Alnwick residents will have a rare opportunity to discover what goes on inside one of the town’s long-established businesses this September.

William Hackett may be a familiar name to local people and many will have passed its premises countless times. But what happens behind those doors may be much less familiar.

The Alnwick company today specialises in the manufacture and supply of lifting, hoisting and material-handling equipment, serving customers in the UK and internationally.

It works across multiple sectors and markets around the world, while remaining firmly rooted in the town.

William Hackett is opening its doors as part of the Heritage Open Days programme for the first time.

placeholder image — William Hackett is opening its doors as part of the Heritage Open Days programme for the first time.

The business is opening its doors as part of the Heritage Open Days programme for the first time – giving people the opportunity to discover more about what happens inside a business whose name they may know or whose premises they may regularly pass, but which they may never previously have had an opportunity to explore.

This fits well with the Heritage Open Days national theme for 2026, ‘Everyday Histories’, which celebrates working lives and the people, workplaces and skills that have shaped our communities.

It is a reminder that heritage is not only found in historic buildings, it is also found in the businesses where people have worked, learned skills and made things over generations.

Mick Howard, group CEO at William Hackett, said: “This is the first time William Hackett has taken part in Heritage Open Days and we’re really looking forward to opening our doors.

“People may know our name without necessarily knowing much about what happens here. We hope they will enjoy coming inside and discovering a little more about a business that is proud to be part of Alnwick while working around the world.”

William Hackett is one of a range of businesses, historic buildings and organisations taking part in Alnwick’s Heritage Open Days from September 13 to 19, culminating in the main Open Day on Saturday, September 19.

Events are free, with advance booking required for some activities. A programme leaflet will be available at participating venues and locations, including Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery.

Tours of William Hackett are only available on Saturday, September 19 and must be booked in advance at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-william-hackett-tickets-1996783065902