Back in 1970, Jim Holland began trading aged 15 years, recycling metals and fabrics. As the winter season arrived the work changed to preparing fuels such as timber and kindle for retail. Before the age of 16 Jim felt he needed to go it alone in order to find new markets, contacts and outlets. A telephone was installed and his mom put on the payroll as book keeper and P.A. Jim bought a van, then another and then a pickup truck, each of which proved to be daunting because of the absence of motor vehicles in his childhood. The family had never even driven, relying on horses or hand carts to trade. Ever increasing trading volumes meant a 3 tonne flat bed lorry was soon required, and by 19½ a 10 tonne lorry was purchased. Not being old enough to drive HGV vehicles Jim employed a truck driver.

Jim enrolled at Dudley Tech College giving 1 day up each week to study history, and the City & Guilds brickwork and construction programme. As a student, Jim was introduced to the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands. He still maintains a great affection for the museum, which preserves the buildings, skills and history upon which the Black Country was founded. Thinking about change he spent 3 months in Canada, wondering if better opportunities lay there. However, being an English patriot he returned with new determination.

In a volatile and shifting market there was a need to diversify, and Jim successfully negotiated a contract with British Gas to supply HGV lorries to service the West Midlands. Providing a first class service he was able to expand the fleet to 7 trucks, with trained operatives. New, larger premises were acquired in Hainge Road, Oldbury, allowing further diversification into skip hire and waste recycling. After selling the skip hire business in 1986/7, Jim was able to find time to expand into the property market. Using his knowledge and expertise, this has led to many successful developments, visit our Specialist Building page for a more in depth view.

Historically, we also provided grab hire services to all the utility industries: gas, electric, water and telecoms. Over the years we worked for many prestigious clients, including West Midlands Police, the Ministry of Defence and Local Authorities, and our fleet of trucks was engaged in the redeployment of infrastructure in the Isle of Man. At all times over the years, buildings of historical interest have been saved by Holland’s, and in most cases re-constructed at new sites. Our Historical Building Relocation page provides more information on how we relocate important buildings, as well as buildings we’ve relocated in the past.

At its core Holland’s is very much a family business, as can be seen through the continued involvement of Steve Holland. As a youngster Jim used to call Steve “fingerprint”, with his teacher favouring the term “rough diamond” – Steve would agree both statements are true. Having been educated at Haybridge in Hagley, Steve spent a few years working in legal, IT and service jobs before discovering his passion lay closer to home. He has now been with the company for 12 years, and manages its day to day operations. Since his involvement, the Holland Contracting team has expanded its focus on its core business, cutting back on its ancillary services while maintaining an efficient, flexible and multi-skilled workforce.