On July 24, Surgeon Rear Admiral Calum McArthur will perform the opening ceremony at SP Service’s new £2 million Midlands HQ in Telford, Shropshire – custom built to meet an increase in demand for its products.
Telford MP David Wright, the Mayors of both Telford and Wrekin and Wellington, council and business leaders, fire and ambulance chiefs, a representative from HM Coastguard along with other VIP guests will tour the aptly named Bastion House as it opens its doors.
It marks 24 years of remarkable business success which has created a global enterprise supplying equipment to the military, hospitals, ambulance, fire and rescue services, police, prisons, mines and a variety of companies. Most premiership football clubs are also on the client list.
With a staff of 39 and a £7.5 million turnover, it is a long way from when hospital technician Steve Bray bought and sold torches to St John Ambulance, because as a St John volunteer, he knew they needed better equipment and a quicker service.
“It started out as a hobby really which got out of hand,” said MD Steve Bray. “I’m one of those fortunate people who really enjoy their job and I get to work with some great colleagues and customers. People in Healthcare really do care and it’s a great industry to be involved in”.
“I never really looked back. I am passionate about getting the best equipment to wherever in the world it is needed. We have medically trained staff who test out all the latest equipment to ensure it is of the best quality,” said Steve.
The new HQ has been named in honour of the British Army HQ in Afghanistan and an Armoured Personnel Carrier, used as an ambulance in Iraq, is parked proudly outside, highlighting SP Service’s support for UK troops across the world.
A dedicated kit assembly area has been built in the large warehouse to express deliver urgently needed equipment whenever and wherever it is needed, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A brand new showroom, purpose built offices, meeting and training rooms will display how SP Services operates on its open day.
“If the Army urgently needs extra medical equipment then we are at the end of a phone 24 hours a day to ensure they get it. It is important to keep things flowing and the Armed Services and hospitals need emergency equipment constantly,” said Steve.
“The chances are that if a soldier is treated for a trauma injury in Afghanistan, the medic’s kit will almost definitely contain supplies from SP Services which is very rewarding and brings a real sense of purpose to the business.”
The Telford company provides thousands of essential products from plasters to vital lifesaving equipment for operating theatres. Customers range from the Ministry of Defence to Manchester Utd.
A new office opened in Ireland in 2011, distribution to hospitals and emergency services began in Dubai in 2012 and a new depot successfully opened in Queensland last summer to boost the established supply to Australia and support the mining industry while opening new markets in south east Asia. Last year saw a 32 per cent rise in exports.
The expansion to a 32,000sq ft unit in Hortonwood, five times larger than its former premises, has allowed SP Services (UK) to take on an extra six staff and continue its steady growth bucking the trend of many firms hit by the economic downturn.
The future continues to look rosy and as the official supplier of first aid and emergency medical kits to the London 2012 Olympics, SP Services is hoping to also supply the Brazil and Russian Olympics as well as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
“We are proud to provide a quality service to worldwide clients – some in war torn territories whose lives may depend on medical equipment delivered on time. Emergency deliveries are made during any national crisis requiring immediate medical equipment.”
TV production companies recreating realistic dramas also call on SP Services for medical equipment for numerous TV and movie “disaster” programmes such as Coronation Street’s infamous tram crash and a number of Bond movies including Skyfall.