Meet Our Directors
John Newbold
SVM Associates
In 1997, I joined SVM to establish an office in Birmingham and develop the lift consultancy section of the business.
Organic growth led to significant regional market presence.
In 2004 the current directors enacted a management buy out enabling growth across the UK and Ireland.
SVM Associates are now one of the most renowned and respected vertical transport consulting engineers.
Industry Expertise
As a field technician, I worked in an era that saw the introduction of microprocessor controls and solid state drives. I feel fortunate that this experience means I can relate to ‘black box’ solid state technology and have a solid understanding how a lift control is expected to work. This knowledge still informs my working practices today.
In addition, my HND in electronics/ microelectronics, including machine code programming, still gives me an added advantage when analysing problems with modern lift controls.
My engineering background shapes the company’s approach to problem solving which cements our reputation as technical expert and I am currently developing condition measurement services for lifts and escalators because I believe to make informed interventions you need reliable data.
Consequently, my fee earning commissions, alongside running the business, involve appointments as:
- Authorising Engineer for a number of NHS Trusts
- Acting as expert witness in disputes and criminal cases.
- Contributor to CIBSE Guide D
Member of the BCO technical committee for lifts
"I am not young enough to know everything"
The Beginning
An apprentice with Otis, straight from school, I quickly progressed to Regional Service Technician covering a large area from Wales to the East Coast.
Working in all aspects of the field, I was exposed to a wide range of lift and escalator issues where I learnt how to approach a range of mechanical and electrical problems and develop workable solutions.
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
Career Highlights
Early in my career, I was tasked by Otis with developing a specific maintenance regime for new lifts, which was to be rolled out across the UK. The commercial and technical experience I gained from running and growing the business is my greatest career achievement. It was also a major contributing factor in achieving Chartered status.
Winning and delivering high profile, challenging projects such as the term commission for Houses of Parliament, including the first lift in Big Ben, and the modernisation of the lifts in Tower 42; the first lift modernisation of a 40 storey building in the UK, is a always a privilege (and a testimony to the technical prowess of our team).
Free Time
The free time I have is spent travelling, learning and occasionally watching my local team Birmingham City.
