Dr Michael R Oliver OBE DL

Chairman of Knutsford based Oliver Valves Ltd, a company making ultra-high pressure valves for the oil and gas sector and also for hydrogen and carbon capture applications.

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Michael’s original valve design in 1979 has gone on to sell more than 5 million units worldwide.

The business was established in 1979 in Michael’s garage at his family home in Hale, Cheshire. The original valve that he designed is still in production today with over five million examples world-wide having been delivered. Today, the company manufactures over 8,000 different types of valves and has an annual turnover exceeding £100m.

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Take a Brief Tour with Michael

Michael provides an insight to how he’s grown a successful business and shares what he believes to be the meaning of success.

Global Office Locations

Dr Oliver’s company employs 350 people in Knutsford and has offices operating in Kuala Lumpur handling the Asia Pacific region, Dubai handling the Middle East area and Houston Texas handling the USA.

UK and International Clients

The company’s clients are all the major energy companies world-wide, including Shell, BP, Exxon and Chevron.

Order of the British Empire

Michael was awarded the Order of the British Empire by the Queen at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in 2012. He has also been a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire since 2011 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering for his services to Engineering in Cheshire by the University of Chester in 2013.

Supporting Charities

Michael and his wife Jennifer, support numerous charities, including East Cheshire Hospice and the Hospice at Home Scheme and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.