Warrington Disability Partnership

What Warrington Disability Partnership does

Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is a UK-registered user-led charity (Charity No. 1113597), founded in 1991 and headquartered at the Centre for Independent Living in Warrington, delivering 27 mobility and independent living services to disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, carers, employers, and statutory bodies across Warrington, Liverpool, and North Wales. Its service portfolio spans the Centre for Independent Living flagship facility (refurbished in 2010 for over £1.4 million), Shopmobility with 50+ scooters and wheelchairs, a hire fleet of 300+ wheelchairs, the Smart Flat assistive technology showroom, a mobility workshop, an IT training suite, an accessible caravan in North Wales, and the newly launched (May 2026) Wizard II – John B accessible canal boat. WDP also runs the annually held Disability Awareness Day — the world's largest voluntary-led pan-disability event — which attracts nearly 24,000 visitors and 200+ exhibitors, plus employment support, energy efficiency advice, direct payments and payroll services, business support (Disability Confident accreditation, training, access audits), and the Staying Connected Disability Forum with 40+ member organisations.

WDP's business model is a hybrid of grant-funded and earned revenue. Statutory funding from Warrington Borough Council and the NHS underpins core services, supplemented by transactional service fees (equipment hire, caravan hire, boat trips, café sales at the five-star-rated Galleries Café), professional services (payroll processing for Direct Payments users, business training and consultancy), and retail/trading income from its wholly-owned social enterprise subsidiary, the Disability Trading Company, which operates four MILS retail outlets plus a mobility workshop, recycling project (LovedB4), and the community café. Fundraising, corporate sponsorship, legacy gifts, and events (Santa's Grotto, Warrington Running Festival, charity auctions) provide additional unrestricted income, with a 2025 legacy donation covering the full cost of the new canal boat. Pricing is intentionally modest and accessible — Shopmobility annual membership is £20, wheelchair hire £3/day or £15/week — with several services free at point of use.

The organisation is led by founder Dave Thompson MBE DL MBA (Chief Executive since 2015), supported by a senior management team including Deputy CEO Caroline Thompson, Head of Commercial Services Gavin Thompson, and Head of Operational Services Chris Skinkis (qualified Occupational Therapist). Operationally, WDP employs ~50 staff, is supported by ~200 volunteers (majority with lived experience of disability), engages over 100,000 people annually through community events, and has represented disabled people's views in over £1 billion of new build and refurbishment projects. Notable recognition includes the 2006 Queen's Award for Voluntary Services, 2019 Overall Winners at the High Sheriff of Cheshire's Enterprise Awards, Matrix accreditation for Information Advice and Guidance, and Disability Confident Leader status.

Name

Warrington Disability Partnership

Legal name

Warrington Disability Partnership

Website

https://disabilitypartnership.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Warrington Disability Partnership is a user-led UK charity founded in 1991 delivering 27 mobility, independent living, employment, and accessibility services to disabled people, carers, and employers across Warrington, Liverpool, and North Wales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Independent Living Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Mobility equipment hire
• Independent living assistance
• Accessible community services
• Disability employment support

Headquarters

HQ city

Warrington

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Statutory Funding: Financial support from Warrington Borough Council and NHS for contracted services
2. Service Fees: Income from equipment hire (scooters, wheelchairs, buggies), caravan hire, boat trips, and café sales
3. Payroll Services: Payroll processing services for Direct Payments users
4. Business Training and Consultancy: Disability awareness training, access audits, Disability Confident scheme support, and policy development sold to businesses
5. Corporate Sponsorship and Fundraising: Corporate sponsors, event sponsorship, charity partnerships, and fundraising events
6. Legacies and Major Gifts: Inheritance gifts and major donations; noted that 2025 legacy donation covered full cost of new accessible canal boat
7. Disability Trading Company Social Enterprise: Retail outlets selling mobility and independent living equipment, workshop services, and recycling project generating trading income

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Warrington Disability Partnership is a user-led charity delivering 27 mobility and independent living services for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, their carers and families. Core offerings include Centre for Independent Living services, Shopmobility, Mobility Equipment Hire, accessible caravan holidays, the Wizard II John B canal boat, Direct Payments and Payroll services, Employment Support, Energy Efficiency advice, Galleries Café, Business Support (Disability Confident training and access audits), Disability Information Service, the Staying Connected Disability Forum, and the annual Disability Awareness Day event.

Product overview

Warrington Disability Partnership is a user-led charity offering 27 mobility and independent living services as a comprehensive support ecosystem. The core offerings include the Centre for Independent Living (flagship headquarters), Direct Payments and payroll services, Employment Support, Energy Efficiency Support, and the Disability Trading Company social enterprise. Key accessible facilities include an accessible caravan in North Wales, the Wizard II – John B canal boat (launched 2026), Shopmobility with over 50 mobility vehicles, and Mobility Equipment Hire with 300+ wheelchairs. Additional services span Galleries Café, Staying Connected Disability Forum, Business Support for disability-confident employers, Disability Information Service (Matrix accredited), Disability Awareness Day (world's largest pan-disability event), Smart Flat assistive technology centre, Mobility Workshop, Learning Centre, equipment recycling, and support groups for chronic pain and Long-COVID. The MILS retail network operates four outlets across Warrington and Liverpool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Centre for Independent Living (CIL) Flagship headquarters and integrated service hub offering showroom, community café, IT training suite, meeting rooms, Changing Places toilet, mobility test track, Smart Flat assistive technology centre and mobility workshop; serves as the physical base for the majority of WDP's 27 services.
• Direct Payments Support Helps individuals access and manage personal budgets, recruit personal assistants, and process payroll for direct payments awarded by the council. Targeted at adults of any age who need care and support.
• Employment Support Bespoke employment services including CV writing, cover letter writing, job search, job applications, interview preparation, Access to Work applications, Health Passports and in-work support for disabled people or those with health conditions.
• Energy Efficiency Support Free impartial energy advice and support service delivered by City and Guilds qualified Energy Advisors for households in fuel poverty or facing difficulties paying energy bills, including home visits, workshops, and help with small measures such as LED lighting and draught-proofing.
• Accessible Caravan (Grenadier II) Wheelchair-friendly caravan at Harts Caravan Park, Pensarn, North Wales with ramps, handrails, wider doors, accessible kitchen, toilet and shower, sleeping up to six people. Available for weekly hire.
• Galleries Café Five star rated community café open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm, offering hot and cold meals, snacks, drinks with gluten-free options, and hosting lunch clubs for young disabled people and older people.
• Shopmobility Mobility equipment loan service with a fleet of over 50 scooters, manual and electric wheelchairs available from Golden Square Shopping Centre. Includes new and used sales, servicing and repairs, and a mobility equipment recycling scheme.
• Mobility Equipment Hire Short-term hire service for wheelchairs (over 300 available), mobility scooters, buggies, folding scooters, elbow crutches, tri-walkers, high back chairs, rise and recline chairs and portable ramps.
• Wizard II – John B Canal Boat Fully accessible wide-beam canal boat offering cream tea cruises and day trips for groups up to 12 people, with accessible toilet, lift, galley kitchen, central heating and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible helm area allowing users to take the helm.
• Staying Connected Disability Forum Online forum bringing together over 40 individuals and organisations for consultation and information exchange on disability matters in Warrington, meeting online via Teams on the second Tuesday of each month.
• Business Support Services Comprehensive business support including Disability Confident accreditation support, disability awareness training, neurodiversity training, access audits, assistive technology supply, inclusive policy development, and Access to Work application support sold to businesses and organisations.
• Disability Awareness Day (DAD) World's largest voluntary-led pan-disability event held annually at Walton Hall and Gardens, with sports zone, performing arts, arts zone and main arena; free entry with free programme.
• Disability Trading Company (Social Enterprise) Wholly-owned social enterprise of WDP offering mobility and independent living solutions from four retail outlets (MILS), a Mobility Workshop and Service Centre, a Recycling Project LovedB4, and the Galleries Community Café.
• Disability Information Service Matrix accredited information, advice and guidance service including telephone helpline, community information service, disability hate crime reporting and online information resources.
• Payroll Services Reliable and efficient payroll service for Direct Payments users, assisting with calculations, timesheets and pensions.
• Smart Flat Assistive Technology Centre Showroom demonstrating assistive technology solutions to help people maintain independence at home.
• Mobility Workshop and Service Centre Purpose-built workshop and service centre for mobility equipment repairs, servicing and maintenance.
• Mobility Training Track Over 30 metre in length track with tactile paving, cobbles, gutters and gravel surfaces for testing and training on mobility equipment.
• Marjorie Griffiths Learning Centre Fully accessible IT suite with height-adjustable tables and chairs, twelve computers with touch screen monitors and Microsoft Office packages, used for digital skills training.
• Mobility Equipment Recycling Scheme (LovedB4) Recycling project for donated mobility equipment; restored equipment feeds the Shopmobility fleet and Independent Living Equipment Rental Service, with surplus sold at affordable prices.
• OWCH Pain Support Group Volunteer-run support group for people living with chronic pain, meeting weekly in Padgate.
• Long-COVID Support Support services for those recovering from Long COVID, launched as part of COVID Community Champions in 2021.
• Scoota Safe Campaign Mobility training and safety campaign for mobility scooter and powered wheelchair users.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over £1.5 million raised annually to run 27 services
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Liverpool City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDP works in partnership with Liverpool City Council and Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust to run the Liverpool Disabled Living Centre (MILS Liverpool) at Lifehouse, Summers Road, Liverpool.
• Merseycare NHS Foundation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust alongside Liverpool City Council to operate the Liverpool Disabled Living Centre, providing mobility and independent living services.
• Warrington Community EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking in partnership with Warrington Community Energy to raise awareness and promote the Energy Saving Support Service for households in fuel poverty.
• The Bread and Butter ThingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobile food hub operating every Tuesday at WDP's Centre for Independent Living, offering approximately £35+ worth of groceries for £8.50 to support households.
• Warrington Carers HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDP is a member of the Warrington Carers Partnership Board and works closely with the Hub to ensure carers have access to information, advice and support services.
• After Silence (Beyond the Scars Warrington)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-help group for people who self-harm meets at WDP's Marjorie Griffiths Learning Centre every Thursday evening. Note: service not directly operated by WDP.
• AKWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of WDP and Disability Awareness Day; organises annual Charity Golf Day for WDP; regular supporter of Santa's Grotto events.
• BAS (BASNW)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor logo displayed on WDP website; regular supporter of Santa's Grotto events.
• UPS Building & MaintenanceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor logo displayed on WDP website; regular supporter of Santa's Grotto events.
• EEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner that sends teams of volunteers to assist with Disability Awareness Day and Santa's Grotto events.
• ABBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner sending staff volunteers to assist with WDP events including Disability Awareness Day and Santa's Grotto.
• HandelsbankenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner whose staff regularly support Santa's Grotto events as volunteers.
• Today TeamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMission critical logistics business whose staff organised a Hot Coals Challenge raising funds for WDP.
• Fairview WindowsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDavid Jones and team from Fairview Windows held a Charity Golf Day in 2022 to raise funds for WDP.
• Disability Trading CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDP's social enterprise offering wide range of mobility and independent living solutions from four retail outlets plus Mobility Workshop, Recycling Project LovedB4 and Galleries Community Café.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Mencap: UK's leading charity for people with learning disabilities. Comparable as a national disability charity providing direct services, advocacy and employment support, though focused on learning disability rather than physical/sensory impairment.
• Scope: One of the largest UK disability charities, providing information, support and campaigning on disability issues. Comparable to WDP's pan-disability, user-engagement model but at national scale with significantly larger fundraising capability.
• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): Major UK charity for blind and partially sighted people providing advice, equipment and accessibility services. Comparable to WDP's equipment retail, independent living advice and employment support, but sensory-disability focused.
• Motability: UK charity running the car leasing scheme for disabled people. Directly comparable to WDP's mobility equipment hire, Shopmobility and accessible vehicle services, but operates a national financial-services model rather than localised retail.
• Leonard Cheshire: Major UK disability charity supporting disabled people through services and international programmes. Peer overlap with WDP in independent living support and accessibility/employment advocacy, though operates residential care globally.

Direct peers

• Whizz-Kidz: UK charity providing wheelchairs and mobility equipment to disabled children and young people. Closely comparable to WDP's mobility equipment hire, retail and assessment services, though with a paediatric focus.
• Disability Rights UK: National disability-led organisation offering advice, information and campaigning on independent living. Comparable to WDP's Staying Connected Forum, information service and policy/advocacy role.
• Centre for Independent Living (cilUK): UK network of Centres for Independent Living advocating for and delivering disabled people's services. WDP's Centre for Independent Living in Warrington is a direct local peer in the same CIL movement.
• AccessAble: UK provider of accessibility information and access guides for venues. Already a partner of WDP, providing accessibility surveying — directly comparable offering to WDP's access audit and information services.
• Shopmobility UK: National umbrella supporting local Shopmobility schemes offering scooter/wheelchair hire in town centres. WDP operates one of the larger Shopmobility locations in Warrington; directly comparable service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WDPcomms
• Facebookfacebook.com/disabilitypartnership
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/warrington-disability-partnership
• Instagraminstagram.com/disabilitypartnership

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Warrington Disability Partnership