Ex-Prism director to implement “aggressive growth strategy” as Herida’s new MD
Herida Healthcare has appointed industry veteran Sean Spencer as its new Managing Director, bringing a wealth of sector-specific knowledge and general management experience to the firm from his time at Prism Medical UK.
The Leeds-based manufacturer of pressure-relieving healthcare mattresses and moving & handling equipment was launched by Neil Smith and John Kay back in 2016 and has quickly established itself in the market.
Now, with a growing network of community equipment loan stores, NHS trusts and exclusive dealers, Herida Healthcare has now set its sights on scaling up as it looks to capitalise on growing export opportunities.
Discussing the appointment, former Prism Medical director and now Herida Healthcare Managing Director Sean Spencer commented: “I’m really pleased to be joining Herida at this time. Naturally, I have watched the progress of the manufacturing business very closely from a competitive perspective and it has proven itself as an impressive organisation to date.
“I hope to continue in the success alongside the existing management team and take it to the next level.”
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Herida Healthcare has responded quickly, ramping up production of its foam and dynamic mattresses to meet the urgent NHS demand as the Nightingale ExCel Hospital was rapidly deployed.
The company also shifted production to create a new range personal protective equipment to meet ballooning demand across the health and social care sector in the wake of the virus. Having successfully entered the PPE market, Herida recently confirmed a new partnership with North Tees & Hartlepool Solutions – a subsidiary of North Tees NHS Trust.
“We have an aggressive growth strategy via a meticulous business plan,” continued Spencer.
“This will be achieved across both core and, indeed, global markets, with the introduction of new product categories and potential strategic acquisition targets. It’s an exciting time to be joining Herida, who in truth has probably seen one of the most credible organic growth strategies that the sector has ever seen – from a start-up position around five years ago.”
The appointment comes as Neil Smith, former MD and now Chair of Herida, has gradually reduced his time in the business – apart from during the height of the pandemic.
Having created a strengthened management team over the past 12 months, with appointments including David Burley Emmerson as Production Director in July 2019 and Simon Jenkin as Head of Key Accounts & International Sales in May 2020, the company confirmed Smith now only works a few days per week within the company.
Discussing the appointment of Spencer and his own future with Herida, Smith said: “Naturally, Sean is more than capable of running Herida, alongside a proven and very competent management team.
“I was fortunate enough to work closely alongside Sean, following Prism’ acquisition of Mackworth Healthcare in 2015. Therefore, you could say he had more than an extensive interview process than any other candidate prior.
“During my time there, I saw more than enough in Sean’s abilities, boundless energy and similar leadership style to my own that made the board confident that he was the right fit for our business, the customers and indeed our employees.”
Smith was the former majority owner of Mackworth Healthcare before the company was acquired by Prism Medical UK in 2015. Following the acquisition, Smith and Kay launched Herida Healthcare.
“I have intentionally spent less and less time in the business over the last months, as I continue to divert my efforts into a part-time role, supporting Sean and the team from afar,” finished Smith.
“It has been a great journey and a very busy career to date. However, I now want to enjoy my life a little more, concentrating my efforts and time between Spain and the UK.”
