Hertitage Boiler Steam Services announce Commercial Partnership with Heritage Railway Association

This week the brilliant team at Hertitage Boiler Steam Services, based in Huyton, have announced that they have become a Commercial Partner of the Heritage Railway Association. The HRA work with organisations across the country that have a connection with heritage rail and supports them in preserving our rich rail based history.

So what do you know about the team in a corner of a Huyton business park who are fixing up some amazing heritage railstock that will soon be enjoyed by rail fans for years to come…

Heritage Boiler Steam Services was established in 2017 by Andrew Wilcock and Robert Adamson. Andrew and Robert have a combined experience of over 40 years building and overhauling steam locomotive boilers for the heritage rail industry. The company was originally based in Derbyshire, however, quickly outgrew its premises. In 2018 the decision was made to move to Stretton way in Huyton, enabling further expansion of the business.

On start-up Andrew and Robert were working in a rented corner of another companies’ premises with next to no equipment and a single boiler contract. Now entering the 4th year of trading Heritage Boiler employs 6 staff with its own workshop, equipment, and a number of high-profile locomotive boiler contacts from around the UK.

On moving to Huyton the team were introduced to Lorna Marshall, Knowsley’s Working Well Coordinator and Chamber Business Relationship Manager. Lorna’s help and advice, along with that from Knowsley Council has proved invaluable during the past few years. Lorna keeps the team updated with health and wellbeing information is always on hand to offer any support.

“Lorna has supported our continued growth and has put us in contact with other Chamber members, enabling us to support other local businesses.”

Earlier this year the team were awarded a Working Well grant. This was partly used to purchase two refurbished bicycles and set up a cycle-to-work scheme. During the coronavirus pandemic some employees did not feel comfortable using public transport to commute to work so this gave them an alternative, whilst improving their physical health and wellbeing. The second part of the grant was used to fund a Mental Health First Aid training course. This course has proven instrumental in supporting their employees returning to work.

“The training allows us to recognise the signs of mental ill health earlier and to be more confident when dealing with the mental health of our employees and in everyday life.”

You can find out more about Heritage Boiler Steam Services in their case study from 2019