Independent dental surgery welcomes new partner thanks to six-figure funding
Elgin-based dental practice, South Street Dental, has welcomed a new managing partner thanks to a six-figure funding package from Royal Bank of Scotland, helping to secure the firm’s future.
South Street Dental, established in 1973, prides itself on offering caring, friendly and affordable dental care, and is one of the longest-running independent dental practices in the northeast. Following the recent retirement of managing partner Gary Bethune, experienced dentist David Bianchi has joined the business as its newest partner.
Having qualified from Dundee University in 2009, David has worked in dental practices throughout Moray for the past 12 years. He will co-manage the business alongside his wife Jen, who is a prominent figure at the practice having worked there for nine years, and Bill Bennie, who has been a managing partner and principal dentist since 1991.
Together with Bill, David and Jen will work together to reintroduce key services following a reduced offering throughout the pandemic. With a team of 14 staff throughout five surgeries, plans are already in place to renovate three of the surgeries, to provide an enhanced experience for the practice’s 7,000 patients.
During the transition, Royal Bank of Scotland also supported the business through its Mentor service, helping new partner David get up to speed with HR practices and employment law, as employee contracts and staff procedures are improved. The Mentor scheme, established in 1996, delivers consultative advice on health and safety, HR, employment law and environmental management, and supports 20,000 customers throughout the UK.
Jen Bianchi, Principal Dentist at South Street Dental, said: “David and I have always shared the ambition of owning our own practice one day, so when the opportunity to invest in the firm where I’ve worked for almost a decade came up, we couldn’t pass it up. Gary’s 35 years at South Street have contributed to something special, and the success of the clinic is testament to his hard work alongside Bill.
“As the pandemic was rearing its head, we were concerned about the difficulties of getting financial backing during such a turbulent time, but Royal Bank of Scotland has been incredible, and I can’t praise Michelle enough. She took all the stress out of it and the whole process reinforced that we had made the right choice. As a small local business, it’s important for us to bank with a local provider. Being able to visit Michelle in the Elgin branch was a real plus throughout the process.”
Michelle Anderson, Relationship Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Jen and David’s decision to invest in the practice has ensured its future for years to come. As a couple, they have clear ambitions for the business and I’m certain their customers and colleagues will enjoy the journey.”
Comments are closed here.