Family's fury at "high-pressure" sales to Marion, 89

The family of an elderly woman living in Haworth are furious after she was targeted by a high-pressure salesman into parting with £100 for a stairlift she did not need.

For the full story visit thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

13 stairlift jobs risk

nebusiness.co.uk - News - Business News - 13 stairlift jobs risk

STAIRLIFT manufacturer ThyssenKrupp is to rescope its business at Stockton, which will cease assembly of new products and concentrate instead on sales, marketing and service.

The news ends months of speculation that the German stairlift giant, part of the much larger global technology and steelmaking group ThyssenKrupp AG, was closing its UK subsidiary and consolidating production in mainland Europe. However the reorganisation will put 13 out of a total of 80 jobs at risk, the company confirmed today.

ThyssenKrupp, which continues to trade under the Lift Able brand bought from founder Jim Simmonds in March 2008 for around £9m, said it would continue to expand from its Stockton base, which was acquired as part of a strategy to get a foothold in the UK market for stairlifts - one of the biggest in the world.

Since buying into the country, the company has expanded the Lift Able product range to include curved and platform lifts and said its share grew at twice the market rate last year of 5% - at 12.5%. That was driven largely by public sector contracts in the care home and private housing sectors.

As a result the company said it was recruiting sales and marketing staff for its teams at Stockton and a smaller division in Warrrington, Cheshire. It would also continue to support an assembly team to meet the growing demand for reconditioned stairlifts, hundreds of which are stored at its Stockton plant. It had no plans to downsize the premises, which are on a long-term lease.

The reorganisation of Lift Able, part of ThyssenKrupp Accessibility division, coincides with plans revealed in the group’s generally downbeat annual results last week to streamline operations and cut costs. Although the group reported a loss of euro1.87 billion, compared with a net profit of euro2.3 billion the previous year, Accessibility emerged as one of the few segments that continued to build on a strong order book.

Plans to cut 5,000 jobs and sell divisions employing another 15,000 people would largely affect those employed in the conglomerate’s steelmaking operations.

nebusiness.co.uk - News - Business News - 13 stairlift jobs risk

nebusiness.co.uk - News - Business News - 13 stairlift jobs risk

STAIRLIFT manufacturer ThyssenKrupp is to rescope its business at Stockton, which will cease assembly of new products and concentrate instead on sales, marketing and service.

The news ends months of speculation that the German stairlift giant, part of the much larger global technology and steelmaking group ThyssenKrupp AG, was closing its UK subsidiary and consolidating production in mainland Europe. However the reorganisation will put 13 out of a total of 80 jobs at risk, the company confirmed today.

ThyssenKrupp, which continues to trade under the Lift Able brand bought from founder Jim Simmonds in March 2008 for around £9m, said it would continue to expand from its Stockton base, which was acquired as part of a strategy to get a foothold in the UK market for stairlifts - one of the biggest in the world.

Since buying into the country, the company has expanded the Lift Able product range to include curved and platform lifts and said its share grew at twice the market rate last year of 5% - at 12.5%. That was driven largely by public sector contracts in the care home and private housing sectors.

As a result the company said it was recruiting sales and marketing staff for its teams at Stockton and a smaller division in Warrrington, Cheshire. It would also continue to support an assembly team to meet the growing demand for reconditioned stairlifts, hundreds of which are stored at its Stockton plant. It had no plans to downsize the premises, which are on a long-term lease.

The reorganisation of Lift Able, part of ThyssenKrupp Accessibility division, coincides with plans revealed in the group’s generally downbeat annual results last week to streamline operations and cut costs. Although the group reported a loss of euro1.87 billion, compared with a net profit of euro2.3 billion the previous year, Accessibility emerged as one of the few segments that continued to build on a strong order book.

Plans to cut 5,000 jobs and sell divisions employing another 15,000 people would largely affect those employed in the conglomerate’s steelmaking operations.

Outdoor Stairlifts

The following UK stairlifts are suitable for outdoor use.

Stannah Outdoor Stairlifts

Minivator Outdoor Stairlifts

Meditek Outdoor Stairlifts 

 

Stannah Stairlifts Announced as Superbrand

Stannah Stairlifts has been announced as one of the UK’s leading brands in the 2009/10 Superbrands list – for the second year running.

Stannah has continued the trend from last year as the only company within the mobility industry to ever make it into the top 500, moving up the rankings by 25 places.

Dolphin Stairlifts are approved suppliers of Stannah Stairlifts products, installing and maintaining hundreds of stairlifts every year.

Freelift Stairlifts: Curved Stairlift Xmas Price Reduction

Freelift Stairlifts supplied by Dolphin Mobility are currently available at heavily discounted prices. The cost of an automatic powered hinged stairlift rail is now the same as for a drop nose start (a saving of £400).

Additionally, if you have more than one bend in the stairs, the cost of one free 90 degree horizontal bend is now included in the price(a saving of £175).

All prices will be honoured on quotations completed before Christmas 2009, at which point, the prices will return to normal. Please call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 for more details or visit the Dolphin Stairlifts website.

Freelift Stairlifts: Christmas Cut Off Dates

Freelift curved stairlift orders will need to be placed by Monday 30^th November to ensure delivery of your stairlift before Christmas.

Meditek Stairlifts to open US branch

Visit  www.gethampshire.co.uk for the full story

A FLEET-based stair lift company continues to climb new heights.

MediTek has seen exports exceed 30% of sales and is firmly on track to double its order book over the next two years.

It has also just opened a new regional office in Pennsylvania, USA.

Meditek Stairlifts are avilable in the UK from Dolphin Stairlifts.

Dolphin achieve Constructionline and CHAS accreditation

Dolphin Mobility are pleased to announce the renewal of their Constructionline and CHAS accreditation.

Blog format

Something seems to have gone wrong with the blog. Please bear with me as I try to correct it.

Freelift Stairlift Environment Movie ISO 14001

Freelift is the first stairlift company in the field to be awarded the ISO 14001:2004 environmental management certificate. Across the Freelift system, there is a recognition that climate change may have long-term implications for their business and supply chain. Their business system has a role to play in ensuring they use the best possible mix of energy sources whilst improving the energy efficiency of the manufacturing processes. Working with Freelift means you can rely on goods and services which are manufactured with the deepest environmental responsibility to the highest quality standards.

•Freelift also holds the ISO 9001:2000 quality management certificate. All of their products are tested and approved by worldwide independent inspection services. This gives users the assurance that all products meet the highest standards in terms of quality, safety, comfort and design and are manufactured with corporate, social, and environmental responsibility.

•Freelift consider ISO quality more than just a word or goal. It is a world recognized symbol of excellence that guarantees quality products whilst respecting environmental implications. At Freelift, it is just another step toward achieving total customer satisfaction.

Freelift products can be purchased from Dolphin Stairlifts.

#Stairlift Prices

If you need a stairlift and are struggling to get a straight answer from firms as to how much it will actually cost, then you should probably check out Dolphin's stairlift prices calculator.

Who will mend the Vale Stairlifts?

This article is taken from the Vale Mail.

The Council no longer repairs stairlifts that it has installed, Vale’s 2005 Group heard at its meeting tonight.

CVCHA Chief Executive Peter Richmond said that his organisation has got to decide whether or not to take on the responsibility that the City Council used to have for maintaining stairlifts. “We have some difficult decisions,” he told the meeting. “The ageing population of Castle Vale is likely to need more stairlifts in the future. If we take on responsibilities that the council can no longer afford, we may have to transfer money from other sources. This is where the recession really starts to bite.”
He said that they would not want a situation to arise where a broken stairlift might mean that an elderly person has to live on the groundfloor and use a commode because they are unable to get to the toilet upstairs.

#Stairlift Parts

Do you have an old stairlift which requires servicing? Have you been told that your stairlift is obsolete? Why not ask Dolphin if they can help? Dolphin have a huge stockpile of second hand stairlifts and stairlift parts which could save you hundreds of pounds. Call 0800 9800 126 for more details.

Who can get a Disabled Facilities Grant?

A grant can be used for adaptations to give you better freedom of movement into and around your home and/or to provide essential facilities within it.

If you are disabled, acceptable types of work include:

• widening doors and installing ramps
• providing or improving access to rooms and facilities - for example, by installing a stair lift or providing a downstairs bathroom
• improving or providing a heating system which is suitable for your needs
• adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
• improving access to and movement around the home to enable you to care for another person who lives in the property, such as a child

An occupational therapist will look at your circumstances and can recommend the type of adaptation(s) needed.

For more information plase visit the directgov.co.uk website

New Meditek Stairlifts from £1395 installed

Dolphin Mobility are delighted to announce details of a huge price reduction on new Meditek Stairlifts.


One of the best stairlifts on the market can now be fully installed for only £1395 with a 12 month warranty. Call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 for a free no obligation quote.

A stairlift could cost as little to run as 1.3p per day

Mobility aids can give elderly or disabled people a new lease of life; allowing them the freedom to move alone, and to stay independent in their own home for longer. Every senior citizen should consider how the use of a mobility aid could make their life easier, and safer. But many worry about the hidden costs of stairlifts, so here is some data which should help them breathe easier.


A stairlift could cost as little to run as 1.3p per day, which comes in at under £5 per year! When you compare the cost of running a stairlift to other household items (at ukpower.co.uk)

it becomes apparent that the cost to run a Stannah Stairlift is really nothing to worry about. A lightbulb costs £14 per year, a washing machine double that. A tumble dryer can cost up to £60 to run for a year, and a television around £20. These stats are based on average usage according to the calculator at ukpower.co.uk, and on seven return journeys in the stairlift.

Many people put off making adaptations to their homes, wondering if they might be leaving sometime soon. Elderly and disabled people will be forced to leave their home if it becomes difficult to get around, so making home improvements, including installing a Stannah Stairlift, is one of the best ways to make their home easily navigable again. The stairlifts work by charging a battery at the top and bottom of the stairs, so you’ll never find yourself stranded in the middle of the stairs and out of juice. As the data above proves, the expense to run a stairlift is pretty measly, so the only cost you need to worry about is the initial spend on the stairlift and it’s installation.

New Stannah Stair Lifts from £1795

To see the full selection of Stannah Stairlifts please visit the Dolphin Lifts website.

Axe fear at stairlift firm

This article can be found at nebusiness.co.uk

THE future of around 90 Teesside workers is in doubt today after it emerged ThyssenKrupp is scaling back production of its straight stair lifts in Stockton.

The German giant, which took over the facility last year after buying family-owned manufacturer Lift Able, will cease production of its battery powered Cumbria lift from September 25.

But the move may not lead to redundancies, as a new product is being lined up to fill the gap. The mains-powered Cumbria unit will also continue to be produced on Teesside.

ThyssenKrupp, however, refused to rule out the prospect of redundancies.

“This is a decision which has not been taken yet,” a spokesperson from the firm’s elevators division said. “A new product will be coming in, but we cannot say which product or when.”

One of the world’s biggest manufacturers of escalators and elevators, ThyssenKrupp bought Lift Able in March, 2008.

ThyssenKrupp saw the move as an opportunity to expand its UK operations and strengthen its presence in a UK market which employs more than 12,000 people and saw 267,750 lifts installed in 2008, according to the European Lift Association (ELA).

But this is only a fraction of the 4.96m lifts installed across Europe last year, with Italy the biggest single market. There were only 7,079 new lifts installed in the UK in 2008, with a commercial value of 473m euros.

ThyssenKrupp declined to comment on sales volumes of the Cumbria DC unit or revenues derived from its UK-based transactions.

Lift Able was one of Europe’s five largest manufacturers of straight stair-lifts, with a turnover of more than £10m when it was sold in March 2008.

The company specialised in the manufacture, supply and maintenance of stairlifts and disabled access solutions to domestic and public buildings and was a major supplier to local authorities and the NHS.

In 2007 Lift Able won a Green Apple Environment Award for its commitment to the environment and for sourcing materials from local suppliers.

Teesside is home to several companies in the mobility sector including independent lift maker Pickerings Lifts in Stockton.

Founded in 1854, the company specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of lifts and earlier this year won a contract to install three lifts in the grade 1 listed Crockfords Casino in central London.

The venue is the world’s oldest private gaming club founded in 1828 and owned by Genting Stanley Ltd, which operates more than 40 branded casinos throughout the UK.

Dolphin Lifts on Twitter

Follow Dolphin Lifts updates on twitter - http://twitter.com/dolphinlifts

Travellers evicted from stairlift factory site

Staff arrived at Acorn Stairlifts, at the Millennium Business Park in Steeton, near Keighley, to see the car park taken over by 20 caravans.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/4564201.Travellers_evicted_from_factory_site/

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Travellers-defy-barriers-as-they.5582895.jp

Meditek Stairlifts Naidex 2009

External Stairlifts Video

Cash-strapped home conversion schemes in chaos

LOCAL AUTHORITY home conversion grants for people with disabilities and older people are in chaos around the country as applications far exceed the funding provided by central Government.

Funding for the grants, for vital works such as wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, is at least €22 million short of what is needed by local authorities around the country.

Visit the Irish Times website for the full story.

Stairlifts - Straight & Curved

There are two types of stairlift. Straight and curved. The first is designed for use on straight staircases. The footrest of the stairlift will stop level with the top stair. It may be possible to use a straight stairlift on some configurations of curved stairs.

For example if you have a straight staircase with three steps at the top which wind onto the landing, then a folding platform stairlift could be the solution. A straight stairlift is installed with extended legs at the top of the rail, so the footrest stops in line with the landing. A platform is then built around the foot rest of the stairlift. The platform can then be used to walk safely onto the landing. The platform is hinged so that it can be folded back against the wall to enable other people in the house to use the stairs.

The option of a powered platform is available which means the user doesn't need to bend down to raise it. The following video features the automatic powered folding platform manufactured by Meditek.

The folding platform option is not suitable for everyone. If the user of the stairlift is prone to dizzy spells or feinting or if you have very poor mobility this is not a viable option. Seek independent advice from more than one source.

The second, far more expensive type of stair lift, is a 'made to measure' or 'curved track stairlift' which can travel around bends on the stairs and can be designed to run on to the landing. Prices will vary according to the length of the rail required, the number of bends and the complexity of the bends.

It is worth noting that although far more expensive, the resale value of curved stairlifts is negligible, because the rail is made to measure and can only be used again on an identical staircase.

Curved track stairlifts can now be installed on the inside bend or the outside bend of the stairs. The layout of your staircase will determine which is most suitable.

If you need a curved track stairlift you will have to pay a deposit to the company that you are dealing with. This will normally be about 30% of the cost of the stairlift. The deposit is required because the company are committing themselves to building a stair lift rail that will only fit into your house. You should not have to pay a large deposit if you order a standard straight lift as these can usually be adapted to suit another staircase.

For stairs with a well sized half-landing it may be possible to install two straight stairlifts.

Secondhand stairlifts

For only £900 Dolphin Lifts will install a straight reconditioned stairlift into your home. This excellent offer includes a 2 year parts and labour warranty.

Call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 to arrange a free no obligation quote today.

Heavy Duty Stairlift - 30 stone weight capacity

The Homeadapt Elite has recently increased the user weight limit to 30 stone on their straight stairlift. This is the highest weight limit available. Call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 for more details.

No takers for Stair Lift

The following article appeared on www.pressandjournal.co.uk/

A GRIEVING son who has given away practically everything in his mother’s house cannot persuade anyone to take the most expensive item.

Richard Mechen, 61, of Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie, has contacted numerous charities since the death of his 91-year-old mother, Helen, in February, to ask if they wanted a stair lift worth thousands of pounds.

He has not heard back from any of them.

He said: “We have given away practically everything in her house. Her church, The Church of Scotland, took the lion’s share. She was forever giving little bits and pieces to her church but she didn’t really attend due to ill health in the end.

“The biggest and most expensive item in her house is the one that is giving us the most problems.

“I’ve contacted charities by e-mail but have not even had a response. I’m amazed.

“It was my father who needed it initially but he died a considerable time ago. It was serviced a couple of years ago and is still in good working order. Surely someone would be glad of it. They’re not cheap,” he added.

Anyone interested in the stair lift, which is in the house in Kincorth, Aberdeen, where Mrs Mechen lived before her death, should call Mr Mechen on 01467 623515.

Three men in a boat (or is that canoe?)

100-mile charity effort in aid of motor neurone disease

Three men in a boat plan to paddle more than 100 miles for charity despite the fact that none of them have any experience on the water.

Friends Cliff Elbourne, 42, Rob Hammond, 33 and Dave Simm, 26, plan to set off in a tiny Canadian canoe from Buckingham on April 25 and follow the River Great Ouse down through Bedfordshire, across The Fens and out into the North Sea through The Wash in Norfolk.

None of the men have ever stepped into a canoe before, but are willing to rough the choppy spring waters in order to raise £5,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

Mr Elbourne, landlord of Ye Three Fishes pub in Turvey, said: "We have no previous experience in a canoe, but we are spending the month before we set off practicing.

"It's still quite daunting, but we can all swim and we have life jackets."

The trio chose to raise money for the MND Association after their friend Colin Knight was diagnosed with the condition a few years ago.

Mr Elbourne added: "I have a very good friend in the village who has Motor Neurone Disease and it has really been brought to my attention.

"Two or three years ago before it happened to him I would not have known anything about Motor Neurone Disease so this is about raising money and awareness too.

"We are aiming for £5,000, as that would buy two stairlifts for somebody. The hardest thing is sufferers are still the same mentally but they lose mobility, which when you are used to doing something is really hard.

"This will be a task for us, but because we are physically able, we should give it a go."

The trio plan to complete the adventure in five to six days, stopping off at Ye Three Fishes on April 25 for a fundraising bon voyage party.

As well as the hog roast, live music and a raffle, the pub has organised a charity auction with lots including goodie bags from record label EMI, signed Radio 1 merchandise and Bodyflight experiences.

The canoe will also be auctioned off after the fundraising adventure is complete.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the trio can do so by visiting www.justgiving.co.uk/canoetheouse

Facts about MND:

1) MND is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones and weakens the muscles.

2) It can affect the use of your arms, legs, speech and respiratory system as bodily functions disintegrate, with the nerve cells being destroyed.

3) Approximately three people a day die of MND in the UK.

4) Approximately 5,000 individuals in the UK live with MND.

5) Approximately three people in the UK are diagnosed with MND every day.

By Paul Fisher http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk

Changing Places

The Changing Places Consortium has launched a campaign on behalf of the thousands of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, and the many other disabled people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

They need Changing Places toilets. These are toilets with enough space for disabled people and their carers, and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

There are almost no public Changing Places toilets in the UK. Providing these toilets in public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities. Sometimes you just need to change one thing to open up a world of possibility.

The time for change is NOW.

For more information on the campaign go to http://www.changing-places.org/