Corporate Social Responsibility

Building a Sustainable Business Where Everyone Prospers

As a trusted provider of mobility solutions around the world, Blatchford has a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to transform the lives of people and deliver long-term value to society. How a business contributes to tackling global and regional challenges is scrutinised more than ever and the importance of meeting these expectations is of strategic importance to us.

Our report documents and assesses the impact of our business operations, identifies progressive objectives and procedures to mitigate economic, social and environmental challenges.

Our Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility

Health and Wellbeing for All

Promoting the health and wellbeing of all individuals is a vital component of sustainable development. Advances in healthcare technology have enabled significant strides in addressing global health challenges.

Our Commitment: Through innovation and a deep commitment to every patient, we strive to enhance lives and support the resolution of global health issues. We are dedicated to making our healthcare solutions accessible worldwide and prioritising long-term health outcomes. Our development approach focuses on delivering sustainable, clinically effective solutions that support enduring wellbeing.

No Poverty

Eliminating poverty in all its forms continues to be one of the most pressing global challenges. Although the number of people living in extreme poverty fell significantly from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 million in 2015, millions still lack access to basic human necessities.

Our Commitment: Our procurement and operations teams are dedicated to upholding fair labor practices across our global supply chain. We work to ensure that all workers receive fair wages and enjoy equitable employment rights.

Reducing Inequality

Despite notable advancements in gender equality and the empowerment of women, further progress is essential in addressing disparities related to race, religion, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Equality is not only a basic human right—it is also a cornerstone for building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is valued and respected. Through our products and services, we aim to create equitable opportunities and broaden access, helping to reduce inequalities now and in the future.

Meaningful Work and Economic Growth

Economic progress should be a force for good—driving prosperity while creating decent, meaningful employment opportunities.

Our Commitment: Since our founding in 1890, we’ve significantly expanded our operations. Today, we employ over 900 people worldwide, export products to more than 42 countries, and operate advanced research, design, and production facilities in the UK. We remain focused on setting ambitious, growth-oriented goals that contribute positively to both local communities and the global economy.

Meaningful Work and Economic Growth

Economic progress should be a force for good—driving prosperity while creating decent, meaningful employment opportunities.

Our Commitment: Since our founding in 1890, we’ve significantly expanded our operations. Today, we employ over 900 people worldwide, export products to more than 42 countries, and operate advanced research, design, and production facilities in the UK. We remain focused on setting ambitious, growth-oriented goals that contribute positively to both local communities and the global economy.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Addressing future challenges requires long-term thinking—through building resilient infrastructure, encouraging sustainable industrial practices, and driving purposeful innovation.

Our Commitment: We invest continuously in our operations and actively seek ways to enhance our processes and long-term value. Our teams are deeply committed to addressing the needs of patients and driving innovation across product development and design.

Responsible Production and Consumption

While the Earth has provided vast natural resources, unsustainable consumption patterns have led us to exceed its limits. Responsible resource management is essential.

Our Commitment: We aim to track and reduce our environmental impact wherever possible, integrating sustainable practices throughout all areas of our business across global operations.

Climate Action

The signs of climate change are undeniable, and the cost of inaction is immense. However, meaningful change is possible through education, responsibility, and a firm commitment to climate goals.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to environmental stewardship—reducing pollution, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and continuously improving our environmental management systems to help protect the planet.

SEE OUR CARBON REDUCTION PLAN

Industry Trends and Challenges

The Empowered Patient

Patients are becoming increasingly involved in their healthcare, with a higher interest in their journey than ever before. The increasing accessibility of information has enabled patients to become more informed and knowledgeable about medical subjects, meaning patients can make more informed choices. This has changed and will continue to evolve, the way medical businesses communicate in the industry, meaning businesses are under increasing pressure and scrutiny to operate transparently and openly.

Appetite for Technology

In the last two decades, technology has fundamentally changed the competitive landscape in every industry with improvements to efficiency, reducing barriers to market entry and increasing globalisation. Consumers have also sought to receive such benefits and demand for the latest technological innovations has increased significantly in the last two decades. Medical businesses are now expected to deliver meaningful innovations with patient benefit being the ultimate criteria of new product development.

Regulatory Compliance

Medical businesses face evolving ethical and regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance is an increasingly complex task. High standards are a fundamental pre-requisite for industry-leading businesses and ensuring a patient-centric approach is a key imperative.

Access to Healthcare

Healthcare in all markets is changing rapidly and with increasing populations, facilitation by healthcare systems is becoming increasingly strained. Medical businesses face the challenge of rising demand for technologically advanced devices in these markets and ensuring affordable access to all is an ongoing challenge.

Economic Volatility and Uncertainty

The global economy continues to experience a turbulent, challenging and unpredictable environment for businesses in all industries. The post pandemic world brings with it a unique situation to navigate. Whilst agility is key, a strong governance structure helps to ensure decision-makers are empowered to make appropriate and informed decisions. Maintain a strong business model and continuing to operate with economic responsibility of business while maximising profitability.