blog - O'Brien Contractors

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!❄️

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!

What a fantastic experience at the SAPCA Conference and Awards! Our team had a great time connecting with industry leaders, sharing insights, and exploring exciting collaborations that will drive our industry forward.

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!