Advertorial: Audenshaw family business still rolling after nearly 70 years

Tucked away on Droylsden Road near the Snipe Retail Park is a business that has quietly supported thousands of local people for nearly seven decades.

The Wheelchair Centre, run by husband-and-wife team Peter and Christine, has been part of the community since 1957, and the couple show no sign of slowing down.

The story of the business began with Peter’s father, who originally ran a shop called the Gramophone and Radio Lounge selling early radios, televisions and record players. A manager who had previously worked for a wheelchair company suggested stocking mobility equipment – and the idea took off.

The shop itself has an interesting past. The current site on Droylsden Road was once a chemist before being destroyed by fire and rebuilt. Peter moved the business there in the early 1970s as the radio and television trade began to decline.

“I didn’t like the way that industry was going,” Peter says. “In the end it just discounted itself to death, so we focused on mobility equipment instead.”

The timing proved ideal. The 1970s saw what Peter calls the “mobility revolution” – the arrival of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that transformed independence for many people.

“Fifty years ago, most wheelchairs were very basic and hand-driven,” he explains. “The biggest change has been electrification. Scooters and electric chairs opened up a whole new world.”

Christine joined the business in the 1980s and quickly became an essential part of the team.

“My accountant told me she’d be an asset to the business,” Peter laughs. “And he was right.”

The couple have worked side-by-side ever since. “People ask how we run a business together and still get on,” Christine says with a smile. “We just talk things through.”

Now 87, Peter is still working full time and says staying active is key.

“I once read that two big risks for people over 60 are a bad fall or retirement,” he says. “I’ve seen friends retire and lose their purpose.”

The business has also seen huge changes in technology and pricing. In 1957 the most expensive wheelchair they sold cost just £2.17.

“You could have it in red or blue,” Peter laughs.

Today, mobility equipment ranges from simple aids to advanced electric chairs costing up to £10,000 depending on features and customisation. Arthritis remains the most common reason customers visit the shop.

Despite the growth of online retailers and national chains, Peter believes independent specialists still offer something unique.

They are particularly proud of their dedicated team and in house service department run by service manager Neil who has been part of the team for twenty years.

“So many people come in and say they never knew this place was here,” he says. “Then they see what we do and they’re amazed.”

The Wheelchair Centre sells, services and hires mobility equipment and continues to support local hospitals, charities and community organisations.

“We’ve got analogue minds in a digital world,” Peter says with a grin. “But we’re still enthusiastic – and as long as people need us, we’ll be here.”

The Wheelchair Centre hires mobility aids as well as sells and services them. For more information visit: Home | The Wheel Chair Centre