Andrew Carter

Andrew Carter

Vertical Transportation Consultant (Scotland, Ireland, North-East)

Tell us about yourself

I started my career in the lift industry as an apprentice within local authority (Durham County Council) in 2002. Over nearly 20 years working for the council, I worked as an apprentice, Lift Engineer, Lifts Foreman, Assistant Electrical Manager (Lifts) and, finally, Lifts Manager. During this time, I gained relevant qualifications including NVQ level 2 in Stairlifts, NVQ level 3 in Passenger Lifts, HNC in Lift Technology, NVQ level 3 in Workplace Supervision and NEBOSH Certificate.

While I was at Durham County Council, I started a lifts installation and modifications team which by the time I left was doing 10 refurbishment / installs per year. This was the only local government lift section within the north-east which completed these works, and that side of the business continues to this day. I was also able to grow that business from 6 engineers with no apprentices to 12 engineers and 3 apprentices when I left. I am personally proud of my achievements at Durham County Council.

I joined TÜV SÜD in March 2022 as a new challenge and for a chance to work with the UK’s biggest lift consultancy firm. I have enjoyed my time here so far and look forward to all the challenges to come. I’ve been working on maintenance management and project works which have given me a chance to provide a valuable service to the client. My favourite project so far has been the lift audits for Gateshead Council which allowed them to fully assess their lift stock including creating a lift replacement / refurbishment programme.

Why did you choose to apply to TÜV SÜD?

TÜV SÜD have a great reputation within the lift industry and the chance to work in the north-east team with people whom I had met previously was a great attraction.

Where do you work?

I would class myself as a hybrid worker between home, sites, and the Newcastle office.

What are your main areas of expertise?

Within the lift industry I would say my expertise is project work. I know how to plan and execute a good project including site set-up and health and safety.

What does your role involve?

I manage two contracts within the north-east on my lift maintenance management portfolio. This includes auditing lifts, processing invoices, managing queries, ensuring compliance, controlling / requesting quotes, advising clients and generally ensuring that the lifts are running with as few problems as possible.

What most interests you about your role?

I enjoy the element of problem solving for the clients and ensuring that a project or maintenance is running without any issue. This may be as simple as explaining problems and coming up with solutions or more complicated such as designing a lift to overcome a certain issue.

Currently, I’m involved in a project which includes replacing 10 lifts across 3 properties for a housing client. This includes elements of firefighting, a small site area for storage / skips, an awkward building layout and many site issues. On this project I’ll be working with a team of different people, including other consultants, to ensure the final project is perfect for the client.

What exciting developments have you seen at TÜV SÜD since you started?

We have just been given access to the Lift Operation Management (LOM) tool which looks like it could really help on the maintenance management side of the job.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

I think the future of lifts is based on energy efficiencies of lifts, how can we save money on bills, etc. I believe now this is built into most new high-rise lifts but hasn’t been considered much in low to medium-rise buildings. Often the equipment which is added to help lower costs doesn’t cover the investment of installing over the lifetime of the product.

What is your biggest challenge?

Area-based – the north-east doesn’t have the height or density of buildings of other areas. Newcastle, if compared to Leeds, Manchester and especially London, doesn’t have as many opportunities to gain lifts.

Nationally – I think the main issue now is the same issue across the UK and other industries. The lead time for equipment has increase massively for many reasons such as wars, sanctions, Brexit, raw material availability and demand. The challenge for us is to manage the expectations of the client but also ensure we are being quoted correct lead times for valid reasons.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

I would say if I had to pick one perk it would be the team. I’ve been surprised at how helpful staff at TÜV SÜD are. Whenever I have asked for help or advice, it has been given in abundance. I have some great laughs here and hope for that to continue.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

TÜV SÜD allow me to have flexible hours to drop my children at school, as well as having discussions about future training, etc. This has improved my home life and work life.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

Helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, hard-working, approachable.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

Research the other lift consultancy firms and compar

e. I think although some may have different perks, the overall package at TÜV SÜD combined with the culture here would be hard to match.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Do you sit on any standardisation committees or any other relevant industry committees?

I comment on the Lift and Escalator Industry Association Apprentice Standard Development ST0252. I started doing this in my previous role and I carry on privately at TÜV SÜD.

Want to find out more about our lift consultancy services?

Please visit our lift consultants web pages to find out more about our services which include vertical transportation design, LOLER inspections and facade access system design.

REALTED TRAINING COURSES:

LOLER Lift Training Course