At ASH Integrated Services, we believe that the future of our industries lies in the hands of the next generation. That’s why we are proud to share that our Director, Antony Grace, has been appointed as an Enterprise Adviser for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This role reflects his personal journey and also ASH Integrated Services’ ongoing commitment to supporting young people as they step into the world of work.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
As an Enterprise Adviser, Antony will be working closely with Deans Trust Rose Bridge High School in Ince to strengthen the connection between education and business.
The goal is to help students gain real-world insights, develop employability skills, and better understand the opportunities available to them, particularly in the mechanical, electrical, and renewable energy industries.
Too often, young people leave school without a clear understanding of career pathways or the skills that employers are looking for.
By working directly with educators, Antony aims to provide invaluable guidance. Ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the workforce.
A Personal Journey of Resilience and Success
Antony’s commitment to this role is deeply personal. Over the last 20 years, he has built and grown three successful businesses, but his journey hasn’t been without challenges.
In 2009, during the economic downturn, he lost his first business. This resulted in personal bankruptcy and the loss of his home.
Rather than letting this experience define him, Antony used it as a learning opportunity.
He rebuilt his career with a renewed focus, gaining firsthand experience of what it takes to not only start but sustain a business through adversity.
“I’ve learned things you can’t teach in a classroom – through both success and failure,” says Antony.
“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.”
The Power of Mentorship in Career Development
Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping career paths. The Enterprise Adviser Network provides a structured way for business leaders to give back.
By volunteering their time and expertise, Enterprise Advisers help schools enhance their career education programmes. This ensures students have access to the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.
For students, having access to mentors like Antony means gaining practical advice from someone who has navigated the challenges of the business world.
This real-world perspective can be transformative, helping young people set realistic career goals. It also encourages them to take proactive steps toward achieving those goals.
ASH Integrated Services’ Ongoing Commitment to Education
Antony’s new role aligns with ASH Integrated Services’ broader commitment to education and business collaboration. As a company, we have long been involved in initiatives that support career development. We conduct mock interviews and mentor students, helping them build essential skills. Additionally, we showcase career opportunities in engineering and the broader built environment sector.
We believe businesses have a responsibility to invest in future talent. This benefits not only individual students but also the industry as a whole.
By taking an active role in career education, we can help create a pipeline of skilled and motivated professionals. This ensures they are motivated and prepared to tackle future challenges.
Looking Ahead
As Antony embarks on this new journey as an Enterprise Adviser, ASH Integrated Services is proud to support his efforts in shaping the next generation of business leaders and industry professionals. His story is a powerful reminder of the value of resilience, learning from experience, and giving back to the community.
For more information about our work in education and business development, visit our dedicated website page, Giving Back.
