Episode 1 – Introduction

Journey Through the Growth and Impact of OCU Group

Welcome to our new series, In the Pipeline, brought to you by the OCU Group. My name is Emma White, and I am part of the marketing team here at OCU Group. This series is designed to keep you updated on all the exciting developments within the company through blog posts, podcasts, and more. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay connected: Instagram (OCU_group) and LinkedIn (OCU).

Introduction to OCU Group’s Journey

As we kick off this blog series, I’d like to take you back to the very beginning of OCU Group’s growth, tracking its progression over the years and exploring recent milestones. It’s important to us that people are aware of our journey, as it showcases the hard work and dedication that has taken us to where we are today.

The Founding Years

The OCU Group has come a long way since Tim and Tom O’Connor founded it almost 30 years ago. The two brothers, both from Cork, Ireland, established their company, formerly called O’Connor Utilities, in 1994. A significant milestone came in 2002 with the purchase of Instalcom, a utility contractor based in Borehamwood, specialising in the excavation and installation of underground services for fiber optic cables, electric power cables, and water mains. This acquisition allowed us to expand our influence throughout the UK.

Evolution and Growth

OCU Group continued to thrive, leading to the formation of the OCU Group holding company in 2014. In 2015, we incorporated HDD, which stands for Horizontal Directional Drilling, thus widening our service delivery capabilities and enhancing our eco-friendly initiatives. That same year, we also established OCU Plant and Transport, maximising our operational efficiency and competitive edge.

Over the next few years, we celebrated various milestones, such as launching our work management system, Brabus, in 2018, which enhanced our task management and client communication. By 2019, our fleet had grown to over a thousand vehicles and our workforce expanded to more than 1,500 people.

Recent Acquisitions and Achievements

In February 2022, OCU Group was acquired by Triton Partners, a leading private equity investment firm. This marked our transition into a new phase of growth. Following this acquisition, we welcomed several new companies into our fold, further strengthening our service offerings.

Our acquisitions include Opals Ltd, NICT, and Andrews Associates in 2022. This year, 2023, saw four more businesses join us—Modus, North Haven, Integrum Power Engineering, and Hornbill—each bringing in expertise in different areas and enhancing our operational capabilities.

Current Projects and Focus Areas

Our primary aim going forward is organic growth coupled with strategic acquisitions. We also focus heavily on making advancements in energy transition and low carbon technology. Here are a few noteworthy ongoing projects:

1. The Artemis House Office Logo: We’ve recently illuminated the logo at our head office in Stockport, guiding the way for our employees and visitors alike.
2. National Inclusion Week: We supported National Inclusion Week, promoting awareness and action towards creating an inclusive workplace.
3. Fundraising for Macmillan: Our Coffee Morning events raised an amazing £3,244.58 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
4. UKSTT No Dig Roadshow: We’ll be exhibiting at this event in Bristol on November 29th and look forward to discussing upcoming projects with clients.
5. New Office in Levenshulme: OCU Plant and Transport team in Levenshulme has moved into newly upgraded offices.
6. BCIA Awards: We’ve been shortlisted for the Environmental Project of the Year at the 2023 BCIA Awards for the Corin Narrows HDD installation in Scotland.

Celebrating Employee Achievements

We also take pride in celebrating the personal achievements of our employees:

• TJ Gibson, a telecoms engineer, ran a half marathon for the British Heart Foundation.
• Lucy Murray, an administrator, will be playing in the Women’s Super League Grand Final.

Exciting Projects Spotlight

Here are a few specific projects we are currently working on:

1. Iver Team’s Project in Bicester: Led by site manager Gerry McKenna and project manager Matthew Agnew, this complex project involves HDD rig and a trencher, tackling challenges like live gas mains and sensitive locations successfully.
2. BESS Site at Ferry Bridge: We are principal contractors on a 150-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, which is crucial in meeting the UK’s energy demands and improving renewable energy use.
3. Lake Verneway Aqueduct Modernisation: This project involves modernising the aqueduct that delivers drinking water across Cheshire, Merseyside, and the wider North West region. Our goal is to manage ecology and recycle water, reducing our carbon footprint.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through OCU Group’s past, present, and future.

Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on our exciting projects and achievements in the coming posts.