Paxton Veterinary Clinics

Client: Helen Spencer

Helen Spencer has always been passionate about animals, working as a vet and providing an excellent, caring service. However, after graduating Helen found herself working at an “unrewarding, failing veterinary practice, with poor staff morale”. But, in January 2007 the owner of the two adjacent practices Helen worked for decided to sell up providing her with a fantastic opportunity to experience the biggest decision of her career so far – take up the challenge of buying the failing practices and transform the clinics into a rewarding place to work offering a fantastic service to all customers.

Motivated by the desire to “provide a better service and boost staff morale” encouraged Helen to commence the challenge. However, the task of rescuing a failing business is never easy, and for Helen the main obstacle was writing a successful business plan.  In need of some guidance and advice Helen discovered GLE oneLondon through the LDA’s Business London: Start Up and Micro Business Support programme.

Working with a qualified business adviser at GLE oneLondon enabled Helen to write the all important business plan which she then presented to a high street bank to obtain a loan. Helen enthusiastically explains that “it would not have been possible to write a successful business plan, which became the essential element to establishing Paxton Veterinary Clinics, without the help of my business adviser”.

Helen also encountered other obstacles along her journey including boosting staff morale and establishing a professional reputation for the clinic. With a lot of hard work and dedication to turning a failing business into the thriving practice it is today Helen has been able to overcome these obstacles explaining that, “commitment and hard work is the key to success”.

Helen has also invested in several different forms of advertising to establish the new practice and build upon its reputation - including putting notices in local newspapers and going into local schools to talk to children about how to care for animals and what being a vet involves. Holding an open day to inspire staff and promote the new practice also proved to be successful and contributed to boosting staff morale and establishing a new, positive image for the clinic. 

Overall, Helen believes that a clear, concise business plan is the key to success explaining that “without the support from GLE oneLondon it would not have been possible to establish Paxton Veterinary Clinics as the successful business it is today”.

For entrepreneurs hoping to start up a business Helen’s advice is to “seek guidance from a GLE oneLondon business support adviser who will help you focus your ideas and provide support through every stage of your journey. To succeed, work hard, persevere and believe in yourself!”

For more information about how you can develop your business idea and access free business advice, please visit www.enterprisecentral.co.uk

For more information about Paxton Veterinary Clinics, please visit www.paxtonvets.co.uk