New HQ for physio service that aims to save taxpayer money

As the public sector gears up for massive spending cuts, Physio Med is helping to reduce absenteeism in a number of services that are paid for by the taxpayer.

The company’s success is proof that great business empires are never built in a day. Entrepreneur Mark Fletcher understands the need for patience. He registered the name of his company, Physio Med, back in 1989. The company remained dormant for 11 years, until Mr Fletcher decided the time was right to launch it and start seeking clients.

Now Physio Med is doing its bit to reduce sickness absence at major public and private sector institutions, such as the Royal Mail, the Department of Work and Pensions, West Yorkshire Fire Service and Waitrose. The years of waiting have finally paid off.

During the 1990s, Mr Fletcher, a qualified physiotherapist, drew up his business plans with his brother Jake and colleague Phil Clayton, who worked at Prime Time Recruitment. Physio Med has become one of the biggest providers of physiotherapy services in the UK.

The business, which turns over £2m a year, has a network of more than 2,000 senior chartered physiotherapists in 650 practices across the UK. The company provides a telephone and web-based physiotherapy advice service that puts staff in touch with a qualified physio within hours.

The system maintains regular contact with the patient to ensure progress is being made. According to Mr Fletcher, the system – known as PAL – resolves a minimum of 65 per cent of injuries without the need for more expensive ‘hands-on’ treatment, which saves time and money.

Mr Fletcher, who is originally from Stockton-on-Tees and achieved his chartered status at the Newcastle School of Physiotherapy, opened his practice in Guiseley, near Leeds, in 1989 after qualifying in 1988 and secured the Physio Med name the same year.

Before launching Physio Med, Mr Fletcher worked as the head physio for the Rugby Super League side Bradford Bulls.

Mr Clayton, the company’s managing director, who joined the business in 2002, said yesterday: “The key for us has been to stay ahead of the game by developing innovative products and approaches and we’ve done that by focusing on our core strengths.

“I look after the overall running of the business, Mark looks after the clinical side and Jake is a fantastic salesman – the passion we all hold for the business is clear to see. We care about patients and outcomes first and we are prepared to walk away from an opportunity if it doesn’t feel right.

“The feedback we constantly receive from customers and patients is inspiring and pushes you out of bed before the alarm clock goes off every day.”

Physio Med is entering a new phase with a move from its current home in Brooklands Court, Leeds, to a customised 5,000 sq ft facility on the Leeds outer ring road, which will be the permanent base for its 12 staff.

Mr Clayton added: “We have now outgrown Brooklands Court, and after a long search, we bought and have converted the former Wheatsheaf Inn on Gelderd Road.

“It’s been a labour of love but the new premises will offer a great combination of office space, luxury treatment rooms and free patient and guest parking, which we want to make available to local businesses and individuals as well as our existing clients. The move to The Wheatsheaf will enable us to achieve continued growth without compromising on quality.”