Shonaquip cc is an SMME that designs, manufactures and distributes specialised disability equipment with a focus on wheelchairs. It began in 1992, with owner Shona McDonald working from her garage with only two assistants.

 

 

The company had the following challenge:

Shona realised that her approach to marketing was underemphasised and the business was overly reliant on word of mouth marketing. There was a strong need to grow the sales levels and ultimately the profitability of the business.

 

 

To correct the imbalance, Seda assisted in developing a marketing DVD along with brochures, posters and a website, confidant that these measures would result in increased sales in the business and a larger market share. In 2005, Seda further advised Shona to apply for funding from the Seda Technology Programme: Technology Transfer Fund.

 

 

The business received funding to purchase a pressure mapping system whick quickly identifies correct wheelchair prescriptions. Shonaquip also went on to win the dti Technology award for Best Performing Technology intervention in 2005, and subsequently received a SPII incentive to assist with further technical machine design. Shonaquip continues to experience exciting product development, resulting in sales turnover increases, which, in 2008 exceeded R15 million.