At the end of this month, our Managing Director David Griffiths steps down from the role he has held for more than 15 years to take more time for himself and his family. Leaving a business he has been committed to for more than two decades, however, is fortunately not in his game plan, and his colleagues and friends are all delighted he will continue to play a part in the growth and development of Medequip into the future.
It seems an appropriate time to look back on his significant achievements over the years, and to give Medequip people the chance to express their admiration and appreciation of this popular, unassuming and highly respected human being.
David joined Medequip in 2008 as Commercial and Operations Director, taking up the reins as Managing Director in 2011. For almost two decades, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Medequip into the UK's leading provider of Community Equipment Services and Technology Enabled Care solutions.
The figures speak for themselves. Under David’s leadership, Medequip has grown tenfold, with turnover increasing from £38 million to £380 million, the number of contracts served expanding from 12 to 50, and a workforce which has grown from 200 to more than 1,800 colleagues. It is also important to mention that this sustained growth has been achieved whilst maintaining a strong focus on service quality, regulatory compliance, and innovation.
But David’s role and how he is perceived goes so much further than the numbers quoted above. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and fostering a culture centred on partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Through close collaboration with Local Authorities, NHS organisations, Commissioners, Clinicians and voluntary sector partners, David has passionately championed the development of fully integrated, person-centred services that respond to the increasingly complex needs of health and social care systems, enhance the lives of the people who rely on them every day, and help people to remain independent in the place they call home.
Here, his colleagues from within Medequip and the world of community equipment services pay tribute to a man who has dedicated himself to building and enhancing services helping people to live independently, and achieved giant steps forward in improving service quality.
James Ibbotson, CEO, Medux UK
“Never in my entire working career have I come across anyone with higher standards of dedication, knowledge, commitment and passion for our sector. He is quite literally off the scale. We have worked side by side since 2013, and I honestly believe if you could cut David in half, he would be like a stick of rock with Medequip written right through him. I am more than delighted that he is continuing his involvement with the business, that all his experience, knowledge and compassion won’t be lost to Medequip, and that we will all continue to benefit from his excellent guidance and calm philosophy.”
Andy Phillips, Head of Business Development, Medequip
“I never fail to remind David that myself and my esteemed late colleague Chris Ball played a pivotal role in helping him secure his first position at Medequip as Operations Director. During the interview process, we were requested by the incumbent board of directors to spend time with the two final candidates and give our opinion on the best one for the job. The first candidate spent a lot of time telling us what he could do, whereas David was far more interested in what we did and how he could help – an involved approach which has been borne out in spades over almost two decades ever since. This is very much the measure of the man, who has always taken time to listen to the people who do the work and shown a keen interest in every opinion. For me, David has always been there to support with issues arising or to use his skills to simply make those issues go away. He is ultimately capable of garnering that amount of faith from people, and I will always value the years we have spent as colleagues and friends.”
Michaela Harris, General Manager, Medequip South West and Suffolk
“I will always be grateful for the immense support David has afforded me personally, championing a mentorship to support my career development. David has proved an excellent calming influence, and we have been exceptionally proud to celebrate our new business wins together – in particular Suffolk and Cornwall where I feel I had the opportunity to turn the tables and be the calming factor! Discovering we shared a fear of heights when the Bedford roof flooded and neither of us could go up the ladder on site, however, has definitely been overshadowed by his awesome dance moves! I look forward to continuing to collaborate with David on new projects into the future.”
Davina McGovern, Depot Administrator, Medequip Heathrow
“David is one of those rare people you can talk to about anything, and I know it is an approach he adopts with everyone – he gives everyone a platform to be listened to and always makes you feel your opinion is valid. He takes a keen interest in every aspect of the business, checking in with staff at all levels, and whether it’s work or a more personal chat, he always gives us total engagement. David, you are a gentleman and an absolute diamond – your corduroy trousers will be missed by all of us!”
Laura Rawlings, Business Development Manager, Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
“David, as you begin to enjoy some time for yourself, I do hope you look back with real pride in what you have created. Medequip will continue its next chapter well placed, knowing your legacy runs through it.
“I am sure you already know this, but Medequip wouldn't be where it is today without your dedication, wise words and your commitment to the people around you. From a commissioner's perspective, you have always been respected and someone worth listening to, and that is not something easily replaced.”
NAEP will not be the same without you, and I hope you stay connected where you can. Enjoy every moment of what comes next, and you never know, you may even now get time to watch the occasional Newcastle United game.”
Julie Edwards, Senior Commissioner, Community Equipment Services (Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes)
“I know how thrilled you were when you won the BLMK contract, as Bedfordshire is your home. Working with you (and the rest of the team) has been an absolute pleasure in both the implementation stages and the last two years of the live contract. You have always been approachable – but I have learnt that any quick chats in your office have never been quick! Your dedication to the CES world and the residents of BLMK has always shone through.”
Mark Rance, ICES Contract Manager, Kirklees Council
“Wishing you all the very best for your retirement, David. It’s been a genuine pleasure working with you - and crossing swords from time to time! Your steadiness and clarity have always made the difference. You’ll be missed.”
Roger Glithero, ICELS Partnership Manager, Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
“Having worked with David for 11 years, it is clear he is a master of smooth and shmooze, however, it has been good to have ruffled his feathers occasionally! That aside, it has been good to have a good working relationship in a difficult sector, especially over the past few years. Enjoy the extra few days!”
David, Medequip is honoured to have had you at the helm for so many years and will continue to enjoy your involvement and good counsel into the future.