As Omnimed’s founder, Michael Morris sets sail into retirement, it feels only right to pause and reflect on the journey he has led over the past 18 years, and the impact he has had on everyone who has worked with him along the way.
With over 40 years of experience in the healthcare sector, spanning both UK and international markets, Michael built and led high-performing sales and customer service teams long before founding Omnimed. Drawing on that experience, and a deep understanding of both customers and the wider healthcare landscape, he established Omnimed in 2008 in response to emerging opportunities within the UK healthcare market.
From the outset, Michael set out to do things properly. Omnimed has always been the small company that is big on customer service, building its reputation on quality, sensible pricing, reliability, and relationships. He created a business rooted in listening to customers and working in partnership with them. That ethos remains central to Omnimed today.
From those early days, Michael built Omnimed into what it is today. The trusted, ISO accredited home of high-quality, cost-effective endoscopy accessories for the NHS and UK private healthcare market. A business that supports both financial performance and positive patient outcomes, while staying grounded in the values it was built on.
There are stories that capture that journey perfectly. Packing biopsy valves with family around the dining room table, or exchanging ideas in a kitchenette in a self-storage unit in the depths of Winnall Trading Estate. Finding creative ways to get things done. Growing steadily, step by step, while never losing sight of what mattered most.
People. Whether that was the customers, the patients, the team or the numerous charities he supported.
No one has seen that journey more closely than Caroline, Omnimed’s first team member who is still with the company today. Caroline joined in those earliest days and helped shape the business from the ground up.
“I first met Michael when he was running the business from his home in Badger Farm, where I helped keep on top of the accounts from a tiny box room, supervised closely by Poppy the dog.
As the business grew, we moved from the house to Alligator Storage at Winnall, then on to Pinglestone Farm and eventually Itchen Abbas. I saw first-hand how everything expanded, from stock and space to the team itself.
It has been wonderful to watch the business grow into what it is today, with the best set of people yet. I will miss Michael so much. He has been the cheeriest, friendliest and most generous boss. So many happy memories.”
That journey from a small, hands-on operation to a growing business was shaped not just by hard work, but by Michael’s approach to leadership. Genevieve reflects,
“As soon as I was introduced to Michael, I knew he was genuine and receptive. He has a rare ability to give credit where it’s due whilst pushing people to do better.
As a marketer, I valued his willingness to try new ideas, take creative risks and trust professionals to get on with the job. He created an environment where marketing could have a real impact on the growth of the business.
Most of all, I will miss his kind heart, sense of humour, and the steady, supportive presence he brought to the team.”
That same sense of leadership and care was felt across the team as Omnimed continued to grow. Lisa reflects on her experience,
“When I came for my interview in 2018, Michael put me at ease straight away. After the serious part, we ended up chatting about cruise holidays.
My early days at Pinglestone Farm were intense, working closely as a small team, but Michael was clear on the standards he wanted and the level of customer service Omnimed should be known for.
One moment I will never forget was when he turned up at my house over Easter with flowers and a chocolate bunny to celebrate a big milestone for the business.
As we moved to Itchen Abbas and the business grew, he always made sure the team felt recognised, whether through celebrations, Christmas events, or simply taking the time to check in. He made us feel like a working family, and I will really miss that.”
For everyone who joined along the way, Michael created more than just a workplace. He created a culture. Kelly says,
“Michael took me under his wing four years ago now. The laughs we have shared will never be forgotten, especially his kind heart and the support he has shown to my family. We have shared giggles, laughter and tears.”
Although he has known Michael for less than 18 months, from the very start it was clear to John the quality of person that Michael is,
"Before starting with Omnimed, my tick list for my next role was very specific and
there were some things that were non-negotiable, one of which was a commitment to and demonstration of equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Driven by Michael, the ethos of family, as well as consideration, understanding and support of employees’ situations outside as well as inside the workplace is undeniable.
This leadership style led everyone to buy into Michael’s key business driver; that any one of us or our loved ones could be using the products that we sell and so there can be no compromise on quality of products or quality of service we provide to the healthcare professionals that will be utilising them."
Clive remembers his first meeting in his own inimitable way.
“I arrived for my interview as a sales agent at Mr Morris’ house and somewhat startled him as I rode up on my motorbike. At the time he didn’t bat an eyelid, but later admitted he wondered if I was delivering something or had come about bike racing.
It has been a rare privilege to work with someone so dedicated to customer care. His success has been truly earned.”
That same sentiment is echoed by David,
“You always have a novel approach which customers enjoy. Your dedication and professionalism are there for all to see. You set the standard for others to follow.”
Michael’s leadership has always balanced clear strategic thinking with a human touch. He works incredibly hard, but also understands the importance of stepping back and enjoying life. His affectionate nickname, “Mick-onos”, coined by Calum H, says it all. A love of travel, perspective, and an ability to bring that energy back into the business. Rachel adds,
“It has been wonderful to watch Michael lead Omnimed to the success it is today. He combines clear strategic thinking with determination, while also being a genuinely kind and generous boss.”
Above all, it is that generosity that stands out. Not just in big moments, but in the everyday ways he has supported his team and the people around him. And yes, Michael, we are already missing the biscuits, cakes, and little sweet treats you would bring in to share.
While the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the principles Michael established remain firmly in place. His legacy lives on in the culture, the standards, and the way Omnimed continues to support its customers every day.
Eighteen years on, it is hard to think of a better captain to have steered the course of Omnimed.
As Michael steps into a well-earned retirement, we simply want to say thank you. For the leadership, the opportunities, the laughter, the friendship and everything he has built.
Here’s to raising a glass of Taittinger to Michael, and to the next chapter.
Happy retirement, you deserve it.
