An established bathroom specialist with expertise in facilities for disabled people and those with specific needs has relocated to a brand new unit.

Kevin Marley, 65, from Bishop Auckland, opened the new showroom for his business KPM Disability Services & KM Bathroom Specialists at South Church Industrial Estate last Friday (January 12).

Inspiration to open a business dedicated to accessibility came to Kevin in 2011 when his father was battling prostate cancer.

The Northern Echo: KPM Disability Services and KM Bathroom Specialists moves to South Church Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland pictured Lewis Marley, Sara Coatsworth (plumber) owner Kevin Marley and Sam Rushworth Labour candidate for Bishop Auckland.KPM Disability Services and KM Bathroom Specialists moves to South Church Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland pictured Lewis Marley, Sara Coatsworth (plumber) owner Kevin Marley and Sam Rushworth Labour candidate for Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He found out that people who needed specialised care, specifically when it came to the bathroom, needed a "private space" tailored to their needs.

Kevin and his company now work to provide customers with "bespoke" fitted bathrooms and units suitable for all access requirements. 

"My dad was battling prostate cancer at the time, and I was going over to bathe him multiple times a week," Kevin said.

"He was an old pitman and fought for this country, and it really took his dignity away. So, I got in contact with people I knew who would be helpful to set it up and launched the business in 2011."

Kevin has for this time been based on Front Street in Bishop Auckland but problems with accessibility pushed him to look elsewhere. 

The business can now be found on South Church Industrial Estate, as Kevin now believes the new unit is "ideal".

The Northern Echo: KPM Disability Services and KM Bathroom Specialists moves to South Church Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland pictured Lewis Marley, Sara Coatsworth (plumber) owner Kevin Marley and Sam Rushworth Labour candidate for Bishop Auckland.KPM Disability Services and KM Bathroom Specialists moves to South Church Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland pictured Lewis Marley, Sara Coatsworth (plumber) owner Kevin Marley and Sam Rushworth Labour candidate for Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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He added: "I realised that if people spend a lot of time in hospital in a clinical environment, they don't want to come home and experience the same thing.

"People can walk around the show room and see pieces that can cater for their needs - they won't have to wait for occupational therapists to come and assist them.

"These people can now go into somewhere safe, bathe themselves and they will feel more comfortable in their own space."