We’re delighted to introduce three new consultants to our lift consultancy team: Rob Staines, Karl Vesma and Scott Kirke. Each consultant brings extensive experience across different sectors and building environments. In fact, we’re collectively bringing in 82 years of lift industry knowledge and experience to strengthen our ability to support clients across the UK. Their arrival not only signifies our ongoing growth but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of lift consultancy services.
Join us in getting to know the newest members of the ILECS team, helping our clients make informed, confident decisions.
Rob Staines
With over 35 years of experience in the lift industry, Rob brings a wealth of hands-on expertise and leadership to the ILECS team. He began his career in 1990 as an apprentice with Kone and has since held various roles, including engineer, technical support, supervisor, and manager, which has given him a deep, practical understanding of all aspects of lift operations.
For the past decade, Rob has focused on project management, overseeing lift modernisation projects, coordinating subcontractors, and working closely with lift companies to deliver successful outcomes. Prior to joining ILECS, he served as a lift consultant within the lift division of a mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultancy.
Drawn by ILECS’ strong reputation in the industry, Rob says, “When the opportunity came up to join them, I had no doubts it would be a good move.” He’s particularly enjoying the variety the role offers, from working with different lift contractors to travelling across the country and encountering a wide range of lift systems.
Karl Vesma
Karl has spent the last 22 years working in the lift industry, building a reputation for combining deep mechanical knowledge with practical, client-focused consultancy. His career in the lift world began at an insurance company, where he spent a decade carrying out LOLER inspections before moving into lift consultancy in 2013. That’s where he first saw the true value of lift consultancy in helping clients navigate complex technical challenges.
Before entering the lift industry, Karl completed an apprenticeship in automotive production and engineering, which gave him an exceptional eye for mechanical design and production. This unique background enables him to assess lift installations with a deep technical understanding, identifying potential weaknesses and explaining complex issues in a way clients can truly understand.
Operating across London and the South-East, Karl thrives on solving persistent issues and supporting clients throughout the lifecycle of their lifts. “ I like the challenge of getting to the bottom of persistent issues,” he says. “When a lift has repeated breakdowns and no one seems to know why, that’s when I get to work.”
Scott Kirke
Scott joins ILECS with 25 years of experience in the lift industry. His experience also includes working as a Design Engineer Consultant in London. With a strong background spanning engineering, surveying, CAD design, marketing and sales, Scott has specialised in lift modernisation and previously held a key role as a Sales Executive in modernisation and new lift installations at a major lift company.
At ILECS, Scott will play a key role in our ability to support clients across the North, working closely with our lift consultant Adrian O’Neill to ensure our expert consultancy services continue to meet the highest standards.