When it comes to making sense of complex procurement policies and frameworks, Oliver Grimshaw, Client Solutions Manager, is The Fair Co’s go-to.
As part of the Business Engagement team, Ollie works with clients across the public and private sectors to help them interpret and comply with policies like Local Jobs First and the Social Procurement Framework. His goal? To make sure good policy translates into fair, practical outcomes for business and community.
“I love that what I do has a real impact,” Ollie says. “I was drawn into working in this field as I took an interest in policies that, at their core, centre around providing social good. The opportunity to ensure social benefits are achieved as part of delivering once-in-a-generation projects such as the Metro Tunnel Project also helped me decide that the work I do has a good balance of positive tangible and intangible outcomes.
Pragmatic and curious by nature, Ollie’s days are spent helping clients solve problems, facilitating workshops and collaborating with peak bodies to shape best-practice models. It’s work that stretches well beyond construction — into sectors like energy, chemical engineering, various chambers of commerce and more.
“I’m proud of the way in which we support our clients with practical and pragmatic support”, Ollie explains, “We seek to understand what their challenges are and then work collaboratively with them to find solutions.”
If he could change one thing about how business operates, Ollie says it would be to make social and sustainability considerations standard, no matter the sector. “Every industry has opportunities to do good while doing business,” he says.
Off duty, Ollie finds his inspiration in sport, “To be on the world stage and be able to deliver exceptional results, particularly if adversity has had to be overcome in the process, is something I admire.
Our team is so grateful for Ollie’s wisdom, calmness and kindness – he definitely keeps his own style low-key. “If The Fair Co were a band, I’d be the keyboard player at the back of the stage,” he laughs. “Keeping things steady.”
And for the record, one of his claims to fame is that he grew up in Wycheproof, home to the world’s smallest registered mountain. (Yes, really – check it out here)
