THIIS September 2016

THIIS Trade Magazine • Issue 216 • September 2016

Issue 216 • September 2016

Providing news and views in the trade since 1999

TRADE MAGAZINE

✓ ✓ ✗ ✗

For everything new

We need to do m ore

Great idea!

Our competitors do t his well

Why did we sto p doing this?

Providing news and views in the trade since 1999

Find answers to important questions at Trade Days TRADE DAYS PREVIEW JOBS ON OFFER

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

HIGHLIGHTING WASTE

RETAILER FOCUS LATEST PRODUCTS

Why sell a stairlift when you can sell a real lift? ●

Smallest footprint of any home lift

●

A neat and discreet alternative to a stairlift

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Surpisingly affordable lift options, prices start from just £10,000 No load bearing walls required; can fit almost anywhere, even in a small cupboard

●

Aesthetically pleasing; a lift to be proud of

●

One day installation, with minimal disruption

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

●

1

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

2

For more information call

3

0808 274 2789

4

5

www.stiltz.co.uk

…from the editor

Don’t be shy, why not get in touch...

We are just a week or so away from the start of Trade Days. It’s the third year for a show that launched as the only exclusively trade event for our industry in Europe.

If you haven’t been yet, then why not make this your first year. You’ll experience a very different atmosphere to any other show you have ever been to in this marketplace and, if the first two years are anything to go by, you’ll get a good deal out of the visit.

There’s a full programme of focused 30 minute seminars to sit in and special trade deals on offer too of course, which will make the visit even more beneficial to your business.

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

I’ll be presenting a couple of sessions, on the questions to ask that will give you a better idea on how well your marketing strategy is holding up (Sunday 25th at 11.20am) and another on how to get great testimonials and how to use them to generate sales (Monday 26th at 12.30pm).

We will also be running the ‘Photo Booth’ on the THIIS stand. If you want a FREE professionally taken team photograph to use in all your promotions, then come along to see us on stand TG100. You will also be entered in a competition to win advertising worth £495.00.

See you there.

Assistant Editor Calvin Barnett 01933 278086 newsroom@thiis.co.uk

David N Russell Editor

THIIS Trade Magazine • Issue 216 • September 2016

Issue 216 • September 2016

Providing news and views in the trade since 1999

TRADE MAGAZINE

✓ ✓ ✗ ✗

For everything new

We need to do more

Great idea!

Our competitors do this well

Why did we stop doing this?

Providing news and views in the trade since 1999

Find answers to important questions at Trade Days TRADE DAYS PREVIEW JOBS ON OFFER

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

HIGHLIGHTING WASTE

RETAILER FOCUS LATEST PRODUCTS

On the front...

Asking questions at Trade Days See page 16

Advertising Enquiries You can find THIIS on Twitter at: wwwthiiscouk

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

INSURANCE & FINANCE A helping hand when you need it most.

Call us today 01582 840067 www.thiis.co.uk 3

“Able Care has become specialists in the stairlift sector, installing over 3,400 stairlifts so far”

Adaption focus leads to 20 year success Page 8

“Trade Days always provides a unique professional atmosphere for us to talk business direct with retailers.”

“A major growth area for Acorn is mainland Europe, where the latest figures show turnover up by 37.5% to £20.5 million”

“Video traffic will be 82% of all consumer Internet traffic by 2020”

Contributors this month...

Sue Bevan NRS Healthcare

XXX XXX

4 www.thiis.co.uk

InTHIISissue...

“The feedback from customers has been great and we have also seen an increase in sales through the website”

Getinge Group acquires 1st Call Mobility Page 14

Looking forward to Trade Days Page 20

TGA offer exclusive prizes Page 22

Strike a pose Page 30

More production space for Blue Badge Page 34

…and action Page 38

Record results for Acorn Page 44

WARRANTY

5YRS Y WA R RANT

The Hudson range

New to the Pride Mobility family is our range of British manufactured lift chairs. Teaming up with a UK Manufacturer has allowed us to bring you a range of highly adaptable chairs, with that classic unmistakable British quality.

Featuring a choice of 3 separate back support’s: Lumber, Lateral and Waterfall, the Hudson range offers out of the box comfort, allowing every user to find their perfect position.

Made in Britain Visit Stand TF100 at this years

Tel: 01869 324600 | Email: sales@pride-mobility.co.uk Web: www.pride-mobility.co.uk | Ver: 1.0

WHERE THE TRADE COMES TO DO BUSINESS Register for a place now at

www.tradedays.co.uk/THIIS

z Meet over 130 suppliers on our biggest exhibition floor yet z Take advantage of the special trade deals and save ££££ z See the latest innovations and product launches z Choose from a packed programme of free business, sales and marketing seminars z Network with industry colleagues: Trade Days unique retailers plus buyers from the co-located Pharmacy Show

2016 EXHIBITOR LIST Able2

TB125, TB130, TC120

FlexyFoot

TF138

Platinum Batteries

TE90

Ableworld Franchise

TK110

Forever Living Products

TB139

Pride Mobility

TF100

Accentu8

TE120

Freerider

TG130

Primacare

Activaids

TB83

Functional Products Ltd

TC137

Proactive Mobility

TE145

TF129, TF130

Active Living

TC102

Furmanac

TE118

Pro Cloud (Europe) LTd

TG125

Aidapt Bathrooms Ltd

TG108

Geemarc Telecom

TK90

Quantum Rehab

TF105

Global Furniture Alliance

TG115

Ravencourt

TB90a

Recliners

TE130

RehaBed

TD127

Repose Furniture

TE110

Rio Firefly wheelchair attachments

TF132

Rise & Recline

TF95

RMS Limited

TF149

Airospring

TB91

Aktiv Wheelchairs

TE107

Gordon Ellis & Co

TD130

Alert-IT care Alarms

TF92

Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society

TK104

All Batteries

TG140

amplicomms

TC99

Healthcare Distribution Direct

TG145

Assistive Partner

TH128

Hertford Shelving

TJ130

Autochair Ltd

TD143

Bathex

TG138

HMS VILGO - PHARMAOUEST INDUSTRIES

TD128

Beauty Gate

TG149

Hotspot

TF140

Roma Medical

TH108

BHTA

TG102

Incy Wincy Kesvir Swimwear

TK120

Royams

TD126

SAP Anywhere

TG129

TF141

Scooterpac

TF125

TH135

Scootertech

TF121

Blue Badge Company

TE95

Invacare Ltd

TB99, TC100

Brig-Ayd Controls

TD109

Invictus Active

C&G Medicare Ltd

TE149

Ivanhoe Trading Limited

Camelot

TD140

Jetmarine

TB80

Sherborne Upholstery Ltd

TD108

Karma Mobility

TF115

Simplantex Healthcare

TG120

Capatex Ltd

TB91

Careshop

TB115

Kinetic Media

TD135

Simply Health

TH140

Cavendish Healthcare Ltd

TB110

Lifemax

TC130

Sleep to Feet

TK105

CFD Sofas

TB90

LimbO Waterproof Protectors

TF144

Stiltz

TH90

Classic Canes

TD92

Loopwheels

TD117

Strident

TH135

Cleanis

TB120

Mark Bates

TG109a&b

Collis Curve Toothbrush

TB135

Medi-Popper

Compton Distribution

TB132

CosyFeet DBS Energy

Sure Wise Ltd

TB93

TB140

Swan Retail Ltd

TF145

MG Retail

TK112

Talking Products Ltd

TD115

TG90

MK Battery

TH120

Tente Castors

TJ90

TF120

Mobility Choices

TB100

TGA Mobility

TE100

DLF

TK95

Monarch Mobility

TC101

The Helping Hand Company

Drive Medical

TH110

NRS Healthcare

TE105

The Sticker Haus UK Ltd

TK140

Easy Move Sheets

TD125

Ontex Healthcare

TH100

THIIS Trade Magazine

TG100

Easystart Ltd

TD102

Ornamin - The family tableware

TE141

Topro

TG110

Electric Mobility

TC110

Osprey Healthcare

TD110

Ubiotex Quality Life S.L

TB134

Embronyx

TD94

Ottobock Healthcare

TD120

Ultimate Healthcare Ltd

TB127 TD95

Enable Access

TC140

Ovenguard

TB133

Uniscan

First Senior Group

TD100

P&S Healthcare

TD105

Van Os Medical

Flexel (UK) Ltd

TD118

Patterson Medical

Main Entrance

Z-Tec Mobility

TF90

TG105 TF110 *Correct at time of print.

See the full list of over 120 already registered exhibitors online at www.tradedays.co.uk/exhibitors

Adaptation focus leads to 20 year success Building a business in a big city is one thing, but when your customers are scattered across the Highlands of Scotland is a little different. However, that’s what Able Care has done very successfully – so much so that the business has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Able Care was established in 1996, opening in Inverness and the MP at the time, Charles Kennedy, who went on to lead the Liberal Democrats, was on hand to cut the ribbon.

A second store followed five years later in Aberdeen and again, was opened by a member of parliament, Anne Begg, who was a wheelchair user herself. With the two locations growing each year, the company has become the leading supplier in the north and north-east of Scotland.

Kate Robinson has been with the company for 14 years and is Office Manager for the company.

She explained how the business got started.

“A local builder, based north of Inverness, was being asked frequently to price up adaptation work for the local authorities and so realised that there was a lack of specialist companies supplying the products for bathroom and kitchen adaptations. That’s when they decided to set up a separate company to focus on that marketplace. The name Able Care reflected the intention to offer a caring, personal service and enabled the company to appear near the front of listings in the phone book.”

These days over 30 people work for the company which last year had a turnover of over £3 million. What was the core business when the company launched, adaptations, remains the focus carrying out 4–5 adaptations per week using their own tradesmen and while customers will find a full range offered, including mobility products, it is the expertise that led to the creation of the company in the first place that is still very much what is driving the growth. As part of that, Able Care has become specialists in the stairlift sector, installing over 3,400 stairlifts so far.

In fact, Able Care is the only authorised Stannah Stairlift dealer in Scotland and has 8 www.thiis.co.uk

recently achieved another first by employing and training the first female Stannah trained stairlift engineer in Scotland.

Rachel Benson has a HND in Mechanical Engineering. Able Care, with the support of an Employability Grant from The Highland Council, expanded its stairlift team, with Rachel joining.

The company has spent time developing its social media platforms and finds that they work well to promote the business. Kate explained: “We seemed to spend a lot on advertising that really wasn’t as successful as we had hoped and the move to spend more developing our website and general “Able Care has become online presence has specialists in the stairlift worked for us. Last year we generated sector, installing over 3,400 over 600 enquiries stairlifts so far” through the website which we were very pleased with. We also spend time on Facebook and Twitter too.”

Recently Able Care ran a competition on Facebook which proved to be a success. “We promoted the new tipping kettle from Drive Medical through a competition and had over 500 responses. As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations we will be running another competition on Facebook, this time to win a rise and recline chair.”

As mentioned, the company covers a huge

“We promoted the new tipping kettle from Drive Medical through a competition and had over 500 responses”

geographical area and that can be challenging at times, particularly as the business prides itself on delivering products quickly to customers, wherever they might be. Kate told us how they manage the vast distances they have to travel.

“We try to avoid delivery charges for customers if we can. Because we are travelling all over the area fitting stairlifts, hoists and installing adaptations through a number of contracts that we run, we tend to always have a ‘man in a van’ somewhere that will enable us to drop into our customers quite quickly. That’s a real focus for us and we have a strong reputation for looking after people who come to us.”

The business that started 20 years ago shows little sign of slowing down in terms of growth and development and that’s good news for the customers, some of whom live in fairly remote places.

Able Care can be contacted on 01463 233900. The website is at www.ablecare.co.uk

The company still carries out a number of adaptations each week.

Kate Robinson (left) with colleagues, Lynn, Jenny and Cath

www.thiis.co.uk 9

Article shines the spotlight on waste An article entitled ‘Obscene NHS waste exposed’ has been published by The Moorlander, a free newspaper in the Dartmouth area. It claims that the NHS is scrapping millions of pounds of equipment every year, much of it unused.

Photographs have been used that the newspaper says shows the scale of the problem, with crutches, walking sticks, hoists, wheelchairs, walkers and other products all going to be scrapped.

They say that Pluss, the company handling the returned equipment, are not to blame for the situation, but are just dealing with the problem.

The company points out that nothing goes to landfill.

One retailer who was interviewed, told the paper that he had just visited a nursing home and was given 30 packs of adult sanitary towels still in boxes, never opened. He says that they sell in major chemists for £12.50 per pack.

You can read the full article on the paper’s website at http://themoorlander.co.uk

Retail Mobility Insurance For flexible commercial insurance tailored and competitively priced for your business.

Call us now on:

01476 513789

Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, F.R.N 308390

10 www.thiis.co.uk

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Beach wheelchairs success

Trade Fair and Congress

Bridge & Lindsey is supplying MobiMat flexible access matting and MobiChair beach wheelchairs to the blue-flag beach at Sandbanks, Poole.

According to the company, initial discussions took place with the beach team at Sandbanks in Autumn 2015 when it was clear that a solution was needed to improve wheelchair user access onto the beach.

Group Manager, James Rhodes told us: “MobiMat is a flexible PU woven system that is durable, UV / IR and saltwater resistant and fitted the bill perfectly for Sandbanks.

They also had a need for some new beach wheelchairs and opted for the MobiChair as it allows access directly in to the water and can even float.”

James added: “The beach needed quite a long run of matting, totalling 100m. It was also decided that three MobiChairs would be required, making the project a sizeable investment for the local authority.”

The Tesco “Bags of Help’ campaign offered the chance to receive up to £12,000 in funding for local projects, from money raised by the 5p carrier bag charge.

Bridge & Lindsey became the UK distributors for MobiMat and MobiChair in 2015 and are very pleased with the early response to the products.

James says: “When manufacturer Deschamps approached us it was in part due to our location along the South Coast and its “The MobiChair lovely beaches.” allows access directly The website for Bridge & Lindsey is at in to the water and www.bl-medical.com can even float” The website for MobiChairs is at http://mobi-chair.com

Self-determined living

Düsseldorf, Germany 28 Sep. – 1 Oct. 2016 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

Getinge Group acquires 1st Call Mobility Getinge Group has acquired 1st Call Mobility, the UK’s leading supplier of rental equipment for bariatric patients and plus size individuals.

The company says that bariatric care is an important patient and treatment segment in the UK and there is an increasing need to ensure there is adequate equipment to aid the patients stay in hospital and in care facilities.

Avril Forde, President North Europe, Getinge Group said: “Getinge Group and 1st Call Mobility coming together will expand its UK coverage and will be perfectly positioned to serve the increasing demand of this fastest growing care sector. In addition it cements the ArjoHuntleigh brand and Getinge Group as a key provider to the NHS.” She added: “As the number one rental provider of Patient & Post-Acute Care products to the NHS, the acquisition of 1st Call Mobility is perfectly aligned with Getinge Group’s growth strategy. As we work together and with the focus on patient care, our customers will benefit from an enhanced product and solutions portfolio, knowledge and expertise.”

“The acquisition is perfectly aligned with Getinge Group’s growth strategy”

The company has also decided to replace the President & CEO of the Getinge Group, with Alex Myers leaving his position.

Carl Bennet, Getinge’s Chairman of the Board explained: ”The Board of Directors and Alex Myers have different views on the future direction of the Getinge Group and the board has therefore concluded that a replacement of the President & CEO is necessary.”

The website is at www.getinge.com

Tweet of the month This month we are featuring a tweet from Mangar that works well to promote a news item the company has on its website. Mangar’s new marketing executive spent a day with one of the Account Managers and it resulted in an interesting piece about what it’s like to be ‘out and about on the road’.

We’re guessing that the tweet is sure to have resulted in quite a clicks to the website visits. You can read the item for yourself by visiting the Mangar website and going to the news section. www. mangar.co.uk

14 www.thiis.co.uk

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THIIS Editor promises two powerful sessions at Trade Days THIIS Editor, David Russell, is presenting two sessions at Trade Days that come with a guarantee that anyone attending will walk away with ideas that they can implement in their business immediately, at little or no cost and that will result in new enquiries and new sales. plans. It promises to be a real eye-opener!

The second session is all about getting the most from customer referrals and testimonials and will explain how to get them and what to do with them. The seminar will explain how, by following some very simple steps, you can produce sales enquiries by building a big salesforce using one of your most important assets – your customer base. It includes a number of examples from our industry.

The second session takes place on Monday September 26th at 12.30pm in Business Builder 2.

For more information on the 30 free sessions taking place at the show, visit www.tradedays. co.uk

®

We can offer you:

 A recognised brand that is respected in your market  Repeat business from loyal customers who rely on our footwear

Cosyfeet is the UK’s leading supplier of footwear for swollen feet This_Magazine_August_2016.indd 1

16 www.thiis.co.uk

 Potential customers via our website which has over a million visits every year  Easy ordering and quick delivery

For more information contact Katie House on 01458 449060 or email katieh@cosyfeet.com

www.

mmended co by over

11,000 alth l ProHe a fession

s

Do you want a well-known brand to draw people into your shop? Why not become a stockist

Re

It’s a bold claim, but David bases his presentation on over 34 years’ experience in the marketplace, during which time he has seen a lot of promotions that have worked well and quite a few that haven’t!

The first session, which takes place on Sunday 25th September at 11.20am in Business Builder 1, is entitled ‘Killer questions that will get you thinking about your business – a simple but powerful sales and marketing audit in just 30 minutes’ The session asks some very simple but very essential questions about your business which are guaranteed to provide some interesting, challenging and maybe even scary answers.

Attendees will go away with very easy but very powerful action points for their promotional

 Excellent point of sale support  Product training and range advice

®

.com 03/08/2016 15:11

GEL BATTERIES

TRAVEL FURTHER WITH •RELIABLE •LONGER LASTING •100% GENUINE GEL Full Range of Haze GEL Batteries available Easystart Ltd. Tel: 01536 203030 Website: www.easystartbatteries.co.uk Email: sales@easystartbatteries.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Easy living with Lifton – the ultimate premium home lift The Stiltz Group launches exciting new lifestyle brand The Lifton Home Lift is a new and inspiring premium home lift brand. It is being introduced

by The Stiltz Group, one of the most innovative and respected domestic lift manufacturers in the world. The flagship product, the LiftonDUO, is launching this month.

The LiftonDUO is a stylish and luxurious home lift which provides the ultimate upgrade for any home; whether traditional or contemporary. It is an imposing and eye-catching lifestyle product aimed at customers who are looking to enhance their home environment with a solution that provides an easier way of moving from floor to floor at the press of a button.

With the LiftonDUO, homeowners can ‘future proof’ their property by living a full life in the family home they love. There is no longer any need to downsize to a single storey home or to build a ground floor extension when upstairs becomes a challenge.

Because of its compact and space-saving design, the LiftonDUO Home Lift is very flexible and can fit discreetly into small spaces or room corners. It can be located in the stairwell, a galleried landing or even a cupboard. As it is a highly visual product, customers may also choose to position it centre stage.

18 www.thiis.co.uk

The home lift travels on unobtrusive and elegant self-supporting stilts using discreet wire rope hoists that guide the lift safely and quietly.

In common with all Stiltz Lifts products, no load bearing walls are required. With a tiny footprint of less than a square metre, the LiftonDUO can beautifully complement any room or décor and allow the home owner to maximise their valuable floor space.

The LiftonDUO’s integrated drive system is neatly concealed in the lift roof space, no additional motors or machinery are needed. It uses a standard domestic power socket so is quick and easy to install. Two small, powerful remote controls are included with the lift. These enable the user to call the lift at any time, “We expect it to be a real ‘game from either floor.

Safety is paramount changer’ as it breaks new with the LiftonDUO. Sensors fitted above ground in home lift design” and below the lift car detect obstructions and smoothly stop the car. Also included is a battery back-up in the event of power failure and the option of a full height door or half-height door with full-height safety light curtain. It also features

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

attractive contemporary LED lights at the top and bottom of the car for ease of use at night.

Stiltz Group Commercial Director, Lachlan Faulkner said: “The new LiftonDUO is the ultimate in home lifts. It is a premium lifestyle product. This means our most discerning customers will not need to compromise on functionality, style or quality. We’ve worked hard on the design so it looks fantastic both upstairs and downstairs yet is ultra-easy to operate too.

“Our overall aim is to ensure homeowners live life as comfortably as possible. With the LiftonDUO, customers get to retain their valuable floor space and immediately gain greater mobility.

It’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants to remain in their family home for longer as well as enhancing the property’s usability and value.

“At Stiltz Group, we’re very excited about the Lifton Home Lift brand and the introduction of the LiftonDUO to the UK marketplace. We expect it to be a real ‘game changer’ as it breaks new ground in home lift design and manufacture.

We also hope it will help our customers enjoy the positive benefits of living life in their family home, for years to come.”

For more information contact Lifton on 0330 222 0334 or visit www.lifton.co.uk www.thiis.co.uk 19

Looking forward to Trade Days Here’s a snapshot of just a few of the things you’ll see at Trade Days this year, which takes place on September 25-26 at the NEC. Register at www.tradedays.co.uk

Looking to build retailer network Orchid Medicare –

Shower Trolly

q

Providing comfort & safety in medical healthcare

Orchid Medicare rise and fall shower trolley is designed to provide safety and comfort for both carer and client, for washing and personal care and provides a dignified and efficient showering experience. The trolley has both end rails and side rails for patient safety, with the side rails designed with a drop down lowering mechanism to allow for efficient posture and safer transfers. The market leading 400mm height adjustment allows the carer to position the trolley at the optimum position for safer handling.

The waterproof removable mattress, made from easy clean 600gm PVC lacquered and polished polyester provides comfort and support while allowing easy cleaning.

The trolley comes complete with a 2 metre of 02” flexible waste pipe easy drainage. The trolley has four total lock brake castors which are tested to 100 hours salt spray corrosion test fitted as standard.

Orchid Medicare Copenhagen Road, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, kingston Upon Hull, East Yorkshire, HU7 0XQ. E - sales@orchid-medicare.co.uk T - 01482 820333

www.orchid-medicare.co.uk

20 www.thiis.co.uk

End rails and side safety rails provided, side rails with fold away mechanism.

Waterproof removable mattress provides comfort and support two metres of 02“ flexible waste pipe for ease of drainage.

Buffer wheels for added protection.

Four total lock brake casters tested to 100 hours salt spray corrosion test fitted as standard.

John Preston Healthcare is looking to build a retailer network at Trade Days for the Rio Firefly, a powerful wheelchair attachment that converts any fixed frame wheelchair into a powered trike and allows users to reach speeds of up to 12.5mph while enjoying a range of up to 15 miles.

Managing Director Nick Cooke told us: “The Firefly is a fantastic addition to the product range of any mobility shop or online store. It is easy to fit at the start and then the user can attach and detach in a matter of seconds. Users love the independence it gives them and the performance on hills and on grass is excellent. We already have dozens of happy customers.”

Nick says that the Firefly offers great margins for retailers.

“Given that it can be attached to almost every fixed frame rigid wheelchair the market opportunities are big.”

Marketing Manager Aidan McCormack added “ We support retailers by forwarding strong leads for customers in their area and deal with all technical issues with the USA manufacturer.

This helps keep things hassle free.”

The company will be on stand TF132 at the show.

Contact us at: 9 Holkham Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6TE Tel: 01733 391900 Fax: 01733 391551 Email: mail@shineinternational.co.uk

Flat Elastic Shoelaces DA-5124 27” £1.55 3 pairs DA-5125 37” £1.65 3 Pairs

Barbey Self Propelled Wheelchair WA-2175 16” £49 18” £49

Elastic Wrist Support SA-9303 £0.98 Sizes S. M. L.

Elastic Elbow Support SA-9308 £1.08 Sizes M. L. XL.

White shoelaces suitable for shoes and trainers.

Tennis Elbow Support SA-9401 £1.42 One Size

Lighted Magnifier RA-6415 £2.11 Lens 50mmØ x3 magnification

Kinrin Self Propelled Wheelchair WA-2710 14” £49 Elastic Ankle Support SA-9500 £1.18 Sizes S. M. L. XL.

Also available RA-6408 Hand Held Magnifier £0.76 Lens 50mmØ x3 magnification Merlin Sports Wheelchair WA-2010 £150

Venvel Light Weight Self Propelled Wheelchair WA-2730 18” £70

Elastic Knee Support SA-9510 £1.24 Sizes M. XL

Sports Knee Support SA-9512 £4.49 One Size

Looking forward to Trade Days

TGA offer time trial and exclusive prizes at Trade Days TGA are offering retailers the opportunity to win exclusive trade deals by entering their Minimo car boot loading competition.

The speed and ease at which the Minimo models can be folded and lifted into a car boot will be highlighted at the show by the TGA Minimo ‘In to Win’ competition. A time trial will offer trade visitors the opportunity to record their fastest time for loading a Minimo into a mock-up car boot – the results will be posted on a ‘Top Gear style’ leader board. The retailers who finish in the top five positions on each day of Trade Days will qualify for an array of product discounts and added value offers.

Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director told us: “Trade Days always provides a unique professional atmosphere for us to talk business direct with retailers. Our ‘In to Win’ car boot loading competition should be fun whilst clearly highlighting why our folding scooters lead the field.”

Daniel Stone concludes: “As we only specialize in mobility scooters on a national level, we can offer retailers many different benefits to maximize sales on the high street.”

TGA will be on stand TE100

“Trade Days always provides a unique professional atmosphere for us to talk business direct with retailers.”

Great value chairs to launch at Trade Days Electric Mobility is launching what the company describes as great value chairs that don’t compromise on style. The new Cosi Chair Hamble & Heddon Riser Recliners have simple, clean lines, in neutral colours with the modern Waterfall Back design.

This duo is available in one size with a maximum recommended weight limit of 20 stone and comes with an over padding wing arm construction for more comfort.

Anthony Thresher, Cosi Chair Product Manager told us: “By listening to our retailers, we have identified there is a gap in the marketplace for a good quality, ‘no frills’ economy priced riser recliner.”

The Hamble (Single motor) & Heddon (Dual motor) are available in two fabric colours, Sandbach Natural (lighter colour) and Sandbach Latte (darker colour). Both colours are now in stock and available to order with next day delivery.

The new chairs will be on stand TC110 at Trade Days. Call 01460 258120 for more information.

22 www.thiis.co.uk

Wheelchairs

Daily Living Aids

Pressure Care

Seating / Cushions

re 27 ca B1 lth d T ea n H sta e at on m s lti y U Da he de tt a si Tr Vi at am te

A recognised supplier to the healthcare sector, Ultimate Healthcare have the solutions to enhance your business. Please contact our team to receive our latest brochure or visit us at Stand TB127 at Trade Days.

Beds

Bathing Solutions

T: 0845 644 8499 | E: info@ultimatehealthcare.co.uk | www.ultimatehealthcare.co.uk INVACARE LINX ADVERT 185x128 09.16.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2016 16:56 Page 1

Discover what LiNX can do for you at Trade Days!

Visit Invacare stands TB99 & TC100.

Simply SMART www.invacarelinx.com T: 01656 776222

Looking forward to Trade Days

Special packages as Loopswheels debut Loopwheels will be making its debut at Trade Days on stand TD117 and to celebrate they will be offering a special promotional showroom package to new retailers.

Loopwheels are shock-absorbing wheelchair wheels which offer a smoother ride and help the user push over uneven streets, rough tracks, and gravel paths with less effort.

The package will consist of a pair of Loopwheels at a special show discounted price (RRP £775), point of sale material which includes a promotional video, a listing on the Loopwheels website and additional promotional

opportunities.

Co-founder Gemma Pearce told us: “Trade Days is a fantastic opportunity for us to not only meet up with existing retailers and engage with potential new ones. We are still a relatively young company and have come a long way since attending Trade Days as visitors in 2014.

Growing our retailer network is one of our key plans for the next 12 months and I am very excited about exhibiting at this year’s event” For more information call 01623 860909, email info@loopwheels.com or visit www.loopwheels. com

New powerchair launches Cavendish Healthcare is launching the SupaChair at Trade Days. The company says that the new portable powerchair has a revolutionary new twin seat post design, which not only provides excellent lateral stability but also enables the chair to benefit from coil spring suspension.

According to the company, large rear pneumatic tyres and well positioned front castors means that the SupaChair reaches a level of stability outdoors only usually achieved by much larger non–portable models.

There are 3 models in the range: The Safari 24 www.thiis.co.uk

(outdoor / indoor), Safari Sport (outdoor) and Safari Mini (indoor).

The base weighs only 16.7Kg with the Sport having larger motors and wheels. The Mini is a mid-wheel machine for indoor use which is highly manoeuvrable in confined spaces and has an impressive turning circle. The overall weight is less than 40Kg which makes it ideal for a cable hoist.

The new chair will be on stand TB110 at the show. Call 0333 4141881 for more information.

introducing the

Hamble & Heddon Waterfall Back Design 1 Year Guarantee up to 20 Stone

Modern lines & great value for money Heddon

Hamble

Dual-motor

Single-motor

Available in 2 NEW fabrics Sand b Latte ach

ach b d n Sa ral u t a N

Place your order today with our Customer Service Team

0800 252 614

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

Looking forward to Trade Days

Big retailer benefits at the show Stiltz Lifts is offering what it describes as some fantastic benefits to businesses which partner with the home lift manufacturer as a retailer or referrer at Trade Days.

The company says that it has made a considerable impact on the mobility industry since it launched the Stiltz Duo Lift and is known for innovative product development and excellent customer service.

Stiltz National Sales Manager for the trade, Gino Farruggio (pictured) says there are many compelling reasons for retailers to stock the company’s products: “Our customers love the Stiltz Home Lift. It makes their life easier in so many different ways and it looks good. But selling Stiltz lifts makes good business sense for retailers too. The customer uptake is typically earlier than for a stairlift, leading to more crossselling opportunities and longer-lasting customer

relationships. We offer affordable price points and the Stiltz Home Lift is an easier sell-in due to its unique features and benefits which make them immediately appealing.”

He added: “We “We offer some of the best offer some of the best referrer rates in the business” referrer rates in the business and excellent margins for appointed retailers. We have great trade deals available at Trade Days and we are always ready to meet quality dealers and referrers with a view to them working alongside us and getting Stiltz Lifts in front of as many customers as possible.”

Stitz will be on stand TH90 at Trade Days For more information about Stiltz Lifts visit www.stiltz.co.uk or contact 0844 870 9087.

Retailer training programme launches at Trade Days Repose has collaborated with The OT Service to develop a detailed and insightful training session to add to its retailer’s extensive skills which will be launched at Trade Days.

The two-hour training session will cover areas such as principals of seating, evaluating customer’s with what to look for and what questions should be asked to ensure the right chair is provided for the right person and knowing your products, which will keep retailers at the cutting edge of product knowledge.

The Repose team will be on stand TE110 at the show.

Call 0844 7766001, email info@reposefurniture.co.uk or visit www.reposefurniture.co.uk 26 www.thiis.co.uk

Join Roma at Stand TH108 at

Scooters

Power Chairs

Manual Wheelchairs

Walking Aids

Romachair

Active Wheelchairs

Sports Wheelchairs

Bariatric & Paediatric

www.romamedical.co.uk www.romasport.co.uk

www.romamedical.co.uk | 01656 674488

| sales@romamedical.co.uk

Looking forward to Trade Days

Full Karma range on display at Trade Days At Trade Days Karma Mobility will be exhibiting examples from its portfolio of manual wheelchairs and powerchairs, including the Morgan and Leon powerchairs which have numerous accessories and power options.

General Manager Mark Duffield says: “Trade Days is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with many of our UK retailers over a two-day period and demonstrate models that they may not currently stock in their showroom. The event also provides us with the chance to meet with potential new retailers.”

Karma Mobility will be on stand TF115 at the show. Call 0845 6303436 or visit www.karmamobility.co.uk.

amplicomms to unveil new products amplicomms, specialists in developing amplified and assistive technology products for people with hearing, vision and dexterity loss, has chosen the third Trade Days exhibition to launch several new products. amplicomms has attended the sectors largest trade fair in the UK since it launched in 2014 and considers it one of the most important for the company as the place to highlight their brand and strengthen its place as one of Europe’s Assistive Technology leaders.

European Sales Manager, Ran Meyrav says: “We have booked a much bigger stand to better accommodate all visitors and growing interest. Trade Days is the perfect stage to announce and demonstrate amplicomms new products.”

Among the new items are the new amplified GSM 3G Bluetooth desktop corded phone, the PowerTel 94M, along with the M9500 – 4G Android Slimline 5” Amplified Smartphone. Also launching is new wireless Intra-Red TV Listeners. On display will be the recently launched range of corded desktop phones for independent living, the PowerTel 92 Quick Call Photo Phone, the PowerTel 96 one of the loudest phones on the market and, the PowerTel 97 with an SOS alarm pendant as well as many other products. amplicomms will be on stand TC99. Call 07940 410207 or email meyrav@amplicomms.com

Retailers invited to ‘get linked to LiNX’ Invacare will be offering retailers the opportunity to learn more about the new LiNX technology with its ‘Get linked to LiNX’ activities at Trade Days.

To help demonstrate the simplicity of LiNX, there will be a timed competition where retailers access the LiNX controls and change three driving parameters. The quickest time recorded will win an ipad.The company is also offering LiNX exclusive deals only available at the show with a LiNX special gift.

Retailers who ‘Get linked to LiNX’ will have the opportunity to share their experience via social media and let their customers know they are ready to offer the latest in power chair control technology.

28 www.thiis.co.uk

The company says that it has some thrilling activities on stand, including a virtual reality 360° video. Retailers can experience the power of LiNX technology for themselves through ‘virtual reality’ goggles as a video gives a 360° bird’s eye view from the driving seat of Invacare’s latest powerchair with LiNX. The company says that LiNX technology has set a new standard with Invacare powerchairs and offers consumers a far greater driving performance.

Invacare will be on stands TB99 and TC100. The website is at www.invacare.co.uk

HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE C O M P L E T E LY T A I L O R M A D E T O F I T Y O U R E X A C T R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Manufacturers of bespoke rise and recline chairs and handcrafted adjustable beds for the mobility and healthcare market

For furniture offering comfort, independence and a higher standard of care, contact;

Tel: 0115 913 3572

email: info@riseandrecline.co.uk www.riseandrecline.co.uk

NEW

Looking forward to Trade Days

Strike a pose – it could be worth £495.00!

Fancy a free, professionally taken team photograph that you can use to promote your business?

There’s nothing like having a great photograph to use in promotions and on the THIIS Magazine stand at Trade Days you’ll find the Photo Booth where your team can strike a pose and, at the same time, get themselves in the frame to win some valuable coverage.

Every company having a team photo taken, will be entered into a draw to win a full page advertisement in THIIS trade magazine. Retailers can use the space to promote their business to new potential suppliers and suppliers can use the space to promote their latest products to retailers.

Worth £495.00, all you have to do is come along to the THIIS stand with a colleague or a bunch of team members and we’ll do the rest.

The professionally taken pic will be sent to you after the show for you to use on your website, in news items, in the showroom or anywhere else you like.

You can pre-register for your team photo so that we have your details ready when you arrive at the stand. Just email calvin@thiis.co.uk to tell us that you will be dropping by and let us have your name, contact number, company name and how many people you expect to be in the photo.

The photo shows the Easymove Sheets team using the Photo Booth as a previous Trade Days show.

30 www.thiis.co.uk

Exclusive show offer from Blue Badge Blue Badge Company will be offering several exclusive offers to existing and potential new UK retailers. Anyone placing an order worth in excess of £250 will receive two free wheat warmers in a design of their choice.

The company recently launched a new RADAR Blue Heart Comfort Key, The National Key Scheme was set up in 1981 and allows key holders to use these toilets independently. Retailers ordering over 50 keys on the stand will receive five keys free. There are over 9,000 locked disabled toilets in the UK that are operated by RADAR keys.

Retailers signing up at the show will also receive 15 blue badge wallets for the price of 13 together with a free point of sale unit. The minimum order value for opening an account is £250.00.

Blue Badge Company manufactures stylish wallets for the blue badge parking permit, along with other helpful home comforts and travel accessories.

Visit stand TE95 at the show. Call 0117 941 3791, email info@ bluebadgecompany.co.uk or visit: www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk.

CR

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TES T E SH

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TES T E SH

S T Y L E I N N O VAT I O N C H O I C E LEON POWERCHAIR The Leon is designed to exploit the advantages of a rear wheel drive chair for outdoor use. It is geared for speed without compromising on stability or control. The exceptionally narrow wheelbase allows for agile manoeuvrability. It is available in a range of colours that make the chair a real eye catcher. The Leon is a superior powerchair for even the most active users.

a Full suspension a 8 mph maximum speed a 450W 4 pole motors a Optional 75Ah batteries a 62cm overall width a Crash tested For further details please call 0845 630 3436

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

w

top trade deals

DealON! 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...

All offers are valid until September 30th 2016 unless otherwise stated.

Deal on offer...

Right Handed Ergonomic walking stick – £3.49 each or box of 10 for £29 Free delivery Quote: ‘this sticks’ Call us on 0330 311 6498 or email at trade@betterlife.co.uk

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

Ultimate Healthcare

Durable Seating Solutions

Onyx 1: A high grade CMHR 5cm foam cushion. Offer from £8.95* Onyx 2: A castellated high grade CMHR 8cm foam cushion. Offer from £14.99* Onyx 3: An 8cm cushion incorporating memory and CMHR foam. Offer from £24.99* *Terms apply Contact us on 0845 644 8499 www.ultimatehealthcare.co.uk 32 www.thiis.co.uk

Trade prices for new product Introducing the TailorMade; a high back chair with a variety of options providing a comfortable yet stylish chair to suit any customer. You can choose the back style, arm styles, size, fabrics and an optional foot stool.

For more information please contact us on 0800 037 3084 or email at us sales@niagarahealthcare.co.uk

Free lunch and learn sessions Orchid Medicare are offering a limited number of free lunch and learn sessions based around specialist bathing equipment and safer handling solutions. If your company are interest in a tailored lunch time training session please contact Steve Whitehall at Orchid Medicare 01482 820333 or email swhitehall@orchid-medicare.co.uk

Visit the NRS Healthcare stand TE105 where we will be having exclusive daily deals for all exhibitors. Each day will have a different deal such as products, or discounts! You can also talk to a dedicated area manager from your area for more information on how we can work with you to develop your business.

££ Free delivery

with your first order of 4 batteries or more!

Contact Easystart on 01536 203030 or sales@easystartbatteries.co.uk Two Free Home Delivery Smartphone Apps (worth £750)* UNIQUS® iRetailer. Stock & barcode management software specially designed for the VAT 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 CRM will help you gain efficiency, save time and increase sales opportunities.

See our advertisement in this issue or visit www.assistivepartner.co.uk/iretailer.aspx *Requires Windows Smartphone.

Order before 30th September 2016 to qualify.

The “Trafford” Lift and Recline chair from the MiChair® range by Furmanac • British Made • Colours: Ivory, Sage, Caramel • £349 Standard size, single motor.

• £369 Large size, dual motor.

E-mail Sales@furmanac.com

AUTUMN 2016

SuperSaver ALL OFFERS ENDS 31ST OCTOBER 2016* | QUOTE H0260 WHEN ORDERING

MOEN

YOUR NEW INNOVATIVE RANGE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BLUE BADGE CO BEST SELLING LINES

AVAILABLE NOW!

Please contact your Patterson Medical Sales Representative

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Tel: 03444 124 330 Email: retail.sales@pattersonmedical.com www.pattersonmedical.co.uk

More production space for Blue Badge The Blue Badge Company has opened a new 12,000 sq ft manufacturing facility that has the capacity for future expansion. There is a purpose built workroom and a suite of offices.

Future plans include building a second storey by the end of 2016.

Managing Director, Ellen Green explained: “My appearance on Dragons’ Den was a great stepping stone in terms of raising awareness of the company, and orders have increased month on month since the show aired and our online business has increased by 50%. We are now selling through many large retailers including Argos, Boots and Lloyds and all these contributing factors made the move to larger purpose built premises a necessity.”

The company currently has 15 permanent

5 Banner Waranty.indd 1

members of staff of which five are registered disabled and four are primary caregivers (over 50% of the workforce). There are an additional five staff who work part time on a flexible basis.

Ellen added: “Providing work for people who find it more difficult to access employment really boosts personal “ Our online business confidence and team increased by 50%” moral. I’ve discovered that a rewarding, sustainable job can change someone’s life – I’ve seen it first hand and it is the part of my company that I am most proud of.”

Call 0117 9413791. The website is at www. bluebadgecompany.co.uk

year warranty on mobile hoists

34 www.thiis.co.uk

Fellow Dragons’ Den veteran Rob Law MBE, founder and CEO of Trunki with Ellen at the opening of the new facility

has

We are so committed to quality, that we now offer a 5 year warranty on our bestselling mobile hoists.

Please contact us for more information on 01656 776222

www.invacare.co.uk 27.08.15 10:25

From the UK’s leading adjustable bed manufacturer

Tel: 01384 408844

www.furmanac.com

36 www.thiis.co.uk

T: 01905 774695 nexusdms.co.uk/trade sales@nexusdms.co.uk

Trade Days 25th-26th September 2016

After the success of last year’s show we are pleased to announce that we will again be sponsoring the VIP Lounge at Trade Days.

We are extremely proud to have been part of such a fantastic industry for more than 20 years, building a network of highly valued partners and working together to protect your customers’ investment, keeping them mobile and ensuring you get the financial reward you deserve.

During the last 12 months we have launched new products, expanded our cover and lined up lots of future opportunities. Whether you are already a partner of ours or interested in finding out why our dealers love being with Mark Bates Ltd, please feel free to come and join us for a coffee and a biscuit.

To find out why we are the smart choice for your business call us on 01476 513789 or visit markbatesltd.com/our-dealers

follow: @markbatesltd visit: markbatesltd.com email: sales@markbatesltd.com

Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, F.R.N.:308390

... and action!

Getting in front of the camera leads to a sales boost These days using video to promote your company and products isn’t as costly or as complicated as it used to be.

Accessible fashion retailer The Able Label has been using the power of video to help demonstrate and promote their stylish ranges and using it very effectively too.

We caught up with founder Katie Ellis who passed on some advice and tips on how to make an effective demo video and how to get customers watching.

We asked Katie why she decided to spend time creating videos?

“There are a number of reasons” she told us.

“Firstly, we wanted to help customers better understand how our clothes are unique in making dressing easier. The difficulty with what we are doing is that by the very nature of making the clothing look as mainstream and as discretely adapted as possible, it can make it hard for those who are not already aware of the brand and the benefits of the clothing, realise what they are.”

“Although we have great photography showcasing how our clothes are adapted, videos enable us to convey and explain key features of our clothing, allowing viewers to appreciate the potential benefits of the clothing to them in a far quicker space of time and breaking down a barrier to purchase.”

She added: “We also realised video was a great way for customers to relate to the models in the demos, helping customers visualise themselves wearing our clothes and feel better informed when making a purchase. We added

!

W E N

1252TGAad.newstripJul16v3.indd 1

38 www.thiis.co.uk

each video demo onto our product pages so customers can engage with them on the buying journey. We feel it has really helped customers trust us and the clothes having greater information on them.”

Katie says that, importantly, providing stockists with video demos has helped them educate their sales teams and customers about our range. “We wanted “It has really helped to give them a way in customers trust us and store of showcasing the clothes without products” taking too much floor space, with mobility shops being able to play the videos in store on their TVs. So far we’ve been told that the videos have been catching customers’ eyes, invoking interest and acting as a conversation starter for shop staff.”

The videos are also a great way to gain exposure online according to Katie. “It’s very quick and easy to put videos onto social media so we make sure to post them on all our channels. When people are browsing, they’re more likely to stop and watch a 2-3 minute video than they are to stop and spend 10-15 minutes reading text. The videos embedded in our social medial channels enable us to communicate our

the

StrongBack Wheelchair – the pioneering new lightweight, folding design with ergonomic arched backrest from TGA

Team of the Year

r

products key features and benefits to our target audience very quickly, giving greater exposure.

We are also finding people are more likely to share videos than they are images or text, giving us a greater reach. The rich content videos have even helped with our search engine optimisation, increasing the searchability of our content.”

So, what does Katie believe makes a good demonstration video?

“The best demo videos are short, concise and to the point; getting across key details within a minute” she explained. “They are well structured with a clear strong start in order to gain attention and need to hold this throughout. They finish with a call to action, like website details where people can go on to find out more.”

“Attention to detail is key” she stressed.

“Videos have high impact as they trigger the brains visual system. Everything the viewer sees is interpreted to form an instant image of the brand and product. Even cues which are not instantly obvious, including body language and facial expressions, can elicit an emotional bond that could influence a person’s opinions, choices and actions. It is also important to remember that a demo video is not just about what you see. On YouTube, we have added audio that is in line with our brand. Everything the viewer sees and hears can be used to enhance the overall experience of watching the videos.”

Katie’s advice is to do your homework before starting to develop videos.

“They are a great way of answering any uncertainties customers may have, helping put their minds at ease before buying. Find out what customers would like more information on and give it to them through the videos. This tells your customers that you are both aware and genuinely care about their hesitations.”

“Remember” she says, “the videos must be relevant to you and your brand. They are an extension of your brand identity, so ensure they have the same tone and personality as your current branding.”

The proof of the pudding, of course, is how popular the videos are proving to be.

Katie tells us: “We are able to track the success of the videos through views and likes on YouTube

Folds to a compact shape

Kate Ellis says that videos are helping to create awareness of her products

and Facebook, which both provide good analytics, and are proving very popular. Views on YouTube are growing and there is a significant increase in shares on Facebook in particular.

More importantly, it is achieving our goals of helping customer better understand the benefits of our clothes.

“The feedback from customers The feedback from has been great and we have customers has been great and we have also seen an increase in sales also seen an increase through the website” in sales through the website since adding them to the product pages.”

To find out more about The Able Label and check out the video demos, visit www. theablelabel.com

ON WEI LY G HS

11.3 KG!

AWA WIN RDNIN G

SWI DES SS IG N !

Advanced postural support

Strain-free lifting and carrying

The UK’s leading range of mobility products since 1985

01787 882244

sales@tgamobility.co.uk www.tgamobility.co.uk

23/06/2016 14:42

www.thiis.co.uk 39

Fundraisers doing it in style Big test for James James Robertson of Assisticare is attempting his first Sprint Triathlon event in September in memory of his brother Ian. The event is a Brownlee event supported by the brothers.

James told us: “Before I reached the age of 50 I have had a Step Father, Mother and Brother go through palliative care at St Gemma’s Hospice. I have spent too much time of late there but it has opened my eyes to the incredible care, support and comfort that they provide.”

James added: “Whilst I am not a novice to these three activities this will be my first attempt at a structured Triathlon. Having just passed the big 50 I hope to further the “fit at 50” cause as well.” You can support James by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jamesrob

A close shave for Geoff Geoff Morris of Uniscan has just taken part in a ‘hair-raising’ activity for Macmillan cancer support.

He has taken part in the ‘Brave the Shave’ fundraiser which has so far seen over 21,000 people take part and raise an impressive £2.5 million for the charity.

Geoff told us: “I decided to support this fantastic organisation in memory of my father Tom who sadly passed away last year after a long battle against cancer and my 6 year old nephew who succumbed to brain cancer a few years ago.

You can still support Geoff, who has already smashed his target by going to his fundraising page that also has on it the all-important ‘before and after’ pics! Go to https://bravetheshave.org. uk/shavers/geoff-morris.

Naples Swivel Recliner Walking Stick Bundle

Available in Cream & Black – £99 inc vat

Free next day delivery

Quote ‘this Naples’

Stand only £30 Quote ‘this stand’ Stocked with 25 soft grip walking sticks in 5 different colours – £150 Quote ‘this stickstand’

Free next day delivery 40 www.thiis.co.uk

Dedicated account manager Order today – Call us on 0330 311 6498 or email at trade@betterlife.co.uk

Tips and advice for growth at Trade Days Among the free seminar at Trade Days, you’ll find sessions that guarantee to give you plenty of ideas on how you can take your business forward.

With 74% of marketers say that Facebook is important to their lead generation strategies, David Standing, CEO of Accordant Partners LLP will be explaining what type of content you should post on Facebook, how to capture leads from Facebook and how to measure your Facebook marketing success.

Retailers will also take to the stage to talk about how the marketplace is changing. Matthew Main, Managing Director of The Unlimited Company from Simplyhealth will talk about how retailers and suppliers need to work in partnership and explain why he believes that the winners will be those who deliver for the customer consistently.

Alastair Ronaldson, Marketing & Sales Manager at Ross Care promises an entertaining look at some less obvious sources of inspiration for success in developing a business in this marketplace.

And OT Kate Sheehan will explain how the 36,000 OTs in the UK can assist you in business development and how they can help to improve products, your literature and your brand.

The Easymove Sh

eets team in the Ph

oto Booth

Strike a pose – it could be worth £495!

Fancy a FREE, professionally taken team photograph that you can use to promote your business?

Visit the THIIS stand at Trade Days and strike a pose in the Photo Booth. Every company having a team photo taken will be entered into a draw to win a full page advertisement, worth £495, in THIIS trade magazine. Retailers can use the space to promote their business to new potential suppliers, suppliers can use the space to promote their latest products to retailers.

Alastair Ronaldson is one of the retailers speaking at Trade Days

Come and see us on stand TG100

TRADE MAGAZINE

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 to the Benmor team With over 20 years of sales and marketing experience, Lee Sherwood has joined the Benmor Medical team as Southern Area Sales Manager bringing his expertise and experience to one of the UK’s leading bariatric equipment specialists.

Lee joins the company as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. The company has branches in Hampshire, County Durham and Leicestershire, providing service nationwide, with emergency rentals 24/7.

Lee will be presenting the Benmor specialised CPD training courses throughout the south. The course gives a comprehensive look at finding solutions for working with larger patients Lee can be reached on 07760 775777 or email lee.sherwood@benmormedical.co.uk.

Ground-breaking cushion tested Residents at a Glasgow care home have been among some of the first to try out a new her temperature-cooling wheelchair cushion, named Wheelair.

Designer, Belgian native Corien Staels is currently working on an Entrepreneurship Masters at the University of Glasgow.

She told us: “The idea was sparked from a conversation with my course supervisor, who is a wheelchair user, which opened my eyes to the temperature problems faced by those in wheelchairs. The Wheelair design allows the user to better regulate their body temperature through airflow which removes the heat and moisture that builds up behind the back.”

After finishing her dissertation, Corien plans to fully focus on the product design. She has been awarded a Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellowship, which will allow her to work

Designer Corien Staels with a resident

full-time on the business from September onwards, while receiving valuable mentorship and support.

More information on the Wheelair cushion can be found at http://www.staelsdesign.com/

Unique Active Seat: only available from Handicare This easy to fit, user controlled feature can be used with Elegance and Alliance seats to give the user a little extra help and support when needed.

Call your Business Development Manager to find out more.

Trade Partner Support Team 0844 225 3121 enquiries@handicare.co.uk | www.handicare.co.uk 42 www.thiis.co.uk

Made to Meas ure in Great Br itain VISIT US AT REHACARE (Hall 6 / E54)

28th Sept - 1st Oct 2016 Düsseldorf, Germany

Rugby | Basketball | Active | Multi Sport | Dance WWW.ROMASPORT.CO.UK TEL: 01656 674488

Record results for Acorn Acorn Stairlifts has posted a record turnover of £149.2 million and a record profit after tax of £13.4 million.

The firm’s financial statement for the year ended September 30th, 2015, shows international sales up by almost £12.8 million on the previous year, reflecting the company’s continued growth in overseas markets.

In the USA, where the company says it is the clear market leader for stairlifts, sales now outstrip the UK home market, while the company continues to expand in Europe regardless of June’s ‘Brexit’ vote. It recently opened a new office in France to grow direct sales to consumers and manage installation and aftercare.

Almost 25 years since the business started in 1992, Acorn is now the world’s largest company dedicated solely to the manufacture, sale, installation and servicing of stairlifts. Several industry innovations, including its patented FastTrack® system for curved stairlifts, have enabled it to grow at a phenomenal rate, outpacing its rivals. FastTrack® means that even stairlifts for non-standard curved staircases can be installed in a customer’s home within just a few days of an initial inquiry.

44 www.thiis.co.uk

Dave Belmont of Acorn reports record turnover and profits

Acorn now manufactures more than 60,000 stairlifts per year and exports to 84 countries, with subsidiaries in Ireland, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. A major growth area for Acorn is mainland Europe, where the latest figures show turnover up by 37.5% to £20.5 million.

Acorn Company Secretary Dave Belmont said: “Over “A major growth area for the past five years we Acorn is mainland Europe, have invested around £8 million in our where the latest figures show factories and recruited turnover up by 37.5% to £20.5 continually to keep pace with our growth million” and demand.”

The company’s success also impacts positively on its UK suppliers. It uses 2,600 tonnes of British aluminium, worth around £6 million, every year to manufacture its stairlift rails and around 300 tonnes of British steel in other components.

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

40 years up for Ottobock Ottobock UK is celebrating 40 years in the industry. Ottobock was founded in Berlin in 1919 by prosthetist Otto Bock in order to supply victims of the world war with prostheses and orthopaedic devices.

Traditional methods of craftsmanship could not meet the demands and so, Otto realised his idea to produce prosthetic components in series and deliver them directly to prosthetists on site.

The Ottobock UK headquarters was built on the site of an old petrol station. Over time it was refurbished, modernised and extended to become what is still Ottobock UK’s headquarters.

Operations in the UK started in August of 1976. Back then, it was known as Otto Bock Orthopaedic (UK) Ltd. In that first year turnover was just £96,000. By 1992, it was time to expand and Ottobock purchased the neighbouring house. It was demolished and the office was extended. At that point there were just 14 employees.

In January 1996, the company saw a rebrand and became Ottobock UK Ltd. This was followed by another rebrand in August 2002 and became what is now the trading name of Ottobock UK, Ottobock Healthcare PLC. Ottobock UK currently has a workforce of over 250 and continues to grow.

The company has been promoting sports for people with a disability for more than three decades and has provided technical service at the Paralympic Games since 1988 and the Invictus Games since its inception in 2014.

The Ottobock site in 1969 and today

Philip Yates, Ottobock Managing Director, told us: “This is a huge milestone for Ottobock UK. We have seen important and pioneering innovations throughout the years from the expansion of the services and care we offer, to the pioneering “The first year products like the introduction of just £96,000” the C-Leg, which revolutionised the prosthetics industry and has changed many people’s lives with its state of the art functions.

It’s no surprise that it is the most popular MPK to date having sold over 60,000 units.

The website is at www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk.

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Making a cuppa just got a whole lot easier thanks to the new innovative Uccello PowerPour Kettle • Developed to help individuals who suffer with arthritis and any condition that weakens hand grip to maintain independence at home.

• The weighted base of the Kettle arcs on a rotating axis to deliver hot water safely and steadily, every time.

• The Uccello PowerPour Kettle’s removable vessel with safe grip handle allows for optional hand-held pour and water refill.

• The large, hinged lid with wide spout allows easy water-fill, good access for cleaning and steady pour amount.

Telephone: +44(0) 1422 314488 Email: info@drivemedical.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @drivemedicaluk Like us on facebook /DriveMedicalUK www.drivemedical.co.uk

New YouTube channel launches With recent predictions by Cisco Systems that globally, video traffic will be 82% of all consumer Internet traffic by 2020, Nexus DMS has launched its own YouTube channel with a series of key informational videos for its customers.

Nexus plan to add videos showing the diverse, top build-quality solutions their range provides to meet any care need and to use video as a new marketing channel helping keep trade customers up-to-date with important technical guides, news and events involving the company.

Marketing & Project Co-ordinator Josh Houghton (pictured) told us: “This is a step

forward for our marketing and “Video traffic will be 82% of business development approach. The series all consumer Internet traffic of videos has been 2020” produced in-house by the Nexus team.

We hope that they will help with visually displaying the benefits we can provide to end-users, which in turn will help our trade customers to provide innovative solutions to their customers.”

You can see the Nexus YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/NexusdmsUk

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48 www.thiis.co.uk

Phone Email Web

01254 619000 enquiries@able2.eu www.able2.eu

The new Terry Lifts Lead Referral Scheme can earn you

a reward of up to £1,250 for each Lifestyle Lift referral you provide Terry Lifestyle Home Lift

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Management team takes the reins at Spectra Care Group The management team at Spectra Group has taken over the reins from the founders.

The team were supported in the acquisition from the founders by Octopus Investments (‘Octopus’) and Peter Toland who joins the Board of the Company as Chairman.

Octopus is a fast-growing UK fund management company. Founded in 2000, Octopus manages more than £6 billion of funds on behalf of 50,000 investors.

The Spectra Care Group designs, manufacturers and supplies patient handling equipment such as ceiling hoists, slings, showering and bathing products. The company has four operating divisions; Caledonian Care Systems based in Glasgow, Care and

Independence Systems based in Bicester and Sunderland, Aidservice based in Wigan and Southern Care Systems based in Ringwood.

Keith Young who has worked for Southern Care Systems for more than 30 years is promoted to the role of Group Managing Director. Ian Harrison remains as Group Finance Director. The rest of the senior management team, Bernie Ewing and Ian Dyer for Caledonian, Chris Rigby for Aidservice, Chris Needham for Care and Independence and Sharon Winstanley for Southern, retain their current roles and responsibilities. Joyce Brotherton also remains in her position as National Sales Manager.

Call 01425 471522. The website for the group is at www.disabilityequipment.com

The Occupational Therapy Show – The UK’s largest dedicated event for OT’s Join the UK’s leading event created for businesses who want to put themselves in front of this vital audience. Lead for lead no other event is more cost effective than The Occupational Therapy Show.

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 Over 4,500 OTs expected to attend this November  Unrivalled opportunity to educate a dedicated OT audience about your products and services  One Occupational Therapy Show - your business needs to be there!

90% of our day to day business is with OTs and this is the best show for reaching them. Every person here is a professional that we can deal with. This show is far better for us than others. The delegates are committed to getting information and it’s a good opportunity to talk to them about new products coming along.

We exhibited here last year and it was our best show of the year. We’ve done other shows but the audience is too diluted. Every conversation we have here is relevant. OTs are key influencers and the first step in specifying our products, so being able to talk to them face to face is important for us. We’ve had another brilliant show this year.

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Women in Engineering National Women in Engineering Day took place recently and so we took the opportunity to talk the Senior Design Engineer at NRS Healthcare, Sue Bevan to find out what it’s really like to work in an industry still considered to be dominated by men.

Designing the future What do you enjoy about design engineering?

Most people don’t realise that engineers are massively creative – after all they are the people who are behind many everyday inventions. My time in the engineering sector has afforded me to travel whilst learning my profession and also provided me with good prospects for climbing the career ladder – something which I’ve enjoyed immensely.

How did you progress to the role you have today?

Growing up in Holland, I studied at an International School before taking up an Engineering Degree. My first job was at Ford Motor Company, which gave me the opportunity to work on significant and interesting projects and enabled me to travel Europe. I also became a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. After 10 years of service I realised I would like to further my interest in product design so I left to study a 2 year post graduate degree in Industrial Design Engineering at the Royal College of Art in London.

For my post graduate project, I decided to research and design a medical high chair, which in fact shared many similarities to the Seahorse Sanichair design which is exclusive to NRS Healthcare. I did my research with Great Ormond Street Hospital and in Sweden before securing a £7,000 grant for it to go into limited production. Many hospitals and companies showed an interest and purchased the product, which is how I met the team at Kirton Healthcare.

I freelanced for Kirton Healthcare over a 12 year period as a design engineer – designing a significant number of products in their catalogue, including their Duo Chair which has been in production for 10 years now. I then moved on to work at Arjo Huntleigh, who is responsible for making a large number of the UK’s hospital beds. During my time there, I helped to redesign their hospital bed range but after 2 years, they decided to close the UK R&D office.

them” atmosphere. NRS take a more modern approach, where people from all business areas intermingle, aiding communication.

In your opinion, do women have to do more to prove themselves in the engineering industry? Why? I think that years ago this was the case but I’ve found there are less barriers these days. The focus today isn’t so much on gender, but rather on motivation and whether you have the drive to succeed.

What three traits do you need to succeed as a design engineer?

A career in engineering can be very varied. In my case, I started out as a Mechanical Engineer, developing state of the art motor vehicle production before moving towards the more creative route of product design, developing an understanding of aesthetics, people and function.

Today, two routes are available for young people with an engineering / design interest, either to study a pure engineering degree, or to study a product design degree with a mix of creative and technical learning.

The three traits I have found valuable include having an analytical mind – competence in Science and Maths will take you a long way, having a thick skin – you’ll often encounter obstacles which need to be negotiated, especially in the first few years of learning your profession and a creative vision – the products I design for NRS are used by people, and should be functional and attractive.

“I was one of only three women in a class of 50”

Why did you want to work for NRS Healthcare?

I liked how all the different areas of the business were mixed together. In some companies, engineers can be separated from the rest of the business creating an “us and

52 www.thiis.co.uk

What piece of advice would you give to a woman wanting to join the engineering sector?

Never be satisfied with the status quo. Always ask yourself “how can I make this better?” At the moment, the UK is crying out for good engineers, and although qualifying is hard work (expect 9-5 plus a couple of extra hours per day to get your degree), you’re pretty much guaranteed a job at the end of your studying – often with an established blue chip company.

The Walking Stick Specialists

Fine quality workmanship and fashionable designs distinguish the Classic Canes range of traditional and contemporary walking sticks, folding canes, seat sticks and umbrellas.

Trade Days: Stand TD92 www.classiccanes.co.uk

“I use my RollerScoot for 8 hours a day at work , much easier to get around than in my scooter or wheelchair” Mr A. Kent, Cambridge

“The RollerScoot has transformed my life!”

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When studying for my degree, I was one of only three women in a class of 50. During my Post-Grad, there was just me and one other woman out of 25 students. I would love to think the stereotype of engineering being a man’s profession will be quashed in the coming years.

Look no further – here it is! Due to a very successful year and with around 100 RollerScoots now sold...we are looking for more dealers to distribute our Award-Winning, Patented new mobility vehicle. Interested?

Give us a call on 01803 558888, email info@rollerscoot.com or visit our website www.rollerscoot.com

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Contact Simon on 01803 220378 simon@cavendish.healthcare www.cavendishhealthcare.trade

round up

RollerScoot looks to the future With the RollerScoot now in full production for just over a year, Managing Director Ian Gray tells us that he is now looking to team up with a bigger company to increase the marketing and sales of the present version further but also to develop a larger, more robust outdoor/indoor version.

Ian says that he is looking to develop a new version, retaining many of the present features, but also incorporating some changes, additions and modifications to allow the RollerScoot to break into new markets. He told us: “We are looking at the international marketplace and especially the USA. We are also exploring commercial markets such as for use in airports, supermarkets, shopping centres and theme parks etc. The new version will be suitable for those who wish to travel further, outdoors, and over more uneven ground.”

Ian says that the UK and USA Patents have now been granted and that the ideal company to partner with would be one that has USA connections or a US-owned company.

For more information, call Ian on 01803 558888, 07753 826807, or email info@rollerscoot.com. The website is www. rollerscoot.com

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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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round up

The Aquatec Ocean Dual VIP reaches for the stars In a recent visit to New York for his ‘’Breakthrough Starshot’’ project , Dr S Hawking selected Invacare’s Aquatec Ocean Dual VIP shower chair for his requirements whilst staying in the city.

According to Invacare, the product provided a versatile and practical option due to its modular design and unique tilt-in -space with backrest recline combination. A popular choice amongst clinicians, the company says that the Ocean VIP range can be used to manage personal care in those with complex conditions and that the modular, versatile solution can be adapted to changing needs with the addition of a wide range of postural support accessories.

The website is at www.invacare.co.uk

21 year old Powerpack proves they are built to last TGA has just assisted a customer with a 21-year-old TGA Wheelchair Powerpack that is still providing assured performance and reliability.

The customer has been gifted a pre-used Powerpack and TGA were contacted to arrange the fitting of the Powerpack to a Discovery wheelchair. On arrival at the national TGA service headquarters in Suffolk it was discovered that the Powerpack was over twenty years old but despite high mileage, was still in perfect working order.

TGA Managing Director, Daniel Stone, told us: “It is always rewarding to see products over 20 years old in operation. Since 1985 we have been focused on product quality, durability and reliability – this underlines our commitment to customer independence and total satisfaction.”

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

58 www.thiis.co.uk

round up

Roma featured on BBC and ITV News

www.movingandhandlingpeople.co.uk

Roma has its MultiSport and Basketball Wheelchairs featured on BBC and ITV News recently when Finn O’Neill, a nine-year-old pupil with cerebral palsy, was given an entry level ROMA Multi Sports Wheelchair by British Wheelchair Basketball’s education partner Youth Sport Direct.

He received the chair at a special session that British Wheelchair Basketball had arranged at his school in Eccles.

The website is www. romamedical.co.uk

MHPS17_Ad.indd 1

60 www.thiis.co.uk

Inspiring excellence in manual handling Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd February 2017 Croydon Conference Centre 5-9 Surrey Street Croydon CR0 1RG

The essential CPD-certified learning event for moving and handling people in healthcare y seminars on cutting-edge issues led by the UK’s best speakers y practical interactive workshops using the latest equipment y topics include bariatrics, dementia, falls prevention and paediatrics y focus on new legislation and CQC assessments Limited places so book now at www.movingandhandlingpeople.co.uk Early Bird discount available Disabled Living Foundation

Tel 020 7432 8006 Email mhp@dlf.org.uk Web www.dlf.org.uk Reg Charity No 290069 8/17/2016 10:45:02 AM

round up

New 2 year warranty on baths Gainsborough Specialist Bathing has introduced a new comprehensive 2-year warranty on all of its hi-lo and assistive powered baths.

Gordon Farmiloe, Gainsborough Managing Director told us: “We are delighted to extend our warranty period to 2 years on all baths. Our latest range of world-class hi-lo baths continue to be at the forefront of assistive bathing, however we understand offering a complete package of support is just as critical. Saving time and reducing hassle for LTC Managers is one of our priorities and for that reason, this new warranty programme will deliver on its promises.�

The website is at www. gainsboroughbaths.com

Become a Trade Partner Transit Lite Wheelchair

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Come and see our new products, collect a catalogue, speak to a dedicated Area Manager and enjoy a snack on us!

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round up

Acorn gives local football team a lift Acorn Stairlifts is sponsoring Steeton AFC. The new kit bears the Acorn logo. The company has its factory and head offices on Steeton’s Millennium Business Park, just a stone’s throw from the football ground.

In addition to the kits, the club will receive a percentage of sales income generated by customers who contact Acorn using a special free phone number which will feature on promotional material at the club and in matchday programmes.

Book your place... ...with the best in Britain’s Healthcare Industry at The British Healthcare Trades Awards Dinner 2016.

To book your table or place, E-mail Nigel Woods at: nigel.woods@bhta.com

Thursday 1st December 2016 etc.venues, 155 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD

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round up

Platinum donation Platinum Stairlifts recently donated one of their Curve stairlifts to Monklands Women’s Aid in Airdrie, Scotland.

Platinum’s Marketing Manager, Mark Gash, said: “We often donate stairlifts to worthy causes, however the majority of these tend to be focused around elderly or disabled individuals.

The women that Monklands helps have an urgent need to access the charity’s potentially life-saving services; for that to be jeopardised by a flight of stairs is unacceptable.”

The Platinum website is at www. platinumstairlifts.com

Autumn UK launch social media portfolio Autumn UK has launched a broad spectrum of social media platforms to help keep interested parties up to date with important technical developments, news, events and special offers.

Autumn UK’s new Marketing Associate Karina Torolova is delighted with the response so far: “We aim to provide valuable insight to solving everyday challenges and have some fun along the way. It reflects our outlook to make the customers experience an interesting and positive one.”

You can find links to all the platforms Autumn UK is using on the website at http://autumnuk.co.uk

66 www.thiis.co.uk

The evolution of inclusive living is happening now.

Make sure that your business is part of it.

Your competitors will be.

Contact Caring Designs Product Development Studio www.caringdesigns.co.uk email. info@caringdesigns.co.uk

inclusive innovation

on the market

Extra power for stairlifts Handicare has introduced the new Ultra Power battery which is now supplied as standard with single tube curved stairlifts with rails that are over 30m in length.

Single Tube Product Manager, Dick Beerepoot, told us: “This system has long been a popular choice for multi-flight installations, especially given that it can accommodate up to 10 parking/charging points. That said, the need to ensure regular recharging has been in the back of some user’s minds particularly in multi–user environments when they are reliant on others to leave a lift on charge. The Ultra Power will take this concern away as it has significantly increased the running distance for stairlifts powered with this battery.”

According to the company, thanks to the Ultra Power’s near constant 24V output, users won’t feel a drop off in performance over longer distances and its capacity between recharges makes it a great choice for use in high usage environments. The increased capability of the Ultra Power battery also means it is able to run for longer with charging in the event that mains power fails.

Supplied as standard with rails >30m the Ultra Power can also be retrofitted or fitted to shorter single tube curved solutions as an optional extra to provide additional peace of mind for users.

Call 01384 408700. The website is at www.handicare.co.uk

IVANHOE HALF PAGE ADVERT 2014 V1_Layout 1 15/10/2015 12:08 Page 1

Freedom, Power and Range.

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 www.ivanhoe.uk.com

MOTIVATION THROUGH INNOVATIONTM

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

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on the market

Full body extention powerchair Ottobock has launched what it describes as ‘the world’s first power wheelchair that allows for full body extension’.

The company says that the new C1000 SF power wheelchair with standing function was developed following demand for a product that is more flexible when fitting individuals in the complex rehab segment.

The standing unit enables the user to stand up even if they have very little strength and muscle tension of their own.

The front-wheel drive and has a unique steering system.

Each of the caster wheels is rotated up to 360 degrees by a separate steering motor, which provides optimum manoeuvrability and traction.

Visit www.ottobock.co.uk

C

M

Y

CM

MY

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CMY

K

70 www.thiis.co.uk

create your own style

Tel: Fax: Email:

01977 681 400 01977 683 397 sales@vanosmedical.com

on the market

New patient turning system from Mangar The Ekamove is an automated, sensor controlled patient turning pressure care system which can be programmed to meet the individual needs of the patient. It is designed to gently and quietly turn patients to any angle between 0 and 30°, without the intervention of a healthcare professional.

An air chamber is placed under the mattress and inflated to laterally lift the person lying on it. Operated via a control unit, a separate positioning or dwell time for each step of the process can be selected, giving better protection to the affected areas of the patient’s body.

Call 0800 2800 485 or visit www.mangar.co.uk/ekamove

VISIT US AT TRADE DAYS STANDS TB130, TB125 & TC120

www.tradedays.co.uk

TRADE DAYS

25th & 26th September 2016 / NEC Birmingham Mobility = Living Aids = Assistive Technology

72 www.thiis.co.uk

BED RAILS

For More Info...

Phone Email Web

01254 619000 enquiries@able2.eu www.able2.eu

Why make your customers wait for weeks?

From survey to installed bespoke curved stairlift in less than two weeks!

With an average curved stairlift manufacturing time of just four working days from drawing approval, Handicare can offer your customers market leading delivery times on bespoke curved and configured straight stairlifts.

Thanks to our quick and easy to use 3D PhotoSurvey system, and 24 hour drawing turnaround times, your customer could have their bespoke curved Handicare stairlift tailored to their needs and supplied for installation in less than two weeks from your survey visit!

We also continue to routinely deliver standard straight stairlifts ordered before midday, the next working day.

To find out how quickly Handicare can help make every day life easier for your customers, have a chat with your Business Development Manager who will be happy to tell you more about our speed of service.

Trade Partner Support 0844 225 3121 enquiries@handicare.co.uk | www.handicare.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.

SEPTEMBER 2016 Medilink - Social Media skills training -Two-day Social Media course – September 13/14 2016 – Leeds. £995 for large companies and £495 for sector SMEs.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 13th 2016 – Rehabilitation Aids Interactive Online Training - FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – In-situ slings - November 17th 2016 Interactive Online Training - FOC.

BHTA - Healthcare and Assistive Technology - October 19-20 2016 – Wellingborough. BHTA/H&AT member £465+VAT, Non Member £590+VAT

BHTA - Decontamination and infection prevention – Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - BHTA Wellingborough - £72.00 (£60 + VAT) per person including lunch

Pride Mobility - Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – September 21/22 - 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.

Pride Mobility - Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – October 19/20 2016 - 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.

JCM - Specialist Seating – September 22nd 2016 - JCM Academy, Peterborough.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 26th 2016 – Amputee Slings Interactive Online Training - FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – September 22nd 2016 – Insitu Slings -Interactive Online Training - FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 27th 2016 – Safe use of transfer aids Interactive Online Training - FOC.

BHTA - Decontamination and infection prevention - Tuesday 27th September 2016 - BHTA Wellingborough - £72.00 (£60 + VAT) per person including lunch

OCTOBER 2016

NOVEMBER 2016 BHTA - Stoma and Continence Support - November 8-9 2016 – Wellingborough - BHTA/H&AT member £449+VAT. Non Member £562+VAT Global Training by Silvalea – Overview of paediatric sling – November 9th 2016 Interactive Online Training - FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 6th 2016 – Understanding clip fixing slings Interactive Online Training - FOC.

Electric Mobility – Servicing / Maintenance & Fault finding for Rascal Mobility Products – November 9th 2016 – Ilminster - FOC including lunch.

Medilink - Innovation strategy course - Two-day Innovation and Business strategy course – October 11-12 2016 – Leeds - £995 for large companies and £495 for sector SMEs. Global Training by Silvalea – October 12th 2016 – How to measure and complete the custom made form - Interactive Online Training - FOC. 74 www.thiis.co.uk

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Global Training by Silvalea – October 5th 2016 – Toileting slings and their safe use - Interactive Online Training - FOC.

JCM - Technical Training – October 6th 2016 - JCM Academy, Peterborough.

Pride Mobility - Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – November 23/24 2016 - 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.

JCM Academy - Specialist Seating November 10th 2016 – Peterborough Global Training by Silvalea – Specialised and bespoke slings - November 10th 2016 - Interactive Online Training - FOC. Global Training by Silvalea – Understanding basic sling shapes and their uses - November 16th 2016 Interactive Online Training - FOC.

CONTACTS FOR BOOKINGS Invacare – Call Joan James on 01656 776283 or email jjames@ invacare.com Global Training by Silvalea - +44 (0) 1626 331655 info@silvaleaglobaltraining.com or visit www. trainingbysilvalea.com Quantum Rehab – Call Debbie on 01869 324600 or email: sales@ quantumrehab.co.uk Pride Mobility – Call Dave on 01869 324600 or email service@pridemobility.co.uk R82 UK Ltd – Call 0121 561 2222, or email Martyn Davis on mda@r82.com Electric Mobility - Call Hayley Acton on 01460 258158 or email hayley. acton@electricmobility.co.uk JCM – Contact Rachel Davis on training@jcmfactory.co.uk MediLink – Emma Lister, Medilink Skills Coordinator on 0114 232 9277 or email e.lister@medilink.co.uk BHTA - Contact Nigel Woods at nigel.woods@bhta.com or call 0207 702 2141

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Surprising you this Trade Days...

With the

veo sport

Exclusive - New boot scooter with all-round suspension. For a closer look & product demonstration visit us on Stand TC110 at Trade Days 2016.

25 & 26 September NEC Birmingham Sun. 9:30am - 5:30pm Mon. 9:30am - 5:00pm

JOIN US on our stand for refreshments & snacks throughout the show.

A chance to sit down, have a drink & a chat.

0800 252 614

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

jobs on offer Area Sales Manager

Development Manager

Scotland & England - Spectra Care Group Position: Locations: Salary: Reporting:

London and South East

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for Area Sales Managers at one of the U.K’s leading British disability equipment manufacturers and suppliers of moving and handling and shower and bathing equipment.

An exciting career opportunity to join our successful, dynamic team as a Regional Development Manager for London and the South East.

Salary – generously competitive for the right applicant with ample opportunity to achieve significant merit based bonuses.

The successful applicant will be based in the South East with responsibilities for area sales and development, including day to day contact, and support primarily of health care professionals such as occupational therapists and Physiotherapists.

The role will include a significant number of on-site assessments and demonstrations often in the domestic environment. This may mean an element of flexible hours to suit the needs of our customers.

The role will report directly to the Sales Director with whom development/ performance criteria for the area will be agreed.

A successful background in sales in the healthcare sector will be an advantage.

Sound interpersonal communication skills, a courteous, positive manner and sound organisational abilities will be fundamental.

Product training will be provided but the ability to show at interview stage a grasp of our market positioning and the role of our equipment in the healthcare sector will assist the successful applicant.

Desired Skills and Experience • Proven track record of sales and new business development • A strong emphasis on customer service • Excellent time management and organisational skills • A natural communicator.

To apply for this position please send your CV and contact details to sue@aatgb.com

the stairclimber people

AAT Logo Sign 533 x 533mm.indd 1

18/07/2013 09:29:45

Invacare is one of the world’s leading providers of mobility and homecare equipment along with being a manufacturer of pressure care relieving products for the acute and community sector. We currently have a vacancy for:

Business Development Manager (Therapeutic Support Surfaces) Yorkshire and North East England The successful candidate will be experienced in dealing with Tissue Viability Specialists, Infection Prevention Specialists, Procurement Departments and Distributors.

The Key Responsibilities of the role are:

• Strong customer service skills.

• To develop new business opportunities together with the retention and development of existing customers.

• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

Qualifications and Experience required:

• Self-motivated to achieve budgets/ targets.

• Knowledge and experience of working alongside Tissue Viability, both in the acute and community sectors.

• Experience of working with community equipment services and distributors.

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong business relationships and work as part of a strong team.

Main Tasks of the Job • Achieve sales targets as set by Business Development Manager • Create and develop new business opportunities • Assist with market research to remain topical within the industry • On-site visits to customers to carry out assessments of all the equipment sold by the Company, which will be carried out at various premises and settings including domestic homes, nursing homes, hospitals etc., • To be courteous, compassionate and maintain client confidentiality at all times • Maintain company vehicle and van stock including, condition, accuracy and stock records • Liaison with Engineers regarding information required for installations • Attend meetings and exhibitions both national and international as, when and where required • From time to time you may be asked to undertake other tasks commensurate with your role • To comply with all reasonable instructions from your line manager • To meet high levels of conduct as set out by BHTA • To be flexible with hours that are required to meet the needs of the business A company van, mobile and laptop are provided.

An appropriate motor vehicle will be supplied along with mobile telephone and iPad.

www.aatgb.com

Area Sales Manager Scotland and also various areas of England Dependent on experience National Sales Manager

• The ability to speak and present publically.

• Strong IT skills.

• The ability to analyse information.

• First class attention to detail.

• Proven organisational skills.

• Good technical understanding.

Mobility requirements:

To apply for this position apply in the first instance, by sending your CV along with a covering letter to evem47@tiscali.co.uk Closing date for applications: 20th September

Check the ‘Jobs On Offer’ section of the website for more opportunities Take a look at the recently added positions Regional Product Specialist Contracts/Bid Writer Manager Operations Manager Area Sales Manager Product Specialists

• The role is field based as such a full driving licence will be required.

If you feel you can match up to this specification, please send a covering letter and an up-to-date CV to the HR department at: Invacare Limited, Pencoed Technology Park, Pencoed, Bridgend, CF35 5AQ or e-mail recruitmentuk@invacare.com.

Closing date for all applications is 30th September 2016.

NB: This recruitment will be handled directly hence no agency contact is required

www.thiis.co.uk

A LUXURY SCOOTER FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS LUXURY IN THE COUNTRY Like a luxurious SUV, the

Landranger Deluxe gives you the strength and refinement and

power with comfort. Ready for all

sorts of terrain, it cushions you from the rougher edges.

SMOOTH EVEN ON THE ROUGH With a shock absorption system as

well as suspension You can ride comfortably in luxurious seats, and always stay in control,

Why limit yourself to the tarmac, when the parks, grasslands and countryside are still calling?

Our super-strength Landranger models are built for the great outdoors.

through every dip in the landscape.

COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT The smaller and lighter of our two

Landranger models, the Deluxe is

designed for adventure with a

short 55" frame.

www.freeridernetwork.co.uk or call 01535 669604 Email us on sales@freerideruk.co.uk We reserve the right to change specifrications without prior notice.

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

diary dates

Exhibition Diary 21-22 September 2016 – Moving & Handling People North Newcastle Racecourse - www. movingandhandlingpeople.co.uk/north September 25-26 2016 – Trade Days – NEC – www.tradedays.co.uk September 28 - October 1 2016 – Rehacare – Dusseldorf – www. rehacare.com October 5-6 2016 – Independent Living Scotland – SECC - www. independentlivingscotland.org October 11-12 2016 – The Care & Dementia Show – NEC. www. careshow.co.uk November 1-3 2016 – Medtrade, Atlanta. www.medtrade.com

November 17 2016, EventCity, Manchester - Kidz to Adultz Up North -www.disabledliving.co.uk/Kidz/North

February 28 – March 1 2017 – Medtrade Spring - Las Vegas - www. medtrade.com

November 23-24 2016 – The OT Show – NEC – www.otshow.co.uk

March 28-30 2017 - Naidex National – NEC – www.naidex.co.uk

December 7 2016 - (OTAC) Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference - Hilton Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne. www.otac.org.uk

April 26 2017 OTAC (Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference) -St David’s Hotel and Spa, Cardiff. www. otac.org.uk or call Sally on 02921 900402

January 30-February 2 2017 - Arab Health, Dubai. www.arabhealthonline. com

September 20 2017 OTAC (Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference) - Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading. www.otac.org.uk or call Sally on 02921 900402

February 15 2017 OTAC (Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference) - Osprey Hotel and Spa, Dublin, Ireland. www.otac.org.uk or call Sally on 02921 900402

November 14-17 2016 – Medica – Dusseldorf. www.medica.de

December 13 2017 OTAC (Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference) - Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh. www.otac.org.uk or call Sally on 02921 900402

WE DELIVER YOUR PROMISES We are a nationwide delivery company based in the heart of Yorkshire. We specialise in the delivery, installation, demonstration, handover and testing of all types of healthcare products.

Our services include: • • • • • • • •

Delivery and Installation of ALL Healthcare Products Engineering Call Outs Removal and Disposal of Old Products Honour Manufacturers Warranties Customer Service Management Full Annual Services Inbound Receipt and Warehousing LOLER / PUWER Testing

CONTACT US TODAY ON 0330 445 0099 SPECIALISTS IN HEALTHCARE LOGISTICS

Visit us at www.hdd-ltd.com @HDDltd

/HDDLtd

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Team of the Year 2011 & 2015

The UK’s leading range of mobility products since 1985

25/07/2016 10:11

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.