Getting to know... Tom Appelbee

In the latest instalment of Bdaily's Getting to know feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Tom Appelbee, co-founder of Skipton-based Fenetic Wellbeing, talks about its mobility product support, the joy of founding a business with his childhood friend and the resilience that comes with running a business in ever-challenging times…

We know you as the co-founder of Fenetic Wellbeing, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick...

I always enjoy creating and working on new ideas, especially when I can push what’s possible and bring new ideas and innovation to the industry. 

Over the last 15 years, it’s been incredibly motivating to see ideas through from conception to reality.

Not all of them have been successes, but these hurdles keep me going and striving to achieve more.

Did you always want to work in the mobility sector?

As a child, did I always dream about commodes…?

Honestly? No. 

However, after starting out in the sector in 2006, I’ve been passionate that there is a big job to be done to support those in need of mobility products.

Since then, I've remained driven to provide accessible, honest and affordable solutions.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part is seeing something that started as a small idea between me and business partner Graeme still going strong 16 years later. 

The worst part is navigating the world around us. 

After opening the business in the shadow of the financial crash in 2008/2009, we thought we were well equipped to withstand most business challenges. 

Little did we know what the economy had in store for small businesses, with Brexit, a pandemic, a cost of living crisis and global supply chain disruptions in the last few years alone. 

Each challenge has tested our resilience and reminded us that running a business is about more than just great products or services.

It’s about staying agile, making tough decisions under pressure and remaining motivated and positive to take each challenge as a learning.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

I’d say I have two. 

Firstly, building a business and successfully navigating the last few years is an achievement in itself. 

To have done this with my childhood friend Graeme is an added bonus. 

From starting out in an attic in Keighley more than fifteen years ago, to a 32,000sq ft warehouse and showroom, we’ve certainly grown up alongside the company.

Secondly, securing our first Which? Best Buy accreditation was a huge milestone.

To have now gained the accreditation for seven of our products is a huge achievement and something that remains incredibly valuable for us and our customers.

What makes Yorkshire such a great place to live and work?

My morning commute takes me through the valleys from Haworth, where I live, to the showroom in Skipton. 

The views from the drive are incredibly picturesque and always help me put things into perspective, ordering my thoughts for the day no matter how tricky the week has been. 

Yorkshire folk are straight-talking, good value and have an empathetic humour; this energy has been built into our brand and is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know...

The beginning of my career took a different route to what you might expect.

I initially began working in events and was part of the team that created Bingley Music Live – staying true to my Yorkshire roots.

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