Recare's Richard Holland-Oakes wins BHTA Lifetime Service Award

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Representing over 400 companies in the healthcare and assistive technology industry, the BHTA supports its members to help ensure end users receive the highest product and service quality. Members must also adhere to the association’s Trading Standards Institute Code of Practice. Led by Richard, Recare remains a long-standing and proactive advocate of the BHTA. In addition to this industry leadership, Richard has provided life-changing support to people with disabilities for over 45 years. Furthermore, Richard's achievements have been officially recognised by the BHTA with the Lifetime Service Award.

Presented at the BHTA Awards Dinner held at the prestigious Birmingham Grand Hotel, Richard beat several other shortlisted candidates. Therefore, he took the title and trophy back to his headquarters in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire. On receiving the award, Richard said:

“I would like to say a big thank you to the BHTA for putting on such a great event last Friday, it was second to none. Winning the Lifetime Service Award was mind blowing as I feel that all the shortlisted finalists deserved to be standing up on the stage with me. It is a great honour for my work to be recognised; however, it has been a team effort and I thank all my colleagues, associates, family and friends who have supported me over the years. Only through their dedication and hard work have I been able to enable so many people with disabilities. 2025 promises even more opportunities to change peoples' lives and my passion for what I do is now stronger than ever before.”

The Lifetime Service Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those whose lifelong dedication has made a tangible and lasting difference in the field of healthcare and assistive technology.  Richard was nominated by one of his old international colleagues. Namely, Kevin J. Harney of Harney Global Associates Ltd. In his pitch to the BHTA, Kevin said:

“Richard's influence and input across the whole mobility sector, ultimately for the benefit of end users, has been significant. His passion for change and enhancing disabled peoples' lives has not waivered for 45 years. From 1980, when he made prosthetic legs for the legendry WW2 RAF ace Douglas Bader, through to today's leadership of Recare, Richard's passion continues to shine through. If you have ever met Richard, or meet him in the future, you cannot fail to be inspired by his dedication and warm-hearted approach to helping everyone thrive irrespective of their abilities.“

“He fully respects all the professionals he has worked alongside who have given him a level of expertise and knowledge that, in my opinion, must be unique in today's modern industry. He is also highly respected by other healthcare professionals because he truly cares and delivers solutions which enhance disabled people’s lives. Add to this his love of motorsport and engineering, Richard is the 'complete package.' A true trailblazing professional that we could all benefit from emulating within our work. As Richard is fully aware that he is entering the latter stages of his career, he continues to pass on his experience and guidance to future generations, helping to secure a legacy of compassion, understanding and engineering excellence. His values run deep."