The Exeter Dental Centre is currently expanding after acquiring the former shop premises of well-known jeweller Michael Spiers. When work is completed, the practice will cover six floors with the new surgeries offering job opportunities across a mixture of dental and business roles.
The entire site is undergoing a full refurbishment supported by the funding, which was arranged by Stewart Linnane, relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester.
The new surgeries will be located within the current premises in central Exeter, which the practice has been operating from since 1989. The business has a much longer history, starting out as The Exeter Dental Hospital on Queen Street before Ted Lyne purchased it in 1948.
Husband and wife team, Mike and Lara Hesketh, acquired the business in 2012. Since then the practice has undergone a transformational rebrand bringing it into the 21st century. Outside of their ownership roles, Mike is the principal dentist of the firm and Lara is responsible for business development.
The practice is open seven days a week and the Heskeths invest in the latest technology and training to offer a premium service to customers. The business also specialises in advanced facial aesthetics, offering the full spectrum of non-surgical facial treatments, led by consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Tim Mellor.
The practice has been a Clydesdale Bank customer for less than a year, after transferring its full banking facilities.
Mike said: “We had ambitious plans in mind with our expansion and needed a bank that could offer us flexible terms that suited the opportunity. Clydesdale Bank was able to provide a tailored package and the team has been very helpful throughout the entire process.
“We have a growing team that is passionate about using cutting-edge technology and giving customers a fantastic experience that leaves them feeling great, which isn’t usually a reaction you associate with a visit to the dentist. We achieve this by treating customers like they are a member of the family and listening to them fully.
“We are currently focused on completing the development and are excited to open the new, modern facilities to the public later this year.”
Rob Spearman, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester, said: “The Exeter Dental Centre is a long established local business into which Mike and Lara have breathed new life. We are proud to support the expansion which will create jobs for local people and look forward to continuing to work with the business to help it reach its goals.
“As economic conditions continue to improve, Clydesdale Bank remains focused on supporting the growth ambitions of businesses in the South.”