The free seminar programme at the upcoming LIFTEX event will tackle pressing issues including lift modernisation, evacuation protocols, and compliance with fire safety regulations, when it takes place at London’s ExCeL from 11th‑12th June 2025.
“The regulatory environment when it comes to managing lifts can seem complicated, explains LIFTEX Show Director Oliver Greening. “Our free seminar programme brings together influential voices addressing everything from upgrading ageing equipment to implementing effective evacuation strategies.”
Competence In The Supply Chain
Recent implementation of the Building Safety Act has heightened attention on supply chain accountability, with particular emphasis on verifying the competence of field personnel. A headline presentation by Nick Mellor, MD of the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) will outline approaches to competence management and highlight recent developments in industry guidelines.
Modernising Older Lifts
Attendees will also benefit from Micky Grover‑White’s insights into the significant update of BS 5655‑11, which governs modifications to existing lift installations.
As LEIA’s Technical Manager, Micky’s session will address the substantial challenges of upgrading older systems to meet current requirements, “Many lifts in use in the UK today were installed over 20 years ago and would have been installed to the safety level appropriate at time of installation. These lifts, if not improved, would have a lower level of safety than a more recently installed lift, following today’s state‑of‑the‑art modern technologies. This means there is a gap between the modern lift and the level of protection for users and workers on a lift.”
A lift is often modernised to restore it to, at least, “as good as new condition”. However, FMs might improve their lifts for many reasons, including:
- safety of users and workers
- accessibility to their building
- vandal resistance to their lifts
- behaviour of lifts in the event of fire
- improvement of lifts used by firefighters or evacuation
- performance
- useability
Future Proofing Buildings With Evacuation Lifts
Another highlight will be Rachel Smalley’s presentation on evacuation lifts in contemporary architecture.
As Head of Inclusive Design at Jacobs and chair of the BS 8300 committee on accessible design, Smalley will encourage participants to view evacuation lifts as fundamental components of inclusive design rather than mere compliance requirements.
Rachel will examine different end user group requirements, how these lifts enhance building functionality, and align with current policy frameworks.
The session will cover:
- The groups of people who may require or benefit from evacuation lifts
- How evacuation lift integration enhances the overall building useability and future proofing
- The policy landscape, standards and guidance
- Implementation challenges – practical considerations for retrofitting existing buildings versus new construction planning
- The long‑term benefits of evacuation lifts beyond regulatory compliance
Understanding Fire Safety Regulations
Ian McGregor from LEIA Quality Training Committee will break down the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2023 in straightforward, actionable terms.
Since January 2023, these regulations have introduced critical new requirements for those legally responsible for fire safety in high‑rise residential buildings.
Ian will guide FMs through:
- Where the Fire Safety (England) Regulations (FSER) apply.
- Who qualifies as a “Responsible Person”.
- The lift‑related simple checks you need to undertake.
- The frequencies of these simple checks.
- Where you can find checklists and practical advice.
Standards And Regulations Update
Rounding off the programme, Dave Searle, Chair of MHE/4 for Lifts and Escalators, will tackle the implications of BSI MHE4, focusing on EN ISO 8100‑1 and 8100‑2. This session will provide critical insights into regulatory updates, how they impact lift design, installation, and maintenance, and what they mean for compliance, safety, and best practices.
On The Show Floor
Beyond the educational programme, the exhibition floor will host more than 100 exhibitors from the UK and abroad, including contractors, service providers, component manufacturers, and support organisations.
LIFTEX is organised by the Lift & Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) and is free to attend: www.liftexshow.com
