A FORMER construction firm boss will continue helping the next generation after an education hub was officially launched in his memory.

The Brian Manning Training Academy aims to support apprentices at Esh Group as they begin their journey from the classroom to senior ranks.

The centre is a fitting tribute to Mr Manning, who as Esh Group chief executive, led a concerted drive to help youngsters climb the career ladder.

Many workers at Esh Group, which runs its head office in Bowburn, near Durham City, started as apprentices, including North-East regional managing director Stephen Wilkie and senior finance manager Louise Lamb, and chief executive Andy Radcliffe said the academy’s opening was a poignant moment.

He told The Northern Echo: “It is very much part of Brian’s legacy that he left behind for us to take forward and nurture.

“Brian’s beliefs are epitomised by the academy; he was passionate about young people having a chance in life.

"We have a long pedigree of bringing people through the business and seeing them rise through the ranks.

“People like Stephen and Louise are inspirational within the business and are looked upon almost as role models.

“A lot of people left the construction industry during the economic downturn and persuading them to come back can be quite difficult because there is still a bit of a hangover.

“However, with the academy, we are taking the bull by the horns.”

The centre was opened today (Thursday, February 22) by existing and former Esh Group apprentices, alongside members of Mr Manning’s family, and Mr Radcliffe said there are around 120 apprentices going through the business, with 180 having done so since it introduced a training programme in 2015.

He added: “It is a real pleasure to see the apprentices thriving.”

Mr Manning passed away following a battle with cancer last year, shortly after his 60th birthday.

A former trainee site engineer at Monk Construction, he was instrumental in the formation of Esh Holdings, the precursor to the Esh Group.

"In 2003, when the business outgrew an Esh Winning base, he oversaw its move to Bowburn.