OBAS
OBAS is a builders merchants based in Longridge, near Preston in Lancashire. The business was incorporated in 2008, however the brand had existed from around 2004. The brand-name was created from an acronym formed from the first letters of the phrase Our Blades Are Superior.
OBAS Group was formed in 2008 when serial entrepreneur Norman Tenray bought four failed companies: Express Plumbing and Safety Supplies trading as EPS, HWA UK Ltd trading as HWA and Impact Decor and Design Ltd trading as IDD from the receivers PKF as well as Slater Development.
This construction supplies business formed OBAS UK and has around 50 staff, including 25 sales staff, which also includes Health Care divisions and technical support services for the construction sector. The healthcare division of the OBAS Group supplies around 3,500 products to public and private healthcare sector. In October 2012 OBAS UK reported securing a £615,000 invoice finance facility.
OBAS UK sells tens of thousands of products to trade and DIY customers, both locally and nation-wide, with ranges including construction supplies, workwear, PPE and safety gear.
In April 2014 OBAS announced that Simon Dalley had been appointed as the Group's Marketing Manager. May 2014 saw the organisation open the company's first Trade Counter at their Longridge Headquarters to capitalise on the relatively low coverage of construction supplies businesses in the area. The company stated the new Trade Counter will be used by national contractors, independent tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, whilst commenting that having a store front will enable them to engage in person with their customers (rather than their traditional model which involves telephone based account managers and field sales).
On his LinkedIn profile, Dalley mentions that although the business traditionally operates a "largely call-centre-centric offline model, selling tens of thousands of products to trade and DIY customers" the business is now "focussing on growing physical locations, field sales and web sales to strengthen the business and build in resilience."
In December 2014 OBAS announced 6 new jobs been created in the business and 5 were to be created at the start of 2016 with the assistance of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).