The refurbishment was made possible by a regeneration grant from Salford City Council as part of the redevelopment of an area in Eccles, Dolphin Mobility then matched the council’s investment which enabled the company to substantially enhance the premises, with the most significant change being to the shop front which was bought forward in line with the pavement on the busy road.
As part of the ongoing redevelopment, the shops in the area are being refreshed through a building front improvement scheme. According to Salford City Council, since the scheme commenced in 2008, over 80 building frontages have already benefited from a ‘face lift’, with 95 local jobs being safeguarded, 14 units having been brought back into use and shop owners, including Dolphin Mobility, reporting increased trade.
Clair Wilkinson, Business Development Manager, commented: "The difference the refurbishment has made is incredible. Where previously people would often walk past the building as we were set back from the main road and would often get missed, new customers and clients are visiting us and actually asking how long we have been open! They are incredibly surprised when I tell them we have been open since 2001.”According to Manager Dave Barratt, they are now able to invite more potential customer and professionals alike into the showroom for demonstrations and open days: "The showroom is much more bright and airy. The refurbishment has given us the space to be able to display our products better and carry out demonstrations when needed, enabling people to see the complete portfolio we have on offer.”
Dolphin Mobility’s Chris Nicholas added: "The refurbishment has enabled us to offer healthcare professionals, such as Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, the facility for CPD (continued professional development) by way of training sessions on our stairlifts, hoists and specialised equipment.”
Another high point of 2013 has seen the company being awarded a place on Salford City Council’s framework partnering project, making it the only non-manufacturer on the scheme. The framework helps the council to send out strictly approved contractors on various jobs around the area based on cost, quality of their work, the products they stock and their ability to complete time sensitive projects. Craig Dunnage, Director of Dolphin Mobility commented: "We are incredibly grateful to Salford City Council for giving us the opportunity to be included in their framework as an approved contractor. This will allow us to continue to provide the people of Salford and the surrounding areas with top quality products and services.”
Most of Dolphin Mobility’s business comes by way of word-of-mouth thanks to the company’s professional yet caring approach. Clair said: "When I joined the company nearly 20 years ago I was struck by what an incredibly compassionate organisation it was and that ethos is still here today. We always go the extra mile when working with a customer and refuse to be beaten by even the most unique request. It never fails to amaze me how loyal our customers are; for example, a customer who used our services nearly a decade ago recently recommended us to a consultant at Trafford Hospital.”
The branch offers servicing of all mobility products, including stairlifts, hoists and mobility scooters.
For more information on Dolphin Mobility and its products and services, call 0161 7079995 or visit the website HERE.
This article appeared on the Thiis Magazine website.
http://www.thiis.co.uk/news-snippets/new-style-showroom-boosts-sales.aspx
