Composition of the LIA Council:
Every LIA Member Company can propose candidates for election to the LIA Council. Each member has one vote in Council Elections. Candidates should hold senior positions and be capable of making independent decisions.
Term and Election:
Elected members serve a 4-year term and may stand for re-election upon retirement. If a member retires early, their company may propose an alternative candidate, subject to Council approval, to complete the term.
Responsibilities:
Council Members represent their constituencies without bias from their own company positions. They are expected to declare any conflicts of interest.
Hannah Smith
Hannah Smith is an accomplished technical support and lighting design leader with a strong track record in product development, team management, and innovation. As the Technical Support and Design Services Manager at Urbis Schreder, she plays a pivotal role in leading design engineers and technical support teams, driving high-quality service delivery and introducing cutting-edge solutions such as virtual reality and 3D concept designs.
Passionate about fostering new talent in the lighting industry, Hannah is committed to encouraging more individuals to actively choose careers in lighting rather than simply ‘falling into it.’ She recognises the urgent need to attract and develop the next generation, particularly in exterior lighting, where an ageing workforce is leading to a loss of expertise. With a history of mentoring professionals into successful careers, Hannah is eager to explore initiatives like apprenticeships to ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled lighting professionals for the future.
Andrew Nixon
As Design Director of one the largest OEM manufacturers of commercial lighting products in the UK, I have a passion for lighting and a desire to continually improve the image and understanding of lighting both inside and outside the industry. I work with many other members of the LIA daily, and understanding their individual requirements is a large part of my role.
After graduating from Coventry University with a BSc in Industrial Product Design, I began my professional career at Dyson Appliances in 1999. After working on projects in Europe, Asia and the USA, I returned to Yorkshire to join long standing LIA members Martech UK Ltd in 2007. I have served on Council since 2016.
The Lighting industry faces an ever-changing landscape of new legislation, and environmental challenges. Like many other LIA members, we are proud to be a family owned, UK based business employing local people and using local suppliers where possible. As a member of the council, I can provide a voice to the hundreds of SMEs like us who need the support that the association can give, to ensure we don’t get left behind.
Richard Caple
Richard Caple has worked within the lighting industry for over twenty years, working his way from Trainee Lighting Design Engineer to Marketing and Lighting Applications Director at Thorlux Lighting. Richard has built up first-hand experience of luminaires, control systems and their application. He studied for his MSc in Light and Lighting at the Bartlett in 2012 and is a Fellow of the Society of Light and Lighting. Today, Richard is involved in the development, testing, marketing and application of lighting products, as well as working to reduce their environmental impact, from inception to end of life. Richard’s passion is to not only provide high quality, sustainable lighting solutions, but to educate and provide best practice guidance in a changing and fast-moving industry. Richard is also proud to have served as President of the Society of Light and Lighting in 2017.
Emily Butterill
I founded Glow Lighting in 2015, with over 25 years of experience in the lighting industry. My background covers a wide range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, and decorative lighting, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the field. I am deeply passionate about British manufacturing and committed to preserving the skills that exist within the UK. This motivation ensures that our work not only contributes to the industry but also supports the continuation of high-quality craftsmanship within our country.
My vision for the future of the lighting industry is focussed on sustainability, innovation, and customer engagement; whilst consistently upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance.
I am delighted to have been elected to the council in 2024 and am excited to be representing the small company members. Additionally, I am eager to increase the visibility and influence of decorative lighting members within The LIA.
Dave Dawkins
Ive been in the electrical industry for over 40 years starting life as a Electrical Engineer on major projects in the East Midlands, progressing to Sales, Operations and finally Managment.
Ive spent a lot of that time in senior positions at lighting businesses such as Phillips, Sylvania, Cooper and JCC.
Ive been lucky to have worked across the globe and outside of lighting have extensive experience working in the Rail Industry for ABB & Unipart.
Ive also bookended my carrer in Electrical distribution, firstly as a branch manager for J N Wade in the 90's (who were acquired by Hagemeyer) and laterly Director of Rail and Industry @ CEF.
I live in Leicestershire and enjoy football (Leicester City), riding motorcycles and I sail and race Yacht's.
Co-opted Council Members
Melissa Duckett
Mel Duckett is the Finance & HR Manager and Company Secretary at The LIA, where she has worked for the past nine years. Since November 2021, she has overseen the organisation’s financial operations, managed HR responsibilities, and handled Health and Safety duties. Her thorough approach keeps essential functions running smoothly, enhancing efficiency and compliance within The LIA.
With great attention to detail and a strategic mindset, Mel has significantly contributed to the organisation’s financial growth and operational excellence. Her commitment to a safe and supportive work environment highlights her multifaceted contributions to The LIA.
Outside of work, Mel is an avid gardener. She enjoys spending her free time tending to her allotment, where she grows a variety of plants and vegetables. Gardening provides her with a peaceful retreat and a creative outlet, balancing the analytical demands of her career.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-duckett-191905192/
Neil McLean
Neil McLean is responsible for Industry Relations in Europe and Asia for Lutron Electronics where he supports regulatory development relevant to lighting controls and automated solar-shading systems. Neil graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh in 1994 with an honours degree in Environmental Services Engineering and has since occupied a number of senior UK and international roles in the Lighting industry including with Philips Lighting, Sylvania and Recolight before moving to Lutron. Neil is an active contributor and chair at various groups in lighting and shades trade and professional associations including Lighting Europe, The Lighting Industry Association, The European Solar-Shading Organisation, The British Blind and Shutter Association and CIBSE.
Catherine Connolly