Recare co-founder joins BHTA board of directors to accelerate mobility industry change
Healthcare equipment specialist Recare has announced its co-founder and CEO, Richard Holland-Oakes, has joined the Board of Directors of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) – a move that it hopes will benefit the wider mobility industry as well as Recare customers across the UK.
The BHTA is the UK’s oldest and largest healthcare and assistive technology trade association. It represents companies that provide products and services designed to empower people with disabilities. Equipment and service suppliers that are BHTA accredited adhere to its Code of Practice which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
Richard has been a committed supporter of the BHTA since starting Recare in 2008. His business is a highly respected, family-run provider of wheelchairs, power add-ons, specialist seating and other solutions for assisted living. With a client-centric, clinical focus, Recare ensures the best outcomes for individuals with mobility challenges through to complex medical conditions.
Richard brings more than 45 years of experience in orthotics, prosthetics, wheelchairs and seating to the BHTA Board. Throughout his career, Richard has been recognised for championing innovation in rehabilitation, while also helping raise standards across the mobility sector.
His work supporting customers, clinicians and healthcare professionals has had a lasting impact on the industry, leading to him receiving the prestigious BHTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
His appointment to the board comes at an important time for the mobility industry, with increasing focus on new technology, sustainable value and aesthetics. Richard’s knowledge and hands-on experience will help support the BHTA’s ongoing work to improve standards and ensure the industry continues to meet the ever-increasing needs of disabled consumers.
For Recare customers, this appointment is another sign of the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. By having a direct voice within the BHTA, Richard will help shape conversations around best practice, innovation and customer care – ensuring the needs of more wheelchair users are met.
Commenting on his appointment, Richard Holland-Oakes said: “I’ve always been a strong believer in the value of the BHTA and the important role it plays within our industry. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on improving lives and helping adults and children achieve their goals.
“I’m delighted to join the Board and look forward to contributing to the work the BHTA does, so together we can speed up change for the good of more people with disabilities.”Co-Founder and CEO of Recare, Richard Holland-Oakes
