Are a lack of funds stopping dental practice development?

Braemar Finance has been working with dentists for many years and in this column, Aileen Boyle sheds light on some of the dental sector’s thoughts on the future, which is based on research Braemar Finance commissioned in April. She also explains more about Braemar’s products, which can be used to help business growth.

Dentists in the UK are, in the main, positive about their business prospects over the coming 12 months but standing in the way of growth is a perceived lack of funds to develop the business in the way they want, according to new research from Braemar Finance.

Nearly three in every five (56%) dentists expect their business to perform as it did in the previous 12 months, with 25% hoping to expand their operations. The remaining 19% anticipate their practices will either contract or close entirely.

When asked the question ‘from a competitive point of view, what are your main business concerns?’, the lack of funds to develop the business in the way they would like was cited nearly twice as often as the next option, ‘corporate dominance’.

These findings are more or less in line with those of the professions sectors as a whole and while, on the face of it, the lack of access to funds could be interpreted as an unexpected finding, particularly since the dental market has been described as a ‘green light’ sector and is currently relatively buoyant.

However, many practices are reluctant to look at funding options to stimulate growth and rely instead on savings. For example, some dentists don’t want to consider refinancing their existing debt because they’re worried about being switched to a higher rate.

While these are understandable concerns, they don’t necessarily reflect the true state of the funding market, particularly since there are so many varied and affordable options available today.

Patient finance

Our online patient finance facility is an easy-to-use online solution that offers your patients manageable monthly payments to fund their treatment plans or the procedures they need.

The application can be completed online by your patient either in your practice or at home at a time that suits them, with a decision received within seconds.

Tax loans

Our unsecured tax loans permit you to spread the cost of your tax demand into more affordable monthly payments.

Business loans

Our unsecured business loans are available to assist when you need to borrow funds to invest in your business.

Consolidation and refinancing loans

If you have several existing agreements, a consolidation loan may be the way forward because it would combine your monthly payments over a term that suits you.

Personal loans

Personal loans are unsecured and can be used for virtually any purpose other than the purchase of property.

Hire purchase

Hire purchase allows outright ownership of the asset and enables you to spread the cost over a term that suits you.

Leasing

If you want to maximise the use of your equipment without the responsibility of owning it, leasing will give you the freedom and flexibility you need.

Finance approval subject to status.


For more information on how Braemar Finance can help grow your business visit www.braemarfinance.co.uk/dental or call a member of the team on 01563 897 545 who will be happy to help.

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