Apollo3D hires Joe Langley to grow its digital twin work after £100,000 funding

Apollo3D, a Leeds-based immersive visual technology company, has hired Joe Langley as its business development manager after raising £100,000 to fund its expansion.

The money will go on scaling operations, adding technical capability and keeping up with rising commercial demand.

From its base in Otley, Apollo3D creates highly accurate digital twins of physical sites, along with CGI visualisations, interactive virtual walkthroughs and web platforms, for clients in the UK and overseas.

The firm already works with clients in retail, healthcare, manufacturing and commercial property. Langley joins as it speeds up its move into new commercial sectors.

From estate agency to digital twins

Langley spent seven years in estate agency, joining at 17 and working his way up to branch manager.

Marketing property gave him an early sense of what immersive visuals can do, especially when buyers view spaces online before making big financial decisions. Running a branch then widened his remit to finding new business, developing teams and building lasting relationships with clients.

At Apollo3D he will introduce its digital twin, virtual tour and CGI services to sectors where the company sees untapped potential, including commercial development, hospitality, manufacturing and large-scale retail.

Over the next 18 months he aims to make Apollo3D the go-to partner for organisations that want to change the way they manage, present and use physical spaces.

What they said

Mark Shepherd, founder and managing director of Apollo3D, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joe to the team at an exciting period of growth for the business. Securing growth funding has enabled us to invest in talent that will help us build stronger relationships across key sectors.”

He added: “Joe’s deep understanding of client requirements and his practical approach to problem-solving make him a brilliant fit for the team as we continue to scale up our operations.”

Langley said: “Having spent my professional career working across Yorkshire, it is particularly exciting to join a forward-thinking business of Apollo3D’s calibre.”

He knew virtual tours from property, he said, but seeing the team use digital twin technology on real operational problems for B&M, Multivac and the Royal Armouries “showed me just how much further this technology can go”.

“My focus is on helping businesses understand how our combined services from pre-build CGI and operational digital twins to video content and web development, can deliver tangible commercial value,” he said.

He cited retailers planning complex refits virtually and factories using the technology to streamline staff training and asset management, adding: “I am looking forward to driving new opportunities and helping Apollo3D achieve its ambitious growth plans.”

Founded in 2017, Apollo3D operates from Wharfebank Mills in Otley. Its clients, across retail, healthcare, hospitality and facilities management, include the NHS, Primark, Marks & Spencer, Greene King and OCS.