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Company Profile

Mission Statement
MOVING TOWARDS 2014

Company Executives

Training and Development

Equal Opportunities Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Orthotic Policy

Company Profile

Peacocks Medical Group Limited was founded in 1903 and worked in the field of surgical instruments, spectacles and cutlery. Over the succeeding years it became involved with the manufacture and supply of bespoke orthoses and prescription footwear to welfare groups associated with heavy industry in the North East. The company became contractors to the National Health Service on its inception servicing the Northern Regional Health Authority who remain one of our principal customers to the present time.
The group comprises of the following companies:

  • Peacocks Orthotics
  • Peacocks Manufacturing
  • Peacocks Direct Sales
  • Peacocks Posturecare
  • Peacocks Capital Equipment

All divisions enjoy the combined services of the Financial, Procurement, IT, Distribution and Quality departments of the Peacocks Medical Group.
In this section we describe:

  • The formation and growth of Peacocks
  • Serving the National Health Service
  • Developing as a leading supplier of orthotics products and services

The Formation and Growth of Peacocks

The present owner, Colin Peacock, Chairman and Managing Director, joined the company in 1962 and has developed the company to its present size with five divisions, Manufacturing, Orthotic services, Sales, Posturecare and Capital Equipment. Employing over 120 staff, in 2002 Peacocks' turnover was over £7 million. The company's vision is to become the UK's leading provider of orthotic products and services. Servicing PCT's both locally and nationally and other healthcare professionals, Peacocks pride themselves that after one hundred years of service we continue to deliver an exceptional healthcare service.

Peacocks Orthotics

An Orthotic service provider who employ sixteen Orthotists, four Limited Orthotic Practitioners and one Seating Specialist. This service is provided from our regional centres in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Teeside and Southampton. Fifteen Customer Services personnel provide an administrative backup to this division.

Peacocks has a high national standing in the Orthotic community especially in areas of muscular dystrophy, diabetic services, orthotics in neurology and rheumatology.

Peacocks Manufacturing

An Orthotic manufacturing service provider. Employs three Managers and forty-four Technicians in their brand new 20,000 sq.ft Factory opened in 2000. Skills embrace fabric, leather, metal, plastic and footwear sections. Other activities include the provision of specialised seating (Derby), foam insert seating systems, harnessing and physiotherapy foam products. The manufacturing unit also acts as subcontractors to companies and hospitals with a manufacture only requirement.

Our manufacturing facility in Newcastle upon Tyne is highly regarded by the profession for the quality of design innovation and workmanship. Our products include orthoses, prescription footwear, rehabilitation equipment and Posturecare equipment.

Peacocks Direct Sales

A retail and distribution service of a range of healthcare products from our Call Centre and sales outlet including nebulisers, walking aids, wheelchairs, soft orthoses and aids to daily living. Our Newcastle premises also provide an Orthotic service to mastectomy and Ostomy clients and the new Mobility Warehouse at the Benfield site has the largest dedicated test track in the UK.

Peacocks aim to provide the ultimate service in healthcare to the local community.

From our Call Centre, shop and warehouse we provide the following:

  • Our own Catalogue of Surgical and Medical Equipment
  • Provision of a first class Ostomy prescription service
  • Provision of mastectomy service
  • Provision of rehabilitation and mobility equipment
  • Provision of a full range of incontinence products
  • Service of medical and electrical equipment

Direct Sales Team

Roger Somerville - Retail Director

Lorna Hansell - Head of GP Services

Karen Sagar - Call Centre Team Leader

Peacocks Posturecare

Offers a complete postural service to clinical and private clients. Products available are bespoke seating (moulded and foam types), static seating, harnesses and belts, sleep systems and therapy products.

Our Posturecare Company provides standard and specialised apparatus to assist in corrective and comfortable positioning for people with disabilities.

We offer a comprehensive selection of seating products, addressing many of the problems faced today in terms of pressure management, mobility and staff handling. Our Posturecare division includes:

fitzyou

A new moulded seating insert from Peacocks. Using the Tendercare Tilt and Fold Chair we can offer a fully crashed tested system. Delivered through wheelchair services or to individual clients.

Belt Up

A range of quality harness which offer wheelchair static chair users configurations to suit their specific needs.

Back to Base

A contoured cushion which offers extreme comfort. Produced from top quality materials consisting of moulded chip foam base giving postural positioning and finished with a top comfort layer.

Snooooooze System

Designed by a multi-disciplinary team this system is now well established in the UK and Ireland being used in rehabilitation and long term care.

Tendercare

Working alongside Tendercare in the north we offer the complete range of modular chairs. Combining with our Fitzyou products, our existing matrix and foam systems we can provide a complete wheelchair service.

Radcliffe Shadow

Like Tendercare in the north we can combine the Shadow base with our Fitzyou products, our existing matrix and foam systems we can provide a complete wheelchair service.

Seating

Complementing our excellent range we have the premier of high seat chairs from A J Way, the ultimate pressure management chairs from Australia along with everyday lift and recline

Peacocks Capital Equipment

Act as agents in the United Kingdom for the supply, installation and servicing for a range of theatre lighting, operating tables and washer/steriliser equipment.

Peacocks Capital Equipment Team specialises in supplying, installing and servicing Capital Equipment to NHS hospitals, private sector and PFI programmes throughout the UK.

With this in mind, we only provide the highest quality products from our specially chosen partners around the world, enabling us to supply you with a package catered precisely to your needs.

In addition, we have our own team of highly skilled engineers to provide you with unrivalled technical support. This extends from the initial installation to testing and validation along with any ongoing servicing requirements that you may have.

We specialise in:

  • Washer Disinfectors
  • Sterilizers
  • Theatre Light Systems
  • Theatre Tables
  • Full Engineering Services for Repair and Maintenance
  • Bed and Trolley Washers
  • Chemicals and Detergents

Capital Equipment Team

Christopher Peacock
Managing Director

Ronnie Bramwell
Sales Director

Gary Cooper
Operations Director

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Mission Statement

MOVING TOWARDS 2014

Peacocks Medical Group is a group of companies operating in the Healthcare arena and provides outstanding care in the delivery of both services and equipment. The Group delivers answers to patients needs, to procurement requirements and to the exacting standards of the NHS. By achieving the highest standards delivered in the UK we create a level of income which sustains the business and allows us to develop and invest for the benefit of all business and clinical partners. Internally teams drive innovation and are involved at all levels in moving the business forward.

The beliefs and values of the company have been built over a hundred years of successful trading and reinvestment of profits.

People are our most valuable asset. We work in teams which agree customer-focussed objectives and meet regularly to drive forward initiatives to achieve the highest level of cost-effective service and innovation.

Our experienced Management lead and support our teams to set and achieve their targets and agree a structure so that each member of staff has a personal development plan. Training is extensive and ongoing to support that plan. Our customers are our reason for existence and their interests are our priority. Quality is at the heart of every service and product with teams constantly challenging themselves to exceed.

Our Core Businesses

Orthotics

We are the market leaders in Orthotics by being at the cutting edge of Orthotic Service and Leaders in Orthotic Product Delivery.
Our orthotists have a fierce commitment to research and development, and the sharing of Orthotic knowledge. We are unique in providing regular training and development both for our Orthotic staff, and the Trust staff with whom we deliver the service. We enable Trust staff to deliver appropriate orthoses under Orthotic supervision. We work with our Trust customers to deliver a team service at the right stage of intervention for the patient.

There is continued research and development to enable us to deliver cost-effective products and services.

We achieve 'right first time' manufacture through close working relationships between orthotists and our technicians. Working with Trusts we deliver a fast reliable service 'just in time' to pre-appointed patients.

Suppliers of Key Hospital Equipment

We supply infection control equipment, theatre tables and theatre lights of guaranteed high quality which represent reliability and good value for our customers. Our installation and service teams deliver support throughout the life of each product to ensure Trusts obtain maximum value.

Suppliers to GP Practices of Medical Furniture and Equipment

We are the preferred suppliers in Northern England providing the latest equipment to meet the needs of the modern GP practice.

Suppliers to Individuals with a wide range of Healthcare Needs

Our trained and professional team provide rehabilitation solutions from both our retail operations and our nationwide call centre.

Our Commitment

The entire Peacocks team is committed to the care of customers.

By listening to, and understanding the needs of customers, every Peacocks member will provide excellent service, and deliver answers to those needs. By doing so we will remain the preferred healthcare partner for our customers with a relationship that will stand the test of time.

Peacocks - The Caring Company - your Healthcare partner

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Company Executives

Colin Peacock

Colin is a registered member of HPC, BAPO and a Fellow of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). He has served as Chairman of the following professional bodies: BIST, ISPO, the Orthotic and Prosthetic Training and Education Council, and the Prosthetists and Orthotists Board of The Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) for two three year terms beginning in 1997 and 2000. In 2003, Colin received the BHTA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Colin is supported by an experienced management team and committed staff. Senior members of the Peacocks' team who are well known nationally for their contribution to Orthotic services include, Paul Charlton, Duncan Ferguson, Richard Webb and Steve Cook.

Curriculum Vitae of John Colin Peacock M.C.S.P. M.B.A.P.O, ORTHOTIST
1977 Inaugural member of National Orthotic Committee
1980 Orthotic Representative Orthotic and Prosthetic Training and Education Council. (O.P.T.E.C.)
1980 Chairman of Committee administrating Grandfather Clause for Admission for Orthotists to practice subsequent to 1982
1983 Inaugural Editor B.I.S.T. Newsletter
1986 Formation of National Orthotic Training Officers Group. (N.O.T.O.G.) Elected Chairman
1987 Fellow of International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics. (F.I.S.P.O.)
1988 Chairman B.I.S.T
1989 Chairman I.S.P.O.
1993 Chairman of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Training and Education Council (O.P.T.E.C.)
1997 Chairman. The Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). Prosthetists and Orthotists Board.
2000 Member of PASA Orthotic Task Force.
2001 Lifetime Achievement Award - BHTA - 7 November 2002.
2003 Salford and Strathclyde University validation visits - Leader of the HPC Validation Visits - March 2003
2004 Chairman of BHTA Orthotic Service Sub-Section

Alan Hansell FCA

Finance Director - Peacocks Medical Group Limited
Alan was a partner in Binder Hamlyn, a top eight international firm of accountants from 1982 to 1995. He advised international company divisions through to small businesses, specialising in business strategy and IT and business systems. In September 1995 Alan moved to a client, F & M Dobson Limited, becoming its Managing Director through to September 1997. During that period he turned the business around within a year, achieving a sale to the public limited company with which he stayed for a further year. In January 1998 he joined Peacocks Medical Group Limited as Finance Director leading the reorganisation of the Group including the acquisition of a competitor, and the winding up of non-performing companies. Over the last seven years Alan has worked with NHS PASA and major customers to identify Peacock?s position in the marketplace and then to guide the Directors in the growth of the group.

Duncan Ferguson

(Orthotic Director responsible for quality assurance)

Duncan is Peacocks Orthotic Director. He gained recognition as practising Orthotist as licentiate member of the British Institute of Surgical Technologists in 1981. He is a state-registered Orthotist, a full member of BAPO and ISPO (International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists). He joined Peacocks in 1982 and became Director of Orthotics in 1998. He is a specialist in advanced neurology, with a particular interest in paediatrics. He contributes regularly to professional seminars and professional journals and is an author on Orthotic management of spasticity. He was treasurer for BAPO and has held key positions on the Executive, Finance and Conference committees.

In 2003 he was asked to join the UK, ISPO executive committee. Duncan represents BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) on the Scottish Orthotic Review panel that is under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Health Minister.

Steve Cook

(responsible for modernisation review)

A graduate of Production Engineering and Operations Management from Nottingham University, Steve worked at Newcastle University as a researcher in business process re-engineering prior to joining Peacocks and then went on to gain an MBA from Durham University. He has led improvements in quality and efficiency of supply of products and support services at Peacocks and recently was a key participant in the North Tees and Hartlepool Orthotics Pathfinder Pilot in association with PASA and the Modernisation Agency.

Chris Peacock

Graduating with a business degree, Chris was part of a 7 strong team that in just 3 years raised £14m for a research centre dedicated to childhood diseases. From 1996 he worked in change management for the French aerospace giant Hurel Dubois working on the BA Rolls Royce engine line.
Since joining Peacocks he has been involved in change throughout the company as well as running the retail division and more recently the Managing Director of the Capital equipment division. Chris is responsible for implementing and delivering a new group wide customer focused sales strategy and is the 4th Generation of family members to work at Peacocks since its beginnings in 1903.

Roger Somerville

Prior to joining PMG in 2001, where Roger has responsibility as the MD of both the Direct Sales Company and the POSTURECARE Company along with maintaining the group marketing image. His employment was one very much of company management, customer service along with advertising and design. Roger was appointed to the Group Board in 2006.

He brings to PMG a depth of knowledge in retailing and experience in Posture Correct Seating. The Direct Sales Company is active in the sale of Surgical and Medical equipment to hospitals and GP?s, mobility and rehabilitation products to the general public, stoma service and continence services as well as a prescription licence at St Thomas Street. With responsibility as well for the POSTURECARE business he has been pivotal in the market development of the Belt-up and Snooooooze range of products taking both into the national and international markets. This linked to the Call centre activity of telephone sales keeps Roger very busy.

1992 - 2000 The Newgate Furnishing Company Limited (T/A The Chair Shop)

As joint creator of the Chair Shop and ERGONOMIC OFFICE concepts he was Director with responsibility for commissioning of creative services, advertising, marketing planning, training and promotional activities along with the evolution of the product range/service and corporate vision. Noted as a leading authority in static seating Roger was and still is today called on to talk on posture correct seating. Now with Peacocks his understanding of the area of pressure management in seating is extensive.

1981 - 1992 Wides Advertising and Design

During this period as a graphic designer and marketing consultant Roger took time out as househusband looking after his baby daughter.

1971 - 1981 MCS Robertson and Scott/Northern Press Limited/Great Universal Stores

Rogers early carer path was one of marketing/advertising. Moving from a position in junior store management into the world of press advertising it was obvious he would develop into the advertising agency world. While with MCS Roger enjoyed a time on secondment to other London agencies.
Educated at Kings School Tynemouth to A level

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Training and Development

We are actively involved in supporting our professional bodies by regularly participating in their events as delegates and speakers. In many Trusts for which we work, we provide seminars, lunchtime discussion groups, and one to one coaching. We value the opportunity to train NHS staff and feel that we equally benefit from the regular exchange of ideas with our professional NHS colleagues.

Peacocks Medical Group had been awarded Investors in People accreditation to recognise the holistic and thorough approach to continuous professional development we provide our staff. For example, in 2004/2005 we will invest over £40,000 in training and development activities to support our CPD objectives. We encourage and support staff through their professional examination training and encourage all professional staff to attend a wide range of seminars, workshops and other learning events to maintain an appropriate level of CPD. We are always pleased to accept secondees from colleges and universities to assist their learning.

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Equal Opportunities Policy

Statement of Policy

The Peacock Medical Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer; it is committed to the development of policies to provide for equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.

We aim to ensure that:

No person is treated less favourably than another on grounds of:

Sex (Gender)
Marital Status
Disability
Race
Colour
Ethnic or national origin
Sexual orientation
Political affiliation
Religious Belief
Or any other improper ground

All employees and job applicants are treated fairly and consistently and are not subject to unjustifiable requirements or conditions.

The policy will be reviewed regularly and not less than once every year to ensure continued and effective implementation.

Peacocks Medical Group will take whatever steps are necessary including, if appropriate, the use of disciplinary procedures to enforce the policy.

In addition any employee who considers that he or she is suffering from unequal treatment on any grounds may implement the grievance procedure.

Management will bring to the attention of all employees the provisions of the policy and will provide such training as is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.

The management will have responsibility for the operation of the policy. However all employees have a duty to do everything they can to ensure that the policy operates in practice.

The implementation of the policy is structured by the following legislation:

The Race Relations Act 1976
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
The Disability Act 1995
The Equal Pay Act 1970

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Health and Safety Policy

It is our policy to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all of our employees. We will provide such training, instruction and supervision as they need for this purpose. We also acknowledge that we have responsibility for the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by the company's activities.

The policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it contains to reflect the manner in which the business operates.

ACCIDENT REPORTING

It is essential that a record of injuries and accidents be maintained. An accident book which complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 is provided in the First Aid room for the purpose of recording details of accidents which have led to injury.

For accidents which result in an absence of over three working days due to the injury the procedures described in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) will be implemented and notification made to the Health and Safety executive.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

There is a legal requirement to assess significant risks in the workplace and Peacocks Medical Group have carried out the following five steps to ensure that suitable and sufficient assessments are done:

  1. Identify significant hazards in the workplace
  2. Identify people who might be harmed by an activity
  3. Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards identified and assess whether existing precautions are adequate or further measures need to be taken
  4. Record the outcomes of the assessments
  5. Periodically review the assessments

Peacocks Medical Group has carried out risk assessments of the following activities. Where necessary Occupational Hygiene Consultants or external contractors have been employed to carry out monitoring of the activities:

  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
  • Fire Safety
  • Display Screen Equipment
  • Manual Handling
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Noise at work
  • Work Equipment
  • Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Electrical Safety

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS: HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

The company maintains a Substance Identification Record File which contains:

  1. An inventory of substances in use within the factory.
  2. The identification Record Sheet for each substance listing its ingredients, physical properties and either its supplier or manufacturer.
  3. A Hazard Data Sheet provided by the supplier or manufacturer.

Process Identification Records are maintained for each area and these documents:

  1. A description of the process.
  2. The frequency of its use.
  3. The throughput of the process.
  4. The dust or fume emission.
  5. Hazardous substances identified.

L.E.V. System Records are maintained for all dust extraction equipment. Tests are carried out at 6-month intervals for all Metal Shop systems and at 14-month intervals for Footwear and Plastics systems.

Periodic Analysis of Local Exhaust Ventilation System Function is carried out by:

Air Technique Ltd
10 Pottery Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne

Analysis of staff exposure to hazardous substances and dust are carried out by:

Vega Environmental
Church Buildings
Station Road
Seaton Deleval
Whitley Bay
Tyne & Wear

Records of C.O.S.H.H. assessments are held in the Health and Safety files.

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Orthotic Policy

Our policy is to provide an efficient diagnostic and treatment service for clients with Orthotic related challenges to enable them to experience an improved quality of life. We aim to provide a holistic approach, which includes regular appraisal of treatment programmes, health related education and clinical administration. The maintaining of standards will be managed by our quality system.

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