracks and football pitches, this capability is all maintained in house with no outsourcing required. Our team of experts has a proven track record of delivering design and build sports projects to a diverse range of exacting client specifications.

Recent projects have seen us construct a FIFA-compliant football pitch, an Olympic-standard athletics track (complete with long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault and a 400m running track) and a football club (complete with 11 natural turf pitches, changing facilities, entrance road and car park).

For more details about British Blind Sport and its 40^th Anniversary visit: www.britishblindsport.org.uk