Every day we make a promise to our customers to be ‘always true to our word’. We need to check how well we are keeping that promise. To measure our performance we commissioned a satisfaction survey. Leadership Factor is a specialist in this area and conducted a comprehensive survey with some most valuable results that will help us to make further improvements to our service.

Stannah Lift Services have two types of customers:

• Domestic (mainly stairlift customers)
• Industrial ( across a wide range of market areas and lift products)

The survey was completed by:

• 410 domestic customers
• 151 industrial customers

The aim of the survey was three-fold:

• to learn which aspects of our service our customers value most
• to find out how we are delivering on those factors and
• to see which areas of our service can be improved

The results were very encouraging and showed us to be performing extremely well.

There are indicators for improvement too. In particular we will be looking at the way in which we:

• deal with complaints
• handle breakdown response
• let customers know about costs and chargeable items

We’d like to thank our customers and staff, who took part, for their invaluable feedback.

Wayne is employed by Stannah in Andover and when Janet Mason approached Stannah with a sponsorship request the company asked if there were any practical skills they could offer to support the VIPs. Janet said they were desperately in need of some IT skills and Wayne was very keen to help. The charity runs the Thursday workshop, fundraises to supply members with computers to train on and then again for machines to use in their own homes, but they were definitely lacking in the support skills to make the most out of their computer usage.

Janet explains:

 ‘We have a computer-literate member of VIPs who helps beginners. She is able to demonstrate the special software used for visually impaired people. What we really lacked was the technical back-up skills to help us all make the most of our resources and that familiar voice on the end of a phone if members have a problem with their home equipment.

Wayne has filled that gap and we are so grateful to Stannah for giving him the time to contribute to our organisation and to him for volunteering!

Developing computer skills is vital for many of our members. One young person, who is blind from birth, is determined to master a computer before she goes to university, another is developing his IT skills to help him get back into employment after an accident that left him partially sighted. Having a computer can open up so much to our members and avoid them being socially isolated. It’s a new friend that leads you to others.’

Wayne said he felt he could give back something to the community and develop some specialist skills too. He continues:

‘I had no connection to Andover VIPs before volunteering and when I did so I honestly thought it would be in my own time. It was soon obvious that Janet needed someone regularly during their working day and my employer agreed to support me and the VIPs. It was not an easy start but I soon settled in and got to know about the challenging lives of partially sighted people.

I am really enjoying applying my IT skills to a new group of ‘friends’ and can already see the difference it is making to the whole organisation. I’m on-call too; at VIPsI’m always in touch with the office and once home for VIPs who need my assistance at their home.’

Since beginning his one-day-a-week secondment Wayne has installed a back-up system, updated the main administration computer, sorted out e-mail communication for all the members, is developing an IT policy for the association and prepares donated equipment for members to use in their own homes. He is now reviewing the VIPs website with a member so together they can keep all their news, appeals and social networking up-to-date. Next is networking all the computers.

Most of the PCs have been donated by businesses in the region. There is always a need for more IT equipment, in particular large monitors are high on the agenda. If anyone can help please contact Andover VIPs on 01264 323335 or email: coord_andovervips@yahoo.co.uk

Hot off the production line, this latest addition to Stannah Lifts’ range of vertical platform lifts has made movement so much easier for mobility compromised people. Every disadvantaged visitor – from a pushchair-pusher to a wheelchair-user – now has access to all functions and facilities, a capability which helps the Church meet DDA requirements.

In operation since March 2010, this deluxe Midilift model opens up first-floor amenities which comprise a large hall and kitchen. The lift car is entered via a small ramp and clear-glass door. The interior features a half-height rear mirror, ambient ceiling lighting, satin stainless steel and azure-blue panelling, and grey grip flooring for safety. Enclosed in a white, baked-enamel shaft for swift, cost-effective installation, the lift harmonises with the contemporary décor, bringing stylish and invaluable access to a multi-use environment.

The new Midilift XLplus contributes to the pastoral care and a host of other facilities for the whole community, from pre-school children to teenagers, families and senior citizens. It is the ideal solution for buildings where it is not necessary, practical or possible to install a conventional passenger lift.

Lift users and budget-conscious, space-strapped owners appreciate the advanced range of ergonomic features such as automatic push-button controls for ease of operation; a partially enclosed car for an enhanced sense of safety; two car styles for a greater choice of finishes, and a new traction drive system for a smooth, quiet ride with an increased travel to 12m for loads up to 400kg. 

The Property Committee Chairman praised the Church’s new Midilift XLplus: “This is a busy church and has to function on many levels. The arrival of our Midilift XLplus means that we have opened up the whole premises to the entire area – it truly is a ‘community’ lift! Thank you to everyone involved in this first class project – the Stannah installation team, Marks Building Services and Walker Newton Architecture.”

As an established Stannah National Contracts’ customer, Circle Anglia’s specification criteria resulted in the selection of a passenger lift from Stannah’s new Xtralift range to serve this low-rise, four-storey development of eight units. Now, an 8-person, 630kg, motor room-less, traction-drive Xtralift moves residents and visitors quickly, easily and safely between all floors at a speed of 1 m/s.

Completely replacing the existing hydraulic-drive lift (from another manufacturer) but retaining the lift shaft, the Xtralift was supplied as a basic model finished to the client’s specification. This comprised individual small car panels separated by tough Darvic strips; a vandal-resistant ceiling, lighting, and polished stainless steel mirror.  The microprocessor and V3F drive are located at the top of the shaft and a separate service control panel is sited at the top-floor landing to facilitate most day-to-day maintenance and breakdown requirements. This also optimises space by liberating the original machine room for alternative use.  The project was completed in six weeks during which, as the principal contractor, Stannah Lift Services not only had to install the lift but also arrange for the removal of the old lift and organise all building works.

Acting on behalf of Circle Anglia, the project was overseen by WSP, a leading global consultant and provider of design, engineering and management consultancy services to the built and natural environment. Vertical Transportation Consultant, Goran Josipovic, comments:

“Although our client, Circle Anglia, is already a Stannah National Contracts’ client, the deal was clinched by Stannah’s proven ability to deliver the best lift for the job – within budget and to a tight timescale.”

The Xtralift helps Circle Anglia meet DDA requirements and is another successful example of their ongoing relationship with Stannah Lift Services who they continue to rely on to provide both product and service for all their developments nationwide.

Stannah Lifts’ new Xtralift range of passenger lifts is ideal for busy environments such as housing complexes. Comprising six standard capacity models from 17-33 persons, with many features and options such as square and stretcher models, all Xtralifts come with an excellent range of lift car finishes. Supplied in a modular structure for maximum ease of installation, the Xtralift range is CE marked and manufactured to comply with EN 81-1 and The Lift Directive 95/16/EC.

Drawing on over 140 years of lift industry experience, Dartford is just one of eleven branches that comprise Stannah Lift Services nationwide network for the repair, modernisation and refurbishment and maintenance of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways from the Stannah product range, and also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. 

A nine-year-old autistic boy, from Fleet in Hampshire, loves lifts and his Mum is determined to help to improve his communication skills in any way that she can. So she called Stannah explaining the inspiration and excitement her son seemed to get from looking at, and riding in, lifts.

Fabien’s Mum explains:

‘My son’s has many varied interests, but his great enthusiasm for lifts was seen at a very early age and endures to this day; The movement , rhythm and “magic” of lifts has always seemed both soothing and fascinating to him.  In play he still constructs make-believe lifts for toys and sees himself as a potential Mr Fix-it for lifts. I knew if we could visit Stannah and record the event in photos we would have some brilliant motivating material to inspire his writing and communication work.’

A visit to Stannah Lifts in Anton Mill, Andover was arranged. Mum, Dad and Fabien arrived at the passenger and platform lift factory with their visual schedule of the tightly planned hour-long visit (a pre-requisite for Fabien) and were warmly greeted by Alastair Stannah. First stop was the Stannah engineers’ training centre, where Fabien travelled in and operated several passenger platform lifts, operated goods lifts, and was able to look at the mechanics behind the units – just like a lift engineer.

Next stop was the moving walkway training unit where a team of engineers enjoyed a special coffee-break so Fabien could have access to the demonstration product.

He was able to see all the drive systems through Perspex in the bottom of the walkway and then walk on the training walkway section several times!

Then it was back to the lift factory to view the whole Stannah operation before an invitation to Alastair Stannah’s office for a drink. There Fabien was presented with a certificate making him an ‘honorary junior lift engineer’. Photographs of the whole visit were taken too.

Fabien’s Mum continues: ‘We are so grateful to Stannah for welcoming us so warmly. Fabien had an unforgettable time and the pictures of the visit are a really positive focus for his writing.’

Alastair Stannah comments:

‘We were privileged to welcome Fabien to our premises and I hope his close encounter with the engineering of lifts inspired him. The visit was an education for us all in politeness and enthusiasm. We thoroughly enjoyed our hour together and look forward to keeping in touch in the future’.

However if you use the pathway regularly you will notice that the river is also full of litter and rubbish. In the stretch from the Stannah site at Anton Mill, around the ASDA building and on into town the problem has been building. Stannah Lifts Ltd employees decided to do something about it!

On Friday 2nd July from 10am to 3pm a team of around 30 Stannah and 4 ASDA colleagues spent their working day restoring the area to its natural glory. The river clean-up project was led by Stannah’s Jon Blight and Lynn Carruthers who were joined by Jo Etchells and Yvonne Nicholson from ASDA and their colleagues, Test Valley Mayor Chris Lynn and Lady Mayoress Frances Lynn, Stannah Joint Chairman Alan Stannah and two TVBC employees to wade in at the deepest points in the river.

Alastair Stannah, MD Stannah Lifts Ltd., explains:

‘The river walk is a route taken by many of us at lunchtime. At Stannah we do our best to look after our local environment and our commitment to that environment extends beyond our factory gates. We decided it was time to take action to clean up this stretch of the river. We are delighted that our friends at ASDA joined us and grateful to Test Valley Borough Council for their support too. Three hours of our employees time was covered by the company and the remaining time was their own donation to the initiative.’

Although rain greeted the team as they set off, rain did certainly not stop the serious job of the clean-up. There were designated waders and those cleaning up the banks and between them they collected an unbelievable amount of rubbish. Amongst the largest items were the inevitable three shopping trolleys, a car tyre, parts of a bicycle, a huge notice board, a mammoth amount of plastic, a bag full of half-empty cans of paint, several 9-foot lengths of piping, a container of chemicals and literally hundreds of cans, bottles and wrappers. Test Valley environmental officers provided one refuse truck and had to send out for another by the end of the day! The official weigh-in was 1.5 tonnes.

Yvonne Nicholson from ASDA adds:

‘As a volunteer for Wiltshire Wildlife I took responsibility for the river wildlife on the day. Anton Vets were on stand by, should we have needed their help, and a pet carrier was on site too. The river is full of plastic, cans and discarded packaging that contaminates the whole area, potentially injuring or killing the river bank wildlife and the fish. I’m glad to report no injured wildlife was found. The clean-up was a great Stannah initiative. We can’t wait to do it again next year?’’

The whole team broke for lunch at the Stannah building in Anton Mill before the afternoon session that saw the clever addition of a boat that acted as a floating collection bin.

The last word goes to Stannah Joint Chairman Alan Stannah:

‘It’s so important that we all take responsibility for our immediate environment and this event demonstrated how much you can achieve if you really want to. I’d like to thank everyone that took part. It was certainly a team effort with everyone doing their bit. The array of materials we took out of the river was really quite astounding. We hope it may make people respect the beauty of the river and it’s wildlife and think before depositing rubbish that remains there for literally years.’

Following on from a £3.4 million refurbishment of this Grade II listed landmark leisure facility, the Maxilift performs within a bespoke elliptical blockwork shaft wholly in keeping with this individual building originally constructed in 1935 at the height of the Art Deco era.

Finished in satin stainless steel, pale-grey baked enamel and an azure vinyl floor, the lift mirrors the venue’s natural palette. However, many of the lift’s benefits are not so apparent, including its motor room-less capability which saves on space and cost by housing the drive system and controller in the pit; and, of course, installation automatically helps the premises’ owners – Plymouth County Council – meet with DDA requirements.

Leisure Operations Manager, Sarah Flanagan, comments: “Tinside Lido is an outstanding example of 1930s’ seaside architecture and we are delighted that it is once again providing a valuable public service for its many visitors, whatever their  age and mobility level. Our Stannah Maxilift is certainly helping everyone navigate the clifftop access with their reserves of ‘pool-cool’ intact!”

Both girls would like to thank Stannah for their individual £50 donation. This comes from the ‘well-being’ policy that supports all employees who take on personal challenges for good causes.

Susan comments: ‘It took us a few days to recover but was worth it, was really good fun considering it was our first race ever ran. Will need to keep it up and apply for next years and hopefully beat our time.’

Hard at work since this Winchester-based organisation opened in March 2009, this tireless pack-horse hauls loads of up 1000kg between two floors. It is the only way to shift the donated good-quality, second-hand furniture and household items from the ground-floor delivery area to the first-floor warehouse for storage – and back down again when needed to refresh the display in the huge Community Shop in the Bar End area of the city. All the proceeds are ploughed back into this self-sustaining enterprise which successfully supports residents towards complete self-sufficiency within three years.

A space-saving, energy-efficient traction drive ensures that the Goodsmaster contributes to this eco-conscious environment comprising cedar-wood buildings,  solar heating panels, and a roof made from recyclable materials, as reflected in the aptly named ‘Green Roof Café’.

The Emmaus Community Winchester-branch Community Director, Marie-Anne Mackie, comments: “We simply couldn’t function without the Stannah Goodmaster hauling heavy goods between the delivery area and our warehouse on the first floor. It would be impossible to accept donations and we would lose a vital source of income.”

Designed with safety in mind, the low-headroom Goodsmaster is accessed via a dual-entry system comprising a single, hinged, steel door behind which a collapsible gate reinforces security of contents. The lift complies fully with the Essential Safety requirements of the Machinery Directive.

Available in 500kg – 1500kg capacities and supplied inside a structure-supported frame, the Goodsmaster can be installed and working within a fortnight, subject to builders work. It also helps premises such as the Winchester branch of Emmaus Hampshire to meet the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act. 

Allan Eley suffers from Asthma and it motivates him to complete outstanding physical challenges and raise money for Asthma UK. Allan, a lift engineer for Stannah Lift Services branch in Birmingham, ran the 2010 London Marathon in a personal best and raised a magnificent £1,600!

Running the London Marathon each year since 2008 is just one of Allan’s heroic deeds in aid of Asthma UK. He has completed runs ranging from 10k to 26K all over the UK and in Europe too.

Maybe you like to run and would like to dedicate your efforts to Asthma UK?

If you prefer jumping out of a plane you can do it free of charge whilst raising funds for Asthma UK. Or simply make a donation via the web link below.

 www.asthma.org.uk

www.parachute4asthma.org.uk

Located close to the town centre, this modern, purpose-built NHS medical practice has provided an invaluable health service to the local community for over twelve years. But, in response to Government directives requiring more services to be offered in the primary care sector, the surgery is expanding. Once housing their administration offices, the first floor is being converted into consulting rooms, thereby necessitating lift access for people with restricted mobility, from pushchair-pushers to wheelchair-users.

Centrally located in the premises, the lift features clear glass panels to three sides with two half-height mirrors to the right-hand side wall, ranged either side of the control panel. Enclosed in a glass shaft, it offers scenic and convenient travel between the spacious, ground-floor reception area and the first-floor consulting rooms. Harmonising with the clean, neutral décor, the lift offers an impressive, high-tech facility wholly in keeping with its surroundings.

Since handover of the Midilift XLplus in April 2010, Carrington House Surgery is poised to deliver care at even healthier heights. By streamlining the movement of all mobility compromised individuals between the two floors, the lift also helps the practice owners meet DDA requirements.

The new dynasty Midilift XLplus benefits everyone involved. Supplied in a structure-supported enclosure for swift, adaptable, cost-effective installation, it is the ideal solution for buildings where it is not necessary, practical or possible to install a conventional passenger lift.

Lift users and budget-conscious, space-strapped owners appreciate the advanced range of ergonomic features such as automatic push-button controls for ease of operation; a partially enclosed car for an enhanced sense of safety; two car styles for a greater choice of finishes, and a new traction drive system for a smooth, quiet ride with an increased travel to 12m for loads up to 400kg. 

Carrington House Surgery Practice Manager, Helen Morris-Khan, enthuses: “Stairs may be great exercise but, for various reasons, not everyone – staff included – can always use them, so the provision of the Midilift XLplus means we offer an even better health service and working environment to everyone who sets foot inside the surgery. It is totally in keeping with our contemporary, dedicated facility and it is hard to imagine the working day without its assistance.” 

The Midilift vertical platform lift makes all the difference to being able to welcome all members of the community and has helped the building managers meet all their local authority requirements for a community building.

Keith Hatch, The Hilt Centre Manager explains:

‘Including a lift in our brand new 2-storey building was essential to enable us to have an inclusive policy, welcoming all the community. Our Stannah lift meant we passed our accessibility assessment by Eastleigh Borough Council with flying colours. Our youth meetings take place in ‘The Loft’ and the lift has enabled us to run additional sessions for disabled and disadvantaged groups. We just couldn’t give our visitors freedom of movement without the lift.’

The Stannah Midilift simply moves between the two floors. The platform is large enough to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably and its ease of use ensures the venue’s inclusive policy really does deliver.

The Hilt is an impressive facility that really is the result of community spirit.

The Hiltingbury Community Association was formed with the aim of bringing the heart back into the community by providing a centre for Hiltingbury community events. The HCA was formed in 1996 and has been responsible for organising the annual Hiltingbury Extravaganza on the local recreation ground. With the growing success of this event year-on-year, it was proposed that a permanent centre should be built to provide a focal point for the community.

The Centre boasts two large ground floor halls, ideal for sport and dance classes or private parties, and a smaller meeting room in constant demand by local groups. Upstairs is The Loft – a dedicated area for youth meetings, workshops and training. With a backdrop of the Hiltingbury recreation ground it’s an ideal space to meet.

The Hilt community centre was officially opened by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, in early May.

has two passenger lifts that residents rely on day in day out. Stannah are carrying out a rolling major refurbishment programme on all four lifts, improving the ride, operating efficiency and safety. 

Today, 60% of the business is outside the UK and the company commands a 20% share of the global market, exporting to 47 country markets.

Tim Eagles, Joint Managing Director of Stannah Stairlifts Limited, said “This remarkable accomplishment is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the Stannah workforce and our relentless pursuit of quality and excellence in our products and customer service.  As the leading company in the industry for 35 years, we have steadily grown a thriving export business.”

Stannah has been manufacturing stairlifts since 1975 - a wonderful product that often makes it possible for people with reduced mobility to stay in the home they love.

Long before the move into stairlifts, Stannah, a family-run business for almost 150 years, was a leading UK hoist and passenger lift company and has recently added moving walkways to its portfolio of products.

Picture courtesy of the Andover Advertiser

A 20-person, 2-stop, hydraulic-drive passenger/goods lift was installed as part of a modernisation programme, to Network Rail specifications, that helps Southeastern Rail meet the requirements of the Lifts Directive (95/16/EC) 1995 and EN 81-2. Before its arrival, there was only stair access from street level down to Platform 2, an unacceptable situation for anyone with compromised mobility – from parents with pushchairs to luggage-laden travellers or wheelchair users. The new passenger lift provides independent pedestrian and disabled access and helps Network Rail meet the requirements of the DDA.

Stannah Network Rail Project Manager, Ian Smith, comments: “This station really needed a lift. It has improved access for everyone and made daily duties such as the movement of goods easier and safer for station staff. The project was completed on time, on budget, with the minimum disruption, and without compromising the Victorian architecture.”

Designed to comply with EN81-2 safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts, this full-height passenger/goods lift features electronic 3D safety edges fitted to all car doors with alarm push buttons and a two-way communication system fitted to the lift car and at each landing. An in-car speech synthesiser provides lift travel information at each landing.

Manufactured to the highest specification with a life expectancy of twenty-five years in such a rugged environment, this 1500kg lift operates at a contract speed of .63 metres per second, with internal car dimensions of 2400mm wide x 1300mm deep x 2300mm high. The lift has a centre opening with a single entry on each landing, and a clear access of 1200mm wide x 2100mm high.

In addition to the general repair and maintenance of Network Rail lifts, Stannah are

involved in many lift refurbishment and renewal projects at stations across the UK. This work ensures each lift meets the Disability Discrimination Act requirements, making them suitable for independent use by all members of the public, including those with disabilities.