Also inside... Explore Thistle Help’s new Kilmarnock showroom Why The Osprey Group invests in UK manufacturing Access BDD: Moving forward in a digital landscape ISSUE SEPTEMBER288 2022 TRADE MAGAZINE Positioned for success What retailers need to know about the latest dynamic seating solutions
Affiliate Partner Interested in getting involved as a fully-fledged Stiltz dealer? Manage the customer relationship up to point of sale and let us take care of the installation by becoming an Affiliate Partner. • Minimum £1000 guaranteed commission per sale • Highly experienced in-house call centre team • Impressive appointment setting records • National network of specialist Sales Advisors • Exceptional on-site conversion rates • Prompt commission payments • Generous loyalty bonus Here’s what you can benefit from: Stiltz Homelifts are changing the face of in-home accessibility. More and more users – including those securing DFG funding - want our practical, attractive and easyto-install lifts in their home. Share in our success story and earn £££££ in return. Call our Trade Team TODAY on 01384 880 343 or email enquiries@stiltz.co.uk for more information or to sign up. Call Stiltz on 01384 880 343 today! Nurtured Leads = Healthy Commission Partner with the UK’s largest homelift provider
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This month, THIIS Magazine bids farewell to Calvin Barnett, its former editor. Calvin was Head of Marketing and Communications at the BHTA and he will be pursing a new opportunity in a different industry. It was a pleasure working with Calvin and he will be missed. He was knowledgeable about the mobility industry and transformed THIIS Magazine into the leading title in the mobility and access industry. We wish him every success for the future. Editor
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Inside.. Features 18 Retailer Spotlight: Thistle Help 28 Supplier Spotlight: The Osprey Group 36 BHTA Integration and ConferenceSustainability2022 38 Trade Thoughts: Pointof-sale finance Regulars 04 News, deals and people 08 Retailers’ Choice: Bathing and toileting aids 40 Let’s Get it Clear: Managing progressive disorders 44 Buyers’ Guide to bathing and toileting Editor / Liane McIvor 07917 784929 / liane@thiis.co.uk Advertising / Joe Fahy 07384 258 372 / joe.fahy@bhtaengage.com Sub-editor / Sarah Sarsby sarah@thiis.co.uk
Integration and sustainability –financial as well as environmental – seem to be the two buzz words redefining the mobility industry at the moment. With this in mind, the upcoming BHTA Integration & Sustainability Conference taking place in London on 22 September seems to be quite timely. Find out more by turning to page 36. This issue, THIIS meets the co-owners of Scottish mobility retailer, Thistle Help (p18), who opened its second showroom in Kilmarnock. Its investment in customer service and quality products is certainly keeping it ahead of the competition.
www.thiis.co.uk / 3 WELCOME
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THIIS is produced by BHTA Engage, Office 404, Tower Bridge Business Centre, 46-48 E Smithfield, Whitechapel, London E1W 1AW BHTA Engage Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced or used in any way without the written permission of the The views expressed in this are not necessarily those of the and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Paul King, Director at The Osprey Group, discusses his firm’s plans to recruit more staff to support its growing production in the northwest (p28). Meanwhile, Andrew Warbrick, Managing Director of stairlift supplier TK Access Solutions explains how digitalisation is improving Access BDD’s relationship with its partners. In his regular feature (p40), Barend ter Haar discusses how assistive products, such as specialist seating systems, can help people manage progressive disorders. Finally, don’t miss the top bathing and toileting recommendations in the Retailers’ Choice (p8) and Buyers’ Guide (p44) features.
Mobility scooter manufacturer Kymco UK has announced that it has signed an agreement with Italian disability equipment supplier Filante Motors SRL. A spokesperson for Milan-based Filante Motors SRL stated that it was “extremely keen” to begin working with Kymco UK to provide mobility scooters and powerchairs to the Italian market. Kymco UK Managing Director Mark Hermolle commented: “We look forward to working with Filante to expand Kymco’s mobility scooter accessibility to the Italian market.”
British firm Covvi has updated its “revolutionary” bionic arm device with a new feature that enables the user to update it with new movements and gestures, anytime and anywhere in the world.
KYMCO UK EXPANDS INTO ITALIAN MARKET
COVVI UPDATES BIONIC HAND INNOVATION
4 / www.thiis.co.uk NEWS, DEALS & PEOPLE News, deals & people A round-up of the key trade stories for business leaders to digest brief...in
Elaine Leighton, Head of Marketing says: “The Vippi has been designed to be roomy, practical and versatile to support spontaneity, and beneficial for travelling to visit family and friends.
The Vippi is the latest addition to Electric Mobility’s transportable Rascal Range. Exclusively launched during Naidex 2021 to a positive reaction, the nimble and lightweight 4mph boot scooter allows users to travel up to 11.9 miles on one charge for adventures or everyday errands.
“People’s mobility may have been effected as a result of lockdown or even long Covid, so a fuss-free mobility scooter like this could be a great solution for avoiding episodes of fatigue or reducing pressure on joints.” Featuring white stitching on the soft padded seat and a black tiller, the model comes in blue, green and red. It has a maximum carrying capacity of up to 20.4 stone, a narrow overall width of 19.5” and the single heaviest component weighs just 15kgs. In-store and online marketing materials are available on request.
Introducing the fuss-free Vippi
The Nexus hand is a bionic device that converts electrical impulses from the muscles in the upper arm into movement powered by motors in the hand, enabling its user perform a variety of tasks that would be impossible, or more difficult, without one. The bionic arm utilises Bluetooth connectivity to allow a user to hold a glass, open a door or pick up an egg.
Pete commented to THIIS: “With this as my sole focus I aim to spearhead the development of the high-end prescriptive sales growth within these sectors. I am thoroughly enjoying developing relationships with our key suppliers to ensure product knowledge and training is up-to-date to enable me to offer the best possible solutions to the end user.”
ARJO BECOMES NEWEST MEMBER OF BHTA Medical device supplier Arjo has become the latest company to join the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and it hopes its membership will offer a platform to help improve industry standards.
www.thiis.co.uk / 5
Handicare Stairlifts has released an update to its TechTool online troubleshooter which now includes solutions for its flagship straight stairlift, the 1100. Since its launch last year, TechTool has gained over 3,000 users all over the world. The troubleshooter is used daily on mobiles and desktops by service engineers and technical support teams for instant access to expert advice. The addition of the 1100 solutions means that TechTool now covers Handicare’s entire straight and curved stairlift portfolio: the 1000, 1100, 2000 andAvailableFreecurve.exclusively to Handicare Partners as a benefit of the Partner Programme, TechTool has revolutionised the way engineers get technical support for Handicare stairlifts, offering 24-hour instant access to solutions and fixes. It has been developed by the firm’s hugely experienced Technical Support team, recognised for their industry expertise and commitment to going the extra mile for partners in need of advice and assistance.
Handicare updates online troubleshooter
Mobility retailer Lifestyle & Mobility has appointed experienced mobility professional Pete Jones to help manage its growth within the complex rehabilitation sector. As Complex Rehabilitation Business Manager, Pete will be based at the retailer’s Specialist Centre at Welwyn Garden City. His primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis will be to engage with case managers, occupational therapists, care organisations, and private individuals with the aim to increase awareness of the store’s product offering.
Mobility equipment manufacturer Invacare has announced the removal of President and CEO Matthew Monaghan from its executive leadership team following a decline in net sales for the second quarter of 2022.
Kevin Dare, Managing Director at Arjo, said: “Becoming a member of the BHTA will provide Arjo with a platform to work with other like-minded organisations to collaboratively improve industry standards and therefore provide our customers and their patients with ever improving products and services, which are aligned to the financial and clinical challenges they face.”
INVACARE ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
New appointment at Lifestyle & Mobility
Ohio-based Invacare also ended Monaghan’s role as chair of the board, but said that he will remain on the board as a director.Invacare said in a news release that it had made the changes to advance its business transformation initiatives, address supply chain challenges and “strengthen its financial performance.”
Highway Energy Services Limited (HESL) has launched a stair safety device which claims to protect the user from suffering fatal or near-fatal injuries because of falling on or down the stairs. The Stair Guard is designed to ensure the users’ safety when climbing or descending the stairs, helping to save lives and broken bones. In the UK, approximately 290,000 people are seriously injured and over 500 people die every year due to a fall on steps orAccordingstairs. to HESL, the Stair Guard has been subjected to the highest level of testing. Its main cable runs the length of the stair guard. It is stainless steel stranded and will carry at least twoThetonnes.product has a lightweight seatbelt device, which is fitted by the user around the waist and connected to the main cable.
toStairwaysafety
Driving innovation for children
Baffin Technology has launched a specialist car seat to help support children with disabilities. The Baffin 1 Car Seat helps children achieve the optimum postural support and positioning when travelling in a car as it features a rotating platform which makes getting in and out of the car seat much easier.
Baffin 1’s footrest is height and angle adjustable while the backrest also features side supports which can be especially useful for smaller children to ensure they maintain the correct sitting position. An additional seat cushion is also available should the width of the seat need to be further reduced.
Additional headrest upholstery is further available should the child require more support to the side of the head while the integrated chest strap supports the torso and helps with positioning. There are also two leg abduction belts for children that need to stabilise their lower limbs.
More Dash, less cash Rhealthcare has added a new budget-friendly folding lightweight powerchair to its Dash Rehab range.
rest. Its drop-down arms enable the user to have easy access to a table. Other features include brushless motors, a VR2 controller and a 12amp lithium battery for extra distance, while optional accessories include an attendant bracket and travel bag.
6 / www.thiis.co.uk NEWS, DEALS & PEOPLE
The Dashi Eco is a black aluminium framed powerchair designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes in three sizes – 16”, 18” and 20” –accommodating a user weight of 120kg and a lifting weight of 20kg. It comes with a detachable leg rest with adjustableseatwheels,footplates,adjustableangle-solidpaddedandtension-back
Home Glide www.accessbdd.com/HomeGlideDesignedforeffortlesssimplicity,theHomeGlideprovidessuperiorlevelsofcomfortandvalue.EffortlessSimplicity
“To that end we find the Palma Vita from Closomat is a great reliable solution. It fits in place of the existing toilet and provides a warm water douch and warm air drying to allow independence and dignity to be maintained for those that have difficulty with the basic daily function of toileting.
“It cannot be underestimated how much impact this can have on the mental wellbeing, as well as the physical health, of those that do not have the ability or the dexterity to clean themselves.
“It is available with a range of options to suit from domestic to institutional settings and with extended warranty options for peace of mind.”
tpg-disableaids.co.uk
“The Aquatec Orca Bath Lift is a great addition to our showroom. It has a recline function as standard and along with the minimum seat height of 60mm, the user can have a deeper and more comfortable bath.
Alastair Gibbs DirectorManagingof DisableAidsTPG BromfieldLauren Director of Classic Mobility
“Hand grips on the bath itself are not an issue, as side flap deflectors are included. The Orca can be used in conjunction with the Aquatec Trans which helps the user to turn and slide smoothly when entering the bath. It has a weight capacity of 140kg, or the XL version can accommodate users of up to 170kg. Spares are reasonably priced and usually in stock for a fast turnaround.” classicmobility.co.uk
“As a multi-disciplined distributor of access and bathing solutions it makes perfect sense to include shower toilets in our range of products.
aidsandBathingtoileting
forthathighlightthemonth,attention?mobilitygrabbingcompanies’Eachretailersinmobilityindustryoneproductisstandingoutthemandwhy…
8 / www.thiis.co.uk
Retailer’s Choice: Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet from Closomat
Retailer’s Choice: Aquatec Orca Bath Lift from Invacare
Wondering which bathing and toileting aids are
01 53 6 20 30 30 sales@easystartbatteries.co.uk easystartbatteries.co.uk The Most Powerful Battery On The Market The EX Range – 26% More Power Haze have a unique AGM range which offers more power in the same box size. There are five higher capacity part numbers to choose from. A True Gel Battery Not only do Haze offer an outstanding AGM and EX range, they manufacture a complete range of true 100% Gel batteries.
“Strong grip suckers on the bottom ensures they are secured well to the bottom of the bath or shower, although they are not considered suitable for an uneven nonslip surface or where the surface has raised areas as the suckers may not fully adhere to it. “There is a loop on the back to hang it up after using it or washing it. Both the bath and shower mats are available in white and blue. “Having successfully completed slip resistance testing by Independent Laboratories to Level 1 of the BS Standard BS8445:2012, this range of shower and bath mats are ideal for retailers to have on display in their showrooms.” peoplefirstmobility.co.uk
Retailer’s
“The Stay Put range of bath mats and shower mats – which includes a corner/quadrant shower mat – are not the typical cheap hardware store mats. “They are thicker, softer, comfortable and grip well. They do not perish the same or as quick as the standard mats, being manufactured in the unique PER® material which combines with an anti-microbial ‘silver’ additive to actively inhibit mould and bacterial growth.
“As the lightest powered reclining bath lift, at a simple touch of a button it will gently lower the user to the bottom of the bath for easy bathing and relaxing, and then when ready it will raise back to the top again for the user to safely get“Itout.has four quick-release suction feet that provide struggle-free removal from the bath, allowing it to be taken on travels, or for the bath to be used by others also.
“As our best-selling bathing product, the Bellavita Bathlift is a standout performer for our customers. With a slimline profile and an ultra-modern look, the Bellavita fits perfectly into most bathrooms, providing assistance when getting in and out of the bath.
Retailer’s Choice: Stay Put Shower and Bathmat from Able 2
ableworld.co.uk
Ellie Emerton AbleworldManagerMarketingSeniorat Choice: Bellavita Bathlift by Drive DeVilbiss
10 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ CHOICE
“With a 50-degree reclining backrest, the Bellavita is even suited for those with stiff hips, making a greater hip-to-back sitting angle, all operational by the fully waterproof and floatable hand control.
“As an all-round comfortable, safe and easy to use bath lift, the Bellavita is one of our favourite products with both staff and customers for providing independence within the bathroom.”
Karen ManagingSheppard Director of People MobilityFirst
BUXTON The Buxton rise and recline chair features uniquely designed arms that add a clean and modern finish to the classic piece. With its Dual Tilt in Space makes mobility easy and effortless.
RECLINE
&RISEspchairs.co.uk
by Pride Mobility Ltd
“One of our most popular and favourite items is the Etac Clean Shower Commode Chair. “Coming from Sweden, its sleek and modern design makes it both attractive and extremely practical. “This mobility aid is easy to manoeuvre and has a large push handle allowing a carer to move the commode chair easily into position. “The adjustable-height model allows the commode chair to be wheeled over most toilets and even wall-hung models. It can then be wheeled into a wet room area allowing for a includingaccessories,withapplicationstocanInascastorsandfootrestsshower.refreshing“Comfortablelockablecomestandard.addition,itbeadaptedsuitdifferentoptionalcomfort
12 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ CHOICE
Laura Hays Director of Thistle LimitedHelp
seat pads, chest and hip belts, and a pan/pan holder to allow it to be used as a traditional commode. It also won an “excellent” Swedish Design award! abilitysuperstore.co.uk
Retailer’s Choice: Deluxe Aluminium Adjustable Bath Bench from Drive DeVilbiss
“When our customers are looking for a good supportive chair to use in the shower or bath, we always recommend the Deluxe Aluminium Adjustable Bath Bench with the backrest. “This height-adjustable chair has a contoured seat with integral handles to give the user additional support when using the chair. The backrest can be removed or added when required while the aluminium frame itself is lightweight, durable and“Thecorrosion-proof.seathasdrainage holes to comply with entrapment regulations and reduce slipping while the legs are angled with suction style feet which provide additional stability for the user. “The chair takes a maximum user weight of 135kg. The overall width of the chair is 51cm with a depth of 43cm. The weight of this product is only 3kg making it easy to lift away easily.“This is a great core product in our showroom and we will continue to recommend this to our customers in both our showrooms.” thistlehelp.co.uk Julia Phipps Owner of The SuperstoreAbility
Retailer’s Choice: Clean fromCommodeShowerChairEtac
Please contact us for a copy of our new trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk New collection for Autumn 2022
TRADEBeforeTALKbeing
“The first thing to understand is why we did it. The major driver was making sure we had a fully compliant lift as EN81-40:2020 standards are changing and what we found, as I am sure other manufacturers have, is that our straight stairlift needed some adaptations to meet these regulations. We took this opportunity to look at what else we could do to the lift to not only meet these new regulations but also address changes in the market and the needs of our partners and their customers. “In addition to our core business in Europe, we have a growing presence in Asia and a newly expanding business in North America, all of which are slightly different markets with differing needs. I strongly believe we should always be developing and improving new and existing products, along with the support services we provide.
“The launch of the HomeGlide follows the successful launch of the Flow X in 2021 and it was a natural progression to update the HomeGlide to ensure we would have a straight and curved model fully prepared for the new regulations which come into force in April 2023.
Let the Powerpack do the pushing Incredibly easy to fit and simple to remove Designed and made in the UK Range of up to 10 miles appointed Managing Director of Access BDD in April 2017, Andrew Warbrick held the position of Regional Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland at the firm. With this background and years of industry experience, Andrew has successfully led the business through a continued successful growth period whilst also navigating the challenges of the global pandemic. In his role as Managing Director, Andrew is responsible for overseeing Access BDD’s global business operations and along with the rest of the Access BDD team, will be attending Rehacare and the OT Show over the coming months.
THIIS chats to Andrew to find our more… ACCESS BDD SHARED WITH THIIS LAST YEAR THAT IT HAD PLANS TO UPDATE ITS HOMEGLIDE STRAIGHT STAIRLIFT. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THE UPDATES YOU MADE TO THIS MODEL?
“We increased the seat depth for better postural support when sitting, along with the general comfort and smoothness of the ride which all combine to provide a superior user experience. We also changed the colour palette to meet modern tastes and interior design trends, to ensure it would blend seamlessly with its environment. I believe a stairlift should be seen as a piece of furniture rather than a medical device.
“These features included increasing the weight capacity to 160kg which meets the global market needs, an integrated call system, new safety edges and an auto-detection system.
“For the new HomeGlide we wanted to make sure we had a straight stairlift that met modern-day requirements which are twofold – firstly, meeting new industry standards which is the expectation of our partners. Secondly, ensuring we incorporated all the features we knew end users were looking for, after gathering feedback from our partners.
“So far, the feedback from our partners in the UK & Europe has been extremely positive. The fact that both Flow X and HomeGlide are fully compliant long before the April 2023 deadline also provides peace of mind to our partners. We place a very high value on the input from them, after all, we are not customer facing, carrying out installations, servicing or speaking to customers every day.
14 / www.thiis.co.uk
Q&A with Andrew Warbrick, Managing Director of TK Access Solutions
Access BDD is one of the world’s leading suppliers of stairlifts, platform lifts and home lift solutions. Its innovative mobility solutions are distributed via a network of carefully chosen business partners.
“That is why we pay attention to our partners when developing new products and services, I know that they appreciate this. We also want them to know that by working with Access BDD they have the peace
TalkTrade
Call to find out more 01787 888 106 or email www.tgamobility.co.uktrade.sales@tgamobility.co.uk
www.thiis.co.uk
AND, WHAT DO YOU THINK MARKS ACCESS BDD PRODUCTS OUT IN THE COMPETITIVE US MARKET?
“I believe a shouldstairliftbe seen as a piece of furniture rather than a device”medical
LAST YEAR, ACCESS BDD DISCUSSED WITH THIIS ITS PLAN TO ENTER THE US MARKET. WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES IN TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN THE UK AND US?
“Medtrade 2021 was our first event in the US and it was a great success. The event took place before we had even started to trade in the US, so it was more about introducing ourselves to the US market and was a fantastic opportunity to engage with a large number of people from all over North America in one place over a couple of days and showcase our products.
“People also really like the look and design of our products when they see them for themselves and the fact it does not resemble a medical device and looks great in a domestic environment while enabling people to continue to live independently in their own homes.”
The Flow X curved stairlift
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“Our launch into North America follows our entry into the Canadian market two years ago which was a great success and showed us there was a market we could be a part of. At present, we are very much focusing on stairlifts in the North American market.“There is no significant difference between the UK and US markets and all our products are fully compliant with American and Canadian standards. “When we entered the US it was more of a straight stairlift-driven market, however, Flow X is helping us to buck that trend in terms of the overall market split and we are certainly seeing an upturn in the desire for the curved stairlifts. “We launched in the US earlier this year, so we are still in our infancy and actively looking to appoint new partners in the US. Entering a new territory is both challenging and exciting for us as a business and we believe from the success of the first few months Access BDD will soon be a significant player in the US stairlift market.“Onerecurring comment we hear during conversations is that people like the fact we offer something different to the traditional US-manufactured stairlift and people are particularly impressed with the single rail solution.
QUOTE: THS20Attaches in seconds of mind that the stairlifts they are selling exceed all regulations and user requirements.”
“It is a never-ending process in terms of R&D and how we develop and improve the partner and user experience.“Interms of development, it is not just about physical products. In the future, I think there will be more change in terms of the connectivity of products, digitalisation and how we deliver the process of dealing with Access BDD and I feel these are all very important areas. “Also, how can we make the interaction process easy and seamless? Whether it is a product, service or automated digital system, does it add value to our relationship with our partners? You will see more of this from us as we move forward in a more digital landscape.”
“Personally, I really like exhibitions as there is nothing else quite like them. Online meetings were our only option for much of the last two years, but nothing beats engaging with people face to face especially when
CAN YOU SHARE SOME NEWS ABOUT ANY MORE NEW PRODUCTS COMING OUT OR UPDATES ON EXISTING ONES?
ACCESS BDD ATTENDED MEDTRADE EAST LAST YEAR (AS REPORTED BY THIIS). WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE EVENT?
WHAT OTHER EVENTS DOES ACCESS BDD PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN?
“This type of support will also provide confidence to the end user and their friends or family as they will know that the stairlift is always being monitored for any potential issue.
ACCESS BDD RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW CLOUD-BASED ORDER PROCESSING SERVICE, LINC. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS?
“So, when we are going to carry out a service or repair the engineer will know exactly what they need in terms of tools or spare parts to ensure the issue is resolved there and then.
“Ultimately, we aim to help people continue to live independently in their own homes and these types of developments are certainly going to make this even more possible.”
The Altura Diamond Lift runs quietly and smoothly
“We never stop looking to improve and we should never be complacent about what we deliver and how we deliver it. Regardless of what area of the business it may be, we are always looking at how we can improve the partner and end user’s experience. I think we will see more focus on the connectivity of products in the future and what we can do with the connected portfolio.
“We have strong growth expectations for the next three years with a very solid plan of how we will achieve that. We will still be very much focused on our core European market, not just for stairlifts but also the platform lifts which are growing in the developing markets of the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia.
16 / www.thiis.co.uk TRADE TALK these people will be representing Access BDD and selling our products. “What’s best is some of the organisations we met at last year’s Medtrade are now established business partners and we are very much looking forward to attending again this year to introduce the new HomeGlide to the US market and build on this success of the last 12 months.”
“We are also further developing the Canadian and North American markets. We know there are challenges around the world at present but I believe we have a strong business model to overcome any obstacles.” accessbdd.com
“We launched LINC just over a month ago to support our dealers and make the relationship with them as seamless as possible and the initial feedback has exceeded all our expectations.“Ourpartners played a pivotal role in the development of LINC as they were looking for a more transparent system with real-time information and visibility of their order book. Partners can now see real-time information from the point of order through to dispatch which is great for them as they do not have to make calls or send emails etc. “As it is cloud-based, they can access their LINC portal from any device from any location and keep their customers up to date with direct order monitoring. LINC also helps improve their efficiency and installation planning as they are in real-time dialogue with us. “A partner can survey, configure and place their order before they have even left the property so the customer can see that their access solution is in progress which is another bonus as often these orders are time critical for the end “LINCuser.willalso speed up order and delivery time by removing as much of the manual interaction as possible which will have a positive impact on reducing lead times. This is also another example of how we listen to and work with our partners when looking at ways of developing our products and support systems.”
“One such example is moving from a reactive to a proactive maintenance programme. By monitoring the product remotely, our partners or us can react to a fault or call out potentially before the end user even knows about it.
IS ACCESS BDD PLANNING ANY MORE INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE IT OFFERS ITS PARTNERS?
WHERE DO YOU ENVISAGE ACCESS BDD BEING IN 18 MONTHS’ TIME AND THE EVOLVEMENT OF THE BUSINESS?
“This offers increased peace of mind to all concerned and with the increasing price of fuel, it also helps keep costs down as there will be no need for the engineer to potentially have to make a return visit. This kind of development will also ensure that a stairlift is out of action for a minimal amount of time.
“After the last two years, the important thing for me is reconnecting and there is no better way than attending some key“Inexhibitions.thecoming months we will be attending Rehacare in Germany, the OT Show in Birmingham and Liftex in London which is more focused on the home elevator trade business. “We are a customer-driven business and there is nothing like face-toface meetings when it comes to demonstrating our products and building relationships.”
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EastExpandingHelp:toAyrshire
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
Scottish-based retailer Thistle Help opened its second showroom in Kilmarnock during the Covid-19 pandemic but its success since has proved that it was a risk worth taking… George Riddick and Laura Hays
Co-owners
Thistle
Award-winning customer service No pushy sales tactics just genuinely nice people Great rates of commission We treat your customers like part of the family Full home adaptation solutions available, including stairlifts, homelifts and easy bathing Dedicatedsolutionsportal to track leads & commission www.your-companion.com team@your-companion.com Stairlifts Bathing Homelifts Find out more information, give us a call! FREEPHONE 0800 620 0826 Refer your customers to a company you can trust
When George Ruddick and Laura Hays opened their first Thistle Help store in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in 2007, they never imagined how successfully the business would grow.
“Acquiring the business during the Covid-19 pandemic was a risk but one that is already proving to be a successful decision”
All those years ago, George had a vision to open a mobility business providing a great service to customers, with Laura deciding to join him on the journey.
George Ruddick, Managing Director, commented: “Acquiring the business during the Covid-19 pandemic was a risk but one that is already proving to be a successful decision. Having provided a service to North Ayrshire residents for the last 14 years, we felt it was time to expand and offer the same service to East Ayrshire and further afield.”
20 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
He then got talking to Laura and after having decided on a name, logo and premises, the co-owners haven’t looked back. They have a good partnership with George focusing on the financial side of the business, while Laura oversees the business development and HR side.
Its former owner had been in the industry for many years and made a successful business in Crosshouse.
A RISK WORTH TAKING
Fifteen years on, the Scottish mobility retailer boasts a team of 15, two showrooms and a workshop space. Due to the pandemic, the last two years have been the most challenging of all, according to the co-owners, but they say that they are so proud to have come out of it stronger than ever. Although there were some difficult times for everyone, they grew their business by acquiring a second showroom in Crosshouse, Kilmarnock in November 2020.
George commented: “John Bond, the previous owner of the business, telephoned us to advise he was wanting to retire. Being in good terms with John, he did not want us to hear the news from a third party.
Having Cerebral Palsy had meant that George always required to use the services of other mobility dealers, and he felt that with his first-hand experience, he would be able to provide a quality service that would really understand the needs of customers.Georgeoriginally had a print business which he ran for two decades before deciding in 2007 to wind down his print operations and diversify into the mobility market.
“Laura and I knew it was a good business with great potential and to be perfectly honest, we did not want another competitor coming into the area.“John wanted a reputable company to take over the reigns. After some
The store stocks a wide range of walkers
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22 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILER SPOTLIGHT negotiating, the acquisition was concluded.”
Acquiring a business during Covid meant that footfall into the Crosshouse store was not great at first.George adds: “Laura and I knew from the outset Crosshouse would take some time to be a success. For a start, we are selling completely different supplier products and customers take time to adjust to change.”Thisbeing said, however, the co-owners have been pleased to see footfall and sales increasing week on weekSimilarsince.to the Irvine showroom, riser recliners, scooters and powerchairs are the store’s best sellers. George adds: “Just before “Keeping a close eye on our suppliers assists us in bringing in quality products to both our showrooms” Mobility scooters continue to sell well for the retailer
GETTING THE STORE READY
Footwear and daily living aids are clearly displayed
The idea with the acquisition was to not only offer the customers of the Mobility Centre the same level of service, George says, but also a wider range of products from more suppliers than the previous owner did.From a product perspective Thistle Help would continue to supply lift & rise recliners, mobility scooters, manual and power wheelchairs, adjustable beds and daily living aids from both its Irvine and Crosshouse showrooms.Althoughthe Crosshouse showroom is smaller than its Irvine showroom, it offers the exact same services from sales, hire and repair to all mobility equipment through its service engineers. The showroom boasts an ideal location for Thistle Help, as unlike its Irvine showroom it is on a bus route, and it is very close to Crosshouse Hospital.Oncethe acquisition had taken place, it was fortunate that the new store did not require too much in the way of Georgerenovation.reflects:“The showroom just needed a little upgrading to get it to the standard Thistle Help like to maintain. We painted the internal building and erected new signage outside in order that the branding matched our Irvine showroom.” With the Covid pandemic kicking off though it wasn’t without its challenges, as George goes on to explain.“Covid undoubtedly slowed the process down as North Ayrshire Council decided we were not an essential business and had to close for 10“Dueweeks.to staff safety, we furloughed everyone and brought them back one by one. This meant the Irvine showroom reopened sooner than the Crosshouse products“Ironically,showroom.weweresellinginourcarparkdueto the way trading standards interpreted the safe distance rules and we were not allowed customers into our showroom.“Withreduced staff levels, Crosshouse was a bit of a stop-start operation. We did not have the staff levels to open both showrooms and Crosshouse was open two days one week and three days the next. “We gradually brought staff back up to pre-Covid levels and both showrooms are now open full time. We are actually quite proud of the fact, we have increased our staff numbers from before the pandemic.”
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He adds: “We feel the Crosshouse showroom has contributed in such a way that we could not only keep all of our staff from our Irvine showroom, but also employ additional employees. “With many companies closing down we are very proud of the fact that Thistle Help continues to grow in these difficult times. “This undoubtedly is due to the loyalty and dedication of our staff. As well as this, we have made a conscious effort to bring in new suppliers and let go of others in order to offer our customers the best variety possible. In fact, Crosshouse sells very little of the branded products sold by the previous owner.” There is no shortage of competition from other mobility retailers in the area, not to mention ecommerce, but Thistle Help believes its excellent customer service levels and range of products on offer keeps it ahead of the“Ourcompetition.regulartraining of staff adds to this,” explains George. “Keeping a close eye on our suppliers also assists us in bringing in quality products to both our showrooms, which undoubtedly keeps customers returning.“Ecommerce will always be a challenge, but Thistle Help’s ethos and level of service means customers may pay that bit more for peace of mind should something go wrong with their product.”
24 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
Laura adds that staff at the business are often complimented by customers for the warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere they receive when they visit both showrooms.
thistlehelp.co.uk
Covid, we took the decision to change our riser recliner supplier and the increase in sales of these has been phenomenal.”Withpeople not being able to go on holiday during the pandemic, George says that they have noticed sales of riser recliner and scooters have increased dramatically, with sales of riser recliner having more than doubled in the last two years alone.
Reflecting on the last couple of years, despite all the challenges, George is in no doubt the purchase of the Crosshouse store has turned out well.
The showroom in Crosshouse Sales of riser recliners have more than doubled in the last two years
Laura says: “George and I have worked hard to ensure our business survived during these unprecedented times. Having a good team of staff working with us has undoubtedly contributed to our continued success.”Asforthe future, George adds that the next 12 months will about concentrating on building the Crosshouse showroom to contribute to the profit of Thistle Help as a whole. He adds: “Undoubtedly, as both showrooms income increase we will have to look at employing additional staff.” Gemma Cree, Showroom Manager for Irvine and Crosshouse
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Paul: “The Osprey Group was started when a group of friends and colleagues decided that we could offer customers something a bit different and better than the norm. We started with two companies, Osprey Healthcare based in Wigan, which was responsible for the manufacturing of our range of showering and bathing equipment and The Osprey Sling Company based in Oxfordshire, which was responsible for the manufacturing of the patient lifting slings.
“We chose Wigan because it has convenient transport links to the rest of the country and because it was our hometown. We chose Oxfordshire for the sling side of the business because of the established labour market expertise in the specific area of patient handling. “As the company grew, we started to look for other products to complement our existing range and we came across the Timo range of shower trolleys. We headed to Slovenia to meet the owners of their own family run business and we established a great rapport from the off.“We set up a standalone company called Timo UK and established a long-term exclusivity deal with our Slovenian friends, a relationship that has been getting stronger for over 11 years.”
HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED WITH OSPREY GROUP?
Founded 13 years ago, The Osprey Group is made up of three companies, Osprey Healthcare, The Osprey Sling Company and Timo UK. Each company offers a range of products designed to aid in different aspects of day-to-day life such as for showering and bathing, toileting and moving & handling. Due to the popularity of its Snugfit slings, The Osprey Group recently opened a second sling factory in Lancashire to support its sling company in Oxfordshire. Paul King discusses how the company has evolved… CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OSPREY GROUP AND HOW IT HAS GROWN OVER THE YEARS?
The splashMakingGroup:Ospreya
“Wigan has a strong tradition of garment manufacturing and whilst many industries have moved abroad, the skill set still exists there”
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
“My own role with Osprey was initially as a product demonstrator and assessor, using my 20 years of prior experience within the industry.
With plans to recruit more staff to support its growing production in the northwest, The Osprey Group has gone from strength to strength. THIIS caught up with Paul King, Director at The Osprey Group, to find out more...
Paul King, Director at The Osprey Group
It is a role I still enjoy today. I have always loved the face-to-face role with OTs and clients in the community, and you will still find me putting in the miles daily.
28 / www.thiis.co.uk
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“The increased capacity has enabled us to increase our export capabilities which has meant we now supply throughout the EU and as far afield as Australasia. This year we will once “Our new Toilet Raiser won a prestigious Innovative Product Award and has been flying off the shelves from the minute it launched”
A machinist in the Wigan factory (also pictured top left) working on a sling
30 / www.thiis.co.uk SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
“My official role is Company Director with a responsibility for sales and marketing activities and I am always on the look out for new products to add to our extensive range.” HAVE THERE BEEN ANY STANDOUT PROJECTS YOU HAVE BEEN MOST PROUD OF AT THE OSPREY GROUP? “It is probably building the brand from a totally unknown quantity to a well-known and well-respected company within a relatively short period of time. We’ve certainly attracted attention from some of the bigger fish in our industry and our products are well known for being high quality and cost effective.”
WHAT ARE THE PLANS WITH REGARDS EXPORTING THESE PRODUCTS ABROAD?
THE SNUGFIT SLING DESIGNS HAVE PROVEN TO BE POPULAR FOR THE OSPREY SLING COMPANY.
“When we started The Osprey Sling Company, we wanted to design a small range of patient lifting slings. With our combined knowledge it didn’t take us long to develop a modern and comprehensive range which we called the Snugfit Slings range. “The new range was quickly adopted throughout the industry by dealers and OTs alike. It is now a well-known industry-leading brand which is recognised nationally and internationally. We continue to innovate and have added many new styles and sizes to our ‘off the shelf’ stocks. “Demand continues to increase, and we have recently undertaken a major investment in a new manufacturing unit in Lancashire to complement our existing highly skilled team in Bicester, Oxfordshire. “The investment has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in our available labour, which is helping to bring down lead times, with the aim to get back to pre-pandemic lead times by the end of the year. Our decision to start a whole new unit in another part of the country was simply a question of “Bicesteravailability.isa thriving town, with huge housing developments, the Bicester Village shopping outlet, and its own strong transport network. Warehousing and factory space is at an absolute premium and when you consider the competition for employment on our doorstep, there was a real shortage of expert labour too.“Wigan has a strong tradition of garment manufacturing and whilst many of those industries have naturally evolved and moved abroad, the skill set still exists there in the northwest of England. We have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly the team has made an impact.”
HOW DID THESE PRODUCTS COME ABOUT?
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“Our new Toilet Raiser won the prestigious Innovative Product Award at the National Association of Equipment Providers (NAEP) Annual Conference and has been flying off the shelves from the minute it launched. This range of toilet raisers are compatible with the leading wash/ dry toilets in the UK and Ireland and is helping many hundreds of people to stand from the toilet without the need for outside assistance. “We were particularly proud of the award considering the bigger and more established competition that we were up against. Just goes to show you don’t have to be the biggest fish in the pond to make a splash!”
CAN YOU PROVIDE AN INSIGHT AS TO ANY NEW PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED THIS YEAR BY THE OSPREY GROUP?
Products ready for shipment
HOW IS THE OSPREY GROUP PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS WORKFORCE?
The popular
32 / www.thiis.co.uk SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT again be exhibiting at Rehacare in Dusseldorf, on the British pavilion, as we continue to promote our products at home and abroad. “As a group we are always looking to design or source innovative products and we have launched a number of these over the past year. We brought a new Hi-Lo Wash Basin to market at the beginning of the year and this have proven popular with the wetroom installers who adapt properties for differently abled users. “We have also updated and relaunched our Aspire range of affordable slings which are proving very popular with loan stores and dealers who sell predominantly to nursing homes where price is the key distinguishing point.”
“The Osprey Group has grown every year since we started, and we are always looking for new members to join the team. The production and sales teams are always expanding to meet demand and we’re particularly proud of the low turnover of staff throughout the group.”
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR PRODUCTS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK?
“We currently distribute our product range through direct sales, via social services departments, local, national, and international purchasing groups, the NHS and through our dedicated, established, and ever-growing dealer network all over the globe. We transport our goods by air, sea, and road, using our own transport and specialist carrier companies.”
“Our available”wereoptions,havethatupmeantavailabilitythatwepickedsomecustomerswouldnormallyusedotherthatsimplynolongerSnugfit Sling Paul with some of the most popular Osprey products
A FIXED RATE INSURANCE PACKAGE ABOUT US Verlingue is the approved insurance broker for the BHTA insurance scheme, which is available exclusively to BHTA Members. We are part of the Verlingue Group, one of Europe’s largest independent insurance brokers, employing over 1,100 people and placing premiums in excess of €2 billion. Exclusive to Retail Members of the ESSENTIALSRETAILERBHTA ✔ Material Damage ✔ Business Interruption ✔ Employers, Public & Products Liability Option 1: Excluding Employers Liability - £224 including 12% Insurance Premium Tax Option 2: Including Employers Liability - £280 including 12% Insurance Premium Tax Cover provided by Markel (UK) Ltd COVER INCLUDES Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority For more information on our insurance packages, please contact Stephen Aldridge - our Client Director who has worked with BHTA’s members for many E:years.stephen.aldridge@verlingue.co.uk T: +44 (0) 208 282 8595 W: www.verlingue.co.uk REQUEST INFORMATION
ARE YOU LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR DEALER NETWORK, AND IF SO, WHAT KIND OF DEALERS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
HOW HAS THE OSPREY GROUP MANAGED TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES IN THE PAST YEAR, SUCH AS COVID AND GLOBAL SHIPPING DELAYS?
“The pandemic hit the group really hard. There was a three-month period right at the start of lockdown where it felt like the local councils had shut up shop to try and ride out the storm. Once that initial period of uncertainty was over things picked up a pace. “We found safe ways to do assessments through a variety of technology and PPE and we ensured that our customers and service users didn’t suffer as a result. In fact, I would say that our availability meant that we picked up some customers that would normally have used other options, that simply were no longer available.“Bybeing available we were able to service customers who usually would have gone elsewhere. This brought its own challenges as our order book increased massively during a period where we were struggling with labour availability due to the pandemic. So, whilst there were many challenges throughout the pandemic, I think overall we have come out the other side bigger and stronger than we were before.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE OSPREY GROUP OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOBILITY TRADE EVENTS?
“Over the next 12 months we will continue to expand our production capabilities which will lead to better service for our customers. We are also expanding our sales and administration teams both on the road and within the office.
“We have a full programme of trade shows planned for the next year and we look forward to seeing some old and new faces from within the industry. We are always looking to introduce new products but we’re not quite ready to announce anything just yet. Watch this space!” theospreygroup.co.uk UK firm exports its products all around the world Wigan happens to have a strong tradition of garment manufacturing
34 / www.thiis.co.uk SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
ARE THERE ANY THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2023?
“We do have some favourite trade events that we like to exhibit at every year when the schedule allows. The OT Show is primary amongst them as it targets the key decision makers within our particular section of the market.“Wecan also be found at the OTAC shows up and down the country, Naidex, Kidz to Adultz, RISE 4 Disability and of course NAEP.”
“The Osprey Group are always on the lookout to build new partnerships and extend our network of dealers, in particular we are looking to expand our offering in the EU, hence our decision to once again exhibit at Rehacare in Dusselfdorf in September.”
The
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www.thiis.co.uk / 35
For those involved in the supply of products and services to the public sector, two words are redefining the business and procurement landscape: integration and sustainability… THE SPEAKERS
HOW DOES A BUSINESS BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE?
On September 22nd at the Tower Hotel in London the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is gathering industry leaders to discuss integration and sustainability in the NHS and healthcare sector. They have also lined up guest speakers at the very epicentre of this movement who will discuss their vision and their plans for creating a long lasting culture of sustainability and at the same time leading the integration agenda in partnership with Integrated Care Systems. Senior Executives from NHS Supply Chain, NHS England & Improvement, Foundations UK, and the newly appointed director of NHS Medtech will be there as guest speakers and also to answer any questions and queries you may have.
• David Stockdale – CEO at the British Healthcare Trades Association • David Lawson – Department of Health and Social Care MedTech Directorate Director • Andrew New – CEO of NHS Supply Chain • Andy Windsor – Commercial Director of NHS Supply Chain • Preeya Bailie – Director of Procurement, Transformation and Commercial Delivery of NHS England and NHS Improvement
• Francis Philippa – Strategy Lead at Foundations UK • Integrated Care System –Speaker TBC WHERE AND WHEN The Tower Hotel, London 22 Sept 2022, 9.30am – 15.45pm
There are numerous ways to improve sustainability and integrate them with a business.Forexample, increasing innovation, cost savings, which could lead to more customers and an increase in profit.Sustainability doesn’t just mean being environmentally friendly, although of course that is of utmost importance in the times we live in. Financial sustainability is tantamount to creating and sustaining a successful business model. Legal sustainability, particularly now we are in a post Brexit scenario, is crucial, and navigating each legislative twist and turn on the rollercoaster ride as they happen is certainly a challenge!
THE INTEGRATION OF SUSTAINABILITY
In order for sustainability to be a long term benefit it needs to be at the forefront of every level of a business, and to do this properly, it should involve the entire framework of company.Theintroduction of the Health Care Bill by the government, has meant that companies are having to assess and realign their business model and processes.Also,how will social care be included, will NHS Supply Chain be involved, how could supply and distribution be affected and who will beThereprocuring?isalso the new Central Commercial Function being set up with NHS England, and how will businesses in the health sector work with this new organisation? Of course, we also have the prospect of a new government to contend with, led by either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak.
On its own, sustainability will help any business to be efficient, but integration and sustainability combined, will help a business to improve and potentially transform they way they operate, running through the entire company, with the involvement and input of all stakeholders. The three main strands of sustainability are economy, society and the environment. If a business is sustainable it should lead to more profit, which benefits the economy, creating solutions (and therefore employment) which will benefit society and in turn, by operating in a more sustainable business model, help the environment.
The new BHTA Chief Executive Officer, David Stockdale, will also be at the confidence to host a Q and A section.Formore information on the BHTA Integration & Sustainability Conference you can see their event page here, with all the details for the day and how to book your tickets.
To book, visit sustainability-conference/com/the-bhta-integration-and-www.bhta.
Why integrationis important?sustainabilityand
36 / www.thiis.co.uk GUEST ARTICLE
THE BHTA INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE.
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“So, in conclusion, we feel it is safer to allow the client to source their own finance from their choice of lender.” tpg-disableaids.co.uk
“We would love to see finance products designed specifically for the demographic group that typical mobility product customers would fall under. The ideal finance product should have a simple application process along with intuitive customer interface. A majority of the finance products on the market are not designed with the special considerations of the population over age 65. This is a subject that, at least for Snowdrop Independent Living, will always be under discussion and we will keep looking for the right solution.”
“The regulated process can be unwieldy and difficult to easily explain or understand for many of our customers. Staff, who just want to do what is right for their customer, have often reported the temptation to make a product available by allowing the customer to make stage payments.
“This does sound like a very negative view of point-of-sale finance.
The positive side is that point of sale finance has the potential to be an enabler that allows the item needed to be provided immediately.
David Morgan Managing Director of Snowdrop Independent Living Alastair Gibbs Managing Director of TPG DisabledAids
With the cost of living going up and more people choosing to buy their own products so that they can retain their independence at home, should retailers consider offering point-of-sale finance to their customers? This month, we ask retailers in the industry to share their thoughts…
38 / www.thiis.co.uk Do you agree with customers?financepoint-of-saleofferingto
At Snowdrop Independent Living, the subject keeps coming up and we have ventured into providing third party finance products, with limited success. The purchaser often does not fit into a very attractive profile for the finance provider, therefore the offer to the customer makes the product significantly more expensive.
“This may seem an easy way to promote sales in the short term but is highly likely to show the retailer in a bad light if the client were to compare APR rates with other high street lenders. It is currently entirely possible to get a £2,000 loan at three per cent APR from the likes of Tesco Bank online.
“There are many challenges around offering point of sale finance for mobility products.
snowdropindependentliving.co.uk
The business would be happy to allow this but it is outside what the FCA allows so we cannot do it.
“A specialist disability loan is more likely to be 20 per cent to 25 per cent or even more. If interest rates continue to climb and the cost of power goes higher than inflation, would the mobility equipment loan still be
“Additionally,affordable?retailers often overlook the fact that to comply with FCA rules there will be a significant amount of documentation and prequalification to go through to obtain a credit licence. To act as an AR for a third party does not exempt you from doing the training and sitting the exams to be compliant.
Trade Thoughts
“Point-of-sale finance to customers is something that should not be taken lightly. With costof-living issues affecting us all there is a temptation to facilitate spending on ‘easy terms’ to allow your customers to acquire your product or offering and pay for it over a fixed term. The danger is that some may not truly be able to afford the payments and typically any loan to a disabled or geriatric client will inevitably have to carry significant insurance elements to protect the lender.
“With the cost of living crisis said to be getting worse, many of those wanting to be more independent will be looking at other ways to help get what they need today with payments later. POS financing gives shoppers flexible, pay-over-time instalment options.“Ourcustomers need the products to help them now, and if we have a cold winter they will need to juggle or choose what to do to obtain what they need and to pay the bills as well. “For the retailer this means an increased customer base. Traditional credit cards are given only to people who have a certain credit score but point of sale financing can be given to almost anybody. “It also means increased sales without credit risks: Vendors who provide point-of-sale financing can increase their sales by almost 33 per cent. This works out great for them since they just pay an upfront fee for loan origination. “A disadvantage for the retailer is that customers would prefer zero per cent APR, but this will come at a cost to the “Withretailer.thecost of stock increasing and the suppliers still having a surcharge of anything from £40 - £80 per scooter to the retailer, retailers will have to consider if paying a fee to the finance provider for the customer to get zero per cent APR will still leave them with a profit.”
“The down side to this is customers having to pay more for their equipment due to the interest rate. However, for many it is their only option. So long as the customer can afford their payments, I really do not see it being an issue. “Personally, Thistle Help has been reluctant to offer finance in the past, due to the fact it was a lot of admin work for many applications to be declined. However, since the pandemic, the amount of customers enquiring about a finance option has increased dramatically. “I see dealers offering point-of-sale finance to be of benefit to everyone, but it has to be undertaken in an ethical and professional manner.” thistlehelp.co.uk
“As cash gets tighter in the coming months we need to give as many choices of both products and methods of payment as we can to our customers.“Theadvantages to this are numerous of course but mainly that they can have the necessary product they need, now, with even a situation where they can spread the cost over years, or for more short term pay back in four months with no interest charges!“Themain disadvantage is if the customer overstretches themselves, however if the initial lender is a respectable and responsible company they won’t let that happen.” ableworld.co.uk
“I strongly believe dealers should be offering pointof-sale finance to customers in this economic climate, where customers simply do not have the funds to purchase equipment outright. “In fact, we are going through the process of changing our insurance provider in order that Thistle Help can offer a better finance option, as in the past the success rate with our current provider has been very disappointing.“Solelydueto not having the cash in the bank to pay for equipment, we have customers coming into both our showrooms and being unable to purchase products which can literally change their quality of life. Obviously, this disappoints us as an ethical mobility dealer. We want to assist as many customers as possible, so I believe having the correct financial partner, will benefit both customers and the company’s sales alike.
Karen Sheppard Director of People First Mobility George Ruddick Managing Director of Thistle Help Ltd Mike Williams Managing Director of Ableworld
“I fully agree that mobility retailers should offer pointof-sale finance to their customers. We are here to support the customers and the more we can do to help people have an independent life the better. “Often the product the customer needs they can’t afford so it is our job as a caring retailer to try and help the customer by offering them not only a choice of products (good, better, best) but also an alternative way of paying for the goods, as long as it’s an ethical lender, this stops them going to a pay day loan shark!
www.thiis.co.uk / 39
“Point-of-sale loans seem to be increasing in all online and retail sales as they offer low or no interest financing for purchases.
peoplefirstmobility.co.uk
40 / www.thiis.co.uk
When we consider the populations, especially amongst the paediatric and younger adult age ranges, who have mobility restrictions and require wheelchairs, many of these are people who have had developmental brain injuries occurring before or after birth, or are people with neuromuscular disorders.
LET’S GET IT CLEAR
Figure 1. The Chunc Octoback - a multiadjustable seating support system
POSTURAL SUPPORT Postural support devices for children affected by neuromuscular disorders have developed historically for stabilising muscle tone, preventing spinal deformity, and enabling functional movements, and can involve specialist seating systems that are highly adaptive mechanical systems that provide full body support with a series of lateral supports – for example see Figure 1. These systems ensure the occupant is held in a ‘neutral’ posture and may require adjustment by a specialist as the occupant’s needs change, which can be many times a year. This follow-up ordinarily only looks at the
Many of these latter disorders are genetic and therefore can present from a very young age. They also tend to be progressive in that the individuals’ functional abilities reduce over years and months as they increasingly lose muscle control, and therefore need even more intervention over and above that needed as a result of a child’s normal growth with progressive neuromuscular disorders such as a muscular dystrophy (MD) or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) require an increasing range of specialist equipment as their condition progresses. This can include a wheelchair for mobility; special seating to provide postural support for the pelvis, trunk and head; and a standing frame to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Time spent in standing equipment can improve upper limb, respiratory, and digestive functions, as well as have a positive impact on joint development and bone strength. There are some excellent guides, such as that from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign1, around equipment choices for helping manage these conditions.
Many people need assistive products to help overcome physical, mental, or ‘behavioural’ impairments. For many people these impairments are not the same from day to day or even from hour to hour. This can be particularly true for those with neurological or neuromuscular disorders. What can we do to help?
Childrenprocess.born
disordersprogressiveManaging
Dynamic postural management seating systems are designed to move with the occupant while maintaining the occupant’s contact with the support surfaces. For wheelchair occupants who extend or move frequently due to high muscle tone, these types of solutions are clinically proven to protect them from injury and reduce damage to the seating system3. In addition, movement in the system also helps to train functional movements and provide sensory input3, which is critical to the development, independence, and quality of life of a child. Alongside the dynamic options built into the wheelchair frame, the powered dynamic options which might be of value to an occupant could be tilt or recline and adjustable leg supports. Taking this further would be powered sit to stand, depending on the progressive state of the disorder. These are gross adjustments. Finer control can be offered by dynamic postural support devices, such as chest or shoulder harnesses, with the shoulder straps created from stretchy materials that help the occupant regain their original posture after moving out of it for functional purposes.
www.thiis.co.uk / 41 occupant’s needs during the short period they are in the clinic. Though necessary for the bigger picture, this ‘static’ seating approach does not allow for the needs of the occupant as they change through the day, with changing levels of fatigue, and changing activities.
DYNAMIC SUPPORT
In contrast, a system with individually controlled air-filled bladders in the lumbar, thoracic laterals, thigh, and left and right pelvic support regions of a seating system is providing the means to manage the occupant’s changing seating needs during the day – this is encapsulated in the Aergo PS seating system (Figure 2). The core element of the Aergo PS is that the system is set up within parameters input by the clinician. As the occupant moves, the air cells respond by changing the air content to help the individual maintain Figure 2. The Aergo PS seating system
What is needed is to add some dynamic seating elements (both passive and active examples have been covered in some detail in a previous article in this series2).
DYNAMIC MANAGEMENTPOSTURAL
Over the years, manufacturers have come up with some novel approaches, such as alternating pressure packages akin to those used in alternating pressure mattresses, but these have been aimed at protecting skin tissues by relieving pressure from alternating areas. However, users have found that these systems do not help their positioning needs.
Finer dynamic postural management can best be achieved by an active dynamic system within the seating system, which will allow for localised active postural management, and adjustment, as the day progresses, and the occupant’s needs change.
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found at internationalinternationally,30inDrbarend@beshealthcare.netonreceivingIfwww.beshealthcare.netyouareinterestedinfurtherinformationthetopic,pleasecontactterHaarhasbeeninvolvedseatingandmobilityforoveryears,includinglecturinganddevelopingseatingstandards.
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Figure 3. Response by the Aergo PS to manage postural deviations it Dr Barend Haar in series of resumés of aspects in world of posture and where there are and myths to be addressed, to promote better can be
1. Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (2011) Wheelchair Provision for Children and Adults with Muscular Dystrophy and other Neuromuscular Conditions: Best Practice Guidelines 2. ter Haar MB (2022) Let’s Get It Clear: Dynamic Seating – What does it involve? THIIS 3. Lange ML et al (2020) RESNA Position on the Application of Dynamic Seating Figure 4. Aergo Clinician Web Portal
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42 / www.thiis.co.uk LET’S GET IT CLEAR their position (Figure 3). During set-up specific management can be provided for posterior and anterior pelvic tilt tendencies, as well as for pelvic obliquities, windswept hips, a scoliotic spine, etc. (The system can also be set up in cycle mode wherein the pressures oscillate between the different cells in a three-minute cycle!)Day-to-day management and adjustment can be carried out through a clinician web portal with the occupant in full view, and with the clinician able to reset the parameters for each air-cell as required (see Figure 4). This is a great tool for managing quickly a larger caseload, with quick adjustments possible for a number of clients in a short space of time, without the need for a person-to-person appointment. On top of this, the occupant can use an app on their smartphone to make minor adjustments, either as the day progresses or to help achieve different activities. SUMMARY Most prescribed seating systems are static, and meet only the basic positioning needs at the time of set up. Many wheelchair clients, however, need minor changes to help achieve different functional goals, and, for those with neuromuscular disorders in particular, to offset the consequences of fatigue affecting their motor functions over the day. The provision of both passive and active dynamic systems will be of benefit to both children and adults, particularly those with progressive disorders.
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Classic ELAN STAIRLIFT | 21 STONE HEAVY-DUTYELITESTAIRLIFT|30STONE Quality. Reliability. Comfort. Bruno delivers best-in-class stairlifts specifically designed for exceptional comfort and lasting quality. +44 (0) 151 559 0732 | bruno.com/uk MOTIVATION THROUGH INNOVATION Strident Innovations Head office address: 50 Turbine Way, Ecotech Business & Innovation Park, Swaffham, PE37 7XD T: +44 (0)1362 300102 | F: +44 (0)1362 300103 | sales@strident uk com www.stridenttyres.com Strident - a name you can rely on for tyres and tubes With over 20 years experience in the mobility tyre industry, Strident are perfectly placed to offer the widest range of high quality mobility tyres. Our range of solid tyres air filled tyres and inner tubes are designed to offer excellent levels of grip, longevity and reliability This comprehensive range is suitable for a wide range of mobility scooters and equipment To find out more about the Strident range of Mobility Tyre products please contact our salesteam now. STRIDENT TYRES THIIS ADVERT DEC 2021_Layout 1 07/12/2021 10:40 Page 1
The Geberit AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet’s advanced technology enables a greater sense of independence in the bathroom. A complete solution that can be adapted to take care of individual needs the Mera Care leaves customers feeling cleaner and fresher with a comfortable, convenient and hygienic bathroom experience.
This sturdy free-standing frame was developed to surround a toilet, providing additional support to help assist getting on and off the toilet. Padded armrests provide additional comfort while the armrest is angled in to give improved support when lowering and rising. It has a lightweight and portable steel frame, which includes a magazine rack for added convenience.
geberit-aquaclean.co.uk/mera-care
Buyers’ guide to bathing fromShowerMeraAquaCleantoiletingandaidsCareToiletGeberit
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Each month, discover key products from a different segment of the mobility market to consider offering to customers
The AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet has been specifically designed to improve quality of life for those who have difficulty using a conventional toilet.
Toilet Safety Frame with Magazine Rack from Drive DeVilbiss
RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
A First for Drive DeVilbiss, the New… REMOTE POWERCHAIR“AUTOFOLD” Following the huge success of our manual folding powerchair, we are delighted to launch our first AUTOFOLD Powerchair. This excellent new addition to the range features a remote control function that enables the chair to be easily folded or unfolded in seconds at the simple touch of a button. Remoteoperationfold Handystorageunderseat Front suspensionwheel Karen Clarke 01274 475 karen.clarke@ddhuk.co.uk118 Sandra Conlan 01274 475 sandra.conlan@ddhuk.co.uk121 Nial Hutton 01274 475 nial.hutton@ddhuk.co.uk116 Call NOW for price, more information or to request an InStore demonstration! sales@drivedevilbiss.co.ukwww.drivedevilbiss.co.uk Information current as of 08_22 Now live on LOWEST PRICE EVER!! While Stock Lasts is NOW Available at our
The Signature Comfort offers premium features for extra comfort in a homely design. The popular bed features an all-in-one height adjustment, upholstery options, and different headboard styles. It can be customised with a choice of fabrics and headboard options to choose from. Meanwhile, the bed is available in both single and dual sizes that accommodate two people. The fully upholstered surround adds a homely touch. Learn more about the Opera profiling bed range and becoming a retailer partner by getting in touch with the opera team. operabeds.com
The Orchid Tilt-in-Space Shower Cradle is designed to streamline personal care and enhance the showering experience for the end user. Its electronic or manual tilt function offers an upright or tilted seating position, providing a tilting angle between 75 degrees and 35 degrees. Mesh sides on the cradle are padded for maximum comfort, and it is available in both adult and paediatric sizes. Optional accessories are available such as a fully adjustable footrest, thoracic supports and hip supports. The Tilt-in-Space sits comfortably over the firm’s commode facility and comes with or without aperture. Each item is made to order with a four-week lead time, with trade prices available to trade account customers. orchid-medicare.co.uk
46 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
MedicareOrchidCradleShowerTilt-in-Spacefrom
Signature Comfort from Opera Beds
CommodeAlerta & Transfer Chair from MedicalAlerta
The Alerta Commode & Transfer Chair comes with drop down armrests, swingaway detachable footrests, full length arm pads and rear brakes, with wipeable PVC seat and back. It is constructed with a robust powder-coated steel frame, push handle and four steel swivel castors. alertamedical.com
geberit-aquaclean.co.uk/care GEBERIT AQUACLEAN MERA CARE THINKINGINNOVATIVE LIVINGINDEPENDENTFOR FIXED SEAT NO LID CONTROLFROMACTUATIONFLUSHREMOTEWATERANDFLOWCONTINUOUSHEATERSTORAGEHEATERAPP AVAILABLE FOR IOS ANDROIDAND DETECTIONVIAFLUSHINGAUTOMATICUSER PANELWALLTOUCHLESSCONTROL CHAIRSHOWERMODE
The Alerta Aqua Chair combines three chairs in one, performing seamlessly as a shower chair, a commode chair and a transfer chair. While it can be used for showering, transferring and as a mobile commode, the pot can be removed and the chair can also be wheeled to the toilet, making this an easy-to-use toileting chair.
Alerta Aqua Shower Commode Chair from Alerta Medical
The Alerta Aqua Chair is stylish, effortlessly manoeuvrable and manufactured from easy-clean plastic-coated steel. A selection of soft padded seat sections are also available as accessories. Its footrest has five positions and there are four individually braked wheels. It has removable arms and can accommodate a user weight of up to 150kg alertamedical.com
RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
Bath Bagel from AAT GB Bath Bagel restores pleasure and optimises the health benefits of aqua therapy. It is the ultimate, non-restrictive solution for complete body immersion. With simplicity at its core, Bath Bagel is a contoured, infinitely variable neck cushion that enables the bather to relax in the water, whether bath or pool. Its unique shape provides buoyancy to the chest rather than neck and head, allowing safe, free floating with no risk of the head turning into the water. As a result, carers have full access to the bather’s body for personal hygiene. The bather can completely relax and enjoy the aqua therapy suspension. Fixed in place with hook and loop fastenings, a perfect, secure, non-chafing fit is always achieved. aatgb.com
game changers in bathing We can’t wait to show you how Aqua Liberty and Bath Bagel can liberate bathing, safely Any user, any bath, infinitely remouldable available ex-stock with no need to change the bath! 01978 821875 • www.aatgb.com/bookingformsales@aatgb.com
50 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
Etac Clean with fromopeningfront-seatEtac
The Bellavita is a lightweight batterypowered reclining bathlift with front aperture, lowering users down to the bottom of the bath then raising them to the top again. It has a low minimum seat height of 6cm, making it ideal for shallow baths. It weighs only 9.3kg (without handset) and has an excellent maximum seat height of 48cm, enabling easy and safe transfers.Itseparates easily and quickly into two lightweight sections. The backrest reclines to 50 degrees and is operated by the hand control. Four quick release suction feet secure the lift in the bath. Indicator lights signal when charging is required, and a built-in safety feature prevents the bathlift from lowering without sufficient charge to return it to the top. Its weight capacity is 140kg. drivedevilbiss.co.uk
Bellavita Bathlift from Drive DeVilbiss
The Prima Home Step by Gordon Ellis & Co
The Prima Home Step is intended for use in the bathroom to assist stepping in or out of the bath or shower and around the home to access higher levels preventing the need to stretch or overbalance. It has over-moulded slip-resistant rubber pads on the step for stability with a height-adjustable handle with padded soft touch grip. The step can be removed from the frame for easy cleaning. A separate handle can be bought to easily add on. Lightweight for easy transportation, the footprint of the Prima Home Step is bigger than most on the current market. Its maximum gordonellishealthcare.co.uk
Etac has expanded its range of mobile shower commodes with the new Clean with frontopening seat. The existing Clean series already has numerous models with rear-opening seats. The new version is suitable for users who are able to reach more independently from the front, depending on their range of motion or personal preference. It can also better suit the specific routines of some carers. The front opening can be especially beneficial for those who prefer hand showers over wiping. etac.com
DELIVERY l Nationwide delivery & installation l Removal & disposal of old products l Manufacturers warranties honoured l Owned & operated fleet of vehicles SERVICING l Annual equipment servicing l LOLER testing & inspection l Bed inspections & servicing l Engineer call-outs for repairs STORAGE l 35,000 Square foot warehouse l Short term storage solutions Experts LogisticsHealthcarein Your Delivered.Promises. 0330 445 info@hdd-ltd.com0099www.hdd-ltd.com CONTACT US TODAY MOTIVATION THROUGH INNOVATION TM Strident Innovations Head office address: 50 Turbine Way, Ecotech Business & Innovation Park, Swaffham, PE37 7XD T: +44 (0)1362 300102 | F: +44 (0)1362 300103 | sales@strident.uk.com www.stridentbatteries.com Strident - a name you can trust for high performance batteries With over 20 years experience, Strident are perfectly placed to offer the widest range of high quality battery products to the mobility and medical industries. Careful selection of only the highest quality raw materials, consistent quality control throughout the entire production process and painstaking attention to every detail gives the Strident range its unique properties that can be trusted and relied upon in many vital mobility and medical applications To find out more about the Strident range of Mobility and Medical focused power products please contact our salesteam now STRIDENT BATTERIES THIIS ADVERT DEC 2021_Layout 1 07/12/2021 10:42 Page 1
52 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
The Care & Independence Tilt-In-Space Family comprises four chairs and three cradles in sizes from infant through to bariatric. Recently redeveloped with new features and benefits, they offer a modern bathing solution to users and carers. Highly comfortable and supportive 3D-Spacer fabric is kind to skin as well as being fast drying. Furthermore, the cradle now boasts a seamfree aperture, helping improving tissue viability risks. An easy clunk-click buckle attachment is tension adjustable as well as improving hygiene and infection control. An easy-to-use 45-degree tilt with snag-free operating system requires minimal servicing. Configurable, adjustable, durable, and with optional accessories, the Tilts help make life easier during bathroom activities so what’s not to love? Contact Care & Independence to book a free joint assessment. careandindependence.com
Claiming to be the first and only bathing support system that fits any user and any bath, Aqua Liberty safely holds the bather irrespective of physical and/or neurological conditions, without pressure points and no intervention from carers. There’s also often no need to change the bath! The system comprises a pioneering nonslip base. The base is tailored to each person from AAT’s extensive range of infinitely re-mouldable wipe-clean hygienic vacuum posture cushions, including seat bases, back, trunk and head stabilisation. It is easily removed and stowed compactly away to allow other members of the household to bathe. The multi-purpose cushions can be deployed for other ADLs around the home and beyond, and re-shaped at home, at no cost, as needed. aatgb.com
Aqua Liberty from AAT GB
Tilt-in-space Shower Chair & Cradle from Care & Independence
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Rise &
The Rise & Fall Shower Trolley makes washing and changing of users easier. Functions include Trendelenburg tilt and a 40cm height adjustment range which give superb positioning.
gordonellishealthcare.co.uk
A tough, wipe-clean, anti-microbial vinyl covering is slip resistant plus padded dropdown sides and lockable swivel casters are additional safety features. A removable plug and hose is great for drainage and an encased lower base helps protect the rise & fall mechanism from accidental water damage. With rechargeable powered functionality and 10 size options capable of a safe working load of 200kg, this is a great bathing solution. Offered through a free assessment process, lead times are three weeks from receipt of order. careandindependence.com
gordonellishealthcare.co.uk
The Prima Suction feet is a new and innovative way to fix shower chairs, perching stools and toilet aids to the floor without damaging tiles, laminate, wet rooms, and so on. It provides an improved grip for chairs and frames with no drilling required. It fits 95 per cent of tubular framed products. Three different leg inserts are available – 19mm, 21mm or 25mm. The pivoting head will fit a range of leg angles. It is easy fix – just twist to allow suction. It sticks to most floors leaving no damage. The maximum weight limit 318kg.
54 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
IndependencefromShowerFallTrolleyCare&
The Prima Suction Feet by Gordon Ellis & Co
The Prima Lift by EllisGordon&Co
Designed to help users to discreetly raise the toilet seat, the Prima lift is a completely sealed unit which sits under the existing toilet seat and offers a 5cm raise. It comes with all fixings needed and can be fitted to round, oval and square toilet bowls. Featuring a high gloss and smooth finish it is easy to clean. The maximum user weight is 190kg. It can also be used with the Nobi Toilet seat with arms to raise and support.
For more information visit cosyfeet.com/sellcosyfeet or call Katie House on 01458 449060 WE CAN OFFER YOU A recognised brand that is respected in your market Repeat business from loyal customers who rely on our footwear In-stock service on 95%+ of product lines Potential customers via our website which has over a million visits every year Excellent point of sale support Easy ordering & quick delivery Product training & range advice EXPERTS IN DESIGNING & MANUFACTURING EXTRA-WIDE FOOTWEAR Do you want a well-known brand to draw people into your shop? Why not become a Cosyfeet stockist NEWSTYLESSEASON & COLOURS Designed to assist the user to sit and stand from the toilet or at the bedside, the new Osprey® Toilet Raiser is a brand new addition to the market. It’s height adjustable frame will fit around most domestic toilets and is fully compatible with the Geberit Mera Wash Dry Shower Toilet, battery operated for ease of use in bathroom environments and with a 30 stone SWL its strong, secure and sure to meet the demands of almost everyone. Full 01257demonstrationsUKavailableonrequest: 425623 theospreygroup.co.uk Features/options: • Easy detachable battery does up-to 100 lifts per charge • Can be used as a bedside commode/ battery or plug into mains • Easy push button operation • Modern wipe clean bodywork, fits in with most domestic bathrooms • Wide range of optional extras available Introducing the new Osprey® Toilet Raiser
With adjustable pads and support belts for the head, pelvis and lower limbs, the Turtle ensures comfort and safety. The waterproof Turtle is also equipped with tension-adjustable mesh that moulds to the user’s posture.
The Turtle can even be folded away when not in use, making it ideal for small spaces and shared bathrooms. A range of sizes available and it can accommodate up to 80kg.
Turtle Bath Support from Wealden Rehab
Manufactured from aluminium, which prevents rusting, the Turtle also features a solid-tubed frame that will not float or fill with water. The lightweight design makes it extremely easy to place in and remove from the bath.
wealdenrehab.com
Options Shower & &ChairCommodefromCareIndependence
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With over 3,000 configurations available, this is a chair that delivers an exceptional choice for users and their caregivers. Seat styles, arm and footrests options, height and width, frame finish and fabric colours are just some of the available options!
An Attendant, Self-Propel, Transit or a Static version gives control or independence as required. Suitable for 99 per cent of users, the Options Shower Chair can be used either with a commode or toilet increasing functionality further. Recently redeveloped with new features and benefits, the new Options Shower Chair represents comfort, performance and choice to those with assisted bathroom needs. Available through free joint-assessment.
careandindependence.com
Offering unparalleled flexibility and accompanied by a range of options, retailers should look no further than the aptly named Options Shower & Commode Chair from Care & Independence.
The Turtle Bath Support offers a safe way to bathe children and small adults
Li Lithium-Ion Battery Technology W E I G H S 7 5 % L E S S L A S T S 3 0 0 % L O N G E R C H A R G E S 2 5 % F A S T E R CALL 0844 257 8150 Weighs just 17.9kg! Lightweight, strong & foldable Lifts up to 50kg to car boot level The most advanced folding powerchair range R A N G E EXPLORE OUR OTHER PRODUCTS 180w Motor Lightweight Aluminium Frame Safe For Air Travel 18 Stone Weight Limit F O L D A B L E A R M R E S T S E A S Y C L I P O N B A S K E T E A S I L Y R E M O V A B L E B A T T E R PY R O T E C T I V E T R A V E L C A S E AVAILABLE IN: Grey Red Up to 30 mile range! Heaviest part just 13kg! Heaviest part just 10kg! A C C E S S O R I E S AVAILABLE IN: Blue Purple AVAILABLE IN: Grey AVAILABLE IN: Red Blue AVAILABLE IN: Plum Teal VISIT www motionhealthcare co uk Heaviest part just 10kg! Automatically folds in 7 seconds! Weighs just 22kg with battery
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This organisation is a member of the Association.HealthcareBritishTrades
The Wall Mounted Shower Seat attaches to the wall to provide a seat when showering, then folds up to allow space for others to use the shower. It features two foldout height-adjustable legs for added stability, security and peace of mind. It has a sturdy steel framework with plastic coating for durability and integral hand holds to provide additional user support and a flip-up highdensity seat with drainage holes. The fixing plate comes with six holes for secure wall installation (fasteners not included). Its depth from wall when folded is 12cm. Its weight capacity is 160kg. drivedevilbiss.co.uk
The Saljol indoor rollator can be used as a standing aid around toilets or over sink. It offers a mobile support at home. Suitable even for small apartments, it is movable in a seated position. It has 360-degree swivel wheels that turn on the spot. Different sizes to fit user heights between 1,35 – 2,00 and two frame colours are available. Offering great stability and support it has a weight capacity of 150kg. Accessories available include a back support, cushion seat and wicker basket. rollz.com Wall
58 / www.thiis.co.uk RETAILERS’ BUYING GUIDE
DriveShowerMountedSeatfromDeVilbiss
The updated Blazer has a number of user friendly upgrades and is now even narrower than before. It is still available with either a Sling or Captain seat and a variety of accessories. Tilt-in-Space/ Standard Seat Sling Sitting Adjustable Seat Depth Manual Stepless Recline Nominal Seat Width (inch): 17 / 19 / 20 Blazer Sling Manual Recline NoCaptainTilt-in-SpaceSitting Nominal Seat Width (inch): 18 / 20 Blazer Captain
| 01787 888 106 FEEL MOVED Whill
Style. Freedom. Independence. The Whill C2 promises great design and award-winning innovation to suit any lifestyle. Bluetooth technology allows control of the WHILL remotely through the simple iPhone app. Turn on the spot using the omni-wheels for the tightest turning circle on the market. It’s tough too – the suspension provides the ability to tackle gravel, grass or uneven surfaces with comfort and control. It disassembles easily into four lightweight pieces that easily fit into a standard car boot. tgamobility.co.uk | trade.sales@tgamobility.co.uk C2