THIIS Trade Magazine - July 15

Issue 202 • July 2015

Providing news and views in the trade since 1999

TRADE MAGAZINE

For everything new

Getting creative with competitions STOCKSHOP

25% OFF MAILING OFFER

8 STORES FOR MIDLAND’S RETAILER

DEAL ON OFFERS NEW PRODUCTS NEW FINANCE OPTION

making life better by design “We decided it was time to introduce contemporary design and new levels of comfort to furniture for the independent living sector. We also wanted to make it choosing style, functionality and fabric selection simple.

We created accentu8 - British designed and made rise and recline chairs, engineered and crafted with care and so easy to select for every need. We look forward to the introducing you to accentu8, a world where we redefine motion furniture.�

Angela Gidden MBE, Consultant Creative Director & Designer, accentu8

explore accentu8 today and receive our brochure www.accentu8.net t 01446 776111

…from the editor This month we are featuring a retailer that has built a business which now has 8 locations and another that is looking to license a system that has helped to develop sales over the past few years.

It shows that there are plenty of opportunities to grow businesses in our marketplace and we also have an article that points you in the right direction if you are looking to do that through Social Media.

Suppliers making it easier to do business will be music to many retailers’ ears and we feature one manufacturer that is looking to do just that.

We also have details of one of the new exhibitors at Trade Days this year and take a look at why the company is going to be there. The show floor is looking very interesting for the second time Trade Days has run, with the vast majority of trade suppliers taking space, so make a date to be there for a useful couple of days (Oct 18-19, NEC)

David N Russell

34

“Our trade prices are even more competitive, with riser recliners starting from just £299”

36

“Visitors to your page will make judgements about your business based on its appearance”

42

“There’s no doubt that these products will become more attractive as ‘normal’ retail items”

46

Editor

“It makes sense to look to licence reputable retailers in key areas throughout the UK”

Don’t be shy, why not get in touch...

On the front...

Editor

A very different promotion. See more on page 32

David N Russell Tel: 01536 710050 E-mail: info@thiis.co.uk

Assistant Editor

Advertising Enquiries

Calvin Barnett 01933 278086 newsroom@thiis.co.uk

Ed, Jayne or Sue 01536 317000 advertising@thiis.co.uk

You can find THIIS on Twitter at: wwwthiiscouk

www.thiis.co.uk 3

18th & 19th October 2015 / NEC Birmingham

Mark, Able2

Daniel, TGA

Join us again at the UK’s sole TRADE ONLY business to business event for the mobility, living aids and assistive technology industry.

Meet over 150 suppliers

Linda, Freerider

Network with 1,500 of your colleagues and friends Take advantage of the exclusive trade deals and save £££ Tom, Flexel

Elaine, Electric Mobility

David, Primacare

Matt, MK Battery

Choose from a packed programme of free business, sales and marketing seminars all designed to grow your business “Trade Days has been extremely informative for me in my role and being a trade only event means the exhibitors have time to talk to you and answer any technical questions you may have. There has been loads to see!!”

Elwin Harker, Service Engineer, Burnham Mobility

Supported by:

Mark, Karma

Register for your FREE place now

We guarantee you’ll see all the suppliers you need at TRADE DAYS this year…

A & D Instruments Ltd Able2 UK Ltd Ableworld Franchise accentu8 Access Needs Active Living by Paroh Aidapt Bathrooms All Batteries UK amplicomms Assistive Partner Ltd Autochair Ltd BATHEX (Bathroom + Shower Accessories) Ltd Beauty & Brows BES Rehab Ltd BHTA Bibbleplus Dignity Bibs Blue Badge Company Brig-Ayd Control Camelot Furniture Capatex Medical Care Designs CEDAB Cefndy Healthcare & Manufacturing Classic Canes Cosyfeet COTSSIP Courtney Associates CPC Battery Services Dartex Coatings Drive Medical Ltd Easy Move Sheets Easylink UK Eazy Beds Electric Mobility Euro Electric-Trikes-N-Bikes Embryonyx Ltd Enable Access Etac supplied by R82 UK Ltd Eurocastors Experia

F A Parkes/STABILUS UK First Senior Group Flexel UK Ltd Flexyfoot Forever Living Freerider UK Ltd Furmanac Geemarc Telecom Ltd Globaleather.com Guy-Raymond Engineering Company Haze Batteries UK Ltd Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society Healthcare Distribution Direct Ltd Healthcare Matters Here To Help Mobility Company Ltd Hertford Shelving Shopfitters HMS Pharmaouest Horizon Mobility Ltd Hospital Direct Incy Wincy - Specialist in Incontinence Swimwear Isagi Ltd Ivanhoe Trading Ltd Jetmarine Karapharm Karma Mobility Kinetic Media Limited Kymco Healthcare UK Langham GE Leoch Battery Shenzhen Corp Lifemax Limbo Products Loxfield Innovative Products Mackworth Healthcare Manbat Mark Bates Limited Medequip MG Retail Consulting MK Battery Mobility Choices

Monarch Ontex Healthcare UK Ltd OPPO Osprey Healthcare Patterson Medical Ltd PDS Hygiene Platinum Batteries POTS Global Primacare Primacare Prestige Recliners Redwood TTM Repose Furniture Ltd Rika Care Rise and Recline Ltd Roma Medical Royams Sandpiper Scooter Pac Scootertech Ltd Sidhil Limited Simplantex Healthcare Ltd Spearhead Trade Special Kids Co Steroplast Healthcare Ltd Sunrise Medical Ltd Swallow Evacuation and Mobility Products Limited Symmetrikit Tap2tag Tente Castors LTD TGA Electric Leisure Ltd The Kirton Healthcare Group The Ramp People The Sticker Haus UK Ltd Topro Ltd Uniscan Van Os Medical UK Ltd Z-Tec Mobility

…and many more

at www.tradedays.co.uk/thiis

VAT update worth a look A THIIS reader has highlighted that on reading an update to VAT rules he noticed something that he believes may catch companies out.

In the VAT notice that was published in December last year, he was struck by the wording relating to the supply of products to someone who is a resident in a Nursing Home or who is in hospital.

The notice is - VAT Notice 701/7: VAT reliefs for disabled and older people and the wording is in section 3 - Customer eligibility. Under section 3.4, entitled - What does for ‘domestic or personal use’ mean?, the notice states….

‘Domestic or personal use’ means that the supply is needed specifically for the use of a disabled individual or series of disabled individuals. The following are excluded from the term ‘domestic or personal use’, and not eligible for VAT relief: • goods and services used for business purposes • supplies of eligible goods made widely available for a whole group of people to use as they wish, for example, a stair lift installed in a charity building and made available for the general use or convenience of all those chronically sick or disabled persons who might need it, rather than for the personal use of specified individuals • goods and services supplied to: an inpatient or resident of a hospital or nursing home • any person attending the premises of a hospital or nursing home for care or treatment • any other person or commercial establishment, with the exception of a charity, where the goods are for use by, or in connection with, care provided to an inpatient or resident of a health institution or to a patient whilst attending the premises of a health institution where the items are 6 www.thiis.co.uk

intended for use in the care or treatment provided in the relevant hospital, nursing home or health institution - for more information see VAT Notice 701/31 Health and Care institutions.

To gain clarification we asked BHTA’s Director of Governance & Policy Development, Sarah Lepak, to give us her view and this is what she told us: “This particular aspect has, in fact, not changed, but there have been some changes between the version published in December and the one which preceded it and its difficult to list them in isolation, but, for example, the main difference is that it contains additional information about goods and services for older people that can be reduced rated for VAT (see section 9). There is also different wording to describe who decides whether goods or services qualify for zero-rating (2.3) with the emphasis on the supplier getting written confirmation of the designer’s intention or the design specification of the product from the manufacturer to evidence that the product is eligible.”

“My understanding is that equipment supplied to ‘an in-patient or resident of a hospital or nursing home’ is excluded because it is assumed the equipment is intended for use in the course of care or treatment provided in that setting and should therefore be subject to the rules around ‘Health and care institutions’. The guidance for that scenario (VAT Notice 701/31 clause 2.11) says there is an exception for wheelchairs and this may be why some confusion has crept in.”

Sarah added: “I would advise everyone to re-read the guidance as it’s easy to lose sight of what it actually says. If you are in any doubt, apply the standard rate of VAT.” You can see the updated notice at https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/vatnotice-7017-vat-reliefs-for-disabled-people

YOUR PERSONALISED RETAIL CATALOGUE STOCKIST BOX CATALOGUE

NOW AVAILABLE

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With 54 pages divided into nine categories, the A4 catalogue contains over 850 of our best selling retail products.

who VAT Relief VAT relief for those are eligible for lower VAT this catalogue this applies, the Certain items in if the disability. Where on your order, sick or have a are chronically and may be claimed shown in brackets is stated. exempt price is and the disability a signed (below) is signed as we must have declaration box telephone orders on unsure as are you claimed If be with every order.

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YOUR UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BRAND YOUR OWN CATALOGUE AND INCREASE YOUR SALES

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SU MMER 2 015 DESIGN YOUR OWN CATALOGUE COVER

YOUR OPTIONS

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ADD YOUR OWN A5 ORDER FORM INSERT

A. Mobility Address Tel: 0800 000 0000 www.website.co.uk

A. Mobility We supply: • Scooters • Stairlifts • Wheelchair • Rise/Recliners

• Electric Beds • Daily Living Aids • On Site Workshop • Servicing & Repairs

20XX/XX A MOBILITY Did you know we also supply: l Scooters l Stairlifts l Vast range of Wheelchairs

GO ONE STEP FURTHER WITH AN A4 WRAP AROUND More space for your company and product information

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Contact your Patterson Medical Area Sales Manager

Tel: 08444 124 330 Email: retail.sales@pattersonmedical.com www.pattersonmedical.co.uk

Mail Order Catalogue

l Rise & Recline Electric Chairs l Electric beds

www.website.co.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

EXAMPLE 6

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Prism adds Mackworth to growing portfolio Prism Medical UK has announced the acquisition of Mackworth Healthcare Ltd, a manufacturer and supplier of slings, hoists and shower chairs.

Bridgend based Mackworth has been manufacturing healthcare products for more than 30 years, serving both UK and global markets.

The company says that the Mackworth and Prism product portfolios are complementary and it is expected the combined offering will generate considerable benefits for customers. Neil Smith will continue in his role as Managing Director of Mackworth, specifically focusing on the growth and development of sales in their current product range.

Prism says that it has witnessed remarkable growth in recent times, both organically and through last year’s acquisitions of occupational training company HME Ltd. and The Mobility

Equipment Company.

Commenting on the acquisition, Prism CEO Stuart Meldrum said: “Our aim is to deliver superior solutions with exceptional service. With this in mind, I feel the strategic acquisition of Mackworth will certainly offer our customers a much broader product solution; and a significant uplift in our service provision is expected for customers of both organisations.”

Neil Smith, Mackworth MD added: “Mackworth has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, for which we can be immensely proud. In joining the Prism group, I am excited to say we have a real opportunity to accelerate the growth of the Mackworth brand.”

Sunrise Medical acquired by Handicare owners Nordic Capital Fund VII has acquired Sunrise Medical from Equistone Partners Europe. Nordic Capital acquired Handicare in 2010.

Thomas Roßnagel, President & CEO of Sunrise Medical commented: “I am extremely pleased that with Nordic Capital we were able to attract one of the most knowledgeable and experienced financial sponsors in our space. This new partnership puts Sunrise Medical in a perfect position to significantly grow the business over the coming years, organically and also by way of acquisitions.”

Fredrik Näslund, Partner, NC Advisory AB, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds comments: “Nordic Capital is very enthusiastic about this investment and to further build upon its platform in the mobility solution segment. With both Handicare, acquired in 2010, and now Sunrise Medical in Nordic Capital’s portfolio, there are plenty of opportunities to strengthen both businesses. Over the coming months we will work with both Management Teams to identify these opportunities.”

A Range Of Quality Non-Slip Products

Isagi’s Official Distributor Into The Homecare Market E-mail: enquiries@able2.eu 8 www.thiis.co.uk

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Earn up to an amazing

£1,000 through the Stiltz Lift referral scheme:

• Exciting and unique product offering; an easy referral.

• Great commission structure.

• Various sizes of eye catching point of sale.

• Simple process, just collect the client details and we do the rest.

Introducing the new Stiltz Lifts

Lead Referral Scheme • Smallest footprint of any home lift.

• A neat and discreet alternative to a stairlift.

• Surprisingly affordable lift options, prices start from just £8,999.

• No load bearing walls required; it can fit almost anywhere, even in a small cupboard.

• Aesthetically pleasing; a lift to be proud of.

• One day installation, with minimal disruption.

For more information call

0844 870 9087

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Retailer snaps up first Agility scooter The Mobility Aids Centre has just taken delivery of the very first Agility scooter in the UK. The brand new Kymco scooter had impressed Jason Watling from the retailer when he saw photographs of the latest model a while ago.

Steve Perry, Marketing & Business Development Manager for the retailer told us: Kymco’s Nick Peel showed Jason the early images of the new scooter and he took the view that it was continuing the modern looks and style being developed by the company. We are building a strong relationship with Kymco and receiving high levels of service and so we were more than happy to be the first retailer to ‘put pen to paper’ with an order.”

Steve added: “When we saw the scooter ‘in the flesh’ we weren’t disappointed and we are

sure that it won’t be sat in the showroom too long before a customer buys it.”

Nick is pictured with members of the Kymco team, including new Vice President Mr Lee (2nd from left in photo) and Mobility Aids Centre owner David Watling.

For more information on the new scooter, call 01656 670095. The website is at www.kymcohealthcare.com

Does advertising in THIIS work?

Does advertising work in THIIS magazine.

This is what Julian Cobbledick of Assistive Partner thinks…

“We supply a range of software for healthcare.

Since our company’s formation in 2007, Assistive Partner has grown consistently and profitably each year. Somehow, all of that growth has been driven by word of mouth and referral (with the odd successful tender thrown in).

Like any expanding organisation though, to continue the momentum, there has inevitably come a time when we have had to invest in some limited promotional activity. Our first attempt has been very successful and has yielded an excellent return on investment.

And it’s thanks to THIIS magazine. Our first series of three advertisements has resulted in a number of high quality leads and several 10 www.thiis.co.uk

sales. So we have decided to extend the THIIS advertising campaign, try a few new offers in DealON! and generally embark on increasing our marketing efforts on several fronts.

I can honestly say that our experience clearly shows that advertising to mobility retailers in THIIS gets results. Thank you.”

Julian Cobbledick, Director, Assistive Partner

in the frame

Prism donation Prism Medical UK has donated ÂŁ1,000 to the Matt Hampson Foundation in support of their plans to build a new rehabilitation centre.

The Matt Hampson Foundation provides advice, support, relief and treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in sport.

The ‘Get Busy Living Centre’ will be the first of its kind for the foundation, and the build is currently in its initial stages.

RoSPA award for Mangar Mangar International is among the winners in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2015. The company has won the Silver award in the prestigious annual scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

The RoSPA Awards, date back 59 years and are non-competitive, grading achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels.

For more information on the awards, go to www.rospa.com/awards

New Betterlife store in Birmingham The second Betterlife store opened a few weeks ago in Sheldon, Birmingham.

We wrote about the first Betterlife store, which opened in Leeds, a few months ago. The latest store was opened by This Morning presenter, Alison Hammond.

12 www.thiis.co.uk

Summer is here...

Refresh your showroom with 3 sizzling scooters Ventura

Gas strut tiller Stylish LCD panel Range up to 23 miles Colour Black or Silver

Vision

Pioneer Waterproof panel Sliding swivel seat Range up to 35 miles Colour Black or Red

NEW USB port NEW Gas Strut Tiller LED lighting system Range up to 27 miles Colour Black or Silver

Call now & order today for your showroom.

0800 252 614

sales@electricmobility.co.uk electricmobility.co.uk

in the frame Cake bake for bed sheets company Emsec Easy Move Sheets turned from sewing to cooking to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. The team baked cakes to sell on their local trading estate.

Design Director Jane Allen explains. “Very many of our customers are those with Parkinson’s and our special low friction bed sheets make it much easier to turn and reposition in bed. Our Cake Bake was a small way of supporting the fantastic work that Parkinson’s UK does for the 127,000 people and their families who have to deal with Parkinson’s every day.”

The website for the company is at www.easymovesheets.com

Apprentices get on their bikes for competition PLS, the vehicle access lift manufacturer, has designed and built a winning bespoke bicycle for a unique competition to illustrate the skill of its engineering team.

PLS Apprentices submitted an entry to ‘Bespoked - The Constructors Challenge 2015. The top six designs will be showcased at Bristol’s prestigious Arnolfini Gallery.

Adam Beck, PLS Manager Director commented: “The project incorporated as many ‘lift product’ components as possible. Our Apprentices were pushed to the limit and we successfully tested a pioneering new adhesive on the frame that can potentially replace riveting.”

The website for the company is at www.passengerliftservices.co.uk

Manufacturer of the year award Platinum Stairlifts picked up the Manufacturer of the Year and Excellence in Overseas Export at the annual Keighley Business Awards.

Marketing Manager at Platinum, Mark Gash, says, “Our commitment to UK manufacturing means that the quality and safety of our British-built products is second-to-none and is the reason our stairlifts are sold in over 40 countries around the world.”

Established in 1996, the company manufactures both straight and curved stairlifts from four sites in Yorkshire.

For more information, visit www.platinumstairlifts.com

in the frame First UK customer for carbon fibre chair Wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn has become the first person in the UK to be supplied with a new ‘every day’ carbon fibre wheelchair from Ottobock.

Provided by Bromakin Wheelchairs, the Voyager Evo wheelchair is, according to the company, made to the highest quality, designed for active wheelchair users and is nearly indestructible. The chair is built in Germany on a modular system.

For more information, visit the website at www.ottobock.co.uk

Money and product donation from Niagara Niagara Therapy has recently made a donation of £1000 to CHEC located in North Chailey.

CHEC opened in 1995 to provide a professional working environment for young, physically disabled people who had left formal education and experienced problems accessing open employment because of their disability.

As well as the financial donation, Niagara Therapy also donated some of their Cyclo-Therapy vibration massage products too. Cyclo-Therapy works on a three-dimensional “cycloidal vibration” which is non-invasive, giving a gentle and relaxing experience while stimulating the blood flow and muscles.

For more information on Niagara, visit www.niagaratherapy.co.uk. To learn more about the work of CHEC and the services offered visit www. chec.co.uk.

Companies added as group grows Spectrum Healthcare UK Ltd and Hospital Aids have added two further companies to the group - Marsden Fire Safety Ltd and MFS Fire Extinguishers. The company says that it has had a close working relationship with both for the best part of ten years.

Both companies have relocated from Nelson in Lancashire to the Northampton premises.

The website for Spectrum Healthcare is at www.spectrumhealthcare.co.uk

16 www.thiis.co.uk

Surfaces from Sidhil... ...safe, ...secure, ...supportive Acclaim Pro

Acclaim VE

Softrest

Solite Zoned Contour

ACCLAIM FLOW

From high performance dynamics to pressure relieving statics - Sidhil has a surface to match every requirement!

PRESSURE MAPPING SERVICE AND CONTINUOUS IN BED PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS NOW AVAILABLE

...made in the UK >>Visit our website: www.sidhil.com

...making it better

T. 01422 233 000 E. sales@sidhil.com

top trade deals

DealON!

£150 off the new Folding Maximo Mobility Scooter from TGA

Looking for a deal? Then this is the place to come. Deal On features the best trade deals you will find this month. Just pick up the phone to take advantage...

It also includes next generation adjustable armrests, pneumatic tyres and an ultra-lightweight lithium battery.

All offers are valid until July 31st 2015 unless otherwise stated.

01787 882244 sales@tgamobility.co.uk

Free Flyers From Platinum Batteries!

For every order of a Platinum Battery or collection of your scrap batteries throughout the month of July, receive a FREE Flyer / E-shot design and poster helping you to grow your battery sales. With our inhouse design team, we can bring you this service free of charge.

Folded in seconds, the larger version of the bestselling Minimo provides an enhanced driving experience and increased user weight capacity – without any loss of transportability.

Two Free Home Delivery Smartphone Apps (worth £750)* UNIQUS® iRetailer. Stock & barcode management software specially designed for the complexities of mobility retailers.

Affordable subscription. No big initial outlay. Fully integrate your quotation, sales, purchasing and stock process on one platform.

Cloud based and paperless, iRetailer will help you gain efficiency, save money and increase sales time. See our advertisement in this issue or www.assistivepartner.co.uk/iretailer.aspx. *Requires Windows Mobile.

To place your order contact us on 0161 876 3372.

Order before end July 2015 to qualify.

Flexyfoot are pleased to be offering 5% off all orders over £150

FREE van or parcel nationwide delivery

(Excluding postage) placed and paid for in July 2015.

To take advantage of this offer please contact us at sales@flexyfoot.com for further information.

Offer is available to all trade customers.

Wheelchair & scooter bags from Able2 UK Ltd – Buy 15 bags and get 15% off trade price • Crutch/Walking Stick Bags • Wheelchair Bags • Scooter Bags

• ‘Mix n match’ bag types

To Order Or For Further Information Please Contact Able2 below and quote DEALON/2 T: 01254 619000 E: enquiries@able2.eu www.able2.eu

18 www.thiis.co.uk

On all Haze branded battery orders over £100 Contact sales@easystartbatteries.co.uk or call 01536203030 for more details.

KYMCO Healthcare Midi XMB Scooter Offer – £775 each!

Limited stock available – Ex Royal British Legion Contract • Finished in exclusive metallic • Puncture proof tyres • Full lighting pack with Sky Blue indicators & Brake lights • 4 mph top speed • Delta tiller handlebars • Manual handbrake • 2 x Rear view mirrors • Front & rear adjustable • Steel Front bumper suspension Plus a FREE KYMCO mobile phone charging adapter which simply plugs into the scooter’s charging socket!

(Part No: GH-1426-A0 worth £31 RRP) Only available while stocks last call us on 01656 645755

3 months free!

Did you know we offer 3 months mobility scooter and powerchair cover, including new and reconditioned scooters, to all customers completely free of charge! Our mobility scooter cover ensures customers are covered for compensation claims and breakdown recovery with no excess to pay should they need to make a claim.

Call now on 01476 591104 www.premiercare.info sales@markbatesltd.com

First come first served offer!!

Expedition Blue 19” Travel Chair – Order Product Code EXP001BL Attractive blue finish, stylish side panels, tool free height adjustable foot plates RRP £340 – Trade £89 – Offer Price £55 Only 50 available at this price.

Call Drive Medical on 01422 314488 or email info@drivemedical.co.uk

Confidence Security Style unique shock absorbing ferrule upgrades canes, • The sticks and crutches – 4 sizes available great new range of specially designed telescopic • Asticks, folding sticks and urban hiking poles with a

choice of colour, handles and accessories (including a bad weather Flexyfoot Ice Foot)

surveyed report: • Customers 98% would recommend Flexyfoot to a friend

Ongoing deals throughout 2015 On Sitting Pretty’s Zip speed 48hr delivery dual motor lift & recline chairs: Brinsley, Lambley, Tuxford in sand fabric at just £450! Bridgford fully upholstered adjustable beds...

With deluxe memory foam mattresses in Cocoa or Sand fabric; 3ft single bed £425 / 5ft dual operated double bed £685.

Please quote “Deal on” on any orders placed to receive these fantastic trade discounts.

Call 01773 811610 to receive fabric samples and our new 48 page 2015 trade brochure

78% felt safe and more secure 77% had less aches and pains

British product (patented world-wide and design • Aregistered) with an international market* * Distributors in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA

by informative, eye-catching • Supported promotional material (leaflets, editorial and advertising in national press, dedicated Flexyfoot website and in-store display units)

FREE Point of sale Finance training available to increase sales!

For more information contact the office on 01582 842224 or email t.smith@firstsenior.com

For more information on the Flexyfoot brand or Flexyfoot ferrules, sticks and walking poles visit www.flexyfoot.com or call 0800 0285888

Well-known and well-liked.....a tribute to a colleague and friend A few weeks ago the industry lost one of its biggest characters when Phil Isherwood, CEO of NRS Healthcare, passed away.

Phil, known as ‘the Silver Fox’ to many was President of the BHTA, a role he took up after three years as Chairman.

Phil helped and encouraged a number of people in our industry, including ourselves. He was well-known and he was well-liked.

Here, Ray Hodgkinson, until recently BHTA Director General and someone who spent a lot of time with Phil over the years, writes a few words about a real gentleman who will be sadly missed.

A tribute to Phil by Ray Hodgkinson, MBE I sat down to write this tribute to Phil Isherwood with very mixed emotions; when we lose such a larger than life person at such a young age the world seems a very unfair place.

Strangely that name Isherwood was part of my life in the 1940s. We lived next door to the ‘Isherwoods’ and of course many years later I did ask Phil if any of his relations came from Chorley? The chances of that were of course extremely remote but we did have a laugh about it; his family was more established in Blackburn, not that far away.

I used to play a lot of cricket and that was where the name ‘Isherwood’ touched my life again. Phil was a competitive and keen cricketer and had a nickname ‘Maradonna’ because of his ability to kick the ball away. I do have one fantastic memory of witnessing him playing - yes he bowled hard and did kick the ball well!

The ‘Hat Trick’ of Isherwoods was our meeting through the BHTA at Section meetings where we seemed to have a mutual respect and similar thinking. He became very supportive of the Association and in particular gave me considerable encouragement.

I learnt early on of Phil’s practical, often blunt but common sense approach to issues. He analysed problems swiftly and cut through the irrelevances, looking to get the best possible outcome as quickly as possible. That suited me and our discussions were often blunt and fast reacting. He always wanted to see a better future for both people and business.

What I can only describe as ‘teaming up’ came about on an evening train from Kings Cross to Grantham. I had been trying to identify members who might have the time and interest to join the Board of Management and I tentatively enquired if he would be interested in putting himself forward.

20 www.thiis.co.uk

His response was clear “Do you think I could add value? How much time does it involve, as I would only want to be involved if in the time I give I can do it properly”. I have to say I encouraged him with a bit of sales talk as I could see he was quite keen but concerned that he could do a good job. “Do you think I would be OK” he continued, “Of course!” I replied. “OK then - how do I go about it?” he asked.

That was the first of many encounters with “I learnt early on of Phil’s the same no nonsense and direct responses; I practical, often blunt but common always knew where I was. sense approach to issues” Phil joining the Board of Management and all his contributions to the various activities of the Secretariat were invaluable and he became a friend to all of us. As Chair and the President of the Association he brought a ‘gravitas’ to both roles. We should all be thankful for the legacy he leaves of respect and honesty which impressed so many in government (national and locally).

I miss those early morning calls to find out how matters were and the encouragement he gave me. I will certainly remember Phil for the confidence and guidance he gave me.

Knowing his zest for life he would be saying enjoy and make the most of what you have – you only have one chance!

Phil on the front page of the magazine, being interviewed a couple of years ago.

Summer

Mobility For Life

WILMSLOW

Dual Motor Fabric Recliner

ZT-TRI WLK NB

£255.00 each

Folding Steel Tri-Walker

(normal price £299.00)

10 at £25.00 each

320-0147-BE

(normal price £32.00) 130-3023

Available in Beige, Chocolate or Terracota Fabric

Available colours: Blue

Red

STAR BUY UK-WALKER

ZT-702E

Folding Lightweight Aluminium Rollator

£37.00 each

(normal price £42.00 each)

Extremely portable due to ‘Double Fold’ mechanism

£59.00 each

ZT-NUEVO

(normal price £72.00)

Folding Lightweight Compact Aluminium Rollator

130-4809

2 at £38.00 each

130-4800

(normal price £48.00 each)

Available colours: Blue

130-4804

Red

Available colours:

Silver

ZT-LITE ROLLATOR

Blue

Red

Folding Lightweight Compact Aluminium Rollator

ZT-FALCON

2 at £36.00 each

(normal price £45.00 each)

Lightweight stylish rollator

130-4803

£59.50 each

(normal price £65.00 each)

Available colours:

130-4802

Available colours: Blue

Red

Blue

Red

Silver

White

ZT-600-601 AE HB

Folding Aluminium Transit Wheelchair with attendant handbrakes

ZT-699

Folding Commode

2 at £66.00 each

(normal price £90.00 each)

3 at £16.00 each (normal price £29.50) 210-0110

160-0207

Available colours: Blue

Red

ZT-LITE TR 18

Lightweight Folding Aluminium Transit Wheelchair

£125.50 each

(normal price £140.00 each) 160-0210

more fantastic offers available online at www.z-tec.co.uk SUMMER OFFERS (valid 29th June 2015 - 28th August 2015)

The best choice for your quality mobility products T: 01384 481 111

F: 01384 480 050

Easy Living Mobility: 14 years of growth Having started back in 2001 with only one small retail store in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Easy Living Mobility has seen tremendous growth and success over the last 14 years.

Now with 8 stores across the West Midlands and Staffordshire including their superstore in Walsall – the mobility retailer shared some of their experiences.

The store originally came from a furniture background and interestingly manufactured items such as rise and recline chairs before moving into the retail sector. As the market and range of products available grew, Easy Living Mobility grew with it. Now the company offers consumers an extensive range of products and services, including stairlifts, specialist seating,

Company directors, Daniel Griffiths and Nathan Bevan at a store opening with someone quite familiar!

fitted bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens, mobility scooters and more.

KEY TO SUCCESS Speaking with Tom Dobson, Service Manager for Easy Living Mobility, about what has been the key to the Easy Living Mobility’s success, he told us: “For us, it has always been just moving forward. The business grew and we saw opportunities in different areas and moved into those areas. Also, importantly, we diversified; we now do wetroom conversions, adapted bathrooms, bedroom furniture, adapted kitchens, low level work tops, dropdown cupboards and more.”

There are now 8 stores in the group

22 www.thiis.co.uk

Roma Medical

AVANT Wheelchairs

1610: Avant Self Propelled Wheelchair

1630: Avant Car Transit Wheelchair

1610 July Offer Price:

1630 July Offer Price:

£69.00 each £62.00 each (Offer Code – HCP/G8) Roma Medical Aids York Road Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3TB Telephone : 01656 674488 Facsimile : 01656 674499 Email : sales@romamedical.co.uk www.romamedical.co.uk

By spotting key growth areas in the marketplace, Easy Living Mobility has been able to continuously offer customers a varied range of products.

“The bathrooms are quite a big thing for us, as well as wetroom conversions. As we learnt of new suppliers, we brought on new products” said Tom. STAND OUT MOMENTS With 14 years of success, Easy Living Mobility has enjoyed some rather remarkable moments, including some rather unique ones such as having a Queen look-a-like cut the ribbon to their Walsall superstore.

When asked what the most memorable moments were for Easy Living Mobility, Tom said: “Opening the stores to be honest. Especially over the last 12 months which saw us open our biggest store yet in Walsall. It is quite a lot bigger than all the other stores, 3000 square feet and emphasises the ‘lifestyle’ aspect of our business.

We have living room set ups, bathroom set ups and kitchen set ups which gives a bit of a different experience for customers compared to other retail stores.”

FUTURE SUCCESS FACTORS Offering more of an experience in their stores and providing an environment which allows customers to visualise how the products can fit into their lifestyles is one that Easy Living Mobility see as being the next step to their continued success.

Tom commented: “It is becoming a lot more about lifestyle. People want to be able to picture what the products will look like in their own homes rather than walking into a store and just seeing a lot of product.”

24 www.thiis.co.uk

As well as offering customers a more lifestyle orientated experience in-store, Easy Living Mobility is also focusing a lot of attention on improving their online presence. Tom commented on the shift they have seen in their customers over the past 14 years.

“The customers we see have changed significantly over the last 14 years. When we first started, it was generally your 70 to 80 year olds but now people are living longer and being diagnosed with illnesses like arthritis and diabetes younger.”

Understanding the shift in consumers’ needs and buying behaviour, the retailer re-launched their website in 2014 whilst continuing to diversify their product ranges to ensure that their customers were able to find the right products.

Discussing the website, Tom said: “It is still a work in progress, as we are putting all the products on there and we do such a massive range of different products, we want to be sure they are in there, easy to find and looking good.

Over the next 12 months, we will be taking professional photos and videos of products, and will look to push the website a lot more.”

The retailer has also become accredited with the Motability scheme.

Even though there may be more products in the market, new customers and different ways of buying, it is Easy Living Mobility’s continuing understanding of their market and importantly, their customers’ wants and needs that will ensure another 14 years of success for the retailer.

To find out more about Easy Living Mobility, visit www.easylivingmobility.co.uk

Bathroom adaptations have been one of the areas of growth

GEL BATTERIES

Heavy Duty Reliability

Consistant performance all year round.

Designed for frequent use.

Haze Batteries UK Ltd Tel: 01536205952 Website: www.hazebattery.com Email: sales@hazebatteryuk.com

• SUITABLE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES • LONGER LASTING • DEEPER DISCHARGE • TEMPERATURE RESISTANT TECHNOLOGY

Free showroom banner offer from TGA Retailers who purchase two TGA Powerpacks in one order qualify for a free, eye-catching roll-up graphic banner for their showroom.

TGA says that the mobile roll-up graphic will help generate sales and its effective design will explain to customers the lifestyle benefits of choosing a TGA Wheelchair Powerpack.

There are only a select number of banners in stock and are only available for a limited period of time* so if you want a banner, contact TGA’s Powerpack Product Specialist, Eric Cooper on

07850 882594 or email eric. cooper@tgamobility.co.uk Please include ‘FREE BANNER’ on your order to qualify. One per retailer. * Contact TGA for closing date.

Sale of Etac and Balder Powered Wheelchairs discontinued After losing significant shares of its domestic market in Norway, Etac says that the company has reluctantly decided to discontinue the sale of Etac and Balder powered wheelchairs in all of its markets, including the UK. The company says that the discontinuation notice is only for new chairs and that warranty issues, regular servicing, sale of spare parts and repairs will continue to be supplied through Etac UK Ltd. Any questions regarding the discontinuation of new power chair sales should be directed to Kieron Slocombe or Justin Clarke via Etac UK on 01256 767181 or email info@etacuk.com

26 www.thiis.co.uk

EZ Adjustable Bed Rail (with pouch)

30” Safety Bed Rail

4 The only bed rail that adjusts in length after installation 4 Side rail prevents the user from falling out of bed 4 Doubles up as a support bar for getting in and out of bed 4 The rail folds down and out of the way when not in use 4 Can be installed on either side of the bed

4 Side rail prevents the user from falling out of bed 4 Doubles up as a support bar for getting in and out of bed 4 This rail folds down and out of the way when not in use 4 A great home care product for anyone who has in bed 4

security issues Stylish, modern design

Bed Rail Range

Bed Rail Advantage Traveller 4 The most portable bed rail on the market 4 4 4

that requires no assembly Folds up neatly for travel and even fits in a suitcase!

Attaches to any size of home or hospital bed frame with included safety strap Includes 4-pocket organiser for keeping handy items close by

Bedside Econorail

Mobility Bed Rail

4 The most portable bed rail in the world!

4 Wherever the user travels getting out of

4 Legs extend to the ground for extra

4 4

bed will never be easier Strong, elegant, lightweight design – only weighs 0.7kg!

Quick and easy assembly – no tools required

stability whilst standing

4 A third pivot arm provides extra 4 4

support when walking away or transferring to a wheelchair This rail will help you get in-and-out of bed and protect the user whilst in bed Slick, modern design

For full product specifications please visit www.able2.eu or see our Trade Catalogue

To view our Bed Rail Range please scan the adjoining QR Code

www.able2.eu

For any further details please contact us below: Tel: 01254 619000 Fax: 01254 619001 Email: enquiries@able2.eu Head Office: Able2 UK Ltd. Moorgate Street, Blackburn, BB2 4PB

25% off mailing offer for THIIS readers A few months ago we ran an offer from a specialist direct mail company relating to postcards. Now we have another, this time for letters.

The first offer followed an article that appeared that suggested companies should re-consider direct mail options if they had ‘fallen off the radar’ in preference to email marketing. The article suggested that email marketing was becoming harder and harder to achieve results through, primarily due to the amount being sent – just check your ‘In Box’ for confirmation of that!

So, this is the second from Stannp.com (clearly an advocate of direct mail). The company is a fast growing new technology company who describe themselves as ‘breaking the mould with direct mail and delivering it into the 21st century’.

Having launched an automated bespoke postcard service last year they are now offering the ability to send letters in envelopes too. The process is very simple - you provide the creative elements such as images, messages, data and pdf files, they then personalise print, insert and dispatch on your behalf. In many cases they do this for less than the cost of a stamp and in most cases for less than the cost of a franking machine.

Darren Stepsky of Stannp.com told us: “We have proved time and again that there is

28 www.thiis.co.uk

definitely a place for direct marketing in the modern world and if anything using direct mail should enable you to stand out from the ever deafening crowd of online advertisers.”

The THIIS reader offer is 25% off an initial order from the published prices on their website for letters and or postcards on orders up to 1,000 “Using direct mail should enable items.

To give you an idea you to stand out from the ever Stannp currently charge deafening crowd of online 40p for an A6 postcard, 45p for an A5 postcard advertisers” and 41p for an A4 letter in a DL envelope. Prices do get cheaper based on volume. These are total prices excluding VAT and guess what, there is no licking and sticking, writing out addresses, printing labels, fussing with mail merges – Stannp do it all for you.

To talk to them about the offer, just contact them and mention THIIS magazine. Call Darren on 01992 633667 or 07939 039101 or email him at darren@stannp.com

The world’s first fold-away mobility scooter canopy Looks Turned out like rain? sunny? fold out the user-friendly canopy for protection...

fold it back easily for a breezy ride.

Its all in the fold…

Speedy

No long waits for a canopy to be made, and with the added benefit of it fitting virtually every scooter - instantly!

Versatile

From the largest 8mph scooters through to the smallest car-transportable, the ScooterPac’s clever design means one size fits all.

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Aluminium construction for long term durability and no chance of rust! And state-of-the-art cover material too!

Call 0330241733

scooterpac.com

tweet... tweet

Tweet... Tweet... Who’s there?

Here’s another set of ‘tweets’ that we like…

Using strong headlines, just as in normal advertising, will get the click through’s

Who are you saying thank you to for their support?

Someone new in the team?

Then let people know

Employee of the month awards – easy to do and can generate great press if used properly

Making it personal, this time with a cake bake

An example of some humour tied in with a topical reference too

Remember that you can follow THIIS at @wwwthiiscouk 30 www.thiis.co.uk

Power for the extra mile.

Strident Batteries from Ivanhoe.

Motivated by a history of success in providing high performance battery power to the mobility market, Ivanhoe is proud of the range of Strident batteries that has been tried, tested and proven over years of service in many vital applications.

Our passion for producing a quality, reliable product with outstanding customer service underlies the success which you can rely on every time.

Ivanhoe – where expertise exceeds your expectation.

Please contact our sales team to find out more about the full Ivanhoe mobility range of products.

UK central sales line: Tel: 0845 555 55 11 | Fax: 0845 555 55 22 Email: sales@ivanhoe.uk.com

Ivanhoe Trading Limited Head office address: Global House, Hall Lane, Dereham, NR20 3GG

UK central sales line: Tel: 0845 555 55 11 | Fax: 0845 555 55 22 | sales@ivanhoe.uk.com MOTIVATION THROUGH INNOVATIONTM

Northern office: Southern office:

Tel: +44 (0)1302 365987 | Fax: +44 (0)1302 365988 Tel: +44 (0)1362 300102 | Fax: +44 (0)1362 300103

Things we like…

This month’s ‘things we like’ is a recent campaign by industry newcomer Spring Chicken aiming to change society’s perception of old age.

The Signs of the Times campaign is a collaboration between Spring Chicken, brand company NB Studio Sign and more than 70 talented designers to reimagine the current ‘elderly crossing’ sign.

The image currently used is of a hunched couple walking with the gentlemen holding a cane and has been seen by some as being stereotypical and patronising.

In an attempt to get people to think differently about the elderly, NB Studio Sign created a number of alternative signs which shows the elderly in a new light. The signs can be found on the Spring Chicken website where people are

able to vote for their favourite signs.

The promotion is a brilliant way of gaining some PR and exposure for both Spring Chicken and NB Studio Sign, with the campaign being picked up by national newspaper the Daily Telegraph, whilst also getting people to engage with the Spring Chicken website by having them vote for the signs they like.

It’s a great example of how creativity and collaboration can work wonders for both parties involved. To see all the signs and vote for your favourite, visit the Spring Chicken website at www.springchicken.co.uk/signofthetimes

UK and overseas success for Lifestyle lift According to Terry Lifts, the company’s Lifestyle Lift has enjoyed success both in the UK and overseas since its launch in 2012.

Over 200 units have been sold to date, with lifts being exported to countries including France, China and Australia.

The lift has a small footprint and can carry 2 people with a 250kg capacity. No lift shaft is required, so installation is easy with minimal building work and there is a 30-minute fire protection between floors whether the lift is in the up or down position.

For more information, visit www.lifestylelifts.co.uk

Copper focus for Nursing Home We have covered stories before about the use of copper as antimicrobial surfaces.

Recently, a new, 140-bed elderly nursing home in Tokyo has been fitted with antimicrobial copper grab rails in every patient bathroom and antimicrobial copper bed rails on its 20 short-stay beds to help prevent the spread of infection.

Copper is a powerful antimicrobial with rapid, broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria and viruses, including MRSA, E.coli and norovirus.

It shares this benefit with a range of copper alloys – including brasses and bronzes – forming a family of materials collectively called ‘antimicrobial copper’.

For more information, visit www. antimicrobialcopper.org

32 www.thiis.co.uk

A J Way re-launches with fresh approach for retailers Chair manufacturer A J Way recently held a special event to relaunch the brand which saw a number of retailers visit the High Wycombe factory. The business has unveiled what it describes as a ‘new and improved’ A J Way. The Company has undergone a ‘refresh’ in all areas, making it simpler for retailers to do business while, at the same time, giving the brand a ‘once over’ too.

CEO Beverly Lawrence told us: “The whole process was about strengthening our USPs and improving our communication of them to our retailers. We are faster than ever before, with next day delivery and five day dispatch options, and our trade prices are even more competitive, with riser recliners starting from just £299.

We have new sales tools, including a Retailer Support Pack, and a fresh approach to selling chairs that we think will benefit our partners enormously.”

The work follows what Bev tells us was an honest look at the business, which has been around since 1936. “A J Way has long been perceived as expensive, inflexible and ‘high end’, which often translates as ‘unaffordable’; this may have been the case in the past but is certainly not true today. For the past few years we have been working hard on getting cost out of our products while maintaining high standards so that we can offer more attractive pricing to our retailers. Not only did we hold prices from 2013 to 2014 but this year we are actually reducing prices. We believe that we have simplified doing business with A J Way without losing sight of the reasons our retailers buy from us; our quality, our ability to manufacture bespoke or standard

size chairs and our commitment to delivering customer satisfaction. Even when we don’t get it quite right, we want our retailers to feel assured that we will go above and beyond to ensure a resolution is found.”

Bev continued: “The cost reductions mean that retailers will have the option of reducing their RRPs or benefitting from the extra margin without product compromise. We are now offering free of charge alterations and our most popular backrest option, the waterfall back, is £33 cheaper with other options reduced as well.”

As Bev says, the savings haven’t just appeared from nowhere. “They are the result of some “Our trade prices are even more hard work in the factory, reducing production and competitive, with riser recliners negotiations with our starting from just £299” suppliers who we like to work closely with.”

Marketing Manager, Vanessa Hands told us: “Changing minds and altering perceptions can be a difficult and lengthy process. Without changing things for change’s sake, we looked at how we sell to our retailers and how they sell onto their customers, and that was the trigger for us to streamline a lot of what we do and what we offer. The aim was to make doing business with us as simple as possible, as there was a feeling from some retailers that we tended to over complicate things in the past.”

OPEN UP A NEW WORLD OF SALES: THE FOLDING FAMILY FROM TGA

MAX NEW MAXIMO

LARGER SIZE • PNEUMATIC TYRES • EXTRA PERFORMANCE • ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT LITHIUM BATTERY • FOLDS IN SECONDS

0943TGAad.newstripJuly15v1.indd 1

34 www.thiis.co.uk

According to Vanessa, some customer feedback had been that the A J Way product range was a bit confusing. “Some products had different names but were essentially the same in a different size which could well have been a barrier to sales; it certainly added to the complexity of training staff. We know that retailers are not just selling our chairs, and they are often not just selling chairs either. They cover a wide range of products with a lot of information to retain, so as suppliers we need to make their job as easy as possible if we want our products to stand out from the crowd. Some retailers have a lot more knowledge than others as they are selling our products every day of the week, but we have to make it simpler for the retailer who is selling just a few chairs a month or employs part-time sales staff. We want retailers to want to sell our chairs not just because of the quality but because it is easy and a pleasure to do business with us, a natural choice for every chair sale. We believe that the new A J Way offers something at every price point and a chair to suit the vast majority of needs. Together with sister brand Kirton we really do cover a full spectrum of seating.”

On the changes to the brand, Vanessa told us: “A J Way is a well-recognised brand that has been around for a long time so we were conscious not to make changes that would detract from our history. We wanted something that was a little more modern, but that maintained the heritage of the brand. Our brief to the designers was to bring us up to date and produce something that was simple and clear.”

She added: “At the end of the day though,

this process isn’t about the images, it’s about (Right) A simpler how the business operates and how it works range is promised to better for the retailers. There would have been make it easier to do no point in putting a flash new logo on everything business. if we hadn’t made the changes we have to add value for our retailers. The majority of customers walking into a retailer’s showroom are not asking specifically for one of our chairs – they will buy because the retailer suggests looking at one of our models. We know that and we want retailers to have same confidence in selling our chairs that we do.”

Perhaps Bev summed “There would have been no point it up best by saying: in putting a flash new logo on “The substance of the business and what it everything if we hadn’t made the means to our retailers is changes we have to add value for far more important to us than simply re-designing a our retailers” fancy logo.”

To find out more about what this substance involves, call 01494 471821 or email sales@ajway.co.uk. The website is at www.ajway.co.uk

MIN MINIMO

MINIMOPLUS

(Left) Some of the team pictured at the recent retailer open day.

PNEUMATIC TYRES • EXTRA PERFORMANCE • LITHIUM BATTERY • LED HEADLIGHT

The old and the new

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01787 882244 SALES@TGAMOBILITY.CO.UK WWW.TGAMOBILITY.CO.UK

22/06/2015 15:03

www.thiis.co.uk 35

Tweeting? Here are our top ten Twitter tips

Looking the part is important.

Keep your Twitter consistent with your branding and make the page engaging

With over 302 million monthly active users and 500 million tweets posted per day, Twitter offers businesses of all sizes the opportunity to talk to a lot of customers for a fraction of the cost of traditional communication channels.

But with only 140 characters at your disposal, are you truly maximising the potential that Twitter offers? THIIS has put together ten simple Twitter tips which will help your customers engage with your business on Twitter.

1. Have a clear strategy What is it you are aiming to achieve with Twitter?

Is it to raise awareness of your shop or brand? Is it to get more traffic onto your website or in your store? Many businesses start a Twitter because it is the done thing but without a clear goal of what they hope to achieve. Without a goal to work towards, it will be difficult to maximise its effectiveness. Once you have worked out what you want to do with Twitter, it becomes easier to explore different ways to achieve it.

2. Look the part First impressions count, and this is no different on Twitter. Ensuring your Twitter profile looks professional and accurately reflects your brand is a key component of running a successful Twitter business page. Visitors to your page will 36 www.thiis.co.uk

make judgements about your business based on its appearance and remember, branding is an essential part of building customer trust. Ensure your profile picture is your logo and that it is not pixelated (not blurry or difficult to make out) by having it at the correct size (400x400px is the optimum size). Twitter also “Visitors to your page will make allows you to have a large judgements about your business cover photo at the top of your profile (1500x500px), based on its appearance” giving a great space to show followers exactly who you are – an image of the team standing outside the office or store front can add a human element.

Be sure to fill out the profile details as well.

You only have 160 characters in your bio, so concisely get across who you are and what you do. It is a good idea to add valuable keywords in as well which will improve the chances of your profile being found – the best thing to do is think about the kind of terms your target followers would be using.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words Simply put, people like pictures. We are stimulated visually and with only 140 characters to play with, it is important that you use images to grab people’s attention. It is also a useful way of saying more in your tweet. If you are doing a special promotion or celebrating the launch of a new product, be sure to tweet an image of the promotion or the product; it helps tell the story to the follower. For example, if you are running a store promotion, include a picture of the promotion in the actual store, so users are immediately aware where it is taking place.

4. Is it relevant? Is it interesting?

Two vital questions that should always be on your mind when tweeting. With 500 million tweets being posted every day, there is a lot of competition to get heard. The very purpose and nature of Twitter is for people to quickly share interesting, relevant content with other people.

If your content is of interest to people, you will see people clicking on your links, re-tweeting to their followers and responding to you. With a never ending sea of tweets washing up on your customers’ timelines, it is important that what you are saying is of interest to them and is more interesting than your competitors’ tweets.

Think and experiment with different tweets.

Think more about promotions, competitions, interesting news and blogs and less about tweeting about the weather. Think of it the same way as having a conversation with a customer, which is more interesting; ‘Did you know we are running a special promotion on rollators, but it ends next week’ or ‘nice weather we are having today’.

5. Think, tweet, repeat Repetition works. If you have a particularly important tweet that you think your customers will be interested in, do not be afraid to tweet it again.

People do not constantly look at their timelines, so there is a good chance that the tweet you posted earlier has been relegated in your followers’ timeline. Post something in-between and give it at least 6-8 hours, then post again if the message deserves it. Remember, repetition works.

6. Sharing is caring Sharing relevant content from others is a good way to build relationships with influencers on Twitter and encourage them to retweet your tweets. It may be an interesting piece of research, or maybe some interesting local news to your shop that you can make relevant to your business. Don’t be afraid to mention others with an ‘@’ when talking about other Twitter users so they are aware you have mentioned them. This will again, encourage them to retweet your tweet and help spread your message further.

7. Keep an eye on competition Want to stay up to date with what your competitors are doing? Maybe a retailer in the 38 www.thiis.co.uk

town is running a promotion or maybe a rival supplier has just launched a new product onto the market. Knowing what your competition is doing is important if you are to quickly respond and Twitter is a great way of being able to stay up to date with them in real time. If you are worried about their news getting lost in all your other followers tweets, simply create a private list that only you can see, and then add all the competitors you wish to follow. Then when you go into this list, it will only show the tweets from this select list.

8. Look at the analytics A feature that many businesses may not be aware of is Twitter analytics. This free feature of Twitter provides a standalone dashboard which tells you all the data from your Twitter.

The page gives you a detailed breakdown of your followers, including their interests, gender, most popular tweets and even the number of impressions of your tweets (the number of people that have seen your tweet). This data is invaluable when trying to build up a picture of the “A feature that many businesses kind of people that are following you on Twitter may not be aware of is Twitter and lets you know what analytics” is working. This means you can spend less time tweeting tweets that are not grabbing attention and focus on the types of tweets which your followers are engaging with.

To get to your dashboard, go to analytics.twitter.com 9. Take the conversation offline As mentioned, Twitter can be great for engaging in conversation with people and shows that you are actively responding to people on your profile.

When engaging in conversation however, we would suggest taking the conversation off Twitter after three exchanges and moving to email or phone. There is no need to share the contents of an entire conversation with all your followers and having constant messages appearing on your followers’ pages of a conversation between you and another user can become frustrating for followers.

10. Don’t stop Tweet regularly. There is nothing worse than an inactive Twitter account that barely has any activity on it. Think of your business as a house.

It may be immaculate on the inside, but if your front lawn is untended, it reflects badly on the property. Remember, first impressions count. A Twitter account that has the occasional tweet, likely saying ‘Happy Christmas everyone’ from back in 2012, reflects poorly on the business.

Running a successful Twitter page is an ongoing commitment, so be sure to tend to it regularly.

By Calvin Barnett

Coming Soon to Quantum

A new and exciting addition to the Quantum Range...

The Q6 Edge 2.0 Mid-Wheel Drive power chair from Quantum, offers a great range of enhanced features and benefits. With new innovative drive controls and exceptional powered options available.

K U b a eh R on i m t u a t m n for ua n I Q e r @ uk o l w e M o l v l r e o l o F F #i

‘?!’ Tel: 01869 324600 Email: sales@quantumrehab.co.uk Web: www.quantumrehab.co.uk

New MD, new range and new direction Select Medical has been in business for over 10 years, but maybe hasn’t been on the radar as far as retailers and distributors are concerned.

That is about to change however as the company looks to move in an exciting new direction. Over the last nine months, the team at Select Medical have been working on the development of a completely new range following the strategic decision to expand the business.

The company has also appointed a new Managing Director to drive through the changes.

David Elstone joined in the late summer last year following a 15 year career at SCA Hygiene Ltd, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of paper and personal care products.

David told us more about what he had been doing: “SCA Hygiene Products is better known for its brands such as Plenty, Velvet and Tena.

My involvement was focused primarily on the tissue part of the business working through supply chain and production and then more latterly heading up the Commercial Business Development function. My role was very much ‘dual-track’ to ensure both innovative developments across SCA brands but also their numerous private label contracts including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.”

So, a significant change in direction for David.

“Yes” he told me, “it’s a completely different industry. The first part of my career was more operations based managing a production facility with over 600 people. The second half has been more business development, working with brands, liaising with customers to understand

40 www.thiis.co.uk

their needs and that’s the experience that I am bringing to Select Medical as Managing Director.”

He explained about the background to the business: “Currently Select Medical employs 20 people, a big step on from a business that started in 2001 as a ‘man in a van’ operation.

Ray Booth started the company with a focus on servicing pressure care systems. Ray has developed and grown the business into a pressure care specialist and we sell, deliver and service these systems. We also sell moving and handling equipment too, however we were born out of service and that’s where the credentials MD David Elstone

2410 : Safety Walker 4 Wheel Rollator

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1 @ £31.00 each 4 + @ £27.50 each 2470 : 4 Wheel Rollator

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1 @ £27.00 each 4 + @ £24.50 each (Offer Code – HCP/R8) Roma Medical Aids York Road Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3TB Telephone : 01656 674488 Facsimile : 01656 674499 Email : sales@romamedical.co.uk www.romamedical.co.uk

of the business are founded. During 2004 we started to use this expertise to produce our own products.”

Historically, the company has been focused on delivering private label contracts. “In 2007 we entered into an agreement for a large private label business, which saw rapid and uncomplicated growth for the business over a four or five year period. The focus was on this dominant piece of business along with the community loan stores and local care homes.”

It was reliance on the private label business that brought about the arrival of David. “Ray started talking to me in 2014 about getting involved in the business with a view to becoming less reliant on private label. Whilst private label was receiving all the focus, the company was unable to develop other channels leading us to be too reliant on one area of the market.

“Ray and I had the discussion about taking the business in a different direction, looking at re-branding the organisation and the products, but staying dual-track with the right private label partners. We also wanted to innovate and develop best in class products. I had been doing in the fast moving consumer goods market in the past, so there was an immediate appeal.”

The first step was to get the product range right as David explained: “We have developed a range of products with a ‘good, better and best’ offering within our portfolio. Our range starts with OLA, which was already in existence and is ideal for care homes where patient care needs to be balanced with value for money. We also have premium brands as we are committed to offering something for the many different environments out there in the care community, whether that’s long term value for money or specialist kit like bariatric and paediatric mattress systems”.

“We believe that there is growth in all sectors of the market for pressure care products” David suggested, “and there’s no doubt that these products will become more attractive as ‘normal’ retail items. There will be a time when people are

42 www.thiis.co.uk

going to expect to be able to buy their pressure care products on the high street, just as they can with any other product.”

Select Medical is now on the look-out for companies that want to add the products to their range. “We have a four channel strategy with the NHS; care homes, private label business and through distributors we are keen to talk to more businesses that want to have a range like ours to offer their customers.

The distribution network is “There’s no doubt that these very important to us as it helps us reach parts of the products will become more UK that we can’t. But, attractive as ‘normal’ retail the important thing for us items” is to work with companies that convey our message.

We focus on the needs of the care provider, the carer and the cared for and this is central to everything that we do. There is real story to be told here and we are not interested in just shipping boxes out to customers. We are looking for partners who can sell the right products to the right customers and can understand where the products match the environments.”

“Since the business has put its head above the “There will be a time when parapet” David added, “we have had a good deal people are going to expect to be of interest in the products.

We genuinely believe that able to buy their pressure care we are bringing more of products on the high street” a partnership approach than maybe exists out there at the moment. We want to be able to train and develop companies that work with us and provide them with support to sell.”

For more information on the products, call 01254 66 88 99. The website is at www.selectmedical.co.uk

new to the team Do you have a new team member? Why not let the industry know? Just send us a short news item and photo.

New Northern Area Manager Gary Beresford has become the newest member of the RMS team and will be working as Northern Area Manager. Gary will be specialising in paediatric seating, standing and walking along with products for adults.

Having spent more than 7 years in the industry Gary has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in paediatric and adult seating, mobility and moving & handling and has worked for companies such as JCM Seating Solutions, Radcliffe Rehab and Lynch Healthcare.

Gary can be contacted on 07854 110269 or at gary@ rms-kent.co.uk

Self-determined living

L ES IA AT EC R LE SP LAY LAB SP AI DI AV

The Amazing Space Rack

Trade Fair and Congress

· Will fit all standard “Flange type” tow bars. · All aluminium construction Only 16 kilos. · Powder coated finish · Available in Black or White finish · No tools required for fitting or removal. · Folds in half for easy boot storage. · Extra discount for stockists. · Will carry scooters up to 90 kilos depending on vehicle. · Comes complete with full lighting. · Recommended retail price £699.00 Inc VAT. Or sell VAT free £599.00 · Stockist trade price £399.00 plus VAT. · £200.00 Profit per rack

For sales enquiries please ring 01935 424444 or email spacerackproducts@aol.co.uk

Düsseldorf, Germany 14 – 17 October 2015 www.rehacare.de

For further information contact ITSL Ltd _ Ramsay House _ Marchmont Farm Link Road _ Hemel Hempstead _ Hertfordshire _ HP2 6JH Tel 01442 230033 _ Fax 01442 230012 info@itsluk.com

Top supplier award for Attends Attends has won an award at Wallgreens Boots Alliance Global Brands European Supplier Conference.

Attends won recognition for exceptional account management - delivering innovation, service excellence and partnering commitment.

Dean Feetham UK General Manager Attends said: “Wallgreens Boots Alliance offers us a great

opportunity to grow sales by truly engaging, creating and delivering meaningful added value, as well as doing the blindingly obvious (great product offering at best market prices).”

Amplicomms acquisition announced Audioline GmbH, manufacturer of the amplicomms brand, has announced that the company has been acquired from Harry Moss International Ltd., by the German Private Equity Investor Quantum Capital Partners AG based in Munich, Germany.

Amplicomms offers a wide range of telecom products and related accessories.

The PowerTel range is affordable special telephones with big button, loud sound and hearing aid compatible.

Quantum Capital Partners AG is based in Munich and invests in manufacturing, production, automotive, retail and service sectors.

44 www.thiis.co.uk

Audioline’s CEO, Manfred Zinnow said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Audioline to grow our international business and to strengthen the amplicomms brand in all European markets.”

The website for the business is at www. amplicomms.com

Audioline’s CEO, Manfred Zinnow

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Retailer looks to license payment system A retailer that has developed and has been successfully running its own system to deal with client’s high rate DLA/Pip Mobility allowances for a number of years is now offering to help other companies to generate business using the scheme.

David Penman started Here to Help Mobility in 2008 after spending five years working for direct selling companies in the marketplace and also working with retailers on a selfemployed basis. “I enjoyed working in the marketplace when I was working for the direct selling companies, but I didn’t like the way that business was conducted sometimes and so that was the reason that I decided to branch out on my own.”

David says that he had what he describes as his ‘eureka’ moment with margins getting squeezed when products were being sold through the Motability scheme.

“There was a good deal of dis-content around at the time concerning the way the Motability scheme was working for retailers and so I wondered if it might be possible to develop a scheme that we could use and which would work better for us. We also wanted to try to find something to use that involved less administration too.”

And that’s just what David did. He took commercial legal advice, formulated contracts and sought compliance from the DLA Department of Works and Pensions.

“It’s fair to say that there was some initial reluctance to overcome” he told us, “however we persevered and have been using our system since 2009 with zero complaints from either clients or the DWP. David has over 200 customers using the scheme these days.”

David tells us that the scheme operates in a similar way to Motability but with a much higher degree of flexibility, as there are no restrictions on model types, whether units are new or pre-used and it can accommodate any type of extras or add-ons. “The scheme is most appropriate for higher cost Midi/Maxi/ powerchairs and can be either self-funded or funded externally. You can also utilise the system to provide contract hire for those clients who aren’t eligible for Motability or for the growing market of clients who are buying products for their elderly parents.”

46 www.thiis.co.uk

David Penman has developed a system that he is now offering to other retailers

David is confident that the system will help retailers develop useful and profitable business.

“The system also builds a reliable cash flow to balance income on those months when sales targets are lagging. Retailers can receive full RRP with no need to discount and you don’t have to be Motability Approved. You can also reduce or eliminate expensive HP and interest free offers and you won’t lose a potential customer because you cannot provide a suitable finance solution.”

“It’s fair to say that there was So why is David offering his scheme to other some initial reluctance to companies? “We have overcome” no desire to expand geographically and so it makes sense to look to licence reputable retailers in key areas throughout the UK. Licence costs are typically recovered by the very first contract.”

David stresses though that retailers applying for a license will have to be vetted carefully. “We have to be careful about which retailers will be using the scheme of course as our reputation is at stake and we have worked hard to get to this stage.”

Last year David visited Trade Days and this year his company will be on the exhibition show floor looking to explain more about the scheme. “I found the show interesting last year, “It makes sense to look to particularly some of the companies that had the licence reputable retailers in key smaller stands that we areas throughout the UK” were unaware of and that had some good products and services. Hopefully retailers will find exactly that when they visit our stand later this year.”

Here to Help Mobility will be on stand C73 at Trade Days. To speak to David, call 0800 694 0340 or email enquiries@heretohelpmobility.com

New 5 year warranty for Overhead Hoist Ergolet has introduced a 5 year warranty for the Luna Overhead Hoist.

The company says that the new warranty is testament to the durability of the product and reflects its confidence in its long term quality.

Ergolet says that, as both a portable and fixed hoist in one unique unit, the award winning Luna is the only one of its kind and has unrivalled versatility across the industry.

Managing Director, David Lomas, said: “We continue to grow Ergolet UK with the help of our unique wall-mounted tracking system which offers fantastic functionality without being an eye-sore. Our customers always admire our discreet and attractive track and hoist system.

We want our Luna systems to blend into the architecture of the home environment.”

For more details on the product, call 0161 477 7900. The website is at Visit: www.ergolet.com

OT takes a seat with manufacturer Following the results of a recent survey, which found 79% of Occupational Therapists would like to see greater collaboration between the profession and specialist manufacturers, Repose Specialist Seating Solutions has appointed Kate Sheehan as its in-house specialist healthcare advisor. Kate will head up a number of targeted healthcare campaigns for the company to raise awareness of the Repose brand amongst healthcare professionals.

Repose Managing Director, Lisa Wardley, said: “Working with such a well-known and respected OT as Kate is more than just an appointment, it’s a change to our culture too. Working alongside Kate we hope to position ourselves even closer to our customers.”

For more information call 01384 263363. The website is at www.reposefurniture.co.uk

Retail Mobility Insurance For flexible commercial insurance tailored and competitivley priced for your business, call us now on...

Email: sales@markbatesltd.com 48 www.thiis.co.uk

01476 513789

SPECIALIST INSURER

Visit: www.premiercare.info

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1422 314488 I Web: www.drivemedical.co.uk I Email: info@drivemedical.co.uk

The New Easy Rider from Drive Inspired by the success of the Sport Rider, the design team got to work on a new model that would continue to redefine the typical luxury scooter.

www.drivemedical.co.uk

Scooter hoist and driving aids company looking to impress at Trade Days

The scooter hoist has recently been re-designed

With Trade Days having proved to be a real hit with both retailers and exhibitors last year when it launched, the 2015 show sees a number of companies on the show-floor that are exhibiting for a variety of different reasons.

Not only are companies going to be there to meet their existing retailers, develop business relationships with new retailers and, in some cases, test out whether a retail channel is the right thing for them, but others are using the two-day show to just simply ‘be there and see what happens’.

One example is the appearance of Brig-Ayd Controls Ltd. The company is well-known throughout the UK and has fitters across the country and into Europe, installing scooter hoists and driving aids either at its Hertfordshire base or via installer workshops or mobile unit.

Responsible for over 5000 vehicle adaptations a year and manufacturing over 5000 scooter/ wheelchair hoists and driving aids each year, it was in the late 1950’s when Peter Briggs first adapted a car. His wife, who had contracted polio, had bought a new Mini. Peter, a chartered engineer who worked on servo systems for radar guidance during the war, used this experience to design and fit servo assisted hand controls with hydraulic links to the pedals of her car. Years later, after he had started trading as Brig-Ayd Controls, these servo systems formed the basis of many early adaptations.

Peter was joined by his son Owen in 1983. The business expanded and is now run by Owen and his wife Denise and it was Denise who explained more about why the company had decided to take a stand at Trade Days.

“We know the manufacturing expertise that we have and we want to show people in the trade what we can do. We believe that the skills that 50 www.thiis.co.uk

we have could be useful for other companies in our industry and we are looking to see who we can work with in the future.

Being in a trade-only “We want to show people in the environment for two days trade what we can do” will give us the opportunity to show people what we do and how well we do it and also get us in front of a lot of people who could be looking for some kind of engineering support.”

Denise added: “We do everything ourselves “We are investing a good deal and so we have a lot into the company right now and of different skills. We have also just invested developing new products all the in a plastic moulding time” machine too. We are investing a good deal into the company right now and developing new products all the time. For example, we have just completely re-designed our scooter hoist to make it even easier for the customer to use.”

A number of retailers in the UK are already doing good business in the vehicle adaptation marketplace, using engineering skills that they have developed for jobs such as stairlift installations. Anyone looking at the adaptation marketplace will find a visit to the Brig-Ayd stand an interesting use of time.

Denise Briggs says that a stand at Trade Days takes place at the NEC on Sunday Trade Days is an October 18thand Monday 19th, opening at opportunity to show 9.30am each day. the trade what the company can do.

The website for Brig-Ayd is at www.brig-aydcontrols.co.uk

...designed for you

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new on the market

Anti-Slip Range for Drive Drive Medical has launched a range of anti-slip and grip products that includes a Cup Holder, a self-sealing Cupcap that stretches over the top of cups, glasses and beakers allowing a straw to enter for drinking, and a three item kitchen grip set, including a jar opener and bottle opener.

The range also includes strips and circles for wet areas to provide grip for bare feet, as well as material reels, offering a do-it-yourself alternative to the manufactured products. Made entirely from silicone rubber, the products do not contain phthalate plasticisers. It is also antimicrobial, providing continuous protection against a wide range of bacteria and is fully washable and autoclave safe up to 250oC. To learn more go to www.drivemedical.co.uk

The lightest rollator in the UK? The new X Lite rollator from Elite Care Direct is billed as being ‘probably the lightest in the UK’ With a total weight of only 5kg (11lb), the X shaped folding mechanism has lightweight 8� wheels for indoor or outdoor use and comes standard with a shopping bag. It has arthritic friendly loop locking and running brakes and the handles are adjustable in height.

The weight capacity is 115kg (18 stone).

For more information, call 01535 605 965 or email theteam@ elitecaredirect.uk. The website is at www. elitecaredirect.uk

52 www.thiis.co.uk

Versatile paediatric standing frame A versatile standing frame offering disabled children 10 years of growth and support has been launched by Jiraffe.

The Multistander 2 can grow with a child - from the age of three up to their 13th birthday. When a child becomes too heavy to lift, the stander can be changed from prone to supine positioning and a hoist used to transfer the child whilst the frame is at horizontal.

Available in six colours, the Multistander 2 has new powered and manual base adjustment options to meet the needs of the parent/carer.

For more information, visit www.jiraffe. org.uk/products/standing

SEERSMEDICAL速

Daily Living Range | Specific products for patient support

For more information contact us

new on the market New lightweight wheelchair with full suspension Available in white or blue and in 16” or 18” seat widths, the Odessey from Elite Care Direct has full suspension with the rear being adjustable. There is a small useful pocket on the back of the wheelchair which has a double cross brace under the seat for extra strength and stability. It has height adjustable removeable armrests and waterproof and fireproof nylon backrest and seat canvas.

For more information, call 01535 605 965 or email theteam@elitecaredirect.uk. The website is at www. elitecaredirect.uk

Seating system that grows The Chunc SIT provides a seating system which grows with the person. It can be fitted to a variety of different manual and electric wheelchairs in addition to indoor chassis.

SIT grows in seat depth, seat width and back height and is simple and easy to adjust. Postural support options include, headrest, thoracics, thigh laterals, pommel, tray, upper and lower body positioning harnesses.

Call 01432 377 512 or visit www.chunc.com

54 www.thiis.co.uk

Fast working pain relief PainXit is a portable, fast working working CE Certified Class llA pain relieving medical device.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) activates the body’s own endorphins, which are the body’s own natural defense against pain, relieving both chronic and acute pain.

The easy operating one click on/off button makes it ideal for customers with arthritis and weak hand grip. PainXit works without the need for wires or sticky pads.

For more information call 0800 772 3771 or 07747 791 501 email info@ designed2enable.co.uk

Contact us today on

01274 735041

We are your perfect partner for all Healthcare Product Logistics.

We are a nationwide delivery company based in Bradford City Centre. We specialise in the delivery, installation, demonstration and handover of all types of healthcare products.

Our services include: • Engineering Call Outs • Deliveries of ALL Healthcare Products • Removal & Disposal of Old Products • Honour Manufacturers Warranties • Customer Service Management • Full Annual Services • Inbound Receipt & Warehousing

Visit us at www.hdd-ltd.com

Follow us @HDDltd

Join us /HDDLtd

Seen in all the best places!

The BHTA logo has always been something important to look out for if you want to be sure that the company you are dealing with is setting and maintaining the right standards.

Every BHTA member agrees to abide by a Code of Practice, part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, which is run by The Trading Standards Institute. The BHTA code is the only one in this industry.

Only BHTA member companies can display the two logos together and it means that you can be confident of enjoying high levels of care, courtesy and professionalism.

To find out which companies can offer you that guaranteed level of confidence, go to the website and use the member search facility.

www.bhta.net

new on the market Lighter and more compact power add-on Invacare has introduced the next generation Alber Efix E35 which is a lighter, more compact and smarter power add-on, suitable for converting the vast majority of manual wheelchairs.

The improved Efix 35/36 has a number of new features such as a modern, slimline hand control with a large, flat display providing helpful information in text and graphics, which can also be individually programmed to suit requirements. Its compact new battery pack weighs just 2kg, with a range up to 16km on one battery charge. New Efix also incorporates a magnetic plug connection clamping socket.

For more information, go to www.invacare.co.uk

Innovative new brace for Osteoarthritis of the knee Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common musculoskeletal condition in adults that leaves the sufferer in considerable pain, immobile and disabled.

Ottobock has launched a new alternative for effectively treating knee Osteoarthritis (OA). The Agilium Freestep realigns the knee and ankle joints correctly – rather than applying a corrective force. The non-invasive orthotic device sits inside the shoe and, by means of a foot plate and a vertical strut that runs up the side of the leg, changes the ground force reaction by realigning the knee and ankle joint as the patient walks. It has been tested to three million steps and has no weight limit (tested to 150kg).

For more information, visit www.ottobock.co.uk

Designed for school and home The Chunc Hilo has been designed specifically for school and home environments creating a stable base for easy table height adjustment.

The ‘tilt’ in space feature allows the seat to be filled without affecting the balance and stability between the seat and chassis. The range of tilt is between -25˚ and +15˚ prone.

There are two options either powered or foot pump versions.

The choice of castors and wheels allows choice of where the chair can be used in the home and school environment.

Call 01432 377 512 or visit www.chunc. com

Computer-controlled prosthetic leg Ottobock, has launched a new technologically advanced prosthetic leg designed specifically for people with low mobility levels. The new Kenevo knee uses some of the most advanced technology in world to help patients, sit, stand and walk during the rehabilitation process and is the first microprocessor in the world specially designed for ‘low mobility’ patients.

Using complex computer software, Bluetooth, angle and force sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes the Kenevo knows exactly where it is in space at any given moment – meaning that patients can walk, sit, stand and move with more ease and safety.

For more information, visit www.ottobock. co.uk

Meet the family!

It’s been nine months since Handicare and You-Q got (back) together and we are delighted to announce some new arrivals to our Handicare family: welcome to Alex, Samm, Luca and XP! With the adoption of the You-Q wheelchairs Handicare offers you a complete range of high quality power chairs, each with their own character and looks. This means that, if you customer needs front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or mid-wheel drive, Handicare has an option to suit!

Like to know more? Call 0845 074 5945 or visit www.handicare.co.uk

StockShop StockShop is where you’ll find special trade offers. If you are a supplier and have some stock that you would like to shift, at prices below your normal trade prices, then simply send in the details to info@thiis.co.uk. All we need are product descriptions, a photograph, the normal trade price and the special offer price and contact details.

Angled Grab Rails

Drop Down Rails

• • • •

• High strength, durable steel – epoxy coated • Six fixing points to secure it to the wall • Simple lift and lock safety mechanism - keeps grab rail safely against the wall when not in use • Two colours available – white or blue • 30” / 760mm length – 35mm diameter • Fixing plate 270mm x 130mm

High quality angled grab rails – 90° or 135° Strong ABS plastic Great for providing extra support Comfortable grip – fluted surface and 35m diameter rail • Easy to clean – concealed fixing plates hide screws Trade Prices 300 x 300mm WAS £7.00/pc NOW £4.00/pc 450 x 450mm WAS £8.00/pc NOW £5.50/pc 450 x 600mm WAS £8.50/pc NOW £6.00/pc 600 x 600mm WAS £9.00/pc NOW £6.50/pc

Trade Price White Colour WAS £21.00/pc NOW £14.50/pc Blue Colour WAS £23.00/pc NOW £15.00/pc 1 piece per box – 27 white and 38 blue in stock

10 pieces per box – around 12 boxes of each type in stock Contact Details Adamas Hardware Ltd. 0161 478 96 96 info@adamas-hardware.co.uk or Thomas Pannell – General Manager 07917 606 208 / thomas@adamas-hardware.co.uk

58 www.thiis.co.uk

THE LUXURY SCOOTER

THAT RIDES LIKE A CAR Introducing the luxurious, Class 3, Freerider FR1 ves, st steers tee eerrrss and “ridesDrives, like a car, ccar ar, with looks ar, ooks take ke prid pridee iinn you can ta ” ELEGANT HANDLING The height-adjustable, fixed tiller design gives car-like handling, while independent 4-wheel wishbone suspension makes for a smoother ride.

SPORTY LOOKS Take to the road or pavement with rugged good looks, a 35 mile range* and a maximum legal speed of 8mph.

If you’re looking for a mobility scooter that’s earned its right to take its place on the road, look no further than the FR1.

REASSURINGLY SAFE With fixed twin mirrors, LED lighting and indicators and LCD dash, you can see and be seen all the way around.

A pleasure to drive, with looks to take pride in, plus a host of comforting safety features and handy extras you’ll find useful every day, the FR1 is the next-generation scooter for anyone who takes pride in their ride.

HANDY EXTRAS Including an easy access captains seat, double carry bags, and even a USB plug for mobiles or tablets!

www.freeriderfr1.co.uk or call 01535 669604 Email us on sales@freerideruk.co.uk *Varies with user weight, terrain type, battery charge, battery condition and tyre condition.

We reserve the right to change specifications without prior notice.

Freerider UK Ltd, Unit 2C, Acre Park, Dalton Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 4JH, UK.

Kidz shows extend visitor target to young adults The series of the Kidz exhibitions is expanding its remit to support adults up to the age of 25 years with a new name of Kidz to Adultz.

The exhibition organisers, Disabled Living, say that the move mirrors the recent changes in legislation with the implementation of the Children & Families Act 2014.

The expansion programme will start at Kidz to Adultz Up North, in November and then be

introduced to all the subsequent exhibitions The website for the shows is at www. kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Looking for UK distributor We have been contacted by a USA company looking for distributors in the UK for its unique tote bag designed to hold an umbrella so that hands are free.

The product is called the Brella Bag and is produced by Rainy Day Solutions, LLC. Find out more at www. brellabag.com email Debbie Hammond at brellabag15@ yahoo.com

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jobs on offer

Job Search Experienced business development – sales and surveying consultant (Scotland) Self-employed consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the healthcare products market working for both manufacturers and dealers.

Has sold and surveyed stairlifts, through floor lifts and public access products. Also assessed for and sold manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, specialist seating systems, profiling beds, riser/ reclining chairs and assistive technology products.

Covered Scotland and Ireland in a business development role with an annual turnover of £3m.

Looking to offer services on a self-employed basis to companies who have sales opportunities in Scotland, but who do not have the resources in situ to follow up on these. Also willing and able to work in a business development role if required.

For full CV and references, please email joe_drummer_a1234@icloud.com

Installation Technician Multicare is an established supplier of rehabilitation and care equipment based in Coventry. Our range covers patient handling equipment, assisted baths and a range of homecare equipment. In addition to our own branded products, we source from a number of well-known and established manufacturers.

We are currently strengthening our installation team in the Midlands, and are looking to recruit a competent and technically astute person to install ceiling hoists, assisted baths and floor mounted bath hoists as part of an installation team.

The successful candidate will be expected to work either with colleagues or on their own. The position involves working with vulnerable adults, and the qualities of honesty and integrity are essential. The position is subject to a full DBS (Previously CRB) check, and a valid driving license is essential. The applicant will also be required to complete a CSCS test, prior to getting a CSCS card.

Main responsibilities will include: • Installation of ceiling hoist systems, assisted baths and floor mounted bath hoists to a high standard.

• Attending repairs of the above equipment • Carrying out routine maintenance if above equipment • Completing worksheets via PDA and submitting • Maintaining site diaries and paperwork • Maintaining technical and industry knowledge Full product training will be given, as well as training in the specific installation requirements of alternative manufacturers. The salary is made up of a basic wage and is negotiable depending on experience. The work is mainly based in the Midlands, however travel may be required for installation further afield.

If you would like to discuss this role in confidence please telephone our Sales Manager, Sam Wheatcroft, on 024 7647 2604 (DDI) or via e-mail sam@multicare-coventry.co.uk

Marketing & Communication Manager 6 month contract initially An opportunity has arisen with the British Healthcare Trades Association - to contribute towards the promotion and development of membership, events, education and training during an exciting time in the Association’s history.

Reporting to the Director General and alongside our Membership & Relationship Manager, this will provide consistent and high quality communications for the BHTA and raise awareness of the Association’s varied activities. In addition the successful candidate will manage media and public relations, providing press office services to the media and other stakeholders. The role will also assist with the trade association’s other commercial

activities, PR and awards, training courses and other industry events.

The successful candidate will be able to evidence relevant experience in a similar organisation, excellent communication skills and a sound knowledge of relevant IT within a marketing context e.g. social and other digital media.

This is initially a 6 month fixed-term post, based at either our London or Wellingborough office, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Information about BHTA can be found at www.bhta.com To apply for this post, please forward a CV and covering letter giving current salary details to: Tracey Lloyd, Director General BHTA, New Loom House, Suite 4.06 101 Back Church Lane, London E1 1LU Closing date for applications 21 July 2015

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Without comprimise on quality or options, choose from; 2 styles, 3 sizes, 4 fabrics and 3 different actions to make the chair you need now!

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Prestige by: Primacare ltd Unit 26, Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate Rhymney, Tredegar. NP22 5RL telephone (01685) 845900 info@primacare.co.uk

training diary

Doing any training?

If you are providing training for the trade, then simply send us the details of the course, the date, any costs, the venue and the contact for booking places and we’ll include it in the Diary. Email info@thiis.co.uk with any details you have.

JULY 2015 Electric Mobility – Servicing / Maintenance & Fault finding for Rascal Mobility Products – July 1st 2015 - Ilminster. FOC including Lunch.

Global Training by Silvalea – Paediatric Sling Solutions - 8th July. Interactive Online Training.

FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Sizing & How to Measure - 9th July. Interactive Online Training.

FOC. R82 UK Ltd - Structured Training in the Management of Medical Devices – Posturally Supportive Equipment for Children. 8th & 9th – Block 1: Mechanical. 14th & 15th – Block 2: Technical. City & Guilds Accredited and endorsed by the College of Occupational Therapists.

Halesowen. £185 +VAT per Block Global Training by Silvalea – Complex Sling Solutions 1 - 15th July. Interactive Online Training. FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Complex Sling Solutions 2 - 16th July. Interactive Online Training. FOC JCM Seating Solutions Ltd – Postural Management Workshop: Specialist Seating – 23rd July 2015 – Free of charge Peterborough, JCM Head Office.

AUGUST 2015 Global Training by Silvalea – Manual Handling Products - 12th Aug. Interactive Online Training.

FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – An Introduction to Slings - 13th Aug. Interactive Online Training.

FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Toileting Sling Solutions - 19th Aug. Interactive Online Training.

FOC. Electric Mobility – Servicing / Maintenance & Fault finding for Rascal Mobility Products – 19th August 2015 - Ilminster. FOC including Lunch.

Global Training by Silvalea – In-situ Sling Solutions - 20th Aug. Interactive Online Training.

FOC.

SEPTEMBER 2015 R82 UK Ltd - Structured Training in the Management of Medical Devices – Posturally Supportive Equipment for Children – September 9th & 10th – Block 1: Mechanical, 15th & 16th – Block 2: Technical, 23rd & 24th – Block 3: Clinical. City & Guilds Accredited and endorsed by the College of Occupational Therapists.

Halesowen. £185 +VAT per Block.

Invacare – Alber training – September 9th 2015 – Bridgend - FOC Sunrise Medical Limited - Manual Mobility Selection: Linking Assessment to Appropriate Prescription (CMAN) - Wednesday 9th September 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders.

Sunrise Medical Limited - Manual Wheelchair Assessment (CMDE) - Thursday 10th September 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders.

Sunrise Medical Limited - Seating and Positioning for Function and Mobility - for Dealers (CMDE) - Tuesday 15th September 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders.

Sunrise Medical Limited - JAY Product Training for Dealers (PJAY) - Wednesday 16th September 2015 – West Midlands – £100 but receive £470 RRP worth of JAY seating products upon course completion.

Global Training by Silvalea – Amputee Sling Solutions - 16th September 2015 - Interactive Online Training - FOC. Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance & Adjustment on Manual Chairs – September 16th 2015 – Bridgend – FOC Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance & Adjustment on Power Chairs – September 17th 2015 – Bridgend - FOC Global Training by Silvalea – Walking & Standing Harness Solutions - 17th September 2015 Interactive Online Training - FOC. Invacare - Pressure Ulcer Awareness & Mattress Care – September 22nd 2015 – Bridgend – FOC Invacare - Scooter Servicing/Maintenance – September 23rd 2015 – Bridgend - FOC Quantum - Quantum powerchair training programme - Thursday 17th September 2015 – Pride Mobility - A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Quantum training. This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

Global Training by Silvalea – Paediatric Sling

Every Mattress Needs Protection

www.able2.eu 64 www.thiis.co.uk

Tel: 01254 619000

E-mail: enquiries@able2.eu

www.alf-morris-lecture.org.uk

Help shape the future at The Alf Morris Lecture 2016 The annual Alf Morris Lecture, with an audience of legislators, opinion formers, activists and industry representatives, is set to become the leading event in the disability calendar • Central London venue in March 2016, with the Lecture followed by a formal dinner • Corporate sponsorship opportunities • Supports The Alf Morris Fund for Independent Living The Alf Morris Lecture is organised by The Disabled Living Foundation, Reg Charity No 290069 For further information, please phone Janet Seward on 020 7432 8011 or email janet.seward@dlf.org.uk

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training diary Solutions - 23rd September - Interactive Online Training - FOC. Sunrise Medical Limited - Scooter and Powerchair Service and Maintenance (TPSM1) - Wednesday 23rd September 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders.

Pride Mobility Products Ltd Training Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – September 23rd 2015 – Pride Mobility - A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Pride training. This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

Global Training by Silvalea – Sizing & How to Measure - 24th September - Interactive Online Training - FOC. JCM Seating Solutions Ltd - Postural Management Workshop: Specialist Seating 24th September 2015 - FOC - Peterborough, JCM Head Office

OCTOBER 2015 Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance of Patient Lifters – 1st October - FOC – Bridgend Invacare - Kuschall (Dealers only) - 6th OctoberFOC - Bridgend R82 UK Ltd - Structured Training in the Management of Medical Devices – Posturally Supportive Equipment for Children. 6th & 7th – Block 1: Mechanical, 13th & 14th – Block 2: Technical, 20th & 21st – Block 3: Clinical - City

& Guilds Accredited and endorsed by the College of Occupational Therapists. Halesowen. £185 +VAT per Block Sunrise Medical Limited - Powerchair Service & Maintenance – Mechanics (TPSM4) Wednesday 7th October 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders Invacare - Power Chair Controls Set-up & Operation - 7th October – FOC – Bridgend Invacare - Fault Finding on Power Chairs – 8th October – FOC – Bridgend Sunrise Medical Limited - Powerchair Service & Maintenance – Electronics and Diagnostics (TPSM2) - Thursday 8th October 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders Electric Mobility – Servicing / Maintenance & Fault finding for Rascal Mobility Products – 7th October 2015 - Ilminster. FOC including Lunch.

JCM Seating Solutions Ltd - Technical Training - 8th October 2015 - Free of charge – Peterborough Invacare - Introduction to Invacare Manual Wheelchairs – 13th October – FOC – Bridgend Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance & Adjs on Manual Chairs – 14th October – FOC - Bridgend Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance & Adjs on Power Chairs - 15th October – FOC – Bridgend Global Training by Silvalea – Complex Sling Solutions 1 - 14th October 2015 - Interactive Online Training. FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Complex Sling

Solutions 2 - 15th October 2015 - Interactive Online Training. FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Manual Handling Products - 21st October 2015 - Interactive Online Training. FOC. Pride Mobility Products Ltd Training Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – October 21-22 2015 – Pride Mobility - A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Pride training. This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance of Mattress Pump – 21st October – FOC – Bridgend Invacare - Servicing/Maintenance of Mattress Pump - 22 October- FOC – Bridgend Global Training by Silvalea – An Introduction to Slings - 22nd October 2015 - Interactive Online Training. FOC. Sunrise Medical Limited - Mobility and Seating System Selection: A Paediatric Focus (TPSM2) Thursday 22nd October 2015 – West Midlands – FOC to Sunrise Medical Account Holders.

Invacare - Pressure & Posture in Wheelchair Seating - 27 October – FOC – Bridgend Invacare - Robin Overhead Hoist – 28-29 October - FOC - Bridgend Quantum - Quantum powerchair training programme – 29th October 2015 – Pride Mobility - A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Quantum training.

This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

CONTACTS FOR BOOKINGS Invacare – Call Joan James on 01656 776283 or email jjames@invacare.com Sunrise Medical – Laura Payne on 01384 421 538, email laura.payne@sunmed.co.uk, or visit www.SunriseMedical.co.uk/STEPS Global Training by Silvalea - +44 (0) 1626

331655 info@silvalea-globaltraining.com or visit www.trainingbysilvalea.com Quantum Rehab – Call Hayley 01869 324600 or email sales@quantumrehab.co.uk Pride Mobility – Call Chris on 01869 324600 or email service@pride-mobility.co.uk

R82 UK Ltd – Call 0121 561 2222, or email Martyn Davis on mda@r82.com Electric Mobility – Call Sharon Newton on 01460 258118 or email sharon.newton@ electricmobility.co.uk JCM – Contact Rachel Davis on training@ jcmfactory.co.uk

Stairlifts 0844 225 3121 | Moving & Handling / Bathing Solutions 0845 271 1107 | Mobility 0845 0745 945 | www.handicare.co.uk 66 www.thiis.co.uk

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170KG (26 1/2 STONE) MAX USER WEIGHT SEAR WIDTHS 20”, 22” AND 24”

S T Y L E I N N O VAT I O N C H O I C E The Flexx is a highly configurable wheelchair that looks great and is built to the durable standard you would expect from a Karma wheelchair. Adjustments can be made the wheelchair set up to provide the optimum comfort and performance for the user, these include:

* The Flexx is now crash tested.

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a Backrest angle a Seat to ground height 15” to 20” a Backrest height a Seat depth a Rear wheel position a Castor angle

A S H T ES

Karma Mobility Ltd Unit 6 Target Park, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8YN T: 0845 630 3436 E: info@karmamobility.co.uk www.karmamobility.co.uk

For further details please call 0845 630 3436

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22/06/2015 15:16

THIIS is produced by BHTA Engage: 2-4 Meadow Close, Ise Valley Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, NN8 4BH Tel: 01933 278 086 E-mail: newsroom@thiis.co.uk Providing news and views in

the trade since 1999 BHTA Engage Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without the written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors or omissions.