David Hope

David Hope

Inspection Service Technical Director

Tell us about yourself

I have various qualifications such as NVQ L3 in Lift installation, HNC in Lift Engineering, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, A1 assessor, City and Guilds L3 in Electrical Installation. I’ve worked in the lift industry for over 25 years, starting as an engineer manufacturing lifts which lead to installation, commission and then inspection of lifts. Six years later, I moved on to working as an inspector on construction hoists all over the Northwest.

After 6 years of inspecting construction hoists, I started working for Bureau Veritas UK, where I developed my skills to carry out Thorough Examinations under LOLER. Three years later, I was recognised for my hard work with a promotion to senior engineer where I became involved with standards, procedures, audits and technical duties. After seven years I took on a Lift Specialist role in which I excelled earning me a promotion to Technical Manager. My department looked after lift manufacturers that were placing lifts on the UK market and provided them with UKCA marking as per the Lift Regulations 2016.

I joined TÜV SÜD in February 2024 as Inspection Service Technical Director which includes LOLER inspections.

Why did you choose to join TÜV SÜD?

During my interview with Paul Hastings, Divisional Director of Real Estate, I was very impressed with the Inspection Services development / growth plan with the aim to become a big player in the testing, inspection and certification (TIC) industry. I also liked the emphasis that Paul placed on the personal touch that we offer to our clients and the company’s ethos. And I have always had an eye on TÜV SÜD whilst working elsewhere.

Where do you work?

I work from home, attending site as and when required.

What are your main areas of expertise?

I love working with lifts and escalators which I’ve done for over 25 years.

What does your role involve?

My main responsibility is to lead and manage the overall statutory inspection service delivery as part of TÜV SÜD. I’ll be formulating and successfully implementing business strategy in alignment with the overarching strategic direction of TÜV SÜD in the UK and Ireland. Another key part of my role is ensuring the development and growth of a profitable business portfolio and delivery of customer service standards in line with the agreed strategy, taking responsibility for the delivery of business activities and inspection services.

What most interests you about your role?

I love to make a difference within the industry. I have been round lifts and escalators for a long time and have a real passion for them. The biggest highlight so far in my short time at TÜV SÜD has been meeting and getting to know my team and their abilities. We have a few exciting projects coming up, but I cannot mention them as yet. One I can mention is that I will get to work on the Severn bridge lifts.

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

I have seen how the TÜV SÜD team, not just in my department, but across the whole TÜV SÜD business, worked together to complete a large tender for a job. It’s also been exciting to see my department grow in the short time I have been here with new colleagues joining us.

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

The department will grow and develop its engineer surveyors.

What is your biggest challenge?

I don’t really see any challenges, as a team we work together and hit them head on as and when they occur. We have the expertise to adapt to any situation within our remit.

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

I would say that as the department is relatively new, it is a blank canvas where as a team we can implement new ideas. The team around me is a top perk.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

TUV SUD has supported me by giving me the opportunity to be in the position I am in and to strive for excellence.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

In the short time I have been here I would say they're committed, loyal, experienced, friendly and willing to change.

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

I would advise them to make safety their priority when dealing with lifts and escalators and never take short cuts. Make sure they have a good team about them, who they can trust and rely on doing a good job.

Find out more about our Inspection Services & LOLER TRAINING COURSE

Want to find out how we can improve your LOLER compliance, visit our LOLER Inspection Services web page or read our case study to see how we greatly improved LOLER compliance for an affordable housing group. You may also be interested in our lift consultancy services and our real estate training courses which includes a LOLER Responsibilities for Conventional Lifts E-learning Training Course.