Giving our local rail station in Hale a fresh new look

We were delighted to swap calculators for paintbrushes when we volunteered to help improve Hale railway station.

Our colleagues spent several days planning and carrying out the work, including three days on site painting and decorating parts of the station, as well as sweeping, cleaning and tidying the surrounding areas. Pictured above (L-R) are Chloe Higginbottom, Jack Wareham, Alison Spier, Alastair Tough and Owen Li on the platform at Hale Station.

The volunteering forms part of Alexander Knight & Co’s wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme and follows the firm becoming an official sponsor of Hale Station last year.

With offices overlooking the railway and staff and clients regularly using Hale Station, the sponsorship reflects the firm’s close local ties and supports its continued upkeep and improvement alongside volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station.

(Colleagues Alastair Tough, Chloe Higginbottom and Owen Li of Alexander Knight & Co in Hale)

Previous initiatives have included refreshing displays celebrating the history of Hale Station and installing a bug hotel to support local biodiversity.

Alexander Knight & Co was the first accountancy firm in the UK to be awarded the ESGmark certification, a trusted and recognised standard that helps organisations evidence responsible business practices.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We are proud of our association with Hale station and wanted our support to involve more than simply putting our name on a sign. The station is an important part of our local community so it was great to get the team together, roll up our sleeves and make a practical contribution.”

Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, added:

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and there was a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference that a fresh coat of paint and some hard work could make. Supporting the community in which we live and work is important to us. We look forward to continuing to work alongside others passionate about the station and finding more ways to help.”

(Colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co at Hale station, 2026)

Opened in 1862, Hale station serves the Mid Cheshire line, providing connections to Manchester, Chester and destinations beyond.

Thank you to all our colleagues who took part. You did a brilliant job and we are proud of you for making such a positive impact on our local community. ❤️

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