Independence Mobility celebrates 20th anniversary with ’20-for-20′ fundraising challenge
Leeds-based mobility products specialists, Independence Mobility, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and to celebrate it is undertaking a ‘20-for-20’ fundraising challenge to raise money for a mental health charity.
Founded in 2004 by Anthony and Chloe Mitchell, Independence Mobility has achieved phenomenal growth during its 20 years in business, evolving from a small mobility products supplier to a much larger provider that supports both healthcare professionals across the public and private sector, and end-user customers with modest and complex needs.
Initially testing their local marketplace, Anthony and Chloe started out with a stand at their local Morrisons supermarket. Equipped with basic marketing materials, they spent time chatting with passing customers, gauging their interest, and making the occasional sale.
On realising the potential, they then branched out to a stall at Leeds market, displaying whatever they could fit in their van each day. With Leeds market proving a success, they also tested other markets such as Bolton and further surrounding areas.
But as the business steadily grew, it was time to find more permanent premises. That came in the form of a small retail outlet on York Road in Leeds. This enabled Anthony and Chloe to offer a wider product range, including entry-level wheelchairs, scooters, and beds, to end-users with basic needs.
The success and growth happily continued, which meant that Anthony and Chloe needed some help. They started to recruit some new team members, after which the business really took off.
Fast forward 20 years and two premises moves later, and the business looks very different today compared to how it did back then. The product range is now even wider, with a greater variety of product types and equipment that embraces evolving technology. This enables the team to support more people – both adults and children, and those with much more complex needs.
There are now 20 members of staff covering all aspects of the business from administration, marketing, warehouse management, and mobility consultants who are out on the road working face to face with customers.
For the last 13 years, there has also been another side of the business. Lead by Chloe, Medical Hire was established in 2011, hiring out medical props and equipment to the television and film industry. This service is supported by a team of medical advisors who offer advice on scripts and medical equipment, and support cast and crew on set during filming.
With both sides of the business continuing to grow rapidly, Anthony and Chloe are planning yet another premises move to enable them to fulfil their objectives of wider product ranges, further support services, and a bigger team.
To celebrate its 20th birthday and to continue its support for chosen charity of the year, Leeds Mind, the Independence Mobility and Medical Hire teams are undertaking a ‘20-for-20’ fundraising challenge. Each member of staff is carrying out a challenge linked to the number 20, whether that be 20 days, 20 miles, 20 minutes and so on. The retailer has created a Just Giving page to update visitors of their progress.
