Martin Ainscough

Martin grew Ainscough Crane Hire into the UK’s largest and most successful crane business before its sale in 2007. He is chairman of the Ainscough Group of Companies which invests in and owns a wide range of business interests including property investment, finance and private equity companies.

Throughout his business life, he has been particularly active in the charitable and local community fields, setting in chain a number of projects. Since retiring from the crane business, he has applied his time and resources with aplomb, significantly increasing the tempo, scale and depth of his charitable activities.

His interest in promoting youth goes beyond traditional avenues of support and he was the principal driving force in proposing, designing, building and operating the Wigan Youth Zone. He contributed £3.8 million to spearhead the Youth Zone’s development and currently chairs the board of directors. This facility has provided a significant lifeline to thousands of children and young people in the Wigan Borough area, generating a safe environment in which to socialise, undertake vocational development, participate in sport and interact with qualified youth organisers.

Martin has also supported the City of the Angels Foundation for a number of years. This project is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil and is run by a Catholic priest, Father Pat Clarke. This charity helps the street children of Sao Paulo get off the streets and into a safe and caring environment.