CONSTRUCTION
How the Applebridge Family is engineering continued success
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON
WE ARE FAMILY
Optimistic – Applebridge Family owner and CEO Donny Hughes is confident about the firm ’ s future .
The construction industry has always been a sector fraught with challenges , from economic fluctuations to skill shortages and everevolving regulatory landscapes .
Amid these , the Applebridge Family stands out as a beacon of stability , innovation and growth .
Comprising eight distinct yet synergistic companies , the Applebridge Family – with its head office on Cargo Fleet Road , Middlesbrough – offers a comprehensive range of construction services that span residential , commercial and multi-utility sectors .
The group comprises Applebridge Geoenvironmental , ZTL Contracting , AD Plant Hire , Applebridge Civils , Applebridge Utilities , Applebridge Building Services , Retaining UK and Tarcon .
And with a collective annual turnover exceeding £ 100m , the group has solidified its position as a formidable player in the industry .
A unified front for stability As part of its continued strategy , the Applebridge Family has announced plans to become an official unified group , marking a significant milestone in its journey .
This strategic step is particularly important in the current climate , where the construction industry faces the highest rate of insolvencies of any sector .
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight that more than 25,000 construction companies went bust in 2023 , a 30-year high .
This alarming trend has continued into 2024 , raising concerns among clients about the reliability of their contractors .
Construction is now suffering the highest number of insolvencies of any industry , accounting for one in six of all business failures in the UK .
In this context , the Applebridge Family ' s consolidation provides a much-needed assurance to clients .
Applebridge owner and CEO Donny Hughes said : “ Our clients can have complete confidence in our stability and our ability to deliver , no matter the challenges faced by the wider industry .
“ Our progress towards formalising the group structure reduces risk and ensures that we can consistently meet and exceed client expectations .”
From strength to strength The Applebridge Family ' s financial health and growth trajectory further underline its success .
In 2023 , the group collectively broke the £ 100m turnover mark , and projections for 2024 indicate an impressive target of £ 160m .
This growth is not just in numbers but also in geographical reach , with new offices opened in the Midlands town Alfreton , as part of the group ' s expansion plans .
The group ’ s growth is mirrored in its accolades and recognition . In 2024 ,
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