John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd is celebrating its 40 year anniversary
John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Limited, one of the UK's largest privately owned landscape maintenance service providers and BALI Employer of the Year Winner; opened its doors last Tuesday night (12/05/09) to welcome over 40 fellow contractors and landscapers from British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) North Thames Division, including Dagenham Landscapes, Ground Control, Amenity Trees British Flora, Rochfords and F T Gearings.
BALI North Thames was looking for a venue to host its regional Meeting and according to John O'Conner founder & Chairman of John O'Conners,' it seemed like a perfect fit'
John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd is celebrating its 40 year anniversary this year and to kick off the celebrations they freely opened their doors at their central workshop facilities in Reynards Road Welwyn. A tour of the plant and machinery workshops was given by Ray Baxter workshop supervisor; and included discussions on how the company attained its triple ISO accreditations' in Quality, Environmental Management and Health & Safety, and how using modern technology such as an online maintenance /servicing booking in procedure ensures the correct parts are available to keep turn around times to a minimum.
Simon Redhead, Fleet Manager was also on hand to show the group recent developments to the company's fleet, including a new light weight alloy body made specifically for the company. The new bodies have the duel benefit of reducing emissions and maximising pay load. Three newly delivered vehicles were available for the group to look at, which will shortly be joining the existing fleet on the company's new Watford Community Housing Trust contract and its existing contract with North Hertfordshire District Council.
Following the tour, a buffet lunch was provided for the guests and Matt O'Conner; Managing Director of John O'Conner's, gave a run down of the 40 year History of the company; including how John O'Conner left a secure job in the 60's with the General Post Office as a telephone engineer to set up his own business providing landscape maintenance services to local parish councils, sports clubs and even his former employer! The discussion was brought up to date by Andy Collie Integrated Systems Manager, who gave a practical demonstration on how the company has embraced the internet to provide on line sports pitch bookings, playground inspections and customer care services to its customer base.
Matt O'Conner, Managing Director, commented 'It was a daunting prospect opening our doors to our fellow BALI members and contractors, who all run successful and quality landscape operations, however the evening was a success and we all left gaining information and knowledge that should help promote the Landscape sector.'
John O'Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd, 2 Great North Road, Welwyn, Herts.
Tel: 01438 717175. Fax: 01438 840408