Nantwich accessibility firm Direct Access has won International Trader of the Year at the prestigious South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards.
The award comes as the business, run by Steven Mifsud, celebrates a successful first year in the United Arab Emirates and opening of the company’s first offices in Dubai.
Established 15 years ago, Direct Access advises organisations on how to ensure their buildings and services are accessible for disabled people.
Millions of people daily use a building or service audited by Direct Access ranging from Virgin Rail and Eurostar trains, London Gatwick airport, the Sport Wales Governing body, tourist sites such as the House of Parliament and the historic Roman Baths an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Since 2017, Direct Access has provided consultancy services in the United Arab Emirates working on projects for Nando’s, Emrill and some iconic large-scale construction projects.
In August 2018, they opened an office at Dubai South, to service disability access auditing and training contracts in the Middle East.
Profoundly deaf Steven has also worked on accessible design for several UK projects including the refurbishment of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, the Victoria Square retail, hotel and residential development in Woking and counts Virgin Trains, Eurostar and York Racecourse among its high-profile clients.
“A year ago we started to look at how we can share British expertise in inclusive design in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” said director Steven.
“The 2017 launch of the Dubai Universal Design Code by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler ofcDubai was the opportunity we needed to support clients with ensuring compliance with accessibility.
“Winning the accolade is the culmination of an exciting year in the Middle East.
“It is just the start of our plans to improve accessibility in the Middle East for disabled people.
“What makes us unique is all of our team have a disability providing our clients with unrivalled expertise into the barriers that disabled people face and how they can be addressed.”
The company is based in Regents Park, off London Road in Nantwich.
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