Getting to know... Robert Oates

In a new feature for Bdaily looking at the person behind the business profile, Robert Oates, founder and chief executive of Chester-based ecology consultancy Arbtech, talks about his route into the sector, his pride at his business’ growth and how he relaxes outside of work.

We know you as Robert Oates, founder and chief executive of ecology consultancy Arbtech. But who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick...

I like to build things. Companies. Brands. Buildings. 

I also like to accomplish things. 

If there’s some level of intellectual and/or physical challenge, I’m either doing it, have done it or it’s on the list.

Did you always want to work in ecology consultancy?

No. At school, I always wanted to be a Royal Marines officer.

But having flunked the grades needed, I had to do something to get the UCAS points.  

I ended up doing a degree in forestry and from that, fell into doing surveys for property developers.  

From there, 20 years later, Arbtech has become the leading ecology consultancy in the UK.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Building a business from zero to 130 people over a 20-year period that overcame many barriers, including the 2008 crash and COVID-19.

It hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has been fun.

I’m also immensely proud of creating an incredible group of people that are real friends outside of work.  

We have fostered a strong company culture, which has driven our growth and success, while maintaining a focus on innovation, collaboration and employee wellbeing.  

The social bonds at Arbtech are second to none – maybe that’s why we were named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024?

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bit are the people I work with, and seeing the positive changes our work makes on the environment. 

The worst are the slow planning systems.

We’re working hard to create positive change by responding on Government papers in the hope of speeding up the ecological aspects of the planning process.

How do you relax outside of work?

I fight competitively around the world (various fight sports).  

I try to fight at least a handful of times each year, either in Europe or the US.  

I’m also learning Portuguese, as my daughter is half-Brazilian and speaks Portuguese, so I’m trying to keep up!    

I’m an active guy, so enjoy everything from powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, running, hiking and snowboarding to mountain biking, motorbikes and reading, mostly about biology, economics and psychology.  

Basically, just about anything that doesn’t involve phones, social media or television.

What makes Chester such a great place to live and work?

We are lucky to have our head office in a rural setting on the outskirts of Chester, with easy access to the city, which has a rich history and notable architecture.  

But it’s my colleagues that really make it a great place to work.

They are at the heart of everything we do, and key to our continued success.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know….

I love Spain. 

I lived in Madrid in 2018, and learned Spanish at a full-time language school while running Arbtech. 

I have a home in Mallorca now, so spend a lot of summer days and weeks there. 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →