A&M Shortlisted for Heating Contractor of the Year at the ASCP Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that A&M has been shortlisted for the prestigious Heating Contractor of the Year award at the 2025 ASCP Awards.

A&M Team has also been shortlisted for ‘Best SME Supplier to the Social Housing Sector’.

This recognition highlights the incredible dedication and expertise our Team brings to the social housing sector.

For over 60 years, A&M has been committed to delivering exceptional customer service, underpinned by our family values of care, integrity, and long-term commitment to our Team, clients and customers.

We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to keep residents warm and safe. Our team’s ability to solve complex problems swiftly, using innovative solutions like diagnostic video calls and agile engineering support, has made a real impact on the lives of our customers.

This award nomination is a testament to the passion and dedication of the A&M Team in providing high-quality, reliable heating services, and we couldn’t be prouder of all that we’ve achieved together.

Here’s to continuing our legacy of excellence in the social housing sector!

Ashley & McDonough Awarded One-Year Extension

Exciting News from Ashley & McDonough!

Here’s to another successful year!

We are delighted to announce that Ashley & McDonough has been awarded a one-year contract extension to continue providing Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Associated Equipment Services across the Merseytravel Estate.

This contract was originally secured through a competitive tender process. Since 2018, our dedicated A&M Team has been working closely with Merseytravel to ensure compliance, efficiency, and exceptional service delivery.

Why This Matters?

Merseytravel plays a crucial role as the Transport Executive Body for the Liverpool City Region, overseeing key transport services that keep the region moving.

At A&M, we take immense pride in our ONE TEAM approach, working collaboratively with the Merseytravel team to drive innovation, efficiency, and compliance. Our proactive and responsive service model ensures engineers can attend reactive calls within one hour.

What Sets Us Apart?

A 100% compliance focus, ensuring all assets are maintained to the highest standards

A dedicated in-house team, including Gas Safe engineers and NICEIC-qualified professionals

Advanced digital reporting, utilising our computerised management system to track compliance, repairs, and performance metrics in real time

A strong partnership approach, with structured contract reviews, ongoing communication, and future-proof planning

We are excited to continue this partnership with Merseytravel and look forward to delivering high-quality, proactive, and innovative HVAC services that support the region’s vital transport infrastructure.

A huge thank you to our incredible A&M Team and our partners at Merseytravel for their collaboration and commitment to excellence.

Investing in Young Talent: Georgia

Investing in Young Talent: Georgia’s Journey with A&M & The Riverside Group

At Ashley & McDonough (A&M), we believe in making a lasting impact—not just through our services but by investing in people. A key part of this commitment is our partnership with The Riverside Group (TRG), where we’re not only delivering excellent service but also creating real opportunities for local communities.

One such success story is Georgia Evans, a 17-year-old apprentice from Knotty Ash, Liverpool, who joined us as a Business Administrator Apprentice on July 15, 2024. Through her Level 3 Apprenticeship with Northwest Education & Training Ltd, Georgia is gaining vital skills in business operations, customer service, and project management—setting the foundation for a promising career.

💡 How Georgia is Making an Impact

As part of our contract with TRG, Georgia plays a crucial role in:
✅ Organising and managing service jobs
✅ Enhancing customer satisfaction through follow-ups
✅ Supporting efficient service delivery within TRG communities
Her journey is a testament to how apprenticeships can transform lives, equipping young talent with real-world experience while strengthening the local workforce.

👏 We’re proud to support TRG’s mission of creating economic opportunities for young people and remain committed to driving positive social value through employment, training, and community engagement.
📢 Let’s continue to invest in the future—one apprentice at a time!

Ambleside Project Nearing Completion

The latest project is nearly wrapped up!

The little plantroom at a sheltered housing scheme in Ambleside, Cumbria, is approaching completion. With just the final commissioning and cladding left to finish, we’re proud to see another high-quality installation come together. The Ashley & McDonough Compliance Services installation team has once again delivered a neat and efficient solution, ensuring residents will benefit from a reliable and well-organized system.

It’s always rewarding to contribute to important community projects like this, where attention to detail and professional standards make all the difference. Stay tuned for the final project photos once fully complete!

Case Study: Ashley & McDonough’s Social Value Contribution to The Riverside Group

Introduction

Ashley & McDonough (A&M) is committed to creating a positive social impact within the communities it serves.

A key part of this commitment is its partnership with The Riverside Group (TRG) Housing Association, ensuring not only the provision of excellent service but also a lasting contribution to the community.

One example of this dedication is the employment of Georgia Evans, a young apprentice from Knotty Ash, Liverpool, who is building a promising future with A&M.

Investing in Local Talent

On July 15, 2024, Georgia Evans, age 17, joined A&M as a Business Administrator Apprentice. Through this opportunity, she is gaining essential skills and experience that will serve as the foundation for a successful career. Georgia is undertaking a Business Administrator Apprenticeship Level 3 through Northwest Education & Training Ltd, which will run from August 2024 to November 2025.

Skill Development & Learning

As part of her apprenticeship, Georgia is developing a wide range of business skills, including:

  • Understanding business fundamentals and principles, including managing change.
  • Making effective decisions based on sound reasoning and overcoming challenges.
  • Using project management tools to scope, plan, monitor, and report.
  • Facilitating office organisation and communication through administrative duties.
  • Learning about A&M’s mission, products, and services.
  • Understanding Health, Safety, and Environmental policies.
  • Providing office support, including customer and employee support.
  • Building relationships with clients and stakeholders via telephone communication.
  • Engaging with external suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Using spreadsheets to track expenses and company spending.
  • Becoming proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Supporting The Riverside Group

Georgia plays an essential role in A&M’s contract with TRG, handling key administrative tasks that help ensure smooth service delivery. Her responsibilities include:

  • Planning, executing, and organising jobs being booked and completed.
  • Measuring customer satisfaction by conducting follow-up calls.
  • Contributing to the efficient operation of A&M’s services within TRG’s housing communities.

Social Value Contribution

By employing and training Georgia, A&M is making a tangible difference in the local community. This initiative aligns with TRG’s goal of fostering economic opportunities and personal development for young people. Providing Georgia with structured learning, hands-on experience, and professional guidance empowers her to build a meaningful career while positively impacting the housing association’s operations.

Conclusion

A&M’s commitment to social value is evident in its investment in young talent like Georgia.

By providing apprenticeship opportunities, A&M not only enhances its service delivery for TRG but also strengthens the local workforce. Georgia’s journey exemplifies the power of collaboration between A&M and TRG  in creating lasting benefits for individuals and the community.

Ashley & McDonough remains dedicated to supporting TRG and making a positive social impact through ongoing training, employment opportunities, and community engagement.

Case Study: Investing in the Future – A&M’s Apprenticeship Contribution to The Riverside Group

Introduction

As part of Ashley & McDonough’s (A&M) commitment to social value, we have proudly supported the development of a young apprentice, Josh Stringman, under The Riverside Group’s (TRG) Commercial Heating Contract. This initiative aligns with A&M’s dedication to upskilling the next generation of engineers while ensuring high-quality service delivery to TRG.

Josh, who resides in Widnes, began his Gas Engineer Operative Apprenticeship (Domestic & Commercial) on 20th February 2022 and is now two years into his three-year training journey. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has been embedded within the TRG contract, gaining invaluable hands-on experience alongside seasoned A&M Commercial Heating Engineers.


Josh’s Apprenticeship Journey

Training and Education

Josh is currently enrolled at Hybrid Training Centre, Liverpool, where he is undertaking the Gas Engineer Operative Apprenticeship (Domestic & Commercial). The course, which runs from September 2022 to September 2025, provides a structured learning pathway, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the gas engineering industry.

To legally qualify as a Gas Engineer, Josh must obtain Gas Safe registration, which certifies his ability to work safely with gas appliances, including those that use natural gas and liquid petroleum. His apprenticeship covers key competencies such as:

  • Planning and preparation for gas-related work
  • Water systems and heating appliances
  • Electricity and meters
  • Catering and laundry systems
  • Health & Safety regulations

By the end of his apprenticeship in September 2025, Josh will have gained the necessary qualifications and experience to register as a Gas Safe Engineer, ensuring his future career success in the industry.


Practical Experience with TRG

Josh has been an integral part of the TRG contract, supporting commercial gas repair and servicing across TRG’s portfolio. Working under the guidance of an experienced A&M Commercial Heating Engineer, he has been able to apply his training in real-world settings, learning how to diagnose, repair, and maintain commercial gas systems safely and efficiently.

This hands-on experience is crucial in reinforcing his college learning while providing TRG customers with high-quality heating services. His role includes:

  • Assisting in commercial gas repairs and servicing
  • Conducting safety checks and inspections
  • Supporting engineers with planned maintenance tasks
  • Gaining insight into customer service and problem-solving in a real-world environment

Through his apprenticeship, Josh is developing not only technical skills but also the professional behaviours required in the workplace, ensuring he is well-prepared for a future career in the industry.


The Impact of A&M’s Social Value Commitment

A&M’s investment in Josh’s apprenticeship under the TRG contract demonstrates a strong commitment to social value by:

  • Providing career opportunities for young people in the local community
  • Enhancing workforce skills through industry-recognised training
  • Delivering high-quality service to TRG residents
  • Supporting the future sustainability of the commercial gas engineering industry

By nurturing apprentices like Josh, A&M is not only addressing the current skills gap in the gas engineering sector but also contributing to long-term employment and economic growth within the Liverpool region.


Conclusion

Josh Stringman’s apprenticeship is a prime example of how A&M and TRG’s partnership is driving social value through skills development and employment opportunities. His journey from an aspiring engineer to a skilled professional reflects the success of structured training, real-world experience, and dedicated mentorship.

As he moves into his final year of training, A&M remains committed to supporting his growth, ensuring that he becomes a fully qualified Gas Engineer, ready to contribute to the industry and serve the community for years to come.