Jenny Manners set up Meadhowhead Physiotherapy just over a year ago. The full service practice offers everything from physiotherapy and therapeutic massage to acupuncture and chiropody. 

And although most of the practice’s work is general physiotherapy, Jenny also has a keen interest in women’s health. In particular the practice specialises in the treatment of urinary incontinence, offering a woman to woman easy talk service as part of a targeted treatment plan. Jenny runs the business alone, but provides services through a team of associated practitioners.

She said: “Although I have been self-employed before, this is the first time I have taken the plunge and actually set up and run my own business.

“I soon realised that ‘doing it all’ is not easy. Starting out was certainly a shock to the system because of the sheer volume of work and the level of responsibility involved.

“But whilst I do have to wade through my fair share of admin and accounts, I still find plenty of time to get on with the clinical side, which is the bit I really enjoy. I’m extremely passionate about what I do and I really want my customers to feel involved and motivated as much as I do.

“My first step in setting up the business was to find some rental space. Then a friend suggested I get in touch with SENTA.

“SENTA have been really helpful from the beginning. My business advisor Tricia Heckingbottom looked at my business plan and advised me on some of the things that people are traditionally nervous about when setting up their own business, like cash flow, book keeping and business planning.

“By far the biggest help SENTA have given me though is guidance on a specialist marketing strategy, designed to generate the leads necessary to get my business off the ground.

“Together, we have left virtually no stone unturned and my advertising strategy includes everything from viral marketing, leaflet drops and networking with GPs to magazines and any website I can get my name on. I’ve also set up my own website which is becoming a really important information point for my clients.

“I’d like to think that over the next few years my business can enjoy a modest expansion. I would certainly like to expand the chiropody side of the business and possibly take on work with another physiotherapist.

“But I am not motivated by profits and by far my biggest ambition is to develop a reputation as a provider of excellent care and quality of service for my customers. I do work long hours and running your own business can be stressful at times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

SENTA is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old. Its start-up programme is funded by Yorkshire Forward under contract with Business Link South Yorkshire.

SENTA business advisor Tricia Heckingbottom said: “Jenny’s story is an inspirational one. She is a great example of how anyone, if they are passionate and care about what they do, can make a big success of their business.”