Growing opportunities through local partnerships
At Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, we're committed to investing in the communities we serve, and our partnership with Down to Earth and Cre8 is a great example of how local collaboration can create lasting opportunities.
Ashley Heathcote, owner of Down to Earth, began his journey with Cre8 – a local youth and community programme based on the Moss Rose Estate. Since then, Ash has gone on to build a successful business that looks after our green spaces.
Down to Earth was first introduced to Peaks & Plains by Macclesfield Tree Care as a subcontractor. Since then, the business has grown to become our grounds maintenance contractor, caring for green spaces across our entire housing stock.
“School was never the right environment for me. I struggled to engage in the classroom, found it difficult to sit still, and was easily distracted. I preferred being active, hands-on, and learning through practical experience rather than sitting behind a desk.
Determined to find a different path, I contacted Reaseheath College, as my brother, Stefan Heathcote, was attending at the time and encouraged me to do the same. Without his initial push I wouldn't be where I am now.
Reaseheath offered me a place with support from Cre8. Throughout my studies and qualifications, both Cre8, Macclesfield Tree Care and my brother provided invaluable mentoring, support, and guidance, helping me develop the skills and confidence to move forward.
With their encouragement, I established Down to Earth as a sole trader. Through Macclesfield Tree Care, I was introduced to The Trust as a subcontractor during a period of exceptionally high demand. This opportunity gave me the chance to demonstrate my capabilities and build strong working relationships.
Since then, Down to Earth has gone from strength to strength, undertaking a wide range of projects, from small garden tidy-ups to large-scale void property garden clearances. Along the way, The Trust has continued to support me with guidance and direction, helping the business grow and develop.
Today, I am incredibly proud to have secured the Grounds Maintenance contract across the whole Trust, a milestone that reflects the journey, support, and opportunities that have helped turn a practical passion into a successful business.”
Ashley Heathcote, Owner Down to Earth.
Down to Earth is now supporting Cre8 by helping young people gain valuable work experience and opportunities in the same communities where they are maintaining outdoor spaces. It's a strong example of local businesses working together to develop skills, create employment pathways, and make a lasting positive difference.
“Ashley was a young person from the Moss Rose Estate who took the opportunities available to him. Now, as a business owner, he is giving back in a way we might never have imagined - giving young people like him the opportunity to work and achieve.”
Jonathan Aiken, Operations Manager, Cre8
"Ashley’s story perfectly illustrates what can happen when a community invests in its young people. Seeing someone who once benefited from the support and opportunities provided by Cre8 now return as a successful business owner, creating opportunities for others through Down to Earth, is inspiring. The work being delivered on our sites is about far more than grounds maintenance - it is about building confidence, skills, aspirations and futures. We are delighted to see Cre8, Down to Earth and local young people working together to create positive change in our communities."
Caren Breddy, Contract Manager, Peaks & Plains Housing Trust
