60 seconds with…Nancy Lycett, Managing Director, International Lift Equipment Ltd (ILE)

Tell us about your business, when was it formed and what do you do?

ILE was founded in 1975 – back when flared trousers were in and health and safety was, shall we say, more optional. We’ve been supplying high-quality lift equipment ever since, focusing on control systems, mechanical parts, and solutions that make the impossible seem routine. After 50 years, we’re still family-led, proudly independent, and allergic to cutting corners.

Who are your customers? Which markets do you serve?

We work with lift installation companies, independent service providers, consultants, and anyone else who knows a good lift panel when they see one.

How many times have you been to LIFTEX?

ILE has been at LiftEx since it was knee-high to a grasshopper. I’ve personally been more times than I can count – which is just as well, because the show is getting bigger and my maths hasn’t improved.

What are the main issues that your customers deal with and how do you help them?

Predictability and reliability. They want equipment that just works – no drama, no surprises. That’s where our Nimbus control system comes in: smart tech that simplifies commissioning, training, and support. In short: we reduce their stress levels, but sadly, not their caffeine consumption.

Are there any issues that specifiers, contractors / owners should be aware of in the next 12 months?

Controller obsolescence is creeping up the agenda. Systems installed 20+ years ago are getting grumpy. (A bit like some people’s knees.) Thinking ahead about replacements and compatibility will save a lot of frantic phone calls down the line.

How can we, as an industry, help designers and building owners to become more energy efficient and meet Net Zero targets?

Be honest, be early. Energy efficiency isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about good design, better hardware, and knowing when a shiny marketing term actually has substance behind it. At ILE, we build sustainability into the bones of our products, not just the brochures.

What will you be promoting / what can visitors expect to see on your stand?

Plenty! We’ll be showcasing Nimbus – our intelligent controller platform – along with new solutions from GAL, Ziehl-Abegg, Algi, Prisma and others. Plus, a freshly updated brand that’s slightly less “British Rail circa 1978” and much more “modern engineering with a friendly face.”

What advice would you give to anyone visiting the show? What should they look for and how can they get the most from their visit?

Simple: talk to people. LiftEx isn’t a scrolling exercise – it’s a conversation. Ask questions, share your challenges, and if someone offers you a free pen, make sure it actually works.