Guest article: Why Pride Mobility is Sitting Pretty
The recent acquisition of the popular Sitting Pretty company and brand is set to make Pride Mobility one of the largest, if not the largest recliner chair company in the UK. THIIS finds out more about how the relationship between the two firms has grown from strength to strength…
Earlier this year, mobility giant Pride Mobility announced that it had acquired the UK riser recliner chair manufacturer, Sitting Pretty.
Headquartered in the United States, Pride Mobility is one of the largest mobility companies in the world. As a designer and manufacturer of mobility products, including powerchairs, scooters and lift chairs, for people with disabilities and restricted mobility Pride has subsidiaries all around the globe, including one in the UK, which is coming up to its 25th anniversary.
This latest acquisition of the Sitting Pretty company and brand, however, is set to make Pride Mobility one of the largest, if not the largest, recliner chair company in the UK.
Front room business
Sitting Pretty was established by Jim and Sam Henderson in Nottingham nearly 20 years ago. It was a small family run business that operated out of Sam’s front room. The brothers were able to build their company into a well-known brand for quality and trust within the sofa and chair industry.
After serving local customers for four years the company invested in the development of Motion Furniture in 2007. This acted as the catalyst for their big break into the trade and becoming the nationally known brand that is Sitting Pretty.
As well as offering a tailor-made service across its popular riser recliner chair designs and specialising in ‘Tilt In Space’ technology, Sitting Pretty also manufactures adjustable beds, sofas and sofa beds.
Sitting Pretty’s partnership with Pride Mobility began five years ago when it started producing the firm’s British-made lift chairs. This dynamic partnership has grown from strength to strength over the years.
In September 2018 Pride Mobility and Sitting Pretty developed the four-motor Dorchester Chair. The Viva-Lift mechanism gives the user numerous different sitting positions which helps the user achieve maximum comfort when sitting in the chair.
This chair has developed over the last couple of years and is now available in multiple styles and sizes.
Pushing the boundaries
Joining forces in the competitive riser recliner sector means that Pride Mobility and Sitting Pretty can continue to develop the products further and continue to push the boundaries for innovation in the motion furniture market.
Tim Murphy, Vice President of European and Middle East Operation and Sales at Pride Mobility commented: “We have been working with Jim Henderson and Sam Henderson at Sitting Pretty since 2015 and have developed a great working relationship with them.
“When the possibility of purchasing and working alongside them came along, it was an obvious decision for Pride Mobility to pursue this acquisition.
“After discussions with Scott Meuser, CEO, and Chuck Finn, COO, the decision was made to move forward and bring Sitting Pretty into the Pride global family.
“We will be working alongside the current team to streamline production and helping grow the company to serve our customers throughout the UK and Europe.”
Paul Clayton, Pride Mobility Sales Manager for Pride Mobility added: “This acquisition will create massive opportunity for both parties.
“Pride Mobility will benefit from the already well-established Sitting Pretty infrastructure. Equally, Sitting Pretty now have the backing of a global company to carry out the business objectives and continue to grow.”
A new beginning
Acquisitions are not a new venture to Pride Mobility and its complex rehab power chair arm, Quantum Rehab. Most recently, Pride Mobility acquired Stealth Products back in 2014 in a bid to further its global footprint.
By acquiring Sitting Pretty, Pride Mobility has expanded its base and UK presence. It is hoping that it will be able to offer a more holistic production process which will lead to improving customer experience and satisfaction.
Stephen Wright, Operations Manager at Pride Mobility adds: “Pride acquiring Sitting Pretty will help take both companies to the next level. In due course we will be able to manufacture and hold more stock, and this will allow us to offer better delivery options and shorter lead times.
“These are exciting times for both Pride Mobility Ltd and Sitting Pretty Ltd with this unique partnership.”
This acquisition is indeed a win-win for both the companies, giving Sitting Pretty the ability to reach its full potential and allow Pride Mobility to increase its UK presence and continue to ensure customers worldwide are better served.
Jim Henderson, the previous Sitting Pretty co-owner adds: “This is not the end of Sitting Pretty but a massive new beginning with new owners who will now push our brand further into the motion furniture sector of our industry, with new ideas and direction.
“We are excited to see Sitting Pretty grow from strength to strength even further in the near future.”
