Direct Healthcare Group CEO meets Welsh economy minister to discuss international exports
Vaughan Gething MS, Minister of Economy for Wales, visited Caerphilly-based Direct Healthcare Group yesterday to discuss the company’s fast-paced growth and export success with CEO, Graham Ewart.
The visit comes as the healthcare company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for services to international trade recently, in recognition of the firm’s service to the global healthcare sector and its significant growth in international exports.
Direct Healthcare Group has also been ranked the fastest growing private company in the UK for both profit and international sales.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Direct Healthcare Group is a valued member of the Welsh life sciences sector, which has become home to some of the most innovative and impressive businesses in the medical market worldwide.
“Direct Healthcare Group’s significant growth over a short period of time means it should be considered a true Welsh success story, and the fact it has kept its roots in Caerphilly is to be commended.
“I am delighted the Welsh Government was able to play a part in its expansion through a previous investment which helped the business establish Europe’s first specialist research and testing facility for treatment mattresses. I congratulate them on a well-deserved Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”
Graham Ewart commented on the visit: “We’re very proud of how quickly Direct Healthcare Group has grown in the past 10 years. From a small Welsh start-up with just one product, we have now become a truly international group with pan-European operations, trading in more than 40 countries across the globe and placing Wales at the forefront of medical device manufacturing.”
“Given this international growth, we have often been asked why we have not moved from Caerphilly to the likes of Cardiff or London, but our answer is easy. We are loyal to our roots and the local economy is one we are immensely proud to invest in.”
“As such, we look forward to welcoming Mr Gething to discuss the importance of ongoing support for Welsh businesses as the economy rebuilds, in particular the vital importance of exports to the nation’s economic growth and future prospects, both locally and nationally.”
As a global leader in the manufacture and provision of medical devices, products and solutions for patients with limited mobility, Direct Healthcare Group provides pressure care management, moving and handling equipment, specialist seating and bathroom safety solutions for patients in hospitals, residential care homes and private homes.
The group employs over 600 people across its Caerphilly headquarters, further UK sites and its six European offices.
It has seen its total overseas sales grow by 730 per cent in the past six years, and has become a strong presence in the European market, holding a 15 per cent market share in Europe for its sector across pressure ulcer prevention and patient handling.
In February, Direct Healthcare Group announced a forecasted turnover of £89.4 million (49.5 per cent growth) for 2021, following a full year turnover of £59.8 million for 2020.
The firm had a landmark year in 2020 after it almost trebled sales, making four acquisitions. Of last year’s four acquisitions three were overseas: Swedish rehabilitation aids provider Gate Rehab Development, the patient-handling division of Swedish group Handicare, and Finnish manufacturer Carital Group.
Its fourth acquisition, of Sunderland-based Lynch Healthcare Group, helped to boost its patient handling portfolio in the UK.
https://thiis.co.uk/direct-healthcare-group-ceo-meets-welsh-economy-minister-to-discuss-international-exports/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Vaughan-Gething-MS-Minister-of-economy-for-Wales-with-Graham-Ewart-CEO-Direct-Healthcare-Group.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Vaughan-Gething-MS-Minister-of-economy-for-Wales-with-Graham-Ewart-CEO-Direct-Healthcare-Group-150x150.jpgNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsDirect Healthcare Group,export,Graham Ewart,healthcare,sales,Vaughan GethingVaughan Gething MS, Minister of Economy for Wales, visited Caerphilly-based Direct Healthcare Group yesterday to discuss the company’s fast-paced growth and export success with CEO, Graham Ewart. The visit comes as the healthcare company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for services to international trade recently, in recognition of...Liane McIvorLiane McIvorliane@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine