Last Updated on 26/09/2022 by Jamie McKay
“My wife developed long covid COVID and this is the first time we’ve left our village in over a year. She needs adaptive bathroom and kitchen aids but we just don’t where to begin when we look online?”
This gentleman visited the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) stand at Naidex last week, and was just one example of the different stories we heard from end users, carers and healthcare professionals.
We helped the gentleman, and many others, with all the information we could provide and signposted him to our members who he could have a chat with.
But let’s rewind a little, to the day before Naidex…
If you haven’t seen the Field of Dreams (and it’s a classic) then we’ve paraphrased a quote from it because it summed up the hope and mood of the organisers and businesses who were at Naidex.
“Will it be busy?” That was the million-dollar question on everyone’s lips.
On the one hand, the pandemic that had been the focus of all attention for the past two years was coming to the end. On the other hand, the rapidly accelerating cost of living crisis and soaring petrol prices left many wondering if an event like Naidex would be a priority for the disability community?
The answer was a resounding yes!
“It was a pleasure to attend my first Naidex and great to see such a fantastic turn out.”
BHTA BHTA Chief Executive Officer – David Stockdale
The busy crowd of delegates was a mix of consumers, healthcare professionals and businesses, keen to reconnect and discover the latest innovations and developments in the mobility, independent living and assistive technologies sectors.
From cutting-edge mobility scooter developments and daily living aids advancements to information on stoma and continence products, the event was filled with BHTA members who pulled out all the stops with impressive displays.
Inspirational guest speakers, such as Tanni Grey-Thompson and James Cracknell, delivered insightful sessions, while industry-specific panel discussions and a keynote address from the Minister for Disabilities proved thought-provoking and ensured there was a wealth of choice for everyone.
Our partnership with Naidex ensured that thousands of consumers and healthcare professionals were introduced to the BHTA and our members over the course of the two days. Attendees spotted the distinctive BHTA badge on member companies’ stands as they walked throughout the show, and every person who picked up a Naidex show bag also received a copy of our helpful consumer guide.
The BHTA team were also on hand throughout the event, providing useful information to people looking for advice, as well as communicating the importance of buying from BHTA-approved members who abide by our Chartered Trading Standards Institute-endorsed Code of Practice.
The BHTA Team at Naidex, from L-R: Charlie Lawrence, David Ellison, Samantha Lewis, Jamie McKay, Millie York, Calvin Barnett.
Naidex was also a great opportunity for our team to catch up with our existing members and every conversation the team had will be vital in how we shape the BHTA moving forward.
Be it issues within the industry that companies want help with or new ways of collaborating, Naidex proved to be the perfect platform for us to engage with members.
David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer of the British Healthcare Trades Association, commented:
“It was a pleasure to attend my first Naidex and great to see such a fantastic turnout. Along with being able to meet our members, I also had the chance to discuss with the Minister for Disabled People our concerns around the installation of second-hand stairlifts. We also found a route to get this raised within government. I look forward to attending Naidex 2023!”
We would like to thank ROAR B2B for organising an incredible event and to every person who came to see us at the BHTA stand.
We would also like to give special thanks to all of our members who exhibited: Coloplast Ltd, Cyclone Technologies Ltd, Kymco UK Ltd, Laybrook Ltd, MK Battery Unit, Monarch Mobility, Motion Healthcare Ltd, Polymorit Ltd, Precision Rehab Ltd, Pride Mobility Ltd, Proactive Mobility, Quest88, Recare, Rollz Mobility UK, Sunrise Medical Ltd, SunTech, TGA Mobility Ltd, Wellell UK Limited, Wellspect Ltd.
Every single person that we speak to helps us to shape the BHTA and for that, we are eternally grateful and will ensure that we do all that we can to help you all.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to see us at the event and would like some useful advice and guidance to help you buy safely, click here
We look forward to the next Naidex event in March 2023 and if you do want any further information, please contact us.
