Gainsborough-based dentist Dr Irfan Khokhar has purchased his first dental practice following £665,500 in funding from Santander Business Banking. Dr Khokhar’s Dencare Group has purchased Apex Dental Ltd and now has long-term plans to build a regional chain of state-of-the-art outlets.
Opened in 2008, Apex Dental Ltd ran the Genesis Dental Care practice and grew it into an established business serving the local area through NHS and private treatments. Staffed by seven professionals, including Dr Khokhar, the plan is to refurbish and expand the business into a centre of dental excellence offering treatments such as minor oral surgery, teeth whitening and specialist sedation therapies for nervous patients. It has also been rebranded as Market Street Dental.
The funding from Santander Business Banking, which is focused on supporting small to medium sized start-ups as well as established businesses invest for growth, has not just allowed Dr Khokhar to acquire his target practice. Along with funding, the bank has also set up full-service banking facilities as well as merchant services and terminals to collect card payments via Elavon.
Dr Irfan Khokhar, Dencare Group said: “Taking the step to becoming one’s own boss is not simple but Santander has been fundamental throughout the process in helping me realise the dream of running my own practice. The bank has helped in a number of ways, even working with solicitors on the business structure. The aim is now to invest and grow the brand and possibly expand across the Midlands.”
Martin Boehmer, Business Relationship Director – Healthcare, West Midlands Business Centre, Santander Business Banking, said: “Santander Business Banking is about helping individuals and entrepreneurs prosper so we’re delighted to be able to support Irfan. The financial package and additional support we’ve provided has assisted in getting him on the first rung of a ladder that he hopes one day will allow him to acquire further practices.”
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