Why Standing Still Isn’t an Option for Engineering Firms in Greater Manchester

Antony Grace, Wigan Vice President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and Director of ASH Integrated Services.

Greater Manchester has always led from the front. As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the region has a legacy of innovation, resilience, and progress.

Today, that same mindset is needed more than ever as engineering, construction, and facilities management continue to evolve at pace.

As Wigan Vice President for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and Director of ASH Integrated Services, I see first-hand how quickly our sector is changing.

Standing still simply isn’t an option.

Businesses that are failing to adapt risk falling behind their clients, their workforce, and the wider economy.

At ASH Integrated Services, that belief shapes how we invest and how we grow.

We’ve made deliberate decisions to strengthen our capability, improve quality, and support our people so we can continue to deliver reliable, future-ready engineering solutions across Greater Manchester and the North West.

One example is our investment in in-house pre-fabrication. By manufacturing components off-site, we reduce time spent on live projects, minimise disruption, and improve health and safety.

It also allows for greater quality control and consistency, something clients increasingly expect from modern engineering partners.

We’ve also invested in our own 24/7 help desk and management systems.

Engineering problems don’t wait for office hours, and neither should the response.

Having these systems in place allows us to support clients quickly and effectively, particularly in reactive and emergency situations.

Sustainability is another area where change is accelerating.

The move towards low-carbon buildings is no longer optional. In response, we’ve expanded our renewable engineering services to support everything from EV charging and solar PV to underfloor heating and air source heat pumps.

These technologies are becoming part of everyday engineering practice, and businesses must be ready to deliver them competently.

However, the most important investment any engineering business can make is in its people. Technology alone doesn’t solve problems. Skilled, confident engineers do.

We continue to invest heavily in apprenticeships, training, and professional development.

Around 95% of our on-site work is delivered by our directly employed team, which gives us consistency, accountability, and shared standards.

It also allows us to develop talent internally and retain skills within the region.

Through my role with the GM Chamber, whether sitting on forums, advisory boards, or supporting education and skills initiatives, I see how vital collaboration is. Businesses, colleges, and policymakers all have a role to play in ensuring Greater Manchester remains a leader in engineering and manufacturing.

The companies that succeed will be the ones that keep learning, keep investing, and keep engaging with the wider ecosystem around them.

Standing still has never been part of this region’s story, and it shouldn’t be part of our future either.