Electricity firm is buzzing about all its charity work

What electrician Anthony Smith thought would be a week’s break at home in May 2010 became a business and sales boot camp, as his wife Leona, who was a then a sales person in IT, brought in more than £13,000 of work using her previous sales experience.

With a credit card, a vision and a great deal of belief, the couple established Lantei into the electrical testing industry and have never looked back.

Their next task was to come up with a name.

Going back to Anthony’s childhood, he used to wear the iconic Lord Anthony Parka Jackets.

Anthony’s mum used to call him Lanty, a mash up of his name and the jackets. As the Parka jackets were blue and orange, the firm adopted those as its brand colours.

The firm is a specialist contractor undertaking a variety of services including electrical testing, portable appliance testing and remedial works to its clients.

Its services are delivered by engineers who use their technical expertise and experience to help keep occupants safe and businesses compliant with the latest legislation.

As the first-choice trusted partner, it prides itself on its reputation. From this, it has grown into a nationwide business, with offices in Preston, Newcastle, Glasgow, Yorkshire and London so engineers are never too far away to respond to our client’s needs.

Lantei also hosts electrical safety seminars across the UK to educate businesses about how they can keep their workplaces compliant to keep all occupants safe.

The Preston branch is also challenging all its employees to undertake some fund-raising activities to support its chosen charity St Catherine’s Hospice.

Three of its apprentices, Eleanor Kirton, Eden Stafford and Henry Booth, recently took part in an 11,000ft free fall parachute skydive.

Each had a minimum target of £395 to raise for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Eleanor, digital marketing apprentice explains: “We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in the skydive. It has been an experience to cross off our bucket lists.”

Henry Booth, business development apprentice adds: “St Catherine’s is a Lancashire charity that do a fantastic job at providing high quality care to those facing life-shortening illnesses.

“It is a hospice close to many people within the region.”

Eden, operations apprentice, saids: “The skydive will be a memory that will last a lifetime, even though we were all nervous, we did it!

“We have gained several generous sponsors and we are so pleased that we have done it for a great cause.”

Emma Jacovelli, fund-raiser at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “Lantei’s staff have been so supportive of St Catherine’s since announcing us as its charity of the Year in September 2016. It’s brilliant that its apprentices are keen to get involved and have reached new heights for the hospice by taking on our skydive challenge.”

The Lantei team has a range of fund-raising activities in the pipeline to raise even more money for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Some members will be climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro on June 2 and taking part in Total Warrior in August 5.

A team also took part in the UCLan Colour Fun earlier this month, as well as a Smartphone quiz night.

Other charities Lantei has supported include Baby Beat’s Little Ted’s Room and Save the Children.

Staff have also raised money for local communities such as people living in the PR postcode via their website Helping Preston. Following on from all this, Lantei received a gold accreditation from the Investors in People through its care for others and their people management.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lantei-Charity-Skydive.