Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Cranium Medical Products.
The inception of Cranium Medical Products can be traced back to a profound realisation of the quality and accessibility issues surrounding specialised mental health furniture within local hospitals. This led Allen Cliffe to create a business which develops superior mental health furniture solutions which are ISO-accredited.
At the heart of Cranium Medical Product’s mission were these pivotal questions:
- Would we want our family members or loved ones to be in an environment like this?
- Could we find comfort and well-being in such an environment?
- Why does the field of mental healthcare, something as vital as caring for our minds, receive comparatively less attention and investment than other healthcare sectors?
Driven by these questions and a deep belief that there had to be a better way, they embarked on a journey to pioneer change in mental healthcare furnishings, championing a brighter and more compassionate future for patients and caregivers alike.
Their enterprise, driven by a youthful and dynamic team, stands out as a true disruptor in the mental healthcare furniture market. With 70% of their workforce aged 35 or younger, they bring a fresh perspective and boundless innovation to the industry.
This dedication to innovation can be seen in them being the sole manufacturer of their specialised Rotomolded furniture in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, they proudly hold the distinction of being the only hospital bed manufacturer in South Africa to achieve the ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 certifications, signifying their unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
For Allen Cliffe to become an entrepreneur has taken bravery, obsession, confidence, self-determination, sacrifice and a whole lot of coffee. Some of these traits can lead to an unhealthy work-life balance. But with the birth of his two children in the last few years, he has realised the need to shift his mindset. From putting work first to understanding that work has its place but family also needs to be prioritized.
In the future, Cranium Medical Products hopes to become the undisputed market leader in Africa and extend its reach into other international markets.
Furthermore, their long-term goal is to construct a state-of-the-art, bespoke factory that integrates the principles of lifestyle, health, and productivity. This facility will not only redefine industry standards but also serve as a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. With this vision, they aim to lead the way in reshaping the future of mental healthcare and related industries on a global scale.
Cranium Medical Products was chosen to receive a Top 10 Award and were also presented the National Youth Empowerment Award for 2023 at the South African Small Business Awards.