Healthy business shows it can handle expansion
Jan 11 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal
A THRIVING health business has taken on extra specialist staff, moved into new premises and re-branded its image despite the credit crunch.
Former NHS nurse Iain Bolton launched the consultancy six years ago under his own name to advise clients on ways to reduce time off work caused by accidents and to suggest ways to improve working practices to minimise staff injuries.
Now, however, the Ellington-based specialist has taken on more work, particularly in the field of nursing training, and boasts an impressive list of clients including NHS Primary Care Trusts, council social services, housing authorities and private businesses.
As Mr Bolton’s business has grown, he has taken on new staff with specialist skills. Eileen Wilkinson, a qualified physiotherapist from Newcastle, and nurse Julie Appleby, from Stakeford, will add to his existing team of Crook-based physiotherapist Barbara Frew and his mother Phyllis Pearson, who works as administrator.
He said: “Taking on new staff was part of a process I took to look, in depth, at all aspects of my business to ensure that it survives the current economic challenges. One of the things I really wanted to change was the name of the business to reflect our expertise in the moving and handling of patients and in particular the skills we have in training medical professionals to handle people in their care.
“I believe that our new name, Well Handled, will help us move forward as it tells our customers and clients exactly what we do.”
Iain believes that the rebranding will help the business stand out from his competitors by highlighting their depth of expertise and the benefits associated with their services.
“Having a strong brand is a key element to our success and Well Handled seems to fit in with everything we are doing,” said Mr Bolton.
“It gives the right message about our work and links with our business ethic of looking after our customers with top-class customer service.”
Looking after his customers is one of his main priorities and by providing specialist training courses in subjects such as drug administration, infection control and the care and protection of vulnerable adults, he can ensure that these vital skills are used by health professionals for the benefit of the patient.
He says his business is continually growing and he is confident that his new safe working practice training courses and rebranding exercise will allow Well Handled to go from strength to strength.
“It’s essential to get the right advice and guidance particularly where health is concerned. I am sure that our new name and new staff will help us to handle even more people well in the coming months, “he said.
