Founded nearly two decades ago by University of Staffordshire alumnus Andrew Pear, Reliance Medical has grown into the UK’s leading trade manufacturer of first aid and medical supplies.

A family run, true British success story, Reliance has carved out a strong international presence through cutting-edge product development and a commitment to helping save lives.

Based in North Staffordshire, the business employs 70 staff in the UK and 105 at its wholly owned manufacturing facility in Shanghai with newly established operations across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Innovation lies at the heart of Reliance Medical’s success. In 2024 the company introduced the groundbreaking Igloo Blanket. This state-of-the-art hypothermia blanket has been developed to aid trauma patients, newborn infants and individuals exposed to extreme weather conditions. Using multi-layered, latex-free, reflective materials, Igloo blankets trap and reflect body heat, significantly reducing the risk of hypothermia in emergency situations such as major blood loss.

Already being deployed by ambulance and military services, Igloo blankets are distributed in 16 languages ensuring they are ready for use by emergency services across Europe.

Reliance Medical’s commitment to the planet is as strong as its commitment to saving lives. The company is proud to lead the sector with sustainable design and production initiatives.

Reliance Medical’s flagship first aid kit boxes – Aura3 and Titan, are industry firsts: both are made entirely from recycled and recyclable plastic, reducing the need for virgin materials and saving the equivalent of six million plastic bottles per year. These kits feature screen printed, globally recognisable iconography to replace printed labels, further reducing plastic waste.

Thomas Pear MBA, Managing Director of Reliance Medical, said: “Reliance Medical prides itself on leading the industry, both in terms of innovation and thought leadership, supporting and affecting regulatory and legislation changes. Our aim is to continue to grow UK sales and open new export and retail markets around the world – this desire has fuelled our major international expansion.”

Reliance Medical has entered the Business of the Year and Innovation Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.