LIFTEX 2025, scheduled for June 11-12 at ExCeL London, is the UK's only dedicated exhibition for the lift, escalator, and access industry, featuring over 100 UK and international exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services to approximately 4,000 industry professionals.
Building Safety Act Compliance
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced the most significant changes to building safety regulations in nearly 40 years, establishing a comprehensive framework that applies to all building works but with stricter controls for higher-risk buildings (HRBs). Compliance requires navigating a three-gateway process: Gateway 1 (planning stage), Gateway 2 (pre-construction approval), and Gateway 3 (completion certification). For HRBs—defined as buildings over 18m or with seven or more storeys containing at least two residential units—the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) becomes the exclusive building control authority.
Key compliance requirements include maintaining a "golden thread" of building information throughout the structure's lifecycle, mandatory occurrence reporting, and formal declarations of duty fulfillment by principal duty holders. The Act mandates that all individuals and organizations demonstrate competence in ensuring Building Regulations compliance, with registration deadlines for higher-risk buildings having passed on October 1, 2023, and further regulations taking effect in April 2024. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, while proper implementation enhances safety standards and reduces liability risks across the construction and property management sectors.
Smart Lift Technology Innovations
Smart lift technology is revolutionizing vertical transportation through several key innovations. Modern smart elevators now feature mobile credential systems that allow users to control elevators via smartphones, eliminating physical contact with buttons. Destination control systems enable passengers to select their floor before entering, significantly reducing wait times and improving efficiency. IoT connectivity permits real-time monitoring and data collection, enabling predictive maintenance that identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
These intelligent systems offer numerous benefits including enhanced safety through advanced sensors, improved accessibility via touchless and voice-activated controls, and significant cost savings through data-driven maintenance. AI-powered algorithms optimize elevator operations by learning user patterns and predicting peak usage times. Additional innovations include energy-efficient systems that reduce power consumption and touchless elevators that use motion sensors instead of traditional buttons—particularly valuable in post-pandemic environments. As buildings become increasingly connected, smart elevators are becoming essential components of modern urban infrastructure, adding value to properties while improving the user experience.
Evacuation Protocols and Systems
Evacuation lifts provide a crucial alternative to traditional stair-only evacuation, potentially reducing total building evacuation times by up to 50% compared to using emergency stairs alone. For these systems to operate safely, buildings must implement comprehensive protection measures including fire-resistant structures, safe areas outside lift doors, smoke detection systems, and reliable power supplies with backup options. When fire or smoke is detected in the lift operating environment, evacuation lift operation must be suspended to prevent endangering passengers.
Effective evacuation protocols require clear communication systems and proper training. Buildings should feature two-way intercom systems connecting evacuation lift lobbies to fire command centers, status displays showing lift positions and occupancy, and clear signage indicating which lifts are suitable for evacuation. While evacuation lifts offer significant benefits, particularly for mobility-impaired occupants, public education remains essential as many people are still conditioned against using lifts during emergencies. Building staff play a critical role in guiding evacuations, and all occupants should be familiar with building-specific evacuation plans that outline safe routes and assembly points. During an emergency, occupants must follow instructions from emergency responders rather than attempting to force doors open or access ceiling hatches.
Accommodation for LIFTEX Attendees
Conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Paddington Station and with direct access to the Elizabeth Line, Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers a stylish, comfortable stay in central London. With beautifully refurbished Victorian architecture, the hotel provides modern amenities including:
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- 24-hour room service
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Fitness centre
- Executive meeting facilities
Its excellent transport links make it an ideal base for LIFTEX 2025 attendees travelling to ExCeL London (approximately 30 minutes via Elizabeth Line).
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