| 59 Kelly Deeks Small firm with big outlook SBA Civil subcontracted to Fulton Hogan to perform all inground drainage and sewer works at the Wellington Airport for the new bus terminal including the attenuation tanks. CIVIL CONSTRUCTION SBA Civil A small contractor with big ambitions and huge experience, SBA Civil is providing the same high-quality services as the big contracting companies. SBA Civil was started by civil engineer Sam Aitkenhead in 2020. Sam had spent the previous 18 years managing and implementing major infrastructure projects around the world for Tier 1 contractors. “From my Tier 1 client background, I saw there was a gap in the market for small quality contractors,” he says. “Many of the smaller contractors don’t have the same standards as the big companies, so we wanted to bring in all of the standards and procedures the big companies use and basically do our client’s job for them. We act like a big company but we’re a small, quality company and the clients love it.” Sam saw the long-term need for three waters infrastructure upgrades in Wellington as providing a continuing workflow for the coming years and beyond, so he geared up SBA Civil specifically to cater to this type of work, as well as an all-round civil works capability. “The demand in the three waters infrastructure space in Wellington is huge at the moment. Every pipe is 50+ years old and needs replacing, so that is the focus we have had from the start.” The foundation of SBA Civil is providing a turn-key package where clients have the confidence that SBA Civil will provide a high-quality product in a safe manner. “I’ve been in the same position as everyone we now work for, so I know exactly what they are looking for in a contractor, and that is what I try to promote in our company and in our team.” Sam and the team of 15 have been training, developing, and upskilling staff who are new to the civil construction industry, with Sam keen to support the local community and grow the local economy in the Greater Wellington Region. “We’ve got quite a few staff who had no previous experience, and we’ve spent a lot of time and effort in training them. With a good positive attitude and willingness to learn, it doesn’t take much to get these guys working well.” SBA Civil has a core group of staff who are effective trainers, giving Sam the confidence he can take on people with no civil experience. One of the positions Sam is keen to fill is that of operations manager, as his business grows alongside the demands of Wellington region. He wants to spend some time consolidating what has so far been established at SBA Civil in terms of a high quality service for every client, while making sure the business continues to run well. Sam has a network of local civil construction industry contacts who he likes to talk to for their guidance and support. “I try to talk to different types of leaders in the industry and understand what they are doing better. The key thing it always comes down to is a good company culture and people wanting to come to work.” SBA Civil strives to look after and develop its people, building a great culture with strong teams who deliver beyond the clients’ expectations. CHNZ is your Rental partner, available 24/7. Commercial Hire NZ equipment can be found throughout NZ, on many of the most well-known contracting, civil and construction projects. As a proud New Zealand owned & operated, family business, we have been supporting local jobs and communities for over 30 years. CHNZ listens to your needs, with our extensive industry knowledge and Nationwide branches, to offer you sound advice and a quality hire service. Your Truck and Trailer Rental Partner 0800 COM HIRE (0800 266 447) www.commercialhire.co.nz info@commercialhire.co.nz WELLINGTON Wellington & North Island 13 Makaro Street, Porirua, Wellington DUNEDIN Otago & Southland 23 Gow Street, Mosgiel, Dunedin CHRISTCHURCH Canterbury, Marlborough & West Coast 59 Hayton Road, Wigram, Christchurch Proudly supporting SBA Civil
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