local college

Local College Contract Won by Nationwide Lifts

We’ve started the week on a high note! Our Sales and Marketing Manager, Jamie Tappenden, has secured another new contract with a local college in Staffordshire. This college, located conveniently near our Stoke headquarters, has nine lifts on-site that will now benefit from our expert care.

Over the past few months, Jamie held several productive meetings with the college team. During these discussions, the local college expressed their frustrations with their previous supplier, citing issues like inadequate servicing, poor communication, and persistent problems with their lifts. Fortunately, we stepped in to turn things around. Through Jamie’s dedication, regular communication, and a proactive approach, we earned their trust and their business.

At Nationwide Lift Services, we bring extensive experience as a reputable lift supplier. From passenger lifts to goods lifts, we’ve partnered with colleges both locally and nationwide for years. Our engineers and office staff are highly trained, ensuring reliable service and support at every step. This new partnership with the local college highlights our unwavering commitment to honesty, excellent customer service, and tailored solutions for every client.

We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with malfunctioning lifts or suppliers who don’t deliver. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we provide bespoke quotes based on your needs, budget, and the current condition of your lifts.

Don’t wait for problems to arise, let us help you stay ahead of the game. Whether you require lift maintenance, repairs, modernisation, or help with LOLER inspections (in collaboration with a trusted third-party company), we’re here to ensure smooth, safe, and reliable lift performance at your local college or other facilities.

Get in touch today to see how we can support your lift needs!

lift technician

Lift Technician Neil Duncan – The Lift Whisperer

When we took over 5 years ago, we had big plans for the company. Two of the previous lift engineers who worked at Nationwide Lifts before Paul Robinson took over wanted to join us on our mission to expand the business. One of which is Neil Duncan who is our lift technician and the other is Steve Bowditch who is currently on a Worldwide Cruise (Just in case you didn’t know).

Neil has worked for the business for over 20 years and in that time has gained vast experience on lift installations, lift refurbishments, breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance. He is very knowledgeable and has a positive can-do attitude at all times. Neil’s attention to detail and patience on site is a real asset for our company and also our customers. He is currently helping the rest of our team become Lift God’s like him. He can even do a drawing if you ask him. Furthermore, he has been extremely loyal to the company in his time working here, as a dedicated lift technician.

We know Neil as the lift whisperer, he always manages to resolve any issues and has completed an array of successful lift modernisations. Several of our customers love having him on site, and he is always honest with the client, just like the rest of the staff who work for us. He is truly a remarkable lift technician.

Nationwide Lift Services have a first-time fix policy, where we will aim to get the lift repaired on our first site visit (to avoid repeat visits). This approach saves you money and minimizes disruption. Reducing callouts, our lift engineers are highly experienced and are trained to repair all types of lift.

Nationwide Lift Services has over 30 years of experience in lift repairs and callouts, providing reliable and expert care for your lift needs. Our team offers honest advice and top-quality technician support, ensuring your lifts are in the best hands.

Contact us today to see how we can assist with your lift requirements!

callouts

Callouts and lift breakdowns – how to reduce them

Are you having issues with your lifts? Constant breakdowns maybe, performance issues or just general problems. If any of this applies to you, then you should contact us to inspect your lift. We have a helpline for all callouts which is 24/7, and you will always be put through to a member of our team.

Don’t wait for the lift breakdown to happen; get the issue fixed as soon as possible. When you notice a fault, get in contact with us. Being proactive will benefit you and your business and will save you the hassle of a lift breakdown and will reduce callouts, it will also save you money as we can fix the issue before it becomes more serious.

Some signs that a lift breakdown may soon happen include:

  • Door issues, including stuck, unresponsive, or malfunctioning doors.
  • Power outages.
  • Worn-out sheaves.
  • Inadequate lubrication of moving parts.
  • Bearing failures.
  • Misaligned motor drives.
  • Improper use of the lift, such as overloading, vandalism, or misuse.
  • Electrical issues, mechanical failures, and control system glitches.

You can help prevent the chance of a lift breakdown by cleaning between the lift doors regularly and ensuring everyone is using the lifts properly. We always aim to get to the site as soon as possible. We can guarantee great customer service, especially for emergency callouts.

Nationwide Lift Services have a first-time fix policy, where we will aim to get the lift repaired on our first site visit (to avoid repeat visits). This approach saves you money and minimizes disruption. Reducing callouts, our lift engineers are highly experienced and are trained to repair all types of lift.

Nationwide Lift Services have been repairing lifts and doing callouts for 30+ years. With us, you are in good hands. We can offer you advice for your lift, and we will always be honest with our customers.

You can read more about lift repair here

inspection

Inspection of your lifts – How we can help with LOLERS

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, also referred to as LOLER, impose strict regulations for the safe operation and use of lifting equipment. Passenger lifts are required to be inspected every six months, while goods lifts need annual inspections. LOLER inspections are mandatory and must be strictly adhered to.

Regulation 9 of LOLER mandates that all lifts used in work activities or daily operations must undergo thorough examinations by a competent and qualified individual at regular intervals. These regulations apply to any lifts or hoists used for lifting people or loads.

If you own lifts or are responsible for their safe operation in a workplace, such as a facilities manager or supervisor, you are considered a ‘duty holder’ under LOLER regulations.

As a ‘duty holder,’ you have a legal obligation to ensure that the lift is thoroughly examined and safe to use. If you own a lift primarily used by the public, this guidance can also help you comply with broader health and safety legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

We have been in the lift industry for over 30 years, and we work closely with a third party insurance company who can complete your LOLER inspections on our behalf, which helps continuity of a high level of service. We have been working with this company for a long time, and we know them as reliable and efficient.

At the end of a LOLER inspection you are given a report of the companies findings, we can help you fix any issues with your lift.

If you want to know more information about LOLER inspections, please read our LOLER page. This will tell you everything you need to know about LOLER examinations.

Please get in contact with us if you are needing help with your LOLER inspections.

lift interior

Lift Interior Upgrades For Your Lift

Picture this: you step into a lift. What is the first thing that captures your attention? The lights? The buttons? Perhaps it’s the impending awkwardness of lift small talk? Or maybe just the mirror. The interior of a lift always catches our eye.

A lift interior captures the personality of the lift. Throughout our 30 years as a reputable lift company, we have refurbished lots of them. A lift refurbishment can improve your lift dramatically, a nice looking interior can be a subject of your customers discussions and make the lift look better.

After all, you want a pristine looking interior that ensures your lift ride is enjoyable. Whether it is your lift or you are in the middle of a busy shopping centre simply grabbing a lift to get to the next floor, a charming looking interior makes a world of difference.

Take this example of a lift refurbishment job we did for a local care home, when we arrived at site we were greeted to an old, bog-standard lift riddled with problems. After working our magic, we turned it into a swanky telephone box.

Lift Refurbishment is an excellent solution to give an old lift a brand-new life. If you are not wanting the hassle of getting a new lift installed, a lift modernisation solution from us is a great idea. All the parts we fit are open protocol and replacements can be sourced from UK suppliers, speeding up delivery in the event of an emergency.

We can offer you lift controller replacements, interior upgrades, hydraulic replacements, door upgrades or new lift doors. We also offer the complete turnkey solution for our clients by offering builders-work and electrical work as part of our package. Furthermore, we can often get your lift fully modernised with a new interior and all components in 4 weeks.

Derbyshire Care Home

Hydrax and Nationwide Lifts Recent Collaboration

Recently, we have been working closely with Hydrax for our lift modernisation projects, and their expertise has made a significant impact on the success of these initiatives. Hydrax is a highly professional and knowledgeable supplier of lift parts, with a leadership team that collectively boasts over 100 years of experience in the lift industry. This vast experience has given them a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of businesses in the lift sector, making them a trusted partner for us.

We have been doing lift modernisations for 30 years, and we can happily say we haven’t had any issues with Hydrax. They have been excellent throughout the modernisation projects.

Their staff are trained to a high standard and are dedicated to meeting the unique demands of each project. Hydrax goes above and beyond by tailoring solutions to satisfy individual requirements, ensuring that all components and systems are specifically designed for maximum efficiency and reliability. They pride themselves on their ability to deliver “Solutions by Elevation” through quality-assured design and manufacturing processes.

One of the standout aspects of working with Hydrax is their exceptional customer service. They are always available to assist, and even when we encounter difficulties such as struggling to identify a specific part, Hydrax makes it simple. All we need to do is send them a photo, and they promptly identify the part and provide a detailed quote, saving us time and effort. This level of responsiveness and attention to detail ensures that projects move forward smoothly and without delay.

Overall, Hydrax has proven to be an invaluable partner in our lift modernisation efforts. Their professionalism, extensive knowledge, and commitment to service have supported the successful execution of our projects, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with them.

Please contact us for your lift modernisation projects.

Staff Training

Staff Training with Nationwide Lifts

At Nationwide Lift Services, we believe in the power of self-development, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve and grow our skill set. Our team is the backbone of our success, and we are proud to foster a culture where learning and growth are a priority. Whether it’s our engineers working on-site or our office staff managing operations, we encourage everyone to continuously enhance their skills and achieve their full potential through staff training initiatives.

Throughout the last 30 years we have been providing our lift services around Staffordshire and the rest of the nation. Our staff regularly partake in lift training and our engineers regularly participate in advanced training courses to stay up to date with the latest technology, safety standards, and installation techniques. This reflects our dedication to comprehensive staff training.

The training our staff and engineers go through ensures we deliver efficient and reliable services to our clients every day. Behind the scenes, our office staff are just as committed to improvement, earning qualifications in areas like project management and customer service.

This week Jamie Tappenden, our Sales Manager, has recently completed a project management course, showcasing our team’s dedication to growth and excellence. During this course, he reinforced his skill set and learnt new things.

Investing in personal and professional development isn’t just about improving skills, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and capable of growth. The emphasis on staff training reflects in the quality of service we provide and the strong relationships we build with our clients.

We’re proud of our team’s achievements and will continue to support their journey of lifelong learning. After all, our strength as a company comes from the strength of the people behind it.

If you are having issues with your lift, please contact us, we can help you and your business out through our well-trained staff.

Passenger training

Passenger Training with Nationwide Lift Services

Nationwide Lift Services have been part of the lift industry for an impressive 30+ years, throughout this time we have maintained and repaired hundreds of lifts and now, to ensure comprehensive passenger training, we continually expand our services.

In an ever evolving industry, we’re always striving to provide exceptional value to our clients. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new addition to our suite of services:

Passenger Release Training!

This training is designed to equip your team with the skills and confidence to safely release passengers from lifts in the unlikely event of entrapment. While we pride ourselves on ensuring that lifts operate smoothly, we recognize the importance of adequate training for emergencies.

Why should your team receive Passenger Release Training?

  • Safety First: The safety of passengers is paramount. Our training ensures your team knows how to handle emergency situations with care and professionalism, emphasizing the need for proper passenger training.
  • Reduce Downtime: Quick and efficient response can minimize disruption and ensure your lift is back in operation as soon as possible.
  • Compliance & Confidence: Stay compliant with health and safety standards while giving your team the knowledge and confidence to act decisively, a key component of thorough passenger training.

Our training is practical, comprehensive, and tailored to your specific lift systems, ensuring your staff are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.

We’re proud to offer this vital service as part of our commitment to keeping our clients’ lifts running safely and efficiently. By empowering your team with this training, you can enhance both safety and service for those who rely on your lifts every day.

If you’d like to find out more about Passenger Release Training or arrange a session for your team, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can keep your passengers safe and your lifts running smoothly!

Motor Room

Motor Room in Winter: The Problems

As the winter months approach, it can cause a whole host of problems for lifts. It is important to know how to keep your lift motor room at the right temperature. A lift motor room should ideally be kept at 20 degrees. Chilly weather can lower the temperature, potentially leading to issues such as improper hydraulic fluid consistency. Here are some common problems caused by cold temperatures and how to solve them:

Reduced efficiency of lift components:
Hydraulic systems may experience thickened hydraulic fluid, causing sluggish performance or delayed responses. Electric motors may struggle to start if lubrication becomes less effective in colder temperatures, warming up the motor room is essential.

Increased wear and tear:
Chilly conditions can make oil or grease more viscous, reducing lubrication and increasing wear on gears, bearings, and rollers. Rubber or plastic parts may become brittle, leading to cracking.

Electrical problems:
Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation on electrical components, increasing the risk of short circuits or corrosion. Battery performance or capacity may also decrease in cold conditions. Keeping the motor room at 20 degrees is important.

Control system failures:
Temperature-sensitive electronics in modern lifts may malfunction if the ambient temperature drops below their operational range. Sensors and relays may fail, resulting in miscommunication or false error signals.

Health and safety risks:
Lift engineers may struggle to work in a cold motor room, impacting the quality of repairs or routine checks. Cold-related failures could also lead to lift downtime, inconveniencing users and posing potential safety hazards.

Solutions

  • Install air con systems to maintain a consistent temperature in the motor room (ideally 20c).
  • Ensure the motor room has the correct air flow and flow to fresh air.
  • Use proper insulation to help stabilise the temperature range.
  • Schedule regular maintenance during colder months to address potential issues proactively.
  • Monitor the environment with temperature and humidity sensors to track the motor room’s climate.

Contact us if you are having any winter related lift issues.

risk assessments

Risk Assessments for your lifts

At Nationwide Lifts, we have been working closely with care homes and the NHS for many years. We understand how important it is to ensure the lifts are reliable and efficient in these critical sectors. We also understand the importance of completed risk assessments.

Often in some older care sector sites, the designers never considered a second lift or stairlift as a backup plan in case the lift went off. Our plan is to ensure we spot the future issues before they occur. Thorough risk assessments frequently help achieve safer working conditions and ensure the lift is safe.

We offer free full risk assessments every year on every site we look after. So we would look at all components and parts to ensure that all upgrades and replacements are done when required. We work closely with clients on this to ensure they have minimal downtime for the lift on site.

In the lift industry, maintenance can be rushed due to low costs that the industry charge, but we try to be different and offer this comprehensive solution. It works, and we help to reduce breakdowns on all sites.

We have worked with some key players of the care industry, delivering them exceptional service, and saving them costs on repairs. If you are a care home manager who gets busy, the last thing we would want is for you to have problems with your lifts.

We understand there are several challenges involved within the care industry. The safety and mobility of residents, many with limited physical abilities, is paramount. We are aware reliability of lifts may be a concern of yours, as efficient lifts are necessary for transporting residents between floors. With our approach to lift maintenance and comprehensive risk assessments, we aim to prevent all future lift issues for your care home.

Frequent lift breakdowns can lead to delays in care, increased risk of accidents, and less independence for residents, something we’re sure you don’t want. Regular and proactive lift maintenance can minimize these difficulties and put you at ease by ensuring that lifts are always in operation, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving the overall efficiency of care delivery. This not only enhances the safety and well-being of residents but also eases the workload of care staff, allowing them to focus more on providing quality care. Please contact us if you are having issues with your lifts.