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Mick Turner, Technical Sales Representative at John Sutch Cranes, has carved out an extraordinary career in the crane hire industry.
With over 35 years of experience, Mick’s journey is one of hard graft, technical mastery, and a true dedication to his craft. He’s delivered results, from the operator’s seat to the sales office, and back again.
Starting on a humble 25-tonne Krupp crane, Mick quickly made his mark as a skilled operator, working his way up to helm some of the most formidable machines in the industry.
Among his achievements was operating the iconic 500T Demag AC 1600, affectionately nicknamed the "Black Pig" at his depot in Wigan. Thinking behind it was that the crane was always ‘out on the job’, covered in grime, mud, and oil.
His career took him to all corners of the UK and beyond, whether lifting at the remote Shetland Islands Sullom Voe Oil Terminal or managing projects in bustling Southampton. Installing modular buildings in Guernsey or dismantling a chemical plant in Mersin Turkey, Mick truly has been there and got the T-Shirt,
“I spent years on the road, living out of a suitcase,” Mick says. “It was demanding, but I loved every minute of it. Some days you didn’t stop, others you could kick back but one thing stayed the same – the cranes were there to lift and when you needed to lift you did it – whatever the hour. If it wasn’t me, it was my colleague who I shared the crane with.”
His career trajectory led him to Ainscough Crane Hire, spending 14 formative years with the company. Working within their crane hire, heavy cranes, and engineering departments, During that time, Mick handled high-pressure projects, including a lift of a £14 million asset, requiring exceptional precision and calm under pressure.
It was all in a day’s work for the Lancashire lad and it wasn’t long before a Liverpool voice started to ring in his ear after seeing Mick’s skill and precision out on site himself.
That person was John Sutch.
Joining John Sutch Cranes
For years, John Sutch himself courted Mick to join his team. While Mick initially declined, the stars aligned a few years ago, and he made the move into a technical sales role.
“In all honestly I should have done it years ago,” Mick revealed.
“I just kept saying no, but I was working in Liverpool anyway for another crane company and one day something happened, and I thought, I’m going to ‘Sutch’s. I've never looked back. In fact, I always admire what John had done and here I am still enjoying it.”
His operational expertise now informs his sales strategies, enabling him to design lifts, advise clients, and help bring in new business.
“In this role, I draw on every bit of my past experience,” Mick says.
“From knowing what a crane can do to understanding the logistics and safety, it all plays a part in helping clients achieve success.”
Mick’s contribution to the industry extends far beyond his personal milestones.
He’s part of a generation that laid the groundwork for modern crane operations. Reflecting on earlier days, he recalls working 76 consecutive days without a break—a practice no longer permissible under today’s robust health and safety standards.
“Back then, you did what needed doing,” Mick says. “But today, the industry’s focus on safety has made it a better and more sustainable career for everyone.”
Paul Parry, Sales Director at John Sutch Cranes, praises Mick’s invaluable contributions.
He said: “Mick brings a unique combination of operational expertise and client-facing skills to our team. His ability to connect with clients while delivering exceptional solutions makes him a standout professional in our industry.”
Looking Ahead
Though the days of long stints away from home are behind him, Mick remains as passionate as ever. He now takes pride in helping clients execute flawless projects, drawing from decades of experience to guide every lift.
He’s not regretted the decision to move to Liverpool for a second.
“As I said, I should have done it years ago. And you know what, there could be some lifting yet to be done. I’ve kept all my accreditations and if Paul said to me ‘get in the 450 (the Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1), then I’d jump at it. I’ve operated bigger cranes and I’m confident I could handle that one too!”
