Coverage on our client Easibathe and Easiaccess in The Journal. Article by John Hill, The Journal, 2 February 2011

Click here to view article on the nebusiness.co.uk website.

THE new managing director at Tyneside bathing and disability access firms Easi-access and Easibathe hopes to double the company's turnover within five years after taking over from its founder.

Nigel Heath replaced Martin Cook at the end of last year after joining the Gateshead firm as national sales manager in 2008.

Heath formerly worked at organisations such as Newcastle-based environmental services company Eaga and Lloyds Bank, and has 35 years of experience in the banking, financial and outsourcing services sectors.

He is keen to increase sales and installations across the country, and is looking to boost turnover from the current £5m a year to £10m within five years as well as increase the workforce from 55 to 85 within the same period.

He said: “I’m looking to carry on the very good work that’s already been done.

“I’m very conscious of the reputation we have, and I want to maintain the levels of service we give to our clients.

“As a company we have grown reasonably steadily over the years. Martin started installing bathrooms 16 years ago and moved the company into its current area of business.

“However, it had come to the point where he was very happy to focus on strategy with me, but he wanted to take a step back from the day-to-day operations.”

Heath was originally hired to develop the company’s national sales, but Cook, now chairman of the company, involved him more and more in the day-to-day running of the business in later months.

Late last year, Easiaccess opened a facility in Doncaster, which it hopes will allow it to expand and better serve its client base in the M62 corridor.

The increase in its UK reach will be complemented by the expansion of its product range. While the company is largely known for providing services for local authorities and housing associations, it is also boosting its range with items suitable for private customers.

Heath said: “It’s all about getting our name out there. In the North East we’re very well known for our attention to detail and levels of service.

“What we obviously need to do is get that message across when we go into a new area. As with any sector, there are challenges and reduced budgets.

“Although councils and housing associations have smaller budgets, I’m aiming to make sure we have a much larger customer base.”

Martin and Denise Cook set up Easi- bathe from a garage in Holystone, North Tyneside, installing special needs bathing and hoist equipment. They later set up Easiaccess to provide environmentally-friendly ramps.

The companies are based out of a 25,000sq ft head office in Dunston, and have clients nationwide.

Martin Cook said Heath’s appointment was an exciting development for the company. He added: “I am very pleased to focus my efforts in other areas of the business and for Nigel to take over the operational running of the business in his role as managing director.

“I am confident that he will do a great job in driving the business forward.”

Cook will still be involved in areas such as the product portfolio in his role as chairman.