RED Jackets Golf Day

A brilliant day on the course at the RED Jackets Golf Day, hosted by Safeline Group UK ⛳🏌️‍♂️

Our colleagues had a great time catching up with others from across the lift industry supporting two incredible charities Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation & The Lift Industry Mental Health Charter.

A huge thank you to Stuart Garcia and the Safeline Group UK team for organising another fantastic event, and to the London Golf Club for their outstanding hospitality. 👏

 

An Evening with Henry Poole and Co.

Thank you to Henry Poole and Co for your kind invitation to celebrate your 220th Anniversary, and thank you for hosting a wonderful and insightful evening, it was a pleasure to learn so much about the brand’s long and rich history

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.”

 

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations to Joanne Cooper for receiving the latest Monthly Employee Recognition Award and Prize.

Since September Joanne has settled in so well, assisting her colleagues wherever she can, and sharing a funny story or two along the way.

Well done Joanne, and thank you for all your hard work.

 

 

 

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations Ellie Everson on receiving October’s Employee Recognition Award and Prize.

Ellie is always very positive and willing to help her colleagues who describe her as a team player who always makes people laugh.

Again, well done Ellie and thank you for all your hard work.

 

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations Joe DeDomenici for receiving the latest Monthly Employee Recognition Award and Prize.

Joe’s consistent dedication, extensive expertise and strong relationships with his colleagues truly make him an invaluable member of the Amalgamated Lifts team. Thank your for your continued hard work and commitment! Our people are the driving force behind our business.

 

25 Year Work Anniversary

We are extremely proud to recognise and honour the significant milestone achieved by three of our longest servicing employees; Liz, Dave and Doug!

Last month marked their 25th year of working for us.
Massive congratulations to them and a HUGE THANK YOU from all of us at Amalgamated Lifts for their unwavering hard work and dedication!