The Group entered the 2025/26 financial year in a significantly stronger position following the improvement in trading performance achieved during the second half of the prior year.
Trading across the Group during the early part of 2025/26 has remained encouraging, with stronger profitability, improved margins and tighter financial control compared to the prior year. The Group’s core retail operations have returned to profitability on a year-to-date basis, supported by improved trading performance together with ongoing emphasis on pricing discipline, stock management and cost control.
Ableworld Franchise Limited has also continued to perform positively during the year, with further expansion of the network through both existing and new franchise partners. During 2026, the Group supported the successful resale of the Paisley franchise to new operators who are enthusiastic about growing the business, while the Colchester franchise relocated to larger premises to support future growth. In addition, a new franchise operation in Edinburgh is expected to commence trading during June 2026, further expanding the Group’s geographic presence.
During May 2026, Ableworld (UK) Limited completed repayment of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) facility originally taken out following the Covid-19 pandemic. Repayment of this loan has strengthened the Group’s overall financial position and improved ongoing cash flow generation.
The Group’s associated businesses are also expected to continue providing positive contributions during the current financial year.
The Group will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ableworld business during 2026, marking an important milestone in the development of the Group. The fourth quarter of the financial year will include a number of promotional and marketing initiatives linked to the anniversary celebrations, aimed at supporting customer engagement and trading performance across the Group.
Whilst encouraged by the progress achieved during the current financial year, the Directors continue to maintain a disciplined approach to cost management, cash generation and operational performance.
Overall, the Directors believe the Group is well positioned to deliver improved profitability and sustainable long-term growth in the years ahead.
Decision Making
The Group is overseen by an experienced Board comprising four full-time executive Directors together with two non-executive Directors, providing a broad range of experience across retail, franchising and business management.
The Board structure primarily supports the oversight and strategic direction of Ableworld (UK) Limited and Ableworld Franchise Limited, while also providing broader coordination across the Group’s wider activities and associated interests.
The Board meets regularly throughout the year, typically holding eleven formal meetings together with an additional video meeting during the pre-Christmas period. These meetings provide an opportunity to review trading performance, financial results, strategic priorities and growth and progress across the Group’s core businesses.
In addition to formal Board meetings, the executive Directors remain in regular contact on operational and commercial matters, enabling the Group to respond quickly to changing trading conditions and business requirements.
In relation to JS&CD Limited and Southampton Mobility Limited, the Directors also maintain regular communication with the respective management teams and shareholders, together with face-to-face Board meetings typically held every two to three months.
During the year, particular attention was given to improving profitability, strengthening cash generation and supporting performance across the Group following the weaker trading experienced during the first half of the financial year.
The Directors maintain oversight of the Group through regular financial reporting, management information and ongoing engagement with management teams across the Group’s businesses and franchise network.
Employee Engagement and Well-being
The Directors recognise that employees remain central to the success of the Group, particularly during periods of change, business improvement and growth.
Across the Group’s businesses, emphasis is placed on maintaining open communication and encouraging employees to contribute to the ongoing success and performance of the business. Regular communication and engagement help ensure employees remain informed and involved during periods of change and growth.
The Directors also recognise the importance of strong leadership and operational support in maintaining morale, performance and stability across the Group’s businesses and franchise network.
The Group remains committed to providing a supportive working environment where employees are treated fairly, feel valued and are able to contribute to the long-term success of the business.
Fair Treatment and Inclusivity
The Group is committed to promoting a culture of fairness, respect and inclusivity across its businesses. The Directors aim to provide a working environment in which employees are treated equally and with dignity, regardless of background.
Policies and practices are maintained to support equal opportunities and ensure employees are able to contribute fully to the success and ongoing development of the Group. The Directors continue to review these practices to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.
Maintaining High Standards of Business Conduct and Product Safety
The Group is committed to maintaining high standards of business conduct across its retail and franchise operations, with a strong emphasis on ethical trading, customer care and responsible selling practices.
Ensuring that customers receive appropriate advice and suitable products remains a central principle of the business. For certain product categories, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs and rise and recline chairs, an appropriate assessment of customer needs is considered essential prior to purchase. As such, these products are not sold directly online without appropriate consultation.
The Directors believe this approach supports better customer outcomes and reduces the risk of unsuitable products being purchased without proper guidance. The Group also maintains a clear position against high-pressure sales techniques, instead encouraging employees and franchise partners to provide customers with the information and support required to make informed decisions at their own pace.
Transparency in pricing also remains an important principle across the Group’s businesses, with clear and consistent pricing information provided across online, advertising and in-store channels.
Within the stairlift operations, the Group continues to operate a service-led model using directly employed engineers responsible for customer assessment, installation and ongoing maintenance. The Directors believe this approach supports greater continuity, accountability and customer confidence throughout the process.
Through these principles, the Group aims to ensure its trading practices remain consistent with its values while continuing to support customer safety, satisfaction and long-term trust in the Ableworld brand.
Impact on the Community and Environment
The Group recognises the importance of operating as a responsible business within the communities it serves. Through its retail stores and franchise network, the Group supports customers by providing mobility products and services aimed at improving independence, comfort and quality of life.
The Group also seeks to maintain strong relationships within local communities, supporting local employment and regional economic activity through both its directly operated stores and franchise partners.
In relation to environmental impact, the Group continues to take a practical and considered approach to its operations, including the efficient use of resources and ongoing review of its supply chain and product offering. The Directors remain mindful of the Group’s environmental responsibilities and will continue to identify appropriate opportunities for improvement in this area.