The UK lift industry is made up of many companies, ranging from multinational powerhouses to sole traders and elements such as a nice-looking website or busy social media feed are not necessarily indicative of the size nor capabilities of a business in the modern world.
There are a number of global players who design, manufacture and install their own lift systems (Otis, Schindler and Kone being three almost household names in this field). These are huge businesses with vast levels of skill and experience within them and they deliver a substantial number of new lift installations across the UK on an annual basis. In fact, since the advent of the MRL (machine room less lift), these businesses have tended to dominate the construction element of the lift industry, providing lifts in greater quantities than the rest of the industry combined. If you live in or manage a block constructed after 2000, chances are it will have one (or more) of these lifts installed within it.
However, despite the expertise in their own product ranges, there are also scores of independent businesses in the UK lift industry that provide different services to the major manufacturers.
The term independent often comes with thoughts of smaller companies. However, some of the independent lift contractors turn over tens of millions of pounds per annum, with large workforces running into the hundreds. Some of these independent businesses have been trading for decades, with huge amounts of experience formed over this time.
The lift industry has just as many suppliers of equipment, with control systems, machines, door equipment and various sundry items coming from all around the world, to potentially be installed within a building you live in.
Subsequently, the lift contractor you choose to maintain your lift could be based on the expertise of the company as a whole, or just a single individual who is very familiar with the products installed within your property.
See Flat Living E65 for maintenance advice.
The same is true when you select a contractor to undertake capital works on a lift installation, whether refurbishment or replacement. Whilst the lift industry has dozens of businesses you can work with, it is always best to pick a company who will be well suited to the individual demands of a scheme.
See Flat Living E63 for project advice.
This is where your chosen independent consultant should offer their expert opinion and advice to guide you through the process, leading to simple, value-for-money decision-making.
ARDENT Lift Consultancy can assist by undertaking our independent lift survey reports, looking at the current condition of lift equipment and highlighting operational issues, typical energy consumption values, predicted lifespan and recommendations with associated budget costing.
