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External Product Specialist Team get their NVQ awards

On April 26, 2011, in Clark and Partners, by clarkandpartners

Clark and Partners sales team get their NVQ

 

Today was the monthly sales meeting here at Clark and Partners headquarters and it was great to see everyone in one room to give an update as to how their month had been going so far.

It turned out to be an occasion to celebrate too as the team of product specialists received their certificates for their NVQ qualification in sales. This is the team who have the job of understanding the products they have responsibility for and explaining these benefits to customers.

Part of this task is understanding the varied needs of the customer to make sure that what they are been shown will do what they need.

The training for this qualification started over six months ago with staff gathering the evidence and skills needed to succeed. The NVQ in sales is a great qualification to achieve and naturally it’s always a bonus to add another string to your bow as it were.

There were 7 members of the external sales team in total who completed the qualification and received their certificate.

So here’s to the Clark and Partners external sales team and congratulations on your new qualification.

Pictured left to right are:- (back row) Adam Clerehugh – Moving and Handling Specialist, Nigel Smith – Wheelchairs and Seating Specialist, Paul McGee – Lead Specialist – Wheelchairs and Seating, Derek York – Stairlift Specialist, Jason Hinde – Wheelchairs and Seating Specialist.

(front row) Debbie Mason – Team Leader – Care Trade Division, Bev Noble – Footwear Specialist.

 

 

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Summer days

On April 21, 2011, in Clark and Partners, by clarkandpartners
Derek's Scooter

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Yes! The spring is finally here. You can’t help but notice the weather gradually brightening up as each week passes, the bright dewy mornings, sunny afternoons and lighter evenings. I have to say I love this time of year as it always comes with a feel good factor. During the last few weeks I’ve spent time visiting customers that must feel the same too judging by the influx in scooter sales recently.

On days like these it’s always nice to get out and about because lets face it, nobody want to be stuck indoors at this time of the year. Although for a lot of people the decision to go out can be a tricky one especially if mobility’s an issue.

There are many scooters on the market at the moment and as I learn’t to my surprise there seems to be quite a choice depending on the customer’s general requirements. The range stocked by Clark and Partners is very wide with something to suit every need.

For those customers wanting to transport their scooter or perhaps with space issues at home, a lightweight portable scooter that takes apart to fit in your car boot is ideal. Often called Mini or Boot scooters these models are called the Supershoppa, the Little Gem or the Lynx, they are great for shopping, taking on holiday or visiting friends, these scooters are generally among our highest sellers.

Move up from this and the next choice is what’s called a Midi, these are the Supertravella, the Sapphire 2 or the Leo, like the Mini this is a 4mph scooter but is a little larger and therefore rides the bumps a bit better and may suit those using the scooter from home. Some of these will take apart like a Mini but the individual parts are larger so this would be a more occasional activity perhaps for a holiday.

The large scooters such as the TGA Vita, the Landlex Gazelle or the Drive Sportrider suit those people who will only use the scooter from home; they are much larger and with their individual styling will suit clients wanting to go larger distances or simply want something that bit nicer or more comfortable.

As part of the service here at Clark and Partners you could even try the scooters out from the comfort of your own home with a free no obligation demonstration with our scooter representative Derek York, to see for yourself the benefits this could have on your mobility.

To arrange a test drive call me at Orgreave on 0114 229 3352

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The Naidex show

On April 12, 2011, in Naidex Show, Sunrise Medical, by clarkandpartners

Naidex Show

 

The Naidex show

This week was my first day out at the annual Naidex show at the NEC in Birmingham, and I have to say it was a real eye opener. The vast array of products available really was outstanding. This also included new products entering the market and I couldn’t help but think how inspiring it is that there really are some clever people out there making a difference in peoples lives by inventing these fantastic products.

Among the ideas I saw were the Stairsteady, a product for giving people a helping hand to climb the stairs. This would be great for someone who doesn’t need a stairlift but could use something to hold onto better than a banister rail. What’s great about this product was its simplicity.  It consisted of a horizontal bar which you held in front of yourself as it locked where you left it as you walked, and they say the simple ideas are the best.

There were wheelchairs that can climb stairs such as the Scalamobil by Alber, and even a device to enable people with paraplegic conditions the ability to stand and even walk. I couldn’t help but think the future had well and truly arrived with this breakthrough in technology. The bionic device named eLEGS had a full skeleton structure which was adjusted to fit the individual and strapped to the body over clothing. Now OK, it naturally came with an impressive price tag too but I couldn’t help but imagine just where this product would be in the next few years and the lives it could change. The future really had arrived and it looked brighter than ever.

All the big names were there Sunrise, Invacare, Kuschal, Quickie, Ottobock and Handicare alongside smaller manufacturers and inventors. All in all an enjoyable and educational day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The New Sandpiper Footwear Range

On April 6, 2011, in Sandpiper, by clarkandpartners

The New Sandpiper Footwear Range

A day out with Bev – Footwear Specialist

This week I spent a day with our footwear specialist Bev as she continued the integration of the New Sandpiper range of shoes and slippers into our showrooms here at Clark and Partners.

The day started with us visiting a local residential village to host a coffee morning. This was not only a great opportunity for the residents to see the whole collection available but also gave Bev a chance to explain just how versatile these shoes and slippers really are.

As this was new territory to me I found it interesting to see just how much variation was available within the new range for sensitive feet. Later in the day we also had the opportunity to visit a lady at home which is all part of the personal service provided for by Bev on behalf of Clark and Partners.

There seems to be many advantages to this new range, as well as the extra wide fittings and their ultra flexible construction the 3 in 1 fitting system seems to be a winner amongst customers as this gives the option to create more or less space in each shoe which could be a perfect solution for swollen or bandaged feet. This could also be a great solution for those who wish to use their own orthotics or insoles. There are also removable and washable socks that form the inner lining and padded tongues available.

Another valuable point to raise is that they give underfoot support from the heel to the arch giving the stability needed for walking and there are even shoes in the range that eliminate internal stitching to avoid rubbing.

All in all I found the day a real eye opener into the world of sensitive shoes and how the various designs and features can enable people the long awaited comfort and the chance to increase their mobility for a better quality of life.

To see the new Sandpiper range or to arrange home visit take a look in one of our stores for details. Or alternatively contact Bev at Head office on 0114 2293391