Healthcare Matters Issue 835

www.healthcarematters.uk

ISSUE 835 – JUNE 2025

TEL 0121 824 7700

Rediscover life’s adventures

with Kymco

Page 10

Yeoman Shield: Excellence in

protection for healthcare interiors

4 32

38

SoMax Finance: Empowering

financial transformation

Pressure Care Management:

Komfitilt Lateral Tilt System

CONTENTS 835

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our June edition. Explore our hand-picked features

on innovative companies across the healthcare industry.

In this issue, we celebrate Yeoman Shield as our Wall & Door

Protection Company of the Year, and Apex Wiring as our Modular

Wiring Company of the Year. Both companies have enjoyed an

outstanding year, drawing on their extensive industry experience

to drive meaningful contributions to their businesses and support

the ongoing investment in Britain’s healthcare sector.

Turn to page 8 for our full review of Naidex 2025: A vibrant celebration of disability &

innovation. Held at the NEC in Birmingham from 19-20 March, this year’s show was one

the biggest yet, buzzing with energy and collaboration.

On page 18, we feature a fascinating article on Alive Activities, winners of our Commitment

to Excellence Award. The charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life of older

people, and has collaborated with local care homes, brewers and the community to

coproduce a beer named Hoppiness Brews that has been praised and showcased on the

One Show and featured in the Guardian.

Other topics covered: Medical Waste, Healthcare Estates & Facilities Management,

Healthcare Solutions, Flooring & Furnishing, Nursing & Care, Disability & Mobility,

Fall Detection & Technology Enabled Care, Water Hygiene, Clinical Services, Waste

Management.

Got news to share: kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

COVER STORY

Gina Burton

Editor

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

6

13

YEOMAN SHIELD

WALL & DOOR

PROTECTION

OF THE MONTH

APEX WIRING

SOLUTIONS

MODULAR

WIRING

NAIDEX

REVIEW

– TOP

EXHIBITORS

PHARMAFILTER

MEDICAL

WASTE

MATTERS

ALIVE ACTIVITIES

COMMITMENT TO

EXCELLENCE

AWARD

4

8

18

20

KILWORTH

INTERIORS

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

CARE

MANAGEMENT

SHOW

PREVIEW

26

See page 10

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager

0121 824 7700

kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

EDITORIAL

Gina Burton Editor

07483 931474

gina@healthcarematters.uk

PRODUCTION

Robert Sharp Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

ACCOUNTS

Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager

0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Contact Sales on 0121 824 7700

info@healthcarematters.uk

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requirements, please see our Media Pack

Find us on LinkedIn

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and

@hcm_uk

Unless stated as news, the entire content

of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert,

please call 0121 824 7700.

27

SPARK CARE

TECHNOLOGY

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

FREQUENCY

PRECISION

FALL PREVENTION

MATTERS

MAIDSCANDO

CLEANING, HYGIENE

& LAUNDRY

MATTERS

34

CARE &

OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPY

37

PREVIEW

SPONSORED BY

29

WALL & DOOR PROTECTION Company of the Year

Excellence in protection: Yeoman Shield’s

enduring impact on healthcare interiors

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are

pleased to feature Yeoman Shield as our Wall

& Door Protection Company of the Year

T

he past 12 months

have presented

challenges for

Yeoman Shield, largely

due to the uncertainty

surrounding the election

and shifts in public sector

budgets. While these

factors have introduced a

degree of caution across

some of the company’s

key markets, Yeoman

Shield remains confident

in the strength and

resilience built over nearly

60 years in the industry.

This depth of experience,

combined with a robust

and sustainable business

model, positions the

company well to navigate change and

continue delivering reliable, high-quality

protection solutions.

Phil Christopher, Director of Yeoman Shield,

commented, “Over the past year, sales stayed

strong and were very much in line with our

forecasted figures. This is testament to the

hardworking team we have here at Harrison

Thompson (Yeoman Shield). During this time,

we have also managed to launch three new

products with our Ellipse Protection Rail, Oval

Handrail and Contour Hand/Crash Rail being

very well received by the market.”

When it comes to high-traffic environments,

walls and corridors take a beating. The

Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is

the perfect solution – offering a combination

of protection, support and style to keep your

interiors looking their best while reducing

maintenance costs.

The Contour Hand/Crash Rail offers a versatile

and practical solution by combining dual

functionality – it serves both as a supportive

handrail and as a crash

rail to absorb impacts

from trolleys, wheelchairs,

and carts, effectively

protecting walls from costly

damage. Built from highquality,

durable materials,

it is resistant to scuffs,

scratches, and impact,

making it ideal for use in

hospitals, care homes,

schools, and commercial

buildings. Its smooth,

easy-clean surface supports

high hygiene standards and

reduces the time and effort

required for cleaning and

maintenance. In addition to

its performance benefits,

the Contour Hand/Crash

Rail is also stylish and customisable, available

in a variety of colours and finishes to suit

different interior aesthetics –

whether aiming for a subtle,

integrated look or a bold

visual feature.

Products such as the

above are supported by

the company’s inhouse

installation service,

delivered by a team of

experts with decades

of experience in the

healthcare market. “This

level of expertise gives

clients peace of mind

that when commissioning

works, we will provide

the correct advice to help

product selection, providing

excellent value for money. All the works will be

carried out to the very highest standard by our

skilled directly employed

fitters, with minimum

upheaval,” added Phil.

Yeoman Shield, a division

of Harrison Thompson &

Co Ltd, was established in

1966 by Peter Brumwell.

Based in Leeds, this familyowned

company designs

and manufactures its own

range of branded products,

serving a broad spectrum

of sectors including

healthcare, education,

leisure, and retail.

The company’s primary

focus is the design, manufacture, supply,

and installation of high-quality wall and door

protection systems. Specialising in healthcare

environments, Yeoman Shield offers solutions

such as wall and door protection, handrails,

and bed head protectors. These products

are designed to enhance hygiene, minimise

maintenance costs, and deliver long-term

durability.

With a commitment to quality and

performance, Yeoman Shield takes pride in

being a British manufacturer. The company

collaborates closely with healthcare facilities,

care homes, and public sector buildings to

provide robust, tailored protection systems

suitable for high-traffic

environments.

One major benefit that

Yeoman offers over others

in the industry, is that all

its products are tried and

tested, and carry all the

certifications needed in the

modern healthcare market.

From its vast colour range,

to extensive stock produce,

all clients’ needs are met

efficiently, promptly, and to

their exact specifications.

“When investing in wall

and door protection, it’s

important that the products

are long lasting and sustainable,” said Phil.

“Our in-house installation service is second

to none with decades of

experience in the healthcare

market giving clients peace

of mind for years to come.

Whether in the far north of

Scotland or on the south

coast of England, our fitting

teams are ready to help.”

Another service offered

by Yeoman that has

become increasingly

more popular is their Fire

Door Inspections service.

Undertaken by Yeoman’s

own fire door inspectors

who have successfully

passed industry-recognised

4

HCM IS SPONSORED BY JOHNSON CONTROLS – SEE THEM ON PAGE 15

WALL & DOOR PROTECTION Company of the Year

service is growing very quickly, providing

customers with detailed condition surveys

and importantly, the ability to also provide any

required repairs or replacement fire doors to

ensure a return to compliance as quickly as

possible. We urge clients to engage with us to

carry out their planned 6 monthly inspections,”

added Phil.

qualifications, Yeoman offers two types of

survey, an intrusive survey where they check

a minimum of 10% of the back of frames to

ascertain if they have suitable fire stopping,

this may involve the removal of architraves.

And, secondly, a non-intrusive survey where

the back of frames is not checked, and no

assumptions are made with regards to the fire

stopping.

“Our in-house accredited Fire Door Inspection

Innovation is a continuous focus at Yeoman

Shield, with several exciting new product

additions on the horizon. With some launches

just around the corner, Phil shared his

enthusiasm, stating, “We can’t wait to get

them out for everyone to see.”

Durable, cost-effective and built to last,

Yeoman Shield wall and door protection

products have been some of the best in

the industry since 1966. Its outstanding

commitment to quality, innovation, and

customer-focused solutions, alongside

decades of experience, have enabled the

company to build and maintain a strong

reputation in sectors such as healthcare,

education, and commercial environments.

This has helped Yeoman Shield to consistently

deliver products that combine durability,

hygiene, and aesthetic appeal.

Yeoman’s dedication to British manufacturing,

attention to detail, and ability to provide

tailored protection systems for high-traffic

areas has earnt them this recognition that

reflects their exceptional contribution

to improving the safety, longevity, and

functionality of interior spaces across the UK.

In closing, we asked Phil, how he felt about

receiving the award, “It’s always nice to be

recognised for the quality of our products and

services and in particular within the healthcare

sector which has been at the core of business

for almost 60 years.”

0113 279 5854

info@yeomanshield.com

www.yeomanshield.com

HCM IS SPONSORED BY JOHNSON CONTROLS – SEE THEM ON PAGE 15 5

MODULAR WIRING Company of the Year

Apex Wiring Solutions:

Engineering smarter systems for

global healthcare infrastructure


pleased to feature Apex Wiring Solutions as

our Modular Wiring Company of the Year

ounded in County

Durham, Apex’s North

FEast headquarters is a

state-of-the-art manufacturing

facility dedicated to producing

high-quality cables and

prefabricated components.

With international operations

in the UAE and Australia, Apex

supports a growing portfolio

of global projects and clients,

firmly positioning itself as a

leading supplier of Modular

Wiring Systems worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1980,

the company has delivered

over 22 million metres of cable,

completed 533 projects, and

designed an impressive 426

modular solutions – achieving up

to a 75% reduction in installation

times across the board.

We caught up with Paul Hopps,

Sales Director, on the last 12

months, “The past 12 months

have been incredibly positive

for Apex Wiring Solutions. We’re

pleased to say that we’ve met our

financial targets for the year and

this achievement reflects both the

continued strength of our offering,

and the efforts of our dedicated

team across the board.

“We’ve also made significant

progress as a business,

successfully branching out into

a number of new sectors. A

particular highlight has been our

expansion into the Life Sciences

sector, which has proven to

be a real success story. The

adaptability of our modular

wiring systems continues to

demonstrate their value across a

wide range of applications.”

a recent turnkey

design, supply

and installation of

modular wiring and

electrical services for

the FujiFilm Diosynth

Biotechnologies

lab facility in neighbouring

Teesside. This flagship site

spearheads the R&D capabilities

across the life sciences: namely

pharmaceutical synthesis and

biotechnical innovations. Apex

supplied an industry-leading

electrical lab infrastructure

through prefabricated distribution

boards, high-level service panels,

lightning circuits and multi-circuit

distribution boxes.

With over 30 years of industry

expertise, Apex has earned a

global reputation as a marketleading,

award-winning provider

of prefabricated wiring systems.

The company has consistently

delivered bespoke solutions

across a range of critical sectors

– including healthcare, education,

construction, commercial, and

more recently, life sciences.

Apex specialises in the supply

of cables, cable assemblies, and

accessories for both high- and

low-level power distribution

systems, combining technical

excellence with sector-specific

insight to meet complex project

requirements worldwide.

and efficiency are key, far out

performing traditional electrical

wiring. Paul spoke to us about

what it means to go modular and

what benefits Apex’s products

and services bring to its clients,

“Going modular brings a new

level of unparalleled flexibility,

cuts time in half, and is an

economical, low-cost alternative.

Not forgetting reliability, our

modular wiring systems offer

factory-tested, repeatable

solutions that not only enhance

on-site productivity but also

significantly reduces programme

risk. The offsite manufacturing

process also supports

sustainability and efficiency,

which are key considerations in

today’s construction landscape.”

For the healthcare industry

which can be a very demanding

environment, Apex has years of

experience and knowledge in

completing successful projects

for hospitals around the globe

from Australia to Portsmouth and

Proving to be a powerhouse

in Life Sciences, it came as

no surprise when Apex was

the recipient of one of Ward

Hadaway’s North East’s Fastest

50 Awards: recognised for drive,

determination and innovative

success across the region.

With a history firmly rooted

in County Durham, Apex has

championed economic and social

development across the North

East for many years.

One great example of this was

More recently, Apex has

successfully launched its NEW

Underfloor Modular Wiring

System, and the feedback so

far has been overwhelmingly

positive. “It’s a great example

of our ongoing commitment to

innovation and to responding to

the needs of the market,” added

Paul.

Apex brings a revolutionary

approach to wiring in a fastpaced

world where technological

advancements, adaptability

6


MODULAR WIRING Company of the Year

London. One of its most recent

completed projects was for the

Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s

new Women and Children’s

Hospital, in partnership with W

Portsmouth and IHP.

“We are pleased to report that

this project was delivered on

time and within budget, and

we received excellent feedback

from the client. It was a fantastic

opportunity to demonstrate our

capability and commitment to

quality delivery in live healthcare

environments,” said Paul.

Modular wiring has very quickly

established itself as the preferred

option for healthcare projects.

Other examples of when Apex

has successfully implemented

modular wiring solutions into

healthcare facilities include:

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Baird

and Anchor Buildings, Dublin

National Children’s Hospital

Ireland’s Largest Hospital, Chase

Farm New Hospital, St Bart’s

Hospital (London): Supporting

a 10 year redevelopment by

integrating sustainable and

efficient modular systems,

and Royal London Hospital:

Implementing modular systems

for a 727-bed facility, supporting

Europe’s largest rental service

and the Air Ambulance.

These projects highlight the

efficiency, adaptability, and

sustainability of Apex’s modular

wiring in healthcare environments,

as its ongoing investment in

connector technology and

manufacturing techniques

has brought its ‘plug-andplay’

modular systems to the

foreground.

With a small number of

components, Apex delivers a

system that is proven to reduce

on-site labour by around 80%.

From its pre-wired distribution

boards to final luminaire or power

outlet connection, Apex has

a solution for any application.

Using its proven technology,

Apex helps to reduce the risks,

time and quality associated with

traditional electrical installation

methodology.

Looking ahead, we asked Paul

what is Apex’s long and shortterm

goals, “Innovation is at the

heart of everything we do. In the

immediate future, we’re preparing

to launch a new fire-rated system

designed specifically for central

battery and fire escape zones

within healthcare environments.

We have to move with recent

changes to specifications and this

latest development should add

even more value to the already

valuable offer of modular wiring

systems. Long term, we remain

focused on refining our systems,

exploring new applications, and

continuing to respond to the

evolving needs of our clients and

industry.”

Finally, in closing, we asked Paul

how the company felt receiving

the award, “Extremely proud.

The recognition of the whole

team’s dedication to helping our

clients is humbling. Our people

are passionate about what they

do, and this recognition reflects

their commitment to delivering

innovative, high-quality solutions

that truly support our clients’

goals.”

0191 378 7900

info@apexwiringsolutions.co.uk

https://apexwiringsolutions.co.uk


Review - Top Exhibitors

Naidex 2025: A vibrant celebration

of disability & innovation

N

aidex 2025 brought together thousands

of people to champion accessibility

and inclusion. Held at NEC Birmingham

from 19-20 March, this year’s show was one

the biggest yet, buzzing with energy and

collaboration.

Naidex 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a

vibrant celebration of the disability community,

drawing thousands together for an empowering

experience brimming with support and

invaluable connections. For over half a century,

Naidex has been the pivotal platform to confront

crucial issues, amplify inspiring stories, and

unveil innovative products and essential

services.

From the lively Village Green and the Naidex

Marketplace to the CPD-accredited conference

theatres, the event offered something for

everyone. The Main Stage saw sessions on the

assisted dying bill, making adventure inclusive

and the influencer blueprint. Plus, interviews

from Mollie Pearce & Jody Cundy and a live

podcast hosted by Jordan Jarrett-Bryan – Cool,

Confident and Disabled.

With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing

everything from assistive technology to mobility

solutions and inclusive leisure, the exhibition

floor was full of inspiration.

A highlight of 2025 was the ground-breaking

Elevate Disabled Founders Pitch, championed

by headline partners

Lloyds Banking Group,

which shined a light

on the exceptional

talent of disabled

entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the

expansion of Business

without Barriers and

the debut of the

Evenbreak recruitment

fair injected a dynamic

new focus on

workplace inclusion.

In the Business without Barriers theatre,

attendees were offered a diverse array of

sessions aimed at fostering a more inclusive

world. The agenda delved into practical

strategies for creating truly inclusive hiring

practices and workplaces, with dedicated

discussions on supporting neurodiverse talent

and building confidence within diverse teams.

Entrepreneurship and self-employment advice

was a key focus, alongside insights into the

transformative potential of accessible banking.

The theatre also explored broader themes such

as a vision for inclusive travel and tourism,

the importance of

inclusive leadership,

and effective inclusive

language training for

disability and chronic

illness. Specific

sessions also covered

the power of sport

in driving change,

and crucial advice on

wheelchair provision.

The popular ‘Ask

The Employer: Your

Questions Answered!’ segment provided a

valuable interactive element, rounding out a

comprehensive programme designed to break

down barriers in various sectors.

Neuro Convention welcomed thousands

of healthcare professionals and provided

a platform to share exciting developments

and showcase innovations in neurological

rehabilitation. Meanwhile the Alzheimer’s &

Dementia Show successful integration added

a new dynamic to the event. There was a

huge focus on understanding and supporting

those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms

of dementia. It brought together families,

caregivers, and experts, creating a unique and

helpful space for everyone affected by these

conditions. Attendees could also benefit from

additional training and workshops, hosted

by Training2Care. These sessions included

the Virtual Dementia Tour, Autism Reality

Experience, Dementia Interpreters Workshop

and DIET, Dining Immersive Experiential Training.

Watch this space for some exciting

announcements to come! Naidex will be

introducing some new elements to the March

events, plus have some new developments

based on feedback from

Our deepest gratitude extends to our visitors,

partners, exhibitors, and the entire community

for their collective spirit, making Naidex 2025

a truly inspirational and profoundly rewarding

experience.

The Naidex team would like to thank all our

visitors, speakers, and partners for making

Naidex 2025 such a powerful platform for

change.

This is Healthcare Matters’ pick of the best

exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in

alphabetical order: Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare,

Inclusive Dance UK, Kymco, LifeVac Europe &

Sign Wow. Further details can be found on this

page and the next four.

Naidex 2026 will take place on 25-26

March at the NEC in Birmingham. To

pre-register, visit: www.naidex.co.uk

or if you’re interested in sponsoring or

exhibiting at Naidex, contact:

sales@naidex.co.uk

8



Inclusive Dance UK: Different in life, united in dance

stablished in 2010, Inclusive Dance UK,

Eis a registered charitable incorporated

organisation and recognised as the national

governing body for Para Dance Sport in the UK.

We are a pioneering organisation dedicated to

making dance accessible for all. We believe that

everyone, regardless of ability, should have the

opportunity to express themselves, stay active,

and feel part of our welcoming community.

For over 14 years, we have been at the forefront

of Inclusive Para Dance Sport, breaking down

barriers for people with disabilities. Through

dance, we promote physical and mental

wellbeing, build confidence, and create social

connections in a safe, social environment. We

work across the UK, running in-person and

digital programmes to ensure that no one is

left out.

We are committed to expanding the reach

of inclusive dance, training new instructors,

developing innovative digital resources,

and ensuring that dance is truly accessible

to everyone. Our goal is to grow the sport,

develop talent, and create more opportunities

for people with disabilities to engage in and

enjoy dance. Our national team of competitive

athletes are paving the way and acting as role

models for wheelchair users across the country,

many of whom once believed that they had little

prospect of ever achieving anything so exciting

and fulfilling.

We participated in Naidex for the first time

in 2025 to showcase our work, including a

live demonstration of wheelchair dance by

several of our members. Over the two days,

we were able to meet and sign up over 100

new potential dancers, who we are connecting

with local teachers so they can participate in

our training classes and annual events, that are

delivered across the UK. We met with over 15

new teachers and trainers with whom we are

developing new centres for dance, in person,

at home and in care homes. We are currently

establishing training locations in Birmingham,

Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Devon, London,

Manchester, Oxford, and Stevenage.

If you or someone you know would be

interested in joining us on this amazing journey,

please don’t hesitate to contact us. Working

together with our members and partners, we

will break down barriers, transform lives, and

create a future where disabled people have the

same access to dance as everyone else.

ray@inclusivedanceuk.uk

www.inclusivedanceuk.uk

10



Deaf patients are falling through

the cracks – and it’s costing you

more than you think

many deaf people in the UK,

accessing healthcare is a battle

Fbefore it even begins. Whether it’s

booking an appointment, understanding a

diagnosis, or asking a simple question, basic

communication barriers leave too many falling

through the cracks. And when they do, the

human – and financial – cost is far higher than

most realise.

A silent crisis in healthcare

Around 1 in 6 people in the UK are deaf or hard

of hearing, and over 87,000 use British Sign

Language (BSL) as their first language. But

despite this, the healthcare system often fails

to meet their needs. Deaf people are twice as

likely to have untreated high blood pressure and

significantly more likely to experience mental

health challenges, according to research by

SignHealth.

In care homes, clinics, GP surgeries, and

hospitals, communication is still dominated by

spoken English. Staff might try writing notes,

using gestures, or asking family members

to interpret. But none of these methods are

a substitute for a qualified BSL interpreter –

especially when it comes to medical accuracy

and safeguarding.

The result? Missed diagnoses, confusion about

medication, cancelled appointments, and

preventable deterioration in health. For health and

social care professionals, this means rising costs,

clinical risk, and growing compliance pressure

under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS).

The financial impact

Deaf patients often attend appointments without

understanding what’s been said – or they avoid

seeking help altogether because they can’t

communicate safely. These gaps contribute to

more frequent A&E visits, delayed interventions,

and more complex conditions requiring longer,

more expensive treatment.

In fact, missed appointments alone cost the

NHS over £216 million a year – many caused

by inaccessible booking systems or poor

communication. But this isn’t just an NHS issue.

It affects local authorities, private clinics, care

homes, and independent living providers too.

If your organisation supports vulnerable

people – whether in residential care, supported

housing, or outpatient clinics – then inaccessible

communication isn't just a patient issue. It’s a

service failure.

The good news: Solutions already exist

The tools to close these gaps aren’t futuristic or

expensive. They’re already here – and easy to

implement.

Video Relay Services (VRS) and Video Remote

Interpreting (VRI) enable real-time communication

between deaf BSL users and hearing staff via

qualified interpreters. Whether it’s a deaf patient

calling to ask a question, a nurse explaining

medication, or a care worker checking in on

someone at home – communication becomes

instant and accurate.

Services like SignWow offer organisations a

simple way to embed this support directly into

their websites, booking systems, and care

processes. A ‘Connect to a BSL Interpreter’

button can be installed in minutes, giving deaf

users immediate access to qualified support

without needing to rely on relatives or written

notes.

From councils and hospitals to extra care settings

and private clinics, organisations using VRS/VRI

have seen improvements in patient satisfaction,

health outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Tackling loneliness and isolation, too

But communication isn’t just about clinical

care – it’s also about human connection. Many

deaf people, particularly those in care homes,

supported housing, or isolated communities,

experience profound loneliness.

That’s why SignWow PA has been introduced

as part of the wider SignWow platform. It

connects deaf users with a BSL-fluent Personal

Assistant for general conversations, questions, or

emotional support. Whether someone just wants

to chat, share a story, or ask for help navigating

a form, SignWow PA provides a lifeline – and

reduces the emotional toll of isolation.

This matters, especially in settings like care

homes, extra care schemes, or among service

users with additional needs. Often, the difference

between crisis and stability is simply being able

to talk to someone who understands you.

The human and ethical case

For carers, therapists, clinicians, and local

authorities, it’s not just about legal compliance.

It’s about dignity. Every deaf patient has the

right to be heard, understood, and involved

in decisions about their health. Accessible

communication isn’t a luxury – it’s a fundamental

requirement for safe, inclusive care.

It also empowers teams. Staff feel more

confident, safeguarding risks are reduced, and

families feel reassured knowing their loved ones

can communicate independently.

Your next step

If you’re in health or social care, education,

mobility, or disability services – and you’re not yet

offering BSL-accessible communication – now is

the time to start. From frontline services to backend

admin, SignWow makes it easy to provide

fast, reliable, and fully compliant support to the

deaf community.

Make your organisation more accessible

today

SignWow offers a full suite of accessibility tools

for deaf service users – including VRS, VRI,

Call-Back, and SignWow PA. Whether you’re

supporting residents, patients, pupils, or clients,

we help you deliver compassionate, compliant

care that includes everyone.

Visit: www.signwow.uk to book a free

demo or learn more.


LifeVac Europe is changing this!

1.3 billion people who cannot receive first aid

choking protocol due to a physical disability

Manufactured in the UK for the UK & EMEA,

used by thousands of care/nursing

homes, schools, nurseries, businesses,

parents, carers and the NHS, LifeVac has

helped save an incredible 4,147 lives to date

when first aid choking protocol has failed or

could not be performed.

LifeVac is a patented, regulated medical

device, backed by 15 peer reviewed medical

publications, which is replaced free of charge

if ever used in a choking emergency and

comes in different kits to suit everyone’s

needs. One of the many great things about

LifeVac is that it can also be self-applied

providing peace of mind when no-one else is

around.

Due to its patented one-way safety valve

nothing can be forced downward when

applied, it creates safe, non-invasive and

effective suction in a choking emergency.


LifeVac Europe are on a mission to raise

awareness of choking and make current first

aid choking protocol inclusive. Currently first

aid choking protocol is only 70% effective.

If someone is not able-bodied and can only

receive back blows, these are between 10-

23.8% effective.

01271 316044

customerservice@lifevac.uk

www.lifevac.uk

MENTAL HEALTH Matters

Little Starts Gift Cards

As Children’s Mental Health

Week starts, Little Starts

Gift Cards is leading the charge

in promoting positive mental

wellbeing through engaging

activities for the UK’s youngest

citizens.

With NHS data indicating that 1

in 20 youngsters between ages

2 and 4 suffer from mental health

issues the importance of early

intervention

and supportive

activities has

never been

more crucial.

Self-awareness

is a key

building block

for emotional

well-being. For children, it’s about

recognising and understanding

their emotions, strengths, and

challenges. When little ones learn

to identify what they’re feeling and

why, they can better navigate life’s

ups and downs.

For parents and caregivers,

fostering this skill helps create a

supportive environment where

children can flourish.

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s

life are instrumental in them

developing good mental health,

including coping, emotional and

communication skills.

Little Starts Gift Cards helps

parents to choose events and

experiences that help to build

these key life skills.

Juliette Savage from Little

Starts Gift

Cards said,

“Supporting

children’s

mental health

is more

important

than ever, and

Little Starts

Gift Cards

offer parents and loved ones

a meaningful way to invest in

activities that boost children’s

wellbeing. Our gift cards open

doors to enriching experiences

that can make a genuine

difference to a child’s confidence

and happiness.”

Juliette.Savage@

littlestartsgiftcards.com

More than two-thirds of

employees are stressed

by work

laire Williams, chief people and

Coperations officer at Ciphr, says,

“Ciphr’s latest research provides

some interesting, yet worrying,

insights into the high levels of workrelated

stress that exist across all

job roles.

“One finding that stands out for

me is how one in nine employees –

that’s millions of people in the UK –

feel stressed every single day. Work

is not necessarily always the cause,

granted, but it can be a significant

contributor. If 11% of your workforce

– likely more – is stressed daily, then

it is going to have a big impact on

their home lives and their work lives.

So, employers need to be mindful

of the role they can play in helping

to relieve an individual’s stress and

anxiety.

“Unrealistic workloads and time

pressures, overbearing bosses,

unsupportive colleagues, and toxic

workplace cultures, can all trigger

stress. This can interfere with

people’s focus and productivity,

and negatively affect our happiness

and job satisfaction. It can also

lead to higher staff turnover and

absenteeism.

“Some stressors are always going

to be around, and there are many

things outside of an employer’s

control that can still take a toll.

But there are many things that

organisations can, and must, do to

actively support their employees’

mental health and wellbeing with

empathy and understanding.”

www.ciphr.com/

infographics/workplacestress-statistics

12


Reimagining hospital waste: How Pharmafilter

delivers safer and cleaner healthcare

ospitals generate massive volumes of waste

Hthrough their daily operations. This waste poses

ongoing risks of infection and environmental harm,

compelling hospital management and staff to follow

strict handling protocols through multiple stages

– from bedside collection to final disposal – where

every step introduces risks of cross-contamination,

exposure to drug-resistant pathogens, and system

inefficiencies. The manual, fragmented nature of

current waste management not only endangers

patients and staff but also drives up costs across

the NHS.

Pharmafilter transforms hospital waste and

wastewater treatment with a fully integrated, endto-end

solution. Instead of relying on manual waste

removal and offsite disposal, Pharmafilter installs

intelligent shredding units close to the point of care

– in wards, dirty utility rooms, and other designated

areas. These units immediately process clinical,

offensive, sharps, single-use bedpans and urinals,

food, and pharmaceutical waste, eliminating the

need for manual transport and storage.

Once waste enters the system, it no longer requires

human contact. The shredded material moves via

a sealed, automated route – through the hospital’s

sewer system or a dedicated pipeline – bypassing

public and patient areas entirely. This isolation

prevents common hazards like spills, leaks, and

cross-contamination during internal transit. As a

result, hospitals reclaim corridors and circulation

spaces for clinical use rather than waste transport.

Pharmafilter closes the loop with an on-site

treatment plant that processes all solid waste and

effluent from sinks, drains, and sewers. The system

decontaminates waste, allowing it to be reclassified

as general waste. It also converts organic content

– over 50% of general waste volume – into

biogas, which powers the system. This process

reduces emissions, eliminates the need for offsite

incineration, and cuts down on truck movements.

Pharmafilter also purifies hospital wastewater

before it enters public infrastructure, removing

all micro-pollutants – including bacteria, viruses,

active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), hormones,

cytotoxins, and antibiotic-resistant organisms.

These pollutants contribute to environmental

MEDICAL WASTE Matters

degradation and the spread of microbial drug

resistance, posing growing concerns for healthcare

and public policy.

By enabling localised treatment and reducing

reliance on external providers, Pharmafilter helps

hospitals align fully with the NHS Clinical Waste

Strategy. Trusts gain greater regulatory control,

resilience, and sustainability while eliminating

unnecessary waste and promoting cost-saving

innovation.

Hospitals can implement the system in both new

builds and existing facilities, thanks to its modular

and scalable design. Delivered through a Design,

Build, Operate, and Finance (DBOF) model or

as capital purchase, Pharmafilter offers financial

savings that offset the costs of supply, operation,

and maintenance.

Pharmafilter delivers a step change in hospital

waste and wastewater management – minimising

operational disruption, safeguarding patient and

staff health, and creating cleaner, safer healthcare

environments that meet the future needs of the

NHS.

Contact: Eoin Gleeson, Pharmafilter GH

+44 (0)203 869 1672

+75 00 919 255

en.gleeson@pharmafilterltd.com

Europlaz donates

25 bleed kit lifelines

edical device moulder Europlaz

Mhas donated 25 potential lifesaving

bleed kits to the Liam Taylor

Legacy. The donation was made by

the medical manufacturer in memory

of local resident Liam Taylor. The 19

year old tragically lost his life to knife

crime in 2020.

The Liam Taylor

Legacy was

founded by Liam’s

grandmother,

Julie Taylor.

Raising money to

fund community

emergency bags,

each lifesaving kit

contains essential

tools to help stop

catastrophic

bleeding and

give a person

a stronger chance of survival while

awaiting the arrival of emergency

services. Throughout 2024, Europlaz

has pledged to play its part in

keeping the community safer further

by also raising money to support the

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

emergency life-saving bleed control

kits installed in pubs, clubs and

leisure facilities across East Anglia

and London. Just recently, one

bag helped to stabilise a victim in

Chelmsford. “It’s really sad to see

another of the donated bags was

needed, but glad to see that it was

successfully

used to save

another life,”

reported Julie

on the campaign

Facebook page.

The anti-knife

crime campaigner

emphasises that a

person can bleed

to death in three

minutes, so action

needs to be taken

fast. There are

many ways that a catastrophic bleed

can occur. Including a car accident

or work related injury. Publicly

accessible bleed control packs

enables somebody to administer vital

first aid to reduce blood loss until

medical help arrives.

UK’s first Epigenetic

DNAm analytic test

ptimallyMe’s exclusive ‘DNA

OMethylation and Epigenetic Age

Test’ is a brand-new revolutionary

analytics tool, that provides

unparalleled comprehensive insights

into genetic makeup, health, and

ageing process. This cutting-edge

new product, with its sophisticated

personalised digital health dashboard,

will be transformative for anyone keen

on unlocking the secret to optimum

longevity and repairing and reversing

their ageing process.

This new test analyses DNA

methylation patterns with cuttingedge

scientific techniques to uncover

epigenetic age based on the Horvaths

Clock methodology GrimAge2. It is

recommended that the test is repeated

six months after first use, to see if

the various longevity practices and

anti-aging products being used by

the individual are actually working.

Many people invest serious time

and money in the biohacking arena,

and until the launch of this new test

with its accompanying personalised

health tech dashboard, there has

been no real way to actually measure

quantifiably if these investments work.

MEDICAL TESTING Matters

and receive detailed personalised

recommendations for lifestyle

modifications. With this knowledge,

people can make informed choices to

optimise well-being, promote longevity

and reverse biological age, and

most importantly are able to monitor

progress and effectiveness through

repeat testing.

Unlike the genetic DNA methylation

tests that are on the market, this

pioneering new test from OptimallyMe

focuses on ‘epigenetic DNA

methylation’. It identifies completely

different biomarkers, which no other

DNA test measures.

In three years, Julie has diligently

raised more than £35,000 to fund

https://europlaz.co.uk

Users will gain unique insights

into their potential health risks

https://optimallyme.com


HEALTHCARE ESTATES & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Matters

Envirocloud named Water Safety &

Compliance Leader of the Year 2025

Envirocloud is delighted to announce that

we have been named ‘Water Safety &

Compliance Leader of the Year 2025’ at the

SME News – UK Enterprise Awards. This

national accolade recognises our continued

commitment to raising standards in water

hygiene, safety, and compliance across the UK.

Established in 2012, Envirocloud has grown

to become the UK’s most trusted water safety

consultancy, authorising engineer and expert

witness providers. With over a decade of

specialist experience, we deliver expert-led

services to a broad client base – particularly

within the healthcare sector, where robust

water management is critical to patient safety

and operational assurance.

We offer comprehensive consultancy services,

including Authorising Engineer (Water) and

expert witness support, Legionella and

Pseudomonas risk assessments, policy

development, auditing, training, and remedial

consultancy. Our approach is grounded in

compliance with key regulatory guidance

such as HTM 04-01, HSG274, and ACOP L8,

ensuring clients receive advice and action

plans aligned with both legal requirements and

best practice.

A major factor in our award win was the

successful development and rollout of

SampleHub; our state-of-the-art water sample

management platform. SampleHub provides

real-time visibility of sample data, tracking

compliance and highlighting areas of concern

through an intuitive, user-friendly interface. This

removes the need for manual spreadsheets

and decentralised reporting processes, giving

organisations complete control over their

sampling programme with full audit traceability.

Whether working with NHS Trusts, private

hospitals, FM providers, or universities,

Envirocloud takes a partnership led approach

embedding long-term support models that

prioritise risk reduction, data confidence, and

governance transparency.

info@envirocloud.co.uk

www.envirocloud.co.uk

14


HEALTHCARE ESTATES & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Matters

UK’s first Continuing

Healthcare Calculator

leading legal expert in NHS

A Continuing Healthcare Claims

(CHC) is raising awareness of

the complex legal implications

surrounding long-term

healthcare eligibility disputes and

reimbursements with the launch of

the UK’s first Continuing Healthcare

claims calculator.

Many individuals and

families struggle to

secure funding for

long-term care

costs that should

be covered by

the NHS, often

paying thousands

of pounds

unnecessarily.

NHS Continuing

Healthcare funding is

available to individuals

with significant ongoing

health needs, but the

application and appeals process is

often challenging.

Many legitimate claims are

initially denied due to inconsistent

assessments and a lack of awareness

about legal rights. As a result, millions

of families may be entitled to reclaim

care fees that were wrongly paid.

To help, Winston Solicitors has

launched an easy-to-use NHS

continuing healthcare calculator to

help individuals determine whether

they may qualify for NHS continuing

healthcare funding and how much

they could potentially recover.

It shows that the average nursing

home patient could save a

minimum of £6,166 per

month and £73,992

annually.

The tool works

by offering a

preliminary

assessment

of continuing

healthcare

eligibility and

estimates the

potential future

savings or retrospective

reimbursements for care

costs that the NHS should

have covered.

For more information on

NHS Continuing Healthcare

claims and to access the

Eligibility Calculator, visit: www.

winstonsolicitors.co.uk/nhscontinuing-healthcare-funding

P4 reflects on the

latest developments in

emergency lighting

he capability to safely evacuate

Tpeople from a building in the

event of an interruption to mains

power supply can be a matter of

life or death, so the importance of

emergency lighting should not be

underestimated.

Facilities Managers need to be aware

of legal requirements imposed by

the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)

Order 2005 and

British Standard BS

5266. It is easy to get

bogged down with

the unenvious task

of manually testing

emergency lighting,

knowing that if they

fail to achieve the

minimum testing

requirements of a monthly functional

test and annual duration test,

profound consequences including

fines and potentially imprisonment,

are just around the corner. Rest

assured however, that P4 is constantly

innovating to make staying compliant

and fully prepared in the event of an

emergency easier than ever.

Self-testing technology represents

the most important innovation in

emergency lighting. Pioneered by

P4 over 30 years ago, standalone

self-testing fittings removed the need

for Facilities Managers to manually

test emergency lighting on key switch

circuits, while internal batteries added

increased resilience compared to

traditional central battery systems.

The technology developed into P4’s

addressable ‘Link’

system, currently

installed in over

25% of NHS trusts,

providing centrallised

management of

emergency lighting

and automated status

notifications. Wireless

communication

systems followed culminating with the

recent release of our FMT self-healing

wireless mesh system and Cloud

integration – emergency lighting in

multiple sites can now be managed

from one intuitive portal.

01328 850555

sales@p4fastel.co.uk

www.p4fastel.co.uk

16


COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Award

Bringing Hoppiness to the

older generation


please to feature Alive Activities as winners of

our Commitment to Excellence Award

live is a charity based in the South

West that is dedicated to improving

Athe quality of life of older people. They

provide activity and training to older people

and carers anywhere in the UK which is

both person-centred and co-produced.

“We want older people to thrive in their later

years, to still have purpose, connection and

joy,” stated Isobel Jones, Chief Executive

Officer at Alive.

From delivering activity sessions in care

homes, to poetry, music, art, and exercise

classes, Alive use a variety of tried and

tested methods to connect older people with

the communities and people around them,

stimulating them to tap in to their childhood

and personhood memories.

“A Commitment to excellence means we keep

older people at the heart of what we do – that

the activity we deliver is because older people

have asked us for it. We want to support older

people by being their voice, so they are heard,

listened and respected. We use steering

groups to find out what they want, aswell

as talking to carers and paid carers too. We

never stop being creative and finding different

ways to push the boundaries of older care and

creativity. We want to keep challenging and

highlighting what can be done. When we see

the smiles on faces – we know we've done a

good job and we will never stop,” said Isobel.

Over the last year, Alive has also been

responding to the wants of its members

by working with

care homes, local

brewers, and the

Bristol community

to coproduce a beer

named Hoppiness

Brews!

This fascinating

opportunity came

from a member

who stated in a

gardening session

that he wanted to start growing beer. Alive

actioned his want, and supported him to plant

hops which he tended and grew himself.

Alongside the help of care homes, more

hops were planted, and Alive then developed

reminiscence and sensory sessions with the

Bristol Hops Collective.

“This was featured on the Guardian and

on the One Show. Now, we are

working with St Monica Trust

and this year celebrating their

100th year of care, will see the

production of the only older

person’s beer. This is a beer that

has been planted, grown, watered,

tended, harvested, named and

marketed by older people. To take

Hoppiness Brews to the next level

– we are launching a separate CIC

so we can look at different beers,

tastes and ways of talking about

dementia with a positive can-do

attitude. We are looking for more

care homes to become involved,

grow hops, run sessions, and be

involved in Hoppiness.”

Isobel continued, “Our intergenerational work

has truly flourished this year. Thanks to a

National Lottery Grant, we’ve connected care

home residents with people of all ages – from

babies and toddlers to schoolchildren, Guides,

and university students. Together, we’ve

explored forest schools, attended theatre

performances, shared stories, and even

enjoyed days out at the beach. One of our

proudest achievements was hosting the very

first intergenerational tea party in a hospital

setting – a milestone that required navigating a

sea of red tape, but was well worth the effort.”

Looking ahead, Alive

is always looking for

new ways of reaching

older people by

bringing more creative

activity sessions to

care homes, and

increasing their

community links. Soon

to launch, will be a

new intergenerational

network for

those involved in

intergenerational practice. Alive will be taking

its ‘Lullaby Circle’ and ‘Toddlers that Came To

Tea’ to a wider set of care homes and talking

about ageing on a wider scale. Alive is also

producing an art installation, with voices of the

young and old together discussing ageing.

07861 385543

info@aliveactivities.org

https://aliveactivities.org

18


Pole Star Global donates

core tech to Mercy Ships

Pole Star Global, a leader in

maritime technology, has

partnered with the global charity

Mercy Ships to provide them

with free access to Pole Star’s

Podium platform. Mercy Ships

operates the world’s largest

non-governmental hospital fleet,

offering essential healthcare to

underserved communities. These

hospital ships, staffed by volunteer

professionals, provide life-saving

treatments to individuals who

otherwise have limited or no

access to medical care.

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships

to deliver free, world-class

healthcare services, capacity

building, and sustainable

development to those with little

access in the developing world.

Founded in 1978 by Don and

Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships

has worked in more than 55

developing countries, providing

services valued at more than $1.7

billion and treating more than 2.8

million direct beneficiaries. Our

ships are crewed by volunteers

from over 60 nations, with an

average of over 1,200 volunteers

each year.

“One of our top priorities is

ensuring the safety and security of

our patients and volunteers, and

Mercy Ships is excited to partner

with Pole Star, who supports

our shipboard operations and

allows us to concentrate more of

our resources on healthcare and

training. Pole Star is a valuable

partner, and we look forward to

continuing a long relationship

with them, as they help us bring

hope and healing to the world’s

forgotten poor,” says Carine Bray,

Company Security Officer at

Mercy Ships.

www.mercyships.org

www.polestarglobal.com

Group Director raises

over £5,500 completing

London Marathon

ndy Williams, Sales and Marketing

ADirector for the Gainsborough

Healthcare Group, has completed his

first London Marathon and raised over

£5,500 for SHINE, the spina bifida

charity.

Part of the

Gainsborough

Healthcare Group,

Abacus Specialist

Bathroom Solutions

is one of four

brands that Andy

is responsible for

in terms of sales

and marketing. As a

talented cricket player

and not a runner, he

has been training for

several months to

tackle the London

Marathon. Despite

sustaining a knee

injury before the race, he completed

the course in less than six hours.

His family were so proud to cheer

him over the line including one of his

daughters who has spina bifida.

As he received his race medal, Andy

said, “It wasn’t easy with the heat

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS Matters

and my injury – but the incredible

atmosphere, the energy from the

crowds, and the thought of raising

money for SHINE, the spina bifida

charity, kept me going to the finish

line. A huge thank you to family,

friends and colleagues who supported

my fundraising.

Training for and

running a marathon is

a small feat compared

to those challenges

my daughter Margot

often faces – she

inspires me every

single day.”

The donations

Andy has raised will

now help fund the

continued services

and support provided

by SHINE to people

of all ages with spina

bifida. The whole Gainsborough

Healthcare Group team, including

Abacus, fully congratulate Andy on

this epic achievement.

info@abacushealthcare.co.uk

www.abacushealthcare.co.uk


HEALTHCARE FLOORING & FURNISHING Company of the Month

Kilworth Interiors: Providing

exceptional service for 25 years


pleased to feature Kilworth Interiors as

our Healthcare Flooring & Furnishing

Company of the Month

ocated centrally in Leicestershire,

Kilworth Interiors specialise in contract

Lcommercial flooring and furnishings,

providing bespoke solutions and quality

products to a variety of customers. The

multi-generation, family run business has

grown over the years, with the inclusion

of specialist procurement, design and

installation staff giving Kilworth Interiors a

wealth of experience

and expertise to draw

from.

Kilworth Interiors

provide a complete

and comprehensive

service to residential

homes, care homes,

hotels, schools, retail

outlets, restaurants,

entertainment venues

and office spaces. Their services include

tailored interior design, selection and sourcing

of the best available products, installation by

professional fitters and ongoing management

of assets and installations.

The Kilworth process begins with an initial

consultation designed to fully grasp the

customer’s vision and requirements. Then

detailed drawings and designs are created,

bringing the client’s ideas to life and ensuring

optimal space utilisation. Once the client’s

vision is clear, Kilworth meticulously selects

and procures the finest products to match the

chosen style and budget. Finally, Kilworth’s

experienced and

skilled installation team

will expertly transform

the space, paying

close attention to the

smallest details and

delivering a flawless

finish that promises to

exceed expectations.

As the UK’s elderly

population grows and

life expectancy increases, the need for elderly

care continues to be a top priority. Alongside

this is the necessity for properly furnished

and designed care homes. With an excess of

25 years’ experience

in healthcare, hospital

and care home supply;

Kilworth are uniquely

placed to appreciate

the rigorous need

of this especially

demanding sector of

the market.

Products for healthcare

must be resilient,

have good colour fastness and be easy to

clean, so Kilworth works with all the major

manufacturers of impervious backed, heavy

duty healthcare carpets. As well as this

Kilworth supplies hard wearing, low level

carpets for areas of heavy wheelchair use

and heavy duty solution dyed carpets for

use in hospitals and care homes. All carpet

supplied by Kilworth to the healthcare sector

is manufactured using nylon & polypropylene

to provide better wear and tear as well as

resistance to bleach based products to

preserve the excellent colour options Kilworth

offers.

Kilworth’s decades of expertise in the

healthcare industry, especially care homes, is

underpinned by a deep respect the company

holds for resident’s lives and backgrounds.

For Kilworth, ensuring comfort, dignity and

enjoyment to residents in their twilight years is

an essential part of the job. Without neglecting

style, presentation or client budget, the

company strives to create spaces which are

not only practical but beautiful.

This deep respect for the client’s needs

underscores the

entirety of Kilworth’s

operations. Since

2005, the company

has prided itself on

providing exceptional

service and going

above and beyond for

customers. The central

ethos of Kilworth

business is to always

endeavor to support

their customer’s needs past the recognised

service agreement and nurture mutually

beneficial client relations built on quality and

integrity.

With a proven track record of delivering

outstanding service, a reputation for

exceptional customer care and a wealth of

experience in the industry, Kilworth have

established themselves as the go-to choice

for transforming spaces into exceptional

care environments. As Kilworth looks to the

future there has already been some exciting

developments in 2025. With the acquisition

of additional warehouse space and new staff

members joining the team to continue to

deliver Kilworth’s premium service to their

customers.

For more information on Kilworth

Interiors, see below:

01162 599848

info@kilworth.co.uk

www.kilworth.co.uk

20


Care Horizons launches

new cleaning and

maintenance initiative

are Horizons has launched a

Ccomprehensive cleaning and

maintenance service, offering

professional assistance with

cleaning, maintenance, gardening

and household tasks across the

Southwest region.

Care Horizons supports adults of

all ages throughout the Southwest,

providing services for a diverse

range of mental health conditions,

learning disabilities and those living

with neurological illnesses. While

the carers do a stellar job at caring

for their clients, legislation prevents

them from being able to do simple

household jobs such as changing a

lightbulb or doing some gardening.

Hence Care Horizons has launched

this new initiative where they will

provide a professional service for

those in need, anywhere in the

Southwest region.

This initiative will significantly

benefit Care Horizons’ vulnerable

clients ensuring they get the very

best and most reliable support

they need. Care Horizons ensures

to only use the most professional

and trusted tradespeople and

domestic workers who clients

can access straight through their

carer. This service will not only

benefit and improve the wellbeing

of Care Horizons’ clients but it

will also allow for anyone in need

in the wider Southwest region to

have access to Cleaning, Ironing,

Decluttering, Gardening, Plumbing

and Small Maintenance jobs.

“We have launched this initiative

because amidst the chaos of life,

every individual deserves to have

access to help with cleaning and

maintenance in their own home.

Having a clean environment and

reduced stress provides better

wellbeing all-round,” says MD,

Vierka Hiscock.

www.carehorizons.co.uk

Visiting Angels celebrates

trifecta of award wins

isiting Angels, the home care

Vbrand renowned for its pioneering

‘carer-centric’ approach, is

celebrating an exceptional hat-trick

of awards – cementing its reputation

as an industry leader. The accolades

highlight the company’s innovative

business strategy, community focus

and outstanding leadership under UK

CEO Dan Archer.

At the prestigious Alicia

Bank Great British

Entrepreneur Awards

(GBEA), Visiting

Angels was

honoured with

the Scale-Up

Entrepreneur of

the Year Award

for the North East,

Yorkshire and The

Humber region. This

category celebrates

businesses that have

achieved remarkable growth

while maintaining their core values

and identity – a hallmark of Visiting

Angels’ carer-centric ethos. The

recognition further underscores their

ability to ‘scale up without losing

culture’, a principle at the heart of

their mission.

Adding to the celebrations, Dan

NURSING & CARE Matters

Archer was also named Business

Leader of the Year at The Yorkshire

Post Excellence in Business Awards

in the same week. This award

recognises leaders who demonstrate

outstanding vision, determination

and results in their respective

industries. Dan’s leadership has been

instrumental in not only expanding

Visiting Angels’ footprint but also

setting a new benchmark for

care providers nationwide.

To round off an

extraordinary

November, Visiting

Angels claimed

a third accolade

at the Connect

Yorkshire Awards,

winning the Leading

the Way in the Care

Sector Award. This

achievement comes

alongside their shortlisting

for two honours at The Great

British Workplace Wellbeing Awards –

Excellence in Employee Engagement

and Best Employee Benefits Package

– further cementing Visiting Angels’

reputation as a leader in both care

and employee wellbeing.

www.visiting-angels.co.uk


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Caring for someone with dementia:

Take steps to make daily life easier

nybody caring for someone with dementia

Aknows the impact on daily life reaches far

beyond their cognitive, memory skills. It affects their

movement and mobility.

Already, almost 1 million people have dementia. Half

of the UK population will be affected by dementia

in our lifetime (1). Only 7% of our homes have key

accessibility features such as a ground floor WC.

The impact of dementia on mobility and movement

means that even something as mundane as going

up, down stairs – to bed, to bath, to use the toilet

– becomes difficult. It can even be potentially

dangerous.

How to make life safer

That risk can be managed, quickly & easily, without

any of the delay usual with a home adaptation, and

without impacting on how others in the household

can use the stairs. Our S-Max Sella stairclimber/

stairclimbing wheelchair is a portable, mobile unit

that folds compactly away when not in use.

Class 1 Medical Device certified, Sella provides a

proven, safe, supported way for you, the carer, to

take the dementia patient up and down stairs – and

beyond. Familiar routines can be preserved. You

don't need to transfer your loved one from the Sella

at the top or bottom of the stairs. Sella continues

the journey onwards to whichever room, further

improving safety.

Battery-operated, each charge delivers sufficient

power to undertake 300 steps, all executed at a

eFOLDi launches four wheel scooter

with Secure-Turn gyro stability

UK-based mobility innovator eFOLDi has

launched the Compass, its first ever fourwheel

scooter, which offers a breakthrough

in lightweight, stable, and portable mobility

design.

speed set by the carer. The step process can be

paused en route, and Sella automatically smoothly

brakes at the top of each riser to maintain complete

operator control.

We support your Occupational Therapist in

assessment of the home environment, dementia

sufferer & their carers to ensure all are comfortable

with the kit. We also set up the Sella to suit each

person involved and train you in how to use it.

Living with dementia: Julie Murray’s story

Julie Murray was given a Sella to help her with

her husband Robert who has dementia. Their OT

realised the only way the family could get Robert

up, down stairs to bed and bathroom was on son

Harry’s back!

Julie says, “The Sella has changed our lives! It’s

made daily life so much safer. It has meant I can

keep Robert’s routine, life, as normal as possible,

getting him up to bed. With only having one toilet

at the time, upstairs, the Sella meant I can get him

there in time. And even with a wetroom downstairs

now, the Sella is still in daily use, getting Robert up

in the morning and to bed at night.”

(1) https://dementiastatistics.org/about-dementia/

prevalence-and-incidence

Want to know more?

Full details of Sella, including how to book a

free, no obligation assessment, can be found

here: www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella

Designed for users who need added

confidence and balance without

compromising on portability, the Compass

combines the convenience of eFOLDi’s

folding technology with the reassurance

of four-wheel support. Weighing just 11kg

(excluding battery), the Compass offers

intuitive controls, ergonomic comfort, and

cutting-edge Secure-Turn technology for

enhanced safety while moving.

“This is an evolution for eFOLDi,” said Sumi

Wang, Founder of eFOLDi. “The Compass

marks our entry into the four-wheel scooter

category. We’ve designed it specifically

for users who want more stability, but still

need something easy to lift, transport and

use every day. It’s our most intuitive and

confidence-boosting scooter to date.”

Key Features of the eFOLDi Compass

include:

: Secure-Turn Technology – eFOLDi’s

inbuilt gyroscope detects changes in

orientation to enhance turning stability,

reduce tipping risk, and improve rider

confidence.

: Ultra-Light Magnesium Alloy Frame –

just 11kg without the battery, combining

high strength with portability.

: Effortless Bi-Fold Design – a simple, two

step colour-coded folding mechanism ideal

for users with limited dexterity.

: Quiet, Low-Vibration Motor – engineered

for smoother rides to reduce fatigue.

: On or Off-Board Charging – with a rapid

charge time and a range of up to 10 miles

(16km).

: Solid Tyres and Auto Braking –

Maintenance-free, puncture-proof tyres

and electro-magnetic braking that slows

upon throttle release, making it ideal for

users with slower reaction times.

Created for those with minor mobility issues

or health conditions such as arthritis, COPD,

or MS, the Compass offers memory foam

seating, an adjustable handlebar, a spacious

footplate, and optional flip-up armrests

making it practical for daily life and days out.

It is backed by a 7 year battery warranty and

2 year scooter warranty.

The Compass is launching with a full trade

support package including POS, literature,

image library, and consumer-facing video

content.

0800 688 9227

sales@efoldi.com

www.efoldi.com

22


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters


DISABILITY & MOBILITY News

Forterra brings festive cheer to Mycenae

House’s ‘Reach Out’ Project with £500 Donation

s part of its Community Fund scheme, building

Aproducts manufacturer Forterra recently

contributed £500 to support the Christmas party for

Mycenae House’s ‘Reach Out’ Project. The festive

event brought together participants of the project

for a day of celebration, connection, and community

spirit, helping to combat loneliness during the holiday

season.

Mycenae House, a Community Centre hub in

Blackheath, runs the ‘Reach Out’ Project to provide

social and creative opportunities for vulnerable

individuals in the local area. This annual Christmas

party, made possible through Forterra’s donation,

was designed to foster meaningful connections and

promote mental well-being during a time of year that

can be particularly isolating for some.

1.5m UK

construction

workers at risk

alf of all UK construction workers, or 1.5m people

Hhave worked in a dangerous environment while

suffering poor mental health and close to 700,000

suffered injuries, according to new research from

business insurer QBE.

For the first time, QBE research shows the cost

to the UK construction industry from poor mental

health. QBE surveyed 362 UK construction workers

about their mental health at work. The results

indicate that even with the increased risk of injury,

they are likely to continue to work.

Three quarters of UK construction workers with poor

mental health said at some point they continued to

work in a dangerous situation despite the increased

risk involved. In addition, more than one quarter of

construction workers (27%) have taken time off in

the last 12 months due to poor mental health, with

almost half of them (46%) taking at least 1 week off.

The research also shows that in the UK construction

industry, more than 5.1 million working days were

lost to poor mental health last year, this compares to

18 million working days for the whole UK economy.

The construction sector is one of the largest in the

UK economy – employing 3.1 million people or over

9% of the workforce. According to government

reports, stress, depression or anxiety account for

almost half (49%) of all work-related ill health. And it

is the biggest cause of lost workdays in the UK with

work-related ill health accounting for over half (54%)

of working days lost.

https://qbeeurope.com/risk-solutions/

qrisk/minds-in-business

ABM UK steps up for veterans

ore than 30 teammates

Mfrom ABM, the

leading provider of

facility, engineering, and

infrastructure solutions,

tackled the tough terrain of

the Lake District last weekend

in support of veterans and

their families.

Raising thousands of

pounds for Walking With The

Wounded, the military charity providing support

for veterans who need it the most, 35 ABM team

members took on the Cumbrian Challenge – a

formidable test of endurance, teamwork, and

resilience.

Divided into nine teams, the participants undertook

three different routes, ranging from ‘The Peak’ – a

14km hike with a 761m ascent – to ‘The Tougher’ –

a 27km hike with a 1,411m ascent – all navigating

the incredible yet demanding landscape of

Grasmere.

Augustine Therapeutics appoints

Rie Schultz Hansen

ugustine Therapeutics NV, a biotechnology

Acompany focused on developing new therapies

for neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic

diseases through the inhibition of the

cytosolic Histone DeACetylase 6 (HDAC6) enzyme,

recently announced the appointment of Rie Schultz

Hansen, PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer, effective

immediately.

With more than 20 years’ experience in drug

discovery and early-stage drug development, Rie is

an experienced executive with a strong background

in cardio-metabolic and inflammation-driven

diseases as well as peptide therapeutics.

Prior to joining Augustine, she served as the Chief

Scientific Officer at Aelin Therapeutics, where she

played a key role in developing a degrader platform

based on induced protein aggregation to neutralize

disease-causing proteins. Later, she spearheaded

an entrepreneurial initiative advancing AI/MLbased

solutions derived from Aelin Therapeutics

technology, securing initial funding and forging a

collaboration for assay development and highthroughput

screening capabilities.

The Christmas party has been a cherished

component of the ‘Reach Out’ Project since its

inception in 2017. The event complements the

project’s weekly well-being sessions, which offer

conversation and activities aimed at combating

isolation.

Attendees ranged in age from 25 to 86 and included

individuals supported by Oxleas Mental Health,

as well as those in supported living environments,

and other vulnerable community members. The

event provided a rare opportunity for joyful social

interaction for people who struggle with disability,

loneliness or socio-economic hardship.

www.forterra.co.uk/about-us/community

Particular congratulations

goes to ABM Team 7, led by

ABM Director, David Donovan,

who were awarded first place

for their triumph on the ‘Over

50s Peak Route’.

Walking With The Wounded

provides crucial support to

ex-service personnel as they

transition from military to

civilian life, a mission closely

aligned with ABM’s ongoing support of the armed

forces community. As a signatory to the Armed

Forces Covenant, ABM is committed to ensuring

both veterans and serving armed forces personnel

are encouraged to join the ABM family across all

lines of business, and that they are supported in

their working life as valued team members.

www.abm.com

www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

Rie spent the majority of her career at the peptide

development specialist Zealand Pharma (CPH:

ZEAL) where she worked across multiple functional

areas, mainly focused on cardiovascular, metabolic

and inflammatory diseases. Roles at Zealand

Pharma included Innovation Officer, Vice President,

Head of Discovery and Innovation, and Interim

Chief Scientific Officer, governing the preclinical

portfolio until CTA/IND submission and developing

and implementing the strategy for research and

chemistry for pre-clinical projects. Throughout her

career Rie has maintained a strong connection

with academia and has served for several years as

a member of the Danish Cardiovascular Academy

Grant committee.

In addition, Augustine recently announced the

founding of a Copenhagen, Denmark based

subsidiary, Augustine Therapeutics Denmark ApS,

which will serve as the company’s hub for research

related to cardio-metabolic diseases.

www.augustinetx.com

24


Preview

Save the date for Care Management Show –

Birmingham

Save the date for the next Care

Management Show and step

into a new era with us. Plus more

care sector events to add to your

calendar!

The next Care Management

Show will take place at NEC

Birmingham on 27 June. We’re

excited to be launching our

new one-day format designed

to deliver more value, greater

insights, and even better

networking opportunities.

While you’re saving the date for

Care Management Show (27

June) at NEC Birmingham, here

are some more care events you

may be interested in adding to

your 2025 calendar...

Caring Times Owners Club

Caring Times Owners Club is an

exclusive community for care

owners, directors and operational

heads. It’s free to join the club

and members get access to a

year-round programme of events.

Care Management Show

Care Management Show is

the must-attend event for

care owners, managers and

professionals who want to stay

ahead in a rapidly evolving

industry. This is your opportunity

to hear from expert speakers,

make new connections, and

explore solutions that will help

you lead with confidence.

It’s still free to attend – so book

your ticket now to secure your

place! And make sure you sign up

to our newsletter to get all of the

latest updates on the conference

programme, speakers and event

information.

Each event offers an agenda

of high-quality content and

discussion for care operators,

as well as networking and

match-made meetings with top

suppliers.

The next two dates in the

calendar are 21 May at Celtic

Manor in South Wales, including

an overnight stay at

the luxury hotel, and

8 July at IET: Savoy

Place in London.

Caring Times Owners

Club is also hosting

a Charity Golf Day

for care owners on

22 May.

National Care Awards

The National Care Awards are

the largest awards recognising

excellence in the UK care sector.

This year’s awards ceremony

is taking place at Park Plaza

Westminster Bridge on 7

November.

With 25+ categories

encompassing care homes,

domiciliary care, specialist care

and more, entries are open

now until 16 August. Take this

opportunity to recognise and

celebrate the achievements of

your team.

https://caremanagementshow.co.uk

26


ADVANCED FALL DETECTION & TECHNOLOGY ENABLED CARE Company of the Month

Where compassion

meets clever technology


pleased to feature Spark Care as our

Advanced Fall Detection & Technology

Enabled Care Company of the Month

F

ounded by Nadia

Morris, CEO, an

experienced care

home operations

and governance

manager with a deep

passion for improving

lives through better

care, Spark Care is

a care technology

specialist, providing

fall detection, fall

prevention, and

passive monitoring solutions to care homes,

home care providers, supported living

services and housing with care schemes.

Drawing on over two decades of hands-on

experience in both the UK care sector and tech

innovation, Nadia established Spark Care in

2023 to bridge the gap between

compassionate care and modern,

meaningful technology. Working

across the UK and Ireland,

supporting care providers

nationwide, Spark Care’s main

site is based in Wiltshire, with

another office in Dublin.

“By having two sites, it has

enabled us to offer hands-on

support and local insight across

both regions,” said Nadia. “Spark

Care is all about offering specialist consultations,

technology installations, support, and training

– helping care providers

to make smart choices

around future-ready

technology that improves

safety, dignity and

operational efficiency.

We are proud to be

firmly rooted in the

health and social care

technology sector, with

a specialist focus on

elderly care and adult

support services.”

One unique

contributing factor

to Spark Care’s

services is that it is

not tied to one manufacturer or system. Acting

in the best interest of care providers, Spark

Care select the best-in-class technology that

delivers real outcomes. This could be anything

from AI-powered fall detection to smart lamps

and sensors that track vital signs. With a focus

beyond flashy technology, Spark Care offers

thoughtfully designed solutions

that prioritise dignity, deliver real

impact, and enhance everyday

efficiency.

One of its latest additions

includes Silver Shield, powered

by Protosense, a global leader

in mmWave innovation, Silver

Shield is not just another sensor

for use in fall detection, it is the

product of years of dedicated

research and development in

precision monitoring.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the UK and

Ireland exclusive partner for Silver Shield, a

groundbreaking fall detection and human sensing

technology. It detects slow, fast and slip-fromchair

falls in real-time, monitors vitals such as

heart and respiratory rate, and

offers full room coverage with

zero cameras or microphones,”

said Nadia.

As well as Silver Shield, Spark

Care is also one of only two

UK trusted distributors of Nobi

Smart Lamps, a beautiful ceiling

lamp that silently watches over

residents and automatically calls

for help if a fall is detected.

Products like these are

revolutionary for the future

of care, and can make the

difference between life and

death. Spark Care only deliver specialised

solutions that reflect the industry’s best and

highest standards, with products that are solely

designed to transform the care sector and to

help organisations achieve optimal results.

To accommodate a recent shift in client demand,

Spark Care’s team of experts and list of suppliers

are growing rapidly. Nadia expanded, “We now

have Care Technology Consultants covering

the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland,

bringing local knowledge and personalised

support to every region. Plus, as an approved

supplier to the Spectrum Care Purchasing

Network, our technology is now available at

reduced pricing for its members.

“We’re growing fast and expanding our offerings

– including remote monitoring, smart medication

support, and integration with nursecall systems.

Our goal is to help care providers become safer,

smarter, and more sustainable – all while keeping

people at the heart of every solution.

“We’re not just about tech, we’re about people.

Spark Care exists to improve outcomes – and

we’ll never lose sight of the human stories behind

every alert, sensor or system. If you want carefocused,

genuinely helpful advice, we’d love to

hear from you.”

Spark Care support care home owners,

registered managers, group directors, supported

living schemes, local authorities, housing

associations, and forward-thinking domiciliary

care providers. So, if you’re responsible for care

delivery, technology, procurement or compliance

– Spark Care can help.

01635 019608

hello@spark-care.co.uk

https://spark-care.co.uk


WATER HYGIENE Matters

A Poison Like No Other: A wakeup

call we can no longer ignore

t Bluewater, we’ve made

it our mission to end the

Aneed for single-use plastic

bottles, not just as a matter

of business, but as a moral

imperative, writes Dave Noble,

Chief Communications Officer,

Bluewater. Every now and

then, a book comes along that

crystallises why that mission

is so urgent. A Poison Like No

Other by science journalist Matt

Simon is one of those books

– and it should be required

reading for anyone who still

questions the devastating

impact of plastics on our planet

and our bodies.

Simon meticulously exposes

the harsh reality of microplastic

pollution – a crisis that has

quietly escalated into one of

the greatest threats to human

and environmental health. With

compelling storytelling and

rigorous research, he lays bare

how microplastics have become

omnipresent: in the food we

eat, the water we drink, and

even the air we breathe. They’ve

been found in unborn babies,

in the deepest ocean trenches,

and on the peaks of remote

mountaintops. It’s a story of

planetary contamination on an

unimaginable scale.

Perhaps the most disturbing

aspect Simon reveals is how

easily this could have been

mitigated – and how often it has

been downplayed by industry

lobbyists eager to protect the

status quo. The book is a direct

challenge to those who still

defend the myth that single-use

plastic bottles are not as harmful

as environmentalists claim. The

evidence says otherwise. Over 600

billion plastic bottles are produced

every single year. Many of them

end up as microscopic fragments

that linger in our ecosystems and

our bodies for generations.

At Bluewater, we have no vested

interest in Simon’s publisher, nor

do we sponsor him in any way.

But we wholeheartedly admire

his diligent, clear-eyed journalism

and his urgent call to action. His

voice strengthens the growing

consensus that the age of singleuse

plastics must end.

We founded Bluewater in 2013

to be part of the solution. Under

the visionary leadership of

our founder and CEO, Bengt

Rittri – a recognised Swedish

ecopreneur and founder of clean

air trailblazer Blueair – we’ve

committed ourselves to designing

and delivering innovative water

purification and beverage

solutions that make it easy,

safe, and sustainable to ditch

plastic bottles for good at home,

work, and play. Bengt’s work

has been recognised globally by

organisations and publications

such as Sublime Magazine for

his pioneering contributions to a

cleaner, healthier planet.

Our message is simple, but

urgent: There is no longer any

excuse for using single-use

plastic bottles.

We have the technology. We

have the alternatives. What we

need now is the collective will

– from consumers, companies,

and governments alike – to

change how we hydrate, how we

consume, and ultimately, how we

protect our future.

Let A Poison Like No Other be

your wake-up call. Let’s refuse to

be part of the microplastic horror

story. Let’s act now, together.

www.bluewatergroup.

com/en-gb

For over a decade Bluewater innovative water dispensers have

been helping major sporting events, large scale conferences

and major venues turn the tide of single use plastic bottle use

Bengt Rittri, Founder & CEO, Bluewater Group

28


FALL PREVENTION Matters

Frequency Precision

F

requency Precision is a small familyowned,

forward-thinking business

based in Devon which is one of the

foremost suppliers into the domiciliary care

market as well as the primary healthcare

market.

Founded in 1985, the company specialises

in providing innovative medical alert systems

designed to enhance safety and ensure

immediate assistance in emergencies. Its wide

range of medical alert devices, including fall

detection systems, are tailored for individuals

who may require quick access to emergency

services, such as the elderly or those with a

medical condition.

Whether you need a mobile medical alert

system with GPS location tracking or an athome

monitoring system, the company offers

reliable solutions that integrate seamlessly

into your daily life. They understand the

importance of keeping your loved ones safe

and free from harm, which is why they offer a

wide range of medical alert devices alongside

their own Airlert technology to help with their

care. They pride themselves on their ability

to provide products that make the perfect

addition to any healthcare setting, benefitting

clients on a national and international scale.

Their team of specialists collaborates closely

with clients to determine the perfect addition

to their healthcare environment.

Frequency Precision’s

founder, Doug Dwyer,

was inspired by his own

mother’s care needs to

create innovative solutions

for monitoring people at

risk. Doug developed a

discreet sensor using air

pressure to detect when

someone gets out of a bed

or chair. The system that

Frequency Precision uses

today is called Airlert and

uses the same principles

as that original mat. It is

used by thousands of

people in private homes,

care homes and hospitals

around the country.

It is a notable example of how individual

experiences can lead to impactful innovations.

The Airlert technology has a wide range of

applications:

: Airlert bed mats can be used on any type

of bed frame and mattress combination

with the pressure mat

being placed underneath

the mattress where the

person sleeps. Different

pressure sensors can

be connected to the

mat, allowing it to detect

when a person leaves

or occupies a bed and

send an alert to carers.

: Airlert convulsion

sensor mats look and

work in a comparable

way to the bed mat

but unlike the regular

bed pressure mat,

is used specifically for people who live

with epilepsy to detect the convulsions

indicative of someone having a tonic-clonic

generalised seizure.

: Airlert chair pressure pads offer the same

function as bed mats, with the obvious

difference being that they are placed on

chairs rather than

beds.

: Airlert floor

pressure mats

are placed on

the floor in

order to detect

foot pressure. They are usually used in a

doorway, hallway or next to a bed as a form

of fall prevention.

Frequency Precision medical alert systems are

designed for various environments and needs

offering bespoke solutions to all problems:

: Home systems – Ideal for elderly

individuals or people with medical

conditions living independently, these

monitored medical alert systems provide

constant monitoring and send immediate

alerts in case of emergencies.

: Mobile medical alert systems – For

active individuals, the mobile systems

ensure security with the freedom to move

around. Equipped with GPS tracking and

fall detection, these mobile devices provide

real-time assistance.

: Primary healthcare services – The

medical alert systems integrate seamlessly

with healthcare services, allowing

caregivers to monitor patient safety and

respond quickly to incidents.

: Wearable fall detection devices – In

assisted living facilities or hospitals, these

fall detection devices provide an extra layer

of protection, ensuring fast emergency help

in case of a fall.

: Emergency services – With direct

connectivity to emergency response teams,

the reliable medical alert systems ensure

swift dispatch in life-threatening situations.

01837 810590

contact@frequencyprecision.com

www.frequencyprecision.com


CLINICAL SERVICES Matters

Why choose Auxilium Medical Services?

Decontamination and sterilisation is critical

within healthcare and there are many ways

to maintain a sterile department. One of the

most important ways to keep up with a sterile

environment, is ensuring your machines are

getting the servicing and testing they need.

Why decontamination and sterilisation is

important

Decontamination removes germs on surfaces

and objects, which is crucial for several

reasons:

: Stopping the Spread of Infections –

Medical tools and surfaces can carry

harmful germs. Proper cleaning helps

prevent spread infections in hospitals and

clinics, keeping patients safe. Infections

acquired in healthcare settings, known

as healthcare-associated infections

(HAIs), pose significant risks. Effective

decontamination and sterilisation practices

reduce the incidence of HAIs, thereby

protecting patients from additional illnesses

that can complicate their recovery.

: Safe Reuse of Medical Tools – Many

medical instruments, such as endoscopes

and surgical tools, are designed for

reuse. Decontaminating/Sterilising these

instruments ensures they are safe for

the next patient, reducing the risk of

cross-contamination. Without proper

decontamination, pathogens from one

patient can be transferred to another,

leading to new infections.

: Following Rules and Regulations – The

Jeito Capital leads

financing in ReproNovo

eito Capital, a global leading

Jindependent Private Equity fund

dedicated to biopharma, announced

recently it is leading a USD 65 million

(EUR 57 million) Series A financing

round in ReproNovo, a company

dedicated to developing innovative

treatments for reproductive medicine

and women’s health.

AXA IM Alts and M Ventures co-led

the financing round alongside a

syndicate of healthcare funds: Ysios

Capital and ALSA Ventures.

Ksenija Pavletic, Jeito Partner and

Chief Commercial Officer, with 25

years of experience in reproductive

medicine and women’s health, will

join ReproNovo’s Board of Directors.

Founded in 2021, ReproNovo is

developing novel approaches to

address critical gaps in reproductive

medicine and women’s health,

including male and female infertility

healthcare industry has strict guidelines for

cleaning, decontaminating and sterilising.

Compliance with these regulations not only

protects patients but also helps healthcare

facilities maintain their accreditation and

avoid legal issues.

Why choose Auxilium Medical Services?

We understand that the sterilisation and

decontamination of your equipment is critical

to your operations. Here’s why you can trust

us with your servicing needs:

: Industry Expertise – With years of

experience in maintaining decontamination

and sterilisation equipment, we understand

the unique challenges faced by facilities

across the UK.

as well as uterine health. The

company, led by a team of experts

in this space – Jean Marie Duvall,

Chief Executive Officer, Joan-Carles

Arce, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific

Officer and Medical Officer, and

BingMei Hao, Chief Financial Officer

– brings a proven track record in

successful clinical development and

commercial launches.

Since its inception, ReproNovo has

rapidly built a pipeline comprising

two Phase 2 clinical-stage assets

across three disease areas, and the

company plans to use the proceeds

from this financing to advance this

pipeline across multiple programs:

: With its lead candidate, RPN-001

(leflutrozole), the company will

focus on the development of an

oral therapy for male infertility due

to low testosterone levels.

: RPN-002 (nolasiban), also orally

administered therapy, is a firstin-class

compound to manage

adenomyosis, an overgrowth

of endometrial tissue into the

uterus that can result in severe

menstrual bleeding and pain.

www.jeito.life

www.repronovo.com

Blackford and Lucida

Medical partner

lackford, the pioneering strategic

BAI platform and solutions provider,

and Lucida Medical, a leading

developer of AI for cancer imaging,

today announced a commercial

partnership to bring the Pi – Prostate

Intelligence solution to healthcare

professionals via the Blackford

Platform.

Blackford provides healthcare

professionals access to an extensive

portfolio of more than 120 AI solutions

designed to drive clinical accuracy

and efficiency and improve patient

outcomes. By integrating Lucida

Medical’s advanced technology into

the Blackford Platform, Blackford

can offer healthcare providers more

powerful tools to support analysis of

prostate MRIs.

“Our partnership with Lucida Medical

enhances our ability to provide

healthcare professionals with AI to

help deliver more precise and efficient

prostate cancer diagnosis and care,”

says Ben Panter, Founder and CEO of

Blackford.

“We are delighted to integrate the Pi

solution into our extensive AI portfolio

aimed at empowering clinicians with

the tools they need to make informed

decisions, ultimately improving patient

outcomes.”

: Comprehensive Knowledge – Our

technicians are trained on a wide range of

brands and models, ensuring versatile and

effective solutions.

: Minimised Downtime – We prioritise fast

response times and efficient service to keep

your operations running smoothly.

: Compliance Assurance – We ensure that

all equipment we service meets the latest

UK regulations, giving you confidence in

your compliance status.

Take the first step towards reliable

equipment

Ready to experience the Auxilium Medical

Services difference? Here’s how you can get

started:

: Contact Us – Reach out via phone at

01934 352320 or email us at admin@

auxiliummedicalservices.co.uk. Our

friendly team is here to answer your

questions and discuss your needs.

: Request a Quote – Visit our website at

www.axms.co.uk to request a free, noobligation

quote.

: Schedule a Service – Let us help you

develop a tailored maintenance plan that

keeps your equipment running smoothly

and efficiently.

01934 352320

admin@auxiliummedicalservices.

co.uk

www.axms.co.uk

Prostate cancer is the most common

male cancer, with case numbers

forecast to double by 2040 and up

to 50% of cases currently being

diagnosed late, at stages III-IV. Pi has

been designed to help healthcare

professionals work more quickly by

automating laborious steps, and to

increase accuracy for detection of

clinically significant prostate cancer.

Dr Antony Rix, Co-Founder and CEO

at Lucida Medical, says, “Recent

research has shown that Pi has

expert-level performance in realworld

applications across multiple

healthcare settings, scanner types

and vendors. We are delighted to work

with Blackford to offer Pi to hospitals

across the UK and Europe to help

clinical teams save time and offer their

patients the best possible diagnosis

and treatment for prostate cancer.”

www.blackfordanalysis.com

https://lucidamedical.com

30


WASTE MANAGEMENT Matters

Bradshaw unveils new all-electric,

compact RCV line-up for smarter

urban waste management

charge. The standard G4-RCV has

a 2.0m 3 hopper and a payload of

up to 740kg and works with 120,

240, and 360 litre bins. The G4L

Long-Wheelbase adds 500mm to

its chassis, increases the volume

to 3.5m 3 and works with larger

660-litre bins.

B

radshaw Electric Vehicles, one of

the UK’s leading manufacturers

and suppliers of electric vehicles

and waste management solutions, has

launched a new range of Refuse Collection

Vehicles which are specifically engineered

to tackle the challenges of urban and food

waste collection.

The Refuse Collection Vehicle range, which

includes the Goupil G4, the long-wheelbase

G4L and Bradshaw’s pedestrian PFB1500,

are each designed to offer a solution to local

authorities and waste management companies

who need to operate in confined urban and

pedestrian areas.

All three models have been made available in

4 body configurations; high tip body only, high

tip body with bin lift, high tip body with bin lift

and compaction arm or high tip body with bin

lift and rear door for food waste collection.

Both the Goupil’s and Bradshaw’s RCVs

are compact, agile, highly manoeuvrable

and ideally suited to towns, high streets

and pedestrianised areas. Their compact

dimensions enable access through street

barriers and around street furniture, while

electric powertrains ensure a silent and

pollution-free operation, making them an

efficient alternative to traditional refuse

collection methods.

The road-legal Goupil G4 is available with two

lithium battery options, offering either a 62

mile or 93 mile range (wltp figures) on a single

Based on the popular PFB1500,

which is available with a number of

body options, including cage body,

Bradshaw’s pedestrian-controlled

walk-along RCV is designed to

tackle the challenges of urban

waste collection in areas with high

pedestrian footfall and limited

vehicle access.

The pedestrian-controlled RCV handles

120, 240 and 360 litre bins and features a

corrosion-resistant aluminium hopper. The

ergonomic tiller head provides a comfortable

and precise operation and can be driven easily

with either hand. With five braking systems,

automatic hill hold, and advanced safety

features, it ensures safe operation on slopes.

All three RCVs

feature corrosionresistant

aluminium

bodies with a 90°

tipping angle for easy

waste disposal into

larger containers

or larger RCVs for

satellite operations,

streamlining waste

collection rounds and

reducing overall time

on the streets.

With increasing pressure on local authorities

to reduce emissions and improve air quality,

traditional diesel-powered waste vehicles are

no longer viable. Bradshaw’s latest offering

addresses these concerns by providing a

zero-emission, cost-effective solution tailored

for urban environments.

The Goupil G4 RCV in particular arrives at a

crucial time for waste management operations

following the introduction new recycling

regulations coming into effect on 31st March

2025, requiring businesses across England

that produce more than 5kg of food waste per

week being legally required to segregate food

waste from general waste.

Ramsy Labassi, Marketing Manager of

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, commented,

“As a company that is continually looking to

innovate and respond to the evolving needs

of its customers, we have introduced this new

RCV range to offer a more sustainable and

efficient solution for urban waste collection.

“Urban zones are becoming increasingly

difficult for traditional waste collection vehicles

to navigate due to rising congestion, restricted

access zones, low-emission regulations, and

the continued pedestrianisation of city centres

and high streets.

However, Bradshaw’s

new compact RCV

range has been

purpose-built to

overcome these

challenges, offering

local authorities and

waste contractors

a practical and

zero-emission

alternative that can

easily access tight

spaces and operate safely in areas with high

pedestrian footfall.

“Both vehicles have been launched at a time

where there’s a growing need from local

authorities to improve efficiency in collecting

waste, especially with the new food waste

regulations coming into force recently, and

we are delighted to already be receiving

overwhelming interest for our new vehicles

as they seek innovative and environmentally

friendly alternatives to existing refuse

collection practices – which typically involve

large diesel-powered vehicles that simply have

become unsuitable and impractical in line with

how urban environments are evolving.”

01780 782621

enquiries@bradshawev.com

www.bradshawev.com


TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Matters

SoMax Finance: Empowering financial

transformation with expert solutions

n today’s rapidly evolving business

environment, organisations across all

Isectors – especially those in health and

social care – face a constant need to stay on

top of changes. Recent shifts in salary and

tax regulations have made it more crucial

than ever for health and social care providers

to ensure their financial processes are up to

date, efficient, and compliant.

For many owners, who took on this role out

of a passion for care rather than business

management, handling the financial side

can be especially challenging. This is where

iplicit’s Cloud-based financial software, paired

with SoMax’s expert consultancy, delivers

accurate, transparent, and controlled financial

management for organisations.

With extensive experience consulting for health

and social care providers, SoMax understands

the operational challenges care homeowners

face without a robust financial management

system. Many of these providers, who didn’t

originally expect to manage a business, often

find themselves handling complex financial

responsibilities that demand both time and

accuracy. Without streamlined financial

processes, they frequently lack visibility over

their finances, resulting in less informed

decision-making at all levels. SoMax leverages

its expertise to guide these organisations in

adopting iplicit’s software, enabling deeper

financial insights and driving improvements.

A key benefit of iplicit’s financial software is

the clarity it provides on true margins and

costs – crucial in the health and social care

sector, where margins are often slim. It delivers

precise insights into expenses, enabling better

contract negotiations, supplier assessments,

and internal improvements. For health and social

care providers, understanding these elements

is essential for optimising staffing, managing

resources effectively, and ultimately providing

the best care to patients.

Another strength of iplicit’s system is its ability to

present information in ways that support effective

decision-making. For example, it empowers users

to swiftly identify anomalies, such as unplanned

overtime or unexpected cost spikes, which

often serve as early warning signs of underlying

operational or financial challenges within an

organisation. By identifying these early, health and

social care providers can take proactive measures

such as re-evaluating contracts or reallocating

resources. These actionable insights empower

leaders to enhance operational efficiency and

maintain financial stability.

Transparency is another essential benefit. With

real-time visibility over financial metrics, health

and social care providers can access a snapshot

of their organisation’s financial health at any

given moment. This level of insight ensures

decision-makers have the latest, most accurate

data available crucial when making high-stakes

decisions related to regulatory compliance,

budgeting, or resource allocation. Having

immediate, on-demand access to information

is invaluable, playing a pivotal role in driving

revenue growth per bed or user by providing

a clear understanding of operational costs,

resource allocation, and profit margins. By

leveraging tools like iplicit’s financial software,

this clarity enables better pricing strategies,

enhanced service delivery, and sustained

financial health, fostering long-term growth.

SoMax’s expert guidance during the adoption of

iplicit software further uncovers inefficiencies and

offers a clear, comprehensive view of financial

standing. With their support, organisations

can implement targeted adjustments that drive

substantial savings and growth over time.

In summary, implementing iplicit’s advanced

financial management software with SoMax

provides health and social care providers with

more than just a financial tracking tool – it’s

a powerful, end-to-end solution. Designed to

enhance visibility, sharpen decision-making,

and ensure adaptability to regulatory changes,

this partnership empowers organisations with

the clarity, control, and agility needed to thrive

in today’s complex financial landscape. Beyond

achieving regulatory compliance, health and

social care providers gain actionable insights

to drive growth, efficiency, and superior

outcomes. For care homeowners, it means

having a trusted partner to help balance their

passion for care with the demands of running

a successful business.

Contact: Laura Evans, Partner and

Business Development

07961 507061

laura@so-max.co.uk

info@so-max.co.uk

https://so-max.co.uk

32


CLEANING, HYGIENE & LAUNDRY Matters

Underpinning excellence

in healthcare cleaning

Carlton Relf discusses the benefits of empowering and

motivating cleaning staff through comprehensive

training programmes – and why education is so important

E

ffective training has always been a

lynchpin of professional cleaning

services but unprecedented UK

demand for healthcare and consolidation

of the healthcare sector’s expectations

of cleanliness, have made it absolutely

mission-critical.

managers’ knowledge and understanding of

their healthcare facilities’ usage and required

cleaning regimes. As a result, cleaning firms

are seeing clients drawing up data-driven and

more formal cleaning specifications, and with

them, requirements for auditable skill levels in

the teams that meet them.

engaging people also means regularly creating

‘no-cost’ rewards, such as complimenting

team members for fantastic work, or having

suggested a solution to a client’s cleaning

problem, or dedication to their job such as

still making it to a customer site during bad

weather.

With ever-increasing patient healthcare

demands, NHS and private healthcare

providers are demanding that cleaning

suppliers adhere to higher operating standards

while demonstrating compliance with them.

But the statistics also show how difficult

frontline infection control can be: the NHS

has around 300,000 healthcare associated

infections (HCAIs) annually.

But the numbers also demonstrate our

industry’s essential role in healthcare and

other sectors. Analysts IBIS World calculate

that industrial cleaning revenues have gone

up 5% each year since 2020, especially given

rising NHS funding. The British Cleaning

Council reckons Britain has 75,000 cleaning

businesses and apart from the largest

enterprises and SME cleaning firms, most are

micro-businesses of fewer than 10 people.

As a result, small cleaning firms are often

delivering essential services locally to much

larger organisations.

As a result, cleaning companies will

increasingly need a focus on training to

develop their employees’ cleaning skills within

a context of risk assessment, decision-making

to best meet customer needs, compliance and

service professionalism.

Cleaning firms and better healthcare

Game-changing momentum towards higher

healthcare cleaning standards came with

theNHS’s National Standards of Healthcare

Cleanliness 2021, which reflect more modern

methods of cleaning, infection prevention and

control (IPC). However, these standards also

emphasise transparency in cleaning service

delivery, to help assure patients, the public,

and staff alike that safe cleanliness standards

are being achieved.

Meanwhile, data generated by advances such

as robotic cleaning and intelligent building

management systems, are transforming

NHS and private health sector cleaning

All these factors are naturally creating new

opportunities for cleaning firms but at the

same time, they are increasing the pressure on

cleaning suppliers to upskill, comprehensively

train and demonstrate the quality/technical

skills of their workforces. Commercial cleaning

companies will therefore need to organise

regular employee and management training

while keeping up-to-date workforce training

records.

This dual approach – expert cleaning and

effective communication of teams’ capabilities

to customers – will further build clients’

confidence that they can maintain specified

cleaning standards and professionalism to

capitalise on these opportunities safely.

Rigorous training, empowered people

Because of cleaning services’ pivotal role in

healthcare, rigorous training not only supports

cleaning service excellence but also enables

teams to effectively assess and manage

changing risks at work, make informed

decisions, and set customers’ expectations,

at all parts of the customer journey. Forward

looking, highly-qualified cleaning contractors

are able to meet these changing client

requirements, by equipping their managers

and cleaning teams with core capabilities

through rigorous training programmes.

These programmes cover five main areas,

including:

1) Engaged and empowered staff

Smart cleaning companies will make

comprehensive, rolling training programmes

the key to effective and reliable service

delivery. Research across many industries

shows that fully trained staff feel more

empowered and motivated to meet clients’

needs. Engaging and motivating your

cleaning teams and individual team members/

operatives also means clearly and relentlessly

communicating the standards required and

what is expected of each team member. But

2) Core training programmes

As part of providing the best services,

cleaning companies’ line managers and

cleaning specialists need to maintain a

core training programme for all their team

members. This will comprise initial site

assessments, regular hands-on practice,

understanding individual client sites’ reporting

needs, required compliance with healthcare

standards and reporting, keeping industry

accreditations updated, and ongoing

education needs.

Cleaning contractors intent on building their

company brand and retaining key contracts

based on service excellence will increasingly

need to demonstrate relentless alignment

with all health and safety & environmental

regulations. For NHS applications, compliance

with the 2021 cleanliness standards and their

audit processes is now a part of new hospital

cleaning contracts which in turn triggers a

series of training needs for cleaning providers.

A relentless focus on training & accreditation

can boost service excellence and cleanliness.

For example, fully-trained teams embarking

on an NHS or private healthcare contract

will be empowered to make checks during

a first clean, such as surface contamination

tests and escalating the testing level if

contamination is identified. For specialised

tasks, such as the removal of biohazardous

waste, cleaning teams will need training on

relevant waste removal, storage protocols and

dedicated equipment’s safe operation.

Effective team training can play a key part in

reducing HCAIs that may endanger patient

health and lead to expensive deep cleans

down the line. Fully-trained cleaning teams

can be focused on improving cleanliness

in hospital or health centres’ high-touch

areas, such as medical equipment and high

traffic areas. They can also recognise the

correct disinfectants for different situations.

Well-planned cleaning regimes can enable

34



treatment rooms being released earlier, giving

clinical teams scope to increase treatment

rates.

There are a plethora of cleaning courses

available ranging from individual, team

and specialist subject courses, to ‘training

the trainer’ type courses enabling senior

managers to become accredited trainers

for their workforce. The key is to locate

training courses within a wider approach of

customer service excellence, based on risk

identification, decision-making, action and

customer communication and expectationsetting.

3) Education on site needs

Alongside regular training programmes,

cleaning teams need to be continually

educated and given regular reminders about

each site’s cleaning requirements, and client

personnel’s expectations, to ensure the

highest standards in healthcare cleaning and

reporting.

As well as ensuring excellence in service

delivery, rigorously-trained cleaning teams

will gain the confidence to quickly prioritise

actions for key buildings, locations and

ancillary sites. A confident, well-trained team

can also check and verify their cleaning

responsibilities with their client’s personnel

or think outside the box and ask questions

when things don’t seem right. This proactive

approach can help avert incidents such as:

: Avoiding confusion between in-house FM/

cleaning teams and suppliers over required

cleaning regimes, for example, whether

NHS 2021 national cleanliness standards or

legacy 2007 ones are specified

: Property management/cleaning teams

being unable to specify effective and safe

cleaning regimes to cleaning providers

: Communicating to clients that potentially

dangerous tasks like cleans at height need

prearranged notice, ensuring suitablytrained

teams can complete the work with

appropriate equipment supported by in situ

safety notices.

4) Dynamic disaster response

With UK healthcare facilities facing

unprecedented demand, it’s critical for

healthcare organisations to make optimal

use of high-use treatment facilities. Cleaning

providers can play a crucial role in managing

effective disaster responses that can prevent,

or at least minimise, service disruption.

Emergency cleaning situations range from

biohazards (bodily fluid spills or contaminated

materials), chemical leaks, and food/beverage

spills, but also include smoke damage to

building fabric from fires, or accidents like

fire extinguishers being discharged. Stormy

winters and extreme weather have led to

increased flooding incidents and revealed that

an ageing NHS property estate is leading to

more frequent emergency clean-ups.

Commercial cleaning companies working

with NHS and other public bodies will be

responsible for essential daily tasks such as

‘clean and close’ of toilets. Company teams

well-versed in incident response can work

with hospital/local authority cleaning teams

to rapidly assess any incident of abuse/

mistreatment of such facilities, close the

facilities where safe cleaning isn’t possible and

organise a prompt deep clean using approved

biohazard equipment and operatives in PPE,

to deal correctly with the situation. This

incident know-how and dynamic decisionmaking

helps avert potential health risks

to hospital/healthcare buildings’ users and

minimises facilities’ closure time.

Cleaning providers that maintain regular

and refresher employee training and ensure

their teams have all necessary industry

accreditations, give clients the confidence that

they can respond effectively to emergencies.

Trained teams will quickly grasp how to

make best use of specialised equipment and

products for optimal cleaning (such as robot

cleaning that automates low-risk cleaning for

store rooms or corridors) and help drive up

contract performance.

5) Embedding excellence

As teams build up their training with

healthcare certifications and recognition

programmes, this embedding of know-how

empowers operatives, strengthens long-term

service delivery, and seals teams’ pride in their

work.

Last year also saw an industry milestone with

the launch of the Level 2 Healthcare Cleaning

Operative Apprenticeship enabling cleaning

companies to fund a recognised qualification

and demonstrating that the industry is

also helping its people build their career in

cleaning – a fine response by our industry to

accusations that a job in cleaning never led to

qualifications.

Training for higher standards

Commercial cleaning is key to UK healthcare’s

effective and safe operation amid spiralling

patient demand. Cleaning providers that

ensure rigorous workforce training for

cleaning excellence within a philosophy of risk

identification, informed decision-making and

compliance, will be best placed to help their

clients drive higher cleanliness standards,

achieve better infection control and deliver

safer treatments.

Carlton Relf is managing director at

Maidscando.

01978 437470

www.maidscando.co.uk



Total Clean: Award of Excellence

2025 – 35 years of excellence in

commercial cleaning & office cleaning

W

e are delighted

to announce that

Total Clean has

been awarded the E2

Media Award of Excellence

2025 for Commercial &

Office Cleaning Services.

This prestigious accolade,

presented by E2 Media,

recognises businesses that

demonstrate outstanding

achievement, innovation,

and commitment to quality

within their industries.

Winning this award is a

testament to our team’s

hard work and dedication, and it reinforces

our commitment to providing clients with the

highest standards of cleaning and service

excellence.

As a leading provider of office cleaning

services, we are proud of our history.

Founded in 1988 Total Clean began with a

vision to revolutionise

the commercial cleaning

industry by delivering

exceptional service and

building lasting client

partnerships.

From our early days as

a small local operation,

we have grown into a

leading national cleaning

company with a network

of operational hubs

strategically located across the UK. This

nationwide network is committed to delivering

a consistent, high-quality cleaning service, no

matter where your business is located.

As well as office cleaning, we also work in

the medical sector, meeting rigorous CQC

standards and infection control. We have

taken our knowledge of

medical cleaning and

applied it to cleaning offices,

schools, bars, restaurants,

gyms, public sector cleaning

and more.

This award joins a

growing list of our recent

achievements, including

Tomorrow’s Facilities

Management Awards 2024,

HSBC EF100 Award Winners

2024, and BICSc Awards

Environmental 2024 Finalist.

These recognitions reflect

our unwavering commitment

to adopting best practices and innovation

within the commercial cleaning sector.

At Total Clean, we also understand the

increasing importance of sustainable ecofriendly

cleaning, and workplace safety. This is

why we are committed to making sustainable

changes to our business.

We have

transitioned our

fleet to electric

vehicles and are

exploring future

technologies like

hydrogen fuel to

further reduce

our carbon

emissions. Our

operational office

features stateof-the-art

commercial fast chargers, powered

by our solar PV system, reducing our carbon

footprint and contributing towards achieving

our Net Zero goals.

In addition to our fleet modernisation, we

also use concentrated cleaning products to

minimise packaging waste and implement

water-saving techniques. We also

provide ongoing training programs

for our staff on sustainable cleaning

practices.

We’ve also developed our

own ‘Total Defence’ range of

sustainable cleaning products,

including disinfection and antiviral

fogging services.

Beyond commercial cleaning,

we are deeply committed to our

community. We proudly support

charities like St Helena Hospice,

Isabel Hospice, and Charity Boots,

making a positive impact both

locally and internationally.

We continue to support St Helena Hospice

and Isabel Hospice with our Colchester and

St Albans office profits going directly to

supporting vital community programmes and

providing essential care. We also partner with

Charity Boots to collect and distribute football

boots to underprivileged children, promoting

sports and healthy lifestyles.

The trust and high regard our clients across

the UK hold for us speaks volumes about our

honest and ethical business practices. We

believe in building strong partnerships with

our clients, taking the time to understand their

specific needs and tailoring our services to

meet their exact requirements.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains

on maintaining the high standards that have

become our trademark as well as being

committed to sustainability. We believe Total

Clean is a name you will hear more about in

the years to come.

Thank you to E2 Media and our valued clients

for their continued support.

At Total Clean we provide a range of services

including deep cleaning, specialised floor

cleaning, upholstery cleaning, postconstruction

cleaning, window cleaning,

biohazard cleaning, end of tenancy

cleaning and much more.

Discover the Total Clean difference.

Visit: www.totalclean.co.uk

Contact us today or call us on +44 (0)207

935 5088 for your free consultation!

36


Preview

Learn, network, collaborate

The South West provides community-based

services to an estimated 126,230 people. The

Expo is the South West’s most specialised

endeavour, to provide the best business

solutions to the rapidly growing care industry.

With technology being the ‘new model of

care’, the Expo offers your business the ideal

growth platform.

RPM Events is proud to be hosting the

Care & Occupational Therapy Show at

Westpoint Exeter on July 16th 2025.

This will be a one-day event that features

an interactive trade show floor, where

attendees will have the opportunity to talk

with representatives from organisations and

businesses in the industry while exploring

their latest products and services, as

well as informative panel discussions on

various topics including clinical intervention,

occupational therapy assessment methods,

advertising ideas for healthcare providers,

diagnostic tools and more.

With 1,500m 2 of space, our exhibitors will

have plenty of room to showcase themselves

alongside 6 national keynote speakers who

are internationally renowned experts in this

field!

Raise your brand profile with a range of

cost-effective and very clever ways to get

your business in front of a broad audience of

people in the care industry…

Reserve your FREE ticket now for our 2025

exhibition and set aside the day in your

diary to make face-to-face connections with

influential figures in the industry as well as

potential suppliers who can add value to your

organisation…

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show has

been running for 5 years. This year’s event will

include buyers from Care Homes, Domiciliary

care companies, Care Groups, NHS, Trusts,

Individual Carers, and Individual Practitioners

also. Attracting around 2,000 visitors it will

truly be a festival of business for the care

community.

For 2025, the South West Care Exhibition

will be bigger and better, aptly rebranded

to the Care & Occupational Therapy Show,

with space for almost twice the number of

exhibitors as 2020, a great proportion of which

have already been filled by repeat bookings.

Among them are certain to be organisations

that will be bringing along innovative

products and services that will not have

been showcased in the South West before.

Attending the show is your chance to be

among the first to benefit from and be inspired

by the amazing innovation that will be on

display.

www.careexhibition.co.uk


Outsourced payroll services you can trust

At One Less Worry,

we specialise in

providing reliable,

accurate, and

personalised outsourced

payroll services to

businesses of all sizes.

Since our launch, we’ve

built a strong reputation

by delivering expert

support to a growing list

of clients across the UK.

Our consistent growth

and client loyalty are a

reflection of the quality,

professionalism, and

trust we bring to every

partnership.

We understand that no

two businesses are alike.

That’s why our service is

fully tailored to meet the

unique needs of each

client. Whether you run

a small startup or a large

corporation, you can

expect a payroll service

that’s designed with your operations in mind.

Our approach combines modern efficiency

with a personal touch. Every client is assigned

a Dedicated Account Manager who will work

closely with you to ensure smooth, accurate

payroll processing and provide proactive

ZeroSole insole: Pressure

relief for foot pain

eveloped by UK podiatrists,

DZeroSole is a brand-new

modular insole that provides

customisable, targeted pressure

relief (offloading), for common

plantar foot lesions and pressureinduced

foot pain.

At the heart of ZeroSole is a unique,

patented design using medicalgrade

silicone and shock-absorbing

memory foam. ZeroSole enables

practitioners to create low-pressure

zones for every patient’s foot needs.

The removable plug system allows

for easy, tool-free adjustments,

making it the ideal choice for busy

clinics or mobile practitioners.

Simply remove the hexagon plugs

to relieve foot pain in seconds.

ZeroSole’s unique benefits:

: Targeted Offloading – Create

bespoke low-pressure zones

which is clinically proven to

relieve pressure-induced foot

pain and common plantar lesions

(eg. corns/calluses).

: Long-Lasting

Durability – The

first modular insole

comprised of medical

grade silicone, for

long-lasting, effective

offloading.

: Quick & Convenient – Perfect

for busy clinics & home visits!

ZeroSole can be quickly & easily

modified without the need for

any specialist equipment, & fit

within standard footwear.

: Shock Absorbing – ZeroSole’s

memory foam mid-layer &

deformable silicone plugs

provide superior comfort for

patients with pressure points &

fat pad atrophy.

ZeroSole: Custom comfort, clinical

results. Come see us on Stand 34.

For introductory offers, contact: info@

zero-sole.com or visit: www.zero-sole.com

David Barton: david@kaydiar.co.uk

Heather Smart: heather@kaydiar.co.uk

advice when you need it.

What you can expect

from One Less Worry:

: A bespoke service

tailored to your

business

: Direct access to a

dedicated account

manager

: Fast, friendly

responses to all your

queries

: High levels of

accuracy and

attention to detail

: Full confidentiality and

professionalism at all

times

: Exceptional customer

service

: Honest, competitive

pricing with no hidden

fees

: Deep experience

and a reputation for

reliability

We’re proud to be a trusted partner for

businesses who prefer to outsource their

payroll for convenience, accuracy, and peace

of mind. Our clients range from those who

could manage payroll themselves but choose

not to deal with the hassle, to those who need

comprehensive guidance and support.

Healing with heart:

Therapy 4 Stress brings

compassionate support

herapy 4 Stress will

Tbe exhibiting at The

Care and Occupational

Therapy Show 2025

on the 16th July, at

the Westpoint Arena,

Exeter at Stand 5.

Using her experience

of over 15 years working

as a psychotherapist, Renie

established Therapy 4 Stress

in 2010 after completing a diploma

course in hypnotherapy. Since, Renie

has professionally developed her

skillset, and is now also qualified to

offer neuro-linguistic programming

(NLP), timeline therapy (TLT),

thought field therapy (TFT) and brain

working recursive therapies (BWRT ® )

levels 1-2, all of which can be used

alongside hypnotherapy, tailored to a

person’s needs.

Whilst she is constantly studying

new techniques, Renie’s passionate,

personable, and people-centred

approach is a reflection of her lifelong

passion to help others. Her latest

professional development course

is BWRT ® level 3 for examples is

possibly one of the most exciting

While our office is based in Plymouth, our

services extend throughout the UK. We’re

happy to meet you at your office, welcome

you to ours, or connect wherever is most

convenient for you.

If you're looking for a dependable, costeffective

payroll service that saves you time

and reduces stress,

look no further than

One Less Worry –

because your business

deserves more focus

and fewer distractions.

Let us take care of

your payroll, so you

have One Less Worry.

See us on Stand 20.

Preview

01752 366348

payroll@onelessworrypayroll.co.uk

www.onelessworrypayroll.co.uk

developments in therapy so far,

focusing on the physiological

aspects of the mind/body

connection, and how they

can work together to

improve physical issues.

As a cancer survivor,

Renie brings a deeply

personal understanding

of what it means to navigate

life with a serious illness. Her lived

experience fuels the empathy and

insight she brings to her work,

and she passionately advocates

for hypnotherapy and BWRT ® as

some of the most effective forms of

therapeutic support.

Through her practice, Therapy 4

Stress, Renie offers tailored support

for individuals struggling with anxiety,

stress management, fears, phobias,

low self-confidence, or self-worth.

Based in Watford, sessions are

available both in-person and online

via video call.

07956 002424

renie@therapy4stress.com

https://therapy4stress.com


Meet Dr Jane M Mullins

and DUETcare at COTS

uet Care will be

Dexhibiting at The Care

and Occupational Therapy

Show 2025 on the 16th

July, at the Westpoint

Arena, Exeter at Stand 61.

Created by Dr Jane M

Mullins, Dementia Nurse

Consultant, Researcher,

Trainer & Author with over

35 years’ experience in

dementia care, (in memory clinics,

community, hospital and care home

settings) DUETcare Ltd hosts Finding

the Light in Dementia Training, which

is co-produced with people living

with dementia, carers and leading

professionals and researchers in the

field.

This current, evidence-based training

provides engaging, inspiring and

informative resources through film,

storytelling, audio and animations, and

is delivered via an e-learning platform,

online webinars, study days, face to

face sessions, and masterclasses.

Swansea University have undertaken

an independent review of the training

and have found that an astounding

96% of trainees agree that the

training significantly improves

the quality and safety of care

while helping the staff feel more

confident in their role.

Preview

Dr Jane M Mullins is a highly

respected expert in her field,

with extensive research

experience that includes

managing clinical trials for the

first licensed drugs used in

the treatment of Alzheimer’s

disease. She has also played

a key role in supporting

psychologists undertaking

PhD research. Notably,

her own doctoral study, A

Suitcase of Memories, employed

sensory ethnography to explore

innovative, multisensory approaches

to communication and connecting with

people living with moderate dementia.

Her work has been widely regarded

as groundbreaking, significantly

advancing understanding, education,

and awareness around dementia care.

Finding the Light in Dementia Training

is open to health and social care

professionals, public sector workers,

volunteers, families, and members of

the public. The Training teaches the

essential skills to help people living

with all types of dementia to live

well and meaningful lives in all care

settings.

07954 690170

contact@duetcare.co.uk

www.findingthelightindementia.com

A proudly independent

family business, for

professionals, by

professionals

hygiene every time.

Future-proofing care:

Care & Support West

champions digital tools

t Care and Support West

Awe are always looking for

innovative ways to support the

adult social care sector to not

just survive, but thrive. We are the

leading representative body for

organisations & individuals involved

in the social care, support & health

sectors in the West of England.

With a depleting workforce

and funding constantly being

squeezed we recognise that digital

technologies have a key role to play

in helping care providers continue

to deliver quality services with less.

One of the ways we support and

encourage innovation amongst

care providers and our members is

through our Corporate Partnership

Programme which connects

members with trusted, sectorspecific

service providers.

Among them is Bemlo, a Swedish

organisation specialising in smart,

easy to use digital workforce

management solutions. Bemlo

enables care providers to fill

shifts more efficiently and easily

all through the one platform.

Care providers across the region

who have piloted Bemlo have all

reported a significant reduction in

agency and administration costs,

improvement in the well-being

of their colleagues and in staff

retention.

Join us at the COT show on

Stand 55 to see Bemlo in action

and hear real success stories.

07860 439809

enquiries@

careandsupportwest.com

s a family company that’s been

Ain business for over 55 years,

we have a reputation for excellent

customer service, knowledgeable

staff, and are partners with the

biggest brands in the commercial

appliance industry such as Miele,

Electrolux, Asko, Liebherr, Maidaid

and more.

With decades of expertise,

Gillman’s is your trusted partner for

supplying top-quality commercial

washing machines, tumble dryers,

ironers, dishwashers, bedpan

washers and refrigeration tailored

specifically to the care sector. You

can count on us for reliable, efficient

solutions that meet the unique

needs of your home, ensuring

consistent results and exceptional

We offer a full range of equipment,

including commercial washing

machines, tumble dryers, bedpan

washers, dishwashers, and

detergents, all designed to meet the

specific needs of care homes, while

ensuring compliance with WRAS,

CQC, and HTM 01-04 standards.

Our solutions go beyond just

meeting regulatory requirements

– they’re built to help improve

environmental performance and

reduce running costs. For example,

our load-weighing washing

machines automatically adjust

water and detergent usage based

on fabric type, while our energyefficient

heat pump tumble dryers

save both money and energy.

Come see us on Stand 14.

01452 528776

www.gillmans.co.uk

Come see us on Stand 108

40


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From hospital to home, it’s our mission

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to enhance the user’s quality of life.

Lavamac has acquired a position as one of

the big market players as an official distributor

of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment.

Full factory support from the world’s largest

manufacturer of laundry equipment enables

Lavamac to offer a solution to any laundry

equipment need. Starting from design to project

management, installation, training and after sales

support we offer a full turnkey solution.

EDGE Services is one of the leading providers

of people handling training in the UK today.

EDGE will train you to deliver moving and

handling, dementia care and challenging

behaviour courses to your colleagues, providing

you with the resources, techniques and skills to

make a real difference to the health and safety

of both your colleagues and your clients.

With over 30 years’ experience in researching

and manufacturing probiotics, ProVen is a

world leader in developing specific products

for individual lifestages and needs, supported

by research showing the widest range of

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Thermidas’ mission is to lower the

cost of healthcare with infrared (IR)

thermal imaging. Thermidas has

two core focus areas; prevention of

Pressure Injuries in hospitals and

care homes and the prevention of

diabetic foot ulcers.

Thor Assistive Technologies Ltd are Distributors of

Neuro Rehabilitation Robotic and related devices.

We believe in ‘Robotic Integrated Rehabilitation’

to provide rehabilitation that compliments

Physiotherapy and improves results by increasing

repetitions and exercise dose.

UK based, providing products from around

the world, the team provide assessment,

demonstration, installation, training and ongoing

support to our partner clinics

Apex Wiring Solutions is transforming electrical

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Our leading-edge pre-wired technology ensures faster

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Trusted by healthcare leaders across the globe, we’re

setting a new standard in efficiency and innovation.

Scan the QR code to discover how we’re

powering the future of healthcare.

Healthcare Matters Issue 835

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