CHANGES AFOOT AT PODOFIT

  • Company:
  • Podofit
  • Contact:
  • Sara Boardman

Business Gateway Fife offers professional resources and support no matter what stage a business is at. For PodoFit, a well established business, its approach to Business Gateway Fife has proven beneficial, with advice and assistance to support the opening of its new premises in Market Street, St Andrews.

Sara Boardman, Director of PodoFit, feels that the larger premises on Market Street, one of StAndrew’s busiest streets, will unquestionably lead to an increase in footfall. It will also pull all facets of the business under one roof: retail, orthotic manufacturing and podiatry. The additional space will allow for two treatment rooms, including a physiotherapy room. During the process of securing the new premises and undertaking its refurbishment, PodoFit approached Business Gateway Fife (BGF) for assistance.

BGF’s Low Carbon Advisor, Zoe Stirton, prepared an in-depth Energy Report on the building and recommended funding through the Energy Saving Trust, which enabled the installation of infra-red heating, insulation and LED fittings and light bulbs. Zoe also suggested solar panels, which are to be considered in the future. Without this introduction from BGF, PodoFit would have been unaware of the full potential the Low Carbon Programme has to offer.

The business also received assistance in the form of a Vacant Property Improvement Grant from BGF’s Town Centre Business Support Fund. This was used to replace the existing leaking roof, ensuring that the
building is completely watertight and secure, creating a high-quality manufacturing and retail unit.

Sara Boardman, Director of PodoFit, said:

“Moving premises can be quite a daunting experience, but the help, support, advice and financial assistance we’ve had from Business Gateway Fife has been invaluable.

“In addition to the energy efficiency and improvement grant to refurbish the new premises, Business Gateway Fife’s Expert Help Programme was instrumental in providing valuable accountancy support. We’ve been working with EQ Chartered Accountants preparing updated financial forecasts, which have been necessary as we look to grow the business from our new home.”

Established over 24 years ago, PodoFit offers a wide range of services to keep feet fit. From specialist podiatry-led advice and fitting on running, walking, hiking footwear, it also specialises in the design and fitting of prescription foot orthotics and custom comfort insoles. These are manufactured in-house using CAD/CAM technologies and are designed to provide solutions to foot-related comfort, performance, medical and biomechanical issues. Orthotic fabrication has also opened up opportunities for PodoFit. Sara and her husband, Stephen, represent Amfit, a provider of state of the art computerised custom foot orthotic equipment,
products and services in Europe and further afield to countries such as Russia, Norway, Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates.

If you would like to find out how Business Gateway Fife can help your business, call us now on 01592 858333 or email success@bgfife.co.uk