Canary Wharf coffee buffs are being re-energised by upmarket, independent coffee house, Taylor St Baristas, with the help of a Stannah Microlift 50C dumbwaiter.

Lured by top-notch coffee prepared by professional baristi, busy Londonisti can also refuel on a tasty menu with the assistance of the Microlift 50C moving tableware and food between the 1^st floor kitchen and ground floor servery.

Fully automatic push-button control with call and despatch facilities at each entrance makes the Microlift 50C very easy to use. Operating at a speed of 0.35m/s, it is finished in hygienic, easy-clean satin stainless steels with rise and fall shutters and safety locks.

The Microlift 50C was specified by Shane Burns, Director at Studio Platform Limited, a London-based architect and interior design practice with a positive experience of Stannah Lifts products:

“We have used Stannah Microlift service lifts in quite a few commercial retail development projects, including some big-name brands. We had every confidence that the Microlift 50C would deliver reliable service in this latest branch of Taylor St Baristas so the obvious – and best – solution was to stick with Stannah.”

To meet the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) of the Machinery (Safety) Regulations, the lift car is supplied with car entrance protection as standard to protect goods from falling whilst the lift is in motion.

The Microlift 50C is serviced by the London and South East branch of Stannah Lift Services (Crayford), part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.

Two Stannah Microlift 50B dumbwaiters are helping to revitalise visitors in the newly refurbished Clissold Park Café, part of a £multi-million project to restore the 18^th Century Clissold House and community park in Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney.

Voted the ‘Heart of Hackney’ in 2007, this Grade II listed former mansion and 54 acre country estate will be fully restored to authentic glory by close of 2012. Facilities and amenities include function and meeting rooms, an aviary, animal enclosures, tennis courts, fountains and paddling pool.

Operating between the ground-floor kitchen and 1st floor servery, the Stannah 50B Microlifts contribute significantly to the service and smooth-running of the café by delivering refreshments and returning used tableware.

Fully automatic push-button control with call and despatch facilities at each entrance makes the Microlifts very easy to use. Bottom driven and operating at a speed of 0.35m/s, they are finished in hygienic, easy clean satin stainless steels with rise and fall shutters, safety locks, through-car access on the upper floor and a shared intercom.

Peter McNulty, Surveyor at Mansell Construction Services, specified the Stannah Microlift 50B model for its cost-conscious edge in this massive refurbishment project:

“The Stannah Microlift 50B offered the most cost-effective solution in comparison to its competitors. Overall, a great service was provided by Stannah – from initial consultation, sales and technical support through to installation and commissioning.”

To meet the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) of the Machinery (Safety) Regulations, the lift cars are supplied with car entrance protection as standard. This protects goods from falling whilst the lift is in motion.

The 50B Microlifts are serviced by the London and South East branch of Stannah Lift Services (Crayford), part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.

The West Midlands & Mid Wales branch of Stannah Lift Services has received recognition from Elevate Consulting Ltd by being named their Contractor of the Year 2011. The Stannah branch has a framework agreement with the Community Housing Group and Elevate Consulting for the maintenance of lifts and stairlifts in the Wyre Forest area of Worcestershire. In addition to the maintenance there is an on-going programme of lift refurbishment within the housing stock.

Michael Berry MD of Elevate Consulting recently put his praise in writing to Branch Manager, John Pearshouse:

‘Dear John

I am writing to thank you and your team for all your efforts and assistance this year with Elevate clients. We feel that Stannah has provided an excellent service and ask that you pass on our thanks to the whole team at Stannah.

With this in mind we are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded our Contractor of the Year Award.’

John Pearshouse from Stannah is delighted with the recognition and explains:

‘We have recently completed some lift refurbishments within this framework agreement. This entailed putting the passenger lift out of action for some time in a fully occupied building. To compensate we installed a temporary stairlift to ensure that all residents could still easily access their homes. We were very pleased to receive Michael’s letter, together with many kind comments from residents, and we look forward to working with Elevate Consulting in 2012.’

Environments don’t come much busier than a brand-new, state-of-the-art secondary school in West London – which is why Hammersmith Academy features two 13-person Stannah Xtralift passenger lifts to help bring access between four floors for school personnel and mobility compromised users, including students.

With around 780 students, staff and visitors to cater for on a daily basis, democratic movement between all facilities is vital for this non-denominational, all-ability, co-educational school and 6^th form specialising in Creative and Digital Media and IT.

Operating over a distance of 13.2m each, the lifts feature plasticised, light-grey walls, ‘Domino’ suspended, downlighter-effect ceilings, and stainless-steel consoles, skirtings and car doors. Door-size graphics – G-1-2-3 – printed on the external lift doors make the lifts easily located at each floor; and swipe-card access ensures that they can only be accessed by card-carrying users.

The Xtralifts were specified by Nathan Beevers, Associate of BHM Architects, a London practice with a pedigree in designing Academies: “As with all such projects, Hammersmith Academy demonstrates our response to the physical and emotional demands of the environment.  In both product and performance, Stannah has supported this ethos and made a significant contribution to the efficiency and good health of the school. Having used Stannah on numerous projects we knew they would perform well from initial consultation to installation, commissioning and after-care.”

Stannah’s Xtralift range is designed for busy surroundings to carry more people a little faster and a little higher. A super-efficient, oil- and vibration-free, gearless traction drive ensures a smooth ride with low noise, energy use and running costs. Compact controls located at the top of the shaft save space; and fast, efficient installation is ensured by a modular structure and unique rail system giving precision, durability and reliability.

Available in models up to 33 persons, with many features, finishes and options, Xtralifts comply with
EN 81-1, CE marked and in full compliance with The Lift Directive 95/16/EC; and ensure that Hammersmith Academy’s owners meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Xtralifts are serviced by the London and South East branch of Stannah Lifts Services, a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.

More than seventy senior members of the Andover community will be able to enjoy some traditional Christmas fayre thanks to the generosity of a few.

Age UK (formerly Age Concern) in Andover has again been able to provide this valued service to vulnerable or lonely elderly citizens of Andover with the help and generosity of local company Stannah, Waitrose, the Rotary Club and Approach. In addition to sponsoring the Christmas goodie bags Stannah ask for employee volunteers to help make up the festive fayre with Waitrose together with some of the supermarket’s staff and Age UK volunteers. Then the Stannah team hit the road to deliver the Christmas treats.

Typical parcels contain traditional, non-perishable, Christmas food such as biscuits, Christmas pudding, mince pies, nuts, fruits, tinned meats, jams, chutneys and chocolates together with a Cracker, a decoration and a Christmas card.

But the real treat is a personal visit and a few minutes for a chat and a Happy Christmas!

‘This,’ says Michelle Penn, organiser of the Stannah volunteers, ‘is our most favourite part of the process. With the loan of company vehicles six of us deliver the goodie bags to some absolutely lovely people who are so grateful to be remembered by their community in this way. They say it makes their Christmas but it makes ours too!’

Diana Newell from Age UK comments: ‘We are most grateful to Stannah for their generous donations and time. We couldn’t continue this highly-valued service without them.’

Photo caption:

L to R bottom row: Bryan Beggs from Andover Charities Trustees, Diane Newell, Chair of Andover Age UK, Michelle Penn and Becky Mead  from Stannah, Gerald Chaston from The Rotary Club and Darren Hutchence from Stannah.

L to R top row: Joyce Gilbert and Rob Crook from Stannah with (behind) David Hurst, Trading Manager Andover Age UK, Valerie Partridge , Age UK and Jacqui Turley from Stannah.

Sainsbury’s Local store in Southampton has chosen a Stannah Goodsmaster CD for the constant movement of stock in an extremely busy environment.

The lift was supplied by Stannah to solve a particular problem of low headroom at the top of the shaft at first floor level.  The chain-driven goods-only lift, a special product solution outside Stannah’s standard goods lift range, provided the perfect answer to move loads of up to 1500kg. The direct action chain drive is located on the side of the shaft allowing minimum headroom of 2600mm and the car features easy push-button controls, an internal gate and external collapsible concertina gate. The lift complies fully with the Essential Safety requirements of the Machinery Directive.

The store, which is situated close to the University of Southampton campus, fronts a busy city road from which all stock is delivered via the main entrance of the store. The stock room is above the shop so it is essential that stock can be moved quickly and efficiently to keep clear access for customers and staff within the store. The lift is situated in a lobby area a short distance from the main entrance and is constantly used for the movement of stock between the two floors. Goods are stacked on ‘rollers’ or cage-like trolleys for ease of movement and the shop’s fifteen trolleys are returned each night to the upstairs stores.

Store Manager Justin Fitzgerald stresses just how important the lift is to their operation:

‘It’s a god-send! We just couldn’t operate in this location without our Stannah Lift. It’s on the go all day long and as the store is open between the hours of 7am - 11pm it gets little rest before getting into action again. We need to know we can rely on it to keep our business flowing. ‘

The Stannah Service Branch for the South of England, one of eleven branches nationwide, is on hand to maintain the lift in tip-top condition with minimum interruption to operations.

The Goodsmaster CD goods lift is one of a range of Stannah goods only lifts designed to move loads from 50 - 3000kg.  From dumbwaiters in restaurants to heavy duty good lifts in industrial applications Stannah can supply the product you need. Read more about the wide range of Stannah products available.

Where would visitors and staff be at Ravenglass Station in Cumbria without the Stannah Midilift SL vertical platform lift delivering access for all in the newly built Turntable Café on Platform 1?

Established in 1875 as the first public narrow-gauge railway in England, the heritage Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty to the locals) is Lakeland’s oldest, longest and most scenic railway. Now a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction with around 120,000 passengers each year, access was critical for people of all mobility levels to the café’s refreshment and leisure facilities ranged over two floors.

First-class service was delivered by a through-access Midilift SL which linked the platform outside to the ground-floor cafeteria and 1^st floor function room, disabled toilet, office and store room.

The Midilift SL was specified by Andy Skinner, Quantity Surveyor at Pinelog, provider of architecturally designed leisure buildings such as the Turntable Café:

“The Midilift SL was the ideal choice for several reasons: it was the only product suitable as it provides outdoor access to indoor facilities ranged over two floors; our client, Lake District Estates, already had a Stannah lift located in an alternative facility, so it could be added to the existing maintenance contract; and, last but not least, the Stannah Technical Sales Engineer was very helpful, negotiating a cost-effective solution to the singular requirements of this project.”

Hydraulically driven and providing an easy alternative to the stairs, the Midilift SL carries a rated load of 400kg up to a maximum of 6 metres at a speed of up to 0.15m/s.

Supplied with their own structure-supported enclosure, Midilifts do not require a pit or lifting beam and can be fitted with either steel or glass panels, or a combination of the two. Featuring straightforward, constant-pressure control operation, they are quick and easy to install with the minimum builders work, making them extremely cost-effective access solutions.

Available in a range of features and finishes, including three platform sizes, Midilifts are ideal for bringing equal access to retail, health, education, housing and public buildings where the installation of a conventional passenger lift isunnecessary, impractical or impossible.

Compliant with Part M (England & Wales) and Section 4.2 (Scotland) Building Regulations, the Midilift SL also helps the owners, R&ER Co. Ltd, meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Stannah is also providing full support with both lifts being looked after by the North & North East branch of Stannah Lift Services. Part of Stannah’s nationwide network of service branches, this branch is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year to keep the Midilift SL in peak condition, ensuring that the Turntable Café offers total access to its full range of staff and passenger facilities.  

Two Stannah Midilift SL vertical platform lifts are delivering access for all in new and improved leisure and educational facilities in City College Southampton, one of the top 10% of GFE colleges in the country for success rates.

Operating between two floors over a rise of 1650mm, a gated Midilift SL has helped mobility compromised staff and students of all ages to benefit from the 240-seat theatre area in the Hub – the brand-new, state-of-the-art campus focal point.

A second gated Midilift SL also covers two floors over a distance of 1350mm in an existing building rebuilt to create modern, high quality engineering and construction facilities.

Both Midilifts feature a full-height, glazed door at ground level with a half-height, glazed door, or ‘gate’, on the 1^st floor landing. This combination offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to installations with ceiling height restrictions.

As with all of Stannah’s Midilift SL vertical platform lifts, the gated version is hydraulically driven and provides an easy alternative to the stairs. The Midilift SL carries a rated load of 400kg up to a maximum of 6 metres at a speed of up to 0.15m/s.

Supplied with their own structure-supported enclosure, Midilifts do not require a pit or lifting beam and can be fitted with either steel or glass panels, or a combination of the two. Featuring straightforward, constant-pressure control operation, they are quick and easy to install with the minimum builders work, making them extremely cost-effective access solutions.

Available in a range of features and finishes, including three platform sizes, Midilifts are ideal for bringing equal access to retail, health, education, housing and public buildings where the installation of a conventional passenger lift isunnecessary, impractical or impossible.

Compliant with Part M (England & Wales) and Section 4.2 (Scotland) Building Regulations, the lifts also help Southampton City Council meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Stannah is also providing full support with both lifts being looked after by the Southern England branch of Stannah Lift Services. Part of Stannah’s nationwide network of service branches, the Christchurch branch is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year to keep the lifts in peak condition, ensuring that City College Southampton delivers total access to its full range of events and facilities.  

Esther Rantzen rounded off another wonderful evening of celebration by telling a full capacity crowd that the town’s Pride of Andover Awards demonstrated that ‘the big society’ was already alive and well and living in Andover!

The 2011 Awards highlighted another group of inspirational citizens of Andover whose stories of caring, volunteering, dedication and courage were both entertaining and humbling.

No one receiving an award seemed to think that anything they do is out of the ordinary and this was evident from the very first moment of the evening. Laura Summerfield was nominated by her daughter for all the love and support she has given several members and generations of her family during very difficult times. An emotional Laura met Esther saying she couldn’t understand why she deserved an award. To deflect the tears Esther launched into the audience, found the family members, climbed in beside them and turned tears into laughter!

There were twenty-six awards in thirteen categories, with winners from six to ninety-two years of age.

Luke Davis, aged six was runner up in the Fundraiser of the Year category. He has raised £7,500 for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance - and he’s never been in a helicopter!

Local headmaster Tom Donohoe was a popular winner of the Fundraiser category. His award recognised the amazing feat of running twenty marathons in twenty days! Why? To raise funds, and motivate others to raise funds, for a new music and drama room at Anton Junior School. Tom was delighted to report that the new curriculum area is now officially open and being enjoyed by the whole school.

Highly commended in the Young Persons Award, Daniel Hiscock, is a volunteer for Hampshire Search and Rescue. He is on call 24/7 to go out and search for missing people who are often suicidal.

Community Champion went to Dawn Hayden, an Enham resident, who is wheelchair bound. Her disabilities do not stop her volunteering at Neighbourcare, Andover VIPs and the Andover War Memorial Hospital every week. That’s an example to us all.

Esther was struggling for stage space when the twenty-strong leadership of local youth group Fusion collected their Andover Vision Special Award. Run completely by volunteers, this dynamic group support up to one hundred club members week in week out. They have fun, educate, advise and inspire the youngsters, and sometimes their families too. Smaller groups benefit from short holidays, training trips and offsite activities. They really are making a difference to Andover.

The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution added a distinct tinge of sadness to the evening. Mayor Cllr Zilliah Brooks joined Esther Rantzen on stage to honour Colin Dart and Sheila Frances for founding and operating the Wessex Gardens Andover Cancer Trust more than thirty years ago. Sadly, shortly after neighbour Andy Marks nominated the friends, Sheila died. Colin received the award on behalf of the dedicated friends who have raised £87,000 for their cause. (pictured)

Other winners included Howard Golding, Natasha Burkwood, Deborah Proudfoot, Terry Trevett, John and Sue Parker, Nick Woodford, Ken Ball, Charles Gray, Nigel Baxendale, Joan Trubridge, David Windebank, Hayley Smith and Maureen Faill. You can read all their stories on www.prideofandoverawards.org.uk

The final Heart of Gold (Pride of Andover) Award went to Joan Beal who was nominated by Portway Junior Headteacher, Tim Deery. Joan has been a school governor for twenty years and volunteers at the school on a weekly basis. When she is not in school Joan can be found volunteering at Marnel Infant School. On the other hand, for the past forty years, you may find Joan supporting patients at Winchester Hospital or maybe at The Countess of Brecknock. If Joan still can’t be found she is probably en route to hospital in her volunteer driver role.

Tim said: ‘How she fits everything in we do not know - but Andover is very lucky to have her. I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of an Award’.

We couldn’t agree more!

The Pride of Andover Awards are sponsored by Stannah, Simplyhealth and The Andover Advertiser and supported by Andover Vision, Andover Sound, Barclays Corporate, Testway Housing, B&V Creative and The Lights courtesy of TVBC

A 2010/2011 Andover College student was nominated for a life-changing opportunity offered by The Stannah Group. Rachael Webster was sponsored to take part in The RONA Sailing Project (RSP) - a scheme that challenges young people to tackle an 8-day voyage on a 68-foot sailing yacht.

Rachael met that challenge head on.

Joint chairman Alan Stannah is a great personal supporter of the RONA Project and was delighted to offer this opportunity to someone who would benefit from the experience.

Alan comments: ‘Sailing has given me such a huge amount of pleasure and motivation in my life. I was delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the sport to someone who, I hoped, would share my enthusiasm and gain personal development at the same time.’

Rachael was put forward by her college mentors after expressing an interest in learning to sail. After a tough time personally, and with a tendency to stand on the side lines, Rachael needed some ‘time out’ and an opportunity to acquire new skills and new friends. RONA presented that opportunity.

Barry Easton-Corke, Project Director of the RSP takes up the story:

‘Signing up to the project is a big commitment. Rachael’s voyage began in Lowestoft, so the first challenge was to get there on time and ready for the challenge ahead. On arrival she then became one cog in an all-female crew of 18 -24 year olds who were supported by a Skipper, First Mate and Watch Leaders. The RONA project has three yachts that take up to 2000 youngsters sailing every year. We run trips for disadvantaged youngsters, disabled and blind people, young people who have lost their way in life - anyone who can meet the challenge from the age of 14 - 24years. Some just don’t take to the seas, some stick at it and some become regular and improving crew members in the scheme.’

Rachael loved the whole experience.

The challenge began in Lowestoft where Rachael met up with a team of people who would rely on her, as a team member, throughout the next 8 days. Every crew member learnt to steer the boat, operate the sails, handle the dinghy, grasp the basics of navigation, be part of a Watch and, of course, cook and clean up!

RONA II sailed from Lowestoft through the Thames estuary and their first night was spent anchored from shore. The adventure continues with a sail to France. First stop Boulogne, followed by Dieppe, then Ouistreham where they negotiated 10 miles along the canal to Caen. Time at Pegasus Bridge, the first place to be liberated on D day, gave everyone a chance to learn more about the penultimate moments of World War II. Then back to Portsmouth, over to Cowes and finally back up the River Hamble to RSP home, Swanwick.

Rachael had completed a round trip and about 400 miles.

At the end of the voyage Rachael had completed her Competent Crew Award (Part 1) and was the recipient of an Amory Award.

Skipper Gareth Parker reports:

‘Rachael began the voyage as a very, very quiet crew member but slowly integrated to become a competent and promising sailor. An early bout of sea sickness didn’t deter her, she just got on with her duties. There is no hiding place on a yacht so no matter how reticent you may be feeling the close quarters and reliance on each other draws people together. Rachael met every challenge, formed friendships and really did ‘grow’ during the voyage. The last part of our voyage was coming back from France in a Force 6 storm and listening to Rachael and others singing on the fore deck - at that point we knew we had made a difference. It was for that personal development that we gave Rachael the Amory Award, which guarantees an invitation to come back and develop her knowledge into leadership skills or take part in a voyage on the Tall Ships.’

The last word must go to Rachael:

‘The RONA Sailing Project is not a holiday it is a very challenging experience. I loved the freedom of sailing and really enjoyed developing sailing skills. I’ll be back. I am determined to work hard to gain more experience and hopefully be able to support disadvantaged or disabled youngsters on their personal voyages. I am most grateful to Stannah for introducing me to the RSP and would recommend it to anyone who likes a challenge. Now I understand the passion for sailing Alan Stannah was keen to share with me.’

If you would like to know more about the RSP please go to www.ronasailingproject.com

From the stunning rooftop pool of Thermae Bath Spa to the treatments, steam rooms and restaurant below, a pure spa experience is the order of the day in Britain’s only natural thermal Spa.

The minute you step into this tranquil mixture of historic grandeur and cutting architecture nestled right in the centre of the stunning City of Bath, you are enveloped in a sense of well-being.

This sense extends throughout  the building and is assisted in three areas by a Stannah Microlift or dumbwaiter. This service lift vitally moves fresh, exciting and healthy foods from the third floor professional kitchen through three floors of the building. Directly below the kitchen on the second floor is a function room with catering included, so the lift ensures delivery with no fuss and on time. The first-floor restaurant is the final stop for the lift and is absolutely crucial to customer service satisfaction.

Peter Rollins, Sales and Marketing Manager at Thermae Bath Spa, explains:

‘When the building was opened to the public five years ago we didn’t initially have the facility of a dumbwaiter. How I wished we had. Since installing the Stannah Microlift this year the movement of food from the kitchen has become so much easier and reliable. The lift was installed very quickly and neatly, with most of the work being completed overnight so our routine was only minimally disrupted. We were very pleased with the process of purchasing the lift and even more pleased to have the benefits of it every day.’

The City of Bath has three principal natural springs. The King’s Spring supplies the world-famous Roman Baths. ThermaeBathSpa usesthenatural hot spring water from the Kings, Hetling and Cross Springs in all four of its thermal pools. It’s amazing to think that this water fell as rain around 10,000 years ago, heats naturally beneath the earth’s crust, emerges at a temperature of 45 degrees centigrade and contains 42 different minerals.

The Microlift 50CBD with bottom drive, just one product in the Microlift range, is serviced by the Bristol branch of Stannah Lift Services, a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.

Find out more about the Thermae Bath Spa experience at www.thermaebathspa.co.uk

How Stannah supplied custom lifts for Currys/PC World Megastores

When electrical giant Currys planned the launch of their Currys/PC World Megastores it was UK lift manufacturer Stannah that they consulted for their unique in-store lifts.

The customer lifts, essential for the stores with mezzanine retail levels, were required to echo the light and airy feel of their planned-for customer experience.  After much discussion the concept of all-glass 13-person Stannah Maxilifts positioned within a wrap-around stairway was decided upon. A rapid procurement programme meant Stannah were challenged with a very tight deadline to deliver the lifts for the roll out of the new electro-paradise.

Chris Thompson from Stannah’s design team explains:

‘We were working to very tight timescales to produce and install the first lift in the Currys Croydon flagship store and certainly faced a few challenges with new product design along the way. Together with our client we have developed a unique and most attractive product. We are delighted with the outcome of the project and look forward to working with the Currys team again.’

A unique lift solution

Stannah lift designers developed a blue print for Currys which has been applied across eleven locations to date.

Each 2-stop hydraulic Stannah Maxilift passenger lift travels within a clear glass enclosure. The entrance and exit to the lift is on a single side that faces onto both retail floors and the rear of the shaft carries the visible drive system.  The lift car interior has a polished steel control panel, half height full width mirror on the rear wall, brushed and polished steel handrails on three sides, a white ceiling with spot downlighters and flooring that flows seamlessly from carpeted retail area. The eye-catching glass lift doors display etched-effect signage with large directional arrows and the words ‘customer lift’. 

Behind the scenes too

Stannah also supplied a bespoke goods only lift to each store to aid the essential movement of stock over two/three floors and ensure the Currys high standard of customer service was maintained.

The Stannah Goodsmaster 1000KG goods lift was modified to meet Currys need for a 2.2 metre high car in order to accommodate the stores’ larger than standard roll cages ,often moving particularly large American-style white goods. The lift is structure - supported for easy installation and reduced builder’s work, so saving time and money. Installed with double hinged doors for maximum ease of loading, the lift has an inner car shutter gate for essential safety. A ramp on the ground floor level negates the need for a pit and aids smooth loading. The lift has fully automatic push button controls at both landing levels.

The special adaption of a standard Stannah product is a bespoke solution for a key client who required multiple installations over a number of sites. Stannah are always happy to find solutions to non-standard requirements across their whole product range. All products aremanufactured to comply with EN 81-1, CE marked and in full compliance with The Lift Directive 95/16/EC. Goodsmasters comply to EN81-31 Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

The result

A spokesmanfor parent company Dixons Retail plc, is delighted with the lift installations to date and comments: ‘Stannah delivered a bespoke solution for both our customer lifts and our back-of-house goods only lifts within quite tight deadlines and enabled us to launch our Megastores on schedule. They have a can-do approach combined with lift expertise and we are pleased with the results of our collaboration.’

All Stannah lifts installed come with a full year’s warranty and are serviced locally by one of eleven nationwide stannah Service branches who offer 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. 

Intrepid cyclist, John Ottaway, Major Projects Lift Services, has set off for a holiday in Italy - on his bike!

Work colleagues at Stannah waved him off on his sponsored journey to see friends at Stannah’s Italian trading partner Daldoss in Pergine Valsugana. It’s a mere 890 miles in 11 days leaving John a few days to relax in for his annual ‘holiday’.

John is raising funds for Naomi House, Help for Heroes and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

Trading partners Stannah and Daldoss have provided the funding for his equipment so that every penny of sponsorship John receives will go straight to his chosen charities, Naomi House, Help for Heroes and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

John explains:

‘I have set myself a ridiculous target of getting 890 sponsors donating a few pounds so that I can give all three of these charities a generous donation. I consider myself very fortunate in being able to take on this physical challenge. Many of my former colleagues in the Army are less fortunate. Naomi House needs funds for children who will never be able to enjoy the feeling of the open road and the MS Trust supports people whose physical abilities are failing. I am cycling for all those people - what better way could I spend my annual leave? ‘

If you would like to support John’s challenging trip please go to

 http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Stannah2Daldoss

and thank you so much!

Independent British lift company, Stannah, has recently completed a major lift refurbishment project in housing from a bygone era.

Gunnersbury Court is a 1930s private housing development of 73 flats within three Art Deco apartment buildings arranged as an attractive square surrounded by extensive grounds. This popular residential development has recently been the subject of a total refurbishment and upgrading the lifts was central to the programme.

Knowing how much the residents value their period surroundings it was not surprising that the news of the complete removal of the original open-work shutter-gate 4-person lifts and the bronze ‘cage’ shafts was met with some sadness. The original oak panelled lift car with brass fittings that travelled over 6 stops was certainly evocative of the era and as one resident put it ‘a significant part of the history of the building’.

Retaining the feel of the building was uppermost in the refurbishment teams’ minds too. Plans to retain the caged shaft were initially considered, as this afforded maximum light into the stairwell and out onto each floor. After much deliberation and careful assessment, and mindful of current regulations, it was decided that this would not be the safest option for all users of the lifts. It would be easy for trapping to occur between the shaft and the car, particularly as many children used the lifts.

So a compromise was reached. The shaft was replaced with a solid structure in which the new lift car travels, but lighting was improved to compensate with the loss of natural light. Each lift car has a bespoke finish in wood with bronze architrave inside and out. Operating buttons are mounted on a bronze panel, handrails are brass and the whole lift retains a stylish feel of a classic design era in keeping with its surroundings, whilst delivering safety and reliability for all users.

Great attention was paid to the environmental impact of the new lifts. The permanent magnet WVF gearless traction drive ensures smooth journeys, accurate stopping and minimum vibration and noise, so protecting residents from disturbance from the lift operation.

The lift replacement project took place with all residents in situ so a step-by-step approach was taken. Each building’s new lift and related building work was completed one at a time so only one apartment block had an out-of-service lift at any one time. Stannah’s team of lift engineers were on site a total of 32 weeks so it was crucial that they worked in a way that was acceptable to the residents, whilst ensuring completion of the job was on time and within budget.

Engineering Consultant Roger Howkins of Arup, who awarded the contract to British independent lift company Stannah on behalf of Gunnersbury Court comments:

‘The challenges of this project were always met with good humour and professionalism from Stannah personnel. We are delighted with the outcome. Gunnersbury now has efficient and economical lifts that retain sympathy to their period surroundings.’

The new lifts and their accompanying roof-top refurbished machine rooms will be serviced by the Dartford branch of Stannah Lift Services covering London & The South East,  part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.

The recent addition of a 2-stop Midilift platform lift in the ss Great Britain 'Brunel Institute and Library' has upped the Stannah lift installation total at this site to five. With an annual visitor rate of over 150,000 to contend with, this fleet of people-movers has greatly improved access to the ss Great Britain itself and its tourist dockside facilities.

Read all about it in this updated Case Study...