Bespoke vs Standard - What’s the Right Access Solution for Your Business?

August 6, 2025

Choosing the right equipment for working at height can significantly impact site safety, task efficiency and long-term value. 


At Lyte Ladders & Towers, we manufacture a full range of standard access equipment certified to the latest safety standards, as well as bespoke access solutions tailored to solve complex or industry-specific challenges. But how do you know which is right for your needs?


In this post, we explore the pros and cons of standard vs bespoke solutions, and how to make the best choice for your business.


Standard Access Products: Certified and Ready to Use

Our standard ladders, steps, podiums and towers are independently tested and certified to the relevant standards (such as EN131 or EN1004), ensuring they meet strict safety and performance requirements for regular trade and industrial use.


✔️ Advantages of Standard Products

 

  • Fully Certified:  Products like our MagnaStep range are EN131 Professional certified, which is reassuring for both Health & Safety teams and users.
  • Faster Lead Times:  Manufactured in volume at our UK factory, standard items are available with shorter turnaround times and higher stock availability.
  • Cost-Effective:  Ideal for bulk purchase for use across large teams or multi-site operations.
  • Widely Applicable:  Suitable for general use across construction, maintenance, utilities, and facilities management.

 

⚠️ Limitations

 

  • One-Size-Fits-All Design:  May not suit specialist tasks or restricted environments.
  • Workarounds Can Introduce Risk:  Using the wrong type of ladder or adapting it on site can lead to unsafe practices.


Bespoke Access Solutions: Built Around Your Challenge

Not all jobs fit within a standard set of dimensions, and that’s where Lyte’s  bespoke design service  comes in.


From  access towers for the transport industry to maintain their vehicles to compact platforms designs to fit in confined portable buildings and telecoms pole ladders for utilities, we work closely with customers across multiple industries to design safe, purpose-built solutions.


View some of our recent bespoke projects here:
👉
Bespoke Products Gallery


✔️ Advantages of Bespoke Solutions

  • Tailored for Your Task:  Designed specifically to fit the working environment, user needs and operational requirements.
  • Solves Access Challenges Safely:  Reduces reliance on unsafe workarounds or modifications.
  • Long-Term Value:  Bespoke solutions can reduce downtime, improve productivity, and enhance operator safety over time.
  • Built and Tested In-House:  Even though many bespoke products don’t fall under a formal certification like EN131,  we apply our rigorous in-house testing protocols  to ensure every product is safe, stable, and fit for purpose.


Learn more about our testing process:
👉
Bespoke Access Testing & Development


⚠️ Considerations

  • Longer Lead Times:  Bespoke items require consultation, design approval and testing.
  • Not Always Certified:  As these products don’t always align with a defined European standard, they cannot carry an EN131 badge, however they are still tested to the highest standards by our in-house team. 


An engineer standing on the upper platform of the dual height Double Decker platform step

"Double Decker" Platform

Glassfibre Double Platform Step

We solved a challenge faced by an engineering team, where different height users needed different platforms levels to work safely.


Rather than supplying two sets of steps, we developed a dual-height platform in one compact unit.

Portable Building Manufacturer

Glassfibre Cubicle Platform for Confined Spaces

For modular building engineers, we created a Glassfibre Cubicle Platform to fit within confined spaces like toilet cubicles. This bespoke solution allowed safe and efficient electrical work in tight spaces.

BT Openreach

Bespoke Ladder for Utility Poles

We developed a custom ladder for BT, designed to securely stand against utility poles. The solution featured a unique 'butterfly' rung for superior balance, a lashing rope, and a double safety catch for enhanced security.

So, Which is Right for You?

Criteria Standard Products Bespoke Access Solutions
Certified Yes Not always applicable
Faster Delivery In stock or on short lead time Longer lead times
Custom Fit No Yes
Industry-Specific Use Standard use Tailored to sector
Budget-Friendly Lower upfront cost Higher initial investment
Tested for Safety Independently certified In-house tested and validated

Your Access Challenge

If you have a unique working at height requirement, whether that’s due to space constraints, safety standards, or industry-specific needs, we’re here to help. Our in-house design team will work with you from concept to completion to deliver a solution that’s fit for purpose and built to last.


Lyte Ladders & Towers – Supporting safe working at height for over 75 years.

Shows stages of folding handrails from fully open to fully closed
March 30, 2026
Improving safety on site, without compromising transport and storage Working at height often requires a balance between stability, safety and practicality . For many tradespeople and facilities teams, wide step podium ladders with handrails provide the confidence and support needed for longer-duration tasks. However, traditional fixed handrail systems can introduce challenges when it comes to transport, storage and handling . Lyte’s latest update to the MagnaStep Widesteps solves this with the introduction of folding handrails , designed to improve usability without compromising performance. A Smarter Approach to Handrails The new folding handrail system allows the handrails to be: Quickly deployed for use when working at height Folded down neatly when the ladder is not in use This creates a more versatile solution for both on-site safety and off-site practicality . Why Are Folding Handrails Needed? Easier Transport One of the main challenges with fixed handrails is moving ladders between locations, particularly, in vans with limited space or around busy job sites. With folding handrails, the MagnaStep Widesteps can be reduced to a more compact profile , making them easier to: Load and unload Transport in vehicles Carry through tight access points For hire companies and tradespeople alike, this means less time manoeuvring equipment and more time working . More Compact Storage Storage is often overlooked, but it has a real impact on efficiency. Folding handrails allow the ladder to be stored: Flat against walls In tighter storage areas More efficiently within vans or depots For hire fleets, this can help maximise storage capacity and organisation , while for end users it reduces the footprint on site or in workshops. Maintained Safety and Support When in use, the handrails provide the same benefits expected from a professional podium step ladder: Additional support when climbing and descending Improved user confidence at height Provides 360 ° protection with safety gate when working at height This is particularly important for tasks where operatives need to: Maintain balance while handling tools Work at height for longer durations Access elevated positions repeatedly The folding mechanism enhances practicality, without reducing the core safety function of the handrails. Supporting Efficient Working at Height This update builds on the MagnaStep Widestep design, which already focuses on: Greater working height per tread Wide, fully enclosed platform for longer tasks Practical features such as magnetic tool tray Repairable construction for extended product life The addition of folding handrails further improves the balance between safety on the ladder and efficiency off it A Practical Upgrade for Trade and Hire For trade users, the benefit is clear: Easier transport between jobs Less hassle storing equipment Maintained safety when working at height For hire companies: More efficient fleet storage Easier handling for customers A stronger, more practical product offering Discover the MagnaStep Widestep Range The MagnaStep Widesteps continue to evolve based on real user needs, and the addition of folding handrails is a practical enhancement that makes a genuine difference day to day. Explore the range here .
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