Consultants see rapid growth as turnover hits £10m

Sheffield Orthopaedics Ltd (SOL), formed by 12 orthopaedic surgeons in 2004, expects to turn over 8.66m for the year 2009-10 and hopes to reach the eight-figure sum by 2011

SOL is growing on the back of the expansion of its contract with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

It now has a deal of at least three years, worth a 9m a year to SOL, which is an increase of 1.5m to 2m on its previous agreement.

Chris Blundell, the chairman, said the deal would provide a stable source of revenue and help it to grow.

"The most important aspect of that contract is its longevity. Previously we ran on one-year contracts but this is a three-year minimum, running until July 31, 2012.

"It has given us a lot more security. It is a significant ramp-up in terms of the work we do."

Sol now has 35 staff and has added two to the group of orthopaedic consultants who are also shareholders.

Mr Blundell said they are planning to add more secretarial staff this year and are considering appointing a business manager.

The firm, which says it is the largest independent orthopaedic healthcare provider in Yorkshire, offers full orthopaedic healthcare and covers all sub-specialities, such as hand and wrist, foot and ankle, back, hip, knee and shoulder care.

It wants to become the leading independent provider of orthopaedic healthcare in the UK. All of its consultants take part in some teaching in Sheffield, which is known for having a long history of orthopaedic work.

Sol turned over 3.94m for the 2005-06 year and moved to 7.36m last year (2008-09).

Mr Blundell said Sol had been successful because of the quality of its staff and its outcomes.

"We have got a corporate identity with companies and patients.

"With have more security with referrals from GPs and physios. We marketed ourselves to them."

Sol is also "choosy" about the staff it takes on, Mr Blundell said.

"Because the company it successful people want to work for us. We are able to pick and choose."