Our History

Eric Smith (Mark's grandfather) founded E. Smith & Co (Surgical) Ltd at School Street, Hull, which grew to become a well-known orthotics service provider and manufacturer of surgical trusses and corsetry. Eric Smith, also a respected orthotist, helped invent the hospital bed!

Martin Smith (Mark's father) joined the family business in the same year that Health Minister Enoch Powell's Hospital Plan for the NHS was initiated, which led to the creation of general district hospitals.

Martin Smith qualified as an orthotist and became a renowned paediatric specialist, working with Frederick Holmes school and innovating orthotic systems to help children with disabilities have a better quality of life.

Mark Smith joined the family business aged 21 while attending Hull University, where he studied museum and exhibition design for 2 years. Mark worked his way through every department as an apprentice, learning how to produce all the orthotic appliances by hand. Back then, this included BK irons and other metal orthoses, bespoke ankle foot orthoses and insoles from plaster casts, bespoke traditional spring and elastic trusses, and specialist footwear.

Mark completed his apprenticeship and became a much-valued team member and orthotics technician. Whilst working full-time, Mark studied at Hull College to learn Engineering to help with the understanding of manufacturing orthotic devices. Sadly, Mark wasn't able to complete the certification due to the increasing demands of a growing family business.

Mark attended a BAPO (British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics) course on DFO's (Dynamic Foot Orthoses) and travelled throughout the region to special schools where he assisted health care professionals in understanding how DFO orthotic systems can be used to help children with disabilities. As a result, the children experienced greater stability and opportunity to move with greater comfort and freedom.

Mark attended a BAPO orthotics technicians course. This resulted in a broader understanding of manufacturing techniques and systems and initiated company-wide improvements in orthotic fabrication, leading to a far superior end product.

Mark met his future wife, Beccy, and the manufacturing business was moved from School Street to a larger manufacturing base in Hull. David opened a new shop in the city centre, providing ostomy and stoma care as well as mobility aids for the local community.

Mark qualified as a limited orthotics practitioner with BAPO and started working with other leading orthotics manufacturers, including RSL Steepers of Leeds, manufacturing orthotic devices, including plastic and metal work, to their standards.

The business expanded after purchasing a soft product manufacturing Company and a mobility store in Goole. This allowed the business to expand into off-the-shelf devices for all parts of the body, and provided an opportunity to collaborate with new orthotic partners and venture into export. This led to a period of growth in innovation to meet the demand of new customers from Europe and the USA and their orthotic needs.

Went into partnership with Peacocks Medical, producing their own range of soft products; 'Red Box' for both private and NHS users. Also began manufacturing for Taycare Medical, providing plaster cast rectification for bespoke AFO's (Ankle Foot Orthoses).

The family business E. Smith & Co (Surgical) Ltd was dissolved, and Mark and wife Beccy started a new business, Lakeland Orthotics Ltd, which focused on supplying the NHS and private sector with bespoke-made and off-the-shelf orthotics, as well as a thriving orthotics clinic for the East Riding of Yorkshire area. The factory was completely revamped, and staff training was elevated to include 5S lean manufacturing, team leadership and safety training.

Lakeland apprentice Ellie-May won an award by Create to Change for "outstanding performance whilst on placement.

Mark and Beccy attended Medica 2017, the world's largest orthotics conference and exhibition, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Lakeland Orthotics Ltd expanded its customer base and made new collaborations with Dacey Orthotic Solutions and orthopaedic orthotics world leaders John Florence Ltd. Mark spent time learning from the manufacturing team at John Florence in order to re-create devices to their standards, and contributed with continuous evaluation and innovation of improved orthotic products. Lakeland exhibited at COPA 2018 at ExCel London, Europe's leading event for rehabilitation professionals to find the business advice to grow their practice, and the research, innovation and information to expand their professional knowledge.

Mark was accredited by John Florence Ltd to be able to manufacture bespoke KAFO's (Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses) to their high standard. This has only been awarded to 2 other orthotic technicians, and they both work at John Florence. Beccy resigned as Director and Trevor became the owner of Lakeland Orthotics Ltd. Sadly, this was also the year John Florence went into administration.

A year of endings and new beginnings! Lakeland Orthotics Ltd went into liquidation early in the year, and Mark started a new business venture close to home in Egremont, Cumbria, with support from friends and family. Mark Smith Orthotics Ltd focuses on producing high-quality bespoke hand-made orthotics for the foot, limb and torso and serves the private healthcare sector, as well as consumers and healthcare professionals.

Mark Smith Orthotics Ltd launched a brand new website where consumers and health care professionals/wholesalers can order bespoke, custom-made insoles from the comfort of their home or clinic. Throughout 2026, the catalogue will be expanded to include quality yet affordable off-the-shelf insoles and other foot care products, with customer service provided by Beccy.