One of Scotland’s leading independent providers of mobility equipment has unveiled plans for expansion after surpassing £1.5 million in annual revenue for the first time.
Billy Finnie, founder of Kirkintilloch-based Mobility Scotland, has revealed that the company is actively exploring opportunities to establish a presence in Edinburgh within the next five years to meet growing demand in the East. Longer-term ambitions include further expansion into the North of Scotland, reinforcing Mobility Scotland’s commitment to providing ethical and customer-focused mobility solutions across the country.
Since founding the business in 2009, Finnie has overseen steady and sustainable growth, driven by a belief in prioritising customer needs over aggressive sales tactics. The company has gained a reputation for trust and quality, offering tailored installations of stairlifts, rise-and-recline chairs, and other mobility solutions.
He said: “Ultimately, what we do is help people retain their independence and live comfortably in the homes they love. Many of our customers are older, and there can be a lot of scepticism when companies push sales targets over genuine needs. Too often, big firms enter the market focused purely on numbers, selling expensive products that aren’t always necessary. We have taken a different approach – one built on trust, expertise, and a long-term commitment to the people we serve.”
Finnie’s journey into the mobility sector was shaped by an early career in occupational health. Starting as an occupational health technician with Strathclyde Council over 30 years ago, he saw first-hand the transformative impact mobility solutions could have on people’s lives. This insight stayed with him as he spent two decades in commercial sales and business development, working with companies such as Guilbert and Universal Office Supplies, where he rose to Regional Sales Director for Scotland.
Despite his corporate success, Finnie always harboured an entrepreneurial drive. At 41, he faced a now-or-never moment and decided to forge his own path, returning to his roots in healthcare. What he found was an industry plagued by inconsistent pricing, undervalued solutions, and poor customer service. Determined to make a difference, he launched Mobility Scotland with just £5,000 and a 100-square-metre showroom in Kirkintilloch. His goal was simple – to provide mobility solutions based on genuine need rather than sales targets.
He said: “We’d only sell a product if it truly met a customer’s needs. Too often, people had been mis-sold expensive equipment that wasn’t suitable, leaving them with products they couldn’t use. That had to change.”
Over the past 15 years, Mobility Scotland has expanded into a team of 10 full-time and two part-time staff, developing strong partnerships with global manufacturers such as Handicare, Recliners, and Alpine. Earning the trust of these major suppliers took nearly a decade, but the company is now recognised as a preferred partner, allowing it to provide bespoke solutions tailored to individual needs.
One of Mobility Scotland’s key differentiators has been its commitment to innovation. The company introduced courtesy chairs for customers awaiting delivery and a lifetime support guarantee, reinforcing its reputation for service and customer care.
Beyond private sales, Mobility Scotland has built a strong presence in the public sector, working with local authorities across Glasgow and the West. The company has also formed a vital partnership with MND Scotland, helping to transform homes for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) since 2021.
Finnie added: “Partnering with MND Scotland has been both incredibly fulfilling and emotionally challenging,” said Finnie. “We work closely with healthcare professionals to provide tailored solutions, ensuring individuals can live with dignity and comfort. The impact we’ve made in this space is something I’m deeply proud of.”
Looking ahead, Finnie aims to continue evolving Mobility Scotland’s services, particularly in home accessibility. The company is investing in innovative stairlift and discreet accessibility adaptations, ensuring people can future proof their homes while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
With a target of reaching £3 million in turnover within the next 2.5 years, Mobility Scotland’s five-year plan includes expansion into the east of Scotland, growing the team to 15 staff members, and increasing expertise across sales, surveying, technical support, and administration.
Finnie is also a vocal advocate for industry regulation, pushing for higher standards through the British Healthcare Trade Association. He believes greater oversight would eliminate unethical sales practices and level the playing field for responsible providers.
Despite the company’s steady growth, Finnie remains hands-on, with no plans to step away from the business any time soon. “I’ll keep going as long as I can,” he said with a smile. “I fully intend to pop off with my boots on.”
