Teamwork making the dream work at Thistle
An Irvine company, which provides specialist mobility and small aid products for the elderly and disabled, is celebrating 10 years in business this year.
Thistle Help, based in the town’s Portland Avenue industrial estate, is a company that has gone from strength to strength since humble beginnings back in 2007.
And in just a decade, it has moved from a small shop to a large showroom, increased staff numbers and won several awards.
Founded by George Ruddick and Laura Hays, Thistle has gone on to display the very essence of teamwork as part of its ongoing success.
Laura, the company’s Business Development Manager, said: “With George, our Managing Director, having Cerebral Palsy, he always required to use the services of other mobility dealers.
“He felt that with his first- hand experience he would be able to provide a quality service that would really understand the needs of customers.”
The retailer sells a wide range of mobility products, including hoists, riser recliners, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, specialist seating and more, as well as offering hire and repair services.
Laura said: “I can remember our very first sale from our small shop on Bank Street – a £ 5 drinking cup from an elderly woman passing by with her shopping trolley.
“Who would have thought we would be here 10 years later, celebrating huge success.
“Our committed team of nine staff are the foundation of our success, as is our long list of suppliers providing us with the wide range of products in our showroom.
“Everything we do is centred around making our customers happy and ensuring they are satisfied with the service we provide.
“George and I are extremely lucky to have such a fantastic team around us.
“They have all been keen to develop themselves and it’s thanks to this drive that we have such a skilled and specialised service to offer our customers.”
The company, which provides servicing and maintenance contracts to nursing homes for their moving and handling equipment, as well as supplying to the general public, residential care and the local authority, are now looking to the next decade.
Laura said: “Many small mobility dealers have come and gone over the years, so we really are proud to be one of the growing companies within the industry.”
For more information visit www. thistlehelp. co. uk