Our History

In February 1975, in an era when the concept of modern care was still emerging, Mr. Keith Leary set out from a modest garage on Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter. In a Ford Granada full of high-quality linens, he began a journey that would soon lead him to the care industry - one that was exploring improved methods for hygiene and patient comfort.

By 1985, as the care industry recognised the importance of better hygiene and efficiency, our operation - then known as Commercial Linen Supplies - had moved to Church Street, Heavitree. During this decade, disposable products began to emerge, laying the groundwork for later innovations in disposable incontinence ranges that would soon become essential in care settings.

The mid-’90s marked a period of rapid change. As Commercial Linen Supplies expanded its services from hotels and hospitality to nursing homes, the industry witnessed a significant shift:

Disposable Incontinence Ranges: The wider adoption of disposable incontinence products revolutionised personal care management, reducing infection risks and simplifying laundry demands.

Introduction of Hoists: The use of mechanical hoists became more common, ensuring safer and more dignified transfers for patients, a change that underlined the growing importance of ergonomics in care.

Simultaneously, care providers began placing a greater emphasis on pressure care, employing specialised mattresses and protocols to prevent bed sores and enhance patient wellbeing. The evolution of care practices during this time underscored a commitment to both patient safety and staff welfare.

By 2005, now operating from Devonshire House on Cofton Road, technological integrations started to become standard. Nurse call alarm systems began to feature in care settings, offering a critical lifeline for patients and a reassurance of prompt, efficient care response. This period also saw our identity taking shape as CLH, reflecting a commitment to addressing the expanding needs of the care industry.

The year 2010 was transformative. With the acquisition of Quantock Healthcare Supplies, our operation now served a broader spectrum of the care industry - from nursing and residential homes to specialised facilities. This was a period when the industry’s focus on pressure care standards became more pronounced, influenced by ongoing research into the prevention of pressure-related injuries.

In November 2014, the acquisition of Medaco’s disposables section from Bristol further enriched our portfolio at a time when disposable gloves and single-use items were being widely introduced across the healthcare sector. These products became vital in maintaining high hygiene standards, greatly reducing cross-contamination risks in care environments.

On May 1, 2016, as the care industry fully embraced modern methodologies and technologies, our partnership was formally incorporated as CLH Group Ltd. This period solidified our commitment to supporting the care sector with evolving needs and regulatory demands.

The eventful year of 2020 underscored the critical role of the care sector during times of crisis. With the arrival of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the accompanying surge in demand for essential products, we rapidly adapted our operations. Our expanded warehouse facilities, combined with agile supply-chain management, ensured that vital hygiene products, such as gloves, masks and wipes, remained available when they were needed most.

Today, as care practices continue to evolve, we celebrate not just our milestones, but the remarkable transformation seen across the industry. Our Company Days highlight the unity and forward-thinking mindset of our team - a reflection of the industry’s continuous drive toward enhancing patient care.