Leeds dentist expands and creates jobs after £800k funding for acquisition

A Yorkshire dentist has acquired a second practice and created new jobs after receiving a six-figure funding package.

Briggate Dental, in Leeds, has secured an £800k funding package from Unity Trust Bank, which it has used to purchase Langdale Dental in Headingley.

The acquisition has created eight new jobs between the two practices, which come after increasing demand for services.

As well as dental work, the company provides cosmetic work on facial aesthetics, including Botox and fillers.

Paul Kelly, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “At Unity we align our practices to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“These are a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future and key themes include health and wellbeing, education, and employment.

“James has been very successful in encouraging better oral health in West Yorkshire and creating new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities and we’re delighted to support his expansion plans.”

James Cooper, who owns the company, said: “I joined Briggate in 2013 as an associate dentist and when the owner put the practice up for sale, I jumped at the chance to buy it from her. It’s a lovely, friendly practice where staff put patients at ease and we’ve taken this ethos to Langdale.

“I’ve been impressed with Unity Trust Bank. I like the fact that they help people who help other people. Dentistry is a business but we’re also helping people with their teeth and self-esteem.

“Some lenders just see things from a business point of view, but Unity are very supportive of what we’re trying to achieve. I also like the personal service they offer.

“A lot of people are having cosmetic work done because they’ve saved money during lockdown and braces are very on-trend.

“I also think people respect how important oral health is as well as general health, day-to-day mental health and how people feel about themselves.”