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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Over the recent bank holiday weekend, we were pleased to install a new bug hotel at Hale Railway Station, which we proudly sponsor as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local environment and community.

While modest in size, the bug hotel has an important purpose. It provides shelter and nesting spaces for a variety of insects, including solitary bees, ladybirds, beetles and other pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Pollinating insects are responsible for supporting much of the natural world around us, helping plants, flowers and trees reproduce and thrive. However, many species face increasing challenges due to habitat loss and environmental pressures. Creating small, safe spaces where insects can live and breed is one way communities can help support local biodiversity.

As a business rooted in Hale, we are always looking for opportunities to contribute positively to the area. Supporting Hale Station has become an important part of that commitment, and the installation of the bug hotel is another step towards making the station environment greener, more welcoming and environmentally friendly.

Alison Spier, who helps oversee Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities at Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“When people think about environmental initiatives, they often imagine large projects. In reality, small actions can collectively have a significant impact. The bug hotel is a simple addition, but it creates a valuable habitat for insects that are essential to our local ecosystem.

“As the official sponsors of Hale Station, we’re keen to support projects that not only improve the appearance of the station but also contribute positively to the environment. We hope it becomes a small but meaningful feature that helps local wildlife thrive.”

The project forms part of Alexander Knight & Co’s wider ESG programme, which focuses on supporting community initiatives, promoting sustainability and making a positive contribution beyond our day-to-day accountancy services.

In recent months, we have continued to explore opportunities to support Hale Station and the surrounding area through both practical volunteering and environmental improvements. The bug hotel complements these efforts while reinforcing the importance of biodiversity in urban and suburban spaces.

Although it may only occupy a small corner of the station, the bug hotel serves as a reminder that even simple measures can help support wildlife and encourage greater awareness of the natural environment around us.

We’re proud to have played a small part in enhancing Hale Station and look forward to continuing our work to support both the local community and the environment in the months ahead.

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As part of our ongoing sponsorship, we are now developing plans to organise a volunteer team from within our firm to help further enhance the station environment. Working in partnership with the dedicated volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station, colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co will take part in activities such as painting, cleaning and general upkeep around the station.

While these volunteer plans are currently being organised, our team already takes pride in keeping an eye on the station and helping ensure it remains clean, tidy and welcoming for local passengers who rely on this key gateway to the Hale community.

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

“We’re very proud to be the official sponsor of Hale Station and to support such an important part of our local community. Many of our team and clients use the station regularly, so it always feels natural for us to play a role in helping keep it looking its best.

“We are pleased to have a volunteer initiative where colleagues from our practice spend time at the station helping with painting, cleaning and general care, working alongside the fantastic volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station.”

We will share further updates once the volunteer days and work have been confirmed.

In the meantime, Alexander Knight & Co will continue supporting Hale Station and working with local partners to ensure it remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for the community it serves as part of our ongoing ESG work.

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