Business Startup

Mandy Laing developed a fascination with acupuncture after undergoing the treatment as a patient. She decided to read a degree in acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in Warwick, where she graduated with a first-class BA (hons) and put her new found skills and experience to good use by setting up her own acupuncture business.

Mandy set up Equilibrium (www.acupuncture cheshire.co.uk) in 2009 after gaining help and support from Blue Orchid - a specialist team of start up business advisors that helps people develop and grow their business models. The team worked with Mandy to understand the business and her objectives, providing her with invaluable help and advice on everything from effective financial management and bookkeeping to marketing her business.

Mandy says: “I was daunted with the prospect of setting up my business, because not only was I a newly qualified acupuncture practitioner, but I felt like I also needed to be business minded to succeed. What worried me the most was the sales and marketing aspect as I didn't know if I was cut out for it. I attended a Blue Orchid course where I learnt how to complete a business plan, incorporating sales and marketing and I found this help invaluable.

“I found the business advisors provided me not only with motivation, but also inspiration. They were honest with me and very supportive, giving me the confidence and direction I needed to start my own business. I now feel comfortable with where I want to take my business and how I’m going to do it. Before I met the Blue Orchid team, I didn't even realise how important it was to have a business plan in place.”

Today, Equilibrium is going from strength to strength, with Mandy now running it from two locations in Chester. However her previous career was at the opposite end of the spectrum to the type of job she has now, having worked for the Bank of America for ten years where she held a number of managerial roles, specialising in Human Resources.

She adds: “I enjoyed my time working for the Bank of America, but I have a much better work/life balance now. I typically treat around four to six patients a day, for everything from infertility issues, muscular and skeletal pain to allergies'. It’s extremely rewarding, as it gives me satisfaction and pleasure to see an improvement in my patient’s condition.

“There are challenges with setting up your own business – I don’t exactly enjoy updating my books but the benefits and rewards are worth it. I feel fulfilled in my life right now as I’m doing a job that is perfect for me. I love spending time with my patients and every day I find it an absolute thrill to see my patients’ lives changing for the better.”

Comment from Jan Kalitkin, Business Adviser at Blue Orchid said: “Most people are overwhelmed at times when setting up their own business, just like Mandy was, but they need to be aware that help is out there. We effectively provide a holding hand for new start up businesses and we’re always delighted to see a business grow that we’ve supported.”