Charmaine Kemp started up her business, Wheelie Good Mobility after graduating from University of Greenwich at Medway with a BA in Business Studies and Marketing, and failed to find employment. Charmaine was quick to realise after graduating in 2008 that the realities of the job market were a little bleak, so her used-mobility scooter business was born. She discovered through research a number of niches, including the massive overpricing of new goods, unethical trading with pressure sales or poor service and the disposal of perfectly working used mobility scooters. The provision of affordable mobility scooters (and other mobility aids) was, to Charmaine, a great opportunity to support a basic community need and respond to a growing market. By 2023, the over 60s will double, making up 5% of the population of the UK.

The company is designed to help the elderly and disabled buy mobility scooters at reduced prices, recycling old scooters that would normally end up in landfill. She drafted in her Dad, Bob the share the business with her and have him control the Used Mobility Scooter division, so she could focus on the general start up of the new goods sold at affordable prices via the Wheelie Good Website and the mail-order catalogue.

Within six weeks of starting her company, she was granted support from the Kent’s Prince’s Trust and her business is now growing steadily with help from the team: Bob with his expertise in sales and service, Doug and the two Dans with their technical knowledge. Wheelie Good works with various councils and charities, including Age Concern.

In July 2010, 18 months after starting, Charmaine was won 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' by The Kent Foundation and SKANSKA in the Kent Excellence in Business Awards.

Charmaine has also won ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ for the South and South East region with Shell LiveWIRE in October 2010. She narrowly missed out on the national award, which went to the Midlands. Judged by a panel of nine judges, including Dragon’s Den Duncan Bannantyne and Twitter investor Simon Dolan, Charmaine endured two grueling days of speeches, pitches, presentations and interviews, but thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Charmaine has drawn much inspiration to drive the business forward from the insightful stories told at the event. 

Charmaine received the award from Shell Chairman, James Smith. She also received some kind and encouraging words from Sir Tom Farmer, creator of Kwik Fit and former Princes Trust mentor, Mark Prisk Minister of State for Business and Enterprise.

Charmaine Kemp - Trading as Wheelie Good Mobility

Our address is: Unit 1, Chapelwood Enterprise Estate,
Ash Road
Hartley
Kent
0800 232 1553