INNOVATION, dedication and excellence are the watchwords of a leading Southend business marking 35 years as a vital cog in the NHS by manufacturing and repairing surgical equipment to keep it sustainable.

Surgical Holdings, a family run business on the Temple Farm Industrial Estate, repaired more than 11,000 surgical instruments last year and is in constant communication with the NHS so it can offer support.

It was originally founded in 1988 by Philip Coole, who was inspired by his father Fred Coole, and 35-years on the business is stronger than ever.

Philip said: “My journey in the world of surgical instruments began as an apprentice, learning the tricks of the trade from my father.

“The roots of our family’s involvement in this fascinating field can be traced back to the early 1940s when my dad started his own ophthalmic business, before joining Macarthy Medical in the 1960s, so our knowledge actually stretches back across four generations.”

After learning the tricks of the trade, Philip eventually went on to set up a small workshop, where he dedicated seven years to repairing a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical instruments – a journey that led him to establish Surgical Holdings in 1988.

Philip added: “As my family moved on and I was handed over the reins running the workshop, it was a chance to step into the field, visiting hospitals and seeing operations, which afforded some amazing first hand insights into the intricate world of surgical instruments.

“I developed a real passion for working in the NHS and how surgical instruments should be made, how they should be used and why quality is just so important.”

In 1990 the business moved into its current premises at the Parkside Centre – where Philip was joined by colleagues from McCarthy Medical, and between them, they had the expertise to cover all aspects of surgical instrument repair.

Today Surgical Holdings is a credible and well-established business, with a global reputation for the highest standard of craftsmanship and lasting value.

Philip remains as chairman, with his son Daniel as managing director – a role he took in 1995 after an apprenticeship.

Currently the company are working in partnership with South East Essex College to run an active apprenticeship scheme to ensure their skills and expertise are passed down to the next generation.

All repairs are carried out by a team of highly skilled technicians, who are trained in both manufacture and repair.

The company is passionate about what they do and are keen to pass on that wealth of knowledge, believing it is important to educate and train others to help them get the most out of each surgical instrument, so they last for many years.

Philip said: “It has been wonderful to see our company grow in the past 35 years, and as we celebrate over three decades of progress, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team at Surgical Holdings, to our loyal customers, and to all those who have supported us over the years.

“Your trust in our expertise and commitment to quality has been the driving force behind our 35-year journey.

“Here is to many more years of innovation, dedication, and excellence.”