Evacuation expert to head up Direct Access’ new products division

Wrexham-based international-award-winning accessibility consultancy Direct Access is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Searle as Director of Sales and Marketing for its new products division. Lee will build on Direct Access’ reputation for high-quality accessibility consultancy services.

Lee brings more than 15 years’ international leadership experience in the disability-evacuation market. Starting with the Fire Protection Association followed by working with manufacturers, facility managers and health & safety teams, Lee identified the need for a much greater awareness of egress for mobility-impaired people. Working with evacuation customers all over the world Lee has developed a complete understanding of the situations mobility-impaired people face every day, and how best to ensure their safety. 

Moving to Direct Access was a perfect fit for Lee as the two mission goals for the company were inclusion for all and safety always. As organisations increase their focus on accessibility, the need for better solutions for egress was never more important. 

With full responsibility for the leadership and development of Direct Access’ new products division, Lee will develop, alongside carefully selected manufacturing partners, a portfolio of ancillary equipment designed by disabled people in response to requests for a one-stop solution by Direct Access’ clients. 

Steven Mifsud, founder and Director of Direct Access said: ‘Lee’s track record and international experience in evacuation and egress dovetails with Direct Access’ historic ingress focus. His contacts in the sector are second to none and we are delighted to have him on board. It is a clear endorsement of our ambitions to create truly inclusive environments.’

‘We have exciting plans for the future as the country comes out of the pandemic and places open up once again. We have been the Department for International Trade’s Export Champion last year and continue to export British expertise to the Middle East and North America.’ 

Lee Searle added: ‘Direct Access has a deserved reputation for 16 years of delivering high-quality accessibility consultancy services with a diverse team of disabled people. The sectors they work in reflect this quality with high-profile clients including Avanti West Coast, the Science Museum Group, Hertfordshire County Council, Causeway Coast & Glens in Northern Ireland as well as the world exposition, Expo 2020 Dubai.’

‘We are in an excellent position to diversify our work to further support clients to be inclusive. I have followed Direct Access’ work for several years and am excited to be part of  the team at the next stage of their growth.’

For more information, go to www.accessaudits.com