Green award gives a real lift

Dec 4 2007 by Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

A GREEN stairlift manufacturer on Teesside has been presented with a top environmental accolade.

Angus Long, commercial manager at Lift Able, took the National Gold Award in the category of Engineering and Manufacturing at the Green Apple Awards reception, hosted by Patricia Hewitt MP at the House of Commons.

The award was presented to Mr Long by Professor David Bellamy.

The presiding judge described the accomplishment as “very well deserved” by Lift Able, which specialises in the manufacture, supply and maintenance of stairlifts and disabled access solutions to domestic and public buildings.

The company is a major supplier to Local Authorities and the NHS.

The award recognised the company’s commitment to retaining manufacturing in the UK at a time when many competitors are looking East as a perceived cheaper option.

Lift Able was also singled out for investing in local manufacturers and suppliers to minimise the environmental cost of transporting goods and materials, and preserving local employment opportunities.

Top winners of the Green Apple awards will have the chance to represent their country at an international event in Brussels next year, which celebrates best green practice across a range of sectors.