Partner Article

UK pioneer opens second branch in the North East

A North East firm which brought the first robotic masseur to the UK has opened a second branch in Newcastle.

Health First offer an automated massage from special beds and chairs which combine heat, air pressure and rollers to simulate the human touch. The cutting edge technology is reportedly popular in Asia, America, Australia and Germany.

Manager Victoria Chao set up Health First as a social enterprise - she provides free treatments for people aged over 80 or those with a disability.

When setting up the firm, Victoria got help to put together a business plan and identify funding options from Business Link.

She said: “Without Business Link, it would not have been possible to turn my vision into a reality. It has been extremely supportive and helped me to expand the business, providing advice and information about a range business development options.

“I have come to rely upon the service and will regularly approach Business Link if I have any business questions.”

Paul Brown, Business Link account manager, said: “Since opening the second centre we have identified that marketing could play a key role in helping Health First to attract more customers so we’re currently working with Victoria to source a marketing volunteer to promote Health First through direct mail, advertising and PR.

“Victoria offers a unique service which is already proving popular in both North Shields and Newburn. After opening the first practice in January 2008 the business is already attracting a great deal of positive feedback from customers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .