Our Story
HB Tunnelling is a contractor specialising in tunnelling and underground construction services. Discover our story and how we have become a trusted partner for the UK’s leading contractors and utility companies.
Our Journey
Why Choose HB Tunnelling?
HBT has grown into a national specialist contractor with 100+ personnel, significant annual turnover and a specialist plant fleet supporting delivery across the water, rail, highways and energy sectors.
We are a rapidly expanding specialist contractor, and one of the UK’s specialist tunnelling contractors with the capability to deliver complex trenchless, shaft sinking and underground infrastructure works. Supported by an in-house design and engineering team, we provide turnkey design, engineering and construction solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each project.
We pride ourselves on safely delivering the highest quality work in every project. This approach has driven consistent growth and fostered long-term relationships with the UK’s leading contractors through repeat business. We continually invest in ourselves – acquiring our own new plant and machinery, committing to a strong ESG policy, and supporting the ongoing development of our people.
Key Milestones in Our Evolution
Since 2009, we have proudly serviced the industry for over 15 years, experiencing significant growth and setting new standards in the tunnelling and trenchless sectors through relentless innovation and strategic partnerships.
Foundation of HBT
HB Tunnelling was founded by our Chairman Hugh Boyle, after working in the tunnelling industry himself for over 25 years.
Contracted Works
The company began delivering contracted works across the UK and Northern Ireland, marking HBT’s entry into the trenchless and specialist civils market.
First Major Scheme
HB Tunnelling completed its first major scheme in Denbigh, North Wales, completing a guided auger bore and achieving a significant early milestone for the business and the team.
Auger Boring Rig
We have successfully invested in our very first Guided Auger Boring Rig, marking an exciting milestone for our company.
First TBM Newport
2013-Purchased our first mechanised Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), marking a significant step in expanding our technical capability and self-delivery capacity.
Expanded TBM
Continued to invest in our plant fleet with the addition of further TBMs, strengthening our ability to deliver multiple mechanised tunnelling projects concurrently.
First Overseas Contract
HBT secured its first international contract in Jersey, showcasing its capability to deploy equipment, staff, and management systems outside mainland UK.
ISO certifications
Achieved ISO certification, formalising our commitment to quality management, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety.
Slurry TBM
The company installed its first slurry microtunnel using hired equipment, successfully broadening its operational experience into slurry tunnelling techniques.
First Box Jacking Scheme
HBT completed its first box jacking scheme in the West Midlands, further
diversifying its trenchless construction portfolio.
Design & ECI Contracts
Commenced Design and ECI contracts, allowing closer collaboration with clients and designers and adding value through buildability input at early project
stages.
£10M Turnover
HB Tunnelling has achieved an impressive turnover of £10 million, a significant milestone largely propelled by their extensive work related to the HS2 project.
Operating Through Covid
Continued operating throughout the COVID-19 lockdown period, delivering emergency and critical infrastructure contracts while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.
Herrenknecht TBM
Continued investment in our plant fleet with the purchase of our very first Herrenknecht Slurry TBM (AVN1500), which will enhance our capabilities significantly.
New Head Office
Relocated to a new head office to support continued growth and provide an improved base for our expanding operational and management teams.
£40 Million Turnover
This turnover milestone demonstrates HBT’s rapid growth and successful scaling as a specialist tunnelling contractor.
In-House Design & Engineering Capability
We established an in-house design and engineering team, incorporating ground investigation and surveying capabilities to deliver fully integrated tunnelling solutions.
Our Values & Culture
#TeamHBT: Together Everyone Always Matters
Our team philosophy, ‘Together Everyone Always Matters’ defines the core of our business and commitment to our people. We believe that safe, high-quality service is the direct result of a fully supported and skilled team.
We are dedicated to working together and practising safety to the highest possible standards, ensuring the well-being of our operatives is the top priority on every site. This team-first culture is what drives our commitment to achieving operational excellence, meeting clients’ programme requirements, and delivering exceptional quality from commencement through to completion.