The 5% club

We are thrilled to share the news of our recent membership in the prestigious 5% Club. This significant step forward aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to cultivate and invest in the future talents of the construction industry. As a contractor based in Middlesbrough and Yorkshire, we are dedicated to playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.

The 5% Club is an influential and dynamic employer-led initiative, aimed at fostering a flourishing UK economy through extensive ‘earn and learn’ opportunities. As a new member, we have pledged that within five years, 5% of our workforce across our group of businesses will be engaged in apprenticeships, sponsored student programmes, or formalised training schemes. This commitment is a reflection of our strategic vision to nurture and support the upcoming generation of construction experts.

Our recent accolade as the 4th best SME Apprentice Employer in the UK in 2022 is a testament to our long-standing commitment to apprenticeship and training programmes. Joining the 5% Club is a natural progression of our commitment, further enhancing our role as a leader in innovation and growth within the construction sector.

Andy Ray, our Group Operations Director, expresses his excitement about this new venture, stating, “Joining the 5% Club marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering young talent. It’s not just about fulfilling a quota; it’s about nurturing a skilled, diverse, and dynamic workforce capable of propelling our industry forward. We are excited to embark on this path and look forward to making a substantial impact in the lives of our future professionals.”

In line with our commitment to the 5% Club, we will be providing transparent reports on our progress in our Annual Report or equivalent documents. This will ensure accountability and visibility of our efforts in advancing skills development.

This initiative is not just about business growth; it’s about contributing to the broader economic prosperity of our region. It is an embodiment of our commitment to driving sustainable growth and innovation within the UK construction sector.

To learn more about the 5% Club, please visit https://www.5percentclub.org.uk/


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defibs at Applebridge Family

We are proud to announce our recent investment in the Red Sky Foundation by installing defibrillators across our offices in Middlesbrough and Wakefield. As a group comprising ZTL Contracting, AD Plant Hire, Applebridge Construction, Applebridge Utilities, Applebridge Building Services, and Retaining UK, we are committed to making a positive impact on our communities.

This decision was motivated by a personal experience that hit close to home for our Managing Director, Chris Brown. When his friend Oliver Williams suffered a cardiac arrest while out jogging, Chris realized the critical importance of having defibrillators readily available. Despite Oliver’s peak fitness, his life was saved thanks to the quick response of off-duty police officers who provided medical assistance until paramedics arrived with a defibrillator.

The Red Sky Foundation, a registered charity, has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the necessity of defibrillators. We are delighted to support their cause by installing defibrillators at our offices in Middlesbrough, Wakefield, and Imperial Park.

Founded by Sergio and Emma Petrucci, the Red Sky Foundation obtained full charitable status in 2020 as a way to express gratitude to the heart unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. The foundation has since raised over £950,000 to provide state-of-the-art machinery for treating heart conditions in babies, children, and adults across the North East and the wider UK. Sergio and Emma, recently honored with MBEs, continue their efforts to raise awareness and save lives.

Defibrillators are crucial life-saving devices that can treat cardiac arrest effectively. Every minute that passes without urgent CPR and defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by 7-10%. That is why having defibrillators available in public places, such as schools, workplaces, and gyms, is paramount. The Red Sky Foundation offers free training on their website (redskyfoundation.com) for anyone interested in learning how to use a defibrillator in just 15 minutes.

As part of the Applebridge Family, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our communities and prioritizing the well-being of those around us. Our investment in defibrillators is just one way we contribute to the greater good. Together, we can create safer environments and save lives. Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and contributions as we continue to work towards building a better future.


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We are pleased to announce that our new charity of the year for 2022 is The Ellen Timney Foundation. This is a registered charity set up in memory of Ellen, to help support underprivileged children in the North East.

Run entirely by volunteers, the foundation was set up by Jane Timney in celebration of the life of her mother Ellen Timney who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and sadly passed away 6 years later. Renowned for helping those around her, the Foundation was set up to remember and to continue the acts of kindness that Ellen was so well known for. The charity works with social workers and professionals to provide support for underprivileged children in the North East of England.

The Ellen Timney foundation came highly recommended to Applebridge by Remembering Rebecca (Applebridge’s Charity of 2020/21) and was chosen by the board of directors from a shortlist of charities.

To learn more about the Ellen Timney Foundation please visit their Facebook page @EllenTimneyFoundation


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Applebridge are proud to announce that, along with our Family of businesses, we have been shortlisted for the #NECharityAwards under the ‘Outstanding Charity Support by Small to Medium-Sized Companies.’

Our partnership with the MFC Foundation saw 30,000 free school meals, distributed to 2,500 families, across Teesside.

We would like to recognise the dedication shown by MFC chefs, Applebridge staff, their families and MFC Foundation volunteers and the hub workers. They all worked each day, to ensure the families had access to freshly cooked meals, Without all your time and support, this would not have been possible.

All of the Applebridge Family businesses contributed towards the scheme, with a collective £40,000 donated. We were inspired by the work of footballer and MBE, Marcus Rashford after his work with the End Child Poverty campaign.

The Applebridge Family were very honoured to ‘step up to the plate and serve the community’ when times were very uncertain. To be recognised for that contribution by the North East Charity Awards, amongst many other inspiring people and businesses, is humbling.

Join the Applebridge Family to celebrate all the finalists shortlisted in the awards on Thursday 3rd December from 6.45pm. The winners of each category are announced in a special event, held across social media.

Keep an eye on our social media and for the hashtag: #NECharityAwards

Across social media – #NECharityAwards

Twitter – @ApplebridgeCL

Instagram – @applebridge_cl

Facebook – ApplebridgeC

LinkedIn – Applebridge

The Applebridge Family is made up of a collective of businesses serving the construction industry:

ZTL-

AD Plant – plant hire

Applebridge

Applebridge Building Services:

Geocast

Retaining UK

Tarcon


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This week, Applebridge helped celebrate the birthday of a very special girl, with a baking competition in her honour.

Applebridge’s chosen charity of the year is Remembering Rebecca. They are a local charity who offer financial assistance to children with Lissencephaly and other neurological conditions.

The charity was formed in honour of beautiful little girl called Rebecca, who very bravely fought  Lissencephaly (smooth brain) in her short but inspirational, 21 months of life.

On Wednesday 28th, it would have been her 12th Birthday. The charity, which offers assistance to children, from birth to 16 years, have spent the full week fundraising to mark her birthday.

The children of the families stole the show and baked some fantastic cakes. Applebridge were very honoured to sponsor and judge the competition!

It was a very hard decision as they were all amazing but Ella aged 7  was awarded 1st place with Hector, aged 11 coming in a close 2nd.

Well done to everyone involved!

You can find out more about this wonderful charity on their website at: https://www.rememberingrebecca.co.uk/


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