60 seconds with…Richard B. Annable, Managing Director, Kapok 88

Tell us about your business, when was it formed and what do you do?

We’re the go-to people for lift interior protection. Over 35 years, and still a family owned business, we’ve become Europe’s No.1 lift interior protection manufacturer. We care about our customers being able to extend the lifespan and maintain the pristine appearance of their lifts with ease. Our custom-made drapes, crafted in the East Midlands, are flame-proof and water-repellent. We’re your trusted one-stop shop, offering full site surveys, drape personalisation, and floor protection.

Who are your customers? Which markets do you serve?

Kapok 88 operates both within the UK and internationally, through the support of our many international distributors. We work with all the OEM’s as well as the independent lift manufacturers and installers. We also supply facility management, property management and removals businesses.

How many times have you been to LIFTEX?

Our first time exhibiting was 2010 and I haven’t missed one since, I also visited with my parents when it was held in Olympia, London in the 90s.

What are the main issues that your customers deal with and how do you help them?

I believe we prevent issues for our customers, particularly those in facilities/property management who are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their lifts. Investing protective lift drapes avoids unwanted headaches caused by lift interiors getting damaged and costly repairs. In terms of the major lift manufacturers, our site survey, installation service and protective drapes support them in offering their customers the complete, high quality lift package & service.

Are there any issues that specifiers, contractors / owners should be aware of in the next 12 months?

While this isn’t limited to the next 12 months, if you can involve us early during the planning stages with your customers for your specialist lift interior finishes, we can offer expert advice on the best fixing solutions to complement the design and determine the optimal placement of fixings if protective drapes are part of the overall package. This ensures you maximize the available options for your clients and avoid potential issues in the future.

How can we, as an industry, help designers and building owners to become more energy efficient and meet Net Zero targets?

Invest in products that can be used multiple times. One of the benefits of our protective drapes is they are made to last. Not designed as a single, one time use item, but will protect the lift time and time again. We’ve recently replaced a set of drapes that’s nearly 30 years old!

What will you be promoting / what can visitors expect to see on your stand?

Our main feature is always Kapok 88 protective drapes, but if you fancy a challenge, we are bringing back the golf simulator with nearest the pin & beat the Pro challenge. Also for handrails that make installations easy, Tim Lindemann from e-li handrails will also be joining us on our stand.

What advice would you give to anyone visiting the show? What should they look for and how can they get the most from their visit?

First, practice your golf swing and then head straight to stand B18! We will be ready to welcome you. Then grab a coffee, make new connections with people & enjoy the rest of the show, there’s plenty on offer.