Stiltz Homelifts recognised as leading UK exporter
Kingswinford home lift manufacturer Stiltz has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the international trade category.
The company, which has its head office on the Pensnett Estate and regional offices near Reading and Leeds, is receiving the award in its 10th anniversary year.
When co-founder and chief commercial officer Lachlan Faulkner set up the company it was very much with a view to disrupting the accessible living industry.
“We saw the products which were available at the time for the less mobile and were taken aback at the lack of design aesthetic," he explained.
“This really made us think about what they might want as well as what they need."
Stiltz has established a broad customer base in the UK market, picked up investment along the way, moved to larger offices several times in all its locations, and introduced several new products.
By 2016 strategic overseas strongholds in key global locations were in place, including, Australia, Germany, USA, France and Benelux. From 2018 this expansion accelerated to the point that Stiltz products are now available in 37 global markets through a combination of strategic partners, distributors and satellite offices. This has been matched by investment in manufacturing and research and development to enable the continued drive for improvement and innovation.
Throughout this growth and expansion though, the overriding ambition of the business has remained simple and true to its roots – to democratise the home lift. To make it as easy to choose, buy and install one as you would a washing machine or dishwasher.
Mr Faulkner said: “I am extremely proud to know that the Prime Minister recommended, and Her Majesty The Queen approved, Stiltz for the International Trade Award; it’s a big deal for us. Along with winning the 2019 Lloyds Bank Exporter of the Year Award late last year, it is testament to the hard work of everyone within the business that we’re gaining recognition for making such rapid progress with our export strategy. CEO Mike Lord and myself would like to thank each and every member of the Stiltz family for their efforts and once we are no longer working remotely due to the lockdown, I’m certain we’ll be enjoying a celebratory glass or two of champagne."
