Company History

Where it Started

Possum Ltd was founded in 1961 by Reginald Malling, inspired by a powerful encounter while volunteering at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. There, he met a young man paralysed from the neck down who could only alert nurses by blowing on a whistle. Recognising the challenges faced by this individual, Reginald designed a suck-or-blow mouthpiece, that allowed the patient to activate devices such as lights and TVs, and ultimately use an electric typewriter.

Malling named his invention the Patient Operated Selector Mechanism, or POSM. The name closely resembled “Possum,” which is Latin for “I can.” This became the foundation of our company’s name, embodying our belief in empowering individuals.

Please enjoy this short archive film to see early Possum assistive technology in action at the Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital during the 1960s, helping people gain greater independence and control in everyday life.

1961

Where it all begins

Maling called his invention Patient Operated Selector Mechanism or POSM. As a near match for the word Possum – Latin for ‘I can’ – it became our Company name when it was founded in 1961.

Reginald Malling, founder of Possum Ltd, pictured with one of the company’s early electronic control systems in 1961

1972

Possum Users Association Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

Possum Users Association Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (PUA is now the Sequal Trust).

1975

PSU 3 environmental control system launched

Demonstrated continued development of Possum’s environmental control technology.

Historic photograph of a woman using the Possum PSU 3 environmental control system in her home in 1975

1982

Possum ZX Spectrum system launched

Early integration of consumer computing technology into assistive solutions.

1994

Philip Robinson becomes Owner and Managing Director

Marked a new phase of leadership and long‑term strategic development.

Philip Robinson becoming Owner and Managing Director of Possum in 1994, marking a new chapter in the company’s leadership

Professor Stephen Hawking pictured with an early Possum assistive communication device designed to support independence and environmental control

1998

Possum acquired Cambridge Adaptive Communication Ltd

Best known for developing the communication systems used by Sir Stephen Hawking.

Early 2000’s

First touchscreen controller (Primo) launched

Possum introduced touchscreen technology into its control systems.

Older couple using a Possum telecare solution to support safer, more independent living at home

2000’s

Telecare integrated into the product range

Expansion beyond environmental controls into telecare and assisted living solutions.

2009

Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation

Possum received national recognition for innovation in assistive technology.

2011

Launch of Neo Range

New Carephone introduced along with suite of peripherals

2015

Launched Novo

Our first digital carephone

Possum Novo digital carephone launched in 2015 to provide reliable telecare and emergency communication

2025

Expansion into European markets

Environmental controllers launched into European markets

2026

Innovative new product launches

Launched Primo Pro environmental controller and Vibby Home proactive and preventative care solution

Possum Primo Pro environmental controller and Vibby Home proactive care solution launched in 2026

Possum Today

Today, Possum Ltd continues to pioneer innovative Assistive Technology (AT) solutions tailored to meet the needs of individuals, including the elderly and those with learning difficulties.