A Local asbestos expert is hanging up his gloves - moving on from a Crewe firm he started just three years ago.

"Crewe has a history associated with asbestos unfortunately," says Tony Birchall who has lived in Crewe for 34 years.

The SCK Group was launched in 2019 by Mr Birchall from Crewe Hall offices with the aim of obtaining an Asbestos Licence from the Health and Safety Executive.

Within five months, the company successfully gained a one year licence after a vigorous application process.

One year later, Birchall was awarded a three year Asbestos Licence. He has now managed to service contracts around Crewe and across the country - including hospitals and key buildings inside London's Belgravia District.

At the launch of the business, he was greeted by the Local MP Laura Smith and other guests discussing the asbestos legacy that still is talked about in Crewe.

Birchall stated: "It's been a privilege to get myself involved in the Crewe business community through my links with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

"I'd like to thank the membership team there particularly following my achievement in the finals of the recent Business Awards.

Born in Liverpool, Birchall moved to Crewe after leaving school in 1988 - studying Pyschology and Business Studies at South Cheshire College.

He told Nub News: "Crewe works has the asbestos legacy, notably where asbestos was used in locomotive manufacture.

"Asbestos was once regarded as the miracle fibre had had many uses for insulation, heat resistance, chemical resistance and fire retardancy.

"Still, to date up to 5,000 people die in the UK each year as a result of exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was commonly used in construction and other industries up until the late 1990s.

Today, it is only likely to come into contact with asbestos when entering disturbed or damaged old buildings - not been cleared of asbestos.

Birchall said: "Asbestos is something that I am very much involved in and I will continue in this same discipline in my new role at Erith Contractors.

"Erith is an extremely client focused asbestos removal firm and one of the largest throughout Europe.

"I wish my former colleagues well at SCK and I am sure it will continue its success as its a great firm with quality and compliance at the forefront of its thinking."

Since starting the business from Crewe, Birchall has now become a Crewe Alex FC fan and has even taken up a number of sponsorship opportunities at his local club.

He added: "I think Crewe has a great deal to offer. It has great links with national travel and some prestigious businesses are now based here.

"The town is also currently under re-development, Crewe Market Hall is very good.

"I love going to see Crewe Alex where I sponsor the goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen."

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