ASH Integrated Services is proud to announce that Director Antony Grace has been appointed as an Enterprise Adviser for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). In this esteemed role, Grace will collaborate closely with Dean Trust Rose Bridge High School in Ince, aiming to bridge the gap between education and industry. His mission is to provide invaluable insights and guidance, equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the professional world.
Enterprise Advisers are seasoned business leaders who volunteer their time to support school and college leaders in developing robust career education programs. By partnering with educational institutions, they ensure that students are well-prepared to enter various industries, particularly those experiencing growth and innovation. Grace’s focus will be on the mechanical, electrical, and renewable energy sectors, areas where he has amassed significant expertise over his extensive career.
Grace’s journey in the business world spans over three decades, marked by both remarkable successes and formidable challenges. In 2009, during a global economic downturn, he faced the loss of his first business, leading to personal bankruptcy and the loss of his home. Undeterred, Grace viewed this setback as a profound learning experience. He rebuilt his career from the ground up, gaining a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in starting, growing, and sustaining a business. This resilience and determination have not only defined his professional path but also fueled his passion for mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.
Reflecting on his experiences, Grace stated, “I’ve learned things you can’t teach in a classroom—through both success and failure. I want to use my experience to help young people and aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions and avoid the mistakes that I made. If I can prevent even one person from going through what I did, then this role will be worth it.”
ASH Integrated Services, co-founded by Grace in 2019, is a multi-award-winning integrated mechanical and electrical (M+E) contractor. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including electrical, mechanical, renewables, and facilities maintenance. Operating across the UK, ASH Integrated Services serves diverse sectors such as education, hospitality, manufacturing, council-owned properties, commercial buildings, and housing. The company’s integrated approach ensures clients have a single point of contact for all M+E needs, reducing stress and streamlining project execution.
The directors of ASH Integrated Services bring over 100 years of combined industry expertise, underscoring their commitment to delivering high-quality projects. Their in-house team spans both mechanical and electrical services, providing clients with a truly integrated approach to M+E projects. The company’s dedication to excellence is further evidenced by its investment in a pre-fabrication workshop, enabling reduced on-site time and consistent quality, as well as an in-house 24/7 help desk and management system leading the way in reactive and emergency M+E support.
Grace’s appointment as an Enterprise Adviser aligns seamlessly with ASH Integrated Services’ broader commitment to education and career development. The company has a history of supporting initiatives that connect businesses with schools, including conducting mock interviews, mentoring students, and highlighting opportunities in engineering and the broader built environment sector. By fostering these connections, ASH Integrated Services aims to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
As Grace embarks on this new journey, ASH Integrated Services looks forward to supporting his efforts and contributing to the development of Greater Manchester’s future workforce. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning from experience, and giving back to the community. Through this role, Grace aims to inspire and guide the next generation, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce.
