Railway painting specialists line up Pierce for accountancy advice

A traditional coach painting company, which specialises in restoring historic locomotives, has signed up Lancashire accountants Pierce to lead its growth plans.

Heritage Painting, based in Blackburn, was founded in 2011 by owner Ian Hewitt, a former volunteer with the East Lancashire Railway at Bury and following five years as an officer in the Royal Air Force.

The business has been responsible for repainting the historic National Railway Museum locomotives Flying Scotsman, Mallard and Rocket.

Over the last 12 months the business has grown to include coach painter Gilbert Hammond and coach painter and sign writer Mike O’Connor to allow the company to provide a one-stop-shop to clients.

Now, Ian is looking at developing the business to include other heritage vehicles such as traction engines and rolling stock and is also looking to add to the team with the appointment of an apprentice through the Heritage Skills Initiative.

Heritage Painting has appointed the Blackburn business advisory and accountancy group Pierce as its advisors, supplying a range of tax and business advice.

Ian said: “We appointed Pierce as our advisors to allow us to concentrate on growing the business, rather than things such as tax returns and payroll. As we continue to grow, we look forward to adding further services from Pierce to support our requirements.”

Mark Walmsley, associate director at Pierce, added: “In its first year of business Heritage Painting has worked on several major projects and taken on expert staff, making a real name for itself in a genuinely specialist market. “I’m excited to see the business continue to thrive in the future.”