O'Brien Contractors
O'Brien Contractors is a family-owned UK civil engineering and construction firm delivering turnkey solutions across civil engineering, construction, groundworks, and sports pitch construction for public sector, developer, and enterprise clients in the Midlands and beyond.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersLeamington Spa, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What O'Brien Contractors does
O'Brien Contractors Ltd is a privately held, family-owned civil engineering and construction company headquartered in Cubbington, Leamington Spa, UK. Founded in the 1950s by a member of the O'Brien family who relocated from Ireland, the firm has operated for over 65 years and currently maintains its registered office and operational base at Manor Cottage, Church Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 7JT. It delivers integrated turnkey services across four core service lines: civil engineering (earthworks, drainage, highways and infrastructure), construction (full building project delivery for industrial, educational, and commercial builds), groundworks (excavation, foundations, site clearance), and sports pitch construction (3G synthetic pitches, natural turf, MUGAs, and stadium infrastructure). Its client base spans public sector bodies, commercial and residential developers, sports organisations, educational institutions, heritage organisations, and industrial customers, with named engagements including Network Rail, Premier League clubs (Brentford FC, Aston Villa), Jaguar Land Rover, Carlsberg, the National Trust, Clowes Developments, St Modwen, Barry Callebaut, and Magna Park.
The company generates revenue through project-based contracts procured via competitive tenders, framework agreements, and direct negotiations. A critical procurement channel is the firm's appointed access to the £1.1bn PAGABO Demolition and Land Preparation Framework and the £1.56bn PAGABO National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure, awarded in May 2022, which provide pre-qualified public sector route to market. Disclosed turnover grew from £17.5m to £28.03m, representing 59.98% growth in the FY2014/2015 reference period. Operationally, the firm deploys a modern plant fleet including Volvo EC300EL hybrid excavators with telemetry, supporting stated fuel-efficiency gains of up to 17% and CO2 reductions of up to 15%. It holds CHAS Premium Plus, Achilles Audited, Considerate Constructors Scheme membership, ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications, and is accredited across LHC, CIH, CCS, CIF, and Lock-in UK frameworks. Early contractor involvement (ECI) is positioned as a core commercial approach.
Ownership and leadership remain concentrated within the O'Brien family across multiple generations, with Peter O'Brien serving as Managing Director alongside Directors Mick O'Brien, Simon O'Brien, and Tom O'Brien; Tony Mitchell and Lance Gudger (Construction Director) hold senior operational and directorial roles, and Stuart Chamberlain serves as Executive Director focused on social value. The company runs an apprenticeship programme exceeding 20 years in duration with 6 current apprentices and operates the O'Brien Charitable Trust to support local causes. Active 2026 project portfolio spans the 40-hectare Fairham Neighbourhood mixed-use development in Nottinghamshire with Clowes Developments, the 30,000m² Magna Park Lutterworth HGV electric charging facility with Keoma Energy and Savills, the Network Rail York depot, the National Trust Shugborough Estate reorientation, and multiple educational and sports-facility builds in the Midlands and beyond.
O'Brien Contractors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- O'Brien Contractors
- Legal name
- O'Brien Contractors Ltd
- Website
- https://obriencontractors.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- O'Brien Contractors is a family-owned UK civil engineering and construction firm delivering turnkey solutions across civil engineering, construction, groundworks, and sports pitch construction for public sector, developer, and enterprise clients in the Midlands and beyond.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
O'Brien Contractors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Civil Engineering and Construction Services
- NAICS
- Nonresidential Building Construction (2362), Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (237)
- SIC
- General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540), Heavy Construction Other Than Bldg Const - Contractors (1600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Design-Build / EPC General Contracting (IMAFAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Public Works General Contracting (IMAFAAAG)
Keywords
Where O'Brien Contractors is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leamington Spa
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
O'Brien Contractors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Construction and Civil Engineering Contracts: Project-based revenue from civil engineering, construction, groundworks, and sports facility projects. Revenue grew 59.98% from £17.5m to £28.03m. Works with public sector bodies, developers, and private clients through competitive tender and framework agreements.
- Framework Agreement Work: Appointed to PAGABO Demolition and Land Preparation Framework (£1.1 billion) and PAGABO National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure, providing streamlined procurement routes for public sector clients.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
O'Brien Contractors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
O'Brien Contractors is a Midlands-based contractor delivering a comprehensive turnkey solution across Civil Engineering Services (infrastructure works, earthworks, drainage), Construction Services (building projects for educational, commercial, and industrial clients), Groundworks Services (excavation, foundation preparation, site clearance), and Sports Pitch Construction (3G synthetic pitches, natural turf, hockey facilities, MUGA courts). Projects are procured through competitive tenders, framework agreements (including PAGABO), and direct negotiation with public sector bodies, developers, sports organisations, heritage bodies, and educational institutions across the UK Midlands and beyond.
Product overview
O'Brien Contractors is a Midlands-based civil engineering and construction company offering a comprehensive turnkey solution for clients across four integrated service areas: Civil Engineering Services (infrastructure, earthworks, drainage), Construction Services (building projects), Groundworks Services (site preparation), and Sports Pitch Construction (sports facilities and pitches). The company operates as a single unified service offering rather than discrete modular products, delivering projects from initial site works through to completion across the civil engineering, construction, and sports sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- O'Brien Charitable Trust: The company's charitable arm that supports local causes in the Midlands and matches public donations. Focuses on children, community support, and local charitable initiatives.
Products and services
- Civil Engineering Services Comprehensive civil engineering services including infrastructure works, earthworks, drainage, and ground preparation for commercial and public sector projects. Delivered as part of a turnkey construction offering by O'Brien Contractors.
- Construction Services Full construction services for building projects ranging from educational facilities to commercial and industrial developments. Delivered as a turnkey offering by O'Brien Contractors.
- Groundworks Services Groundworks including excavation, foundation preparation, site clearance, and land preparation for construction projects across commercial, public sector, and residential developments.
- Sports Pitch Construction Specialist sports facility construction including 3G synthetic pitches, natural turf pitches, hockey facilities, MUGA courts, and sports stadium infrastructure for football clubs, rugby clubs, schools, and sports facilities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 59.98% revenue growth from £17.5m to £28.03m
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use O'Brien Contractors
Customer profileNamed customers21 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
O'Brien Contractors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
O'Brien Contractors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PAGABOcoreAwarded places on PAGABO Demolition and Land Preparation Framework (£1.1 billion) and PAGABO National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure (£1.56 billion). Frameworks provide clients with confidence in O'Brien's safety standards, social value commitments, net zero targets, and proven track record, enabling streamlined procurement through direct award or further competition.
- John Graham Construction LimitedcoreWorking together on Castlerock School transformation project in Coalville, Leicestershire. Project includes full resurfacing of 3G synthetic pitch and creation of 40,000m² natural turf pitches with hockey facilities.
- National TrustcorePartnering on Shugborough Estate reorientation project - a 57-week development to enhance access to Staffordshire's heritage. Includes new visitor centre, carpark, toilet blocks, and surrounding infrastructure.
- The Chesterfield Canal Trust LtdminorCollaborating on restoration of historic canal section connecting Trans Pennine Trail with Arkwright Trail. Work includes reinforced concrete wall construction, brickwork restoration, and innovative lock gate installation.
- Clowes DevelopmentscoreStrategic partner on Fairham Neighbourhood development - a major mixed-use scheme bringing 3,000 new homes, school, employment spaces, and sports pitches. O'Brien undertaking 40-hectare earthworks and infrastructure.
- Auditel (U.K.) LimitedminorPartnering with carbon, energy and procurement solutions company to better understand, measure and manage O'Brien's carbon footprint. Analysis of emissions and resource use to create carbon reduction strategy.
- Keoma EnergycorePartner on Magna Park Lutterworth HGV electric charging facility - a 30,000m² project at one of Europe's largest distribution parks. Project to become benchmark for industrial developments supporting net zero transition.
- SavillscoreWorking with Savills on Magna Park Lutterworth HGV electric charging facility project.
- Link EngineeringcoreEngineering partner on Magna Park Lutterworth HGV electric charging facility.
- Jackson Purdue LevercorePartner on Fairham Neighbourhood development project.
- RPScorePartner on Fairham Neighbourhood development project.
- Bentley Projects LimitedcorePartner on Fairham Neighbourhood development project.
- The Friendship ProjectminorLongstanding partnership with local children's charity supporting children across Warwickshire. O'Brien Charitable Trust sponsors children and supports friendship matching programmes.
- CopartcoreDelivering vehicle storage facilities including 90,000m² project in York and phase 2 works at Corby with 4-bay vehicle preparation building and 4,000m² concrete yard.
- Warwickshire PoliceminorNew car park construction project at police HQ in Leek Wootton, including wildflower planting for environmental integration.
- Carlsberg GroupcoreDesign and construction of brand new effluent storage facility at brewery including pile foundations, ground floor slab, mezzanine structures, and M&E installations.
- EDGE Consulting EngineersminorAnnual charity football tournament organiser. O'Brien team participates and sponsors the event raising funds for Epic Partners community charity.
- University of WarwickcoreEnabling works project delivered with 'Excellent' Considerate Constructors score across all areas.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
O'Brien Contractors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Kier Group: FTSE-listed UK infrastructure and construction group with strong regional civil engineering and highways capabilities. Directly comparable in road resurfacing, civil infrastructure and public sector framework work (e.g., highways, county council contracts).
- Bowmer + Kirkland: Major UK construction and civil engineering group delivering design-build across commercial, industrial and public sector projects. Larger and broader than O'Brien, but overlaps directly in Midlands construction, groundworks and infrastructure delivery.
- Willmott Dixon: Major UK contractor focused on public sector and education construction. Comparable in education, sports and local authority delivery (e.g., University of Warwick, schools, councils) but considerably larger and more national in scope.
- Morgan Sindall Group: FTSE-listed UK construction and infrastructure group operating a civils/infrastructure division. O'Brien has worked alongside Morgan Sindall historically; comparable in scope (groundworks, civils, sports) but vastly larger and nationally diversified.
- Galliford Try: Large UK construction group covering infrastructure, build and specialist divisions. Has worked alongside O'Brien on Midlands developments; comparable in commercial and public sector delivery at materially larger scale.
- John Sisk & Son: Large UK and Ireland construction and civil engineering contractor. Historically a client of O'Brien's in Birmingham; comparable in commercial construction and infrastructure work but materially larger and internationally diversified.
Direct peers
- McLaren Construction Group: Privately held UK construction group of similar mid-market scale, with comparable civil engineering, construction and developer-led project mix in commercial and residential sectors.
- S&C Slatter: Specialist UK sports pitch and artificial surface construction contractor. Closest direct comparable to O'Brien's sports pitch construction line (3G pitches, MUGAs, hockey facilities) with Premier League and SAPCA-level credentials.
- White Horse Contractors: Specialist sports, landscaping and civil engineering contractor. Comparable to O'Brien's integrated sports facility, groundworks and earthworks offering, particularly for sports clubs, schools and heritage estates.
Others
- Clowes Developments: UK land promoter and developer and current O'Brien partner on the Fairham Neighbourhood scheme. Not a peer but a primary customer relationship; included as a key counterparty shaping O'Brien's project pipeline.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
O'Brien Contractors social profiles
Digital presenceO'Brien Contractors compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
O'Brien Contractors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
O'Brien Contractors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
O'Brien Contractors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
O'Brien Contractors M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about O'Brien Contractors
What does O'Brien Contractors do?
O'Brien Contractors is a Midlands-based contractor delivering a comprehensive turnkey solution across Civil Engineering Services (infrastructure works, earthworks, drainage), Construction Services (building projects for educational, commercial, and industrial clients), Groundworks Services (excavation, foundation preparation, site clearance), and Sports Pitch Construction (3G synthetic pitches, natural turf, hockey facilities, MUGA courts). Projects are procured through competitive tenders, framework agreements (including PAGABO), and direct negotiation with public sector bodies, developers, sports organisations, heritage bodies, and educational institutions across the UK Midlands and beyond.
Is O'Brien Contractors a public or private company?
O'Brien Contractors is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was O'Brien Contractors founded?
O'Brien Contractors was founded in 1950. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is O'Brien Contractors based?
O'Brien Contractors is headquartered in Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does O'Brien Contractors make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Construction and Civil Engineering Contracts are the primary driver. The others are framework Agreement Work.
Who are O'Brien Contractors's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Kier Group, Bowmer + Kirkland, Willmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall Group, Galliford Try and John Sisk & Son. Direct peers are McLaren Construction Group, S&C Slatter and White Horse Contractors. Clowes Developments is listed as an others.
Does O'Brien Contractors have an API?
No public API is recorded for O'Brien Contractors.
What industry is O'Brien Contractors in?
O'Brien Contractors's product category is Civil Engineering and Construction Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFAAAD, Design-Build / EPC General Contracting, with a secondary code of IMAFAAAG, Public Works General Contracting. Its NAICS code is 2362 and its SIC code is 1540.