John Sutch Cranes, the Merseyside and Manchester-based crane hire specialist, is revisiting an innovative educational partnership with BBC and Moonbug Entertainment that showcases the fascinating world of construction machinery to young audiences.
The collaboration, featuring the popular children's character Gekko from Moonbug's educational content portfolio, demonstrates how a 250-tonne mobile Grove crane operates, making complex engineering concepts accessible to children through engaging storytelling and visual demonstrations.
The educational video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe__2RfD584) features crane operator Ian, who now operated our biggest crane in the fleet, the Liebherr LTM 1450.8-1, demonstrating the intricate operations of the massive yellow construction vehicle, from extending and retracting the seven-section telescopic boom to deploying stabilising outriggers and navigating the machine to construction sites across the region.
"We did this collaboration a while back, but we haven't really talked about it in the way that we should," said Paul Conneely, Operations Director at John Sutch Cranes. "This partnership represents exactly what we're about as a business – using our expertise and resources to give back to the community and inspire the next generation about the construction industry."
The initiative aligns with John Sutch Cranes' long-standing commitment to social value and community engagement.
The company has maintained strong charitable links across Merseyside and Manchester, including ongoing support for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where one of their cranes remains dedicated to the hospital's operations.
For company founder John Sutch, community involvement isn't just corporate responsibility – it's embedded in the company's DNA. The business has consistently supported local charities, hospitals, and community projects throughout its operational history.
Building on the success of the BBC collaboration, John Sutch Cranes plans to expand their educational outreach with a series of school presentations scheduled across Merseyside and Manchester in the new school term, when and where we can. These presentations will bring the excitement and technical knowledge of construction equipment directly into classrooms, inspiring young minds about engineering and construction careers.
The educational video demonstrates key operational aspects of modern crane technology, including the telescopic boom system that extends in seven sections 'like a Russian doll', the deployment of outriggers for stability, and the precise joystick controls that enable operators to manoeuvre heavy loads safely at significant heights.
The timing of the initiative reflects growing industry focus on skills development and inspiring young people to consider careers in construction and engineering sectors, where demand for skilled operators and technicians continues to grow across the North West region.
John Sutch Cranes operates across Merseyside, Manchester, and surrounding areas, providing mobile crane services for construction projects ranging from residential developments to major infrastructure and healthcare facilities. The company's commitment to combining operational excellence with community engagement has established them as a recognised partner in the region's construction sector.
The educational content is available through Moonbug Entertainment's platforms, reaching thousands of families and introducing children to the technical aspects of construction in an accessible, entertaining format.
About John Sutch Cranes
Founded by John Sutch, the company provides comprehensive mobile crane services across the North West, combining technical expertise with strong community engagement. The business maintains ongoing charitable partnerships and is committed to supporting local communities through direct service provision and educational initiatives.
