RISE @ THIIS conference session
James Smith (right), Founder of Recognising Quality Solutions (RQS), talked about his firm’s clinical product evaluation service for moving and handling suppliers.

Business leaders from across the mobility, independent living and access sectors enjoyed a comprehensive conference programme at the inaugural RISE @ THIIS event in Milton Keynes last week.

Attendees had the opportunity to gain exclusive tips and insights from industry experts on a wide range of topics, including why inclusive social media marketing is essential, how suppliers can get their products noticed by procurement teams, and how an effective CRM system can help businesses generate high-quality leads.

On 10 May at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Milton Keynes, retailers, suppliers and installers networked, met new trade partners, discovered the latest opportunities and products, and reconnected with familiar faces at the RISE @ THIIS exhibition and conference.

Held in collaboration with THIIS Magazine, RISE4 Disability, and the British Healthcare Trades Association, and sponsored by Motion Healthcare, it is the only dedicated B2B trade show for the sector.

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Alongside the exhibition, a key highlight from the free-to-attend show was the conference, where an average of 30 delegates attend each session.

Andrew Stevenson, Chairman of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), kicked off the conference programme with a highly informative session on securing public sector contracts.

He explained that as the UK Government continues to cut funding for public health and social care services, the self-funding market for assistive technology is growing significantly. This presents a prime opportunity for businesses, as more and more people turn to the private market for their mobility, access and independent living products.

Looking at securing public sector contracts, firms should focus on sustainability to be in with a chance, according to Andrew, as the NHS continues to push towards net zero.

The next session at RISE @ THIIS was from Jade Godier and Alan Wallace, Directors of RISE 4 Disability. Attendees gained a useful insight into how an effective CRM data management system can help businesses to have better time management and clearer business evaluation, as well as generate leads and converting those into those all-important sales.

Delegates also learned more about marketing, task automation, campaign reports, customer trackability, and integrating appropriate marketing channels into CRM systems like social media, mail campaigns, and web chat.

Next up in the conference roster was a session from Jane Miller, Kent County Council Principal Occupational Therapist, who informed equipment suppliers about how the Kent County Council procurement process works. Jane delved into what OTs look for when sourcing products for their clients and advised suppliers to form good relationships with OTs.

Taking on constructive criticism or feedback is key for suppliers, Jane explained, as often OTs can know a company’s products better than the company representatives in terms of what does and does not work for end-users. She also explained what equipment review groups are and the importance of suppliers having well-priced products, especially as councils continue to have their budgets cut.

One of the most popular talks from the RISE @ THIIS Conference was from Lauren Matthewson and Felix Ledger-Beadell, Directors of Access Your Life. They discussed why it is important for younger disabled people to be represented in company marketing, as often, mobility and independent living companies solely use imagery of elderly people. They explained how using inclusive marketing will allow businesses to more effectively and accurately target their customer base.

Sharon Rindsland and James Smith, Founders of Recognising Quality Solutions (RQS), explained their efficient clinical product evaluation service for moving and handling suppliers. By choosing RQS to clinically evaluate products, suppliers can more easily get their services in front of the NHS and give customers reassurance with a sort ‘stamp of approval’.

The company also offers regulatory documentation that meets NHS and healthcare needs, along with HSE and CQC compliance; a full assessment on the equipment with a 20-page report for their customers; and works with the supply chain to ensure compliance with equipment.

James Leinhardt, Levitex CEO, discussed the importance of professionals in the mobility, access and independent living sectors prioritising sleep from a business perspective at the conference. Business leaders learned why it is key for companies to spend some of their wellbeing budgets on good sleep, as many working days in the UK are lost to pain.

For a more trade-specific session, Mike Glynn, Retail Consultant at MG Retail Consulting, spoke about the importance of keeping a scorecard. Delegates found out about how to identify the numbers they should be focusing on and analysing in their firm, and how these numbers relate to one another.

Mike suggested that firms regularly keep track of four key statistics, which could include numbers on average daily website traffic, email marketing open rates, or number of products sold.

Closing the busy RISE @ THIIS Conference was Janet Seward, Programme Manager at the DLF. Suppliers heard how they can reach thousands more end-users and prescribers every month with free product listings with the DLF.

Attendees were informed about the new Trusted Assessor scheme for suppliers. The endorsement will ensure that customers receive advice and assessments in line with the Trusted Assessor model, and will be provided an independent endorsement based on the standard.

Read what some of the conference speakers thought to the event, and how they engaged with their audiences, the June 2022 issue of THIIS Magazine.

Keep a lookout in the coming weeks for videos of the conference sessions on the THIIS website, where you can catch up on the sessions in full. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to watch the online sessions.

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