KATIE Graham bought Fullarton Chiropractic in 2017 after being a practitioner there for several years. She has just started the RBS accelerator programme and is currently navigating how to move her service online because of the coronavirus.
Name: Katie Graham
Age: 30
Position: Owner and chiropractor
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CALLED?
Fullarton Chiropractic
WHERE IS IT BASED?
Paisley
WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?
I HAVE a degree in physiology and sport science from Glasgow University and I was looking for experience. I spent a day with a chiropractor in Edinburgh and decided it is what I want to do. I went to Wales to study it for four years and came back up to do shadowing at Fullarton Clinic which I now own. The owner was amazing and I started working there. One year after I graduated, the owner said she was going back to the US and needed to sell the clinic, so I took a massive leap and bought it.
That was three years now. It was a natural progression – I knew the owner wouldn’t sell the clinic to anyone. I’m so lucky because she was my mentor and I can now make it my own. I am taking the business further this year. I’m honoured to be trusted with it because the previous owner was there for 20 years. I haven’t always wanted to run my own business. My dad is self-employed in the fish business.
It was my desire to be a chiropractor first and running a business came second. I knew I’d do something out of the norm and if you want to be in total control of the business, you have to own it.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
IT really is suitable for everyone. It needs to be someone who is motivated for their own health. Anyone can have a consultation. It’s anyone who wants to feel better. We have a really good reputation and feedback has been really positive. We get feedback in the clinic all the time as we are always checking in with people and asking how they are doing.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?
WE have a team approach. We do massages – not all clinics have that. I’m working on diversifying the team. I make sure the clinic focuses on the patient and their goals. I’m always checking back in with them and their progress. I have two degrees because I have sport science as well.
IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?
I STUDIED in Wales but I love working in Scotland. I haven’t done it in other places but I feel supported as a business in Scotland. What the Scottish Government is saying in response to Covid-19 is helpful.
I’m starting the RBS accelerator programme today. I have heard amazing feedback about it. It’s six months of working on the business side of the company and I find that side the hardest. It was going to be in person, but it will be online now because of the coronavirus. All the help I’ve had up until now has been about chiropracting but there has been a gap in how to run the business and balance the books.
I’m happiest when I’m working with people one on one, and it’s one on one coaching so it will be a great support. It helps me feel better in my business. All Scottish funding so far has been so I could buy the clinic. In Glasgow other small businesses are willing to help. I don’t see other chiropractors as competition. There aren’t enough chiropractors in Scotland and we need more. There’s a Scottish school of chiropractors opening in Edinburgh and that will help.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
I LOVE being a chiropractor and providing a service that gives people a positive impact on their lives. I love it when I see people’s whole lives improving. Most people come and say one body part hurts and we see them adapt and change. It’s really cool.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
THE business side is not my strength. I’m getting better at it, but I find it hardest. It is also challenging when I have to be honest and say I can’t help a patient. I hate that, but it happens. We only recently started to outsource staff.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?
WE have to be very fluid right now. In the next year we will change by diversifying our offering that is available. For instance, my massage therapist is now doing online yoga. In 10 years, I hope to be doing what I’m doing to the best of my abilities and helping people reach their potential.
I hope to have another clinic but that seems far away right now. It feels we are entering a new phase of business because of the virus.
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