Eakin Named National Champion in the European Business Awards 2014/15

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Eakin has today been named as a National Champion in The European Business Awards sponsored by RSM International; a prestigious competition supported by businesses leaders, academics, media and political representatives from across Europe.

The European Business Awards, now in its 8th year, engaged with over 24,000 businesses from 33 European countries this year and 709 companies from across Europe have been named today as National Champions; going through to the second phase of the competition.

Eakin have been recognised in the Import/Export Award category where companies were awarded for expansion of coverage in existing or new markets and, through introduction of creative and innovative operational processes, could show robustness in managing and developing international trade and maintaining and improving market position in the face of competition.

Jeremy Eakin, Managing Director of TG Eakin Ltd, said “We’re very proud to be selected to represent the UK as a National Champion. The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies and we are now looking forward to the next round of the judging process where we can explain in more depth how we are achieving business success.”

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said “Congratulations to TG Eakin Ltd, it is a great achievement to be named National Champion and we wish them luck in the next stage. The European Business Awards is going from strength to strength, inspiring businesses to greater success and helping to improve the competitive edge of companies across Europe.”

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, also commented: “Every year this competition gets tougher and more competitive as more companies, of varied sizes and across all sectors, chose to compete in this prestigious competition. With the increased number of entries and countries, this year looks to become the toughest Awards yet. It will be exciting to watch as we move through to the next round.”

Eakin will now go on to compete against other National Champions across Europe in the Import/Export Award category where a panel of judges will view the National Champions’ videos, and award the best of this group the coveted ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ status. Ruban d’Honneur recipients will then go on to the grand final in 2015. All of the National Champions will also take part in a public vote to decide ‘Public Champions’ for each country.

Supported since their inception by lead sponsor and promoter RSM International, the seventh largest audit, tax and advisory network worldwide with a major presence across Europe , the European Business Awards was set up to recognise and reward excellence, best practice and innovation across the European business community.

For more information on the Awards and its winners, please visit www.businessawardseurope.com.

New Product Launch: Cohesive StomaWrap™

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We are delighted to announce the launch of a new product in the eakin Cohesive® range, Cohesive StomaWrap™.

The Cohesive StomaWrap™ is made from the same ingredients as the much loved eakin Cohesive® Seals and SLIMS® which have been protecting peristomal skin for decades. The unique shape makes the StomaWrap™ very quick and easy to fit. There is no need to warm, stretch or tear to the correct size. Simply wrap it around the stoma and overlap to create a secure seal.

The Cohesive StomaWrap™ provides a complete seal around the stoma to prevent leakage. By preventing leakage, it will make your pouch more secure, giving you complete confidence and peace of mind. The StomaWrap™ will frequently enable you to keep your pouch on for longer because of the additional security it provides. The Cohesive StomaWrap™ is perfectly shaped for those with large or oval stomas and due to its ease of fitting it is also ideally suited to those with limited dexterity.

Click here to watch our new video on how to apply Cohesive StomaWrap™

For further information please contact your local distributor for samples.

TG Eakin support NISP Trust

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The Duke of York thanked TG Eakin for our support in bringing Northern Ireland to the fore as a global knowledge economy.

The Duke of York, Patron, the Northern Ireland Science Park Trust attended a lunch at the Northern Ireland Science Park in support of the Trust. His Royal Highness welcomed the first significant private sector donation from TG Eakin, confident that it will make a major contribution to the development of young entrepreneurs and the economy of Northern Ireland.

As part of the NISP plan to develop that contribution Paul Bradstock, Chairman of the NISP Trust and founding CEO of the Oxford Trust explained that this donation is just the start of the local and international business community contributing to a charitable vehicle for philanthropy on the basis of “enlightened self-interest”.

“This contribution by TG Eakin is significant but more importantly it is a call to action to all of our business community to become part of this success and we are giving them a tangible vehicle in which to invest and see measurable results.”

Tom Eakin, founder of TG Eakin and a previous recipient of the NISP CONNECT Innovation Founder award said, “As a company we made the decision to donate to the NISP Trust because we believe that the programmes it will support through NISP CONNECT will actually deliver on the vision of bringing Northern Ireland to the fore as a global knowledge economy.

“We are a global business based in Northern Ireland, we have a vested interest in supporting other companies to create a vibrant collaborative business culture that can compete worldwide. I would actively encourage other businesses to look at this model and join us in giving it their full support.”

Eakin’s success recognised for the 5th year

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Eakin’s success recognised for the 5th year
We are delighted to announce that we have requalified as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the 5th year in a row.

We are delighted to announce that we have requalified as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the 5th year in a row.

The Deloitte awards in association with Barclays shortlist indigenous Irish companies, who display organisational success and achievement. It is the only awards programme that considers a business’ performance from every perspective, not just financial. The companies are chosen from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology and media, financial services, life sciences and healthcare amongst others.

Helen Kelly, Head of Large Corporates – Ireland, Barclays commented on the selection of companies: “While the marketplace for many of the applicant companies remains turbulent and challenging, they really exemplify the ambition that is helping to foster an increasingly positive outlook for industry in Ireland. We are looking forward to hearing how these companies are driving market share and laying the foundations for sustainable growth in their businesses.”

Jeremy Eakin, Managing Director of TG Eakin Ltd, commented on the award: “To be recognised at this level for 5 years in succession is a great achievement. There is a great team spirit at Eakin, which contributes to an efficient working environment and a dedication to producing a top-quality product with a service to match. Therefore I would like to dedicate this award to all of our employees. Our factory extension is almost complete, so we look forward to enjoying the improved efficiencies and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that it will provide.”

Eakin funds Kenyan nurse to further his education

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Lawrence Ikahu tells Eakin about his goal to develop stoma care in Kenya and the challenges he faces.

Lawrence is the first WCET International Delegate in Kenya, who works at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. We were first introduced to Lawrence in 2009 by Prilli Stevens, who had been carrying out some voluntary work in Kenya. At this time, Lawrence had asked us for some basic stoma care supplies for his patients. We were of course happy to oblige.

Since then Lawrence has been working to establish a national colonic cancer patient support group and further develop stoma care. When Lawrence approached us this summer, to help him further his education, we were delighted to support such a worthwhile cause. Eakin agreed to fund Lawrence’s 3 year BSc in Cancer Care, which he has just started via distance learning, in conjunction with the University of South Wales.

We recently interviewed Lawrence to find out how is he progressing with his studies.

1. Describe a typical day in your hospital?

I am based in the oncology department (outpatient cancer care). Normally I am in the office by 7.15 am. I quickly go through my emails as most doctors, nurses and often relatives will have questions for me on stoma care or colorectal cancer screening. Typically I will get five or so emails regarding these topics, I will note the concerns on my diary and will normally work on solutions to answer them by the end of the day. Next I will do a quick blind visit to the major wards just to check if there are any patients needing my help. By 8 am I am ready to wear my regular hat (oncology nurse) and administer chemo and screen patients. All the surgeons and majority of nurses are aware of my roles, so during the day I will get called upon to see a new ostomate. The workload can be heavy but I get to see most patients. Often I will get walk in patients from public hospitals having been referred to see me. Unless this is an emergency I will usually schedule to see them some other day but usually within the week. By 5pm I usually still have so much to do, but I put all clinical work aside and take 30 minutes to answer the emails I had noted in the morning. Between 5.30 and 6.45pm, I wear my latest hat (student) and do some studying for my course at the University of South Wales. By 7pm I will head home. The exception of this routine is on Fridays, when I leave 5 pm on the dot to catch up with friends and have a bit of fun to unwind.

2. What are the main challenges in your everyday work?

The challenges are there but I try to turn them into opportunities to improve and bring the change I want to see, I don’t let them stand in my way. First and foremost I am not yet fully credentialed but I am in the process of doing so. This is a challenge because I can’t be fully released to serve as an ET, so I juggle between my regular work. The administration has promised that once am fully credentialed I will be fully released to run the services freely.

The other challenge is lack of awareness, products and stigma. This field of nursing has not yet fully evolved in Africa and a lot of times you want to help, you know what needs to be done but lack of products or social stigma stands in your way. Patients are suffering too much out there in their cocoons and knowing that you can help them but don’t know how to can be very discouraging at times.

The other challenge is workload. I love what I do but a lot of times it’s a case of too much to do so little time to do it. I am the WCET ID and this has facilitated me to see patients in the major hospitals, especially public, without conflict of interest as it’s voluntary. I often have to go after work or Saturday mornings otherwise they won’t get help.

There is a lot of hope as Enterostomal Therapy Nurses Education Program is currently going on Kenya twinning with Australia, 22 of us will be Stoma Wound Continence Nurses by February 2014. It is hoped that this will greatly improve the current scenario.

3. How are you progressing with your studies and how do you hope this will help you overcome the challenges you face?

This has been a big dream come true. My interest in oncology nursing goes way back six years ago, just after graduating from my medical Training College as RN. Cancer has been on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa and I feel the strongest urge ever to be part of the solution. There are no universities offering such programs in Kenya, it has been five years of searching, logistical challenges have not been kind either. In this part of the world breast and cervical cancers have been given a lot of attention. It occurred to me that colorectal cancer unlike others is more demanding because rehabilitation is lifelong. I made the decision to be a colorectal nurse and I know by doing cancer studies I will have a better chance in bringing solution to the society. With this degree and as a credentialed SWCN I will be sure to impact on the whole trajectory of the disease dynamics right from creating awareness, screening, rehabilitation and research. Overall ultimately improving the quality of life and for this am very excited.

4. How did your interest in stoma care develop? Who has inspired you throughout your career to date?

Would you believe it? Two different patients from different social economical classes and a colorectal surgeon were the catalysts that helped awaken my passion.

Scenario one – As a junior nurse fresh from college I was allocated a ‘difficult’ patient, a new ileostomate. I had no clue where to start but the agony he was going through made me determined to solve his problem, at least for my own sake as I was going to be with him the rest of the week! So there I was scratching my head looking at a stoma for the first time, raw skin all around and a distraught patient. I was so lost in the case I didn’t hear the surgeon come in, he said to me, “Lawrence you will make a great Stoma care nurse.” His name is Dr R. Chauhan and I have never looked back. This particular patient had all the financial ability to afford quality products but he was suffering. The thirst to gain new skills and improve care was ever growing.

Scenario two – This was heart breaking, seeing a man on the streets with a stoma exposed, begging for help.

I was then convinced this is what I needed to do the rest of my life…………..be there for Ostomates through all faculties.

I later moved to the oncology department, my manager Mr Makumi was and still is very supportive in my milestones. It is through his efforts that I knew WCET and now seven years down the line I am about to be credentialed. I feel convinced I am in the right direction.

5. What advice would you give to other colleagues starting stoma care projects in developing countries?

I would like to address them through a short story.

The story of the courageous weaver bird. It so happened in this beautiful forest .The dry season soon came and the jungle became very dry. Soon the forest caught fire. Typically all animals including the king of the jungle (lion) took to their heels. Their homes were going to be no more. However the weaver bird rushed to the nearby stream and drew water with its beak. It would come and pour the water on the fire, it did this countless times in attempt to put out the fire. When the other animals saw this, they laughed so much asking the weaver bird what it was doing, the weaver bird said it was putting out the fire….they laughed all the more and wondered how its small beakful of water can put out a vast bush fire.

The weaver bird had this to say, “I am doing what I can, with what I can, however I can, and the best way I can to stop the fire.”

The other animals saw the sense and soon joined in to supplement the efforts and they succeeded.

To those colleagues in Africa, there are a million reasons to give up but my message to you is, “Do what you can, the best way you can with what you can”. The policy makers and industry players will join your efforts in due course but just don’t sit there.

Do not give up. Remember it’s the quality of life of that patient whom you have impacted that matters most.

Where there is a will there is a way as the century – old adage says.

Vision, passion and persistence

6. What are your hopes for the future after completing your studies?

I see a future full of great achievements in the war against cancer in general. I envision having a very active Colon Cancer Foundation in Kenya which will engage in awareness, research, mitigating stigma, finding easier treatment options, up-to date rehabilitation techniques and empowered patients. This is my ultimate goal.

‘Wear it Purple’ Day

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Since purple has become our new favourite colour, we decided to run a charity event called ‘Wear it Purple’!

Since purple has become our new favourite colour, we decided to run a charity event called ‘Wear it Purple’!This event was a twist on the popular ‘Wear it Pink’ event, which raises money towards ground-breaking research into breast cancer.

Despite recent advances, breast cancer is still the most common cancer. Every year it claims the lives of 12,000 women and another 50,000 are diagnosed. This cause is particularly close to our hearts, as a long-serving colleague at Eakins is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. We wish her all the best for the rest of her treatment and a quick recovery.

This year everyone made an extra special effort to make money for this worthwhile cause. Hours were spent baking cakes and buns; these were then sold during coffee breaks this week. Around £300 was raised. This amount was matched by the company, bringing the grand total to over £600.

This event coincided with our Financial Controller turning 50! Barbara-Ann was presented with some purple accessories, to match her already very purple outfit, and a book advising her on ‘life after 50!’ Happy birthday Barbara-Ann!

Tom Eakin celebrates his 80th Birthday

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23rd October 2013 is no ordinary day at Eakins…. It’s the day that Tom Eakin turns 80!

For those of you who don’t know, Tom founded our company in 1974. Shortly afterwards, he developed the Wound Pouch™ and Cohesive® product ranges, which have become renowned worldwide.

To mark the occasion, we commissioned Emma Hastings, the daughter of one of our employees, to draw a cartoon of Tom. He seemed thoroughly delighted with the masterpiece and the other gifts from the staff. I’m sure you will join with us in wishing Tom many happy returns on his 80th birthday.

Eakin attend APETNA

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Business Development staff at Eakin were delighted to have the opportunity to attend the 5th Congress of Asia Pacific Enterostomal Therapy Nurses Association (APETNA) last week.

The congress was organised in conjunction with the Korean Society of Coloproctology and the Korean Association of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses. Around 500 attendants from 15 different countries attended the event.

Sejong University in Seoul was chosen as the venue for the congress, which made it extra special for Eakin; Seoul is also the home city of our South Korean distributor SeHo Medical & Organic. Mary and Stuart thoroughly enjoyed working with Youngran Lee on our stand, who was there to greet the Korean nurses and demonstrate our products.

A large amount of interest was shown in the whole Eakin range, with particular interest in Surround™ Skin Protectors, Cohesive® Seals, Cohesive® Paste and the Wound Pouches™. An Eakin Seminar was held immediately after the congress due to a number of nurses requesting more detailed information on the products. We would like to thank all the nurses for their attendance and their interest in our products.

ECET Review 2013

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Eakin staff enjoyed another successful conference at ECET in Paris last month. The focus of our stand was on our core product – eakin Cohesive®.

We would like to draw your attention to 3 new case studies, which have been sent to us by ET nurses from Australia and Denmark. Throughout the examples, the authors make use of a wide range of eakin products, including Cohesive® Seals, Cohesive® Paste, Wound Pouches™ and Release™ Adhesive Remover to treat their patients.

‘The mysterious case of Bullous Pemphigoid’ by Ian Whiteley demonstrates the healing potential of Eakin Cohesive® in caring for skin lesions associated with this autoimmune disorder. The capacity of our new Maxi Wound Pouch™ was put to the test in Nicole Wienhold’s case study. Finally, Emma Vernon shows us how she cared for a large wound with multiple fistulae by combining Cohesive® with NPWT and Wound Pouches™.

Our sincere thanks to all 3 authors for taking the time to document their valuable experiences and share them with us. We hope they will be useful to many ETs around the world.

One of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for a 4th Year!

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Eakin Holdings Ltd, has been named as one of Ireland’s ‘Best Managed’ companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme for the fourth year in a row.

Eakin Holdings Ltd, the parent company of TG Eakin Ltd, Pelican Healthcare Ltd and Pelican Feminine Healthcare Ltd, has been named as one of Ireland’s ‘Best Managed’ companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme for the fourth year in a row. Companies that have been recognised as a Best Managed Company for four years running were awarded with a special ‘gold standard’ accolade. In total just 14 companies throughout Ireland were designated with the gold standard this year.

The Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, in association with Irish Life Corporate Business, recognises indigenous Irish companies across the island of Ireland which are operating at the highest
levels of business performance. As well as looking at the overall success of the company, the awards process considers the management strength, ability to innovate, strategic initiatives and financial performance so is the only awards programme that considers a business’ performance from every perspective.

Speaking at the gala awards dinner on 1 March 2013 Brendan Jennings, Managing Partner, Deloitte and judging panel member commented: “This year’s Best Managed Companies represent the best of innovation, creativity, dynamism, tenacity and excellence in the indigenous sector. Deloitte is proud to celebrate their success and potential. These awards acknowledge their hard work and commitment and we are delighted to showcase their achievements.”

Commenting on the award Jeremy Eakin, Managing Director of TG Eakin Ltd, said: “To be recognised at this level for 4 years in succession is an absolute honour. Everyone at Eakin works extremely hard to produce a first class product and also deliver a first class service to our customers so our success is down to all members of staff, not just the management team. We are currently undergoing a large extension which will double the size of our manufacturing space in Comber, Co. Down so we hope to build on our success in the years ahead.”