Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Swadlincote

History and industry in Swadlincote

Swadlincote is a town in South Derbyshire, close to the borders of Leicestershire and Staffordshire. Historically, it developed as a key industrial centre during the 19th century, thanks to its rich deposits of clay and coal. These natural resources led to the growth of several industries, particularly pottery, pipe-making, and brick manufacturing. Swadlincote became well known for producing salt-glazed pipes and sanitary ware, with companies like TG Green (famous for its “Cornishware”) and others contributing to its reputation as a ceramics hub. Coal mining also played a major role in the town’s development and employment throughout the Industrial Revolution and beyond.

With the decline of coal mining and traditional manufacturing in the late 20th century, Swadlincote underwent significant economic restructuring. Many of the old industrial sites have been redeveloped for new commercial and residential use. Today, the town’s economy is more diverse, including light manufacturing, construction, retail, and logistics. The Tetron Point and Boardman Industrial Estates host a variety of businesses, ranging from food production and packaging to distribution and engineering. The presence of good road connections, including access to the A38 and M42, makes Swadlincote a strategic location for regional trade and employment.

In addition to its industrial activity, Swadlincote has placed increasing emphasis on leisure, tourism, and community development. The town is part of The National Forest area, a major environmental regeneration project, which has transformed former industrial land into woodland and green space. This has helped attract visitors and boost the local economy through tourism, recreation, and heritage sites. The combination of industrial heritage, modern enterprise, and environmental renewal gives Swadlincote a unique identity within Derbyshire, blending past and present in its ongoing development.

Swadlincote is surrounded by towns and villages that developed largely because of coal mining and clay-based industries. Places such as Church Gresley, Woodville, and Newhall expanded during the 19th century as coal seams were worked and local clay was used for brick, tile, and pottery production. These industries provided employment for thousands of people and helped shape the landscape and settlement patterns of the area.

Villages including Hartshorne, Ticknall, and Blackfordby combined industrial activity with farming. Brickworks, lime kilns, and small collieries were common, supplying building materials across Derbyshire and the wider Midlands. Canals and later railways were vital in transporting heavy goods such as coal and bricks, linking these villages to larger towns and cities.

In the late 20th century, the decline of mining and traditional manufacturing led to major changes across the area. Many former industrial sites have since been redeveloped for housing, retail, and business use. Today, the surrounding towns and villages support a more varied economy, including logistics, light industry, and services, while still reflecting Swadlincote’s strong industrial heritage.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is not just a legal requirement—it’s also about safeguarding your employees, protecting your business reputation, and ensuring your equipment remains safe and reliable.

Legal Requirements Under LOLER 1998

LOLER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Swadlincote that owns or operates lifting equipment must ensure that:

• Lifting equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations are carried out at regular, legally required intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent and impartial person.

Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, prosecution, and serious safety risks.

Protecting Your Workforce and Your Business

At SEIS, we know that every business in Swadlincote – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular LOLER inspections reduce the risk of accidents, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Compliance not only keeps you legal, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety.

What is a LOLER Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination under LOLER is a detailed and legally required inspection of lifting equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a LOLER examination must be performed by an impartial, competent person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination.

Frequency of Examinations

How often your lifting equipment in Swadlincote needs to be inspected & tested depends on its type and use:

• Every 6 months – For lifting equipment used to lift persons (e.g., passenger lifts, wheelchair lifts, patient hoists), or lifting accessories and attachments.

• Every 12 months – For other lifting equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, goods lifts).

• After significant changes or repairs – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

LOLER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent and independent person—not by the equipment supplier or operator. At SEIS, we meet these exact criteria. Our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Lifting Equipment Covered by SEIS in Swadlincote

Businesses in Swadlincote use a vast range of lifting equipment, and at SEIS we provide LOLER inspections across them all.

Lifts and Hoists

• Passenger lifts

• Goods lifts

• Vehicle lifts

• Wheelchair and platform lifts

Cranes and Forklift Trucks

• Overhead travelling cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Forklift trucks

• Lifting tackle and accessories

Lifting Accessories and Tackle

• Slings (chains, ropes, webbing)

• Shackles and hooks

• Lifting beams and frames

• Chain blocks and lever hoists

No matter the type of equipment on your site, SEIS ensures every examination is completed thoroughly, with full reports for your compliance records.

SEIS: Your Local Independent Inspection & Testing Company

SEIS is proud to support Swadlincote businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from the port to food production, and we tailor our service to meet your needs.

Independent, Impartial & Compliant

As an independent inspection provider, we do not sell or repair lifting equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with LOLER regulations.

Experienced Engineer Surveyors

Our team of qualified surveyors have years of hands-on experience across multiple industries. They know exactly what to look for and how to ensure your business remains compliant without unnecessary disruption.

Minimising Disruption to Your Operations

We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we work around your production schedule, conducting inspections efficiently and professionally so your operations continue smoothly.

Our Inspection Process in Swadlincote

We make LOLER inspections & testing straightforward and hassle-free for local businesses.

Booking and Scheduling

Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a time that works for you.

On-Site Examination

Our engineer surveyors visit your site and carry out thorough examinations with minimal disruption.

Report of Thorough Examination

After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report highlighting any defects and recommended actions.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We’ll manage your inspection schedule, reminding you before your next due date. Plus, you’ll have access to our online reporting portal, so your certificates are always at your fingertips.

Why Choose SEIS for LOLER Inspections Swadlincote?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Swadlincote businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Swadlincote Industries

From the heavy industry and food manufacturing to hospitals, schools, and garages, we understand the unique challenges businesses here face.

Trusted by Multiple Sectors

We provide inspections for:

• Heavy industry

• Education

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Client-Centric Approach

We pride ourselves on safety, compliance, and customer service—always putting your needs first.

Swadlincote Facts

1. Swadlincote is a town in South Derbyshire, England, close to the borders of Leicestershire and Staffordshire.

2. The town developed mainly during the 19th century as a result of coal mining and clay-based industries.

3. Swadlincote is particularly well known for its brick, tile, and pottery production.

4. Local clay deposits helped make the area an important centre for brickmaking in the Midlands.

5. Swadlincote grew from a small rural settlement into a town during the Industrial Revolution.

6. The area was once served by canals and railways used to transport coal and industrial goods.

7. Swadlincote is surrounded by villages such as Church Gresley, Woodville, and Newhall, which also developed through industry.

8. The town is home to Swadlincote Town Football Club, founded in 1957.

9. Mining and heavy industry declined in the late 20th century, leading to major redevelopment in the area.

10. Today, Swadlincote has a mixed economy including retail, light industry, logistics, and services, while retaining a strong industrial heritage.

Book LOLER Inspection & Examination in Swadlincote

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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