Getting to know... James Bright

In a new feature for Bdaily looking at the person behind the business profile, James Bright, managing director at JK Lifting, talks about his route into the lifting sector, his pride at his business’ growth and how he relaxes outside of work.

We know you as the managing director of JK Lifting, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

Having grown up in the Northumberland countryside and being immersed in agriculture, I started out as a farm labourer, before falling in love with lifting.

I love the history and legacy of the sector, especially in the North East, how quickly you learn on the job and the variety of environments lifting takes you to. 

I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career, but it’s not been without challenges.

I was just starting high school when I was diagnosed with dyslexia. 

When you’re dyslexic, you approach things in a different way, and that can be a real strength. 

You’re used to overcoming obstacles, so you are naturally resilient, and you are eager to chase success.

It’s that mindset that has made me more determined to succeed and take control of my destiny. 

So, when the opportunity came up for me and my wife Claire to take ownership of JK Lifting in 2019, it felt like the right move.

I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with the business, and what we continue to achieve.

In my early 20s, I worked in lifting sales for Lloyds British, and that’s where my passion for engineering and lifting began. 

I am very sociable by nature, so a career in sales was a perfect fit for me; I enjoy building strong partnerships and that experience paved the way for my role at JK Lifting. 

Did you always want to work in the lifting and engineering sector?

‘Lifting is everywhere’ is a common saying of mine.

Even when I’m on holiday with my family, I’ll tell my kids to look at the ski lifts, look at the cranes in the dock – lifting is integral to everything.

There isn’t an industry lifting doesn’t touch. 

I’ve worked in theatres, testing the weight load bearing of stages, moved X-ray machines into hospitals and provided inspection and testing to vessels coming into port.

And I love the people in this industry. 

Without the JK Lifting team on the ground, working on projects across the UK, we wouldn’t be where we are today. 

They make JK Lifting what it is.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

It’s hard to choose the best bit, as there are so many elements I enjoy.

But I do get a lot of satisfaction from seeing our vans going out to customer projects, knowing our team are off to do another great job.

The worst part is the admin, as I just don’t have the head for it. 

Luckily, I have a fantastic team in our head office, led by my wife Claire, who does an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

In 2024, we moved into new premises, Lift Point House (formerly Metnor House), in Killingworth’s Camperdown Industrial Estate. 

We invested £150,000 in facilities on the site, including installing a new overhead crane capable of lifting up to ten tonnes, which was needed to meet growing customer demand.

Along with our second base at Port of Blyth, Lift Point House represents a new phase of growth for us. 

We are aiming for turnover of £10 million by 2030, and in the last 12 months alone we’ve secured major contract wins in the offshore, marine, renewable, construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

How do you relax outside of work?

I was born and raised in Longframlington, and that’s where I’ve settled down with my family. 

I love the area, and especially the stunning Northumberland countryside, which we’re always exploring with our two dogs Molly and Roxy. 

We’re an active bunch – my daughter is a keen footballer, and my son has recently got into mountain biking, so I’ve invested in my own set of wheels to keep up with him!

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

I’m proud to have lived in the North East my whole life. 

What makes our region stand apart is our business community. 

There is so much talent here, and so many fantastic businesses, so it saddens me when people say they feel they must move away to find good jobs.

Thankfully, the tide is turning. 

There’s still significant heavy industry in the North East, such as ports, vessels and manufacturing, which has always been a cornerstone of our business at JK Lifting.

But it’s exciting to see new industries emerge, like renewables, the green economy and robotics, which offer big opportunities for skills and jobs in the area. 

I can’t possibly talk about our region without talking about another one of my passions – Newcastle United.

As a lifelong fan, I’m proud JK Lifting is part of the NUFC Business Club, which is a great way to network and learn with other businesses.

I’m also lucky enough to take clients to the odd match. 

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I’m always trying to start quirky collections. 

For example, I have a growing champagne collection, including the James Bond and Lady Gaga limited edition champagnes.

I also own a pair of Alan Shearer’s football boots, and I’m going to install them in a special display case at Lift Point House – I hope the Sunderland fans on the team won’t mind too much…

My family jokes I can go anywhere in the world and always find someone I know. 

Indeed, on our honeymoon in Kenya, as we were stepping off the plane in Nairobi, I spotted an old friend from home – nearly 7000 miles away from Northumberland!

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