Our story began in 1988 when Leonard Edgell and Thomas Halsey formed a partnership trading as Electro Mechanical Services (EMS) to service and repair stairlifts, Gimson lifts and hoists. In 1995, Thomas moved on and Michael (Mick) Armstrong joined as a partner, broadening the product range to include stairlifts and other lifting solutions, laying the foundations for the company’s growth.

In 2006, Len Edgell sold his share of the partnership to Jonathan (Joe) Muir, and the following year EMS was incorporated as EMS Lifts Ltd. Around the same time, the business moved into its purpose-built headquarters in Baldock, which remains the company’s home today and houses one of the UK’s most extensive ranges of stairlifts.

From the outset, EMS has been a family-led business. In 2006, Mick’s son Matt Armstrong joined, followed by Joe’s son Alex Muir in 2010. Both worked their way up through the business and now serve as Directors, playing a central role in the company’s leadership. Similarly, Steve Francis, who joined as an engineer in 2007, advanced to become General Manager. Ten years later, his son Jack Francis began as an apprentice and is now a Senior Engineer, demonstrating EMS’s culture of nurturing and developing talent.

Reflecting on his journey, Steve Francis said: “I began at EMS as an engineer and quickly realised I could add value to the business. I liked that it encouraged development and created a welcoming place to work. When Jack finished college and was looking for a career path, I couldn’t think of a better company to help him grow. I’m proud of the impact he has made here.”

Family ties extend beyond management too. George Mocan, Senior Public Access Sales Manager, joined EMS in 2015. A year later, his wife Ligia came on board in an administrative role and now leads the accounts department.

In 2020, Mick Armstrong retired and, as part of the succession plan, Greg Muir joined to help guide EMS into its next chapter. With experience founding and leading award-winning companies, Greg brought a strong focus on customer service and technology, introducing digital tools that have modernised EMS’s operations.

One of the most significant developments has been the Mobile Workforce and Job Management system, which connects the back office, engineers, and customers in real time. This innovation streamlines planning, removes paperwork, and improves transparency, ensuring faster response times, greater efficiency, and outstanding service delivery.

From its origins as a two-man partnership servicing stairlifts, EMS has grown into a full turnkey mobility provider, trusted for its quality, family values, and commitment to continuous improvement. Today, EMS Lifts Ltd stands as a leader in the industry, combining decades of experience with forward-looking innovation to deliver accessibility solutions that truly make a difference.