Jobs created as back clinic expands

A YORKSHIRE-based back clinic is celebrating its first year of trading by opening two new clinics.

Sixteen jobs will be created as Leeds-based Freedom Back Clinics launches operations in Manchester and London before the end of the year.

Leases have been signed for a 1,100 sq ft unit in Canary Wharf in London and a 2,500 sq ft property on Cross Street in Manchester.

The company is planning to fit out the two properties in October and November respectively and start treating patients the following month.

The plan is to open a further five clinics next year in high street locations throughout the UK.

Yorkshire entrepreneurs Andrew Thirkill and David Hood launched Freedom Back Clinics in Leeds last year with a plan to create a nationally branded network of 40 specialist chiropractor, osteopath and physiotherapy clinics within five years.

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Chief executive Diane McKerracher said: “Although bringing a completely new concept to the high street is an exciting challenge, the first thing you must do before embarking on a major expansion programme is to make sure it works.

“Since we launched in Leeds last September, the clinic has attracted more than 1,700 patients enabling us to comfortably exceed the ambitious targets we set ourselves.”

She added: “We have also used this first year to perfect the offering and marketing, and to also create the infrastructure and head office systems to support a national roll out.”