The Founders
Lukas Schlenker, German-born and commercially driven from an early age, comes from a family with strong business foundations, with his father enjoying a successful corporate career within a multinational organisation.
At just 18 years old, Lukas relocated to the United Kingdom to advance his studies in English Language and Business. His determination and entrepreneurial mindset led him to Deltron Lifts, where he forged a successful partnership with Scott Haywood. Together, they united their complementary strengths and shared vision to create what is now The Pace Group.
Scott Haywood comes from a wealth of lift and elevator industry knowledge, with family roots that span generations. His family built and successfully sold their elevator company in a multi-million-pound acquisition by what was then the German industry giant, ThyssenKrupp Elevator (TKE).
Scott later joined Deltron Lifts, where he progressed through the business to become one of its Directors. In 2018, following a management buyout, he joined forces with Lukas Schlenker, combining their expertise and vision to drive the company forward.
Scott and Lukas met between 2015 and 2016 while both were employed at Lift & Engineering Services Limited, a TKE company. At that time, Scott, who was only 28 years old, was running the company’s London operations in Harrow as a young and ambitious manager. Meanwhile, Lukas, having just turned 18, was learning the skills of a contract administrator while improving his English and business skills.
During this period, the two young and driven individuals developed a strong bond, rooted in their similar outlook on life and business. By the second half of 2016, this connection had grown so strong that when both left their employment within months of each other, they promised to stay in touch and eventually “do business together.”
They left the company for different reasons. Scott took some time off to carry out research and conduct due diligence across various business sectors, while Lukas went on to begin and later complete his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business.
In the summer of 2018, Scott contacted Lukas to let him know that he had invested in a business called Deltron Lifts Limited earlier that April. At the time, Deltron was a small independent SME generating approximately £1 million per year in revenue and making a modest profit. Scott invested an initial £100,000 in equity for a 33.33 percent shareholding. To accommodate this, both of the existing shareholders gave up 16.5 percent of their individual shares, with an additional payment tranche scheduled for twelve months later.
Over the following two years, Lukas worked part time for Deltron while completing his studies. In early 2020, he also secured a 33.33 percent shareholding when one of the former shareholders retired, just prior to the first COVID 19 lockdown. By the following year, Scott and Lukas finalised the remaining agreement, a Company Share Purchase Agreement, resulting in them owning 100 percent of Deltron Lifts Limited by the summer of 2021.
It is important to note that, to this day, Deltron Lifts Limited only owes the pair the initial equity investment of £100,000. All remaining payments required to acquire the shareholding were self generated through the company’s improved performance, enabled by the duo’s core operating model.
The Pace Group Heads
Jack has been a part of the Pace family since 2015, bringing a wealth of experience and a hands-on approach to every aspect of operations.
Having previously worked with our Managing Directors at another lift company, Jack’s background as a Lift Engineer specialising in installation and repairs laid the foundation for his current role overseeing all our engineers within the Pace Group.
In his day-to-day, Jack manages our highly skilled workforce, ensuring engineers are fully trained, compliant, and prepared to deliver exceptional service to our customers.
His leadership keeps our operations running smoothly and maintains the high standards our clients rely on.
Outside of work, Jack is one of our resident social butterflies. He enjoys spending time with friends, connecting with his extended Pace family, and indulging in his passions for boxing and fishing.
Lee joined the Pace Group in March 2024 as our Southern Service Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the lift industry, including valuable time with one of the ‘Big Six,’ Otis, which later led to his new role as Group Sales Director.
He is responsible for managing all the Pace Group brands sales channels and initiatives, within this representing some of our key companies like Deltron Lifts, Exel Elevator, Metro Lifts and so many more. Lee is very rarely in one location, moving around our UK Network, visiting new and existing customers across the country.
Since joining, Lee has played a pivotal role in transforming the Southern Branch from a small, close-knit team into a thriving, larger operation and expanding our Sales, developing others and helping set the pace.
Outside of work, Lee enjoys lifting the world around his two daughters, and he has a strong passion for both playing and watching football and rugby, bringing the same energy and commitment to his hobbies as he does to his work.
Tom joined the Pace Family in Summer 2025, leading Commercial & Corporate Affairs across the business.
In his role, he oversees marketing, brand guidelines, and internal communications through our “Level-Up Group,” a new initiative he introduced, connecting teams across all sites with a dedicate Representative and the C-Suite.
Tom also manages all ESG, CSR, and corporate sponsorship initiatives, ensuring Pace maintains a positive impact both within the industry and the wider community.
Before joining Pace, Tom was Commercial Director at a leading Industrial & Automation company and he also held Commercial & Communications
management roles at the UK’s third largest airline Jet2, where he gained valuable experience in corporate strategy, brand management, and team
leadership.
He brings a strong passion for design, brand awareness, and event planning, having played a key role in organising charity initiatives in partnership with our directors, where he has successfully raised over £30,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Outside of work, Tom is a social butterfly like Jack, enjoys spending time
with friends, and is a keen follower of both international and local rugby, specifically the Worcester Warriors!
Rene joined the Pace Group in September 2024, marking one of our most significant appointments to date.
As Chief Financial Officer, he is
responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial health, leading financial planning and analysis, monthly reporting, and communications with key
stakeholders including internal partners, department heads, directors and investors.
Rene ensures full compliance across statutory accounts, tax and VAT reporting, while managing financial risk, cash flow and investment strategy across the Group.
Before joining Pace, Rene served as CFO at Enconvo UK, a telecommunications and unified communications provider, where he was instrumental in a significant business turnaround.
His strong commercial
acumen and strategic mindset position him as a central driving force in our continued growth and financial performance. Outside of work, Rene is family-focused, very much aligned with our Pace values and enjoys spending time with his two children.
He is also a keen runner, known for ‘setting the Pace’ both in business and on the track…
Sam Scrivens is the Head of New Lift Installations at Pace Group, a role he has held since joining the company in March 2023. In this position, he is responsible for leading the delivery of new lift installation projects, overseeing operations from initial planning through to completion, and ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency across all work.
Sam brings with him a strong engineering background, with experience in both railway and bridge engineering. This has provided him with a solid understanding of complex infrastructure environments, as well as the ability to manage technically demanding projects with precision and confidence. His broad experience across different engineering disciplines allows him to approach challenges with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to delivering results, Sam plays a key role in driving forward new installations within the business. He is passionate about continuous improvement and takes pride in contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on the built environment.
Outside of his professional life, Sam values spending quality time with his wife and children, with family life being a central part of his world. He also enjoys a range of personal interests, including gaming, cooking, and reading—interests that allow him to unwind and stay creatively engaged.
With a long-standing appreciation for storytelling and creativity, Sam has often said that in another life he would have loved to pursue a career as an author, reflecting his interest in writing and imagination.
Aimee joined the Pace Group in June 2024 and quickly made her mark by introducing our 24-hour operational Front of House Service, eventually
earning the role of Head of Front of House.
Her success in launching this key initiative paved the way for her to develop into more roles, where she was overseeing all National Business Development across the Pace Group.
In her day-to-day, Aimee represents all the brands under the Pace umbrella, managing key accounts, nurturing relationships with prospective clients, and now heading up our Midlands Region at Head Office with Katie Willets.
Prior to joining Pace, Aimee honed her expertise in the recruitment sector, specialising in the industrial market and helping place candidates in both permanent and temporary roles with some of the biggest industry names.
Aimee holds an NVQ Level 4 in Business Management, a CMI Level 7 qualification, and is EOR202N trained - making her nearly as skilled as our lift engineers.
Fun fact: she’s also a fully trained lifeguard! Outside of work, Aimee shares Jack’s passion for boxing, enjoys entertaining friends and family, and has a particular soft spot for Italian cuisine.
Chloe joined the Pace Group in February 2025 as our Service Manager for the South Branch. She has worked in the lift industry for 12 years, bringing a wealth of experience from independent companies to working for Otis, one of the ‘Big Six’.
With Chloe’s experience, she managed to gain herself a promotion to Head of Region for our South division. She is responsible for managing our Southern Branch and regional operations, overseeing our key London and South Coast businesses such as Deltron Lifts, Deltron Coastal, Bourne Lift Services, The Elevator Group, and Metro Lifts.
Chloe holds a Level 3 Diploma in Uniformed Public Services, CPD Level 3 Award in Education and Training and is EOR202 Trained in order to have hands on experience with her engineers.
Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her daughter, watching Everton (up the Toffees) and being on call 24/7 for the Pace Group in case of any emergencies that arise.
Mumeen is an experienced Human Resources professional with over 16 years of experience across business operations and strategic HR management. At The Pace Group, he leads key HR initiatives that support talent development, organisational effectiveness, and a people-centred, high-performance culture. His strong analytical and interpersonal skills enable him to promote inclusive, engaging, and sustainable workplace practices.
Before joining The Pace Group, Mumeen worked as an HR Advisor/Analyst at Alexander Maclean in the UK and gained valuable frontline experience as a Customer Service Officer with Mitie Limited in Northampton. Prior to relocating to the UK, he served as Head of HR and Administration at Abelinis Limited, where he implemented a 360-degree performance appraisal system, streamlined recruitment processes, and established an effective Employee Assistance Programme.
Earlier in his career, Mumeen held operational roles at Coscharis Technologies, Zinox Technologies, Tata Africa Services Limited, and Intercontinental Bank, building a strong foundation in business operations.
Outside of work, he enjoys watching football and playing scrabble and chess.
Owen joined the Pace Group in June 2023 as our East Midlands Repairs Manager, based in our Leicestershire offices. Bringing a wealth of
experience from the lift industry, Owen previously worked in modernisation and new lift sales roles with one of the world’s most renowned manufacturers, and before that, he collaborated with Scott and Lukas at Lift and Engineering Services. Professionally, Owen holds an
EOR202N accreditation, allowing him to work directly on lifts and ensuring
his hands-on expertise supports our teams effectively.
Since joining Pace, Owen’s leadership and technical knowledge have been invaluable in driving operational excellence across the East Midlands. His
focus on quality, safety, and team development ensures our engineers are well-equipped to deliver exceptional service to every customer. Outside of work, Owen is a devoted family man, surrounded by the energy
and love of his two young children. He is a passionate motorsports fan, regularly travelling to watch the Formula One Grand Prix, and has a strong connection to cricket, having once played at International Standard for the
England Indoor Cricket Team.
Darren brings decades of hands-on industry experience to his role as Head of Region – North. A time-served Electrical Engineer and Lift Engineer, Darren completed his City & Guilds qualifications before the introduction of NVQs and has spent much of his career installing, commissioning, and supporting lift systems across the UK and internationally.
Having owned and successfully run his own business from the age of 24, Darren later stepped away from the industry before returning to apply his expertise within the lift sector once again. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the installation of a vast number of lift systems and has also contributed to the design of lift structures, work-at-height solutions, and lift cabins.
Darren has worked on projects around the world, providing both installation and technical support, giving him a broad perspective on industry practices and engineering standards.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys travelling, motorcycling, and maintaining his fitness, often spending time at his home in Spain. A keen sports enthusiast, he particularly enjoys following football and supporting Burnley FC with his family.
Natalie Whittle is the Executive Assistant to the Directors at Pace Group and also leads the company’s fleet operations, playing a pivotal role in keeping both the leadership team and day-to-day logistics running smoothly. Since joining the business in 2020, Natalie has become known for her organisation, efficiency, and ability to keep everything on track behind the scenes.
Before coming to Pace Group, Natalie built her experience in business development and commercial operations at West Bromwich Albion Football Club. This fast-paced and high-profile environment helped shape her proactive approach, strong communication skills, and ability to thrive under pressure—qualities she brings to her role every day.
Outside of work, Natalie’s world revolves around her family. She enjoys spending time with her twin boys and is a passionate supporter of West Bromwich Albion, rarely missing a chance to follow the team. Whether at home or in the office, Natalie brings energy, dedication, and a great sense of humour to everything she does... it's safe to say, everyone in the business knows who she is!
Ellie Hardiman is the Head of Front of House at Pace Group, based at the company’s Head Office in the West Midlands. Since joining in July 2024, she has led the Front of House team, the central hub of the business and the first point of contact for all customer enquiries.
Managing a team, Ellie oversees a 24/7 operation that supports customers and branches nationwide. Her team plays a key role in everything from administrative support and customer portal management to coordinating communication across the organisation. As the business continues to grow, Ellie is focused on centralising processes and improving efficiency to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
Prior to joining Pace Group, Ellie worked as a recruitment consultant within the industrial sector, specialising in skilled and technical roles. She managed the full recruitment cycle, including business development, candidate sourcing, and client relationships, developing strong organisational and communication skills.
Ellie studied at Hartpury College and University, where she achieved a Level 3 Extended BTEC and a degree in Equestrian Management and Business.
Outside of work, Ellie has a passion for horse riding, which she has enjoyed since the age of eight. She owns three horses, including a pony named Hannah Montanna for her niece and nephew, and continues to dedicate much of her time to equestrian life.
Nay Patel is Head of Credit at The Pace Group, responsible for leading credit strategy, risk management, and financial governance. With over 20 years of senior experience in credit management, he has a strong track record of reducing aged debt, improving cash collection, and building credit control functions from the ground up.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (FCICM), Nay is recognised for a disciplined, results-driven approach to credit performance and financial control. He has extensive experience leading and developing credit teams of up to 70 people. Since joining The Pace Group, he has already delivered improvements in cash collection and strengthened the overall credit function.
He has worked across both the utilities and goods and services sectors, gaining broad experience in credit management and financial operations.
Outside of work, Nay enjoys going on holiday several times a year, spending time with his family, and playing pool.
About us
Pace Group
Deltron continued to go from strength to strength, and according to its 2023 accounts, it is projected to achieve a turnover of £12 million with a significant net profit margin ranging from 12 percent to 15 percent. The company grew so rapidly that it was recognised by Plimsoll (Plimsoll Data) as one of the fastest growing elevator companies.
In 2021, the pair founded Pace Holding Group Limited, intended to act as a holding company for their assets as they diversified and brought other brands on board. These brands would operate efficiently under the Pace umbrella, supporting the overall vision of creating a group of complementary businesses and essentially forming their own in house economic ecosystem.
In June 2022, the pair became what they describe as accidental venture capitalists, identifying this approach as an effective way to maximise and stabilise the growth of Deltron. Scott and Lukas went on to complete deals with brands such as the United Kingdom’s oldest and only dumbwaiter brand, Husbands, a company established in 1963 with over ten thousand installations across the United Kingdom. Husbands focused on overseas manufacturing while continuing to serve its United Kingdom client base, which included prestigious customers such as the Royal Estate and the Bank of England, and also provided original equipment manufacturer parts solutions to the industry.
In January 2023, they acquired Snowdrop Mobility, a company with heritage and roots in Wales, which operated seven bases in the region. They centralised its storage operations to central England while maintaining one operating facility in England and one in Wales.
Moving into late 2023 and early 2024, Pace Group acquired several additional businesses including Quadrant Lifts, Dolphin Lifts, and LOLER Examinations, with plans to manage further acquisitions in the future.
Our group revenue is now £32 million, with a projection of £40 million for 2026.
