Liftech MD Victoria Westwood second-right, with Palazzani colleagues Angela Piazzoli (Marketing & Brand Manager) Marco Savoldi (Technical Operator) and Laura Gasperini (Export Sales Manager).
SPIDER-WOMAN
Starting a new powered access business is no mean feat, but Liftech MD Victoria Westwood has the wherewithal to make it a success. We caught a quick Q&A to find out what’s up.
M
aking a debut at the recent ScotPlant expo, Liftech caught my eye with its
range of Palazzani spider and tracked lifts, and then nearly caught my head when a mobile phone fell from the pocket of a chap trying one of them out. Liftech might be a new name in the access firmament, although I soon discovered that Victoria brings much experience to her role…
“I’ve been working in construction for nearly 17 years now,” she begins. “I started out doing health & safety audits for Shell forecourts in Scotland and the north of England. From there, I got more into training and surveys, so I went to work for Zenith Survey Equipment, which is now part of Vp plc. After that I moved to Garic, who were looking for somebody to help set up the brand in Scotland. While I was there, I was made an ambassador for Women in Construction and I came to the attention of Nationwide Platforms, who approached me to look after their energy & infrastructure sector, which included truck-mounted platforms, MEWPs and spider lifts. I loved the equipment, and working with big companies such as Network Rail, Amey plc and Balfour Beatty.”
That’s quite a journey. How do you go from there to setting out on your own?
“I came to the attention of my current business partners who brought this fantastic opportunity to me and I thought I would regret it if I didn't go for it.”
Liftech is now the official UK distributor for Palazzani products How did this relationship come about?
“My business partners had already been in talks with Palazzani. What makes them stand out to me is the sustainability of the business and their efforts to reduce their carbon foot print. They source local gases to power their factory in Paderno, Northern Italy, and they employ many women in senior, non stereotypical roles. Its not just about box-ticking for them, they roll their sleeves up and get on with it. It seemed the perfect fit.”
On that, are you particularly hands-on or qualified for your present role?
“Put it this way, I had the covers off on a machine just yesterday, checking the valves.
In terms of qualifications, you can’t have too many in this industry and I have made sure I have all the relevant IPAF qualifications needed to carry out my job, as well as other industry qualifications such as PTS, Survey training, Train the Trainer, etc.”
Liftech achieves its first birthday in September. How’s it been?
“It’s been tough, especially with external factors such as COVID and Ukraine – there are already a lot of strong products in the market too. Palazzani has been in the UK before, but my job has been to ensure that the company is represented fairly in future. The same goes for Falcon Lifts and GSR Aerial Platforms.”
How is the company structured to supply the UK market?
“I have a service partner who looks after warranty work and engineering support. My main depot is in Milton Keynes, where machines are fully checked over before going out. We also ensure full handovers are given with every sale. We want to ensure our customers feel fully supported.
18 Executive Hire News - June 2022
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