Our second annual Sustainability Report has been designed to provide a comprehensive overview of our performance, challenges, and initiatives as we work towards achieving our long-term ESG goals.

Available to download now, the report focuses on our organisation’s sustainability strategy and governance, sustainable procurement and fair business practices, as well as detailed information about how we work hard across the Group to make life better for our people, the planet and our local communities.

The AKW Holdings Group remains focused on continuous improvement to ensure our business can be as sustainable as possible, with the publication of this year’s report reaffirming the strength of our sustainability management system and dedication to promoting transparency and responsibility throughout our value chain.

To learn more about our sustainability efforts throughout 2025, download our latest Sustainability Report, or for more information, including recent volunteering projects or fundraising, please visit the dedicated ESG area of our website.

The post AKW Publish 2025 Sustainability Report appeared first on AKW.

AKW is proud to announce our new partnership with The Occupational Therapy Service to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end clinical and technical solution for housing adaptations – the Clinical Adaptation Service.

This partnership is unique in the marketplace, combining independent occupational therapy expertise with AKW’s market-leading design, manufacturing, surveying and supply capability to deliver better outcomes for residents, improved value for money, and reduced pressure on statutory therapy services.

One Integrated Pathway. Better Outcomes.

Housing providers and local authorities can now access occupational therapy assessments, adaptation specifications, surveying, quotation, and materials supplied through a single coordinated visit, led by AKW in conjunction with The Occupational Therapy Service.

This integrated model removes fragmentation, shortens timescales, and ensures adaptations are clinically appropriate, technically accurate, and built to last.

Watch the video below to learn more…

What the Partnership Delivers

For Housing Providers… A single point of accountability from assessment to specification and supply, with faster turnaround times compared to fragmented referral pathways. Reduced abortive works and re-adaptations, improved resident satisfaction and tenancy sustainment, and long-term asset protection through high-quality, standardised solutions

For Local Authorities… No impact on statutory OT resources with assessments delivered independently to support your existing service, helping to reduce waiting lists and backlog pressures. Clinically robust recommendations supporting DFG and capital decisions, improved compliance, auditability and defensibility of decisions, and scalable solution for planned programmes and reactive cases.

Better Value for Money… By integrating clinical assessment with technical design and supply, duplication is eliminated, errors and mis-specification are reduced, adaptations last longer and perform better, and total lifecycle costs are lowered.
This partnership focuses on doing it right first time, delivering sustainable adaptations that meet residents’ needs today and in the future.

Long-Term Positive Outcomes for Residents… Giving them greater independence and safety at home, with a reduced risk of falls and hospital admissions. Homes that adapt as needs change, and improved wellbeing, dignity and quality of life.

Why This Partnership is Different

Unlike traditional models where clinical advice, surveying and supply sit in isolation, The Occupational Therapy Service and AKW partnership provides a joined-up, clinically led solution – purpose-built for housing providers and commissioners.

One pathway. One standard. One outcome: better homes that truly work for residents.

Find out more about the Clinical Adaptation Service; if you would like to discuss this further with your local AKW representative, please get in touch via our Contact form, or call us on 01905 823 298.

The post AKW Partner with The Occupational Therapy Service to Launch Clinical Adaptation Service appeared first on AKW.

An Eggs-tra Special Easter at Astley Hall Care Home

AKW volunteers Sara and Demi spent a day at supporting staff at Astley Hall Care Home in Stourport-on-Severn, who had invited local nursery children to celebrate Easter with the residents.

After taking part in an Easter egg hunt, the residents and children exchanged greetings cards and spent some time completing festive activity packs, before the children gave a performance of Easter themed songs, for which they were rewarded with crocheted bunnies filled with chocolate!

Sara, whose mother is a resident, said: “Yesterday was very rewarding, the Easter egg hunt created a priceless intergenerational bond between the residents and children, bringing joy and excitement to all!”

Supporting CHaL’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Haven House

Stuart, Vince, Michael and Craig from the AKW Sales team volunteered at Haven House in Woodford Green, London, where they assisted the Children’s Hospices Across London (CHaL) team with preparations ahead of their annual Easter egg hunt, which 400 children were expected to attend the following day.

The volunteers helped with the set-up of gazebos, tables and chairs which had to be taken out of winter storage, cleaned and then placed around the grounds. They then swept leaves and cleared any debris from the nature trail that may have impeded wheelchair access, and prepared 500 Easter eggs ready to be given out to children at the event.

Annual Easter Egg Appeal & Charity Fundraiser

The annual AKW and DLP Easter egg appeal has enabled us to donate 1,182 Easter eggs to 13 different charities, foodbanks, care providers and hospitals over the last five years.

This year, 82 eggs were collected and donated to Worcester Snoezelen, a sensory leisure therapy centre, and Middlewich & District Foodbank. In addition, an internal raffle was held to fundraise in aid of Acorn’s Children’s Hospice in Worcester.

This successfully raised £325.00, which will support the ongoing care of young people at the hospice, in lieu of chocolate eggs, as many children have highly complex care needs, including special dietary restrictions and the inability to be fed orally.

The post AKW Colleagues’ Egg-cellent Efforts to Celebrate Easter in the Community appeared first on AKW.

In our latest guide, Successful Electric Shower Specification & Installation, we identify the key challenges with installing electric showers for electricians, and highlight how many of these can be avoided by the specifier – whether that’s the installer or social landlord – if the right showers are selected.

We also provide an overview of how the in-house team of design engineers at AKW have overcome many of these problems, cost-effectively by using good design.

You can view and download the guide here, with a variety of supporting digital resources available for free on the AKW Technical Hub.

AKW New Generation Electric Showers

Our range of new generation electric showers includes solutions for commercial and residential bathrooms, with care and non-thermostatic options available to choose from.

AKW electric showers are designed for ease of use, with features including contrasting colours, soft-touch controls, LED display and remote operation – which have been considered with the client or resident’s needs in mind.

Every aspect of their design is also intended to simplify installation, from offering multiple water and electrical connection points, to ensuring wireless compatibility with our waste pumps. All have been carefully chosen to keep costs and inconvenience to an absolute minimum, while incorporating the latest water and energy-saving features.

Browse our range of electric showers in our latest brochure.

Information at Your Fingertips: AKW Technical Hub

Designed to support installers, technical experts and specifiers, the Technical Hub is home to a collection of useful resources for a selection of our products that can require a little extra know-how, including our range of electric showers, waste pumps and the AKW Bidet.

All of the resources are free and available to view and download on the hub, which is accessible via the AKW website, and includes specification sheets, brochures, troubleshooting and informative videos, as well as installation and user guides.

Visit the AKW Technical Hub here.

The post AKW Launch Guide to Successful Electric Shower Specification & Installation appeared first on AKW.

What she witnessed throughout the day was not only the generosity of strangers, but also the dedication and organisation behind an operation that supports countless families during times of vulnerability. Helen’s account below, kindly written in her own words, details her experience volunteering at the foodbank.

A Morning of Generosity at Waitrose

The day began with a food drive at Waitrose, where three volunteers, including myself, stood at the entrance wearing foodbank branded bibs and handed out shopping lists of specifically requested items. We explained to shoppers that we were supporting the foodbank and why these items were being requested. These lists are thoughtfully curated by the foodbank to reflect the products urgently needed, ensuring that every donation can directly support the people who rely on the service.

Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, shoppers were incredibly generous. Many returned to us with the requested items, demonstrating both empathy and a shared understanding of how difficult life has become for many households. A donation bucket was also available, and this too received steady contributions throughout the morning.

From Store to Shelter: The Journey of a Donation

As donations came in, volunteers carefully packed items into crates, which were then transported to a waiting van. This is no small task, the crates are heavy and require considerable manual handling. Once at the foodbank, the real logistical work begins.

Each crate is weighed on arrival before every item is removed, checked and labelled. Volunteers write the expiry dates clearly on the top/front of each product, and from there, items are organised systematically on shelves, arranged in date order so that those with the earliest expiry dates can be used first.

It was fascinating to see how coordinated and precise this process is – nothing is left to chance, and every volunteer knows exactly how to maintain the system.

Packing Food Parcels: Care, Precision & Purpose

One of the highlights of the day for me was helping to pack food parcels. I was handed a list with specific items and exact quantities required for each parcel. While the contents varied, some of the items I handled included tinned ham, baked beans, tuna, pasta, breadsticks, biscuits, sandwich spread, squash and hot chocolate.

The foodbank complements these non perishable items with fresh food ordered separately from supermarkets, ensuring families receive a balanced and supportive package of essentials. With the Easter holidays approaching, the demand for parcels is increasing. Families with food vouchers – assessed on their individual circumstances – will soon receive these carefully packed parcels, each one representing a lifeline during a period of need.

Meeting the People Behind the Mission

Throughout the day, I had the chance to speak with several of the volunteers; their commitment, compassion, and sense of community were inspiring. The foodbank relies on approximately 150 volunteers working at different times, each playing a crucial role in sorting, packing, delivering and supporting the overall operation. Without them, this service simply would not be able to function.

The importance of donations was highlighted again when a small group of pupils from a local school arrived to give items they had collected through their own fundraising efforts. Their contribution was gratefully received and served as another reminder that support can come from anywhere, including the youngest members of our community.

Ongoing Needs & Future Support

While the donations on the day were strong, the foodbank still faces regular shortages. Recently, the items most needed include tinned meats in gravy, tinned vegetables, rice pudding and custard. These staples are essential for creating balanced food parcels and the foodbank welcomes any ongoing support to help fill these gaps.

A Personal Reflection & Look Ahead

Volunteering gave me invaluable insight into how quickly circumstances can change for individuals and families. Loss of employment, bereavement, ill health, any of these can force people who never imagined needing assistance to seek support from a foodbank. My day spent volunteering made that reality very clear.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and left with a deep appreciation for the volunteers who make this service possible. Their warmth, dedication and teamwork were inspiring, and I feel strongly that we, as an organisation, must continue to support our local foodbanks and the communities they serve.

How Volunteering Makes a Real Impact

Helen spent six hours volunteering with the foodbank team, for which she was paid as usual, like any other typical working day, without the need to take annual leave or use her spare time at the weekend to give back to a cause in her local community.

She was able to do this thanks to the AKW Helping Hands Volunteering Scheme which was launched in 2022 and encourages colleagues across the AKW Group to volunteer at least once a year as part of their employment.

300 paid volunteering days are available annually, which enable colleagues to get involved with a variety of community focused projects.
While supporting the Stratford-Upon-Avon Foodbank, Helen helped to weigh, date and store 29 crates of food and household provisions – enough to feed 47 people!

She also helped bring in 527.23kg of food and £88 worth of cash donations from the supermarket, and made up 5 lunch hampers which will help to feed 20 children during the Easter holidays. A huge well done to Helen, thank you for your efforts!

Learn more about our latest volunteering and social value projects here.

The post AKW’s Helen Gascoyne-Davies: My Experience Volunteering at a Foodbank appeared first on AKW.

As an organisation, we’re invested in identifying and developing talent to ensure we have the right people in the right roles. We also know that our continued success relies on developing the next generation who can fill leadership and business critical positions in the future.

In September 2025, we invited 16 colleagues from across the AKW Holdings Group to take part in the Future Leaders training programme. The twelve-month programme been designed to support our colleagues’ growth, strengthen their leadership skills, and help them continue to develop within our business.

Eight (50%) of the colleagues enrolled in the programme are women occupying roles in various departments including Human Resources, Finance, Customer Services and Marketing.

Charlotte Treverton-Jones, Aureline Hellin, Julia Marino, Lucy Taylor, Laura Corrall, Lauren Jones, Christine Vahine and Lena Njuguna are now six months into the programme which involves monthly training sessions designed to fit around existing work commitments and is set to conclude in September 2026.

HR Business Partner Charlotte Treverton-Jones, said this of her experience so far: “The decision to include me on the Future Leaders course came as a complete surprise and I felt really pleased that my potential had been recognised. The course content so far encouraged the development of my leadership skills and it has been an excellent way to develop internal relationships with colleagues across the Group.”

To commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, we’re proudly celebrating the women enrolled on the AKW Future Leaders training programme. In the short video, you can see our fantastic colleagues as young girls – girls who we’re sure would be incredibly proud of the women they have since grown up to be.

Since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has fallen annually on 8th March and is a global day which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

The post International Women’s Day 2026: AKW Celebrates Its Future Leaders appeared first on AKW.

The grab rails have since been given to Citizen’s Maintenance Operations Team to install in homes of local residents who need it.

One individual who has benefitted from the donation is Ann Dodd, who had them installed in her bathroom and at the front and back of her home. Ann said: “I am ever so pleased with them, especially the ones in the bathroom – it’s made a huge difference in helping me get in and out of the shower. I had an extra step put in the back garden and the grab rails were also put in which help me when I’m using the steps.”

Head of Property Services at Citizen, Richard Podmore said: “Thank you so much to AKW for this donation. By installing grab rails and other aids and adaptations like this, our customers will be able to continue to enjoy their homes and stay living in them for longer. This donation helps us to provide more adaptations to other customers at the same cost – meaning we can provide some extra help to customers who need extra support.

“We’re so grateful to AKW for this donation which will have a huge impact on our customers. We work with our partners to make a positive difference to our customers and communities and AKW are helping us to achieve this.”

AKW Sustainability Manager, Lauren Jones said: “We’re really pleased to be able to support this. Social value isn’t a ‘nice to have’ for us – it’s part of how we work day to day. Being able to use our products in a practical way that helps people stay safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes is what really matters to us. Working with partners like this means we can make a genuine difference in the communities we serve.”

Find out more about our recent ESG efforts and product donations.

The post AKW Support Citizen Housing with Donation of 300 Grab Rails appeared first on AKW.

Part of the AKW Bidet Collection, the Rise & Fall Bidet offers a contemporary and flexible wash/dry toileting solution, which addresses a variety of clinical needs while promoting the retention or increase of independence and dignity.

Featuring a wall-hung bidet which benefits from an adjustable height range, easy-to-use up/down buttons and weight-loading fold-up arms, the Rise & Fall Bidet is suitable for individuals of different heights, ages and needs, and comes with a 5-year warranty as standard.

Since it’s initial launch in 2022, we’ve been gathering invaluable feedback from specifiers, installers and individuals alike, which has enabled us to deliver a new and improved Rise & Fall Bidet in early 2026.

The new model now benefits from buttons on both left and right arms that allow the individual to adjust the height of the toilet pan at their discretion. This offers greater flexibility and will help to support people who have limited dexterity, may be living with conditions such as arthritis, or could be recovering from a stroke.

The arms themselves are now supplied in a stylish dark grey finish which greater complements the aesthetic finish of the cistern unit. In addition, there are now two separate glass panels on the front of the cistern unit, with the upper panel easily removed to allow installers to access the cistern.

Learn more about the new and improved Rise & Fall Bidet and the wider AKW Bidet Collection by downloading our digital brochure.

The post AKW Launch New & Improved Rise & Fall Bidet appeared first on AKW.

The move follows several years of strong and sustained business growth and forms a key part of AKW’s strategy to accelerate future expansion. The company has secured a 170,000sq ft modern, purpose-built facility, designed to meet both current operational needs, and long-term growth ambitions.

The new facility has been designed with sustainability at its core and boasts a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. Incorporating low-carbon technologies, high-efficiency building materials and renewable energy generation, the development will significantly reduce carbon consumption, carbon emissions and water usage, supporting AKW’s long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

John Carlisle, Director of Operations at AKW, says:

“Our new facility will enable us to bring AKW’s UK head office, warehousing and distribution under one roof and is equipped with the latest technology to benefit our customers and provide a state-of-the-art work environment for our team. We will continue to remain firmly rooted in Droitwich Spa but closer to the A38, just off the M5, with easy access to a great road network. The main additional benefit to the business is that this larger footprint allows us to move ahead with our planned growth.”

A New Partnership with Uniserve

As part of this transition, AKW has entered into a strategic partnership with Uniserve, the UK’s largest privately owned logistics and global trade management business. Under the partnership, Uniserve will take responsibility for warehousing operations at the new site, enabling AKW to make the most effective use of the expanded facility whilst supporting demand across the business.

The partnership represents a significant step forward for AKW, bringing together two organisations with shared ambitions around operational excellence, scalability and sustainable logistics. By working with Uniserve, AKW will benefit from enhanced warehouse capacity while continuing to focus on its core expertise and customer service.

Relocation will take place on a phased basis, with the first phase focusing on logistics and warehouse operations, expected to be completed by mid-2026. Planning for the relocation of office-based functions will follow as part of the wider move.

The post AKW Announces Relocation to New Droitwich Facility to Support Continued Business Growth appeared first on AKW.

Launched in 2022, Helping Hands encourages colleagues across AKW and DLP to get involved with local charities and good causes by volunteering during their working day.

300 paid volunteering days are available across each calendar year – approximately 1-2 per colleague – which enable employees to get out into their local area and support people who need it most.

In 2025, 93 days were spent volunteering across the business, at a cost of £13,771.32, with more than 35 charities and causes supported through our teams’ participation.

Some of the projects we were lucky enough to get involved with included conducting emergency repairs at Curragh’s Wildlife Park on the Isle of Man, sorting charity shop donations at St Richard’s Hospice and Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, and caring for rescue ponies at Spirit of the Herd pony sanctuary.

The winners of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year awards were announced in December, with James Randle, Demi Whyte and Allison Du Toit each receiving an online shopping voucher for their efforts.

In May, Product Data Planner, James, joined several other AKW colleagues and volunteers from Sanctuary Housing and OCM to help Worcester Snoezelen redecorate their portacabins. The team spent their day sanding, prepping, priming and painting at the Worcester-based leisure therapy centre who offer a range of person-centred multisensory activities that empower, bring joy and help members make choices and communicate through alternative means.

July saw Customer Support Services Administration Assistant, Demi, visit The Animal Pantry in Redditch, who work hard to enhance quality of life for people of all abilities through engaging in therapeutic activities with animals. Demi joined three other AKW colleagues and assisted the staff with completing a few DIY tasks, as well as helping to feed the animals, muck out and clean the pens.

Throughout the summer, Procurement Team Lead, Allison, lead a 6-week dance and exercise class at Waverley Court retirement complex in Douglas on the Isle of Man. The sessions aimed to get residents up and moving to promote a ‘move it or lose it’ attitude; they were a huge success with more residents signing up after each class!

Congratulations to all our winners; and thank you to our colleagues who volunteered in 2025, as well as everyone in our communities who facilitated the fantastic projects we were able to get involved with.

For more information on the Helping Hands Volunteering Scheme, or our efforts to become a more sustainable business, please visit the ESG area of our website.

The post AKW & DLP Announce Winners of Volunteer of the Year 2025 appeared first on AKW.