LEIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 I joined LEIA in 1991 when it was still the National Association of Lift Makers (NALM). I had responded to an advertisement in an HR journal for the newly created post of Safety and Training Manager and I looked forward to setting up systems and qualifications for an industry new to me – although my experience firstly in the RAF and then at Lucas Aerospace did mean that I was very familiar with the world of engineering and technology. registered, which justified the Association’s decision to develop a new post and new services during tough economic times. Another key task was to draft and develop NVQs for the industry, because the existing qualifications were being superseded. I worked with the Association’s committees to define both the training elements and the routes to follow them, then coordinating and gathering feedback before the all-important task of gaining approval from the industry’s awarding body. I learned to appreciate very quickly the enormous commitment of the Association committee members to carrying out their tasks to the benefit of the lift and escalator industry as a whole. We succeeded in launching the first NVQs, Levels 2 and 3, in 1994. That same year, NALM held one of its first seminars, on Health & Safety Directives, led by the late, highly respected practitioner Allan St John Holt OBE and attracting 150 people. This was an encouraging start to a new initiative by the Association and NALM went on to introduce risk assessment workshops. I also took responsibility for the introduction of new technology, not only the purchase of computer hardware but also the software that enabled us to operate efficiently with database systems, email and other communications tools. By the time NALM merged with BLA to become LEIA in 1997, the next important technology initiative was establishing a website, with the support of key people on Association committees. Then in 2010 LEIA’s Managing Director David Fazakerley retired and the task began of finding a replacement for the man who was so well known in the industry. Following the proper recruitment process, I was delighted to be chosen and after my replacement as Safety and Training Manager was selected, moved over to management of the Association. I set myself the task of surveying member companies during the first year, to find out what they thought LEIA was doing well, what needed improvement and to identify how we could engage better across the country rather than focusing on the South East. After 25 years with the Association, I have got to know many people and I will miss those relationships. I am deeply appreciative of the individuals who put in the extra miles, the committee stalwarts in the UK and in Europe, the board members who put time in to raise standards to benefit all in the industry. I am delighted that Nick Mellor is taking over as Managing Director and know from the years we have worked together that he will do a fine job supporting and growing the membership, responding to challenges with innovative solutions and raising industry standards. He has a different personality to me, but has a commitment to and an understanding of lifts and escalators that is second to none – the industry runs through him like a stick of rock. Last words Terry Potter, LEIA Managing Director T erry Potter (left) with David Pearson, Otis Elevators. È What was both surprising and enjoyable on joining the Association was not only the very warm welcome I received from the membership, but also the high degree of autonomy. NALM was delivering a national service from a small office - just four people - that was very different to being part of the 1500 strong Lucas Aerospace Company at Hemel Hempstead. But I soon discovered that this short command chain meant that issues could be discussed quickly, and more importantly, I was often advised that if that was what was needed, I could simply get on with it! The timing was challenging of course. It was the European Year of Safety, Hygiene and Health: Protection at Work and thanks to funding from the Manpower Services Commission I was able to set up a new distance learning unit for members at the Association. We started with four units, which have since expanded to more than a dozen, generating income for the LEIA Trust. At times there were more than 600 people T erry Potter meets Caroline Hesketh, Chair of Antrim Community Support Group of Autism NI, and her young son Jacob.. È