We’re proud to welcome DMR Training back as a sponsor for this year’s Wigan Business Awards!
Husband-wife duo Dave and Elizabeth Radley, based in Leigh are known for their people-first approach.
Specialists in workforce training across the construction and low-carbon sectors,
It’s the actions DMR takes and their commitment to the people in their community that makes them stand out.
A Hidden Legacy Beneath the Floorboards
Historically, they are learning that there might be more to DMR’s story than most people realise.
Earlier this year, while fixing up their new office in Leigh, they lifted the floorboards and uncovered something unexpected
They found a tiled mosaic featuring the name Gainsborough House.
That little detail led them on a journey into the past and to an incredible story about a woman called Mary Jane Allison.
Better known locally as Madame Ratcliffe. , or the lady in the van.
A milliner by trade, she used Gainsborough House to train and mentor young women, helping them build skills, confidence, and a future – all right there in Leigh.
This article reveals how one woman was blending business with mentorship and social impact, well over a century ago.
Around 1881, Mary Jane started her own millinery and dressmaking business in Leigh.
Her hats were affordable and open to everyone. She later rebranded as Madame Ratcliffe, becoming Leigh’s leading milliner by the mid-1880s
Local Legacy
As we chatted with Elizabeth, she shared with us.
“We think she’d be proud of us, we’re doing what she was doing all those years ago.
She was helping people get a start in life. We don’t want her story to be lost.
DMR’s newly refurbished Gainsborough House isn’t just another office for us now, it’s time to honour that.
It’s a nod to the past, a celebration of local history, and a place where opportunities are still being made.
Dave added
“Sponsoring Not-for-Profit feels like a natural fit. Learning Madame Ratcliffe’s story has fascinated us.
There’s so much of her we can relate to. She balanced commercial success with social purpose before passing away in 1936 at age 87.
We’re proud to get behind the Not for Profits that make such a difference to the lives of others.
Doing Good, Quietly
Nichola added
“It’s brilliant to have DMR Training back as a sponsor, Dave and Elizabeth don’t shout enough about what they do, but their actions say plenty.
They back numerous local causes, passionately support training and careers, and they stay true to their values when nobody’s watching.
They genuinely care, not just about their learners, but about the community around them.
Before wrapping up, Nichola said quickly, “Dave wants to set a strong example to their 5 young kids and that’s exactly the kind of business mind we want to champion.”
Join the Celebration
If you want to raise your business profile and support something meaningful, get in touch.
Click HERE to find out how you can get involved.
The Wigan Business Awards 2025 take place on Friday 7th November at The Edge Arena.
Finalists will be announced later this month so keep an eye on our socials for daily updates 🙂
