Steven Lyons - Managing Director
Steven Lyons has led Sesame Access for more than 22 years, helping grow the family business into one of the UK's leading manufacturers of bespoke platform lifts.
Working alongside architects, consultants, contractors and building owners, Steven has been involved in delivering accessibility solutions for some of the world's most challenging buildings. From listed heritage sites and cultural landmarks to high-security government buildings and modern developments, his focus has always been on finding the right solution for each individual project.
Steven believes every building deserves its own approach. Rather than adapting a building to fit a standard lift, he has always championed designing lifts around the building itself—respecting its architecture, preserving its character and providing reliable, long-term accessibility.
Under Steven's leadership, Sesame Access has developed more than 30 specialist lift models, each created in response to real accessibility challenges. His passion for engineering and continuous improvement has helped shape products that combine reliability, innovation and thoughtful design.
Quality doesn't stop once a lift leaves the factory. Steven has helped build a culture where engineering, manufacturing, installation and servicing work together to deliver lifts that are built to perform for decades. At Sesame, reliability isn't an afterthought - it's built into every stage of the process.
Steven also writes many of the articles in the Sesame Access Knowledge Hub, sharing practical guidance drawn from real projects, changing regulations and years of engineering experience. By openly sharing knowledge, he hopes to help architects, consultants and building owners make informed decisions about accessibility and inclusive design.
As the son of Sesame founder Charlie Lyons, Steven has helped carry forward the values the company was built on: innovation, honesty and doing things properly. Today, he works alongside his sister, Alison Lyons OBE, and the wider Sesame team to continue building on that legacy while supporting clients across the UK and around the world.
In 2026, Sesame Access was recognised at the Family Business Awards, winning Manufacturing Family Business of the Year and being named runner-up in the Societal Impact Family Business of the Year category. The awards reflected the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence and making exceptional buildings accessible to everyone.
Whether he's developing new products, supporting complex projects or speaking with architects at the earliest design stages, Steven remains committed to creating accessibility solutions that are practical, dependable and built to last.
If you're planning a project where a standard lift isn't the answer, Steven and the team at Sesame Access are always happy to discuss ideas. The best solutions often begin with a conversation.
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Alison Lyons - Director of Commercial Development
Alison Lyons OBE is Commercial Director at Sesame Access and has played a key role in the growth of the family business for many years. Working closely with architects, consultants, contractors and clients, she helps guide projects from the earliest conversations through to successful delivery, building lasting relationships based on trust, collaboration and practical advice.
As the daughter of Sesame founder Charlie Lyons, Alison has helped shape the company while staying true to the values it was built on: innovation, integrity and a commitment to making exceptional buildings accessible to everyone. Today, she continues to work alongside her brother, Steven Lyons, and the wider team to lead Sesame Access into its next chapter.
One of Alison's proudest achievements was helping Sesame Access receive the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising the company's pioneering work in bespoke accessibility solutions. Alison and Charlie Lyons were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of the award, a milestone that reflected years of innovation and dedication from the entire Sesame team.
In 2023, Alison was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Department for International Trade and people with disabilities. The honour recognised her work promoting British manufacturing overseas while championing accessibility and inclusive design.
Alison has also played an important role in growing Sesame's international presence, working with architects, distributors and industry partners to bring British-engineered accessibility solutions to projects around the world. She is passionate about sharing knowledge, supporting the construction industry and helping clients find solutions for even the most complex buildings.
In 2026, Sesame Access was proud to be recognised at the Family Business Awards, winning Manufacturing Family Business of the Year and being named runner-up in the Societal Impact Family Business of the Year category. The awards celebrated the company's commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence and its long-standing belief that historic and architecturally significant buildings should be accessible to everyone—values that continue to guide Alison and the entire Lyons family.
Outside of work, Alison is passionate about promoting accessibility, supporting British business and encouraging more inclusive environments. She has also completed both the London Marathon and a Half Ironman, reflecting the determination and resilience she brings to everything she does.
Whether she's supporting a major project, developing new partnerships or representing Sesame Access at industry events, Alison remains committed to helping create buildings that are both beautiful and accessible for everyone.