Supplier Spotlight: How Easibathe is stepping up with accessibility solutions
As it celebrates 25 years in business, the success of Easibathe and its Easiaccess division is down to a strong and committed workforce…
Independence is a right, not a privilege. That appears to be the philosophy of the team at Easibathe, the north-east based manufacturer, which recently reached an impressive milestone of 25 years in business, providing affordable bespoke bathing solutions to its customers.
How it all began
After many years of experience in the bathroom industry, Easibathe’s founder Martin Cook encountered various levels of success amidst intense competition, before noticing an opportunity in the market for specialised bathroom adaptations and related equipment during the mid-90s.
This realisation led him to shift his focus to this niche market within the industry, marking the beginning of a significant journey that would shape his career over the next two decades.
Martin recalls: “Soon after venturing into bathroom adaptations, I successfully secured a contract with a local authority to supply shower cubicles and level access shower areas. This pivotal moment served as the foundation for the establishment of Easibathe, as it stands today.”
Years after the inception of Easibathe, Martin identified a significant challenge faced by tenants and homeowners despite the excellent accessible bathroom solutions now provided by the company. It became evident that many customers encountered difficulties navigating in and out of their homes.
This realisation spurred the creation of Easiaccess, a venture aimed at addressing this crucial aspect of accessibility. Recognising the need for a solution, Easiaccess developed its own modular ramp system, designed to facilitate easy access in and out of houses. Martin adds: “It was this innovative approach which marked a new chapter in the company’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and improving the opportunity for people to live more independently.”
Fundamental success
Fundamental successFor Martin and his co-owner director wife, Denise, the reason for their business being so successful has been down to the workforce they have around them who help to run the business. While Martin and Denise are not as operational within the business as they once were, they aimed to instil in those now responsible for recruitment to follow the same value system by which they lived and worked.
In a significant move for Martin and Denise and to facilitate their move away from the daily running of the business, they appointed Tracey Barker and Paul Pattinson as Co-Managing Directors in January 2024. Both Tracey and Paul have a joint service of nearly 40 years at Easibathe and Easiaccess.
Paul first started working at the company in 2003, overseeing health and safety before moving onto aspects such as product development, while Tracey has worked in most departments, including sales, marketing and operations, for 20 years.
Martin and Denise say that they simply want to provide a place of work that employees want to be, a healthy culture and work environment for those dedicated to the ongoing success of the business. With “the right people in the right places”, they believe that the business can go from strength to strength embracing the emerging and different challenges that todays’ economic landscape provides.
Martin comments: “We acknowledge that the business environment in which they operate is very different to that of the nineties, but remain absolute that the business is fully equipped, supported and managed by a team of capable and loyal people.”
Having been very much part of the firm’s growth over the past 20 years, Tracey and Paul are well placed in understanding what has been a contributing success factor to the business, according to Martin and Denise. Both understand the weight of responsibility on their shoulders and respect and relish the opportunity in equal measure.
With a distinct difference in skillset they truly believe that their combined efforts can support the ongoing success of the business for many years to come. Martin and Denise recall feeling the responsibility of having 50-plus mortgages on their shoulders, knowing that the businesses’ success in turn supported over 50 families.
With the number of people employed stretching to over 70 across the two divisions, and with further recruitment already planned, that pressure continues to be felt by the new joint managing directors. Unlike Denise and Martin, Paul and Tracey may not be married but they certainly feel that joint commitment as they move with the business, into the next chapter.
Growing partner network
Growing partner networkEvery successful business goes through changes over the years, and that was also the case for Easibathe. Such change has helped it to broaden its offering, with new products in development, an ever-growing UK partner network and an online portfolio that continues to evolve through enhanced social media presence and improved websites.
Its online store www.ramps.co.uk, launched last year, offers a range of access solutions such as ramps, steps and handrails, which are easy to use and quick to install. The online store aims to provide customers with all the information they need to ensure they choose the right solution for their needs, while being affordable without comprising on quality.
Retail shops are amongst the customers making purchases, helping to make their stores accessible for wheelchair users with the selection of portable ramps available.
The Easiaccess partnership network is a fundamental element of the business and something Easiaccess is constantly looking to expand on. Easiaccess works with partners across many parts of the UK including in London, the Midlands, and the south-east of England.
By becoming a trusted partner, Easiaccess trains and assists companies to install its access products, provides after sales support and technical queries, supports meetings with partner’s prospective clients and provides a vast suite of marketing and digital material. Easiaccess states that it encourages feedback from its partners on how to improve and invites feedback on ways to improve the modular ramping product offering also.
Easiaccess helps to assist its partners by offering CPD training sessions for occupational therapists or technical officers about the regulations for access ramping to assist them within their chosen area of operation and helps them to gather and maintain work with local authorities and contractors.
Partner events, such as the one they are holding this month, enable partners to meet the wider Easiaccess team, tour its facility and hear updates, such as about current installation projects and product development. The last time such an event was held was before the Covid pandemic hit.
Covid and the aftermath was a challenge for many businesses, and it would be wrong to say that it didn’t take a significant toll on Easibathe. For Easibathe it helped that it was supplying products which were not about luxury or choice.
Tracey Barker, Co-Managing Director, comments: “The need for our products and services is born out of necessity and we fully appreciate that many businesses did not emerge out of the other side of Covid.
“The delays and issues faced through problems in the global shipping lines are still felt to some degree today. Having a dynamic and supportive supply chain saved Easibathe both in terms of their reaction to the problem and the support of those companies within the supply chain.
“Every challenge a business faces produces new solutions and new strategies evolve, and this is what happened to Easibathe. We reacted to the problems, learned valuable lessons along the way and turned a very challenging experience into a hard lesson learned.”
Accessibility solutions
For over 15 years, the Easiaccess ramp system has empowered individuals with disabilities and the elderly by providing them with the independence to access their homes with ease, whilst removing barriers to entry in public buildings and spaces.
Among the range of accessibility solutions offered by Easiaccess, its metal modular ramp is a clear bestseller, comments Paul Pattinson, Co-Managing Director at Easibathe. Its popularity, he says, stems from a combination of features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of our customers.
“Modularity is key to the success of this ramp,” explains Paul. “Unlike traditional ramps that are fixed in place, the modular design of the Easiaccess ramp allows for complete customisation, easy assembly and disassembly. This flexibility means it can be installed swiftly and without hassle, making it suitable for various locations and situations.”
Durability is a defining characteristic of the ramp, he says, as it is constructed from galvanised steel; and therefore built to withstand the test of time. This not only ensures longevity but requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
Another factor contributing to its popularity is the high level of safety it offers, comments Paul. “The ramp is designed and tested to comply with various standards, offering peace of mind to all that use it.”
The majority of products supplied by Easibathe and its Easiaccess division are of their own design and specification, and this gives the firm close control to maintain exceptional levels of quality and functionality.
The next 12 months will provide another milestone for the company as it brings to fruition over a year’s worth of product development activities, which will see significant product enhancements and brand-new product lines being added.
Paul adds: “One such development relates to the Easitrim profile, which will be launched later this year, and will see a huge improvement in functionality and flexibility, providing the wet room installer with an even quicker, easier product to use and the customer with a highly attractive finish and effective seal.”
A progressive approach and desire to keep moving forward will ensure Easibathe/Easiaccess continues to thrive into the future. Paul concludes: “We will continue to exploit other opportunities and avenues, applying our skills and expertise to address the needs of our customers whilst providing enhanced solutions to independence for individuals and businesses across the country.”
It is a case of ‘watch this space’, he says, as the firms plans to make formal product launch/revision announcements in due course…
easibathe.com | easiaccess.co.uk
