When you walk into Vanguard’s North West branch office, two things become apparent. One – everyone is busy. Of course, lifts and shifts don’t just happen; it takes a great deal of planning and consideration to accomplish a successful industrial move safely. Two – despite this, you are still greeted by a room of friendly faces, hard at work but always willing to help. The rapport between the team is clear to see, and you are instantly made to feel welcome. Because at Vanguard, teamwork matters. No matter the job role, every individual is an integral part of the wider company, all working together to achieve the same outcome.
From Dinorwig Power Station to Easter Island
Our Northwest branch has been involved in many high-profile projects. From installing two overhead cranes in Europe’s largest manmade cavern at Dinorwig Power Station to carefully removing one of the famous 3 tonne Easter Island Statues from Manchester Museum, our Northwest branch can always find an innovative solution to even the most complex or heavy lifts.
While our lifting equipment is often centre stage in these stories, it is the people behind the lift that make these solutions possible.
With a wealth of knowledge and comprehensive skill sets, our teams work collaboratively to ensure a successful outcome even on the most time-critical, commercially-sensitive and operationally challenging projects.
Vanguard’s strength comes from our experienced people
Careful planning and control are key to safely moving valuable equipment, machinery, or other large objects in tight or confined spaces. In these situations, experience directly translates into safer operations and reduced risk.
Branch manager Steve Steele reiterates this “It’s important to me that everyone gets home at the end of the day safe, and happy. When people feel supported and well, they can focus, make good decisions, and work safely. We have a really good team here at the Wigan branch and I can honestly say our strong teamwork is what helps us achieve those safe, high‑quality outcomes.”
Wes is one of our longest-serving team members, with more than 26 years at AIS Vanguard. From rigging through to operating our Megalift jacking systems, Wes has built a career at AIS grounded in experience, consistency and care for how work is done. Wes says: “Vanguard has given me the chance to grow and challenge myself throughout my career. I’ve had opportunities to develop new skills, work with great people, and be part of some incredible projects. I’m really proud of the career I’ve built here.” Our strength as a group comes from people like Wes and Steve. Experienced operatives with a careful, risk aware approach are central to how we deliver work responsibly. That’s why investing in our people and supporting long-term development remains at the heart of everything we do.
The skill set, teamwork and experience of our people are strengthened even further, not only through the support of Vanguard’s wider branches across the UK, but also through the collaboration we share with our fellow Ainscough Industrial Services Group companies. VIG, AIS Eurelo, Flegg Projects and AIS Wind Energy all come together to support one another by sharing personnel and resources when needed. This collaboration is especially valuable on large-scale projects or where specialist industry expertise is required, allowing the most relevant Group team to lend their knowledge and strengthen the overall delivery.
As part of the AIS Group, we all work to the same high standards, expanding our collective capabilities and achieving true national coverage while still retaining the local knowledge and roots that define us.