In an age of high-profile founders and splashy self-promotion, Oliver Burleigh stands out for his quiet, methodical approach to business building.
The British entrepreneur, who began his career on the tools as a trainee electrician, has steadily carved out a name for himself across construction, property, and technology—without ever needing to shout about it.
Today, Burleigh oversees a group of businesses spanning the full property lifecycle: from mechanical and electrical contracting through to development management, holiday lettings, and international investment. At the centre of this portfolio sits Burleigh Investments, his privately held holding company, which not only manages operations across these ventures but also invests in early-stage businesses with long-term potential.
From Trainee to Business Owner
Burleigh’s professional journey started in hands-on fashion. After leaving school, he trained as an electrician—an experience that gave him a ground-level view of how construction sites operate, and where gaps in delivery and communication often arise. This early insight would prove valuable. In his early twenties, he founded ORB, a mechanical and electrical contracting firm that quickly grew into one of the Southwest of England’s most reliable providers.
ORB has since established a reputation for delivering large-scale residential and commercial projects with consistency—earning the trust of developers and construction partners alike. Unlike many contractors focused solely on execution, ORB places emphasis on long-term relationships and a proactive, solutions-led approach.
Scaling Up: CB Construction Management Ltd
With ORB firmly established, Oliver Burleigh turned his attention to the broader development process. In collaboration with a trusted partner, he co-founded CB Construction Management Ltd (CBCM)—a business that bridges the gap between landowners, architects, and contractors. Operating as a main contractor and development manager, CBCM gets involved early, helping shape project design, navigate planning, and coordinate professional teams.
CBCM is particularly active in the Southwest of England, where it manages high-quality residential schemes from start to finish. The firm’s ability to balance commercial rigour with a practical understanding of site delivery has seen it secure a strong pipeline of work, with further expansion on the horizon.
Building for Lifestyle and Legacy
In parallel, Burleigh launched Executive Properties & Lets, a business focused on acquiring and managing short-term rental properties in high-demand UK locations such as Cornwall, Devon and Bath. What began as a way to consolidate his growing real estate interests has now evolved into a profitable holiday let operation—offering well-designed, high-spec homes tailored for the domestic travel market.
The company is also responsible for holding key real estate assets across Burleigh’s wider business group, making it a cornerstone of his long-term investment strategy.
Diversifying Into Technology
Not content with bricks and mortar alone, Burleigh has also extended his reach into the technology sector. He sits on the board of a fintech company operating in the financial negligence space—an area of growing public interest in the UK. The business uses open banking technology to help consumers identify irresponsible lending and claim compensation from lenders. With increasing regulatory scrutiny in this sector, the startup has seen strong traction and is expanding across the UK.
While Burleigh’s role in the company is not operational, he brings commercial acumen and strategic support—contributing to its governance and broader vision.
International Horizons: The UAE Expansion
Looking ahead, Burleigh is preparing to enter new territory with the planned launch of a real estate venture in the United Arab Emirates. The new business, being developed in partnership with local professionals, will focus on sourcing and repositioning premium residential assets for the Gulf market. It marks the start of a more global chapter in his business journey—though the approach remains characteristically measured and considered.
An Entrepreneur Grounded in Values
Despite the growing scale of his ventures, those who work with Burleigh describe him as quietly ambitious, down-to-earth, and focused on long-term value rather than short-term flash. He remains closely involved in day-to-day business operations, often preferring the practical details over press coverage. At home, he’s a father of two and credits his young family as a key motivator in building sustainable, well-run businesses that create stability as well as opportunity.
At a time when many business leaders chase headlines, Oliver Burleigh is quietly building a portfolio that speaks for itself—combining construction expertise, a sharp investment eye, and a grounded approach to leadership that’s rare in today’s landscape.
