August 6, 2021
UK 0800 999 5090 / ROI 048 8772 2247
Since 1977 the Motability Scheme has helped disabled people, their families and carers reclaim their freedom and independence by delivering mobility to millions of people all over the UK. As more and more manufacturers joined the scheme over the years disabled people were given a variety of well-established vehicle makes and models to choose from, among them, it is Volkswagen Motability cars that stand out as the most reliable and easily adaptable options.
What it means to be Recognised Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Converters
At TBC Conversions we work closely with Volkswagen, supplying a range of Volkswagen Motability cars or WAVs, alongside our accessible and standard minibuses. It’s thanks to our innovative vehicle conversion work that we are Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Recognised Converters, and proud to be part of a network that supports independent conversions specialists.
We can guarantee that every Volkswagen Motability car or minibus adapted by TBC Conversions meets the high standards and technical requirements of the manufacturer. Our work doesn’t impact the quality or reliability of Volkswagen vehicles design or build, plus our processes and people are subject to strict examinations and auditing from VW. Altogether this ensures TBC Conversions deliver converted Volkswagen Motability cars that match the benchmark that VW has set.
Our range of Volkswagen Motability cars
At TBC Conversions we understand that every one of our customers is different, with their own individual needs, requirements and wishes. Because of this recognition, we can tailor our WAV conversions to every type of disabled driver or passenger. From medium to large, our Volkswagen Motability car range accommodates wheelchair-using drivers and passengers as well as their families and carers comfortably.
Let’s look at the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life
With an ultra-lightweight rear loading ramp and Q’Straint tie-downs and restraints, as far as Volkswagen Motability cars go, our Caddy Maxi LIfe offers an easy-to-use day to day travel option for wheelchair-using passengers and their families or carers.
At TBC Conversions, we recognise the necessity for passengers travelling in the rear of the vehicle to feel comfortable, safe, and part of the family journey. We do not want people to feel isolated or cut off from others travelling in the cabin. Thanks to Volkswagen’s thoughtful designs, the middle row of seating can be removed partially or entirely to remove barriers from the rear of the vehicle to the forward passenger compartment.
What’s more the Caddy Maxi Life plus from TBC Conversions offers wheelchair passengers further comfort whilst travelling with rear sliding opening windows and our continuous rear door seal technology protecting passengers from the elements, car fumes and road noise. Additional options are available including privacy glass and a winch to assist passenger entry,
In short, the Caddy Maxi Life is a Volkswagen Motability car that provides superior comfort and ease of use for everyday travel, making it the ideal choice for carers and families with wheelchair users.
Moving on to the Volkswagen T6.1 Range
A blank canvas for converters to work with, the T6.1 Range are popular Volkswagen Motability cars among those who wish to retain their ability to drive independently. Thanks to the flexibility of the range, TBC Conversions adaptions can assist with driving independence in a number of ways.
Our side and rear inboard and underfloor lifts can be remotely operated by wheelchair users, allowing ease of access without disassembling their wheelchairs or needing assistance from others.
The rear access lift shown below from Autolift guides drivers onto the platform and into their vehicle with subtle low-level lighting, stowing away quickly and efficiently behind them. What’s more, the Autolift is less conspicuous than others on the market, blending in with the stylish and sleek Volkswagen interiors, something which we know is important to our clients.
Once inside, our customers can then choose to transfer to a driving position with our 6-way seats, securing their wheelchair in place and moving onto the driver’s seat quickly and with ease. Alternatively, the option to drive from a wheelchair eliminates the need to vacate the wheelchair at all, with a sophisticated docking system that allows wheelchair users to lock in and drive away.
Of course, the T6.1 Range of Volkswagen Motability cars also offers a variety of wheelchair passenger options including an upfront passenger position whereby the wheelchair user can be seated alongside the driver.
From the Volkswagen Shuttle to the exquisite Caravelle, our conversions provide clients with larger WAVs that can seat up to 6 passengers and a wheelchair user comfortably. Perfect for independent drivers, families, and organisations to get on the road efficiently and in style.
Finally, our Volkswagen Crafter Minibus Conversions
Outside of our Volkswagen Motability car range, TBC Conversions also work to convert Crafter vans into 16- and 17-seater standard and accessible minibuses.
Our TBC Taxi and Bus Conversions team work to supply local authorities, commercial dealerships, community transport groups, care homes, schools and colleges with minibus conversions that are adapted to suit the individual needs of the end-users.With a range of access options to choose from the accessible minibus, Crafters are supplied with rear inboard passenger lifts and have the option to seat up to 5 wheelchairs, plus flexible seating is made possible with quick release seating and 8 track M2 tested flooring. We also offer standard Volkswagen minibus conversions supplied with electric cantilever side steps, saloon heating and flexible seating.
TBC Conversions’ carefully considered minibus conversions include from the 16- and 17-seater Volkswagen Crafters but the same conversions can also be applied to the smaller 9-seater Volkswagen Crafter with accessible and standard options, each one completed with Intelligence, Empathy and Care.
To find out more about how we can help find your next Volkswagen Motability car, get in touch with one of the TBC Conversions team on 0800 999 5090 or email sales@tbcconversions.com.
As established Volkswagen Motability car converters, TBC Conversions look forward to continuing our work with the wonderful range of VW vehicles that are continuously being designed and developed to improve the driver experience and environmental impact. Keep your eyes peeled for any exciting news we might have about the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life Gen 5 and any other commercial vehicle developments that come from Volkswagen soon.
After a long year of isolation, social distancing and the cancellation of regularly scheduled events, the folks at Motability decided to take their Big Event online. Not only is this enabling the scheme and associated companies to showcase products and services to those who benefit from them, but helping those who could not or cannot attend live shows attend from the comfort of their own home.
Here’s a breakdown of how the show will take place over two days on the 6th and 7th of August.
In recent months there has been something happening on social media. Now if you are not in the world of marketing, or even just the niche that is marketing to disabled audiences, this movement may have completely escaped your attention, so we thought we’d help bring it into sharp focus.
How it all began
One woman, Victoria Jenkins, founder of adaptive clothing label Unhidden Clothing, noticed that despite carefully targeting her adverts, painstakingly researching her hashtags and producing cleverly curated content, her adaptive brands reach on social media wasn’t what it should be.
After looking into why this could be she made a shocking discovery which she then spoke out about on social media. The response from 100’s of other adaptive clothing, mobility aid suppliers and other disability brand marketers showcased them and their small business promotions were blatantly being silenced by social media algorithms.
She posted way back in April about her findings and started a powerful movement against the obvious and unfair censorship of disability on all social media platforms. What followed was nothing short of impressive, as the community that had been brought together because of this social media censorship, united to try and make a difference together.
So how can this happen?
Definition of Social Media Algorithm: a technical means of sorting posts based on relevancy instead of publishing time, in order to prioritize which, content a user sees first according to the likelihood that they will actually engage with such content.
By definition, carefully curated targeted content should reach our desired audiences and encourage engagement with relevant brands, this has however turned out not to be the case. With examples coming out from the 100’s of adaptive business owners and brands proving their posts and ads have been banned or stopped by social media platforms for containing “sensitive material“.
The likes of Seated Sewing who specialise in adaptive garment sewing and hospital gowns had their ads cancelled because the “bodies and skin” on show are not what people want to see. Or Slick Chicks who design accessible intimates for diverse bodies having their work censored for using models who’ve had mastectomies or amputees, the people who represent their target audience!
These are just two examples of a bigger problem but luckily 20 of these dedicated brands have now come together to change the landscape and level the playing field for digital marketing accessible products.
How tbc conversions are involved
At TBC Conversions we provide wheelchair accessible vehicles to those who need them. We work in close partnership with the Motability Scheme to deliver seamless service to all our customers throughout their vehicle lease.
Marketing for TBC Conversions has recently taken a large leap into mainstream social media, but the struggle is real, even in the adaptive automotive industry. Carefully curated reels and videos of vehicles converted to allow wheelchair access are clearly getting less reach and/or engagement than their abled counterparts. Working under a large established motor dealer group, we are able to compare how our posts perform and there is a clear difference.
So far, we have not faced any difficulty with paid social advertising, but this could be down to the fact that we haven’t used any live models in our promotional videos as yet.
We would like to move forward with live reviews of our vehicles, using real wheelchair users, and want to shoot more promotional material with relatable models in the shots, although until the playing field is levelled and the restrictions and censorship stop, this could just be money and effort down the drain.
As many of the brands involved in the movement are small to medium businesses, money and time are precious commodities. To stand out in such a niche market takes dedication, creativity and at the end of the day cash, as we all know social media is pay to play these days. All these things are easy to produce when you are running a business close to your heart, as the passion is there, but when your work is rejected censored or deemed “sensitive” by an algorithm it can be soul-destroying. This plus the fact that you know your target audience aren’t being fairly represented on any social media platforms.
Thanks to the brands behind #DiversityIncludesDisability all adaptive and disabled industries could start to see positive change in the way social media platforms promote our hard work. Let’s hope that in the near future, disabled brands and indeed audiences will receive the same representation as their able counterparts.
To find out more about the #DiversityIncludesDisability movement and the brands that are pushing for important change head over to Instagram and search the #.
We’ve been working hard since the start of 2021 to bring our customers a new and improved user-friendly website, and finally we’re so happy to be able to showcase our finished results. Take a look around our exciting new web page filled with advice and ideas for vehicle conversions, wheelchair accessible adaptions and our customer and client experiences.
TBC Mobility Conversions Sector
During the last two years, the world has become more accessible to those living with disability and, as we begin to return to “normal” there is a real focus on how we can continue making our cities, events, hospitality and leisure venues more accessible.
At TBC Conversions we welcome this change and join hands with a whole host of communities and companies who are leading the accessible revolution.
We’ve been designing, producing and developing wheelchair accessible vehicles since our inception and over the years we’ve paired our own pioneering technologies with the expert engineering of leading vehicles manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford, Citroen, Vauxhall and many more.
At TBC Mobility Conversions our range of wheelchair cars offer those living with disability a greater level of freedom on the road. From the small yet stylish VW Caddy Maxi Life and Ford Grand Tourneo Connect to the larger VW T6.1 Range and Mercedes Sprinters, our wheelchair car conversions cover a wide range of mobility needs and can be viewed and researched easily on our new web page.
TBC Taxi & Bus Conversions Sector
Where it all began for TBC, we’ve been converting accessible minibuses and taxis for companies, organisations and local authorities to help keep vulnerable people mobile in some of the most rural areas in the UK.
During the pandemic our team have missed getting out on the road to see our long-standing clients, we do however hope that our new website and relaxing of travel restrictions will allow us to continue providing our usual standards of reliable services.
Our minibus conversions have come on in leaps and bounds and we will be focusing on the future of group travel and accessible transport in the months to come. Now more than ever, local charities, communities and organisations will be focusing on keeping people safe and comfortable during travel and we hope to play an important part in helping them move forward back into accessible group travel in the near future.
TBC Specialist Conversions Sector
Finally, our specialist conversions sector will highlight all the bespoke vehicle conversions and adaptions we carry out on everything from vital medical transportation to work vehicles and crew vans. Our engineers work with the very best suppliers to provide tailored storage solutions, safety systems and unique vehicle adaptions to give our clients the tools to run their businesses and personal venture more effectively.
On our new website, you can view some of the past conversions we have completed for the likes of Donagh Kelly Rally Team, GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), Mountain Rescue, IMT Medical Transport and many, many more.
Our highly skilled technicians can supply and fit a range of vehicle adaptions including safety lights, ply lining storage, specialist refrigerated interiors, kitchens, mobile workshops and basically anything you can think of that will benefit your business or leisure activities. We are here to help you make the most out of your vehicle and we’re always up for a challenge.
Now that you have had the guided tour, why not get in touch with your vehicle conversions needs, whether that’s a Motability lease vehicle, an accessible minibus or taxi, a leisure vehicle or something entirely of the spectrum. Let TBC Vehicle Conversions take care of adapting or sourcing a vehicle that helps you live the life you want to lead.
Call 0800 999 5090 or email sales@tbcconversions.com for more assistance or fill in one of our fabulous new contact forms and we will come back to you in due course.
When it comes to WAVs, there’s one man our customers have come to count on time and time again. To many in the industry he’s known as Tom McKeown, TBC Sales Manager, but to his customers, he’s known as Tom McKeown, superhero and Mobility expert.
Let’s find out what makes our very own WAV warrior tick and where his superpowers really come from.
When did you start working with TBC Conversions Tom?
It was a warm summers day in August 2008 that I became the 9th employee of the TBC team. David Donnell, MD and part-owner of TBC Conversions was the 8th, starting just 6 weeks before I did.
I had started my career with Norwich Union in June 1979 as a Claims Handler. After 4 Years there I joined a firm of Loss Adjusters/ Claims Investigators based in Birmingham. Here I worked in GB and Northern Ireland dealing primarily with Bomb Damage, and any kind of property damage as a result of Flood, Storm, Theft etc.
After 14 years as a Loss Adjuster, I was approached by a packaging company based in Dromore Co. Down and Kansas USA where I worked for a further 9 years, starting in logistics and then moving on to Sales Development all over the UK, and parts of Europe.
From there I went on to spend a number of years with Henderson’s / Spar as their Business Development Consultant. My duties included assisting the growth of their Wholesale Business to Business section.
It was then that, after a chance meeting with Terence Donnelly, I was made aware of a new Donnelly Group venture called TBC Conversions, they were looking for a Sales Manager and the rest is history.
What are the most important messages for clients of TBC Conversions to be aware of?
At TBC Conversions, our ethos is to “keep our customers central to everything we do”. Working in sales and industry for so long you get to learn that talk is cheap, words are free, but walking the walk and making this happen is what matters.
Time after time it is the belief and commitment that the entire TBC team deliver that makes the difference. From mobility experts to sales team members, workshop technicians and aftercare teams, every person in the TBC family is involved in achieving our goal.
God gave us two ears and one mouth, a sign that we should listen twice as much as we talk. Our customers know what they want or more often need, and as a mobility expert, it’s my job to guide and support my customers. It’s up to me to make their wants and needs a reality.
One thing our WAV customers often need the most is assistance navigating the financial constraints, limitations and legislation surrounding the conversion of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
By developing close relationships with our customers, keeping them informed and educated and managing their expectations, treating them with Intelligence, Empathy and Care come easy.
If you could pick one moment you are most proud of working with TBC, what would it be and why?
In 2009, TBC Conversions became the first UK converter recognised with the highest engineering standard within Europe, the full European Type Approval. This came following the pull and crash testing of our very first wheelchair accessible vehicle, the VW Caddy Maxi Life.
Following this, we were also granted a letter of no objection from Volkswagen AG, another first for a UK based conversion company.
More importantly, and because of the high standards by which we operate, every time I see the expression on the faces of our customers, after handing over their bespoke converted vehicles, I know exactly why we do what we do.
What do you see for the future of TBC?
We have continued to test all our converted vehicles to the full European Type Approval standards. It is this attention to detail, which we have maintained from 2008 to the current day, that keeps our customers safe and enables us to consistently deliver quality service.
Continuing to match and exceed our customer’s expectations, innovate with the latest technology and keep informed of best practices used by mobility experts is of paramount importance to us.
I look forward to being able to shake our customer’s hands again, meet them face-to-face, and develop lasting relationships with the people I dearly enjoy working with.
How have the effects of the current pandemic changed your day to day?.
Keeping your distance is not something that ever entered our minds pre-COVID.
It was commonplace to hold the hands of the disabled children whose future car I was demonstrating or receive a hug from happy customers on handovers. Now that none of this is possible, it has brought into focus the small things we all took for granted.
Today, I complete socially distanced home demonstrations wearing a face-covering, face shields and gloves. Whilst understanding this is completely necessary, it does not lend itself to “The Personal Touch” TBC Conversions are so well known for.
Our clients will sometimes only use facial expressions and non-verbal communications to interact with us, for mobility experts everywhere I’m sure it’s this restriction that has certainly changed the way we build and develop relationships with the people we deal with.
We have adapted, finding other ways to uphold and provide our vital services including home demonstrations, new vehicle handovers and important annual WAV checks. Both ourselves and our customers are conscious about keeping each other safe, adhering to social distancing regulations and personal safety precautions, during these activities.
Working together, we will come out the other side of this pandemic, stronger and wiser than we were before.
So, come on, what gets Super Tom up in the morning?
I’ve always been an early riser, so I’m up at 6 am every day.
Workwise each day is different at TBC, the one constant is the privilege our customers give us, trusting us with their safety and comfort and allowing us to guide them into the most suitable vehicles.
This is my superpower.
How do you think TBC Conversions stands out among other vehicle conversion companies?
Everyone in our TBC family will try to go the extra mile for our customers.
Starting by matching the correct WAV to their particular needs and requirements, secondly, during the lifetime of that vehicle, we will remain accessible to our customer being the first and most reliable port of call for all concerns, queries and advice.
At TBC Conversions we will always do our utmost to help our customers with guidance on servicing support, breakdown recovery and repairs, helping them navigate the industry and connecting them with their local dealers.
It’s this deep understanding of all our customer’s needs that give TBC one of the most of its most outstanding qualities, keeping the customer at the focus of everything we do.
Finally, what would your dream car be and why?
Without a doubt the Audi RS4 Avant, 2.9 TFSI V6 444 BHP Quattro, (Lamborghini engine).
A vehicle with absolute aeroplane performance and, unless you are a true Petrolhead, the man in the street would not recognise it as a Special Car.
Like a true superhero in a supercar, even wanting to remain conspicuous in his dream motor, Tom McKeown is an asset to the TBC Conversions Sales team and a champion to his customers.
With mobility experts such as Tom, delivering the core standards of TBC Conversions service and care seems easy. It’s only when we get to know more about our customer and go that extra mile that we see real results, and our customers return for more.
For advice and guidance from mobility experts at TBC Conversions and to start your own TBC journey, call 0800 999 5090 or email sales@tbcocnversions.com today.
One of the people our customers will speak to time and time again, Elaine has become part of the furniture during her time with TBC Mobility Conversions. Her day to day involves maintaining the high standards of Motability aftercare our customers and clients required. This can be anything from being a liaison between Motability and our customers to arranging the necessary checks and tests we regularly carry out on our WAV’s.
Like so many of us at TBC Mobility Conversions, it’s fulfilling the care and duty to our customers that Elaine says makes her job so satisfactory.
How did you get involved with TBC Mobility Conversions then?
The Motability Aftercare system can be quite a challenge to navigate for those who aren’t familiar with it. Luckily I had tonnes of experience and already knew some team members from working in the industry.
Thanks to a good working relationship I had built up with Ray, TBC’s Sales Manager, I jumped at the chance to be part of his strat up team, the company opened offices in Bromborough in May 2019.
What are the most important messages for clients of TBC Mobility Conversions to be aware of?
One of the most important things to do when working with such a well-known company as Motability is to uphold its own level of commitment to customers, and exceed these wherever possible.
At TBC Mobility Conversions we have a mantra that echoes that of the Donnelly Group, “keeping the customer at the core of all we do”. Every point of contact with our customer is a chance to showcase our own levels of dedication, and it’s a testament to the company that we are now recommended suppliers of Motability’s as well as recognised Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle converters.
What makes our job as satisfying as it is is knowing that all our own mobility conversions have been carried out with intelligence, empathy and care, ensuring the customer’s needs are met and exceeded.
Is there a particularly proud moment you can recall since starting with TBC Mobility Conversions?
I can honestly say that since I joined back in 2019, I’m most proud of how the company has grown. Even during this most difficult time in UK history, our team have powered through, providing the same level of service, duty and care.
It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’ve been a part of something like this from the early stages.
What do you see for the future of TBC?
As I said previously, I believe the future of TBC Conversions will only continue to surprise me. We are part of a growing market, the advances being made in mobility conversions and medical engineering will enable so many to maintain their freedom on the road.
We can all, I think, look forward to a bright and successful future.
How have the effects of COVID made a difference to your day-to-day?
I think the team at TBC Mobility Conversions have adapted very well during the pandemic. We have set procedures to follow regarding social distancing practices enabling us to work at full capacity.
Our team are dedicated to carrying out their jobs to the best of our abilities because, at the end of the day, it’s the safety of our customers at stake.
Every one of our customers has a unique set of needs and it’s our job to tailor our aftercare services to meet those needs. We built our business on the ability to interact with our customers, making each one feel as valued as the individuals they are.
We have continued to carry out our home checks and tests whilst managing to keep our customers safe and cared for in the process. If anything the recent circumstances has shown me that TBC Mobility Conversions will go above and beyond to provide the care our clients need no matter what.
What is it that you look forward to when you wake up in the morning?
Other than my son you mean.
I wake up every day looking forward to hearing the grateful thankyous of our lovely customers. Every one of them understands that even in these difficult times, we need to do our jobs and keep them safe.
Plus, sometimes I feel that these people simply enjoy hearing from someone outside their bubble. A new and friendly voice can always make the smallest difference and our calls can really perk up someone’s day.
Tell us the favourite part of your job and the work TBC Mobility Conversions do.
For me personally, it’s the joy on our customer’s faces when they take ownership of their brand new WAV. We’re giving people their freedom back, a chance to travel either independently or comfortably with their family, and it’s this that really makes the job we do here so worthwhile.
Finally, what would your dream car be and why?
Funnily enough, I finally own my dream car. My little Mini Cooper Sports John Cooper Works. It’s my pride and joy and I wouldn’t choose to drive anything else.
It’s the staff here like Elaine who really makes the difference at TBC Mobility Conversions. Being the first port of call for all our client’s aftercare needs, Elaine and the aftercare team are what TBC Conversion is all about, a high standard of friendly, expert customer service.
The customer journey with TBC Mobility Conversions begins with the delivery of a new WAV and endures through our aftercare teams continued expert work and support.
If you need assistance with your TBC Mobility Conversion, or simply wanted to ask a question about your vehicles aftercare, get in touch with the team today on 0800 999 5090 or email mobilitycustomercare@tbcconversions.com.
TBC Conversions
Our attention to detail, good service, outstanding value and respect for all are just some of the qualities that instill trust within our customers who return to the TBC Group year after year and generation after generation.
