1st Dental wants bigger bite of market

1ST Dental today said it will make an expected loss at the half year but is looking at long-term progress with its “bold” decision to recruit a sales team delivering 102 new clients already this year.

The Harrogate-based business which supplies equipment to dentists for crown, bridge and othodontic work, issued a trading update today ahead of its interim results on August 20 covering the six months to May 31.

It said that it had “stabilised” problems at its Blackpool and Stourport laboratories and both are delivering improved performance helping boost group revenues 5.5% at the half year stage.

The group in a statement: “Very boldly as we closed last year the executive team made the decision to recruit a professional sales force and manager which now totals 10 staff, with the last member joining as recently as March. Currently we are able to report that the sales team is 30% ahead of their financial targets having recruited some 102 new clients to the end of June. While this can be expected to be a drain on resources during implementation, it was felt essential to stop the attrition of our headline sales number.

“The cost of this investment in the central team has been absorbed into the current period and its breakeven point is now visible.

Its online ordering system for dentists called Eteeth has seen a doubling in half year revenues.

“With the exception of the investments in the central sales team and Eteeth, we are mindful of the current economic climate and we remain very alert and active in considering cost controls and labour efficiencies throughout the group,”.

The company saw the arrival of new finance director Jonathan Foxcroft in April said he “has made a real contribution to date”.    

“In spite of the current economic climate, we have increased our sales in the period. With the continued good financial and cash controls we are able to remain confident and look forward to further growth for the second half year and beyond,” it added.