With over 20 years of operation under its belt, AB Electrical—now AB Building and Electrical—has grown from a small sub-contracting firm into a respected main contractor in the social housing sector. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development, since its creation in 2002 the company has built a reputation not only for its technical excellence but also for its people-first approach, particularly in its pioneering apprenticeship programme.
Originally established by Tony Batterton and Stewart Shaw, AB began as a domestic and commercial electrical contractor. Its trajectory changed in 2009 when Dave Batterton joined, bringing a vision to elevate the company into a main contractor role. This shift required significant structural and operational changes, including the expansion into building services and a rebrand to AB Building and Electrical.
Over the years AB has experienced consistent growth, doubling in size during some periods. Strategic hires such as Dave Batterton and Simon Crewe (now Managing Director) have helped professionalise and polish the business. Both are chartered professionals—Simon with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Dave with the Chartered Institute of Building—underscoring the company’s commitment to high standards.
“We created a bit of a monster, and now we need to feed it,” explains Dave, reflecting on the company’s rapid growth and the need to maintain quality and structure. “Placing such a strong emphasis on staff development and bringing young people through the business has therefore been integral to our philosophy.”
AB’s apprenticeship programme is a standout feature of its success. From the early days, the company prioritised developing young talent, often taking on more apprentices than typical for its size. This commitment has paid off, however, with many apprentices remaining with the company long-term, contributing to a stable and trusted workforce.
The company’s approach goes beyond traditional trade apprenticeships. AB has supported apprenticeships in business administration, finance, and site management, making the programme accessible to a broader range of candidates. This inclusive strategy has helped diversify the workforce and address industry-wide skills shortages.
“We haven’t just focused on your typical young apprentice who wants to be an electrician or a joiner,” adds Simon. “We’ve spread it across different trades, which has made it open to more people.”
One particularly inspiring story is that of Courtney , who, after attending a Women in Trades event hosted by Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG), received support from AB and its partners, including CV coaching and interview preparation. She successfully secured a position with AB, exemplifying the company’s commitment to empowering individuals and breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. WCHG were particularly glowing about AB, as they mentioned: “A huge congratulations to Courtney, and to AB Building and Electrical for their well-earned national recognition. We’re proud to work alongside you.”
AB’s apprenticeship success is closely tied to its partnerships with housing associations and community organisations. In Wythenshawe, where the company has maintained offices since winning a major contract in 2011, it works closely with WCHG, Salix Homes, Jigsaw Homes, Procure Plus, and Bury. These partnerships have enabled the company to offer apprenticeships and work placements that align with local needs and sustainability goals. AB has been successful on a number of new EICR term contracts and will be looking to engage with its new clients for the 2026 intake.
AB’s dedication to apprenticeships has not gone unnoticed from a wider perspective either. This year the company was named one of the UK’s top 50 SME apprenticeship employers—a prestigious accolade that reflects years of consistent investment in people. Dave recently attended a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Lords to celebrate the achievement, further cementing AB’s status as a leader in apprenticeship development.
“It’s a real acknowledgement of the work we’ve done,” highlights Dave. “We’ve brought so many apprentices through over the years and a significant number are still with us. That consistency and trust makes it all worthwhile.”
Simon added: “We’re proud to be recognised nationally. There weren’t many construction companies in the top 50, so to be among them is a huge achievement for us and a testament to our commitment to apprenticeships.”
The company’s apprenticeship programme is supported by structured mentoring, shadowing, and online learning platforms. Training needs analyses ensure that apprentices are well-prepared for the transition from school to the workplace. AB’s internal systems help apprentices build confidence and competence, setting them up for long-term success.
Despite challenges such as rising costs and college delays in portfolio completion, AB has remained committed to refining its delivery model. The company’s focus on quality and sustainability ensures that apprenticeships are not just a box-ticking exercise but a meaningful investment in the future.
As AB continues to grow, its chartered building company status offers a unique selling point for securing larger projects. It is also expanding its services in electrical compliance, including EICRs, remedial works, ventilation systems, and EV charger installations. With bespoke software and online compliance portals, the company is continually enhancing its offering to clients while maintaining its people-centric ethos.
In the coming year, AB is aiming for controlled, consistent growth within its existing sectors, leveraging its strong foundation and reputation. With apprenticeships at the heart of its strategy, the company is not only building homes and infrastructure but also powering futures—one apprentice at a time.