Setting a sound business footing for the next 10 years What a non-executive director can do for you

When your practice is up and running, it is very easy to lose sight of your goals or to stop setting them on a regular basis. Enlisting the support and guidance of a non-executive director can help get your business back on track. They can help you assess your practice performance, set high but realistic targets and then implement the changes necessary to achieve them.

Geraint Buse, Principal Dentist of Marquess Dental in Wales, decided to do just this:

As a sole-trader of a busy dental practice, set up as a squat 3 years ago, it recently became obvious to me that it was necessary to revisit the business structure and ensure that it was set up correctly. This included looking over the financial reports, ensuring HR and contractual aspects were all in place, and basically setting the business on a sound footing for the next 10 years. I wanted to get this right early on, so that as the practice grew, it would be possible to measure and steer it accordingly.

As such, I decided to enlist the support of a non-executive director to help set the right course. He took the time to get a real grasp of where we were as a business and suggested ways of improvement, both immediate and long-term. He was always positive, helpful, reliable and a pleasure to speak to, which is important when looking for someone to work with. He also provided accountability to make sure I made the changes suggested, although these changes were always mutually agreed upon and all decisions were still mine.

Only five months down the road, the changes are already visible. We now have a clear accountancy structure with monthly, up-to-date KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). We have enhanced the structure in our staffing, with all existing employees now working with better defined roles and management protocols. We also have refined plans for future marketing and business development, which will ensure that our practice continues to grow.

I would advise practice owners who feel that they need a more definitive business structure, who want to assess how the business is progressing on a monthly basis, and who not only want a plan for future business development but also to put that plan into action, to definitely get a non-executive on board to help. There is a lot of work involved in running a practice, and it is essential that you invest your time wisely, ensuring you are steering in the correct direction.

Over the past year I have really got to know the whole team at 7connections. With the strengths of the whole team and all of the different aspects in which they can help with in the running of the practice, to work with them is a pleasure. They are inventive and constantly developing new products that help you to keep evolving as a practice. I would highly recommend Tim Caudrelier and the 7 connections team to all who would benefit from their help.

For more information about 7connections,

please call 01647 478145 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the brand new website www.7connections.com