UpLifted - Summer 2023

Welcome to

This is the second edition of our company newsletter! We are excited to bring you a regular dose of news, updates and stories from across all our companies. This newsletter aims to embrace a sense of community and provide a platform for communication, collaboration and celebration among our diverse workforce.

Firstly, a big thank you to all who sent in entries to suggest names for our newsletter. We applaud our winner, Liam Thornton, Business Apprentice, Certex Harworth. We think UpLifted is a great name as not only is it synomous with what we do, but it aligns with our newsletter’s aims of sharing our company news with all employees throughout the Group. Congratulations Liam!

Within the Lifting Solutions Group of Axel Johnson International, we believe strong connections are the foundation of success. As we navigate an ever-changing business landscape, it is essential to stay connected and informed. Through this newsletter, we aim to bridge gaps, break down silos and foster a culture of transparency where everyone feels valued and included. Our UpLifted newsletter will be your go-to resource for the latest company news, industry insights, and employee spotlights. We will keep you updated on important initiatives, organisational changes and upcoming events; as well as delving into topics that matter to you, such as professional development,

work-life balance and overall well-being. In this era of remote work and digital connectivity, UpLifted aims to bring us closer together as three companies working as one. We trust that you enjoy reading our news and will continue to contribute. We value your feedback and encourage you to actively participate in shaping the content of UpLifted. Your suggestions, ideas and contributions are integral to its success. Stay tuned for our upcoming editions where we hope we will continue to inform, engage and inspire!

We hope you and your families all have a great Summer and look forward to sharing our updates in the next UpLifted newsletter in Autumn.

Tim Wilson, MD, Lifting Gear and Safety

Andrew Harrison, MD, Lifting Gear, UK

Scott Wilcox, MD Certex, under which Forankra and TRS fall

ISSUE #2

SUMMER 2023

Significant SSI Order Secured

Lifting Gear and Safety (LGS), one of very few operators that hold Sea Air raft servicing approvals in the UK, has recently been awarded a new inspection order with Survival Systems International (SSI). This order entails the servicing of twelve life rafts that are currently deployed on various platforms and which can accommodate 10, 16 and 25 individuals respectively. SSI looked at several different suppliers, but chose LGS following a surveillance visit conducted by SSI Executives to our Avonmouth depot. Their aim was to evaluate our raft servicing capabilities and gain insight into our company. In response to operational requirements, SSI expressed the need for LGS to exhibit exceptional proactivity in servicing the life rafts within strict timeframes. We have successfully provided SSI with the necessary technical expertise and

servicing capabilities across the Avonmouth and Pembroke depots. Our team promptly rearranged schedules and prioritised tasks to accommodate this new and highly promising customer, showcasing our ability to closely collaborate with clients to fulfil their demanding and precise requirements. At every stage of the process, we achieved our goals and met deadlines, earning warm appreciation from the customer. Consequently, SSI received a consignment of newly serviced and certified life rafts, ready for reinstallation. This order served as a compelling demonstration of our strengths and capabilities. As a next step, we have scheduled a meeting with SSI to explore potential future opportunities of expanding our partnership with SSI; which may include ventures in marine and lifting activities.

One of the 12 life rafts serviced at the Pembroke Depot

May was an excellent sales month for Certex and we achieved our highest turnover month on record! We also managed to realise this at a good margin, although slightly lower than we budgeted due to the mix of product versus service sales. We have thus passed the milestone of achieving £20m of sales in any rolling 12 months, which is the first time the business has achieved this. Well done to all!

A Huge Installation!

Lifting Projects UK (LPUK) has proudly executed a commissioned project for one of our blue-chip clients, involving the installation of eight powerful 2.5MW Combined Heating and Power (CHP) Generators, each weighing a substantial 43,000 Kg. The site, located in Redditch, posed unique challenges which required meticulous planning and collaborative efforts.

Our dedicated team skilfully orchestrated the relocation of the generators from the storage location at our client’s premises, utilising specialised equip ment and transport to ensure prompt collection and delivery to the site. Employing precision crane operations, each generator was expertly positioned into its designated location.  Once in position, we installed eight dump radiators and silencers onto the roof of each CHP unit. The project also required a removal of the existing 36,000 Kg transformer and we successfully managed the installations of a high-voltage container, a low-voltage container, oil tanks and a new transformer, weighing approximately 44,000 Kg.  These tasks demanded the utmost care and co-ordination due to the limited space and highly restricted access on site. Through careful planning and the invaluable support of our craneage and transport partners, we navigated the challenging conditions

flawlessly. The collaborative efforts of the client and neighbouring properties proved vital in achieving the project’s objectives. As a result, we proudly completed the project within the designated timeframe, adhering to the allocated budget, and, most importantly, maintaining strict safety standards throughout. This was a great team effort – well done everyone!

One of the generators being lifted into place using a 300-tonne crane

The eight, 2.5MW Combined Heating and Power Generators in position to be installed

Aston Martin Impressed!

Lifting Gear and Safety (LGS), a trusted provider in the industry, has recently been awarded a prestigious contract to deliver a range of LOLER inspection and training courses to Aston Martin in Llandow, Cardiff. This facility serves as the manufacturing site for the renowned Aston Martin DBX, which is shipped worldwide. The scope of services that will be provided by LGS includes:

• Appointed Person training

• Lifting Equipment Inspection

Basic Familiarisation

• Site Risk Assessment

• Crane Lifting and Usage training.

These offerings are crucial for maintaining compliance with LOLER regulations and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of lifting equipment within the Aston Martin manufacturing process. One of the key factors in selecting LGS is our ability to meet tight deadlines. Aston Martin required training to be delivered within a two-week period when production halts in July for essential maintenance and LOLER inspections. Our team demonstrated the capacity to deliver the necessary training efficiently and effectively within this limited timeframe. Additionally, Aston Martin was impressed by our innovative onsite lifting register. This online management lifting

equipment register allows customers to access training certificates and keep track of upcoming due dates. The feature provides convenience and streamlines the management of lifting equipment for Aston Martin and other clients. Gary Moorhouse, Operations Director, LGS, commented, “We are proud to contribute to the safe and successful production of the Aston Martin DBX, while assisting Aston Martin in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and ensuring the safety of their personnel. By securing this contract with Aston Martin, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality LOLER inspections and training services.”

We Are Expanding!

Lifting Gear and Safety are looking forward to occupying the additional premises at their Bristol Depot. They have recently taken on a new lease on the unit next door to their existing building, as they require the extra capacity to manage existing workloads.

Debut

Our Lifting Solutions Group UK made a stunning impact at the Vertikal Days specialists event held in Peterborough. By showcasing a collective strength as a group of companies, they certainly made a bold impact! This event is the first time the Group has held a combined exhibition and they undeniably stood out as the epitome of professionalism. Numerous attendees visiting the stand were interested to learn more about the extensive range of products and services that are now accessible through the collaboration of the three companies.

* See page 20 for the answer

The Lifting Solutions Group’s first combined exhibition stand was showcased at the 2023 Vertikal Days event

Approaching sunset throws displayed cranes into stark relief against the skyline at the Arena and Events Exhibition Centre in Peterborough

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

To offset our increased stock figures on our Balance Sheet, our initiatives include selling our ‘obsolete’ stock. We hope this will begin to bear results as we aim to reduce stock holdings and increase efficiency.

The Aspire Range™ has recently been proudly introduced by the Lifting Solutions Group. The range is a meticulously selected collection of product alternatives with documented sustainability features that surpass conventional equivalents. These products uphold the highest standards of quality and safety while minimising their negative impact on the climate and environment. Each product has fact-based sustainability improvements in one or more of the following areas: significantly reduced CO2 footprint; substitution of hazardous chemicals and; manufactured with recycled materials, such as high-strength recycled polyester (r-PET).

Powertex and Ropetex, home brands within the Lifting Solutions Group, are spearheading this transformation. With several approved products already in Powertex and Ropetex, the Aspire Range™ is leading the lifting industry towards a greener and more responsible future.

As we continue our journey, we remain committed to expanding the range and adding more products that will increase our positive difference in reducing environmental impact.

The Aspire Range™ video can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/5aj83wt3

Not a single number written out in letters (e.g. nine, twenty, etc.) before 1000 contains the letter A? Hard to believe, but go and check it out for yourself!

LGS Committed to ISO14001

In a significant stride towards environ mental stewardship, Lifting Gear and Safety (LGS) is thrilled to announce that Stephen Jones, Technical and Compliance Manager, has been awarded the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate. This NEBOSH certification is a highly-regarded qualification that equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage environmental risks and contribute to sustainable practices within their organisations. Stephen Jones’ achievement underscores his expertise in this field and his ability to provide invaluable guidance on environmental management systems and best practices.

ISO14001 is an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems, setting the framework for organisations to establish and continuously improve their environmental performance. With Stephen’s new qualification, LGS is poised to elevate its commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning their operations with global best practices and ensuring the effective management of environmental impacts throughout all business activities.

The company firmly believes that having an in-house expert in environmental management will empower LGS to proactively identify and address environmental challenges, minimise our ecological footprint and seize opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Tim Wilson, Managing Director of LGS, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone and said, “Having in-house qualified guidance on environmental management is crucial for our organisation. Stephen’s attainment of the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate marks a monumental step forward for our

company as we reinforce our commitment to ISO14001 and further enhance our in-house expertise on environmental matters. This achievement exemplifies our unwavering dedication to sustainability and underpins our position as a leader in responsible lifting gear and safety practices. Stephen’s role as a qualified guide will enable us to enhance our ISO14001 compliance and integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations.”

Stephen Jones (left) is presented with his certificate by Tim Wilson, MD of LGS

MRT Used to Inspect The Kraken

Rowan Talbot, an employee of Certex in Harworth, recently carried out the first statutory inspection of three ropes on The Kraken , an offshore support vessel using our new Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT) techniques.

Moored at Teeside Port, the UK’s Northern gateway for international trade, The Kraken is a jacking vessel specifically designed to operate in harsh environments. Once it was fully jacked up, it allowed the entire length of the crane rope to be lowered into the sea and inspected using MRT.

The client for this inspection is Seajacks, an existing customer of the company. Rowan is undergoing further training in MRT and being prepared to handle mobile MRT assignments for Certex. MRT services are now being carried primarily by Harworth, with support from Great Yarmouth when required.

Axel Johnson International to develop young individuals as leaders

As such, once a year, Talent Acceleration Programme where they invite ambitious individuals throughout have the opportunity develop their careers.

Callum Henshaw, Manager at Lifting Blake Barlow from recently nominated the TAP, which aims participants with new Axel Johnson International, valuable networking within the group collaboration across business groups.

Spanning approximately this year’s programme fifteen participants a series of learning modules to facilitate the future and career advancement participants. These

Callum (2nd left) and Blake (4th left) enjoy some social time getting to know their fellow TAP colleagues

modules

Rowan Talbot used MRT techniques to inspect The Kraken’s ropes

Nurtures Talent

International aims

young talented leaders and specialists. year, they launch a Programme (TAP), ambitious young throughout the group to opportunity to further careers.

Henshaw, Commercial Lifting Gear, and from Certex, were nominated to participate in aims to provide new insights into International, foster networking opportunities group and enhance across companies and approximately 12-14 months, programme accommodated and consisted of modules designed future development advancement of the modules encompass

a combination of digital and physical formats, with varying durations, ranging from half-day sessions to three-and-a-half days.

Callum shared his experiences, stating, “The practical modules have taken me to Stockholm in November last year, Amsterdam in June and I will be returning to Stockholm again in January 2024. I have really enjoyed the programme and appreciate the opportunity given to me to attend.”

Blake added, “I would like to thank Patrick Cummins and Scott Wilcox for the chance to become part of this prestigious programme. I found the best part was being surrounded by ambitious, intelligent individuals from different companies and cultures. Through our interactions, we’re learning to develop each other further by providing feedback in regular catch-up meetings. I would recommend this experience to any young individual in the Group who wants to make a positive contribution to their career and learn from others.”

The Talent Acceleration Programme provides an invaluable platform for nurturing talent and fostering professional growth, connecting participants with key figures within Axel Johnson International while equipping them with a diverse set of skills to advance their careers

The Kraken, image with appreciation to Seajacks

Getting to Know You

We aim to get to know our employees better through this regular feature in our newsletter. Today, we chat to Scott Wilcox, Managing Director of Certex UK.

Hi Scott – let’s start off with you giving us a bit about your background.

SW: I was born in Redditch, near Birmingham, and lived there for the first 35 years of my life. At 17, I met Claire and at 22, we got married. Three children later - Luke (21), Mark (19) and Chloe (12) was followed by our relocating to Doncaster about ten years ago.

You’ve been with Certex UK since 1999. Explain explain how you came to join the company and what roles did you perform prior to your current appointment as MD in July 2018?

SW: I started my role with Certex in the sales office and after three years I took on the role of Team Leader, overseeing the office and shopfloor activities. I progressed to Branch Manager, which included customer management, external sales and full P&L ownership for the branch. I held this role for four years before we restructured the company in 2009 and I became the Business Manager for Product Sales across England and Wales. In 2012, I was asked if I would consider relocating myself and my family to work at our Head Office in Harworth and for some crazy reason, we decided we would! I took on the Commercial and Marketing Manager role for just over four years before being promoted to Operations Director. And nearly two years following this, the role of MD become available …. and here I am today!

Stuart

Dixon’s 7th

Year of Fundraising

TRS Motorsport is proud to contribute towards Stuart Dixon’s, fundraising drive in support of the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, a charity that he is a passionate advocate for. With unwavering dedication, Stuart has embarked on his seventh year of fundraising for this noble cause.

At the heart of Stuart’s philanthropic efforts lie his collection of nine Jaguars, which he utilises to traverse the UK’s car shows. These stunning vehicles serve as ambassadors, captivating audiences and rallying support while generating funds for

the charity. To date, Stuart has amassed an impressive £250,000 for the hospice. TRS Motorsport’s contribution serves as a testament to its commitment to community welfare and is a charity that TRS has supported in previous years. Jake Dudley, Sales and Marketing Coordinator for TRS said, “We want to ensure that Stuart’s selfless fundraising endeavours are bolstered. Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice provide invaluable services and continue to touch the lives of countless children and their families,” he said.

Family man at heart, Scott with his daughter, Chloe

~ Scott Wilcox

What are your main obligations as MD?

SW: My key responsibilities are to the employees of the company and ensuring the activities we undertake as a business are done in a safe and controlled manner. I also oversee the company’s business operations and financial performance; as well as ensuring our company policies and legal obligations are clearly communicated and adhered to.

From the brief overview of your KPIs, how do you manage your time throughout a typical day?

SW: One of the many things I enjoy about my job is that seldom are any two days the same. We are always reacting to changing situations and identifying new opportunities where a different approach or strategy may be required.

Describe an average day in office and if you are able to follow any semblance of a daily routine.

SW: Every day starts with a cup of tea, otherwise it is destined to fail! Following that, it depends on what appointments I have in my calendar. When I have free time, I try not to be a slave to my Inbox (not always successful)! I have to look ahead and keep track of my calendar as some work activities take more planning than others. One way or the other, most things I do end up scheduled in my calendar. Even my wife has figured out that she needs to make notes in there so I’m reminded of what’s happening at home!

What do you consider to be the most critical aspects of your role?

SW: I believe setting the tone of the business is often an important element that can be overlooked. People often follow the lead and I hope that if they see I approach a person, situation or challenge in a constructive, measured and often empathetic way, this may resonate around the business.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

SW: The variety of work I am involved in, the support we have from a great Lifting Solutions’ management team and our parent company, Axel Johnson. We benefit from all the advantages of being part of a large group of over 170 companies, but we are given the freedom to run our business decentralised.

Can you mention one of the most challenging times in your role and why?

SW: I think the obvious one here is Covid. When approached with a situation that we have never experienced before, it can be difficult to know what judgment calls to make and

when to make them. It was a particularly challenging period where a lot of difficult decisions needed to be made.

Can you recall a funny situation that’s happened during your tenure as MD?

SW: I have employed a wacky marketing woman!

How would you describe your style of management?

SW: I would say I have a semi-relaxed management style. I work hard, work a lot and enjoy what I do. I also expect our employees to work hard too, but that their efforts should bring opportunity through development and progression with it.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends?

SW: Group communication enables us to pick up trends; not just in our own country, but abroad as well. Due to our large Group size, this is a great benefit we have available to us that many of our competitors don’t.

Thanks for your time Scott! Do you have an adage that you can leave us with?

SW: “Don’t regret what you did. Only regret what you didn’t do.”

The prestigious Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Awards are taking place in Liverpool this year on 21 November. We have submitted five nominations for awards and will be attending the ceremony with representatives from Lifting Gear, Certex and Lifting Gear & Safety.

Jake Dudley (left) presents Stuart Dixon with TRS’ pledge to support his dedicated fundraising efforts

Website Enhanced

In the past six months, TRS Motorsport has made notable improvements to its website, particularly in updating the product images to reflect the current offerings. These new images have also been shared with our valued customers, enabling them to showcase our products more effectively on their own websites. The previous harness images, taken approximately ten years ago, no longer accurately represented the producsts currently available to customers. This was due to the continued advancements Certex have made in hardware, stitch patterns and colour options, among other improvements. To ensure a consistent and professional presentation of images on the website, TRS initiated the fabrication of a harness jig. The jig allows the harnesses to be laid out in a standardised format for photography, giving the TRS website a modern updated and uniform look. Jake Dudley and Liam Thornton spearheaded this project internally, handling the photography process using advanced photo editing techniques.

A Giving Partnership

Following on from its innovative launch of pink safety harnesses in support of Breast Cancer UK, (see our last newsletter pages 12 and 13), Jake Dudley, TRS Motorsport (left) and Emily Parmenter from Group Marketing, showcase the unique pink harnesses. TRS Motorsport has taken its committment further and now formed a corporate partnership with this esteemed charity. Starting from 01 August 2023, TRS has pledged to donate a portion of its pink safety harness sales for an entire year!

Two of the many new improved images on the TRS website. From left: Nascar 4 Point and a 6 Point 75 mm harnesses

A Valuable Learning Experience

Megan Winnard, Relief Operations Controller at Lifting Gear UK, and her colleagues, Hadley Geirnaert, David Cutler and Joe Holmes - all Lifting Equipment Engineers - embarked on a training session at LTM Bromborough to deepen their knowledge of GIS Industrial Hoists. Under the guidance of trainer Alan Wood, they delved into the intricacies of these hoists, expanding their understanding of functionality and essential electronic aspects. The focus of this training was primarily on industrial hoists, which are more frequently encountered at Lifting Gear UK.  During the session, they had the opportunity to disassemble the hoists completely and to scrutinise each component’s purpose and operational significance. Under supervision, they then re-assembled the hoists and followed a semi-schematic diagram to ensure all the wiring was returned to its correct positions. They also undertook several troubleshooting exercises at the end of the training to put into practice what they had learned. Megan said, “The significance of this training cannot be overstated. As someone with little experience working on electronics, I have gained an abundance of knowledge that has proven immensely valuable and cannot stress enough how highly I recommend this training.

We enjoyed our time and our trainer, Alan’s exceptional knowledge and approachable attitude made the learning process very interactive and rewarding. I particularly enjoyed the troubleshooting exercise and finding faults on the hoist, as this really

helped consolidate all the knowledge we had learned. We now feel well-equipped with the skills and confidence necessary to competently handle GIS Industrial Hoists in a working environment.’’

Megan Winnard (left) and Hadley Geirnaert gained tremendous practical learning experiences from their recent GIS Industrial Hoists course

Getting Racked!

Steven Bailey commented on their investment into the Montrose facility at Scotland, “Our Workshop has received a valuable upgrade with the recent installation of new racking, which has enhanced our Workshop safety, organisation housekeeping. These additions bring a sense of structure to the storage and management of our GP Rope. The dedicated efforts of Darren McLaren and Euan Wilson were instrumental in ensuring the safe and efficient installation of the racking, which they seamlessly integrated into our operations without any disruption.”

Neat and orderly! Different views of the various new GP Rope racks installed at the Melrose Workshop

Celebrating 75 Years of the NHS

In commemoration of the 75 th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS), a momentous occasion in the history of healthcare in England, Lifting Projects UK’s (LPUK) remarkable 50-tonne lifting tray found a meaningful purpose in being used to help position the iconic 1940s Daimler DC27 ambulance

outside the headquarters of the NHS in Waterloo.

The 05 July 1948 became a significant date in the UK as this was when the NHS was established, marking a transformative milestone in English healthcare. During its inaugural year, the Daimler DC27 ambulance stood at the forefront,

exemplifying the dedication and commitment of the NHS.

LPUK’s impressive lifting tray was enlisted to help to showcase this historic ambulance. The striking display pays homage to the NHS in recognising its invaluable contributions made to the nation’s health and well-being for the past 75 years.

Mental Health First Aid

Lifting Gear and Safety has been running mental health first-aid courses for staff, which are being well-received and appreciated. These courses assist employees in a number of ways; including help in spotting the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues; how to provide non-judgemental support and reassurance and; tips to guide a person towards seeking needed professional support.

The 1940s Daimler DC27 ambulance being positioned for display

A Trailblazing Mechanic

Wendy Bushell, TRS Factory Manager, Huddersfield, is thrilled to share some exciting news about Katie, her daughter who is breaking barriers and making waves as a female Mechanic.

Katie recently emerged victorious in the prestigious Bright Young Sparks competition organised by Lancaster Insurance. This event recognises and celebrates exceptional talent in the automotive industry. Katie’s win is a testament to her skill, dedication and passion for her craft. Her exceptional work and unique perspective have also been highlighted on the Lancaster Insurance website. The article, titled Behind the Shutters: Katie Bushell , delves into her experiences and providing readers with valuable insights into her career and the challenges she has overcome.

In addition to this achievement, Katie’s remarkable journey as a female Mechanic has garnered attention from various media outlets. She also featured in the renowned Practical Classics magazine, where readers are given the opportunity to learn more about her personal story and accomplishments.

Not one to sit on her laurels, Katie is actively working to expand her reach via her YouTube channel. Through engaging content, she aims to inspire other girls to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her efforts to encourage and empower others are truly commendable.

Her family and friends are justifiably proud of her triumphs and achievements. We applaud her dedication to fostering inclusivity

and diversity within her industry; as well as the positive impact she is making in her field and the changes she’s inspiring. We hope that her story will encourage others

to challenge stereotypes, fearlessly pursue their dreams and that Katie will serve as a trailblazing role model for all women wanting to join the automotive industry.

Certex Assists Sandtoft

Trolley Bus Museum

Roy Henderson, Central Support Manager for Certex, was approached by his former colleague, Chris Proctor, who has been a dedicated volunteer at the Sandtoft Trolley Bus Museum near Doncaster for many years. Chris is currently involved in the refurbishment of a pole crane, an essential tool for installing and maintaining electric tramway and trolleybus overheads. In the past, these cranes were horsedrawn until petrol engines became a reliable option. The current pole crane seems to have been designed for towing behind a tower wagon. Due to years of storage outside, some of the crane’s ropes have deteriorated, prompting the need for specialised hoist and brake

cables. Following Chris’ request for Certex’s assistance with the assembly of these custom cables, Roy agreed to help and entrusted the task to Graham Wilson, FSET Operator from Certex in Harworth. Well done team! It’s great to hear we are helping in the preservation of our historic treasures!

Inspiring Change: Katie Bushell emerged the winner of the Bright Young Sparks competition

The vintage pole crane Certex is helping to restore

Community Spirit Funds Hope

Last month Jordan Batty, a Trainer at Certex, had the privilege of participating in the Bethany Shannon Memorial Match, a remarkable event aimed at raising funds for Hope House Children’s Hospice. The match was organised by Simon Preston, who, ever since his daughter Bethany Shannon tragically passed away at age three, has been dedicated to supporting this charity for the past 13 years. The hospice provided vital support and comfort during and after Bethany’s passing. The match brought together a diverse group of ice hockey players, ranging from professional league players to

recreational enthusiasts. The event attracted a significant crowd and proved to be a tremendous fundraising opportunity for the hospice. In addition to the match, a tournament spanning the entire weekend welcomed teams from various parts of the country, all coming together to raise funds for this worthy cause. The event served as a poignant tribute to Bethany Shannon’s memory while emphasising the importance of supporting Hope House Children’s Hospice. The collective efforts of the participants, organisers and attendees generated substantial donations to benefit the

hospice’s invaluable services. Through the power of sports and community spirit, the Bethany Shannon Memorial Match and accompanying tournament not only honours the memory of a beloved child, but also demonstrates the immense impact that can be made when individuals unite for a common cause. The event’s success highlights the compassion and generosity within our society; proving that together, we can provide crucial support to organisations like Hope House Children’s Hospice and enable them to continue with their essential work of caring for children and families during challenging times.

Fantasy Football is Back

TheLifting Gear and Safety Fantasy Football league is back in action! We’re excited to have as many participants as possible. Joining is a breeze – just follow the link below, and you’ll be automatically added once you enter the game.

LEAGUE LINK: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/ leagues/auto-join/2waull

LEAGUE CODE: 2waull

Don’t miss out on the fun and competition. Come and join us! If you want additional info, please email Lee Abdalla: lee.abdalla@lgsgroup.co.uk

ON THE MOVE NEW EMPLOYEES

Well done to the following colleagues on their promotions:

Sam Wise has taken up the new role of Southern Operations Manager for Lifting Gear UK. Sam will be supporting Birmingham, Bridgwater, East London and West London, with the aim of improving operational performance and efficiency.

Thomas Webb has recently been promoted to Branch Manager at Birmingham Branch. Tom has experience in the Hire Industry, along with previous management experience.

Sean Campbell has been promoted to Senior Hire/Sales Controller at Preston Branch. Sean continues to improve his knowledge and understanding within our business and is not only a valued member of the Preston team, but with all colleagues and customers alike.

WELCOME NEW ARRIVALS

Welcome on board to our following new employees:

LIFTING GEAR

CERTEX

Andrew Harrison, Managing Director, Lifting Gear UK, and his wife, Jasmine, welcomed their son, Jasper Andrew Arnie Harrison, into the world. Jasper was born on 20 May at 02:52 and weighed 6lb 13oz at birth.

Christian Richardson, Design Assistant, Lifting Projects, has just become a dad!  His partner, Codie, gave birth to Daisy Florence Richardson on 2 June and her birth weight was 6lb 7oz.

Jordan Thompson, Business Development Executive

LIFTING GEAR AND SAFETY

Wayne Thompson, Renewables Engineer

Joshua Lunt, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Bradley Chapman, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Mark McGarrie, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Harvey

Tom

Industrial Products

Molly Shreeve, Apprentice Office Administrator, Engineering Services

Charlie Humfrey, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Daniel Bell, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Josh Husain, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services

Zak Trainor, Inspection Engineer, Engineering Services.

Olieff, Warehouse Operative,

Kieran Close, Inspection Engineer, Renewables

Molly Waterhouse, Office Administrator

Alex Wilton, Depot Manager, Redruth

Nick Grimshaw, National One Call Controller

Sciascia, New Trainee Engineer, Redruth

Sharon McHale, Hire and Sales Controller

Lucy Norman, Sales Administrator, Industrial Products

Emily Parmenter, Digital Marketing Executive, Group Marketing Team

Chloe White, Sales Administrator, Forankra UK

Rebecca Myler, Sales Assistant, Montrose Office, Scotland

It Really IS Just Cricket!

As part of our corporate social responsibility and eagerness to support our local sporting activities and wider community, Lifting Projects has recently undertaken a sponsorship of the Vernon Carus Cricket Club.  The club currently has five senior and five junior cricket teams. They also facilitate cricket for over

100 children and 50 adults each week. All this was done without access to funding or grants; a situation that was highlighted in their recent BBC Documentary feature, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams Commenting on the sponsorship, Victoria Blair, HSEQA Co-Ordinator, Lifting Gear, said, “We were first

The Thrill

of Endurance

The Motivation behind my Ultra-marathon Experience

introduced to Vernon Carus CC through a colleague who has been a member of the Club since 2015. We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring such a great team and to have our signs prominently displayed around their pitch. These will also appear on screen during their live-stream matches and will give our Brand a lot of exposure.”

Ultra-marathon, marking my third race within the past nine months. Pushing the boundaries of my mind and body to their limits - and then beyond - bestows an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.” This particular race, called Le Barjo in French, aptly translates to ‘The Crazy.’ Spanning 103 kilometres along the picturesque Normandy coast, the course encompassed vast stretches of beaches, undulating dunes and breathtaking coastal paths. Stephen finished this demanding race in a very impressive 15 hours and 20 minutes.

A

n intriguing question that never fails to captivate is, “Why do I do it?” says Stephen Merchant from Lifting Gear and Safety. My short answer is simply: “Endurance racing holds a special place in my heart. I have just recently completed my fourth

“The relentless physical and mental exertion endured throughout the journey left an indelible mark, fuelling my desire for further challenges in the realm of Utra-marathons.

In fact, I’m already committed and looking forward to another event scheduled for September this year,” he said.

Lifting Projects and Lifting Gear UK’s advertising signs make a bold statement at the Vernon Carus Cricket Club’s grounds

Stephen Merchant after finishing a gruelling 103 Km race in France

Answer:

Feature in Your Newsletter!

Do you have something you’d like to add to our newsletter – or know of a colleague who deserves a mention? Work or personal achievements and celebrations (including family members) are welcomed. Examples, but not limited to, include: engagements, weddings, promotions, graduation [perhaps a child], sports, charity work, hobbies, awards, appointments to committees, volunteer work, interests, activities .….. the list is endless! How better to get to know each other than to appear in our newsletter! Write

It is natural that costs will increase as sales grow, but a contributing factor is the current high inflation within the UK (and global) economy. There has been an 18% year-on-year increase as suppliers pass price rises on to us. We ask all employees to please keep an eye on our overheads as these can be an easy area for costs to creep in and reduce our profit.