Rise & Recline steps up production and offers new service to mobility retailers
Continuing to produce its healthcare furniture ranges to ensure retailers can supply healthcare providers and end-users during the COVID-19 crisis, Rise & Recline has gone a step further with a new white-glove service for trade partners.
The British-based furniture manufacturer has said the decision to remain operational is to enable its trade customers to meet orders from the health and social care sector as the NHS looks to expedite hospital discharges to free up beds.
The bespoke furniture specialist will continue to produce its handcrafted ranges of rise and recline chairs and adjustable beds from its production facilities in Nottingham whilst new work processes have been implemented to ensure staff safety.
Speaking with John Lougher, co-director of Rise & Recline, he explained some of the steps the company has taken: “We have a small production unit so we are rotating shifts in our factory so there is space to adhere to Social distancing guidelines and after consulting with staff, they have all agreed to work on this basis.
“There will be skeleton staff operating in the office so all calls will be answered and those staff that can work from home will do so again to restrict the number of people in the building.”
The company says it is still accepting orders from mobility stores still trading and is able to maintain its 7 – 10-day turnaround for its ranges, highlighting the benefit of manufacturing in the UK.
“The setting up of the field hospitals will stretch the current supply chain due to the fact that many suppliers are reliant on stock or parts from overseas, including a lot from China,” explained John.
“I have been told that shipping costs are exorbitant even when available, thus there is a great need for UK companies like Rise & Recline to keep producing healthcare products. All of our chairs are classified as Class 1 Medical and have all of the processes and controls in place to meet the current requirements.
“We are told that hospitals are looking to free up beds for critical patients and this is creating a need for chairs & beds for use in the home of those discharged.”
White-glove delivery service for mobility retailers
To help support its mobility retailers, the bespoke mobility furniture supplier has also introduced a new white-glove delivery service for dealers who are still receiving requests from end-users and occupational therapists.
Available only in mainland UK, the service is aimed at assisting retailers to complete their customer orders by handling the delivery and installation of a Rise & Recline chair or bed to any address.
Included is the freedom for mobility dealers to choose a date that is convenient for their customer, with Rise & Recline calling on the day of delivery with an expected estimated time of arrival.
On site, the company stated it will carry out a full installation and demonstration of how to use the product and take an image of the product in-situ once the installation has been completed, along with the collection of any monies outstanding from a customer.
“We understand that these are difficult times for our trade partners and we have been in discussions with retailers to try and find out what we can do to support them during this period,” continued John.
“One of the areas that we identified were deliveries. Many of our retail customers have been forced to close showrooms and furlough staff which can make deliveries of products, particularly furniture, difficult. Our new service will hopefully help enable retailers to continue to trade as they work with their customers during the crisis.”
For white-glove service prices and availability, mobility retailers can contact the company directly on 0115 9133572 or email info@riseandrecline.co.uk