News

Alyson Roper Spotlight

Alyson Roper, one of our longest serving office employees, was kind enough to share some insights into her role as Service Office Manager at Amalgamated Lifts

Alyson has been in the lift industry for an incredible 18 years and has been with Amalgamated Lifts since 2010, starting her journey in the business as Customer Service Adviser, progressing into the role of Live Response Coordinator, and now with a furthering promotion to her current role.

We asked Alyson what her typical day looks like and she explained “There is never a dull moment and there is always something to do!” She spends the majority of her time sorting parts and booking them in, arranging technician visits and supporting all Contract Supervisors in the office

We asked what skills have been most critical to the success in her role, and she credits her people skills and understanding of “helping meet clients’ needs and knowledge of parts to identify solutions”

When reflecting on the industry and changes, Alyson acknowledges she “has witnessed a noticeable growth in female representation, which is great to see” and whilst there has been an increase in customer expectations, she says it is reassuring to know that AL is continuously developing our in-house systems and technologies to accommodate both office and client demands

The best work advice she has received and lives by is “Act now and don’t leave it until tomorrow”

Outside of work, Alyson enjoys “Cooking, spending time with my family, and watching movies.” It goes without saying at all company events, Alyson’s baked goods are always appreciated and delicious!

James Burgess Spotlight

We sat down recently with James Burgess, our NEBOSH accredited AL Compliance Manager who has been in the trade for nearly 20 years. When asked about what got James into the lift industry and his role of compliance, he shared that;

“My first role in the lift industry was in project management. My second role I was lucky enough to be involved with the initialisation and development of a contract to supply lift installation and maintenance services to The London Underground, giving me a great opportunity to develop my skillset and my first step into health and safety management.”

“After successfully delivering in this role for more than twelve years I wanted to broaden my scope into project management with different clients and took a role within another lift company as Project Manager. Having undertaken this role for several years and successfully completing numerous installations, I approached Amalgamated Lifts and was fortunate enough to be contacted by John Brand, who was Commercial and QESH Director at the time. John had spent considerable time developing the initial QESH management system that I then inherited and began to develop in my new role as Compliance Manager, which I continue to deliver daily.”

A typical day for James can involve “the day-to-day operational running of our company’s IMS and pertaining QESH (Quality, Environmental, Safety & Health) systems;  incorporating everything from toolbox talk delivery, policy development, review of potential software solutions to the business and incident investigation.”

James credits his success as Compliance Manager to his “experience and tenacity to pursue procedural excellence with transparent accountability of all company members”. For anyone who knows James or has worked with him, they would certainly respect the truth in this statement.

When thinking about how the industry has changed in his time, James told us that, “since joining the industry in 2007, there has a been a marked increase in the focus on compliance and QESH management; from smaller progressions such as transparent waste management, through to legislation that recalibrates the construction industry holistically, such as the more recent Building Safety Act. With specific regard to the BSA, much as I understand the problems this has caused the Lift Industry and wider Construction Sector, I very much welcome the control this legislation places on both AL as a company and our clients.”

Reflecting on the most rewarding career achievement, James expressed that “Following on from the above, my most rewarding career achievement has been the development of AL’s IMS to the point of gaining Constructionline Gold Accreditation which includes for BSA compliance.”

Remaining with BSA compliance, James believes it to be greatest legislative risk facing our industry today.  He believes this is a challenge as all companies are having to review and potentially adjust their means of doing business. He acknowledges “This has caused extensive questioning of both organisational and personal competency for all lift companies, including AL, to prevent delays to project commencement”.

When asked what’s a key factor in making a good working environment, James responded with “Promoting fairness and transparency. My long-term colleague, Keith Vines, established this firmly at the beginning of my lift industry career. I distinctly remember being at a meeting with a difficult client. Keith calmly acknowledged the situation and advised all members of our team to rise and leave the meeting due to the client’s behaviour. I had never felt as supported as in that moment. It’s vital to know that you are supported by your colleagues.”

Outside of work, James told me “I am happily married and a proud father of a thirteen-year-old son who has developed a love for both playing the guitar and saxophone as well as recently discovering an appreciation for The Cure – much to my delight!  Aside from this, I have a massive interest in martial arts and continue to teach Wing Chun kung fu, which I have happily undertaken for the last 19 years. I have trained extensively in martial arts since 1999 under numerous masters, including full time at a Chinese school for many months in 2003, which was a real privilege. I have many other interests, particularly music, and a love of visiting country pubs near my home in Tonbridge.”

 

Royal Warrant Holders Association Reception

We had the honour of attending The Royal Warrant Holders Association Drinks Reception, held in May at 1 Buckingham Place 🥂⭐

It was a privilege to hear from the President of The Royal Warrant Holders Association, Roger Stephenson, Grantee of James Lock & Co, and to meet so many wonderful people whilst celebrating this momentous accolade in our company’s history.

Terri Webb , Katie Jukes, and John Brand look forward to the exciting calendar of events ahead, reconnecting with new friends made, and making many more along the way.

 

Recruiting in Wandsworth

Our colleagues Darrell Seffens and Nikki DeDomenici attended Employ Wandsworth 2026. 👔💼🤝

Nikki says “It was great to engage with such a wide range of individuals and fellow employers. Events such as this play a huge role in bringing employers and local talent together and we were proud to be a part of such a positive and well supported event”. ⭐

Employ Wandsworth is designed specifically for Wandsworth residents to find out about locally available jobs and training.

We are actively recruiting Lift Engineers in Wandsworth, so please do contact recruitment@al-lifts.co.uk for more information on such opportunities.

Amalgamated Lifts Limited proudly announce their Royal Warrant Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III

Delivering Another Successful Project

Our Repairs Department deliver another successful hydraulic lift replacement within the Health Sector 🩺🚑 – Successfully relocating the control panel from the ground floor to the top floor ⬆️

The hydraulic tank also being relocated to the top floor from the lift pit, creating a safer and easier space to work on going forward➡️

 

School Careers Fair Event 2026

It is always a pleasure to attend Primary School Career Fairs in our local community. Representing our industry sector and hopefully inspiring the next generation of engineers, technicians, office staff, etc. 🛠💻

Receiving the following feedback this morning on email from the Assistant Principal makes it all worthwhile;

“They showed great curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored the different job roles and career pathways you introduced to them, engaging in purposeful conversations. The wide range of job opportunities shared on the day opened their eyes to a future full of exciting possibilities, and that was made possible because of you. Your willingness to share your knowledge, experiences, and insights made a meaningful impact and helped bring learning to life in a way that simply isn’t possible in the classroom alone”

We had a great time and we look forward to future opportunities to do similar volunteering work. 🤝

Red Nose Day

The team came together and got creative, designing their own noses and feasting on cakes to successfully raise over £100 in support of Comic Relief.

Proof that serious fundraising doesn’t always require serious faces!

 

Lambeth – Match My Project – Launch Event

We were honoured on the 18th March 2026 to be in attendance of the London Borough of Lambeth – Match My Project – Partnership Launch Event. It was a great opportunity to learn about the local charities in the area and a real way for us to give back to the community.

As part of our commitment to giving back, we were pleased to donate 100+ pairs of cargo trousers and shorts to various charities to further their noble works, whether it be in local gardening or helping young people enter work with the suitable attire.

We look forward to seeing how Match My Project will make a difference in the way we make social value contributions. Thank you to Barry Bugden and Be Lambeth for having us, we look forward to the next event.

 

Not Long To Go

***Let’s Show Darrell Seffens Our Support***

On Sunday 26th April, Darrell will be running the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. 🏃‍♂️

Darrell has already raised an incredible 76% of his target. 👏

If you would like to join us in supporting this wonderful cause then please do follow the link below.

https://lnkd.in/ePva9u8t

As a company, we will add an extra 50% to whatever Darrell raises in sponsorship, donating the additional amount to Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.