David Cooper is the Managing Director of UK based consultants LECS (UK) Ltd. He has been in the lift and escalator industry since 1980. He holds a Master of Philosophy Degree following a 5 year research project into accidents on escalators, a Master of Science Degree in Lift Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Science Honours degree, Higher National Certificate and a Continuing Education Certificate in Lift Engineering. He is the co-author of "The Elevator & Escalator Micropedia" and "Elevator & Escalator Accident Investigation & Litigation as well as being a contributor to a number of other books including CIBSE Guide D. He is also the founder of the Elevator Academy which provides free training for apprentices and trainees and is a Founding Trustee of the UK's Lift Industry Charity. In 2012 David was awarded a CIBSE silver medal for services to the Institution and is a member of the CIBSE Lifts Group Committee. He also serves on the Board of CIBSE. He is also an Honorary Visiting Professor at The University of Northampton.