Liftex International, the UK’s long-standing showcase for vertical transportation, returned in 2025 to serve as evidence that the lift, escalator and access industry continues to move at pace. Our Vertical Transportation (VT) specialists were in attendance to explore the new innovations, regulatory developments and sustainable solutions shaping the future of vertical mobility.

Renewed Focus on Modernisation

One of the most notable trends at this year’s Liftex was the resurgence of modernisation solutions. In recent years, the industry has leant towards full replacement projects, driven largely by machine room-less (MRL) technology where everything was installed within the liftwell.

Now, with the industry’s intensified focus on net zero carbon targets, modernisation has made a comeback. Many suppliers are once again offering upgrade packages that retain existing lift components like guiderails, counterweights, and doors, while only replacing worn-out machinery and control systems. This more sustainable, resource-efficient approach allows clients to extend the lifespan of their systems without compromising performance.

Destination Control Systems: Expanding the Options

Another clear trend was the growing presence of destination control systems from independent manufacturers, with new offerings from Lester and Kollmorgen attracting significant interest. These systems are increasingly being considered for both new developments and refurbishments due to their potential to improve passenger flow, reduce waiting times and enhance energy efficiency.

However, their adoption requires a measured and data-driven approach.  Independent destination control systems open up greater flexibility and competition in the market – but only when supported by robust technical advice and thorough performance modelling. As consultants, it is our role to support clients in making informed, unbiased decisions. This often involves undertaking comparative traffic analysis, considering building occupancy patterns, peak traffic loads, and the specific usage profiles of each property.

Accessibility Innovation: Emergency Communication for the Deaf

One of this year’s standout technological innovations was the introduction of the first emergency communication system suitable for people with no hearing ability. While T-loop systems have historically supported hearing aid users, this new solution offers a much wider degree of inclusivity.

Installed within the lift car, a touchscreen displays spoken messages from call centre operatives in text format. Users can respond via an on-screen keyboard, with their messages converted back into speech for the responder. Impressively, the system also supports real-time language translation, enabling communication between users and operators in different languages. This is a major step forward in ensuring lifts are inclusive, accessible and safe.

Evacuation Lifts and Evolving Standards

As regulatory pressure continues to rise, driven by initiatives like the London Plan and the Building Safety Act, evacuation lifts are becoming increasingly central to inclusive building design. Presentations at Liftex, explored the growing need for clear operational protocols, robust maintenance schedules and targeted refurbishments to ensure compliance and functionality.

Key takeaways included:

• Structured maintenance is essential, from weekly switch tests to annual safety audits.
• Fire-rated power supplies and two-way communication systems are increasingly vital.
• Inclusive design must reflect a diversity of disabilities and access needs.

However, the transition from BS EN81 to ISO 8100 remains a contentious issue. While international harmonisation is important, many in the industry are wary of losing the depth and clarity provided by current UK standards. We believe a greater focus should be on alignment and harmonisation of codes and standards, not replacement for replacement’s sake.

Standout Innovations

Several new products on display caught the team’s attention for their potential to deliver new levels of efficiency and customisation:

• AIO Speed Watcher Kit by ATWELL – A compact, all-in-one system incorporating the overspeed governor, offering both space and installation benefits. Most importantly the system removes a need for a governor rope. This seems uncomfortable to the traditionalist but offers enhancements to safety and installation efficiency.
• Customisable Display Interfaces – Lift displays that can be branded or adapted to user preferences and easily updated by on-site teams.
• Full Remote Access Systems – Enabling remote diagnostics, setting adjustments, and fault identification before a technician even attends site — a potential game-changer for reducing downtime and improving client service.

Looking Ahead

This year’s edition of Liftex demonstrated an accelerated pace of change – from smarter diagnostics to high concept brainwave activated call systems. Our vertical transportation team are on hand to help our clients navigate an increasingly complex and innovative marketplace – particularly when it comes to key issues like changes to regulatory standards and net zero targets that require expert intervention from the outset.