- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
- Back
Last Updated on 27/10/2026 by Sarah Sarsby
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Performance Health UK as a new member. The global rehabilitation and medical products business has more than 70 years of experience supporting healthcare professionals and patients, supplying a broad range of products across rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mobility, and independent living.
The BHTA recently caught up with Tom Atkinson, General Manager at Performance Health UK, to learn more about his professional background, the company’s products and services, the challenges facing the healthcare sector, and why the business decided to join the association.
Tom joined Performance Health UK in April 2024, bringing extensive experience from the pharmaceutical and medical diagnostics industries.
Before joining the business, he spent four years leading a medical diagnostics company specialising in diabetes care in the south of England.
Prior to this, Tom worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, gaining experience across multiple therapy areas and roles spanning sales, coaching, regional and national sales management, and company-wide field force operations.
“Moving into the rehabilitation and medical devices sector felt like a natural next step in my career,” Tom explained.
“That combination of experience has given me a strong commercial and operational background, but also a real appreciation of the importance of people, relationships, and understanding the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.”
Performance Health supplies a broad range of rehabilitation and medical products to customers across the UK, including NHS hospitals, community equipment services, private healthcare providers, clinics, and mobility retailers.
Its portfolio includes established brands such as THERABAND, Rolyan, Days, Homecraft, Jamar, and Neen, with products ranging from exercise therapy and hand rehabilitation equipment to walking frames, crutches, orthopaedic supports, and independent living aids.
“At the heart of the business is a simple purpose: helping people feel good, perform better, and live their best lives,” Tom said.
He also highlighted the importance of the people behind Performance Health and their commitment to supporting customers.
“For me, though, what really makes Performance Health is its people. We have a fantastic team of dedicated individuals across our commercial, customer experience, operations, quality, and wider support functions.
“There’s a real commitment to doing the right thing for our customers and the people who ultimately rely on our products.”
Looking ahead, Performance Health is introducing several new products and initiatives during the final quarter of 2026, with a particular focus on mobility, rehabilitation, and expanding its solutions across the NHS and private healthcare sectors.
Like many businesses operating in the healthcare and assistive technology sector, Performance Health faces several challenges relating to regulatory requirements, global supply chains, and financial pressures within healthcare.
Keeping pace with regulatory and policy changes remains an ongoing priority, particularly in a sector where product quality, safety, and compliance are absolutely fundamental.
Global supply chain management is another significant challenge, with international uncertainty, changing logistics costs, material availability, and the complexities of sourcing and distributing products internationally placing additional pressure on businesses.
Tom also pointed to the financial pressures facing healthcare providers, with NHS budgets remaining stretched and procurement teams understandably focused on value. Suppliers must balance competitive pricing with the increasing costs of bringing safe, reliable products to market.
“One of the biggest challenges is managing all these pressures simultaneously while continuing to invest in innovation, maintain service levels, and support the clinicians and patients who depend on us,” he commented.
“It’s not always straightforward, but it reinforces the importance of collaboration, sharing knowledge, and having a strong voice across the industry.”
These challenges were a key factor behind Performance Health’s decision to become a BHTA member.
As regulatory requirements, supply chain pressures, and wider industry issues became increasingly complex, Tom recognised the benefits of joining an organisation that could provide guidance, insight, and a collective industry perspective.
Although Tom had been aware of and in contact with the BHTA for several years, it was through spending time with BHTA Chief Executive David Stockdale that he began to fully appreciate the value of membership.
“What appealed to me was the opportunity to connect with other businesses facing similar issues, understand how the wider sector is responding, and benefit from the experience and knowledge already within the association,” Tom explained.
“Rather than trying to navigate every challenge independently, there’s real value in being able to share experiences, challenge thinking, and explore practical solutions together.”
Although Performance Health is still in the early stages of its membership, Tom has already found value in the association’s regular industry updates, conversations with David, and insights into projects the BHTA has been involved in.
“It’s reassuring to understand that many of the challenges we’re dealing with aren’t unique to Performance Health,” he added.
“Having the opportunity to discuss these issues with people who understand the sector, and to explore how others are responding, is extremely valuable.”
“I think the longer-term benefit will come from becoming more actively involved, building relationships with other members, and contributing to discussions that help shape the future of our industry.”
Tom is particularly interested in the BHTA’s webinars, industry updates, and opportunities to engage with businesses across the healthcare and rehabilitation sectors.
He would also welcome the opportunity to attend the British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2026, schedules permitting.
“Events like these are a great way to recognise the work being done across the sector and connect with people who share a commitment to improving outcomes for patients and end users,” Tom highlighted.
Looking further ahead, he hopes Performance Health can contribute its own experience to industry discussions while learning from other member organisations.
“Ultimately, I’m looking forward to building our relationship with the BHTA and becoming a more active part of the wider healthcare and rehabilitation community.
“For me, the real value of membership is having the opportunity to learn from others, contribute our own experience, and work collectively to address the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.”
BHTA Chief Executive David Stockdale also visited Performance Health UK on Monday 26 October, providing an opportunity to meet with the team and strengthen the relationship between the business and the association.
Commenting on the company’s membership, David said: “We’re delighted to welcome Performance Health UK to the BHTA. The company brings considerable experience and expertise across the rehabilitation, mobility, and independent living sectors, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Tom and his team.
“We’re keen to support Performance Health as it navigates the challenges facing the industry, while providing opportunities to share knowledge, build relationships, and contribute to the wider healthcare and assistive technology sector.”
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.