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Family businesses from opposite sides of the Channel come together at the Dutch coast
In the coastal village of Callantsoog in North Holland, British O’Connor Utilities is working on laying a data cable between England and the Netherlands. This specialist operation is the first project in the Netherlands for this large family-owned British company. O’Connor initially came into contact with Boels Rental Netherlands via the UK’s Boels branch. What was to follow is a success story where Boels ‘one stop solution’ approach was met with a warm welcome by the O’Connor team. Read more below about this special collaboration at the Dutch coast sea that is a taste of things to come.
Intercontinental data network
Project Manager Kev Cooke, representing O’Connor, is waiting at the gate for Boels Key Account Manager Roger Konings and Assistant Branch Manager Wesley Snaphaan. At the site, which is especially remarkable due to its 400-tonne drill rig and metre-high washing installation, the eight-member British crew is busy preparing for a new drilling phase.
The team’s ultimate goal is to drill up to 2,300 metres out into the sea. Once this length has been achieved, the ship that is laying the cable will dock at the end of the drilling point. Divers will then attach the 15 centimetre thick fibre-optic cable to the ‘coupler’ that will be used to pull the cable back to the drill hole on the mainland. The cables will ultimately be linked together at that point, creating a network between the United States and the data centres in North Holland via Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and back again via the United Kingdom. This method was used to minimize any effect on the natural environment, the dunes, sea defences, the near shore seabed, etc. The work was also carried out during the season of the most challenging weather to minimize the effect on breeding birds and marine life as well as the public and the local tourist economy.
Teamwork
It was through the Managing Director of Boels UK, Asif Latief, that the assignment came in to help take the pressure off O’Connor for this major project on mainland Europe. “For me, it was important that we also provide O’Connor with that same high quality bespoke service on the other side of the North Sea that we are known for as a company.” To help this transfer run smoothly, Asif immediately called his Dutch colleague, Roger Konings, who is responsible for international projects on behalf of Boels.
“As an international rental company, we are perfectly equipped to provide customised solutions across national borders”
Proactive collaboration
Konings linked up with the local team in the Netherlands and together, immediately proceeded to contact O’Connor’s work planners. “This renowned company knew very well what was required for this job. We were able to offer quick delivery from our branch in Den Helder as well as a number of specialised divisions. But we also contributed our expertise proactively. As this was O’Connor’s first job in the Netherlands, they were relatively unfamiliar with Dutch legislation and (environmental) regulations. We helped O’Connor to get everything in order where possible before the first drilling equipment arrived in Callantsoog. That included translations of the safety regulations, signage and the use of more environmentally friendly fuels,” Roger enthusiastically explained.
Built on trust
In the Project Manager’s comfortable office unit, coffee and, of course, English tea were ready and waiting. It is from this office that Kev manages his experienced team. Most of them have known each other for over 25 years, which has made for a formidable team. “Yes that is an important prerequisite for success. We know where we stand with each other, can rely on each other and trust each other. In our business, that is an absolute must.” This same level of trust is also a key criteria that Kev expects in his relationship with Boels. “We have never worked together as companies before, neither in England nor in Europe. That felt a bit uneasy but after my initial interactions with Asif in the UK and later with Roger and Wesley in the Netherlands, I immediately had a good feeling.”
One-stop solution
Wesley is now O’Connor’s dedicated point of contact for this project. That means he is responsible for ensuring that all items ordered, including modular housing, waste water pumps, power generators, mobile high-pressure cleaners, fencing, construction equipment, plastic floor plates, etc., all arrive at the site on time, while answering any questions that arise.
This one stop solution felt instantly familiar to the project manager. “This is how we’ve been working in the UK for decades. It was easy, familiar and most importantly efficient. I have a very short line of communication with Wesley. It’s so nice that practically everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. Wesley is open and honest, solution-oriented, acts quickly and delivers what he promises. That last point in particular is very important to us.”
“This project is a great way for us to showcase our services to other clients who are looking for a proactive rental partner across borders who truly delivers and completely takes the pressure off.”
Making the difference
This project is the first of its kind for Assistant Branch Manager of the Boels branch in Den Helder. “I go the distance to make things easier for them. For instance, they needed sheet piling, sandbags and old car tyres, which isn’t really our core business,” explained Wesley beaming. “But I arrange these kinds of things for them and it’s appreciated.” Kev makes no secret of his enthusiasm for Wesley. “He is a godsend. I can literally call him anytime, even on weekends. We have a true bond and not just because our birthdays fall on the same day. This guy makes the difference!”
The future
And the collaboration hasn’t only been successful on this side of the Channel. O’Connor’s head office has already made it known that it will also pursue a collaboration with Boels on future new projects in Belgium. But a future collaboration in the UK has not been ruled out either. “The experience has just been so incredibly positive throughout the entire scope of the collaboration. You guys go that extra mile, even if I’m sometimes a bit of a pain,” the British businessman reveals with a wide grin. “But you also understand that I’m working towards a hard deadline with my team, and that’s an extremely good feeling. Together, we are definitely going to succeed in this!”