Accrington building renamed to recognise past

Local family business, Cummins Mellor Recruitment has acknowledged the history of its head office, Milnshaw House on Whalley Road, Accrington by re-naming their newly refurbished training centre ‘The Coach House’ after its original purpose 148 years ago.

Milnshaw House was built in 1867 by Mr William Entwistle, the fourth mayor of Accrington, to house his large family of eight children, 26 grandchildren and at the time of his death in 1909, 10 great grandchildren.

As part of the final refurbishment and modernisation of the premises, the building formally used as the old coach house and stables has been fully renovated.

Paying tribute to the original occupant of Milnshaw House, Cummins Mellor invited councillor Marlene Haworth and Dorothy Berry, the current mayor and mayoress of Hyndburn to officially open the new training facility.

Commenting on the opening, managing director Michelle Mellor said: “We decided to name our new training building The Coach House in recognition of its historical use and because of the play on words with coaching, training and teaching.

The ground level now boasts a fully equipped meeting and training room which will allow us to carry out staff meetings and training sessions in a comfortable, relaxed environment. The top floor space, used primarily as additional storage, now has a walk in shower room and toilet facilities.

Many of our team are keen sports people, with cycling and running key passions amongst them. These facilities will enable our staff to ride or run to work in the mornings and freshen up before starting their day.

Cummins Mellor’s ethos is a true reflection of Accrington’s motto ‘Industry and Prudence Conquer’ and this project is an example of our continued commitment to local employment, investment and development of our team and services.”

The independent recruitment business and ‘Employer of the Year’ finalists in this years’ BIBAS awards, tracked down William’s great, great granddaughter, Jane Ross whose grandmother shared many happy family memories with her as a child, commented: “William would be delighted to know Milnshaw House is still as thriving and busy with lots of activity and people, just how my great, great grandfather liked it to be.

"Milnshaw House was always a happy, family place and seeing it recently brought my grandmother’s stories to life. My great, great Grandfather, whilst very public spirited and active in the community lived a simple life 'early to bed, early to rise' was one of his mottoes and he was keen on outdoor exercise.

"Being around his family was the most important to him and I can see that the people working at Cummins Mellor continue with the same real family feel.” The opening comes after the family business celebrated its 25th year in business in February of this year.