Burnley Council chief executive to retire

After 42 years working in local government and 21 years at Burnley Council, it was announced in January that Mick Cartledge would retire as chief executive of Burnley Council in July 2023.

Mick joined the council in 2001 as director of community services and fulfilled various other roles before being appointed chief executive in 2017.

He also led the council’s response to COVID-19 which he described as the most challenging period of his career.

“This has been a very difficult decision, as I’ve absolutely loved working in Burnley. However, I turned 60 in February and plan to move to London when I’ve retired and spend more time with family and friends.

“I would like to thank all colleagues and members for the hard work and dedication they show day in day out, week in, week out.

“It has been a real honour and privilege to serve as chief executive. Burnley will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I will continue to take a keen interest in the town and will watch it develop and go on to achieve future successes,” says Mick.

During his time at the council Mick has overseen a number of significant developments including the St Peter’s health and leisure centre, working with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on its expansion in Burnley, and Pioneer Place.

New appointment

Following Mick’s retirement at the end of July, Lukman Patel, who has worked with the local authority since 2015, will take over the role of chief executive.

Lukman is the council’s current chief operating officer and was selected for the top role after a robust recruitment process.

Mick will be working closely with Lukman to ensure a smooth handover and says he is confident he “will be an excellent chief executive and continue to drive the borough forward”.

Speaking of his appointment Lukman says he wants to continue the excellent work of his predecessor: “I am humbled and honoured to have been selected as chief executive of this brilliant council.

“Our borough has a rich history, brilliant people and enterprising businesses. We have a strong network of businesses, and I am looking forward to working closely with the Burnley Bondholders and other businesses across the borough to continue to strengthen our local economy.

“I am excited to be part of helping to shape its future and shall strive to deliver a fairer and prosperous borough for all. I shall work tirelessly to make Burnley a place that other towns aspire to be and a place that our residents are proud of.”

John Spencer (Textiles), Ian Mankin head into an exciting new chapter after management buyout

Family-owned weaving group the Ashfield Mill Company based in Burnley, have announced the sale of the business and its subsidiaries, John Spencer (Textiles) Ltd and Ian Mankin Ltd. by sixth-generation owners and majority shareholders, David and Megan Collinge.

The two businesses have been acquired through a management buyout by Simon Blackley, a current managing director who has been with the businesses since 2009.

John Spencer (Textiles) Ltd was incorporated in 1971 but has a rich history of weaving in Lancashire that dates back more than 150 years. The company weaves finished products for a number of industries from home furnishings to filtration and components. The Ian Mankin brand was acquired in 2010, when the then owner of the business, and its namesake, retired. Already weaving with John Spencer, and a keen proponent of British manufacture, it made sense for Ian to sell the business to his weaving mill; safe in the knowledge that the team here would deliver continuity for his customers and uphold his values of ‘affordable elegance’.

The sale has been the result of 12 months of planning and is supported by HSBC Bank, PM+M Accountants, Napthens and Taylors Solicitors (the last three businesses also all Burnley Bondholders, as are John Spencer Textiles). In a positive move for the businesses, this management buyout means that the whole of the workforce has been retained and the business will continue to operate from their existing Burnley and London premises.

Both John Spencer Textiles and Ian Mankin will continue to be led by the existing senior management team and David Collinge will continue in his current role.

David said: “I took over the running of the business from my father when he retired in 1992 and since then, have had wonderful support from a highly skilled and dedicated team without whom our success would not have been possible. The buyout represents the next chapter for some exciting developments and I have no doubt that under Simon’s leadership the businesses will continue to do amazing things.”

Simon explained: “I have inherited a fantastic business, with an impressive 150-year history! As the new owner, I’m committed to ensuring that the legacy created by David, Megan and their family is not lost to faceless investment. I wanted to be there to ensure continuity of the business, not just for our customers but for our staff and David too.

“This management buyout will build on the success of six generations of weaving, the strong standing of both companies and their enviable position in weaving and fabric retail is testament to the dedication and commitment of David and Megan. With an incredibly talented team and a loyal customer base, I’m looking forward to steering both into the future.

“The reputation of Ian Mankin fabrics has always been around quality and value. Keeping both businesses within the same group means that there are no changes to the supply chain or provenance and our customers can expect that same attention to detail and great service as they always have with a friendly hello at the end of the phoneline.”

The acquisition of the business was completed on October 31, 2022.