LEIA’s new Managing Director, Laura Webb, joined us this issue to talk about her new role within the organisation. LEIA is the trade association and advisory body for the lift and escalator industry, formed in 1997. It provides its members with advice, support and guidance on all industryrelated statutory requirements, health and safety and technical standards. Having joined in January, Laura took over from Nick Mellor, who is staying with LEIA as Principal Industry Adviser.

Can you explain your role and what it involves?

I’ve taken on the day-to day management of LEIA, and my role is to work with the managing board and members, leading the strategy across the organisation and ensuring compliance. We’ve got an extraordinarily talented executive team who are setting standards across technical work, education and apprenticeship assessment within the industry.

For me, it’s crucial, as a trade association, to understand our members’ needs and wants. I’m hoping to connect with everyone – large organisations as well as smaller firms and sole traders – it’s important to hear all those voices.