Andrew Stevenson and Dave Thompson MBE DL

Andrew Stevenson, former Sales Director of NRS Healthcare and the current Chairman of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), has joined the board of Warrington Disability Partnership’s social enterprise, Disability Trading Company.

Joining the board as in the capacity of a non-executive director, Andrew will bring his considerable experience and expertise in the sector to the expanding mobility retailer.

“It is really brilliant news that we can now announce that Andrew is joining the Disability Trading Company board. It is something that has been on the cards for a while so I am delighted that we have reached the point where we can now confirm it,” explained Dave Thompson MBE DL, Chief Executive of Warrington Disability Partnership and Disability Trading Company, exclusively to THIIS.

“Andrew and I have known each other for almost a decade now, having first becoming acquainted during his NRS days. He was a great ally of ours within NRS and helped bring about some of the great work we have done with them and continue to do so, such as our Disability Awareness Day.”

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Launched back in 2011, the Disability Trading Company is the commercial arm of Warrington Disability Partnership – a charity providing over 25 different services to people locally, nationally and globally.

Since its launch, the social enterprise has grown steadily and now operates from five dedicated showrooms, including its newest retail space in Warrington’s Birchwood Shopping Centre.

At the end of 2019, Dave and his son Gavin, Commercial Director for the Disability Trading Company, outlined the company’s ambition to diversify into new areas, including importing and distributing its own range of innovative new assistive technologies.

With over 18 years’ experience in the mobility and independent living sector, including a successful eight-year stint at NRS Healthcare as the organisation’s sales director, Andrew will now use his considerable expertise of bringing products to market to help the social enterprise reach its goals.

Speaking with Andrew, he told THIIS: “I was delighted to accept the invitation from Dave and the board. I have admired the amazing work that the teams at the Disability Trading Company and Warrington Disability Partnership accomplish for many years.

“As everyone knows, when Dave asks for your support and input it is impossible to step away; he is one of the most inspirational men I have met in my career.”

Despite the pair’s mutual respect, however, Dave highlighted that there may be a couple of points of contention that the two industry leaders may need to overcome as they work together.

“There are two difficult areas that we will need to cross,” finished Dave.

“The first is that he is a staunch Wigan Warriors Rugby league fan and I am a loyal Warrington Wolves Rugby league fan – over the numerous years, we have tormented each other pretty relentlessly over social media so that is certainly one bridge we will need to cross!

“The second, and worst, one is that Andrew is a die-hard Manchester City supporter and I am Manchester United!”

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Dave-and-Andrew-DTC-BHTA.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Dave-and-Andrew-DTC-BHTA-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNew to the TeamNewsroomRetailer NewsTrade NewsAndrew Stevenson,BHTA,Board of Directors,British Healthcare Trades Association,Dave Thompson,Disability Trading Company,diversification,NRS Healthcare,Warrington Disability PartnershipAndrew Stevenson, former Sales Director of NRS Healthcare and the current Chairman of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), has joined the board of Warrington Disability Partnership’s social enterprise, Disability Trading Company. Joining the board as in the capacity of a non-executive director, Andrew will bring his considerable experience and...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals