Northampton mobility firm started life as a second hand bike shop 40 years ago

Oakley Healthcare started life as Oakley Cycles in 1976 and gradually went on to sell new bikes throughout the 1980s.

Over time the family firm, owned by Phil Stanton and his dad Bernard, started doing more and more repair work on broken bicycles brought into their premises on Lutterworth Road.

But throughout the 1990s and 2000s they also started fixing wheelchairs and mobility aides as well.

Phil said: “Gradually we just started doing more and more repairs to work on wheelchairs and mobility scooters...the business just grew from there.”

Five years ago, Oakley bid farewell to bikes and moved fully into the healthcare market.

The company moved into a 4,000 square ft showroom on Grafton Street - the former PDSA building - last year.

“We do everything on the healthcare market now,” said Mr Stanton.

“We do wheelchairs, scooters, beds and chairs...we make electric adjustable chairs and beds for whatever size you want.”

Throughout this month Oakley customers will be treated to a free coffee and cake to celebrate the anniversary in the store.

Mr Stanton said on the success of the last 40 years: “I guess we have just been able to move with the times.”