Client
Duration
Jul 18, 2025
#
StepLift
Achieving Equality Act Compliance with a Straight Incline Platform Stairlift
A North West England commercial property owner achieves full Equality Act 2010 compliance with the installation of a straight incline platform stairlift — matched by Platform Lift UK and installed by a vetted specialist within weeks of initial enquiry.
About the project
The Challenge
The client — the owner of a two-storey commercial property in the North West of England — contacted Platform Lift UK after receiving advice from their local council that their premises were not compliant with the Equality Act 2010. The building — a traditional terraced property converted to commercial use — had a straight staircase connecting the ground floor reception area to the first floor meeting rooms and offices. Wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties were unable to access the first floor independently, meaning a significant proportion of visitors, clients, and employees were effectively excluded from part of the building.
A ramp had been considered and ruled out at an early stage. The staircase rose approximately 2.8 metres vertically over a relatively short horizontal run — making a compliant ramp of manageable length impossible to accommodate within the available space at the bottom of the stairs. The staircase itself was a straight flight with no turns or intermediate landings, which made it well suited to a straight incline platform stairlift installation.
The property owner's priorities were clear — to achieve Equality Act compliance as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, without removing the staircase or undertaking major structural works, and with a solution that left the staircase accessible to walking users alongside the lift.
The property owner submitted an enquiry through the Platform Lift UK website, describing the property, the staircase, and the compliance requirement.
Challanges
The Solution
Platform Lift UK assessed the enquiry and matched the property owner with a vetted lift specialist covering the North West region with specific experience in commercial incline platform stairlift installations and Equality Act compliance projects.
A free survey visit was arranged within five working days of the initial enquiry. The surveyor visited the property, measured the staircase precisely, assessed the available space at the top and bottom landings, confirmed the power supply requirements, and recommended a straight incline platform stairlift as the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for this specific installation.
The straight incline platform stairlift was selected for several reasons. The staircase was a single straight flight with no curves or turns, making a standard straight lift rail appropriate — significantly more affordable than a custom curved rail. The staircase width of 1050mm was sufficient to accommodate the platform alongside a clear walking space for other building users. The installation required no structural alterations — the rail fixed directly to the stair treads and the platform folded flat when not in use, leaving the staircase fully accessible.
The lift was specified in a powder-coated silver grey finish to complement the commercial interior of the building. The platform featured an anti-slip surface, automatic safety arms on both sides, and simple push-button controls on the platform and at both landing levels. A key lock was included to allow the property owner to control access to the lift outside of business hours.
Building Regulations approval was managed by the installing company on behalf of the property owner — covering the Part M compliance documentation required for a commercial installation of this type.
The installation was completed within a single day by the vetted installer's trained engineers. The rail was fixed to the stair treads, the drive mechanism installed, the platform commissioned and tested, and the staircase left fully accessible to walking users. The property owner and a nominated member of staff were given a full demonstration of all controls, safety features, and emergency procedures before the engineers left the premises.
From initial enquiry through Platform Lift UK to completed installation took five weeks — including the survey visit, Building Regulations application, manufacturing lead time, and installation.
Summary
The Outcome
The installation delivered immediate and measurable results for the commercial property. The first floor of the building — previously inaccessible to wheelchair users and those with significant mobility difficulties — was now fully accessible to all visitors, clients, and employees. The property owner was able to demonstrate Equality Act 2010 compliance to their local council and to clients and employees who had previously been affected by the inaccessibility of the upper floor.
The staircase remained fully intact and accessible to walking users alongside the lift — meeting the property owner's requirement that the existing means of access be preserved rather than replaced. When the platform was folded in the parked position, walking users could pass comfortably on the staircase without obstruction.
The property owner noted that the installation had an unexpected additional benefit — several clients who used wheelchairs or mobility aids commented positively on the accessibility of the building following the installation, and the property owner felt it had contributed to a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone using the premises.
A six-monthly LOLER inspection contract was arranged with the installing company at the time of installation — ensuring the lift remains legally compliant and safe for commercial use throughout its operational life. The first LOLER inspection was completed six months after installation with no issues identified.
The property owner confirmed they would recommend the Platform Lift UK matching service to any business researching accessibility lift solutions, citing the speed of the process, the quality of the independent advice, and the professionalism of the vetted installer as the key factors in a smooth and successful project.
PROJECT DETAILS SUMMARY
Lift type: Straight incline platform stairlift Property type: Two-storey commercial property Location: North West England Staircase type: Straight single flight Staircase width: 1050mm Vertical travel: 2.8 metres Finish: Powder-coated silver grey Key features: Anti-slip platform surface, automatic safety arms, push-button controls, key lock, remote call stations at both levels Compliance: Equality Act 2010, Part M Building Regulations, BS EN 81-40 Installation time: One day Lead time from enquiry to installation: Five weeks Ongoing maintenance: Six-monthly LOLER inspection contract Matched by: Platform Lift UK — free independent matching service
CALL TO ACTION
If your commercial property has steps or staircases that prevent wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties from accessing all areas of your building, Platform Lift UK can help. We match businesses across the UK with vetted incline platform stairlift specialists — free of charge and with no obligation to proceed. Submit your enquiry on the Platform Lift UK website today and receive a free no-obligation survey from a vetted installer covering your area.
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