Supplier Spotlight: Sunrise Medical celebrates 40 years of innovation
For 40 years Sunrise Medical has been bringing the latest technology to its customers, providing innovative products to help transform lives. With the firm planning to share further solutions, THIIS chats to Simon Collins, Commercial Operations Director for UK and Ireland, to find out more…
How do you think Sunrise Medical has evolved over the last 20 years?
“One of the things I absolutely love about working for Sunrise Medical is that the company never stands still. It evolves and changes with our customers, the market and with technology. At the heart of everything we do at Sunrise is bringing innovation and new technology to our customers through products and solutions that truly improve people’s lives. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing how this can transform lives.
“This year we are celebrating 40 years of innovation as a company, and there are so many firsts in regards to ground-breaking products that have transformed lives, whether it’s been the development of our MWD Powerchair Technology from the Quickie Salsa M, to the Salsa M2 Mini and now Quickie Q300 M Mini, or introducing technology like hydro-forming and ovalised tubing from the professional cycling industry into our Quickie Helium and then evolving this into the UK biggest selling rigid chair, the Quickie Nitrum.
“Or, more recently, the development of our e-mobility range Empulse, that brings some of the most advanced battery technology to lightweight portable e-mobility products that extend the range and lifestyle of manual wheelchair users.
“Our end users don’t limit their desire to live more active, fulfilled and engaged lives and whilst they are driving us forward for better product solutions, we’ll be here to innovate and work as hard as we can to Improve People’s Lives.”
Can you describe a couple of the latest products to be released from Sunrise Medical over the last 12 months?
“We are thrilled be launching two big products into our retail channel on the 5th July at our Quickie Dealer Launch Event, an in-person event which will be the biggest of its kind for our dealers. The Quickie Q50R Carbon and Quickie QS-5X manual chair are both absolutely ground-breaking products in their segments that really do deliver a step change in performance and provide life-changing benefits for our customers.
“Quickie QS-5X: in most markets you see technology from the premium or high-end segments slowly roll down to the larger mid-range mass market. Unfortunately, this is not seen as often in the mobility industry, well outside of Sunrise.
“The QS-5X is an entry-level active chair for full time users (start price £1500) where we have taken years of technological development, R&D, manufacturing techniques, and premium options for our most premium Quickie Nitrum and rolled it into the QS-5X. The result is the first entry-level to mid-level manual chair using technology from the high-end.
“This is a product that’s lighter, stronger, and more energy efficient than any other products in its segment by a long way – we unveiled it at Naidex and were inundated with advanced orders from dealers who have backlog of assessments.
“Quickie Q50R carbon – is another game changing product that we have been overwhelmed by the pre-orders for its launch. Folding powerchairs are mainly purchased for their ability to fold and lift to put into a boot, however most products on the market are too heavy for one person to lift, especially when considering the demographic of our customers.
“We have worked for years to perfect our carbon manufacturing to develop, not only an ultra-lightweight carbon folding powerchair but one that is high quality and strong enough to stand up to everyday use.
“We have confidence in what we have built, so much so, we’ve put our Quickie brand on it. The result an ultra-lightweight powerchair weighing just 14.5kg.
“Aside showcasing all of our latest product innovations at the event we’ll also be providing an insight into our marketing processes, providing material to promote our new products and our plans to promote these across our channels.”
What product is a consistent bestseller for Sunrise Medical?
“By far our most popular product is the Quickie Q300 M Mini. It follows on from its predecessor the Salsa M2 Mini and is packed with more performance than ever before.
“It’s born for small spaces and tight corners, being the narrowest of our mid-wheel drive powerchairs. It’s just as agile outdoors with a patented all-wheel suspension, which keeps users safe and stable at all times. The range of options available is endless making the Q300 M Mini the ultimate all-rounder.
“Following many years of focus on our Q series powerchair range, we’ve turned our attention back to our manual portfolio. Coming in the next few months we have the Quickie QS5 X – the lightest entry-level folding active chair available on the market with unparalleled rolling performance and effortless folding.
“Product innovation is at the heart of what Sunrise Medical do, so we have even more exciting products in the pipeline across our Quickie and Empulse ranges.”
How are your products distributed in the UK?
“In the UK we operate across two routes to market – the NHS and retail. We’re always on the lookout for dealers to join our network. We have national coverage through our team of area sales managers who are on hand to assist with dealer’s needs.
“As part of our commitment to the retail sector, we offer support in many forms such as: showroom support, graphics and fitout, free demo stock, marketing support, assessment support right through to complex products, lead generation and allocation, consignment stock, training and onboarding, Motability scheme support, growth rebates and much more. Retailers interested in becoming one of our dealers can contact enquiries@sunmed.co.uk”
Sunrise Medical sponsored Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London in 2023. Can you tell us a bit more about the event and why you got involved?
“It’s the UK’s first step-free art trail taking place in London until 20th August 2023 and is hosted by Whizz-Kidz, a charity that we are honoured to be able to support. Over 60 uniquely designed, super-sized sculptures of much-loved children’s TV character, Morph, will be shapeshifting their way through central London to form a free public art trail alongside iconic London landmarks.
“The trail is not only an exciting journey, but it also aligns with our values of inclusivity and accessibility. As a company that specialises in providing innovative mobility solutions, we are proud to support a venture that highlights the importance of mobility & accessibility for each and every individual.”
What’s next for Sunrise Medical over the next 12 months?
“We have a full calendar of events coming up over the next 12 months. We have signed up to Naidex 2024 and will be launching some exciting new products at dedicated events for our dealers. This will include updates across our power and manual chair ranges as well as our Empulse power add-on products.
“Our innovation really never stops. We’re currently upping production of our latest product the Quickie Q50 R Carbon to keep up with the immense demand.”
