Healthspan (company)

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Healthspan is the UK's largest mail-order supplier of vitamins, minerals and health supplements. It started in 1996 as Healthspan Direct, founded by Derek Coates in Guernsey with 10 products. It grew to more than 150 items, including nutritional supplements, herbal products, skincare (Nurture) and veterinary supplements (VetVits). In 2001 the business was renamed Healthspan.

Key events
- 2004: Healthspan sued Healthy Direct over branding; the case was dismissed.
- 2008: Healthspan bought Healthy Direct in an eight-figure deal, making it the UK's biggest direct supplier of nutrition supplements.
- 2011: Talks of selling Healthspan for around £150 million emerged, but the sale did not go through. The government ended the Low Value Consignment Relief affecting Channel Islands shipments, prompting plans to relocate distribution while the Guernsey HQ stayed. In May 2011 the company said it was no longer for sale. Derek Coates stepped down as CEO and became Group Chairman; he was followed by Graham Case, then Tim Pethick (left 2018). The current CEO is Martin Talbot.

Healthspan Leisure and Vista Hotels
- In 2004 Healthspan began investing in Channel Islands tourism through Healthspan Leisure, buying and refurbishing hotels in Alderney and Guernsey and launching Rockhopper Airlines, which later became Blue Islands. Healthspan Leisure was later renamed Vista Hotels Group.

Sale to Orkla
- In March 2022, Norwegian company Orkla Health acquired 100% of Healthspan for £65 million in cash and debt-free terms.

Marketing and regulation
- In 2008 Sky News questioned the Nutriprofile dietary questionnaire, suggesting it recommended more supplements than needed. The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled against some Healthspan product claims.