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, the care industry were recognising the importance of improved 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. By now Mr Keith had purchased his first van: a gas powered VW LT.

By the mid 90’s Commercial Linen Supplies had expanded its range to include Care Equipment and Care Disposables, as the Care Industry embraced key innovations such as disposable incontinence products, mechanical hoists, and advanced pressure care - marking a pivotal shift toward improved patient safety and staff wellbeing.  

2005, and we were now operating from our current base: 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. We also saw our identity taking shape as CLH, reflecting a commitment to addressing the expanding needs of the care industry.

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

In November, the acquisition of Medaco in Bristol disposables section further enriched our portfolio. These products became vital in maintaining high hygiene standards, greatly reducing cross-contamination risks in care environments.

On May 1, 2016, 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 year of 2020 emphasised 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.