SCHOOL WORKSHOP SERVICES
Prioritising safety and compliance since 1999.
Family Values and professional service from this family run company.
Choose us for workshop machinery, LEV systems, fume cupboards, and kilns; expertly inspected and maintained. Family Values with professional service. Are you part of the SWS schools family? Scroll down to find out more.
Welcome!
Welcome to your one-stop solution for creating the safest and most efficient Design and Technology (DT) workshops for schools. With over 40 years of experience prioritising workshop safety and compliance, we combine strong family values with a commitment to delivering exceptional professional service to ensure school workshops are safe and useable.
Based in Leigh, Greater Manchester, School Workshop Services Ltd proudly serve the North West of England and beyond.
Explore our website to learn more, or click the button below to get in touch with us today..
Member
Our
Services
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Safety Inspections
By UK law schools must ensure their workshop machinery is inspected annually to help prevent accidents. School Workshop Services Ltd offer annual inspections and also ‘service’ packages.
Click here for more information.
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LEV Testing
Providing Local Exhaust Ventilation system (LEV) testing alongside machine safety inspections, or as a standalone service, School Workshop Services Ltd ensure that your school is compliant with UK legislation.
Click here for more information.
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Fume Cupboards
Fume Cupboards required annual safety inspections in order to be compliant with UK British regulations. Add onto any other service for best cost effectiveness.
Click here for more information.
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Repairs
Unfortunately at some point all machines that are well loved and used will need a repair and with over 40 years experience you can call on us for a great repair.
Click here for more information.
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Emergency Breakdown Coverage
You have an emergency break down or an issue with a machine and you need our help - don’t worry, we aim to be with you within 3 working days to help get you up back and running.
E-mail is the best way to contact as these are monitored daily (incl. weekends) or give us a call if you prefer to talk: 01942 602812.
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Installations
We install all types of workshop machinery, including items the school may have already, have purchased or been given, or those that we source and purchase for you. This includes the installation of single machines through to full workshop installation.
To discuss your installation needs further please just e-mail us here.
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Consultation & Training
Looking for your DATA or H&S training for your workshop? Have a new machine you’d like training on or a new staff member you’d like training? Or simply a refresher day? We work with highly experienced and respected trainer James Patrick to provide all your training needs.
Planning a new workshop? Ask us to consult to ensure your meeting regulations and standards from the outset and avoid costly machine moves or installations after completion.
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Sales & Other
Coming soon! An online shop for all of your workshop parts and spares - in the meantime please just get in touch - we’re always happy to send parts out for schools that are able to fit/install themselves.
Helping to engineer the future Since 1999
Who is SWS?
We are a family-run business based in Wigan, proudly serving the North of England and beyond. Since 1999, we have specialised in delivering work of the highest standard, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
The safety of staff and pupils is at the forefront of what we do. We are passionate about ensuring that all young people have access to wood and metal working, alongside creative art, in a safe and well-regulated environment. All of our staff have enhanced DBS certificates and we hold full insurance.
Founded in 1999 by Mike Kettle, the business continues to thrive under his legacy. Mike’s expertise and experience have been passed on to our skilled team, including his son-in-law David, brother-in-law Phil, and our newest engineer, Callum, who is also Mike’s nephew. In the office, you’ll be greeted by Mike’s daughter, Michelle, a former secondary and sixth-form teacher with first-hand experience of the education system's demands. Co-directors Marjorie (Mike’s wife) and our finance whizz Sandra (Mike’s sister-in-law) also contribute to the business, although they are now enjoying a well-earned semi-retirement.
With over 50 years of combined experience and more than 300 schools, colleges, and universities as part of our service program, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and delivering exceptional results. Our expertise extends to machine safety inspections, serving multiple education authorities, academy groups, and individual institutions.
We are proud to be a trusted provider across the North West and beyond.
For more information about how we can support your school’s workshop needs, including LEV testing, fume cupboard assessments, pottery equipment inspections, consultations, installations, and training requirements, please contact us here.
Meet the Team
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Mike Kettle
Founder & Boss
Affectionately referred to as "Yoda," Mike established this business in 1999 after accumulating more than 30 years of experience in the industry. His extensive knowledge and expertise render any information he may lack trivial.
In his leisure time, Mike prefers to spend time at his caravan in the lakes with Marjorie and their Labrador, or he can be found pottering in the workshop working on various projects. He serves as our esteemed guru, our primary resource, and our chief leader, head of SWS and the family.
Likes: Walks in the Lake District
Dislikes: Coffee
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Marjorie Kettle
Administration
Marjorie serves as the cornerstone of both the business and the family. Having devoted 20 years to the day-to-day operations of SWS, she is now in a semi-retired phase of her career, although she can still be found in the office on occasion.
Additionally, she is Mike's wife and takes great joy in her roles as a grandmother and mother to both her human and canine children. Since 2004, Marjorie has been instrumental in unifying the company, and while she is now poised to embrace retirement, she will undoubtedly remain actively involved.
Likes: Walks in the Lake District
Dislikes: Being Cold
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Michelle Mahoney
Manager
Michelle is likely the individual with whom you will communicate via email and telephone. She is the daughter of Mike and Marjorie, the wife of David, and the niece of Phil.
Having previously worked as a teacher, Michelle possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with school life and is dedicated to making your experience as seamless and straightforward as possible. She is available in the office from Monday to Friday.
Likes: Crystals & Dancing
Dislikes: Being Unorganised
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David Mahoney
Head Service Engineer
David, also known as "Marney," is one of the most recognisable faces within the organisation. As one of the head engineers, he conducts on-site visits to ensure that your machinery and equipment are maintained in optimal condition.
Since joining the company in 2012, David has developed extensive expertise in engineering, having been mentored by Mike, his father-in-law. In addition to his engineering responsibilities, David also oversees repairs.
Likes: Football
Dislikes: Seafood
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Phil Hargreaves
Head LEV Engineer
Another prominent member of our team is Phil, our Head Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Engineer, who specialises in the testing and evaluation of Local Exhaust Systems.
Phil has a strong affinity for data-driven insights and is also Marjorie's brother. He serves as your primary point of contact for all inquiries related to LEV systems.
Likes: Travelling
Dislikes: BBQ sauce
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Callum Hargreaves
Trainee LEV Engineer
As our most recent addition to the team, we are pleased to announce that Callum has successfully obtained his P601 qualification, enhancing our team of LEV specialists. He is also undergoing training in machine inspections and maintenance, which will allow him to assist our head engineers effectively. Additionally, Callum is Phil's son, further strengthening the familial ties within our organisation.
Likes: Gaming
Dislikes: Mushrooms
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Sandra Rooke
Office Administrator
Sandra is a valued member of our "flying squad," called upon during busy periods or when Michelle requires additional support in the office.
As the elder sister of Marjorie and Phil, she adds to our family-oriented team dynamic. With a lifetime of experience in accounts, Sandra is our primary resource for financial matters and report processing.
Likes: Going to watch Wigan Warriors
Dislikes: Mucky hands
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Who's who
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Buddy
Biscuit Quality Control
Buddy the black Labrador (Mike & Marjories dog) can mostly be found snoozing in one of the office chairs or pestering Mike for a walk. He loves swimming in lakes, chasing squirrels and keeping the chairs nice and warm.
Likes: Long walks in the lakes
Dislikes: Spotty cow like dogs
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Dexter
Dally Mischief Maker
The newest member of the SWS family you will mostly find Dexter (Michelle & David’s dog) either absolutely zonked out in his bed or causing absolute mayhem in the office - there’s no in between. As a Pup he enjoys terrorising Buddy, eating everything he shouldn’t and chewing on everything he shouldn’t.
Likes: A Blanket
Dislikes: Sharing the blanket
What Our Clients Say