Meet the Team: Jack Reynolds on Bespoke Lifting Solutions and the Future of British Engineering
At Wickham Hoist Ltd, we have been at the forefront of British rack-and-pinion hoist manufacturing since 1961. Our reputation is built on delivering reliable vertical transport and bespoke lifting systems across a diverse range of industries. To give our clients an insight into the expertise and people behind our business, we sat down with our Sales Manager, Jack Reynolds, to discuss the future of the industry and our commitment to British engineering.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your role at Wickham Hoist Ltd?
As a Sales Manager, my role is to understand pain points commonly experiences by companies when dealing with lift specialists. Knowing what goes wrong allows for the team and I to create solutions tailored exactly for the needs of our clients. I get stuck in across the company, from admin to putting a hi-vis on and being an extra pair of hands. The more information I can soak up about our processes, the better I can support the fantastic local businesses that we do work for. In turn, that allows me to grow Wickham Hoist’s sales.
2. What attracted you to the lifting and hoist industry?
Despite using lifts almost every day, I had never even thought about maintenance until I stubled upon Wickham Hoist. Seeing such clear passion from our director made it clear to me that this was the place to be. My background is in the communication technology sector, so you couldn’t be much further removed! That being said, the wealth of expertise in this industry is an endless fount of inspiration so I’m delighted to have fallen into it.
3. What makes Wickham Hoist different from other suppliers?
We are reactive, flexible, and bespoke. One of the key differences is that we focus on British-built products designed with quality, reliability, and safety at the forefront. The way in which we understand our clientele allows for truly personal service, and our ability to design bespoke solutions means we can tailor systems to suit specific site requirements rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all product.
4. What types of projects do you typically work on?
Our projects vary widely. We work closely with the care industry for maintenace, many projects involving housing assosiations, and are heavily involved with the ports. From a simple servicing agreement to a bespoke installation in a listed or complex building, we support clients across a wide range of environments.
5. How important is safety in the work you do?
Safety is absolutely critical in the lifting industry. Our equipment must meet strict standards and certifications, and we work closely with clients to ensure every installation operates safely and efficiently. Knowing that the equipment we supply helps keep people and materials moving safely is something we take very seriously.
6. Are there any recent developments at Wickham Hoist that excite you?
We’ve got a lot of incredible projects in the pipeline, most of which I can’t say much about! The recent move to our new site & offices allows us much more flexibility and that’s something that has been really exciting.
7. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
We’ve had clients recommend us to their peers at conferences, or contact us again after moving to a new company. That level of trust only comes from genuinely improving the way their business operates.
8. What advice would you give to someone choosing a lift/hoist engineering supplier?
It’s important that your supplier understands why the service is so important to you. You need to know how quickly they can get to you if you need help and that they will be fair when pricing for reapirs/replacements. There is nothing worse than saving a small amount on maintenance/install only to pay far more in repairs later.
9. How do you see the industry evolving in the next few years?
Stability is something that will remain important in the current economic climate. I forsee more British manufacturing and clients choosing based on total running costs rather than initial cost. Industry transparency is something on the rise too, and that can only be a good thing.
10. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I used to be a professional gamer, so I like to relive my glory days playing games with friends on the computer. I must admit I’m getting much slower as I get older! Otherwise I love visiting family in Scotland & Hampshire and spending time at local events like Dreamworld and pop ups at the Kent Event Centre.
Interested in learning more about Wickham Hoist solutions?
Our team is always happy to discuss your project requirements and help you find the right lifting solution.
At Wickham Hoist Ltd, we remain dedicated to the future of British engineering through our commitment to quality, safety and bespoke innovation. By focusing on the specific needs of our clients rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we continue to set the standard for reliability in the lifting industry. Whether you require a custom installation for a complex site or a comprehensive maintenance agreement to ensure long-term stability, our team is here to support your business. Ready to discuss your next project? Get in touch with our expert team today to find the perfect lifting solution for your requirements.
