For many, business success throughout COVID-19 has been about survival, keeping the doors open and weathering the storm. For some, though, a deserving client group needed their digital assistive technologies. So the highly motivated team at Link Assistive learnt to ‘live in the grey’ of remote working to continue to deliver.
Over the past two years, Link Assistive experienced such significant business growth that they are now one of the many businesses integrated into the Tonsley Innovation Precinct. This is the fourth move for Bas Tijdhof’s company, having started Link Assistive in his back shed and now employing 15 with further growth expected. In 2011, it became a registered company with growth of the company prompting moves following to Fullarton Road and Pasadena.
The Link Assistive technologies provide solutions to help with face-to-face communication, giving control over home appliances, and even controlling powered wheelchairs through eye movements. The company continues to grow and this South Australian success story supports its customers in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Link Assistive was not wholly immune to the impacts of the global pandemic. Mainly through border restrictions, it altered the ability of the team to engage and talk about the products genuinely. They also experienced significant delays with several installations of Interactive Sensory spaces interstate.
Now, the move into the Tonsley Innovation Precinct brings incredible opportunities. Their new purpose-built space nestles them right between Siemens and TAFE in front of the main assembly building. This gives prime access to the area they need to deliver their equipment and tech from around the world. The opportunity to partner with local manufacturers is exciting for Bas, who has already commenced discussions with a neighbouring 3D printer to produce parts locally.
“Networking works. At a Tonsley networking session, I started talking to another local company about a collaboration. I can see many more opportunities like this now that we are based at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct.”
Collaboration is essential to the Link Assistive story. Their specialist teams doing this already through guest lecturing with Flinders University. According to Bas, being based at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct means further partnering is definitely on the cards too.
“We are in a niche industry and there is still plenty more research and development to be done. Especially in the social sciences area to understand just what an impact these assistive technologies have in the everyday life of our clients.”
For Link Assistive, it is about finding the right solution for the individual. So, they provide flexible rent-to-own plans and free trial periods to ensure Link Assistive’s technology gives the individual back as much of their independence as possible.
Managing Director Bas Tijdhof will collaborate with his competition; if that is what the client needs, then this niche industry does to ensure the individual gets the solution they need.
Bas is clear that his staff are not salespeople, ‘we’re not selling cars’ he firmly states. Instead, they are clinicians and therapists who want to provide the best solutions for their clients.
This is the tech that gives people back their deserved independence. Congratulations to this the South Australian Business Chamber member for their expansion into the Tonsley Innovation Precinct.
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More about Link Assistive: https://www.linkassistive.com/
About digital assistive technology from the Assistive Technology Suppliers Australasia:
One in every ten Australians relies on assistive technology (AT) in their daily lives (ABS 2004). AT is central to increasing participation, minimising long-term costs and improving the lives of people with disability of all ages. AT is a primary enabler, making it possible for people with disability of all ages to do many activities that most of us take for granted such as getting out of bed and going to work or school.
Effective AT provision can reduce long-term care costs and healthcare costs and increase participation in employment and education (Audit Commission 2000, 2004; AIHW 2006; Heywood & Turner 2007). AT products are often categorised in four main groups: personal care; daily living aids; communication; and mobility.
