Building capacity for better postural care – A look back at 2025
Building capacity for better postural care – A look back at 2025
By Steve Doble, Business Development Manager
2025 has been a year of continued growth, investment and consolidation for Active Design. The focus throughout has remained on strengthening our capability to design, manufacture and support high quality postural seating for services across the UK. The move to our new state-of-the art 20,000 sq ft. factory with clinic room has been key to us achieving this.
This year saw major investment in technology. The introduction of a new ERP system has streamlined production and improved workflow from order through to delivery. We also upgraded our CAD, CAM and scanning systems, enhancing the precision and efficiency of our MAPS carved foam process.
A further milestone was the installation of robotic carving technology, which has increased capacity, consistency and throughput for carved foam seating.
Our team grew by more than thirty percent this year, across engineering, clinical support, production and operations. This investment in people has strengthened resilience across the organisation and allows us to offer a more responsive service to clinics, wheelchair services, and the customers.
Product development has continued across several areas. The Neo Wheelbase has benefited from ongoing engineering improvements including wheel, brake and backrest updates. We have also expanded and improved the Actiflex range of postural support harnesses and lap straps, and published updated guidance to support clinical prescription. Hybrid seating systems have been developed further to provide clinicians with more flexible configuration options, and we have reintroduced the Chailey Lying Support to ensure continued access to essential postural management equipment.
In parallel with these developments, we launched a refreshed website to support clearer navigation and better access to product information. Our LinkedIn activity has also increased significantly, providing more regular updates and insights into our work, our equipment and our approach to clinical partnership.
Education and training have remained important themes throughout the year. We launched our new course, Essential Principles and Practical Skills for Effective Seating Prescription, which received strong interest and positive feedback from clinicians and rehabilitation engineers. We also hosted the National RESMAG Committee meeting and the West Midlands Rehab Engineering group at our Birmingham facility, providing an opportunity to share updates, gather feedback and continue strengthening professional relationships.
Community engagement has been another highlight, with the sponsorship of Team Ladybugs and Boccia UK, supporting athletes and Paralympians who rely on effective posture and mobility to participate in their fully inclusive sport.
As we look ahead to 2026, these investments in technology, people and product development place us in a strong position to continue supporting clinicians and services with reliable, clinically driven postural seating solutions.
