Thistle Hel team photoWhen George Ruddick and Laura Hays opened their first Thistle Help store in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in 2007, they never imagined how successfully the business would grow. Fifteen years on, the Scottish mobility retailer boasts a team of 15, two showrooms and a workshop space.

Due to the pandemic, the last two years have been the most challenging of all, according to the co-owners, but they say that they are so proud to have come out of it stronger than ever. Although it was difficult times for everyone, they grew their business by acquiring a second showroom in Crosshouse, Kilmarnock.

The retailer recently celebrated with an open day in its Irvine showroom, which was attended by customers, suppliers and friends and family of the business. Laura, the Director, said “As I stood in the showroom getting a photo taken with some of the team, I felt proud of what we have achieved but I also felt sad that George wasn’t sat beside me.

“Covid has robbed us of a lot over the past two years but of all the times, why did Covid have to catch up with him now? He isn’t made of Teflon after all!”

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All those years ago, George had a vision to open a mobility business providing a great service to customers, with Laura deciding to join him on the journey.

George and Laura say that they enjoy working together and with them having different strengths, it is what makes them the perfect match in business. George, they state, is the financial brains behind the business and loves a good spreadsheet and a graph! Laura, meanwhile, loves to talk to people and fond of doing a presentation or two, however she hates graphs and spreadsheets.

The co-owners state that they couldn’t have done it all without the support of Siobhan (Operations Manager), Gemma (Showroom Manager) and their “amazing team”, not to forget having the “best support” from family, friends, loyal customers and suppliers.

George said: “It was very difficult missing our celebration but apparently Covid catches up with you when you least expect it too.”

Thistle Help supply a wide range of equipment including lift & rise recliners, mobility scooters, manual and power wheelchairs, adjustable beds and daily living aids from both their Irvine showroom and the Crosshouse property. It also continues to offer a repair service to all mobility equipment from both locations through their service engineers.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Anniversary-Photo.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Anniversary-Photo-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorNewsroomRetailer NewsTrade Newsaccess,Anniversary,Mobility,Scotland,thistle helpWhen George Ruddick and Laura Hays opened their first Thistle Help store in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in 2007, they never imagined how successfully the business would grow. Fifteen years on, the Scottish mobility retailer boasts a team of 15, two showrooms and a workshop space. Due to the pandemic, the...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals