New Civil Engineering Firm Allestra Group Setup to Tackle UK Telecoms

The former MD of street works firm Light Source, Steve Hill, this week announced that he’d established the Nottingham-based Allestra Group to serve the telecommunications (broadband etc.), renewable energy, multi-utilities, network design, and traffic management sectors with similar engineering solutions.

The core focus of the new company will initially be on telecommunications and multi utility services, where they already appear to be working with the likes of Openreach and Vodafone. But the group also plans to transition toward renewable energy with a focus on Electric Vehicles (e.g. building charging infrastructure) etc.

The announcement represents an interesting development for a market that has recently been placed under a lot of strain, not least due to many alternative network (altnet) operators opting to slow or pause their fibre broadband builds (fuelled by issues of high interest rates, rising build costs and competition etc.).

The current situation has had knock-on impacts for street works firms (contractors), some of which even fell into administration. But where some see only problems, others clearly sense an opportunity.

Steve Hill, CEO of Allestra Group, said:

“I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Allestra Group, where I’m delighted to step into the role of Group CEO.

Allestra isn’t just a business group — we’re a bold, future-focused collective dedicated to driving innovation across critical industries.

With a strong presence in telecommunications, renewable energy, multi-utilities, network design, and traffic management, Allestra is committed to delivering integrated solutions that connect people, power communities, and build smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.

Through our companies—Upscale Utilities, Trent VC, Upscale TM, and Upscale Managed Services—we’re expanding high-speed networks, developing smart utility systems, enhancing road safety, and advancing green technologies to shape the future.

I am looking forward to working with our partners, excited for what the future holds and proud to lead a team that’s going to shape it.”