Sound Bites
SOUND BITES: Leadership shift at LiSEC UK marks new era of integrated customer service
LiSEC has announced a pivotal leadership development for its UK & Ireland operations, with Brett Bedford stepping in as joint managing director alongside long-serving leader Georg “Bobby” Mair. The appointment signals a renewed emphasis on unifying the company’s machinery and software offerings under a single, customer-focused structure—marking a strategic shift that builds on the subsidiary’s decades-long evolution.
Founded by David Clayton in 1987 as a one-person operation selling glass processing machines, LiSEC UK & Ireland has undergone several transformations. From its early days of organic growth to the formal integration into the global LiSEC brand in 2003, the subsidiary has consistently expanded its footprint across the region. Many of its earliest customers continue to play significant roles in the glass industry, a testament to the company’s lasting relationships and reputation.
The death of LiSEC founder Peter Lisec in 2009 initiated a split in UK operations between machinery and software. However, 2017 marked a turning point as new leadership renewed its commitment to machinery quality. That commitment came full circle in 2024 with the reintegration of LiSEC Software UK, consolidating operations and enhancing the customer experience through improved response times and streamlined service delivery.
Today, LiSEC UK & Ireland is managing some of its largest projects to date across Ireland, Wales and the broader UK—driven by a core team of seasoned professionals. Among them are Vinny Kirkland in service, Ged Smith leading software sales, and John Foster and Stephanie Cutler in machinery sales. Collectively, these individuals represent nearly a century of experience in the flat glass industry, underscoring the depth of expertise within the team. The total staff now stands at 19, with recruitment plans underway to support ongoing growth.
Brett Bedford brings a multi-sector background spanning glazing, electrical and automation—skills well-aligned with LiSEC’s ambitions to deepen customer engagement and boost operational efficiency. He takes over from Colin Bickley, whose nearly 30-year tenure helped shape the subsidiary’s identity and performance.
“Our main focus is to integrate the machinery and software divisions into a single, customer-centric operation,” Bedford said. “Whether it’s a sales opportunity or a breakdown situation, the goal is to ensure our customers are supported quickly and confidently.”
Key initiatives include reviewing the inventory of locally held spare parts and expanding the engineering team to provide broader and faster coverage across both markets. These steps, according to Bedford, are designed to make it “easier to do business with LiSEC,” while ensuring responsiveness and reliability remain central.
Looking ahead, LiSEC UK & Ireland seeks to build on its legacy of strong client relationships by being both approachable and adaptable. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with our customers, understanding their evolving needs, and using that insight to help shape the next chapter of LiSEC UK,” Bedford added.
As LiSEC UK & Ireland repositions itself for a more integrated future, the combination of experienced personnel, strategic leadership, and renewed operational focus offers a promising outlook for both long-standing and new customers alike.
Why this matters: Brett Bredfords appointment comes at a key time for the company. A strong character, he joins at a time when the market is going through its challenges. He will be supported by a very experienced team and this puts the company in a strong position in 2025.
