A medical start up in Rhayader is a great example of how the right support can help entrepreneurs quickly turn a gap in the market into a sought-after business.
Founded by experienced medical professionals, Paul Cragg and Martyn Price, along with three medical professional investors, Mid Wales Medical Services Ltd has achieved remarkable traction since contacting Business Wales for practical support to establish the business and identify suitable sources for funding.
Mid Wales Medical Services provides medical aid at public events including sports matches, festivals, and horse shows with qualified ambulance operators, paramedics, and advanced clinical practitioners. The business also offers the private transfer of patients and first aid training to businesses in Mid Wales.
Thanks to digital marketing guidance provided by Business Wales, in its first year of operating Mid Wales Medical has received 80 bookings and has had a presence at several large events such as Jack Frost Enduro and a UWCB and MMA fighting event – they are also set to service Hay Festival, EnduroGP in Wales, and the Adventure Overland and Campervan Show in Stratford.
With a combined 75 years of experience in the medical field and event management, the core team, four of which are experienced NHS emergency care paramedics, also has 30 contracted licensed medical staff who are available for large scale events if a bigger medical presence is needed.
Before establishing Mid Wales Medical Services, Martyn Price, and his co-director recognised the lack of quality medical services that offered health, safety, and wellbeing assurance for large events in Mid Wales. All too often, Powys’ geographic location and rural nature were the main barrier in accessing such vital services.
With their medical experience and insight into the events industry, the team were confident they would be able to deliver lifesaving services but knew that establishing a business correctly would require support from experts with real world business insight. So, Martyn got in touch with Business Wales for guidance during the startup process.
Business advisor, Ian Harvey, helped Martyn construct a business plan and consider a suitable cash flow strategy. Ian then set about supporting the business to create its brand identity, which included developing a strapline, “Professional Service First Time, Every Time”. The focus then moved to identifying opportunities for the business to promote itself through advertising and establishing a strong social media presence on Facebook to engage with prospective clients. To launch the service, Martyn set up a website and Facebook page that allowed businesses to sign up for medical training, and for event organisers to commission services.
Ian says:
Martyn is always eager to learn ways to improve Mid Wales Medical Services business practices. This passion, combined with his experience in the medical field and knowledge of the event sector, will no doubt help the business continue to grow. Engaging with Business Wales’ tailored one-on-one support, online resources and webinars, has helped translate lifesaving services into a business with massive potential.
Ian is supporting Martyn to access finance to expand the fleet of ambulances, upskill staff with additional training, and find a permanent premises to carry out operations.
Martyn has also taken advantage of the online seminars and courses offered by Business Wales to learn about accounting, business management, and marketing, and officially launched Mid Wales Medical Services in February 2023.
Discussing the support received from Business Wales, Martyn Price, said:
The direction from Business Wales was important for building Mid Wales Medical Services’ public profile and developing our identity as a company. Ian offered us practical support and a wealth of resources on management and business processes. He was always available to lend a helping hand and answer any questions that I had. He helped ensure that we reached all our milestones and were on track with our business goals.
Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover opportunities, and to speak to a specialist advisor, contact Business Wales. Visit www.businesswales.gov.wales/ or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.