Norman Unwin, 89, the founder of accessible transport specialist Unwin, has died.
He founded the company over 60 years ago, having created the world’s first device to secure wheelchairs in vehicles, after witnessing a ‘disastrous’ seaside outing involving five people in wheelchairs.
He and his late wife Jean retired in 2014, when Swedish company Autoadapt bought the company.
Unwin Managing Director Chris Hellier says: “It is thanks to Norman’s tireless efforts that our company today is able to help thousands of people with disabilities travel in safety.
“In the early days he took on the Department of Transport – and won – when they proposed a directive that said some wheelchairs in buses did not need to be secured. He looked for solutions and made sure that they worked.
“Norman’s ethos continues today in all the work we do at Unwin headquarters at Martock. We all send our deepest condolences to his family.”
A Thanksgiving service will be held on Wednesday 25 April at 1400hrs at St John’s Church in Yeovil.
