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Business Leader,
North East Champion,
National Voice.

A sixth-generation businessman from Middlesbrough, Kiran leads a group of UK companies that span the engineering, cybersecurity and hospitality sectors. With roots in Teesside and North Yorkshire, and operations nationwide, he's passionate about building businesses that last, supporting British industry, and contributing to our national conversation on economic growth and regional development.

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Kiran Fothergill is an industry leader and a proud advocate for business and community interests.

Kiran leads a Group of companies that collectively employ over 700 people across the UK. From Pickerings Lifts' storied headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees to operations in London, Glasgow, Cardiff and beyond, the Group of businesses serve vital sectors in engineering, lift technology, cyber security and hospitality.

700+

Employees

1854

Founding Year

19

Regional Offices

6th

Generation Businessman

Pickerings Europe Limited 

Since 1854 • Stockton-on-Tees

Founded in 1854 and headquartered on Norton Road in Stockton-on-Tees right from the very start, Pickerings is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected engineering companies. From humble beginnings, Pickerings has grown into a national lift services provider with fifteen regional offices.

We specialise in lift servicing, repairs, maintenance, installations, and modernisations. Our teams also manage all escalator-related customer needs as well as loading systems solutions. We work with commercial clients, local authorities, and housing associations. Our longevity reflects our commitment to customer service, safety, and excellence.

Shorts Industries Limited

Bradford • London

Since 1945, the Shorts name has been an integral part of the lift industry. We provide new lift packages for installation, lift component products for modernisation and lift spare parts for repair to the UK and Ireland’s leading lift installation and maintenance companies.

Working closely with the world’s foremost lift manufacturers and suppliers, we continually expand and adapt our product portfolio. It is this unique approach, together with the relationships we forge, that creates the perfect platform for us to provide fully tailored solutions to many conventional and unconventional lift related requirements.

Sapphire Technologies Limited

Glasgow SOC • Newcastle

Sapphire Technologies is a leading UK pure play cybersecurity business. With a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Glasgow, we deliver Managed Security Services (including OT), compliance support, and strategic cyber consulting to businesses across sectors. As digital threats evolve, Sapphire provides the protection and peace of mind modern businesses need.

From proactive threat monitoring to strategic guidance, we are your trusted partner every step of the way, ensuring the security of your operations, people, and reputation.

First Sight Estates Limited

Kinross-shire • Scotland

Kinross House and its fabulous Estate setting provide one of Scotland’s finest exclusive use destinations. Steeped in history and grandeur, the Estate comprises almost 4,000 acres, including 100 acres of formal gardens and woodland. The House looks out over picturesque Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish lowlands.

Kinross House has a magnificent history, a stately country home designed by the famous architect Sir William Bruce in 1685 and considered to be his greatest masterpiece.

Labour’s Business Property Relief plans risk destroying family businesses like mine

A first hand perspective on the real impact of Labour Government’s changes to Business Property Relief. Read Here.

Policymakers and the public [need] to hear directly from businesses

Words on Q1 Economic Growth through a business lens. Watch Here.

Aberdeen is a warning, not a prophecy – and the North East should pay attention

A regional perspective on how Teesside and the North East avoid increasing unemployment and skills shortages as industry transitions. Read Here.

Time to stop risking Britain’s family businesses

Eight in ten family business owners are pessimistic about the UK economy in 2026. There’s a clear path to fix that – Read Here.