Acorn Mobility Services, a West Yorkshire-based stairlift manufacturer, reported a rise in profits and paid a £50.4 million dividend to its founder in the year ending September 2025. The Monaco-resident founder, John Jakes, received the dividend amid a period of sustained financial growth for the company, with total dividends exceeding £350 million over the past 12 years.

The company, headquartered near Bradford, recorded pre-tax profits of £63.3 million, up from £57.8 million the previous year. Revenue increased to £288.9 million from £267.5 million in 2024, including £44.1 million generated from services. Acorn attributed the growth to rising demand from an ageing population and its expanding international presence.

John Jakes, 70, retains full ownership of Acorn and serves as a director. The stairlift entrepreneur, who established the firm in the early 1990s, began by repairing used stairlifts before shifting to manufacturing new units due to limited availability of pre-owned equipment. Jakes’s personal net worth was estimated at £926 million this year, placing him 170th on the Sunday Times Rich List, an increase of £57 million from the previous year.

Acorn produces, sells, installs, and services stairlifts, aiming to support elderly and mobility-impaired individuals in maintaining independence at home. The company operates factories in Yorkshire and Scotland and exports products to over 80 countries. Subsidiaries are located in key markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and major European economies.

Employee numbers rose to 1,529 from 1,400 in the previous year. The company described 2025 as a “successful year,” noting that sales benefited from optional product configurations that increased average selling prices. Despite rising material and labor costs, the gross profit margin remained relatively stable at 73.7%, compared to 74.6% the prior year.

Acorn also increased its inventory by approximately £3 million in anticipation of upcoming tariff changes, enabling earlier delivery of products. Geographic distribution of sales showed that one-third originated in the UK, 14% from other European countries, and the remainder from global markets.

John Jakes has maintained a low public profile and is described by associates as an elusive figure. His son, James Jakes, is a professional racing driver who has competed in the United States’ IndyCar Series, with support from Acorn.

Acorn declined to comment on the recent financial disclosures.