The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Meyra UK as a new member. Meyra UK offers a comprehensive range of mobility solutions, which include sports wheelchairs, powerchairs for complex rehabilitation needs, and an extensive paediatric range.
The BHTA recently caught up with James Malcolm, General Sales Director UK & Ireland at Meyra UK, to find out more about James’ background in the mobility industry, the firm’s focus on strengthening partnerships with dealers and distributors, and the value of becoming a BHTA member.
James has over 15 years of experience in the mobility sector, as he explains: “It feels like a lifetime ago, but my journey in the mobility sector began in 2007 as an area sales manager.
“Since then, my career has evolved significantly. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the leading manufacturers, service providers, and retailers in the industry, alongside many dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality products and services to a diverse range of end-users.
“These experiences have provided me with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the mobility sector, fostering both my professional and personal growth. This journey has ultimately led me to my current role at Meyra UK.”
Meyra UK is part of the globally respected Meyra Group, which was founded in Germany in 1936. Renowned for its user-centred design and innovation, Meyra offers a comprehensive range of mobility solutions. These include configurable, active, and sports wheelchairs; e-powered chairs for daily use and complex rehabilitation needs from Meyra and the TA service; and the Netti range for users requiring advanced seating and positioning.
“Additionally, we offer an extensive paediatric and bariatric range,” adds James. “Our product portfolio is extensive.”
Meyra products have been in the UK for many years, but Meyra UK is now focusing on strengthening its partnerships with dealers and distributors. By collaborating closely, Meyra UK strives to provide them with the tools and support needed to deliver its innovative mobility solutions effectively across the UK and Ireland.
Meyra UK’s ethos is all about inspiring the joy of life for end-users, their families, caregivers, and all other parties involved in the process of offerings its products to the end-user.
The firm decided to become a BHTA member for multiple reasons, among them being the association’s ability to effectively lobby on behalf of its members, valuable networking opportunities, and adding credibility to the business.
“I have been a supporter of the BHTA since I entered the industry,” said James.
“Upholding ethical standards and best practices is crucial for the mobility sector, and collaboration between OEMs, service providers, and distributors is essential to ensure that users—whether accessing products through contracts or private purchase—receive high-quality solutions that adhere to best practices and the BHTA Code of Practice.
“The BHTA also plays a vital role in advocating for our industry with governments and regulatory bodies, both old and new.
“Being a member of the BHTA adds credibility to our business, provides access to valuable industry insights, and connects us with a supportive community that is dedicated to advancing healthcare and independent living solutions.”
Like all OEMs, Meyra UK faces various challenges. It focuses on leveraging advanced technologies and developing new products to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Additionally, the company is committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability in our operations and product designs.
James discusses how the BHTA can assist in this area: “The BHTA can support us by advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability and reduce regulatory burdens. Furthermore, the BHTA can facilitate networking opportunities and partnerships within the industry to share best practices and innovations.”
One of the biggest draws for becoming a BHTA member is the chance to network with like-minded industry peers. James is already taking advantage of this.
“I recently joined an online meeting with leading retailers in the industry, which was highly informative,” he comments. “I look forward to attending additional BHTA events, as these are invaluable for staying informed on industry trends, networking with other professionals, and discussing key issues in the sector.”
There are some exciting developments ahead for Meyra UK, with new products and events on the horizon. The company will be attending Naidex 2025 and is also planning several product roadshows and workshops across the country.
“We recently showcased our innovative Gaze Driver, an eye-control system for powered wheelchairs, at Rehacare in Dusseldorf, and the response was very positive,” says James. “We are planning to launch it in the UK next year.
“Additionally, we will be unveiling new products in our Active range, thanks to our continued collaboration with designer Rainer Küschall, as well as new innovations in our E-Power range.”
Meyra UK also plans to grow the UK team and will actively be recruiting throughout 2025 as part of its expansion plans.
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed ISKOmed UK as a new member. ISKOmed UK is the UK subsidiary of ISKO Koch GmbH, which designs and manufactures specialist medical device equipment.
The BHTA recently caught up with Greg Whelan, Managing Director of ISKOmed UK, to learn more about Greg’s background, the firm’s range of specialist products, and how being part of the BHTA can help lobby for important change.
“The journey to ISKOmed UK has been quite an interesting one,” Greg exclaimed.
In 2017, Greg joined Nexus DMS (the exclusive ISKO Koch UK distributor), which was soon taken over by Apex Medical. In 2022, Greg was promoted to Director. At the same time, the ISKO Koch agreement amicably ended with the now rebranded Wellell.
Greg said: “Roll onto 2024 and I realised I loved the ISKO products and sector. The opportunity arose for me to join ISKOmed UK, and the rest is history.
“It’s been an inspirational journey in the healthcare sector so far. I’ve learnt so much from all those I’ve worked alongside, met incredible people, made local and international friends, but, most of all, being part of something that absolutely makes a difference to people’s lives, for me, is truly why I do this.”
ISKOmed UK is the UK subsidiary of ISKO Koch GmbH, which is a designer and manufacturer of specialist medical device equipment. In the UK, ISKOmed UK markets and demonstrates its range of specialist beds for individuals with more complex needs.
Greg said: “With the newly rebranded Rotadorm (previously Rotapro) representing our rotational chair bed/stand-up bed range and a much wider offering, including bariatric beds, standing frames, and physiotherapy rehabilitation couches, we are well positioned to accommodate a varied client base and their needs.”
The partnerships in the business bring in skillsets including sales and marketing, regulatory, distribution, design and manufacture, and, importantly for the UK market, a clinical input.
Stuart Barrow is the clinical director of ISKOmed UK.
“Stuart being a qualified occupational therapist for almost 25 years with an extensive background in social services and private equipment and adaptations was the perfect fit for our UK company,” Greg continued. “We are delighted to have him recently join us as our clinical director.”
Stuart continues to run Promoting Independence, a bespoke clinical practice that runs the Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC), making his day-to-day clinical skills and operational management a perfect fit for the business.
Being a BHTA member can give firms access to important, relevant, and timely information regarding supply chain issues.
Greg explained: “The ongoing issues facing the global economy have an impact on everyone’s daily life in some way, whether it’s cost of living, energy costs, or sourcing components.
“Our supply chain issues seem somewhat less with German manufacturing. We enjoy quick delivery times and fortunately do not suffer the well documented issues that shipping freight can be subjected too from the Far East.
“I believe that the BHTA support offered to the membership is vital where logistics is being affected, and, as a member previously, have utilised their knowledge in this area to assist the business.”
ISKOmed UK will be attending all of the remaining OTAC events in 2024 and throughout 2025. The firm is also the headliner sponsor of the Moving and Handling Conference in October 2025.
Greg added: “We are also greatly looking forward to the BHTA Awards Dinner 2024 in November, giving us a great opportunity to meet with colleagues and partners in the industry.”
Greg said that there could be more new products from ISKOmed UK very soon.
Greg has highlighted the benefits of being a member of the BHTA, which importantly includes being part of an association that represents companies’ interests and concerns and lobbies for change.
“As a recent new member and having been a member in my previous organisation, I wanted ISKOmed UK to enjoy the full benefit from being part of the association and to be an active component within it,” Greg explained.
“When you enter a marketplace in your own right, it’s important to be supported by a body that represents the interests and concerns of the healthcare sector and one that can take the voice of its membership and lobby for change on their behalf. The BHTA is that industry recognised association and, for the healthcare sector, the voice that is needed.
“Our first Section meeting is being kindly hosted by Medstrom on the 9th of October. I am personally looking forward to meeting my peers and offering relevant input as required.”
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed ProSys International as a new member. ProSys International designs, develops, and manufactures a range of clinical supplies and medical devices for acute and secondary care environments.
The BHTA recently caught up with Gill Sims, Clinical & Commercial Director at ProSys International, to discover more about the firm, the value of being a BHTA member, and difficulties keeping up with the latest regulations.
Gill enjoyed a successful career in medical device sales for over 30 years. She has previously worked in the stoma, urology, wound, and obstetrics and gynaecology markets.
Gill recently joined ProSys International to support the firm’s vision and business development strategy in expanding its bowel management, pressure area care, and infection control portfolio in both primary and secondary care environments.
“As a registered nurse I am passionate in supporting healthcare professionals with best practice solutions to support and overcome the challenges faced in today’s clinical and home care settings,” Gill enthused. “Providing products and educational services to enable care of the highest standard is our goal and we are building a respected team to spread our reach and support at grass roots.”
Gill says that contributing to the development of exciting new products in the pipeline in a dynamic environment is incredibly rewarding. ProSys International’s overall goal is to deliver high-quality and cost-effective solutions, which involves multidisciplinary professionals supporting the firm’s projects from the outset.
The company anticipates launching its latest development in early 2025. This will mark the start of a programme that sees the true development of the ProSys International brand over the next three years.
Prosys International is a micro SME founded in the late 1990s by Graham Steer. As a mechanical and bioengineer, Graham grew the business with a focus on the design, development, and manufacturing of medical devices.
The company developed a range of products to assist in the management of highly infectious bodily fluids based upon super absorbent systems, and this subsequently led to the development of the Secco Faecal Management system. The Secco Faecal Management System Secco Protect™ is an easy-to-use system that reduces skin breakdown and pressure ulcer development, while preventing cross contamination. With its unique super absorbency technology, it contains spillages and odours as well as maintains patient dignity.
“Most recently a range of pressure relieving devices were added to the product portfolio, and this addition will be a focus for the business as we move in a new strategic direction,” Gill adds.
The ProSys International range of products are sold via a range of distribution channels including the NHS Supply Chain.
Gill explains that, for a small team, it is difficult to keep up to date with the latest regulations, as resources are stretched.
She says: “For any size organisation the trials and tribulations of endeavouring to comply with both regulatory and voluntary requirements in the 21st Century is like ‘pushing water uphill’, but with the added issue of reduced resources in a company the size of ProSys our small team can be stretched, regulatory compliance is without a doubt our biggest challenge ahead.
“Barry Holland, Regulatory Affairs Manager for the company, explains that the two main adverse events in recent history that caused most disruption within the compliance field have been the PIP Breast Implant Scandal of 2010 and Brexit in 2020.
“Regulations have been strengthened (and lengthened), Notified Bodies are now relying on State-of-the-Art obligations with typical guidelines such as MEDDEVs (although most don’t have any legal status), and now, if we’re lucky enough to sell our medical devices into Europe, our costs to comply with both the EU Medical Devices Regulations 2017/745 and the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002 have doubled.
“Politicians continually say that “red tape” will be reduced, but unfortunately this never happens! Government Quangos continue to publish commitments that micro businesses and SMEs be given a “light touch” approach, but again we are yet to see this happen.
“The challenges for medical device compliance have never been tougher.”
Gill says that joining the BHTA as a member will help give ProSys International a collective voice. The BHTA can also provide valuable support and guidance in overcoming some of these challenges.
There are many benefits to becoming BHTA member. For Gill, the most value comes from regulatory support, networking opportunities, educational sessions, being part of a collective voice, and aligning with the BHTA Code of Practice.
Gill comments: “Joining the BHTA was a no-brainer for me, having worked for several member companies in the past, I have enjoyed the networking opportunities, educational events, and the collaborative approach to our industry challenges.
“The BHTA Code of Practice aligns so well with the ProSys mission and values and reflects a philosophy of care and support, which is very much at the forefront of all our activities.
“I am so looking forward to meeting with the Section members in the coming months and engaging in discussions that enhance quality of life for our customers whilst developing and growing our respective businesses.”
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
Topro, a manufacturer of mobility products that help people regain their independence, has recently become a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). The company is best known for its high-quality rollators.
The BHTA recently caught up with Terence Clark, UK Country Director for Topro, to delve into Topro’s product offering, how joining the BHTA helps the firm to be more credible, and its future plans.
Terence joined Topro after considerable experience in the stairlift sector.
“Previously I worked for 10 years at Stannah Stairlifts as its local authority sales manager and before that for 24 years as Head of Sales at Clark and Partners, our own large dealership with multiple outlets and substantial sales into the public sector,” said Terence. “Both these companies would have been considered the best in field, and when I was considering leaving Stannah I knew I wanted to work for a company with similar values and levels of expertise.”
Always committing to the business he works for, Terence wanted a position at a smaller firm where he could have a larger impact. He saw the Topro job advertised in THIIS and called to have a chat.
“I found an instant rapport with the company and its aims,” he recalled. “The role at Topro is a good combination of the elements I liked in both previous roles/companies and allows me to use my strengths and my experience to good effect.”
Topro mobility products are manufactured in Norway. They are the “best in class”, according to Terence.
“Coming from Stannah, I knew that quality products are a huge part of the success of any organisation. We have also invested heavily in logistics, staffing, IT, and systems to equip the new Topro UK to compete at every level with new products in the pipeline to further complement our current ranges.”
Topro’s range of rollators include the new feature-rich indoor rollator Hestia, the indoor/outdoor hard-working Original, the multi-option 5G, the rugged Olympus ATR (All Terrian Rollator), and the attractive and advanced Pegasus carbon rollator.
In addition, there is the Neuro, which uses reverse logic braking to help clients with conditions like Parkinson’s to stay safe and active as long as possible. Lastly, the Forearm Walker2, one of Topro’s best-sellers, is a practical, lightweight, and stable forearm walker designed to provide great upper body support.
Terence added: “Taurus dealers have access to the Taurus range of walkers. With its growing use throughout the NHS and rehab centres, Taurus offers flexibility and stability, helping clients relearn to walk after surgery or other conditions where they may have become unstable or unsteady.
“The significant investment of the owners has meant that Topro competes at the highest standard on the world stage, and it was decided to look for a larger UK market share and a wider profile within the dealership network and the NHS. I was tasked with overhauling the whole UK business, and this is what has happened.”
Discussing overcoming challenges in the current business climate, Terence commented: “There are always challenges in business, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, coupled with various supply issues over past years, and of course Brexit and the changes that has created in legislation etc. are felt by all companies.
“We have a team committed to providing added value and an extremely well-regarded product offering working alongside the BHTA; we really are ready for the future.”
Becoming a BHTA member adds credibility to Topro.
Terence said: “I have been involved with the BHTA for decades and value its purposes, input, and advice.
“At Topro UK, I recognise that in order to be credible we need to connect with other manufacturers and dealers and gain depth of understanding of new and existing legislation and how this affects our world.
“We will be involved and a proactive part of BHTA. I look forward to integrating, meeting, and renewing friendships over the coming months.”
Topro will be attending several large exhibitions and conferences in 2024, including Naidex, the British Orthopaedic Conference, and the OT show.
Beyond this, Topro will be building on its reputation on the following five pillars, based on Terence’s knowledge of what is important to dealerships after 24 years as a mobility dealer:
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.