Oliver Robert Burleigh began his career as an electrician before launching his first business in his early twenties. What started as a modest operation quickly evolved into ORB, a Bristol-based mechanical and electrical contracting firm that is now one of the Southwest of England’s most well-regarded in the sector. ORB supports large-scale construction projects across both residential and commercial developments, with a strong presence in Bristol and the surrounding region.
Building on this foundation, Oliver co-founded CB Construction Management Ltd, a company that collaborates with developers and landowners to manage the delivery of housing schemes throughout the Southwest. With a key office in Bristol, CBCM is involved from the outset—coordinating architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
In parallel, Oliver manages Executive Properties & Lets, a holiday let and property investment business with homes in Cornwall, Devon, Bath, and Bristol. The company focuses on acquiring and improving high-quality properties for the short-term rental market and serves as a central property holding arm for the wider group.
Beyond the property sector, Oliver is a board member of a UK-based technology company that uses financial data to assist people affected by poor lending practices. He supports its ongoing growth as it expands nationally from its operational hub in Bristol.
Oliver is also in the process of establishing a real estate venture in the UAE with local partners, aimed at acquiring and repositioning residential properties. Across all of his ventures, Burleigh Investments, headquartered in Bristol, plays a pivotal role—providing a stable base to oversee operations, support early-stage businesses, and plan for long-term growth.
Committed and hands-on in his approach, Oliver emphasises quality, reliability, and strong working relationships. He resides in the UK with his wife and two children.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with spending time with my children in the morning, which gives me a sense of joy and motivation to begin the day on a positive note. After that, I organize my tasks and set clear goals to stay focused and productive. I usually start with the most important or demanding work while my energy is high and take short breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed. To make the most of my time, I use tools like to-do lists and time blocks. In the evening, I wrap up my tasks and spend quality time with my children, which helps me relax and end the day feeling fulfilled.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by first taking time to clearly define them and understand their purpose. Once I have a solid concept, I break it down into smaller, actionable steps to make the process more manageable. I do some research if needed, gather the right tools or resources, and create a simple plan or timeline to guide my progress. I find that talking to others for feedback can also help improve and strengthen the idea. Most importantly, I stay committed and take consistent action, even if it’s just one small step at a time, until the idea becomes a reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the rise of Agentic AI—intelligent systems that can make decisions and take action with minimal human input. I’m fascinated by how this technology can boost productivity, simplify complex tasks, and act like a digital assistant, freeing up time for more creative or meaningful work. It’s a game-changing shift that could reshape how we live and work.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is being persistent and resilient. I don’t give up easily when things get tough—instead, I push through challenges and keep going until I reach my goals. Even when progress is slow or setbacks happen, I stay focused and motivated. This mindset helps me stay on track, learn from mistakes, and keep improving no matter what comes my way.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d say: don’t be afraid to take risks and believe in your own abilities. Things won’t always go as planned, but every experience—good or bad—is a chance to grow and learn. Be patient with yourself, stay focused on your goals, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Trust the process and remember that resilience and self-confidence will take you far.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
One thing I believe that most people don’t agree with is that setbacks are more valuable than success in the long run. While many focus on achievements as the ultimate goal, I see failure and struggle as the moments that teach us the most. It’s in those tough times that we learn resilience, problem-solving, and how to truly grow. Success is great, but the journey through challenges is what really shapes who we become.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I consistently do and recommend to everyone is setting daily goals. Taking a few minutes each morning to plan out what I want to accomplish keeps me focused and productive throughout the day. It helps me prioritize, avoid distractions, and feel a sense of achievement as I complete each task. Even small goals can build momentum and create positive habits over time.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a short break to reset my mind. Stepping away, even for a few minutes, helps me clear my thoughts and come back with a fresh perspective. I often take a walk, do some deep breathing, or write down what’s on my mind to organize my thoughts. Once I’ve reset, I break my tasks into smaller steps and tackle them one at a time. This helps me feel more in control and focused again.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has really helped me advance in my career is consistently building strong relationships through clear communication and reliability. I make an effort to follow through on my commitments, stay honest about what I can deliver, and treat people with respect. Over time, this has built trust with colleagues, clients, and managers, which has opened doors to new opportunities and growth. Being dependable and easy to work with has made a lasting impact on how others see me and has helped me move forward professionally.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career was taking on too much at once and not asking for help when I needed it. I ended up missing a key deadline, which affected both the project and my confidence. At first, I was disappointed in myself, but I used it as a turning point. I learned to communicate better, manage my time more realistically, and delegate when necessary. Since then, I’ve become more organized and willing to speak up when I need support. That experience taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of real growth.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’d share is a local “life admin” service—essentially a personal assistant for everyday people. Many individuals, especially busy parents or working professionals, struggle to keep up with tasks like scheduling appointments, organizing paperwork, returning items, or managing to-do lists. A subscription-based or pay-per-task service that handles these small but time-consuming jobs could make life easier for clients and provide steady, flexible work for freelancers. With the right mix of trust, tech, and personal touch, it could be a win-win on both sides.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that really helps me stay productive is Trello. I use it to organize my tasks, set priorities, and track progress on both personal and work-related projects. The visual layout makes it easy to see what needs to be done, what I’m currently working on, and what I’ve completed. I can set deadlines, add notes, and even collaborate with others when needed. It helps me stay focused, avoid overwhelm, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
What is the best £100 you recently spent?
The best £100 I recently spent was on a weekend activity pass for my children and me to a local adventure park. It gave us a chance to spend quality time together outdoors, away from screens and daily routines. Watching them explore, laugh, and try new things was priceless. It reminded me how important it is to invest in experiences, not just things—especially when it comes to creating memories with family. That time together recharged me personally and helped me return to my work with more energy and clarity.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It taught me the power of small, consistent changes and how tiny habits can lead to big results over time. The practical strategies in the book helped me improve my daily routine, stay more focused, and build better habits both personally and professionally. What I love most is how simple and actionable the advice is—it’s not just theory, it’s something you can apply right away and see real progress.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A movie I recently enjoyed was The Founder, which tells the story of how Ray Kroc turned McDonald’s into a global franchise. I found it fascinating because it highlights both the ambition and the ethical complexities of business growth. It’s a powerful reminder of how vision, persistence, and timing can shape success—but it also shows the importance of integrity and treating people fairly. It left me thinking about what kind of legacy I’d want to create, both professionally and personally.
Key learnings:
- Daily Productivity Hinges on Structure and Balance
Starting the day with family time sets a positive tone, while planning, setting goals, and using tools like to-do lists and time-blocking ensures sustained productivity. Short breaks throughout the day and evening family time help maintain energy and focus. - Idea Execution Requires Clarity, Planning, and Persistence
Turning ideas into reality begins with defining a clear purpose and breaking it into manageable steps. Research, feedback, and consistent action—even in small increments—are crucial to bringing concepts to life. - Excitement About Emerging Technology, Especially Agentic AI
There’s enthusiasm for the rise of intelligent, autonomous systems that reduce manual input. These tools have the potential to boost productivity, streamline complex workflows, and unlock time for more meaningful tasks. - Resilience and Goal-Setting Are Core to Success
Persistence in the face of setbacks, coupled with daily goal-setting, builds momentum and long-term discipline. These habits are key to overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus on long-term objectives. - Failures and Setbacks Are Viewed as Growth Catalysts
Personal and professional growth often stems more from failures than successes. Learning to ask for help, set realistic expectations, and improve communication are vital lessons taken from challenging experiences.