About Able Move
Why Able Move
The lightbulb moment…
Back in the summer of 2017 in Tenerife, sat by the pool staring into the sun, thinking about his ‘Why’ (google Simon Sinek – start with the why), the realisation of the problems getting on and off the plane when going abroad with a physical reduced mobility could partly be solved. So in February 2018 after 5 months of research and initial development, Josh found his ‘Why’ and founded Able Move Ltd.
The journey of able move so far
Research, Design, Prototype, Patent, Trademark…
After countless hours of research, looking at the existing products on the market, building a solution to suit as many people as possible, whilst being confined to airline measurements and requirements, special assistance, invention and brand protection – it has all taken its time over the last year, but we are finally here with a vision, a brand and product that represents those with physical disabilities within the aviation industry.
What next for Able Move
A 5 year plan and the end vision…
Over the next 5 years, Able Move will be looking to broaden its product range, catering for more specific needs. Whilst building a good customer base in the UK and working in parallel with airports, special assistance, charities, disabled travel agents and various other channels to help build education and awareness. We shall be pushing to build a bigger customer base in the European, American and Australia/New Zealand regions.
The vision of Able Move is simple:
“To be globally recognised within the Aviation industry and become the market leader for providing personal transferring solutions to people with physical reduced mobility by ensuring safety dignity and comfort.”
MEET OUR SMALL TEAM
Josh Wintersgill
Founder and Director
Founding Able Move Ltd, knowing we have created a product that will make a significant impact and in some cases a life changing impact to people flying with a physical reduced mobility is very surreal – I cannot wait to hear peoples feedback.
We will be looking to develop variations of the Able Move in the near future to suit varying needs, including a variety of different accessories. We will be driving the business hard globally over the comings years to reach as many physically reduced disabled people as possible – so please follow us on social media.
Interesting Fact: Not only an aspiring entrepreneur, I am very close to getting onto the GB Paralympic Talent Squad for Air Rifle and for some, sadly I am a Manchester United fan!
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
Charlotte Findlay
Co-founder and Marketing Director
As soon as Josh approached me about Able Move, explaining the problems faced with flying, the solution and his long term vision, I knew I had to be a part of it.
Being a passionate traveller myself and being fortunate enough to explore some fantastic places. Knowing some people choose not fly because of the difficulties in transferring on and off aircraft, inspires me to make sure Able Move is a success.
The company is young, the journey already has been very exciting and it’s just the beginning! Over the next few years, I will be helping Josh drive the UK business whilst supporting his long term strategy of broadening across Europe, Australia, America and further a field. I hope you join us on this journey and keep up to date with our developments and we hope to see you at events in the future.
Interesting Fact: I am a Scuba Diver and I am going to brave the cold British seas to further my training. My top animal spots are a massive Manta Ray and, oddly, a Prawn!
“You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.” Winnie-the-Pooh
Josh's Personal Journey Until Now
1993
Josh, born on July 19th 1993 was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy – Type 3 at 18 months old. SMA is a progressive muscular wastage condition effecting every muscle in the body. Josh was significantly struggling physically the age of 6, and by the age of 9 he became reliant upon his chair on a daily basis.
2002
Getting older with SMA had its challenges for Josh but never phased him to integrate with his friends taking part in football matches, to table tennis and even swimming every morning before school – living with SMA requires regular exercise, almost daily.
2009
Before 2009 came around, Josh decided at the age of 13 to undergo a major back operation to correct a 90% curvature of the spine, which is very common with SMA. After a full recovery Josh was back to school within 3 weeks which should have been a 2 month recovery. Josh left school with 6 GCSE’s at C grade and above.
2011
After school, Josh went to college and studied IT software development, getting DDD*, equivalent to 3 A* at A-level grade. This lead to a huge decision at 18 to leave home and go and attend university. For those who are reliant upon your parents to care for you to then using an agency after 18 years is daunting!
2015 to now…
As part of Josh’s degree in IT management and business, he won an award for Excellent Contribution out of 500 students across the UK, he also successfully took a years industrial work placement with Hewlett Packard. On return Josh completed his degree with 1st Class honours and now works full time as a UK Cyber Security Coordination manager whilst running Able Move.