A company specialising in wet weather clothing for wheelchair users has joined a scheme to offer placements to graduates.

Simplantex Healthcare, based in St Leonards, has taken on Brighton University graduate Gemma May to carry out market research prior to the launch of new products.

Gemma will research the UK and EC healthcare market to identify, design and launch a selection of new products which complement the current range.

After the release, a comprehensive review will be undertaken to determine whether objectives are met.

The company has developed much of its range based on feedback and requests from customers.

Its range of wet weather wear for disabled people was the result of a request to parent company Simplantex.

Forty years ago, a mother asked if the company could make wet weather wear for her disabled child and a new range of products and new division was born.

Simplantex was started in 1952 and was the UK's largest nursery bedding company. Its customers included Harrods and the Royal Family.

Now Simplantex Healthcare, an arm of the original company, specialises in wet weather wear for disabled and elderly people using wheelchairs and scooters.

It has become a highly successful company in its own right and is Europe's brand leader in its market.

Managing director Oliver Askaroff said: "Our commitment is to provide our clients with warm, dry and comfortable weather wear.

"We are looking to expand our markets and launch a range of healthcare accessories which will provide additional home comforts.

"To assist with this aim, we have turned to the University of Brighton."

The firm is taking on Gemma May under TCS, a Government-funded program-me that makes academic expertise available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Graduates on the scheme, known as TCS associates, have their skills matched to the needs of the company they are assigned to for their two-year project.

The Government pays about 60 per cent of the cost and the company can access the full range of expertise the university offers.

Mr Askaroff said: "We are growing rapidly and the extent of this growth is dependent on market research, so obviously it is important for us to have the right people with the relevant skills.

"The scheme offers huge benefits and there are some very impressive statistics, such as seven out of ten placed TCS associates get offered a job at the end of two years which three-quarters take. This is a very encouraging result."

Bob Howlett, director of the TCS Centre, said: "The programme offers quality support and various benefits, such as Government funding of £47,000 per associate during the programme. We hope other small firms will see the advantage."

Gemma said: "This is a great opportunity for me to gain practical experience in the research and development of a product for the market."