Ableworld Colchester

18 March 2014

Gerald and Maria Roper opened their Ableworld franchise in October 2013.

Gerald and Maria are very much a part of the local community. Gerald, who previously taught for over 20 years has always been actively involved in local issues having been a school governor and treasurer for his local church. In his free time, Gerald helps to coach the local rugby team. Marie shares the same passion for helping the community and has been a treasurer for the local SVP branch, a charity which aims to tackle poverty. She too has a background in teaching and running local play groups. 

“Gerald and I were teachers before and we were looking at changing careers. We were looking at franchises but we weren’t sure whether or not we were going to do it. We were both teaching in the Colchester area, but decided on a change of career due to the pressures that teaching staff face these days and all the changing going on the educational world.” 

“We saw the Ableworld opportunity online and we took a look at it. We were very impressed with what the company was offering and the support that they would give and we liked the idea of being able to offer customers good products at realistic and competitive prices. The ethical side of the business appealed to us both. Some of the customers will be vulnerable people and while we are happy to sell to them, we don’t want to be putting them under any pressure.” 

From spacious premises, Ableworld offers customers a wide selection of quality mobility and homecare products.  A local store, staffed by local people is often the place to go for the best service and that is certainly the case here, but Ableworld is also the place to find the keenest prices and enjoyable shopping experience. The store stocks a very wide range of products including larger items such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs but also many smaller items to help with day to day tasks. They also hold a wide range of products to help with bathing, toileting and dressing as well as a range of continence care products. Ableworld also installs stairlifts and service scooters.  Whatever the product, the aim is to help people to lead easier, more comfortable and independent lives.

Paul Boniface Franchise Director: “It’s easy to see why Ableworld was the right franchise for Gerald and Maria. The mobility and homecare industry has traditionally not always had the best reputation, but with the right people, and right values the industry is turning a corner. A local store, staffed by local people is often the place to go for the best service and that is certainly the case here. We wish Gerald and Maria all the best for the future.”


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