A Vision that Built a Multidisciplinary Powerhouse
Founded in 1990 by Alan Lusty, adi Group began as a small team under adi Electrical, offering electrical installation and testing. Inspired by a dream to create a self-delivered ‘one-stop-shop’ for multidisciplinary engineering services, Alan’s vision was clear: build a business that would add an engineering service or sector specialist delivery division every 12 to 18 months – a vision that continues to drive the company today.
Expanding Expertise Across Industries
Fast forward to 2025, the Group now boasts nearly 40 specialist divisions and a team of approaching 1,000 employees. With 10 regional offices in the UK and Ireland, adi Group continues to deliver bespoke, turnkey engineering and construction solutions across a diverse range of industries including oil and gas, food and beverage, automotive, life sciences, aerospace and defence, environmental services, sustainable solutions and decarbonisation, and many, many more.
A Founder’s Reflection on Growth and Integrity
Reflecting on the milestone, Founder and Chairman, Lusty said: “adi Group was born from a simple belief: that we could offer a better, more integrated engineering service to the manufacturing sector. What began with just a small electrical offering has evolved into a 40-division strong business, and that growth is a testament to the dedication, integrity and passion of our people.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Recognition
But the Group’s accomplishments aren’t just limited to engineering prowess. As a responsible business, adi is committed to shaping a better, more sustainable industry and society. From being ranked among the Top 5% of sustainable suppliers globally by EcoVadis, to earning the Gold RoSPA Award for the seventh year in a row, to securing a Two-Star ‘Outstanding’ rating from Best Companies, adi Group’s commitment to doing business the right way runs deep.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth
Paul Smith, CEO of adi Group, said: “This anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognising the impact our people have had and the exciting road ahead. Our goal is to continue leading by example, delivering innovation, sustainability and career opportunities that future-proof both our business and the wider stakeholder group. adi Group is poised to enter its next phase of growth and to deliver on our core mission; to Engineer a Better Future for our customers, our employees and our global community at large.”
Pioneering Engineering Education and Youth Development
True to that mission, adi Group remains a pioneer in engineering education and youth development. Its Apprentice Academy, launched in 2014, and Pre-Apprenticeship Programme, launched in 2016, have helped over 100 apprentices and over 100 pre-apprentices begin their careers. Most adi pre-apprentices go on to pursue an adi apprenticeship scheme, while apprenticeship graduates go on to contribute directly to the business’ multidisciplinary teams, with over 10% of the firm’s workforce being either apprentices, graduates or coming from this route.
Driving Earn-and-Learn Opportunities
The company is also a Platinum member of the 5% Club, advocating for the vital importance of earn-and-learn opportunities and inspiring like-minded businesses to implement similar schemes.
Giving Back: Community and Charity Involvement
Running in parallel with and contributing to this core mission, the Group is driven by a strong commitment to supporting its local community. The adi Group offers its staff a wide range of volunteering opportunities including over 8,000 work hours of paid volunteering time, in which to imaginatively and purposefully deliver pro bono and other work to deserving causes and charities.
A Legacy Beyond Engineering
In just the past eight years, adi Group has raised over £500,000 for charities, supporting causes and organisations such as Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, its current principal charity, earning it a ‘100 Heroes’ Award for three consecutive years.
Lusty said: “We’ve always believed in business as a force for good. Whether it’s through engineering innovation, community support or investing in young talent, we want to build a legacy that reaches far beyond project delivery.”
