Latest News
Building an Accessible Future: Trafford Centre’s Legoland Changing Places Toilet
We worked with the team at the Legoland Discovery Centre to install a fully compliant Changing Places Toilet (CPT), which included equipment from the Astor Bannerman’s Changing Places product range.
Accessible, Beautiful and Very Popular: The Deep’s Changing Places Toilet
In 2018 we worked with the team at Hull’s spectacular aquarium The Deep, to install their Changing Places Toilet (CPT).
The fully accessible facility was opened in March of that year, and helped the tourist attraction become one of the most accessible in the UK, winning Gold in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category of the White Rose Awards in 2019.
£30m Funding for Changing Places Toilets: Local Authority Applications Now Open!
The Government has confirmed today that Local Authorities can now apply to opt in to receive a portion of the £30m Government funding pot for new Changing Places toilets in England.
Euston Station opens a new Changing Places Toilet
A Changing Places toilet was opened at London Euston station last week, and Astor Bannerman equipment was used in the new facility.
Two Changing Places Toilets at Wimbledon? ‘You Cannot be Serious’!
This year’s tennis Championships at Wimbledon start this Monday, and in a big win for toilet inclusivity, disabled visitors will have access to two Changing Places toilets on site. Astor Bannerman equipment was used in both accessible toilets, the first installed in 2018, the second the following year.
From Changing Places Toilets to Changing Babies’ Nappies at Worthing Hospital
After working with Worthing Hospital on their nearly-completed Changing Places toilet project, Dan Brice, part of our Changing Places sales team for the South, visited the Maternity Unit with his wife Hayley for a very different reason recently – to give birth to their baby son Albie!
Kate’s Story
It is estimated that 3 in 5 people will be carers at some point in their lives. The vast majority of care in the UK is provided by family and friends, who make up the UK's 6.5 million...
Dementia Action Week – Customers at the heart of our product design
As a leading designer and manufacturer of specialist bathing equipment our customers are at the centre of what we do. This is visible across our whole product range, but especially in products that we have adapted with a specific group in mind. “Our agile, user...
Finsbury Park premieres the New Astor Invincible Changing Table in a first for Changing Places in Public Parks
Astor Bannerman has worked with Haringey Council to install a brand-new Changing Places toilet in Finsbury Park, North London, boosting the accessibility of green space in the borough. It is the also the first installation of the Astor Invincible, a changing table...
Mental Health Awareness Week – How we were affected as a company and the changes we have made
It has been a testing time for everyone over the last 15 months, and as we take this week to reflect on the impact this has had on our customers, we thought we would wrap up the week with a look internally as to how we have been affected and the way we have had to...
National Mental Health Awareness Week – How have you been affected by Covid-19 and the events of the past 15 months?
We caught up with busy mum of three, Heather Phillips to understand how Covid-19 and the restrictions of lock down affected her and her family. Heather is mum to Emily (19), George (15) and Tom (13). “Emily has Cerebral Palsy so at the beginning of the first lockdown...
National Mental Health Awareness Week – How have you been affected by Covid-19 and the events of the past 18 months?
To show our support for National Mental Health Awareness Week we have "downed our tools" and taken time out to catch up with some of our customers to find out how their mental health and the mental health of those around them has been affected by the events of the...
Astor Bannerman donates nearly £70,000 worth of slings to neighbouring charity organisation, National Star
A highlight of our month was to personally deliver our donation of 675 slings to National Star, our neighbouring charity organisation. Making a difference to people’s lives is at the heart of what we do, and to be able to support a local charity at this time was...
Local Councils to Distribute £30m of Funding for New Changing Places Toilets in England
The Government has confirmed today that £30m of funding to increase the number of Changing Places toilets in England will be distributed by local authorities. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a press release today confirming the plan to...
Choosing the right equipment for your Changing Places Toilet
Choosing the correct equipment for your Changing Places Toilet can be tricky. Understanding how your facility is used is the best place to start, and selecting equipment to match these needs is then easy …
Incorporating Therapeutic Design in Hospitals
When considering design, vision and philosophy in a Hospital, thoughts should be centred on achieving the most therapeutic and functional buildings for patients. Specific targets around artwork, the therapeutic...
The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation
The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation: a Publication that outlines the best practice and ideal solutions when considering an inclusive guest environment. Working in an advisory capacity, Astor Bannerman are very pleased to have offered our technical expertise to...
Ceiling Hoist Fixings and Considerations
In the thousands of installations we have completed, we have very rarely come across a project we could not create a fixing solution for. With over 20 years industry experience our specialists can ensure Ceiling Track is installed safely into every...
Why we use an Elephant in our logo
Why do Astor Bannerman love Elephants? At Astor Bannerman an elephant is an integral part of our logo… but why? Is our favourite holiday destination on safari in Africa? Was Dumbo our favourite film when growing up? Did we just think the logo was cute? No! We chose an...
What is LOLER? A simple guide to lifting equipment regulations
Who does LOLER apply to? People who have responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the equipment and it’s use. This includes employers who have responsibility for the health and safety of their staff as well as the condition of the equipment that they use....
A 1st for Changing Places Toilets
The Astor Invincible Changing Table is the first height adjustable changing table designed specifically for use in Changing Places Toilets. The Astor Invincible has been designed to address the very unique requirements of a public toilet & changing venue with...
Tesco raises the profile of the UK’s Changing Place campaign with a national advertising campaign
Tesco has significantly raised the profile of the UK’s Changing Place campaign with national advertising celebrating the installation of 100 Changing Place toilets in its network of stores. Last week the supermarket giant released press and tv advertising highlighting...
Future-proofing a care setting with ceiling hoist tracks
A Gloucestershire based independent care provider has recently completed a 46 bed extension on their care home for clients with dementia and nursing care requirements. Having worked with the contractor on a similar project, Astor Bannerman were recommended to the...
Aveso welcomes Helen to the Marketing Team
Astor Bannerman is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Evans to the position of Changing Places Marketing Executive. Helen will be working within the Aveso team; supporting their mission to increase the availability of Changing Places toilets in the UK and...
Chloe’s 50miles in 30 days for Alzheimer’s Society
Chloe, who is a part of the Astor Bannerman customer service team, is planning to run 50 miles in 30 days to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society after her grandfather sadly passed away just before Christmas. The run will see Chloe having to clock up nearly 5km every...
Astor Bannerman work together with waterways charity Safe Anchor Trust
Astor Bannerman was approached by the charity Safe Anchor Trust to install a changing table in their newly refurbished vessel, the Safe Anchor Lady.
What is an XY Ceiling Hoist System or H Track Ceiling Hoist System?
We often get asked what is an XY Ceiling Hoist System or H Track Ceiling Hoist System? (also known as an XY Overhead Hoist or an XY Hoist). XY or H Frame Systems are the most common means of mounting a Ceiling Hoist. Consisting of two fixed lengths of track running...
Review – Moving and Handling Advisor – Dec 2020
I hear that you are looking to buy a new couch for your pool. I have copied Anthony in. he works for Astor Bannerman and was so helpful when they were making purchasing decisions… he could not have done more. He actually came to our last Link worker event at the Hub…...
100th Tesco Changing Places Registered
Astor Bannerman as part of Aveso has installed 100 Tesco Changing Places Toilets to help those with severe disabilities use toilets safely and comfortably.
The supermarket’s 100th Changing Places toilet was officially opened today, 3rd December, in its Watford Extra store. Changing Places toilets are larger than standard facilities and include special-ist equipment such as an overhead hoist, height adjustable adult-sized changing table, height-adjustable washbasin, centrally placed toilet and privacy screen.
Astor Bannerman takes over the OpeMed brand and UK Operations
Astor Bannerman is delighted to announce with immediate effect, its take over the OpeMed brand and UK operational control. Mark Colebrook, Astor Bannerman MD shared the news: "OpeMed is a very strong ceiling hoist brand with a great reputation in homecare, long-term...
Covid-19 Measures – 2nd Update 2020
Astor-Bannerman remains fully open for business as usual and we intend to remain open as we are essential to supporting the care industry. At Astor-Bannerman we have ensured we have stocks of finished goods so we have sock baths available for Care Homes on short lead...
Covid-19 Update
Covid-19 Measures Astor-Bannerman are working as hard as we can to ensure we can continue to support all of you through this Covid-19 crisis. We are open for business and intend to remain open as we are essential to supporting the care industry. I wrote to you last...
Covid-19
Covid-19 Measures At Astor-Bannerman we are as concerned as the rest of the community about Covid-19 and we are looking to put in place best practices to minimise risk both to our customers and to our staff as we complete our essential works. We have no reported cases...
New Product: Astor Aquba – Height Adjustable Wash Basin
Designed & made in our UK factory, the Astor Aquba is our latest innovation in height adjustable basins. The wash basin is the smallest completely integrated unit on the market, ensuring it is the perfect solution for wheelchair access and ideal for under window...
New Product: Astor Shower Trolley – Height Adjustable
The Astor Shower Trolley is an ideal choice for showering and changing in wet room environments. Designed and manufactured in our UK factory, the shower trolley uses an innovative single actuator lifting system to ensure smooth and quiet height adjustment. This...
Astor Bannerman Provide Accessible Solutions for Peak School
Peak School is a Special School Academy in the North West corner of Derbyshire. It caters for children and young adults (aged between 2 and 19) with a whole range of needs, particularly those with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication...
Astor Bannerman appoint an MD for UK Operations
Astor-Bannerman are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Colebrook to the position of Managing Director of Astor-Bannerman’s UK Operations. Mark brings to Astor-Bannerman over 25 years’ global experience in Engineering and Manufacturing businesses, and...
Astor Bannerman Care – Bath Colour Options!
Astor-Bannerman Care are kicking off the festive season with a range of bath colour options... The Avero Motion, Avero Comfort & Compact Bath (excluding the seat) can be purchased in a range of colours this Christmas. This is an exclusive offer to Astor-Bannerman...
Colour Baths This Christmas
Sales Manager Vacancy – Astor Bannerman Care
Astor-Bannerman are looking for an experienced Sales Manager to join the Astor-Bannerman Care team. If you would like to work for an ethical and compassionate business, this could be the role for you... Astor-Bannerman Care are leading manufactures of equipment used...
What will I see at The OT Show?
The OT Show attracts over 4,500 Occupational Therapists every year, interested in seeing new and innovative products and services designed to support the individuals and families they work with. The show is a two day event held at the NEC in Birmingham. It offers OTs...
Astor on Tour at Kidz to Adultz North
Astor continues her travels and arrives at Kidz to Adultz North to showcase our specialist products and services... After a long trip back from South Korea, Astor has made it to Kidz to Adultz North in Manchester, where she will be helping our Astor-Bannerman team...
Astor on Tour!
The Astor-Bannerman Elephant has gone travelling - how far will she go?! Astor arrived at Astor-Bannerman to celebrate our 25th Anniversary and what a welcome addition she has been to the team. Not only because of her soft fur and cuddly exterior, but because of what...
One week to go until Kidz to Adultz North!
On Thursday 8th November, Astor-Bannerman will be exhibiting at Kidz to Adultz North, an event dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs. Kidz to Adultz North is a FREE event held at EventCity in Manchester, open from 9:30am-4:30pm....
Special Olympics Gloucestershire Taster Day 2018
Today was the Special Olympics Gloucestershire Taster Day, an event encouraging people with physical and learning disabilities to get active. Astor-Bannerman showed our support for the event and went along to cheer on the wonderful competitors and families. The event...
Astor Bannerman at the AccessAbility Exhibition
On Thursday 18th October, Astor-Bannerman showcased our products and services at the AccessAbility Exhibition in Leeds. The AccessAbility Exhibition is hosted by the William Merritt Centre - a charity whose ethos revolves around 'Enabling Greater Independence' for...
‘Bake a Difference’ for MDUK
On Thursday 11th October Astor-Bannerman will be 'baking a difference' to raise money for MDUK. Muscular Dystophy UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals, families and professionals coping with muscle-wasting conditions. MDUK was founded in 1959 and has...
2018 NHS in the North Excellence in Supply Awards
Astor-Bannerman were delighted to be shortlisted as finalists at the 2018 NHS in the North Excellence in Supply Awards. In its 7th year, the awards celebrate the amazing achievements of procurement teams and suppliers to drive value, efficiency and improve patient...
Visit us at Kidz to Adultz North – Stand C8
On Thursday 8th November, Astor-Bannerman will be heading to Manchester for the Kidz to Adultz North Exhibition. Come along, meet the team and get a chance to see our new CTX Changing and Showering Table up close, along with many other items in our range. And of...
Astor-Bannerman at AccessAbility Exhibition LEEDS
On 18th October Astor-Bannerman will be exhibiting at the AccessAbility Exhibition in the Centenary Pavillion, Elland Road, Leeds. Come and meet the team and preview some of our key products, including our newly launched CTX height adjustable changing and showering...