Caerphilly company praised by Welsh Economy Minister

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The Caerphilly-based Direct Healthcare Group has been praised by Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething for its international success.

Vaughan Gething MS, Minister of Economy for Wales, visited the firm on Thursday, June 16, to discuss the company’s fast-paced growth and export success with CEO, Graham Ewart.

The visit comes after the healthcare company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for services to International Trade earlier this year, in recognition of their service to the global healthcare sector and its significant growth in international exports. It has also been ranked the fastest growing private company in the UK for both profit and international sales.

As a global leader in the manufacture and provision of medical devices, products and solutions for patients with limited mobility, the company provides pressure care management, moving and handling equipment, specialist seating and bathroom safety solutions for patients in hospitals, residential care homes and private homes.

The group employs more than 600 people across its Caerphilly headquarters, further UK sites and its six European offices.

It has seen its total overseas sales grow by 730% in the past six years, and has become a strong presence in the European market, holding a 15% market share in Europe for its sector across pressure ulcer prevention and patient handling.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Direct Healthcare Group is a valued member of the Welsh life sciences sector, which has become home to some of the most innovative and impressive businesses in the medical market worldwide.

“Direct Healthcare Group’s significant growth over a short period of time means it should be considered a true Welsh success story, and the fact it has kept its roots in Caerphilly is to be commended.

“I am delighted the Welsh Government was able to play a part in its expansion through a previous investment which helped the business establish Europe’s first specialist research and testing facility for treatment mattresses. I congratulate them on a well-deserved Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

Company boss Graham Ewart said: “We’re very proud of how quickly Direct Healthcare Group has grown in the past ten years. From a small Welsh start-up with just one product, we have now become a truly international group with pan-European operations, trading in more than 40 countries across the globe and placing Wales at the forefront of medical device manufacturing.”

“Given this international growth, we have often been asked why we have not moved from Caerphilly to the likes of Cardiff or London, but our answer is easy. We are loyal to our roots and the local economy is one we are immensely proud to invest in.”

“As such, we look forward to welcoming Mr Gething to discuss the importance of ongoing support for Welsh businesses as the economy rebuilds, in particular the vital importance of exports to the nation’s economic growth and future prospects, both locally and nationally.”