Otley-based immersive technology business Apollo3D is celebrating after winning the coveted Best Customer Service Award at the prestigious Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026.
The independent digital twin and 3D mapping specialist beat competition from across the region to secure the title. Unlike traditional industry body accolades, the Yorkshire Choice Awards are determined entirely by a public vote. This makes the victory a direct reflection of the high regard in which Apollo3D is held by its clients and partners.
Founded in 2017 by Mark Shepherd, Apollo3D creates hyper-accurate digital representations of physical assets for businesses managing complex spaces, spanning healthcare, retail, hospitality, and the public sector. Over nearly a decade, the Otley firm has delivered more than 3,000 virtual tours and established a client roster including the NHS, Primark, Greene King, and Marks & Spencer.
Organisers noted that the nomination and subsequent win highlighted Apollo3D’s commitment to tailoring state-of-the-art spatial software to meet individual business challenges. These efforts include the recent launch of their custom “Infinity Virtual Tours” platform, which helps businesses convert online interest into solid sales bookings.
“Winning this award is a significant milestone for our 12-strong team, especially because it was voted for by the public and our clients. When we started out nine years ago, 3D mapping was often viewed as a passing visual gimmick. We’re now one of the leading experts in the field and have worked incredibly hard to change that perception, turning our digital twins into practical daily tools that help clients cut down travel times, reduce carbon emissions, and streamline maintenance.
“This trophy proves that our growth has not come at the expense of personal service. Whether we are scanning a local venue like Buon Apps restaurant or surveying over 350 international retail spaces for a major brand like Primark, we treat every client with the same level of care and detail.”
The Yorkshire Choice Awards were established to recognise the achievements of independent local businesses and inspirational individuals across the county. This year’s milestone 10th-anniversary celebration raised vital funds for regional childhood cancer charity Candlelighters.
“Customer service in the technology sector is often reduced to automated helpdesks and chat tickets. At Apollo3D, we have built our business by listening directly to client headaches and developing custom solutions, which is exactly how our Infinity platform came to life.
“We are currently preparing for a major expansion of the business. As we scale up to target a £1 million turnover inside the next 18 months, keeping this award-winning approach to customer care will remain our absolute priority.”
Pubs and bars across the UK are being encouraged to embrace cutting-edge virtual mapping technology as they prepare for a surge in trade during the FIFA 2026 World Cup 2026, with demand for standout venues expected to soar. The tournament kicks-off on 11 June, with England’s first game on 17 June.
According to Leeds-based virtual mapping specialists Apollo3D, there has been a 50 per cent rise in pubs and hospitality venues adopting virtual tours compared with the same period last year. The business has been working with a growing number of operators, including multiple Greene King pubs across England, Scotland and Wales, and Wakefield-based Ossett Brewery, to help showcase spaces online and convert digital interest into confirmed bookings.
The company has also created tours for several of the pubs on the famous Otley run in Headingley and aims to produce a complete curated video tour resource for all 18 of the stops on the two-mile Leeds pub crawl.
With the tournament less than a month away and fans already planning where to watch the games, operators are under pressure to demonstrate what sets their venue apart. From large screens and private hire areas to outdoor spaces and premium seating, virtual mapping lets customers explore a pub before they arrive, helping them make quicker, more confident decisions. During England matches, pubs can experience between a 30% to 147% uplift in sales, particularly on key tournament days with a successful tournament for England potentially boosting the wider hospitality economy by over £150 million.
The rise in demand from pub and bar operators coincides with the recent launch of Apollo3D’s latest platform, Infinity Virtual Tours. Around half of the company’s current projects are now driven by venues aiming to increase visitor numbers, while the new offering is also drawing international interest from locations including theatres, stadiums, and cinemas.
Infinity Virtual Tours go beyond traditional walkthroughs by enabling organisations to connect multiple locations, guide users through a space, and gain valuable insights into viewer behaviour, such as which areas attract the most attention. The experience is further elevated through striking drone flythroughs, adding an extra layer to the immersive 3D presentation.
“The World Cup always brings a huge opportunity for pubs and hospitality venues but competition is fierce. Customers want to know exactly what they are getting before they commit to a venue, especially for major fixtures. Virtual mapping gives venues a powerful way to present their space and secure bookings early.”
The push comes at a time when the hospitality sector continues to face significant financial strain. Rising energy bills, increased business rates and wider economic pressures have squeezed margins, forcing operators to find new ways to drive footfall and maximise spend per visit. Hospitality industry data has shown closures remain a concern, with many venues operating on tight profit lines.
Apollo3D’s technology enables venues to create immersive, high-quality walkthroughs that can be embedded on websites, shared across social channels and integrated with booking platforms. This gives potential customers a clear view of layout, atmosphere and facilities, helping pubs stand out in a crowded market.
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