As restoration of the historic Folkestone Leas Lift gathers momentum, we are pleased to welcome Tom McGarry to the board of trustees. Tom brings a wealth of commercial expertise and a strong local connection to the team overseeing the Lift’s revival. 

A lifelong resident of Folkestone, Tom is currently Associate Director of Business Development at Holiday Extras, where he has spent 20 years shaping customer-focused experiences and driving innovation. With a deep appreciation for the town’s heritage and a forward-looking mindset, he is well placed to help the Lift thrive in its next chapter. 

“I’m a Folkestone boy and very proud of its history – and excited about its future. The opportunity to be part of such a momentous project was an irresistible challenge. I’ve always wanted to give back to the town and be involved in its progress, and the Leas Lift captures so much of what makes Folkestone special.” 

Tom’s professional background in the travel and tech sector will support the Lift in developing a seamless, modern visitor experience. Drawing on his experience at a Times Top 100 company, he hopes to help strike the right balance between commercial sustainability and community engagement. 

“Working in a business where culture and innovation go hand-in-hand has shown me the value of great teams – and the Lift leadership team shares those qualities. The mechanics of the Lift may be over a century old, but the way people engage with it should feel effortless and inspiring. It’s about creating something timeless, but accessible.” 

As a trustee, Tom is particularly excited about the project’s potential to bridge past and future. 

“We’re entering a new era shaped by rapid technological change. The Leas Lift sits at an intriguing intersection – it’s a landmark rooted in history, but reopening it gives us a chance to reimagine what heritage can look like today. That juxtaposition of old and new is what makes this project so compelling.” 

For Tom, the Lift is more than a transport system, it’s a symbol of Folkestone itself.  

“It’s an icon, a slice of everything great about the town: its history, its culture, its creativity, and its future. We have all that, brought together in one simple, timeless mode of transport.” 

With restoration progressing and reopening on the horizon, Tom’s appointment strengthens the board at a crucial time in the project, helping ensure the Lift is ready to welcome passengers once again.