The couple who built the Derby-based family business Gordon Ellis & Co into the successful home healthcare company it is today have been awarded with a Lifetime Service Award by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). Bill and Elaine Ellis were presented with the award by broadcaster Angela Rippon at a ceremony at the House of Commons last week.

Graham Collyer, BHTA chairman, read out a citation before presenting Bill and Elaine with a trophy. Accepting, they said they were delighted with the award.

When Bill took over the family business from his grandfather 40 years ago (the company is over 100 years old) it was a sub-contracting woodwork business producing a variety of general items. Bill saw an opportunity in the healthcare sector and started creating innovative products like trolley walkers. But his real success came when he created the original plastic moulded Derby raised toilet seat. He and his wife, Elaine, took to the road in the UK and overseas to sell the product which won an Industrial Design Award.

The range was then expanded into plastic bath seats, bathboards and grab rails. UK success was followed by international growth. The company now sells its products to over 50 countries and it manufactures an unbelievable 100 different styles, sizes, shapes and packs of raised toilet seats.

Gordon Ellis today employs 120 people and the day-to-day running of the business has passed to Bill’s daughter Fiona, but he is still in the office at 08.30 every morning!