THIIS February 2023

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Recliners: The Welsh seating supplier not sitting back Expert-recommended walking aids

Latest industry news, views and advice

Finding the solution

Now in its 38th year, TPG DisableAids offers its insight on the importance of quality and good value products

Thriving Welsh mobility furniture firm Recliners is set for a busy year with plans to increase its product

speaks to Matthew Davies, Director

months, which have included organising donations to local charities, appointing a new director and moving

In his latest article (p44), Dr Barend ter Haar from automatic control systems to transfer elderly people

Don't miss the latest expert-recommended walking

Naidex expecting a strong turnout,

News, deals & people

A round-up of the key trade stories for business leaders to digest

TGA Mobility partners with Northern to deliver better train accessibility

Mobility scooter provider TGA

Mobility and Northern have launched a new partnership aimed at making train travel easier with a mobility scooter or wheelchair.

The Northern network provides local and commuter services in Humberside, the North East, the North West and Yorkshire.

Through its commitment to inclusivity, Northern is currently making more stations and trains accessible to passengers who use a mobility product or find it hard to walk.

People can now travel from over 160 stations, on 28 routes, using their scooter or wheelchair.

Whilst all powerchairs and wheelchairs can be taken on accessible routes, only certain smaller mobility scooters are permitted, which is where the Northern mobility scooter permit scheme and TGA hope to help.

Passengers can apply for a free permit on the train operator’s website

which will show whether their scooter is suitable for rail travel. If not, then TGA can provide advice on which products from its range can be safely used on the Northern network, such as the Minimo Autofold and Minimo

NEW MOTABILITY SCHEME PROVIDER

Mobility equipment manufacturer Motion Healthcare has confirmed that its full range of powerchairs and mobility scooters will now be available on the Motability Scheme.

The Motability Scheme enables people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a powered wheelchair, scooter or a car.

Accredited dealers who have yet to see and try the Motion Healthcare range can be visited by a representative from Motion Healthcare who will demonstrate the chairs.

Plus mobility scooters.

With a mobility scooter permit and an ‘approved train friendly’ scooter from TGA, passengers can get on and off Northern trains without restrictions.

JENX AND JIRAFFE ANNOUNCE CHARITY PARTNER

Sheffield-based postural support specialist Jenx and its UK distribution division Jiraffe have named CP Teens UK as its 2023 Charity of the Year.

The Chesterfield-based charity provides help, hope, inspiration and friendship to children, young people and beyond with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Jenx and Jiraffe have a charity committee which selects an organisation for the company to support each year. This support is directed towards national, regional or local causes working to support children and families living with special needs.

Ottobock completes acquisition of Pace Rehabilitation

Global health technology company Ottobock is set to expand its patient care network with the acquisition of Pace Rehabilitation, an independent provider of prosthetic and rehabilitation services in the UK.

Pace Rehabilitation was established in 2003 by a small team of clinicians. It provides an integrated approach to the treatment of people who have sustained limb loss or serious limb injury over the past 20 years from three clinics situated in Amersham, Bucks, Bredbury, Greater Manchester and Glasgow. Its team of 40 staff now consists of consultants, therapists, allied health professionals, technicians, and support staff, who will all become part of the Ottobock family alongside Dorset Orthopaedic.

Ottobock's management team has stated that it is highly motivated to continue its success story in close collaboration with other patient care entities within its business.

Winncare appoints experienced COO

Medical device manufacturer Winncare has appointed David Elstone as Chief Operating Officer across its UK businesses, covering facilities in Leeds, Blackburn and Presteigne.

David (pictured above) brings more than eight years of strong leadership experience in the pressure care sector, primarily driving improved solutions for the cared for while also delivering on key business objectives including supply chain synergies and manufacturing efficiencies.

He previously led Select Medical to become a premium player in the pressure care market before selling to Herida two years ago.

David is taking up the newly created COO role as Winncare enters a pivotal stage of development for the dynamic mattress range, building new and exciting products tailored for the UK market.

MOTABILITY’S ONE BIG DAY EVENT RETURNS

Disabled motorists and their families, friends and carers can look forward to an exciting summer as the One Big Day events returns in 2023, including the first two-day event to be held in Edinburgh (15-16 September).

The events, hosted by the Motability Scheme, offer an opportunity for visitors to find out everything they need to know about the Motability Scheme and see the latest range of vehicles. The programme kicks off with the flagship show, The Big Event, returning to the NEC in Birmingham (19-20 May). Other One Big Day locations include Belfast (24 June), Exeter (22 July) and Harrogate (12 August).

BHTA APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has appointed Andrew Stevenson as its president after carrying out his position as chairman for over three years.

Andrew is an experienced director with a history of working in the medical device industry. He consults across both the public sector and private or self-pay channels, with a healthcare consultancy company. Andrew has held a number of other non-executive Board positions, including serving as Interim General Director at the BHTA. The previous president, Alastair Maxwell, Managing Director at Crest Medical, completed his three-year term at the BHTA.

Middletons falls into administration

Teneo Financial Advisory (Teneo) has been appointed administrators of mobility retailer Middletons Mobility, a specialist in recliner chairs, adjustable beds and mobility scooters, which has now ceased trading.

Matthew Roe and Richard Hawes were appointed Joint Administrators to manage the affairs, business and property of Middleton Mobility on 16 January 2023.

Following the appointment of the Joint Administrators, all 17 Middletons Mobility stores are closed indefinitely, resulting in 71 redundancies.

Established 10 years ago in 2013, Middletons was the bricks and mortar proposition from Tom Powell and Ricky Towler, the owners of direct-sales furniture brand Oak Tree Mobility.

People First Mobility honoured with business award

Mobility retailer People First Mobility was crowned the #SBS Small Business Award Winner at the prestigious 2022 Scale-Up Awards recently.

The award was presented to Karen Sheppard, Director of People First Mobility, at the event in London by comedian Russell Kane and Dragon’s Den’s Theo Paphitis (pictured above). Around 450 business leaders, entrepreneurs and VIPs from across the nation attended the prestigious event. Attendees included Touker Suleyman, Alpesh Patel OBE, Josh Robson and Emma Sayle.

Established by Business Leader Magazine, the Scale-Up Awards are the first and only awards to focus on the scale-up sector, celebrating high-growth companies and the entrepreneurs that run them. More than 500 businesses and entrepreneurs entered this year’s awards.

AKW extends its inclusive showering and bathing range

Bathroom accessibility solutions AKW has announced the addition of a range of well-known products to its portfolio, thanks to the company’s acquisition of Contour Showers Limited in 2022.

New products in its range, available for end users and installers alike, now include a high-load bearing shower former, peristaltic waste pump, Vent-Axia extractor fans, walk-in and assistive baths, as well as a height-adjustable shower changing bed that can be folded up against the wall when not in use.

Walking aids

Wondering which walking aid products are grabbing mobility companies’ attention? Each month, retailers in the mobility industry highlight one product that is standing out for them and why…

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Retailer’s Choice: Fold Down Rollator by RHealthcare

“The fold-down rollator by RHealthcare is a lightweight stylish aluminium framed four-wheeled walker.

“One feature I love about this rollator is how easy it is to fold down for transport and storage. For most of the collapsible rollators on the market, you have to bend down to the bottom of the frame and unscrew knobs to release parts of the walker, and then to make sure you do not lose them, you have to screw them back in to one part of the frame. If someone is suffering with painful hands, making gripping things hard, or can’t bend down this makes it difficult to collapse the walker.

“The folding system on the RHealthcare allows you to just pull the handle on the seat to fold the rollator in half, and then all you need to do is fold the handle down to the floor, so easy and simple to do with no effort.

“The walker comes with an attachable basket that allows you to carry essentials and shopping, quickrelease front castors make it even lighter and smaller to store, and it has a comfortable backrest for the user when they need to sit on the rollator.

“The handles are adjustable in height and ergonomic for a relaxing hold when pushing it along. Maximum user weight is 136kg with different colour options of red and blue. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.”

www.peoplefirst mobility.co.uk

Retailer’s Choice: The Zoom Plus Rollator from One Rehab

“We have a wide range of rollators on display in our showrooms but one that is proving very popular is the Zoom Plus rollator from One Rehab.

“This premium rollator is very modern looking and manufactured to the highest standards of design engineering. It is exceptionally lightweight at only 5.65kg and incredibly easy to handle. The Zoom Plus is perfect for people who like to travel, as it is easy to fold and goes down to a very compact size for storage in a car boot.

“This rollator incorporates an easy-squeeze braking system with extra-large brake pads and the Soft-Roll EVA tyre design offers superior traction on slippery surfaces, such as laminate flooring. It comes with a wide, flexible backrest providing additional comfort and security whilst the user is seated.

“Available in a range of colours it comes with a large storage bag for transporting and storing items. The handle height is adjustable, therefore giving you the height you need to walk comfortably.

“The Zoom Plus comes in three different sizes – small, medium and large – and takes a maximum user weight of 21 stone.

“This is the perfect rollator if you are looking for something more modern and stylish but also practical at the same time. We love this product at Thistle Help, and will continue to stock this in both our showrooms for the foreseeable.”

www.thistle help.co.uk

Karen Sheppard Managing Director of People First Mobility

Laura Hays Director of Thistle Help Limited

Retailer’s Choice: Taima XCRollator from Dietz

“One of our top-selling walking aids is the Dietz Taima XC. Introduced to the market a couple of years ago, it quickly established itself as a great four-wheel rollator.

“We are frequently asked to recommend a rollator for use outdoors on Britain’s notorious potholed roads and pavements. Often, customers complain that a standard rollator (or tri walker) with either plastic or rubberised wheels sends shock waves through the frame of the rollator and into the hands of the person using the walking aid. This is particularly tough if the person lives with arthritis in their hands or arms.

“This is where the Dietz Taima XC comes into its own. It has large wheels with pneumatic tyres. These tyres help to take the shock out of bumpy pavements and roads. The front wheels swivel too, making the Dietz easy to steer and manoeuvre.

“It weighs just 9.1kg, making it both lightweight and solid. It comes complete with steering dampers, which further help to ensure that it provides a comfortable ride, again helping to remove the shockwaves and kerb climbing tilting aids to help with bumps and kerbs.

“The rollator also comes complete with a spacious mesh bag, which can hold up to 5kg of shopping, and there’s an integrated walking stick holder too.

“The Dietz Taima XC comes in a stylish deep red metallic finish and it certainly does stand out from the rest!”

abilitysuperstore.co.uk

Retailer’s Choice: Triumph Walker from Uniscan

“As we edge closer to the spring months and hopefully some warmer weather, it’s important to consider the products that are going to help our customers stay active, healthy and encourage getting out the house.

“So, for February’s product of the month, we have chosen the Triumph Walker from Uniscan. We know many of our customers are looking for extra help in remaining independent, and as this walker has a great design with excellent features, it makes the perfect choice.

“The Triumph has a 21-inch-high padded seat, so it’s not only incredibly supportive to walk around with, but when the user needs a rest they can utilise the seat feature – it really is the best of both worlds.

“The height-adjustable handles are easy to alter, ensuring the perfect posture is achieved whilst walking. Coming fitted with a front-mounted shopping caddy with a zipped storage pocket and a walking stick holder at the front the frame makes it ideal to use for shopping or general day-to-day items.

“The Triumph is a great all-round British-made walker, which can take users through the year and ensure they stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible.”

www.ableworld.co.uk

Rhian Pita Marketing Manager at Ableworld

Julia Phipps Owner of The Ability Superstore

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Retailer’s Choice: Hurrycane from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

“Walking aids continue to be topselling items, and the Hurrycane from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare proves to be a popular choice due to its wide pivoting base, which provides more stability than a standard walking stick and also enables it to stand independently when not in use.

“It has a good range of height adjustment from 77.5-95cm and a maximum user weight of 159kg (25 stone), which makes it a suitable choice for many clients.

“It is available in a selection of four colours and has a wrist strap as standard, which can also be used to secure the stick when folded. A floor display is also available, which makes a great addition to the showroom.”

www.classicmobility.org.uk

Retailer’s Choice: Troja 5G Rollator from Topro

“Pretty much all mobility shops will stock a range of walking aids as a matter of course. At TPG DisableAids we are no different and will stock walking sticks, walking frames, crutches and rollators.

“Our preferred choice of rollator from the premium end of the market is the range from Topro.

“In particular the Topro Troja 5G. It has a range of features and colours that make it a go-to offering for those in need of mobility assistance.

“It has a modern, slender design combined with a high level of safety, comfort, quality and durability. Easy height adjustability and removable wheels make it a great rollator.

“We often say that a person’s rollator becomes their best friend. It is with them all day, every day and for that reason why would anyone want second best?

“Often, if a customer is shown choices, the high-quality Topro will be the preferred choice.”

tpg-disableaids.co.uk

Lauren Bromfield Occupational Therapist at Classic Mobility

Alastair Gibbs Managing Director at TPG DisableAids

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Ableworld concludes a busy 2022

In 2022 Ableworld had many celebrations, including opening its new Ableworld Runcorn store in May. The new store allowed it to reach new customers within the borough of Halton area with its mobility and stairlift needs.

The new store opened with huge success, with special opening offers and giveaway competitions attracting the local community. The Runcorn store has since continued

to prove successful as the store team strengthens and grows relationships with local care homes and community groups.

The company also had its longrunning Ableworld Wrexham store relocate to a shiny new premises in September, which allowed for an improved spacious store layout, an increase in stock levels, and a free customer car park. Its store relocation was well received by its existing

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From organising donations to local charities and appointing new directors to moving store locations and celebrating birthdays, Ableworld has had a busy 12 months, as Ellie Emerton, the retailer’s senior marketing manager, explains...

Wrexham customers and staff, who welcomed the shiny new store with some great opening offers also.

Ableworld also celebrated many store birthdays over the year, including Queensferry store’s first birthday in September, Hanley’s 15th birthday in July and Stockport’s fifth birthday in March.

To celebrate these events it had birthday raffles, fantastic sales events and special promotional discounts.

The Nantwich-based Head Office saw numerous staff internal changes

Alongside all of these celebrations it continued to support customers with fantastic product sales and promotions, including a special Jubilee sale to offer great prices on its growing product ranges.

Ableworld ran two successful business conferences in the year, to both store managers and franchise owners to highlight the Ableworld vision of ‘People, Purpose, Passion’ for the year. Both of these conferences echoed the importance of the Ableworld staff, and its customers, to making the business a success.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

At the Nantwich-based Head Office, Ableworld celebrated numerous staff internal changes in 2022, consisting of two new company directors, as Tonya Page and Tony Leavy joined the Ableworld board. There were also several new senior managers appointed and new departments created. These developments reflect the continuing growth of the company at both store and head office level.

Throughout the year Ableworld also developed its internal systems to help ease processes for both its staff and customers. Its in-store and head office till and ordering system has seen further progression and will continue to in 2023 also.

Each head office department have also continued to develop its processing systems to be able to deliver better support to its customers. For example, the marketing department has been continuously looking to improve the company’s ecommerce website over the year based on customer feedback. As 2023 arrives, each of the company’s departments will look to further

develop its strategies and processes.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES

As always at Ableworld its customers are at the heart of everything it does. Last year it has been busy with numerous donations and charity days. Stores and head office team have taken part in coffee mornings, raffles, bake-offs and many other events to raise money for charities including Alzheimers Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, Lincoln Blind Society, and various other great charities.

To note a few donations, Ableworld Reading store donated many pairs of socks to a local homeless shelter, and

Chester store donated wheelchairs to injured Ukrainians based in Poland. Ableworld was also fortunate to be able to support the charity Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), through supplying equipment for its Scholars training programme earlier in the year at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. For its efforts in supporting the charity, Ableworld

“The company prides itself on genuinely caring about its customers well-being”

‘Win Back the Cost’ competition saw 12 lucky winners win back the cost that they paid for a mobility product

was awarded a scholar for the flying programme, which has since taken its flying lessons and will be awarded its ‘wings’ next year.

Ableworld has also run its popular ‘Win Back the Cost’ competitions throughout the year, where it has 12 lucky winners win back the cost that they paid for their riser recliner chair, stairlift, scooter or adjustable bed. The company saw some lovely reactions from the winning customers receiving their cheques, as it did also with those customers it gave ‘random acts of kindness’ to across the year also.

Gaining positive feedback and reviews from its customers is something that Ableworld shines at, as it holds high star ratings over its Google, Trustpilot and Which? trusted trader profiles.

The company prides itself on genuinely caring about its customers

well-being, so all customer feedback is most gratefully received.

ON REFLECTION

Overall, 2022 has been a successful year for Ableworld as it saw celebrations, developments, community partnerships and customer relationships all form over the year.

However, as much as 2022 was a positive year for the company, it came with various challenges too. The supply chain issues throughout the year proved a test for the Ableworld buying and admin team, however, by working with suppliers to source new stock lines its staff were able to continue to provide quality products for customers.

The Ableworld stairlift department was similarly affected by stock issues, however, the firm was still able to help many customers stay

independent within their own homes through its brilliant in-house engineering teams. Ableworld was proud that it was able to overcome the challenges to continue to put its customers first.

Nearing the end of the year Ableworld unfortunately received some very saddening news across the company, in that Barry Pearson, Business Owner of seven Ableworld stores, suddenly passed away aged-55. Barry was seen as a true ‘star’ at Ableworld as his store successes led him to helping thousands of customers to live more comfortable and active lives. His news was a shock to the whole company; however, Barry will forever be remembered as an exemplary colleague and friend within Ableworld.

As we enter a new calendar year, Ableworld hope to start 2023 off with a great Winter Sale, as well as a new store opening in the Thatcham, Berkshire area in the early months. The company looks forward to continuing to support its amazing customers with all mobility aids and forming new relationships within store communities.

Ableworld hope for another year full of further celebrations and successes, so watch this space!

Barry Pearson, Business Owner of seven Ableworld stores, suddenly passed away aged 55

A new showroom in Runcorn opened in May 2022

TPG DisableAids: The solutions provider striving for better

For nearly four decades, family-owned TPG DisableAids has built up an excellent reputation for providing access and mobility solutions in and around Hereford. THIIS caught up with Alastair Gibbs, Managing Director of TPG DisableAids, about how the business came to be established, some of the challenges he has faced along the way, and about why he is passionate about raising standards in the industry…

Repairing and refurbishing a Handicare 1100 stairlift for reinstallation

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT

Mobility retailer TPG DisableAids has been selling, installing, maintaining and repairing a range of healthcare equipment for the elderly and disabled community for 38 years. It also works with local authorities, housing associations and the NHS.

The Hereford-based business was established in 1985 by Alastair’s father, who had previously been working in the agricultural industry but was made redundant, after the brand he had been working for was bought out.

“My uncle, mum’s brother, was one of the founding three partners of Chiltern Medical and they needed a distributor in our part of the country,” explains Alastair. “So, Dad did some research and found that a number of stairlift, hoist and mobility products were underrepresented in our area.

“This led to a life-changing decision to leave agriculture behind and step into the world of disability equipment.” High levels of service and customer care were easily transferable skills, and so this proved to be.

TPG DisableAids was formed using the initial letters of its founders, Tony and Pam Gibbs, beginning at first as a part-time business run from home.

Alastair joined the business nearly 35 years ago when he was 26, after having worked for British Telecom since leaving school. Alastair's sister Mandy, who joined the company 31 years ago, is also involved, taking the role of Company Secretary.

After leaving school to join an apprenticeship scheme, Alastair started out working as a telephone engineer at BT, taking on further education as he rose through the ranks. He reached a stumbling block though when the Corporate Manager at BT informed him that as he did not have a university degree, he would not be able to progress any further up the management structure.

“This felt like a waste of my potential but was a big leap of faith to leave what was effectively a job for life and to join Dad in a growing, but unproven business,” recalls Alastair.

CARING FOR CUSTOMERS

The mobility industry proved to

be the perfect fit for Alastair, as he had always had a passion for great customer care.

“Working in the maintenance of the local network with BT allowed me to control up to 20 engineers and technicians to deliver a time-sensitive service that exceeded our customer expectations.

“Having the opportunity to bring that experience to a new customer base and be masters of our own destiny, rather than just a very small cog in a massive corporate machine, seemed very logical at the time.”

The move to becoming selfemployed in a start-up business was tough at first and involved a lot of hard work. The effort was immense, explains Alastair.

“The idea is that you can work when you like, take time off when you like and reap the rewards of your own efforts. The reality is, of course, nothing like that!”

Alastair found that he was working 70- to 80-hour weeks and on call seven days a week, but he says: “The satisfaction of actually changing a customer’s life and bringing some normality to their daily living by installing a stairlift or supplying a mobility device does, however, bring far greater reward than money.”

TPG DisableAids hasn’t just stopped at investing in customer care,

though. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic the retailer carried out a number of community-minded initiatives, which included making face masks, staff donating to food banks, offering free wheelchair hire for customers to attend vaccination appointments and donating equipment.

Alastair comments: “I feel that it is important to look out for each other and if you are in a position to help, then you should. It may not always be the best business decision to do so, but life is not black and white.

“I encourage all staff to ‘do the right thing’ and I lead through example. I actually spend quite a bit of time volunteering at the weekends at our local community park and this reflects our core values and the TPG DisableAids tag line of ‘let our family help your family’.”

Higher energy prices and tax

“The satisfaction of changing a customer’s life and bringing some normality to their daily living brings far greater reward than money”

TPG DisableAids received the Diamond Dealer of the Year award from Handicare in 2022

* 24 hour dispatch

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT

rises have inevitably added further challenges to the business, as they have for most retailers. Alastair explains that TPG has navigated these challenges by investing in commercial property, and it has several tentants who pay rent, which helps smooth the peaks and troughs of trading.

The expectation of higher wage bills and increased business taxation will “inevitably” cause it to raise its prices in the near future, he says.

“It will also mean that we will look closely at our customer base and those, such as some housing associations or the NHS, that expect zero inflation alongside net zero carbon targets, and so on, will need to realise that they are not actually very attractive customers anymore.”

INDUSTRY TRAINING

TPG DisableAids moved into its current building on Plough Lane around 25 years ago and has evolved in the way its products are displayed and brought to market.

Its current Head of Sales is Jayme Bacon, who came to the business from the mobile telephone sales industry. Jayme is supported in the showroom by Dave Kelly and Bex

Munroe. Alastair explains: “The aim is to give exceptional service backed up with the correct solution. We often refer to ourselves as ‘solutions providers’ rather than salespeople.

“To that end most of our customerfacing staff in the sales department are trained and qualified to ‘trusted assessor’ standard.”

Some employees have reached the Level Four standard, enabling them to give qualified advice to homeowners and tenants on suitable adaptations.

In addition to the showroom staff, the retailer has another four mobile sales assessors out on the road working with customers across the region.

A patient handling training academy was set up in 2019, which has served the business well in helping to introduce many from the healthcare community to TPG DisableAids’ services.

Alastair explains that the academy offers a way to enable healthcare professionals to demonstrate their knowledge to their customers, who can then make informed choices about the products they need.

“We found that there was a lot of poor practice and fear of patient handling out in the community

which made people reluctant to get involved,” explains Alastair.

“To overcome this fear, we felt that care staff should have the opportunity to train and practice with the equipment in a relaxed area away from the service users.”

The facility has been taken up by a number of care agencies, local authorities and nursing homes, giving them access to modern up-to-date equipment that may sometimes be better than the equipment they currently use.

Alastair adds: “The staff would then be requesting better and more suitable equipment from their employers, which of course we are happy to supply!”

“The aim is to give exceptional service backed up with the correct solution. We often refer to ourselves as ‘solutions providers’ rather than salespeople”

Dave Kelly helps customers make the right product choice at the TPG DisableAids showroom

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT

The facility is often hired out on a daily basis by private agencies to run their own training courses. The Disabled Living Foundation hires out the venue to run its Trusted Assessor courses, for example.

Alastair comments: “This brings in delegates from the surrounding area which are also made aware of the services we offer with regards to the supply, installation and maintenance of equipment.”

The venue is being used for monthly Women’s Institute meetings, which potentially brings in more awareness of the equipment available to potential customers, who are maybe looking out for a friend or family member.

LIFTING STANDARDS

After nearly four decades in the business Alastair has certainly seen mobility equipment evolve in huge leaps and bounds over the years.

In the early Eighties, some of the mobility equipment was pretty horrific, says Alastair. “It was big, heavy, and crude. The stairlifts were heavy mechanical items that had very little ‘design’ involved other than to ensure the function was achieved.”

As the years have rolled by the equipment has improved greatly, he says, but so have the number of players in the marketplace.

“Some products are easy to sell as a box shifting exercise, even though it should be assessed for and adjusted

on delivery, which has given rise to the distance selling of many mobility devices.

“This makes it far more difficult to build a mobility business that can add value and service. So, we have increased in areas where we can add value.

“Our stairlift and ceiling track hoist business is certainly something we can specialise in where there is little danger of the customer going off and buying one on the internet and having it delivered to their doorstep in a box for them to self-install.”

With the business selling and installing a lot of stairlifts each

year Alastair comments that his relationship with stairlift suppliers is closer than it would be with occasional product lines.

All of its stairlift suppliers are great, says Alastair. “They have all had their own issues over the last couple of years due to component supply or COVID-19-related staffing issues. I think most manufacturers have.”

The one supplier which stands out for him the most though is Handicare, as it has chosen to open up the most.

“They have been receptive to constructive feedback and input for technical R&D issues. We have field trialled solutions and had access to decision makers where necessary.

“They don’t always get things right first time, but that is the real world. As long as we can move forward to be ‘bigger, better and stronger’

“Our stairlift and ceiling track hoist business is certainly something we can specialise in where there is little danger of the customer going off and buying one on the internet”

Tom Bates, Bex Monroe and Jayme Bacon with their Level 4 Trusted Assessor certificates

Charlotte Tongue and Gary Davies assist with storage and logistics

[Handicare’s motto] we will be part of that journey.”

Alastair says he is looking forward to seeing more improvement in the home lifts section of the market. “Through-floor wheelchair lifts enable the customer to stay in a home they love, and may even have grown up in, but the design has not changed for many years.

“However, 2023 looks like it may well have some new offerings that mechanically and aesthetically raise the bar in terms of integration and move this from a disability product to a ‘lifestyle’ product that becomes almost a desirable addition to the home.”

INDUSTRY REGULATION

Customers buying items off the internet is an emotive subject for Alastair, as he frequently encounters customers who call in about products they have either purchased online or from another inferior distributor.

“Our solution is simple,” says Alastair. “We will deal with the problem if we can, but all of our time is chargeable.

“Any warranty the customer thinks they may have is not with us, it is with the supplier. If we can resolve the problem, they will have learned a valuable lesson, that buying online is not necessarily cheaper.

“If we cannot resolve the issue, they will still have learned that lesson, but will have a bigger invoice to

remind them. Either way they tend to be more wary of buying online in future and often become long term customers.”

This is where some regulation in the industry is required, Alastair states. “A product that needs to be assessed for its size and suitability (a medical device) should not be offered online unless that assessment is offered with it.

“The handover needs to take place by a trained person who can make those adjustments, not a van driver dropping off a package. There is no issue with small, non-prescriptive products being sold online and drop shipped by a carrier, but anything more complex is always going to be an issue, even if you ignore the pain and discomfort caused.”

As the mobility industry has evolved and matured over the years and its market size has increased, Alastair believes that there is no better time for some form of regulation.

It would, he says, give the buying public some form of reference as a starting point when the need for mobility equipment is required.

As it is, an industry with no regulation leaves it open to malpractice and rogue traders, remarks Alastair.

“There can be significant attraction to sell to the vulnerable and old age market for those that just sell and run.

“It is a constant source of frustration to those of us that choose to run a business properly and train our staff, providing engineering backup and delivering the best customer experience.

“The BHTA may be a good starting point, but that is only voluntary. If suppliers choose to employ hard sell tactics or offer shady deals on the internet, as long as they do not break the law, they can get away with it. It is only when the product fails that Mr Google is nowhere to be found!”

Alastair explains that there are no plans to add further showrooms, as it already serves five surrounding counties with its current one.

Within this geographic area it is comfortable with, not just selling products but covering the maintenance and breakdowns in a timely fashion, seven days a week.

He adds: “To travel further simply to sell more products but then fail when it comes to aftercare is really not in our best interests. We still do not have 100 per cent of the business in the area in which we trade, to travel outside of this makes very little sense.”

Long-term, Alastair and TPG plan to put all employees at the heart of any decisions he makes.

He concludes: “I want to ensure the reliability and dependability of the business so that staff and their families can rely upon it. They can make their own plans, take out mortgages, have families, and just feel safe that they are not standing on rocky ground and that TPG will be there to support them.

“We are now in our 38th year of trading so I think we can safely say that plan has worked well so far. The future may look and feel very different to the past but quality and good value will always have a place.”

tpg-disableaids.co.uk

“The future may look and feel very different to the past but quality and good value will always have a place”

Tom Bates, Sales Assessor, measures up

Bex Monroe at work

Steve Thompson MBE Former England Rugby player and World Cup winner

Ellie Simmonds OBE Paralympic Champion and fourteen-time World Champion

Lauren Steadman MBE Professional Athlete & Paralympic champion

Tommy Jessop

Ian Taverner Author of Cookfulness and chronic illness survivor

Celia Hensman Co-Founder & Director, The Disability Policy Centre

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Recliners: Rising to the challenge

Bespoke mobility furniture manufacturer Recliners is located in the heart of the South Wales valleys. The firm manufactures riser recliner furniture for domestic and healthcare markets in both the public and private sector, so its products can be found anywhere from household living rooms to hospital waiting areas. The firm employs 42 people with most from the local community. Matthew Davies, Director, talks to THIIS to explain more…

Recliners’ factory in the Rhondda Valley boasts a skilled and experienced team

Image features the Dorchester Premier Rise and Recline in Light Grey

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

“I joined the business in 2007 when the company was considerably smaller than it is today. My first role consisted of assisting with deliveries, general housekeeping and fetching and carrying components. In my time at Recliners I have carried out the roles of product assembler, product upholsterer, quality control, production manager, general manager and I became a director of Recliners in 2018. It’s fair to say I know the business inside out!

“I had very little experience in the mobility industry until I joined Recliners. I had never imagined myself working in the mobility industry but my diverse experience working within the company, as well as working with industry professionals throughout my career, has given me and the Recliners team all the knowledge and expertise required to deliver a high quality product and service.”

WHAT ARE THE HERO PRODUCTS AT RECLINERS?

“Recliners has a diverse portfolio of products, which has been pivotal to our success, especially with the challenges we have faced since 2020.

“Our Ecoflex model is a staple to the Recliners business; its modular design and adjustability have made it a local authority tender winner for over five years. The Ecoflex provides a medium-risk pressure solution, which can accommodate high-risk needs using the interchangeable seat module. The seat height and depth can be adjusted quickly allowing a single chair to fit a multitude of users, making it perfect for community settings.

“The Ecoflex was also designed with sustainability in mind, as each component can be purchased separately and replaced. We provide frequent training sessions to community store engineers to do this. This process reduces the number of units being discarded to landfill –something that happens far too often with other chairs on the market.

“Our Express Domestic range has also shown significant popularity since its 2019 introduction. We supply two sizes (Classic and Petite), available in both single and dual tilt-in-space and in five colour choices. The Express Domestic range particularly suits a dealer who cannot hold lots of stock but wants to sell to a customer there and then and have it replaced as quickly as possible.”

WHAT ARE THE LATEST PRODUCTS TO COME OUT FROM RECLINERS?

“For the first quarter of 2023, we will be introducing the adjustable seat height and depth facility to our Harmony model. This will provide greater functionality to a popular, existing healthcare model.

“Our Tempo model is another new product. It features a fold-down footboard that moves to a slide-out foot plate, improving the user’s experience during transport.

“We continuously analyse our product range in line with our customers’ requirements, so there may be other changes soon.

“We continuously analyse our product range in line with our customers’ requirements... Keep an eye out for our bariatric and mediatric range in 2023”

Matthew

Davies, Director of Recliners

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES RECLINERS’ PRODUCTS STAND OUT IN THE MARKET?

“The high-quality standards of our UK-made products. South Wales has been an epicentre for furniture manufacture since the 80s, and we are able to draw on a community of professionals with innate knowledge of the industry.

“Our team has many years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, and this, combined with our meticulously designed products, sets a high standard of quality at an affordable price.

“Products are designed with the end-user in mind, and we seek continual feedback from our customers to ensure that our products meet their needs.

“We are also able to offer bespoke

chairs where required and our talented research and development team have the capabilities to accommodate most customers’ requests. This is essential in the

complex seating side of our business, as end-users’ needs are not something that can be accommodated with an off-the-shelf product.

“Our domestic products are available in a set selection of sizes chosen from the popular specification choices. The set size offering allows us to stock common products to reduce the lead time to the end-user. Bespoke sizes are also available. We aim to provide a quality product at an affordable price and in a reasonable time scale.”

HOW ARE RECLINERS PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK?

“Our products are distributed around the UK via a network of mobility dealers. We have a great presence in the north and Scotland area, and order volume continues to increase year-on-year. We are looking to expand more into the south of the country over the next 12 months.”

ARE YOU LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR DEALER NETWORK?

“Yes! In 2021 industry lead times extended to a scale that I’ve not seen in my career. Since then we have

Keep an eye out for our bariatric and mediatric range in 2023.”

“We are able to draw on a community of professionals with innate knowledge of the industry”

The spacious storage facility for the supplier’s large product range

The popular Express Domestic tiltand-space chair

managed to reduce those lead times by investing in lean manufacturing, which has allowed us to expand our output with no increase in staff.

“We welcome all dealers interested in a high-quality, affordable product combined with exceptional customer service. We have a highly motivated team who are passionate about the

product we make.”

HOW DID RECLINERS MANAGE TO NAVIGATE EXTERNAL CHALLENGES IN THE PAST YEAR, SUCH AS SHIPPING DELAYS?    “Since 2020 we have seen numerous challenges throughout our industry, whether it be from COVID-19,

shipping delays, the effects of the war in Ukraine, or many other factors.

“We continuously review our product and service for ways to improve and also keep up to date on industry news and wider current affairs in order to mitigate potential effects to our service. We are in continuous communication with our customers with any form of updates, good or bad, as some things are out of our control. Communication is key during these times to manage the expectations of our customers and our customers’ customers.”

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY STANDOUT PROJECTS YOU FEEL MOST PROUD OF AT RECLINERS?

“There are two standout projects that have been key to our progression in recent years: our investment in lean manufacturing and our award of ISO 9001 and 14001 accreditation.

“Lean is an ongoing project that

“Communication is key during these times to manage the expectations of our customers and our customers’ customers”

This page: The firm’s staff work seamlessly together at Recliners production facility

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will never end for us, as we strive for continuous improvement and development. It has seen us knock down walls, paint walk ways, create shadow boards and map every single process here at Recliners to review and improve where possible to optimise efficiency. This level of expansive thinking has allowed Recliners to increase capacity with no increase in employees.

“We were accredited to ISO 9001 and 14001 in 2021. This accreditation signifies our efficiency as a business, demonstrating adherence to our quality and environmental responsibilities. What once was a small factory unit of three people is now a fully accredited and thriving business, improving week on week.”

WHAT’S COMING NEXT FOR RECLINERS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?

“Continuous improvement of our products and process. We will increase order volume to expand our Recliners team and continue to provide the best product and service possible for our customers and their customers.

customer login portal added to our recently revamped website, which will contain such things as announcements, price lists, resources and much more.”

www.recliners.org.uk

The Ecoflex provides a medium-risk pressure solution

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Trade Thoughts

Do you think the mobility industry needs to do more to raise awareness of dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an order fulfilment method where a business does not keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, the seller purchases inventory as needed from a third party to fulfil orders. Problems can arise, though, when users look to buy products from online sellers which are not suitable for their needs, and which do not come with after-sale customer support. This was a problem highlighted in the January issue (p20) of THIIS. This month, we ask leaders from the mobility and access industry whether it is something that their business is affected by, and what they see as the solutions.

Carol Elliot Managing Director of City Mobility

At City Mobility we specialise in providing mobility scooters and powerchairs and we rely on dropshipping for approximately half of the products we “stock”.

“That being said we won’t sell without the customer having had a test drive of the product first so the customer and our sales staff can be assured it is the right product for them and they are competent on it.

“Some suppliers prefer we sell from a demonstrator model they own, and some are happy to provide products to us to sell. Having a mix of both routes works well for the business.

“When customers visit our showroom we have a range of stock available to sell if they want to take it away or have it delivered immediately. Or if they are happy with a short wait they have both routes to choose from.

“When doing a home demonstration, we will be informed and guided by our pre-visit enquiry form which goes into the detail of what the customer wants and what their expectations are (a very necessary tool for the huge area we cover).

“There is no point taking dropshipping demonstrators if they want to make a purchase on the day.

“The success of using the dropshipping route relies on having a good and very honest relationship with suppliers.

“You must be kept up-to-date with the availability of products so you can be up front and accurate with delivery wait times to the customer so they can make an informed choice of product.

Tim Ross National Sales Manager at eFOLDi

With the acceleration in the adoption of digital technologies and the increasing prevalence of e-commerce solutions, it’s no real surprise that dropshipping is starting to gain some traction within the mobility sector. However, given the relative low barriers to entry and the potential for reputational damage, it’s also critically important for the industry to maintain a high level of control and have a clear set of guidance or rules, regarding bestpractice.

“Clearly, the industry must not be seen to shy away from adopting more advanced business practices, especially, when they offer customers an improved purchase experience. But, when it comes to more prescriptive-based products, like mobility scooters or powerchairs, which require a faceto-face assessment of the customer’s condition, lifestyle, and environment – we don’t see dropshipping as being a practical alternative. Ultimately, this ensures our customers get the right product, based on their exact needs, so any product we sell is 100 per cent fit for purpose. Moreover, should a customer experience any after-sales issues or need any ongoing service and maintenance, they also have a direct means of resolution.

“So, whilst we do appreciate some off-the-shelf products and consumables may well be suited to a dropshipping sales methodology, we would always discourage its use, since there is an inherent risk, not only to the consumer from a customer welfare perspective, but also to us and our dealers and distributors, and they are supportive of this approach. It’s a matter of credibility, and as the saying goes, ‘reputation is everything’.

www.city-mobility.co.uk

www.efoldi.com

Dropshipping has undoubtably become a growing issue within the industry over recent years and is something I am very passionate about. Personally, I have numerous concerns. Firstly, many customers qualify for zero VAT but how can you confirm this when you are asking them via an online form and not during a face-to-face assessment. Is the product suitable for them?

“Here is a prime example. I was speaking to a dealer recently who was telling me how he had to explain to a potential customer that a scooter was not suitable as he was partially sighted and had recently lost his driving licence due to poor eyesight. A week later he saw him driving around town on a brand-new scooter he had purchased online.

“Delivery is another issue. We only work with dealers that guarantee to assess the customer correctly, deliver our product, unpack it and ensure the user is confident in how to work it. Whereas many dropshippers will literally deliver the product on a pallet to the doorstep and drive off, which I feel is completely unacceptable as many of our industry’s customers are vulnerable/elderly people, possibly living on their own. If it is a mobility scooter or adjustable chair which may well need assembling and setting up, what are they supposed to do?

“I believe that more needs to be done to educate the customers about the benefits of purchasing from the high street, and this is something we can do by working together. I also believe the mobility industry needs stricter regulating to protect both the trade and the customer. www.riseandrecline.co.uk

All sectors, including the mobility sector, appear to use dropshipping on occasion when dispatching direct to the customer or end-user.

“Dropshipping does have its place in most industries, as it allows manufacturers to access the consumer market for products, which may not necessarily be taken up by retailers. This is particularly important with specialist products, which many mobility shop retailers do not have the cashflow to allow them to keep in stock on the off chance that the item will sell.

“Often, dropshipping is carried out after a face-to-face or phone conversation with a customer and a particular product is recommended. Dropshipping the item directly from the manufacturer to the customer, in this scenario, saves both time and money, as there is only one shipment – i.e. from the manufacturer directly to the customer rather than from the manufacturer to the retailer and then from the retailer to the customer (in the case of website sales). It also helps to lessen the amount of miles carried out in the transportation of the goods, helping the planet.

“In summary, dropshipping does have a place, however, it certainly does not replace strong customer service – be it on the phone or faceto-face.

“A website presence is vital in this day and age, and great customer service can be delivered online through well-written and considered content, particularly about the specific products, together with phone contact with well-trained members of the team. www.abilitysuperstore.com

This question has arisen many times, but there never seems to be any changes.

“The sales of mobility scooters and powerchairs online with no assessments or contact with the end user is something that needs more consideration from the mobility suppliers and governing bodies.

“The BHTA produce an assessment leaflet that has questions including: Is the scooter suitable? Can the customer get on and off it easy? Will it suit their needs? What is the customer’s eyesight and facilities like?

“Mobility dealers should be responsible for making sure that people are assessed and sold the right equipment for their needs. Is this happening with online sellers?

“With no assessment, a 35-stone person can buy a scooter suitable for 18 stone; a man with dementia can buy an 8mph scooter, not know how to use it, and use it on the path at full speed; and the 80-year-old lady who needs advice just buys what she thinks will be okay from a picture.

“Class 3 scooters legally must be registered. As a dealer we help the customer to complete the paperwork; a lot cannot fill the forms in. Do internet dealers tell the customer of these rules and do they advise about insurance?

“The preowned sales on the private market is increasing and with internet dealers not accepting part exchange this is increasing more, leading to even more scooters being sold incorrectly.

“What will have to happen to change things? More accidents, injuries and possible deaths? Lets hope not. www.peoplefirstmobility.co.uk

Nigel Morley Director of Rise & Recline

Julia Phipps Founder of The Ability Superstore

Karen Sheppard Managing Director of People First Mobility

How smart can we make our wheelchairs?

Currently in various parts of the world wheelchairs are in use in hospitals, care homes, and airports that already make use of automatic or autonomous control systems to transfer elderly people or people with disabilities.

The aim is to allow the wheelchair occupant to be more independent, on the one hand, and to reduce staff costs on the other. At the simpler level, the wheelchair follows a wired pathway from A to B, while in more sophisticated applications the chair is using location software more akin to that used in your car’s satnav system.

HOSPITAL USE

There’s a number of hospitals in the Far East already starting to make use of autonomic wheelchairs, where the principal use is for transferring outpatients with mobility or visual impairments to their designated clinics, and then the wheelchair returns automatically to its original location. They are also used to transfer inpatients from their ward to a clinic.

CARE HOME USE

It has been estimated that 11 per cent of a carer’s time in a care home is spent moving a person from one place to another. In care homes in Japan, autonomic wheelchairs have been trialled to improve the quality of life of residents by allowing them to move themselves from their room

to and from communal areas, as and when they want to without the need to control a joystick or wait for a carer.

One example is the xMOVE from Pixie Dust Technologies (Fig. 2), which is a system that can be added to existing powered wheelchairs. The system uses a combination of sensors installed in the autonomous driving unit with sensors installed in the facility to get residents from one place to another.

AIRPORT USE

Rather than the passenger needing to wait for a bulky golf trolley to arrive, autonomic wheelchairs provide the means to give assistance to mobility

In the modern world of the Internet of Things (IoT) where might IoT apply to wheelchairs? At the October 2022 meeting of ISO TC173 Assistive Products, the Japan Assistive Products Association (JASPA) proposed that for the safety of users there should be a standard that covers this area. This article looks at where we are and where we might be going.

Figure 1. A Whill autonomous wheelchair as used in hospitals and airports

Figure 2. xMOVE from Pixie Dust Technologies

impaired passengers to reach their desired gate and for transfer between flights. The Whill wheelchair, developed in Japan, has been trialled in Narita airport in Tokyo and by British Airways at their terminal in JFK airport, New York. (Figs 1 and 3)

OTHER SMART APPLICATIONS

For occupant-operated powered wheelchairs, there is potential to apply some of the IoT aspects that might be installed in an autonomic wheelchair onto their chairs. An example might be where the chair has got into difficulties or into a dangerous situation, where a message can be sent to a carer to arrange for assistance.

Trials are in place to use autonomic wheelchairs at exhibitions where they can be programmed to attend selected stands and in supermarkets where they can be programmed to take you to the required shelves in the correct order. The latter also leaves hands free to control the trolley.

Using IoT applications, the Whill Ci2 chair, mentioned above, can be controlled by a smartphone app that can bring the chair to you from where it is stored, or can be used for remote driving, as an example.

In Europe, a Turin-based company, ALBA Robot, has also been developing an autonomic wheelchair (Fig. 4). In its design it included a front panel, since it had had feedback from

users in the environments described earlier that they had felt exposed, and therefore vulnerable, when in a more normal wheelchair design.

WHAT ASPECTS CAN BE APPLIED THROUGH STANDARDISATION TO IMPROVE SAFETY?

Much work has been invested into autonomous motor vehicle design, and some of the benefits, especially around sensor technology, are being applied to autonomic wheelchairs.

Relevant standardisation has already been published in ISO 13482 covering safety requirements for personal care robots, much of which will also be relevant to autonomic wheelchairs.

The key areas which the proposed autonomic wheelchairs standard will be covering initially are:

• Automatic navigation – aspects relating to localisation and to sensor safety

• Obstacle detection and collision avoidance

• Detection and response to unsafe uneven, convex, and concave terrain

• Travelling speed and rate of deceleration

The first draft of the proposed standard is due later this year. The aspects listed have already been applied in the different use environments described above, and it is this experience that is being called upon for the standard.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

We know from broad coverage in the press that there’s a drastic shortage

of staff to support the increasing ageing population and people with disabilities. This challenge has been acknowledged for some years in Japan, as the number of younger people to support the increasing number of the older generations has meant that technology to fill the gaps (such as personal care robots) has been developed.

Autonomic wheelchairs have been part of the extension of these solutions in the Far East. No doubt it will not be long before we see more use of these IoT application increasing in the West to address the same problems.

REFERENCES

1. Whill: whill.inc/gb/

2. xMove: pixiedusttech.com/ technologies/xmove/

3. ISO 13482:2014 Robots and Robotic Devices – Safety Requirements for Personal Care Robots

4. ALBA Robot: www.alba-robot.com

‘Let’s Get it Clear’ by Dr Barend ter Haar

One in a series of occasional resumés of aspects in the world of posture and mobility where there are common misconceptions, and myths to be addressed, to help promote better practice.

Further items can be found at www.beshealthcare.net

If you are interested in receiving further information on the topic, please contact barend@beshealthcare.net

Dr ter Haar has been involved in seating and mobility for over 30 years, including lecturing internationally, and developing international seating standards.

Figure 4. The ALBA Robot autonomic wheelchair

Figure 3. A Whill autonomic wheelchair in use at JFK airport, New York

Buyers’ guide to walking aids

Wooden walking sticks from Classic Canes

Wooden walking sticks offer a stylish alternative to aluminium, height-adjustable canes.

Classic Canes Managing Director Charlotte Gillan explains: “Wooden canes are preferred by many users because they are lighter in weight than an equivalent aluminium cane and they also have a charm and warmth that comes from the natural affinity of people for wooden objects.

“Part of ensuring a person is happy using their stick is to ensure it is not at odds with their self-image, so a selection of wooden crook and derby walking sticks is something every retailer should consider. It is not difficult to shorten them if required and this service can lead to excellent word-of-mouth business too.”

www.classiccanes.co.uk

Each month, discover key products from a different segment of the mobility market to consider offering to customers

Plus Walking Frame from Uniscan

A bariatric model that is lightweight and robust, this walking frame can take a user weight of up to 254kg.

British designed and manufactured it is a lightweight and strong 7.4kg. It features an integral rest seat and padded backrest. A choice of four seat heights (19”, 21”, 23”, 25”) are available, all with three handle positions.

It comes in a choice of colours and stands unsupported when closed, minimising floor space. The frame folds and automatically locks for easy storage/transportation.

No minimum order quantity is needed and the product can be delivered to the store or direct to the customer. No pre-assembly by store or customer is needed.

www.uniscan-walkers.co.uk

Alerta Commode & Transfer Chair

Swing away, detachable and fold-up footrests

Padded PVC seat and back

Commode bowl included

Alerta Aqua Shower Commode Chair

Works seamlessly as a shower chair, commode chair, toileting chair and transfer chair

Chair can be wheeled over a toilet

Effortlessly manoeuvrable

Alerta Car Transit Wheelchair

Crash tested

Drop down and padded arms

Swing away and detachable footrests

CRASH TESTED

CRASH TESTED

Triumph Walking Frame from Uniscan

This lightweight three-leg walking frame with an adjustable handle height is packed with features. The walking frame includes an integral rest seat and folds neatly for storage.

British designed and manufactured it is a lightweight and strong 6.5kg. It has an integral rest seat, which folds away for storage. The frame folds and locks for easy storage/transportation. The walking frame features adjustable height handles and comes in a choice of colours. Its maximum user weight is 127kg. A five-leg version is also available.

There is no minimum order quantity. It can be delivered to stores or directly to customers. No pre-assembly by store or customer is needed.

www.uniscan-walkers.co.uk

Motion Performance Rollator from Rollz

The Rollz Motion Performance is an all-terrain rollator-wheelchair combo that comes with pneumatic tyres for advanced shock absorption. Other addons like the extra-soft armrests and wedge-shaped seat add to its comfort.

This rollator is designed for frequent use on rough terrain for people who might need to sit longer in the wheelchair function

or those who need additional cushioning due to sensitive hands, wrists, shoulders or back problems.

www.rollzmobility.co.uk

Taima GT Rollator from Dietz Rehab

This lightweight aluminium rollator from Dietz Rehab is available in small and medium sizes and weighs 5.3kg.

It comes with reflectors, a mesh bag, back support and cane holder as standard. It also has a built-in steering damper for additional comfort and ease of manoeuvring.

dietz-rehab.com/rollators/

R82 Crocodile Walking Frame from Etac

The R82 Crocodile is a walking frame for children and young adults who need assistance with walking.

Placed behind the child, the Crocodile allows freedom of movement and facilitates walking in an upright position. The adjustable handles can be positioned conveniently close to the child’s body providing maximum support and stability.

The Crocodile is light and easy to fold. It can be used by a child who needs little or full support and is available in four sizes, including the new Size 0 Crocodile, which helps the smallest children take their first steps.

www.etac.co.uk

Space LX Rollator from Rehasense

A winner of the 2022 THIIS Retailers’ Choice award, the Space LX rollator combines intuitive design, smooth lines and high-strength alloy materials. It weighs only 5.8kg making it very easy to walk with, lift and turn when using indoors and outside.

To ensure the user maintains a good posture, ergonomic height-adjustable handles with indexed settings provide excellent user comfort while increased safety comes from the maintenance-free hand brake and parking brake. For transporting by car or public transport and storing when not in use, the Space LX can be easily folded and kept in position thanks to the A-lock system, which also acts as an ergonomic carrying handle and is available in medium and large with a maximum user weight of 150kg.

www.rehasense.co.uk

The Trive Rollator from Uplivin

An easy push-and-go (to unfold), pull-and-pack (to fold), the Trive is a stylish metallic aluminium rollator. The handles are soft, non-slippery, easy to grasp and do not feel cold to the touch while the silicone material is non-allergenic, durable, and, most importantly, toxic free.

The shopping bag, seat, and backrest are made of PU leather, which is smooth, light, and easy to clean.

All useable accessories for the rollator are in one package: including a backrest, a shopping bag, a cane holder, and a travel bag.

www.uplivin.com

5G rollator by Topro Mobility

The Topro 5G rollator has a modern, slim design that offers safety, comfort and durability. With an on-trend matt paint coating, a wide range of colour options and accessories, the rollator helps users keep on moving. With a redesigned frame, the rollator has a slender and light appearance while its slim-design wheels offer stability and a shock-absorbing function.

Its user-friendly method for setting the height of the handles uses a numeric scale while the unique memory function retains the pre-set handle height for easy re-use. The laterally folding system enables the rollator to stay handling and manoeuvrability combined with shockabsorbing tyres provides a comfortable ride and smooth suspension.

www.topromobility.co.uk

The Server XC from Rehasense

Available in a stylish white finish, the Server XC is an outdoor aluminium rollator with a maximum user weight of 200kg and is available in sizes medium and large.

For increased user comfort, the Server XC features height-adjustable push handles with a range of 78cm to 112cm, seat heights of 53cm and 62cm and a seat width of 53cm. Adjustable ergonomic hand grips combined with soft wheels with a double PU layer help to ensure outdoor terrain does not cause any discomfort to the user. Additional standard features include a locking system when folded with an incorporated ergonomic carrying handle, maintenance-free responsive braking system and a practical easy-to-remove shopping bag.

www.rehasense.co.uk

Seat Height Adjustable Rollator from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

Many rollators feature handle-height adjustment, whilst this robust aluminium model also provides seat height adjustment to suit the height of the user.

Its lightweight aluminium frame provides longevity and stability and is easy to manoeuvre and transport. The handle height adjusts to suit user requirements while the looped cable brakes activate effortlessly and are lockable for additional safety.A padded seat flips up easily for access to the storage bag or for folding and a curved and padded backrest offers comfortable support.

The rollator, which is available in blue or red, features an easy folding mechanism, which facilitates storage and transportation. Its swivelling front wheels increase manoeuvrability while solid 7.5” puncture-proof tyres provide increased manoeuvrability over various surfaces.

drivedevilbiss.co.uk

Olympos all-terrain rollator by Topro Mobility

The Topro Olympos all-terrain rollator (ATR) is ideal for users who like to be outdoors but find rough terrain and curbs a challenge.

Equipped with ErgoGrip, for safe and easy handling, the rollator comes in a choice of attractive colours.

With large front wheels, the Olympos ATR provides reliable and

comfortable support on uneven roads and cobblestones as well as on sand or gravel.

Intended for daily use, the rollator is ideal for visits to garden centres, the high street or any ‘days out’ as it is easy to fold up and transport by car, bus or train.

www.topromobility.co.uk

Glider Plus Adjustable Walking Frame from Uniscan

This model is packed with options. Made to order, it is British designed and manufactured. Lightweight and strong it weighs from 6.5kg. Features include an integral rest seat and padded backrest.

It comes with a choice of eight seat heights ranging from 13” to 27”, all with three handle positions, coming in a choice of colours and a choice of three frame widths.

It stands unsupported when closed, minimising floor space. The frame folds and automatically locks for easy storage/transportation. No minimum order quantity is needed

and the product can be delivered to store delivery or sent directly to the customer. No pre-assembly by store or customer is needed.

www.uniscan-walkers.co.uk

Fashionable canes from Classic Canes

Classic Canes’ collection of fashionable canes are pretty as well as practical. Managing Director Charlotte Gillan explains: “For many people, including many ladies, reaching the stage of having to use a walking stick can be rather significant. If their cane is something elegant that matches their outfit and is admired by friends and family, the psychological effect is quite different to having to use a plain or ugly hospital-type cane.

“We design our patterned canes with great attention to the colours and patterns to ensure they look smart and bring joy to their user.”

Classic Canes produces its own cane patterns in-house and often takes inspiration from the British countryside, flora and fauna. Its latest deigns include hedgehogs, highland cows, puffins and woodpeckers among many others.

www.classiccanes.co.uk

Tri-walker with Seat from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

This innovative Tri-walker is a step up from a more traditional model. It’s the first three-wheel walker in the Drive range to feature a comfortable seat as standard, enabling the user to take a rest when out and about.

The Tri-walker with Seat has an attractive, metallic steel frame and is lightweight at 7kg and portable, offering stability and security to the user. The handles are height adjustable, and its loop lock cable brakes can be easily applied.

Available in blue or red, features include handy side pockets for carrying essentials and 7.5” wheels. It easily folds for compact storage and includes a bag, which folds with the Tri-walker. The maximum user weight is 114kg.

drivedevilbiss.co.uk

Troja Walker2 and Taurus walkers by Topro Mobility

Topro walkers offer optimal support for users with restricted mobility and are ideal for use in both a domestic and care environment.

Designed for daily use and walking exercise, these walkers are height adjustable and built to a high specification.

There are a number of walkers in the Topro range, all designed for safety and ease of use. They offer vital mobility and, under clinical guidance, can help to provide therapeutic benefits.

All Topro walkers can be personally adjusted to an individual user thanks to either hydraulic or, with certain models, electric height adjustment.

www.topromobility.co.uk

Dash Rehab Fold Down Rollator by Rhealthcare

The stylish Fold Down Rollator by Dash Rehab is easy to fold with no adjustments to fold down for storage or transportation.

The fold down rollator is one of the most stylish and the easiest to fold on the market. It comes standard with the backrest and shopping bag. The fold down rollator is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and has a height adjustable ergonomical handle for comfort. The rollator come in two colours liquid paint Red and Cambridge Blue.

dashrehab.co.uk

Taima XC – PU Rollator from Dietz Rehab

This outdoor specialist rollator features large outdoor wheels for use over rougher terrain and PU tyres for to eradicate punctures. Weighing from 9.8kg, it comes with reflectors, a mesh bag, back support and cane holder as standard.

It has a built-in steering damper for additional comfort and ease of manoeuvring.

dietz-rehab.com/rollators/

Nitro Rollator from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

The Nitro is a lightweight rollator for indoor and outdoor use and features a convenient singlehanded folding mechanism.

It features a removable zippered storage bag and a soft, flexible backrest. It easily folds to a compact size for storage and portability, with cross struts giving it stability. Extra-large 25cm wheels have been included for optimal steering and pushing comfort while the push button height adjustment on its handles can be changed to suit user requirements.

The cushioned seat surface and backrest comes as standard. Available in black or red, the rollator features a dual-function brake (for braking and parking) and a onehand folding mechanism to ensure safe and comfortable folding. The rollator has a maximum load of 5kg. Its maximum user weight is 21st with mini, tall and heavy duty versions available.

drivedevilbiss.co.uk

Server W Walker from Rehasense

The award-winning Server W Forearm Walker features forearm supports with height adjustments of 75cm to 98cm (medium) and 90cm to 115cm (large) and depth adjustment (13cm range) for maximum comfort.

The supports also feature an integrated hand brake and parking brake lever. With a maximum user weight of 150kg, the Server W is one of the lightest forearm walkers available and has been designed to be used indoors and outside.

The Server W can be easily folded to fit into a car for transportation, and this folding design also ensures the user walks with a better posture compared to other front-folding models. An easy-to-remove bag, which clips on, along with a practical small net bag are fitted as standard.

www.rehasense.co.uk

Taima XC

Pneumatic Rollator from Dietz Rehab

This outdoor specialist rollator features large outdoor wheels for use over rougher terrain and pneumatic tyres for additional comfort.

Weighing from 9.1kg, it comes with reflectors, a mesh bag, back support and cane holder as standard.

It has a built-in steering damper for additional comfort and ease of manoeuvring.

dietz-rehab.com/rollators/

This organisation is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association.

Karma mobility ltd

Unit 6 target ParK, redditch

Worcestershire b98 8yn

T: 0845 630 3436

E: info@karmamobiliTy.co.uk

www.karmamobiliTy.co.uk

The Ergo Lite 2 transit weighs just 8.5kg complete and the self-propel breaks down to 6kg making them among the very lightest wheelchairs available on the market.

Ergo Lite 2 Transit Wheelchair

Ergo Lite 2 Self Propel Wheelchair

THE ERGO LITE 2, PROUD WINNER OF

Supersport

Take on all terrain

With a proven track record of over 30 years, the Supersport remains a loved classic with unique style.

A smooth finger tip speed control enables you to slowly cruise or quickly accelerate to the top speed of 8mph. Simple and robust design ensures stability and manoeuvrability like no other, allowing the Supersport to be incredibly versatile, both on and off road.