With its diverse portfolio and integrated solutions, the Applebridge Family truly is the full package
Headquartered in Middlesbrough, the Applebridge Family is a truly versatile, innovative business, made up of eight companies covering a wide span of sectors across the construction and civil engineering industries. From commercial to residential, energy to utilities, telecoms to education, Applebridge’s extensive scope of capabilities and realm of expertise provides clients with specialist services and fully integrated solutions.
We last spoke with Applebridge in 2023; one year later, the company is continuing to soar, working on exciting new projects and expecting a £60 million increase in turnover by the end of 2024.
“Our journey began in July 2007 with the creation of AD Plant Hire,” Donny Hughes, CEO of Applebridge, reminisces. “Since then, we’ve grown steadily, incorporating various specialised divisions such as Applebridge Construction, Tarcon, and ZTL, among others.
“We offer a comprehensive range of turnkey services, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients from the ground up. Our group is structured to provide specialised services across various sectors, enabling us to deliver integrated solutions tailored to each project’s requirements.”
Whilst the AD Plant Hire division remains successful, providing plant, equipment and haulage services, the main division, Applebridge Construction, covers the civil engineering and utility sectors, offering in-depth pre-construction services alongside excellent project management and execution in line with the clients’ specifications.
Extending the business’ capacities further are Applebridge Utilities and Applebridge Building Services, as well as ZTL Contracting, Tarcon and Retaining UK. Most recently, however, Applebridge has been proud to launch the Applebridge Geoenvironmental business in 2023.
“As part of this launch, we have been actively promoting its comprehensive range of services to our client base, ensuring that they are well-informed about the enhanced environmental and geotechnical solutions we can now offer to support their projects,” Donny explains.
“Since we last spoke, we at the Applebridge Family have made significant strides in our journey towards growth, stability, and diversification,” he continues. “This year marks a pivotal moment for us as we move towards formalising our group structure. By unifying our operations under a formal group structure, we are significantly reducing risk and ensuring that we remain a stable and reliable partner for our clients.
“Diversification has been another key focus. We have successfully expanded our revenue streams by securing appointments to several prestigious frameworks, including the AMP 8 Living Water Framework with Northumbrian Water Group. Notably, the commercial sector has now overtaken residential as our primary source of turnover.”
Further to these strategic changes, Applebridge has also undergone geographical expansions across Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
“We have opened new offices in Alfreton, extending our presence into the Midlands, and are on the brink of opening a bespoke plant and machinery premises in Stokesley,” Donny shares.
Additionally, Applebridge has made significant investments into new advanced technologies to assist with companywide operations, which it hopes will influence the industry as a whole.
“Our commitment to innovation can be seen in our adoption of cutting-edge machinery and methods,” Donny elaborates. “We have integrated drone surveying and GPS technology into our earthworks and groundworks divisions, allowing us to carry out more precise and efficient surveys, improving accuracy and reducing project timelines.
“Additionally, our investment in ground stabilisation techniques, including the use of stabilisation, RDC, and RIC technology, has further strengthened our capability to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions to our clients.
“We have always embraced new technologies and methods, but we are now at a stage where we have the capability to influence and even develop our own technologies. Currently, we are in the process of developing a number of patents focused on sustainable practices within the construction industry.”
Growth trajectory 
In following, sustainability is at the heart of Applebridge’s processes. The company implements sustainable practises throughout its operations across all of its divisions. Whether in regards to pollution and waste reduction, water management or natural preservation, Applebridge’s commitment to environmental responsibility translates across every project.
“We have long embraced standard industry practices such as utilising fuel-efficient machinery, recycling, and sourcing sustainable materials,” Donny begins. “However, we believe our most significant impact lies in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients, with a particular focus on methods that offer long-term benefits to construction projects.
Over the past two years, we have undertaken a comprehensive exercise to map out our carbon footprint across the entire group. This has culminated in the development of a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) and the preparation of a net-zero target. Our goal is to achieve Net Zero by 2036, with a clear focus on reducing emissions year-on-year.”
Recently, Applebridge has commenced construction on a new, large-scale project for SeAH Wind, producing over 50,000 square metres of reinforced concrete slabs for the company’s monopile factory at its Teesworks site. The company has also engaged in a great deal of charity work over the past year and is passionate about helping local organisations make a real difference in their communities, including support for Applebridge’s Charity of the Year, the CAUSE Foundation.
Applebridge’s community spirit and ongoing success have been acknowledged with the Business of the Year 2024 award – a truly monumental achievement.
“Being awarded Business IQ North East, Business of the Year 2024 is a tremendous honour, and I believe several key factors contributed to this achievement,” Donny reveals. “Firstly, our consistent growth and success as a Middlesbrough-based company has been pivotal. Secondly, our deep commitment to the community has always been central to our ethos. We actively support local charities and strive to meet the needs of regional communities.
“Finally, our dedication to apprenticeships and training has played a crucial role. We’ve invested heavily in developing the next generation of construction professionals, working closely with local colleges to provide opportunities and nurture talent within the region. This holistic approach—combining business growth, community involvement, and a focus on training—has been instrumental in our success.”
Looking to the future, Applebridge intends to standardise its internal procedures companywide and continue on its immense growth trajectory. As well as expanding our offices in Middlesbrough, the business is eyeing additional national expansion, particularly in the Midlands.
“Over the next five years, our priority will be to cement our presence in new regions, expand our portfolio, and strengthen our established areas,” Donny expresses.
However, much like the business as a whole, Donny is keen to invest further in the people who help Applebridge shine.
“What excites me most is the development of our staff and apprentices. We invest heavily in training and upskilling, and it’s rewarding to see our first trainees stepping into managerial roles. I look forward to witnessing this new generation of construction professionals grow
into leadership positions, driving
our industry forward.”