Hearing aids manufacturer, Starkey Laboratories, announced their deal to supply the NHS in England and Wales with hearing aids could potentially help double the Stockport company’s turnover over the lifetime of the contract.
Starkey – who already employ 180 people at its headquarters in Hazel Grove, is one of the five firms appointed to supply the NHS over the next four years as part of a framework agreement alongside rivals such as Siemens.
The total value of the contract is expected to be worth around £60 million a year. Starkey will manufacture and distribute hearing aids as well as associated products to the NHS.
For 2009, the company’s turnover for was around £13 million up from £11.6 million the year before. Profits were flat at £900,000.
Mr Lewin, Managing Director led the pitch in a tender process which began a year ago and said the win would provide job security to Starkey’s existing staff and help to generate new sales and marketing post.
Established in 1977 Starkey already supplies hearing aids to the NHS in Scotland.
Stuart Axon, commercial manager, said that Starkey was in a prime position to trade with every audiology department across the UK.
“This is a tremendous success for the company and demonstrates that Starkey Laboratories is extremely well-placed to provide some of the most advanced and innovative solutions in the hearing industry,” said Mr Axon.The NHS in England and Wales accounts for between 60 and 65 per cent of the overall UK market according to Mr Lewin. “Now we have to get out there and fight our corner,” he said.
“It’s up to us to go hospital by hospital to demonstrate the value of our products.
“It could see us double our turnover.” Starkey has the capacity and infrastructure to cope with an increased demand for Starkey hearing aids. The team have had massive success in recent years winning a contract with the Ministry of Defence to equip soldiers with hearing devices to improve their performance front line. The ear inserts used by the troops were used as part of their communication system which also reduce the noise interference.
For low cost Starkey hearing aids call us today on 0800 0304 542
