COMMITMENT to the local community figured high on the agenda of a top level meeting at Russell Taylor headquarters at Burton Manor.

Company chairman Peter Russell welcomed Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, making his first visit to the business’ national base since its relocation to the historic site last summer.

Russell Taylor, which has already completed massive refurbishment and renovation to the Grade II listed manor, its grounds and outbuildings, currently has an operational workforce of 75 people there.

Peter said: “We were delighted to welcome Justin to Burton Manor and show him how much we have achieved here in such a short space of time, moving to an amazing location  and settling in to this beautiful building which very much forms part of our growth plans.

“What thrills us is that all our staff feel happy and motivated to be working in such a terrific environment. The local community have been very supportive of our move here and appreciate the work we have done to restore Burton Manor and effectively saving it from ruin.

“We feel that, in such the short space of time since relocating here, we have become part of the Burton community and look forward to working on more partnerships to strengthen our neighbourly ties.”

Conservation and craftsmanship skills have already seen Burton Manor, its gardens and grounds being transformed to a modern business environment. Russell Taylor’s community initiatives with Burton residents have so far included support for the Friends of Burton Manor, a volunteer group dedicated to restoring and maintaining the walled garden, and a painting makeover at Bishop Wilson CE Primary School. 

In the pipeline are the opening of a number of artisan shops on the site and an investigation into the operation of bus services for local residents and Russell Taylor staff.

After his visit, Justin Madders said: “I was hugely impressed not only by the incredible amount of work that must have gone into refurbishing the manor but also turning it into a modern business facility.

“I was also particularly pleased to see that its original features have been incorporated sympathetically into the refurbishment.”

Housed in Burton Manor are staff from Russell Taylor and NMS Recruit along with support staff from its Recruit Right subsidiary which has its headquarters in Birkenhead.

On site for the workforce are a shop, café and gym. The shop and café - called Burton’s - are also open to local residents and visitors to the picturesque village of Burton.

The listed gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson, will continue to be accessible to the public along with the ancient monument of the ice house.

Burton Manor, once owned by the family of Prime Minister William Gladstone, had been disused since 2011. Liverpool City Council, its most recent owners, put the property up for sale three years later but unsuccessful attempts to purchase and develop led to the deterioration of the house and grounds, with fears of complete ruin.